The Oklahoma Daily

WEDNESDAY APRIL 22, 2009 THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA’S OK KL AHOMA’S INDEPENDENT INDEPENDENT ST STUDENT VOICEE

news Somali pirate Abdiwali Abdiqadir Muse, the sole surviving Somali pirate from the hostage-taking of commercial ship captain Richard Phillips, is in FBI custody in New York. Read the latest in the ongoing saga of Somali pirates.

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See former Sooner Nic Harris’ thoughts on this weekend’s NFL draft. PAGE 8

Disney’s ‘The Lion on King’ opened last at as night at the Civic Ceniicc C e en ter Music Hall inn OKC. O C. OK Check out a Q&A &A wi with thh one of the actors. rs.

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Frankincense may be wise investment OUHSC researchers hoping to one day use frankincense oil to treat bladder cancer patients KATE CUNNINGHAM The Oklahoma Daily

Frankincense may be recognized as one of the offerings the Biblical wise men brought to the newborn Jesus, but initial research at the OU Health Sciences Center shows the oil may be a PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ELI HULL/THE DAILY gift for patients with bladder cancer.

Frankincense is an aromatic resin tapped from H.K. Lin, associate professor of urolthe Boswellia tree. Frankincense currently is being ogy, said his research shows frankresearched as a remedy for several chronic inflamma- incense extract kills cancerous cells tory diseases. but leaves bladder cells untouched in

controlled laboratory conditions.

Using frankincense as a treatment for cancer is a new idea and still requires a lot of research, Lin said. However, he foresees a future treatment for bladder cancer in which frankincense oil would be administered directly to the bladder via a tube through the urethra.

Graduate research assistant Fadee Mondalek said frankincense is “everywhere” in his home country of Lebanon and is native to the Middle East.

The Boswellia tree contains a hard resin that can be extracted in the form of small pebbles called tears, Mondalek said. Those tears are then distilled, and the result is a clear oil with a pleasant aroma.

Lin said because frankincense is abundant in nature, he cannot seek a patent on this development. He said funding for his research came primarily from OUHSC and Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Oklahoma City.

Lin said he wanted to investigate claims by aroma therapy companies that frankincense could be used to cure cancer.

“The question I had was, ‘You don’t have any proof?’” he said. “It just sounds good in a commercial.”

A 2006 study in Virginia found frankincense oil cured skin cancer in horses, Lin said. It was at that point he decided INVESTMENT CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

Instrumentation meets technology Inner sOUndscapes music program stresses obscurity and experimentation for more aesthetic, modern appeal CLARK FOY The Oklahoma Daily

Catlett Music Center houses a variety of musical forms but the electro-acoustic genre performed by the Inner sOUndscapes program is among the smallest and most unique.

Inner sOUndscapes is an eight-course program completed over two years that uses computers, instruments and sounds of various natures to compose music.

“Inner sOUndscapes is a music technology related concert series I organize and curate every spring,” Konstantinos Karathanasis, professor of the Inner sOUndscapes program, said in an e-mail.

The event typically consists of program members who perform two or three concerts in the spring over consecutive days. There are two undergraduate students, one graduate student and one professor comprising the program. The members will finish the curriculum at the end of this semester, becoming the first students at OU to complete all eight classes.

The students made history this year as they were the first graduate and undergraduate students in the state to feature original compositions for solo instruments and real-time computer interaction, Karathanasis said.

“OU’s program is one of a kind in Oklahoma to my best knowledge,” he said. “And while a lot of work in the field of [technology-based music] is done at graduate school and research institutions, we can compare ourselves to other big players on the national and international scene.”

The music itself is technology-based and requires advanced programming skills by the composer, which are taught during the two-year program, Karathanasis said. A variety of different sounds including instrumental, urban and experimental are used and manipulated through computers.

MERRILL JONES/THE DAILY

Graduate student Dan Formidoni and musical arts senior Russell Watson work with interactive music equipment Tuesday in a Catlett studio. The students were part of the groundbreaking interactive music program called Inner sOUndscapes.

The music is more experimental, Karathanasis said, and its objective is to convey different aesthetics through the music.

Dan Formidoni, music graduate student, said the unique genre can convey what others can’t.

“Greater means of expression such as computers, instruments and different sounds allow for broader means of aesthetic appeal and broader means of expression,” Formidoni said.

One student’s composition featured a clarinet soloist whose sound was manipulated with a computer and sound board during the performance. Another piece used the sound of chickens instead of common instruments as the main sound.

Formidoni said he and his classmates

“Greater means of expression such as computers, instruments and different sounds allow for broader means of aesthetic appeal and broader means of expression.”

DAN FORMIDONI, MUSIC GRADUATE STUDENT have used many other obscure sounds like running car motors, trash cans banging on tables, doors opening and slamming, talking and vocals, white noise and even busy traffic.

The group draws its influence from several obscure composers, but also is influenced by artists like Kraftwerk, Pink

Floyd, The Beatles and John Cage, said Dallas Mercer, music senior.

Composers of this genre start with an idea or thesis for the pieces they want to compose, then gather sounds and proceed to manipulate, arrange and overlay the sounds to create their art, Mercer said.

Electro-acoustic pieces in the genre can be performed as interactive pieces, with live interaction between the performer and electronics and tape pieces, which are recorded ahead of time and played from the computer.

“The concerts are not 100 percent music, either,” said Russell Watson, music senior. “The performers use a lot of movement and use non-traditional TECHNOLOGY CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

Relay for Life sparks friendly fund-raising rivalry OU hopes to raise at least $46,000 more than OSU in charity walk-a-thon SHERIDAN STOVALL The Oklahoma Daily

OU’s hopes to raise more than $100,000 for the American Cancer Society have shifted the Bedlam rivalry from the football field to fund-raising.

Liz O’Connor, public relations chairwoman for Relay for Life at OU, said though the competition between Oklahoma State University and OU is not official, the schools have been competing the past few years to raise the most money for Relay for Life.

Relay for Life, a 12-hour walk-a-thon to raise awareness for cancer research, will be held at OU Saturday.

O’Connor, zoology junior, said the American Cancer Society sets a goal for each participating school, and many schools set

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personal goals they hope to meet.

O’Connor said OSU already has hosted its relay, raising $79,000, exceeding the American Cancer Society’s goal of $68,000.

O’Connor said the American Cancer Society set a goal of $100,000 for OU because it is a larger university, but OU has set a personal goal to raise at least $125,000.

Jennifer Wallace, Relay for Life president, said OU has raised more money than OSU for the past few years, but OSU’s relay is growing quickly and has increased dramatically in the last year. She said OU has been the top college relay in the state for the past two years and hopes this year will be just as successful.

“Really, it’s just a friendly rivalry to get people’s minds in the right place,” said Wallace, zoology senior.

Wallace said Relay for Life is the main annual fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society and funds not only research

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but also programs that give wigs to women undergoing chemotherapy, help pay for costly nutritional needs and transport survivors and cancer patients to and from treatment.

She said she hopes the relay will increase awareness in the community and encourage people to take a personal interest, because one in three women and one in two men will face cancer in their lifetimes.

“Maybe it will make people think, ‘This is really something I should be a part of because inevitably the life I save could be my own,’” Wallace said.

Wallace said Relay for Life participants hope to fight back for the lives that have been lost to cancer, and celebrate the survivors who attend.

“We’re just honoring and bringing cancer survivors of all ages,” Wallace said. “We want to invite friends and family so we can pay tribute to the fight they have won.”

The last chance for students to register is Thursday in the Oklahoma Memorial Union’s Alma Wilson Room.

VOL. 94, NO. 138

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Wednesday, April 22, 2009

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS VOTED INTO STUDENT CONGRESS, PASS PAY INCREASE Student Congress executive positions were voted on Tuesday night, bringing in a new chairman and vice chairman.

John Jennings, information management senior, is the new UOSA Student Congress chairman and Matthew Gress, political science junior, is the new vice chairman. Brittany Pritchett, geology junior, also will return as Student Congress secretary. Gress and Pritchett were uncontested for their seats.

Jennings, the previous vice chairman, won against his opponent Forrest Bennett, University College representative, in a vote of 17-6. Two representatives present abstained from voting.

Student Congress also passed the amendments to a bill that will increase pay for some executive members of three of the four UOSA branches. The Graduate Senate already has passed the bill and now it will go to President Katie Fox for approval.

Some representatives in attendance raised concern regarding the increase in pay, pointing out that funding for student organizations next year has been cut, yet executive members are receiving a raise.

If the bill is signed, the Campus Activities Council chairman and executive positions within the Graduate Senate and Student Congress will receive a $40 increase in pay per month. The UOSA president and vice president will receive a raise of $25 per month.

Brett Stidham, chairman of the budgetary committee, spoke on behalf of the bill that former Student Congress Chairman Kurt Davidson originally proposed.

Stidham said although he did not introduce the idea of increased pay, he can see why it is justified.

“At a certain point it becomes a labor of love and at another point it becomes able to afford to stay here and do it,” Stidham said. “Everyone who occupies a position has rent, they have a car payment, they have utilities, they have grocery bills and they have to be able to keep up with the economy. The rise in inflation and these salaries have not been raised in a very, very, very long time.”

—Cadie Thompson/ The Daily

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.

MERRILL JONES/THE DAILY

Musical arts senior Russell Watson adjusts sliders for the interactive music equipment for the new program Inner sOUndscapes.

Technology Continues from page 1 parts of the concert hall to perform.

The composer also has the option to improvise if they would like.”

Watson said one performance involved a trumpet player who moved around the concert hall as he performed, starting from the back of the hall and ending the piece by the staircase below the stage.

The experience is enhanced and the sounds and effects are better

all students to apply for the program and said it is open to both music and non-music majors.

Next semester will be the only time students can apply for the next two years.

“Essentially, we are trying to grow this program and make OU known as a distinctive research facility in digital music and arts,” Karathanasis said. “I think with the support of the administration and local community that this dream will come true because we have great facilities, excellent students and a definite goal.”

Investment Continues from page 1 to see if it would work on bladder cancer because of the similarities with skin cancer.

“Inside the bladder, there is a strong barrier, just like the skin,” he said.

Now that Lin and his team have had some success

AMY FROST/THE DAILY

The City of Norman has plans to replace 70 percent of its vehicles to compressed natural gas vehicles in the next five years, according to Shawn O’Leary, director of publics works for the city.

Norman to replace city fleet CNG is cheapest fuel alternative

heard because four to 10 speakers surround the audience, Karathanasis said.

Next fall, a new group of students will begin the two-year curriculum.

Formidoni said his experience with the program has been fun and valuable.

“There are all sorts of jobs in the media that require people to be good with technology,” he said. “So whether it’s music or computers, it is definitely a good set of skills to have as we, as a culture, are relying more and more on technology.”

Karathanasis said he is welcoming

fueling facilities to its current facility on North Flood Avenue, creating a third CNGfueling center within city limits. Oklahoma BARRETT MCGILL Natural Gas and OU own the other two.

Contributing Writer “What we do not have is our own facilities,” O’Leary said. “That is what we are agMost of the City of Norman’s fleet will be gressively pursuing.” comprised of compressed natural gas or O’Leary and his team researched other alCNG, vehicles within the next five years, and ternative fuels like E-85, biodiesel, liquid natthe city is pursuing federal stimulus money ural gas and hybrid technology, but he said to help the transition. none came close to the benefits of CNG. Shawn O’Leary, direc“CNG is cleaner, quieter tor of public works for the and has no reliance on FUEL PRICES PER GALLON City of Norman, said the foreign oil, so it is a slam city will try to replace 30 AT OU’S FUELING CENTER dunk from an environto 50 of its 800 vehicles mental standpoint,” he each year with CNG powsaid. “It fits Oklahoma beUnleaded: $1.77 ered vehicles. cause we are better suited Diesel: $1.74 “We have a goal of conthan any other state in the Biodiesel: $2.00 verting 70 percent of our nation with our natural E-85: $1.50 fleet to CNG in five years,” resources.”

CNG: $.99 O’Leary said. “If you CNG also is stirring would have told me that the interests of students Source: OU Fleet Services a year ago, I would have who might work with told you that you were the resource after they nuts.” graduate.

The Norman City Council finalized the Brad Crowdis, petroleum engineering seplans to convert to CNG vehicles at its April nior, said he’s optimistic about the future of 14 meeting but O’Leary said without its own CNG. fueling facility, the city can’t fully derive the “CNG is an exceptional alternative fuel benefits CNG vehicles would offer. source, especially since this fossil fuel is such He said the city is looking to use money a clean-burning fuel,” he said. “It should from the bill to build their own CNG fuel- strongly be considered as an alternative fuel ing facilities but will use OU’s facilities in the source since there is currently an oversupply meantime. of natural gas, and because prices are down, “There is stimulus money for vehicle re- it will help the local economy.” placement and infrastructure that we are O’Leary said another CNG facility in pursuing,” he said. “The stimulus bill is not Norman could lead to more than 70 percent just about stimulating the economy, but CNG-powered vehicles. about green programs and becoming less “At the end of the day, CNG was our best dependent on foreign oil and we are trying option for our fleet,” O’Leary said. “And a to be true to that.”

CNG facility is the final answer to the total O’Leary said the city would add CNG- conversion in Norman.”

with frankincense in the lab, they are looking for more researchers to help expand the project. After the lab work, treatments must be tested on lab animals and then primates before they can be tested on humans, much less administered as a standard procedure.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

THE VISTA CONTINUES TO WEATHER THE STORM Despite renovations, questions still surround building’s re-opening

Travel is not always cheaper from other cities Oklahoma City may be easier for travel

SANDRA KUNZWEILER The Oklahoma Daily

RICKY MARANON The Oklahoma Daily

The winds may blow, but The Norman Financial Center downtown will not yield.

Known to many college students for The Vista Sports Grill on the sixth floor, the building at 111 N. Peters Ave. is facing major renovation because of recent engineering observations that questioned its safety.

Steel plates and bolts were recently secured into the concrete walls of the building along with diagonal bracing to provide structural integrity, said Jim Agar, whose family owns part of the building.

“What we discovered was that the floors of the building were not connected to the walls and the columns that support the building,” Agar said.

“They were sitting nicely there, but they weren’t actually pinned to the building itself.”

Engineering reports from February indicated that if a 50-mph wind were to strike the building for more than three seconds, there was a possibility all or part of the building would collapse.

But temporary bracing now will sustain the building for winds of up to 60 mph, said Susan Connors, Norman Planning and Community Development director.

Connors said the city has had to evacuate businesses near The Vista on four occasions before building restoration began due to strong winds.

Despite the disruptions, Agar said the public has been supportive.

“There have been several days people have had to pack up or move out, finding a new location, setting up a new office, switching phones over... but Norman has behaved like an exceptional community,” he said.

Since its groundbreaking in 1972, The Vista building has housed a number of tenants including lawyers, accountants and real estate agents.

Tough economic times are forcing many in the Oklahoma City area to look beyond their single commercial airport, Will Rogers World Airport, for cheap airfare.

Some are looking as far as Texas for a good deal, but is it really beneficial for someone to book a flight in another state to save money?

ELIZABETH NALEWAJK/THE DAILY

Fences surround The Norman Financial Center on N. Peters Avenue, which is being reinforced due to a lack of structural integrity. With the reinforcements, the building should be able to withstand up to 60-mph winds.

Agar said The Vista Sports Grill always has been a popular place for entertainment.

“We’ve all had a chance to get a drink or lunch there,” he said.

Plans still are being negotiated as to whether or not the restaurant will reopen.

Attorney Sam Talley, whose family owns the restaurant, said 30 employees lost their jobs as a result of the

building’s closure.

Agar said the diagonal bracing of the building hopefully will be complete by the end of April, allowing the building to withstand winds at or greater than 85 mph.

Final reconstruction, however, likely will not be done until December.

By then, Agar said the repair and restoration costs will total around $1.5 million.

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ing is more expensive,” said Mark Kranenburg, director of airports for Oklahoma City.

He said there were many benefits to using smaller airports like Will Rogers instead of multi-terminal complexes.

“Our lines for the security checkpoint are smaller, and you can get through faster,” Kranenburg said. “We are much more convenient.”

When costs are taken into consideration, the savings of traveling to Dallas Fort Worth for cheaper airfare are eaten up by the costs of driving down to Dallas.

TICKET ONLY PART OF THE PRICE OF FLYING

SHOPPING RIGHT

As the hub of American Airlines and other lowcost carriers like AirTran Airways and Sun Country Airlines, the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport has cheaper fares listed for online ticketing services than Will Rogers.

Flights in the summer to Cancun, Mexico, Hawaii and Europe are about $50 to $100 cheaper, but that does not include travel costs to and from Dallas.

“For many travelers, time is money, and travelling out of Oklahoma City is probably the best option for those who value their time as much as they do their money,” said Tim Smith, spokesman for American Airlines.

AAA estimates the cost of driving to Dallas from Norman is around $34 and that does not include parking your car in the long-term parking lots.

“When you travel to the Dallas area you’ll have about a three-hour drive, and park-

The best deals can easily be found with a little online research and a flexible schedule.

“If you are looking to save, you should book on days that are less busy, like Tuesdays and Wednesdays,” Smith said.

Look for deals from lowcost carriers which are taking the initiative to get more business.

“We will be holding travel fare sales throughout the summer,” said Chris Minz, a spokesman for Southwest Airlines.

Minz said the state of the economy will keep fares low, and Southwest will be expanding its routes out of Will Rogers World this summer to New York City and Boston.

He said with the current economy, most airlines are not looking to expand, but find Oklahoma City appealing because of the relatively light local impact of the economic downturn.

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COMMENTS OF THE DAY »

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

In response to Kayle Barnes’ Tuesday column about the U.S. not participating in a U.N. racism conference.

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

YOU CAN COMMENT AT OUDAILY.COM

OUR VIEW

Athletes deserve relevant education Nearly every group of students on campus is offered a degree program that prepares them for their careers and lives after college.

Athletes – specifically those who aspire to play professional sports or coach professionally– are not afforded that privilege. We think they should be.

There should be a degree program for those athletes.

Half of the required hours would allow more time for physical training and practice.

The other half would offer classes on the historical, philosophical and practical aspects of his or her sport, both about how to play and how to coach.

It’s absurd that athletes who know they’re on a fast track to playing in the bigleagues – especially the Blake Griffin types who are capable of doing as much after a year

“I can’t put into words how relieved I was to see the delegates of 30 countries stand up and walk out during Ahmadinejad’s speech.

For someone very pessimistic about the future of humanity, it gave me a slight glimmer of hope. The idea that the leader of Iran would be allowed to speak at a conference on rac-

ism, human rights, and tolerance is disgusting. All it does is erode the credibility of the UN and make that institution appear even more impotent, useless, and hollow than it already is. I am very grateful to President Obama that my country was not represented at this circus.

- DWALKER2006

STAFF CARTOON Matt Reed - broadcast and electronic media senior

in college – have to spend time they could be spending studying film or bettering themselves physically working on sociology and criminology homework.

Furthermore, professional athletes face unique pressures. The degree could help with those pressures by offering classes on how millionaires are to deal with finances, endorsements, agents, etc., and how coaches are to deal with contracts and job changes.

Sure, make them take general education classes. But don’t make them work toward a worthless degree if they want to go on to be a coach, player or even professional manager.

We don’t make aspiring businessmen and businesswomen or philosophers spend most of their time in school studying art. Why do we hold athletes to equally absurd standards?

STAFF COLUMN

Report further drives partisan political wedge How a government protects its people is certainly a pressing topic. It’s hard to know who to trust in the local and international realm. I recognize the necessity of taking measures to ensure the physical protection of citizens. But at times, the infringement upon privacy and personal expression can be too much. It began with President George W. Bush in the hyperbolic fervor of post-Sept. 11 U.S. policy, and now President Barack Obama’s administration is perfecting it to an art form.

When safety and security becomes paranoia and fear-mongering, the results JON can be pretty dangerous.

MALONE According to numerous newspaper outlets, a report entitled “Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment” was sent from the desk of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security chief, Obama appointee Janet Napolitano, to local police and sheriff’s departments across the country on April 7. With the plethora of various groups promoting one thing or another, some distinctively anti-government,

the report would seem to be pretty normal.

The problem arises, however, in the wording of this particular report. Rather than giving a clear definition of “rightwing extremism” and citing historical examples of what specific groups have threatened the property and lives of citizens, the Department of Homeland Security report used a couple of troubling qualifications which have caused no small stir in a pair of large groups in the U.S.; the politically conservative population and military veterans.

Why is this report so distressing to these two large U.S. populaces? Because both are specifically cited as potential security threats.

First, in the case of war veterans, the controversy of the Iraq war and the single example of Timothy McVeigh in the Oklahoma City bombing were apparently enough to elicit the warning that “disgruntled war veterans” should be monitored for their possible extremist activity. Understandably, the reaction to this report and its footnotes has been one of anger, as those who have defended a nation at their own risk are now stereotyped when they return home.

The other group that is affected is the politically conservative. These fall into two groups. The first was reported by the Washington Times as “including not just

racist or hate groups, but also groups that reject federal authority in favor of state or local authority.” Amazingly, those who oppose an intrusive and all-powerful national authority far removed from the individual needs of a specific state can now be profiled as “extremist.” As such, the reaction to this is also strong, with more conservative leaders questioning the viability of such a statement. The politics of such a move by the Department of Homeland Security bleeds political liberality rather than national security. Again, I understand the need to be aware of radical violent militia-type groups. But, people who favor state’s rights?

The report isn’t finished there. Not only does it call state’s rights advocates out, “it may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as abortion or immigration.” A group that actively opposes governmental policy on an issue is now considered to be a homeland security threat? What country are we in again?

Freely expressing ideas and dissent peacefully is one of the benchmarks of a healthy and balanced society. Many nations struggle under the oppression of rulers who are highly sensitive about any kind of spoken opposition, and who enforce their ideas through force and intimidation. Historically

the U.S. has, in theory, been a place where such opposition is defended (although not always for every group) by law. Imperfect as it has been, the freedoms afforded here have been unique and valued. I don’t have a pseudo-romantic notion that any country is perfect, because it is made up of people. But putting the power of who gets to say what into the hands of a few governmental agencies and people seems to contradict any kind of protection of opinion variance.

As such, I would openly question the motive and method of the language of the Department of Homeland Security report.

I would agree with David Rehbein, chief of the American Legion, who according to Breitbart.com called the report “incomplete, and, I fear, politically-biased.”

Not qualifying what she means by groups of veterans and small-government promoters says volumes of the allegiances of Napolitano, and continues the legacy of big spending and unproductive watchdog activities which the last 10 to15 years have brought.

Attaching the label of “rightwing extremist” to those who oppose a governmental policy in any way does little of anything productive but only further drives the wedge of current partisan U.S. politics.

Jon Malone is an English education graduate student.

STAFF COLUMN

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

College education should be more broad

COLUMN DISTORTED SMOKING BANS

Along with a handful of assorted noble and unmentionable reasons, students go to college to get an education. OU is a great place to do that. But, while we have access to many resources not available elsewhere, certain policies still limit students’ educational opportunities.

Learning is an organic experience. Colleges and majors are artificial confines created to simplify our education. This cre- MARY ates a necessary organi- STANFIELD zation for our pursuits of knowledge. But it ceases to best serve students when it goes from simplifying to restricting. When the institutions of colleges and majors restrict students’ free access to material, they stand in the way of a broad, nuanced education.

The university has taken the first step towards correcting this with Interdisciplinary programs like the interdisciplinary Perspectives on the Environment Program and others. The multidisciplinary degree program is another helpful step, allowing

Meredith Simons Nijim Dabbour Jamie Hughes Mack Burke Ray Martin Zach Butler

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students to create a major by choosing classes from across colleges based around a central focus.

But I urge the university to go one step further, by loosening the restrictions on the majority of classes offered by all colleges.

Many introductory classes can be taken by any major, and other classes can be taken by anyone with the proper prerequisites or hours. But others can only be taken by majors of the college offering the course.

This makes sense for certain higher-level and higher-concept courses that require more preparation and/or dedication. It does not make sense for higher-level courses that are not directly tied to the bulk of major-specific courses that come before, or that are the only representation of that subject matter offered at the university.

These courses could be offered with a simple prerequisite requirement, or application of some kind, to ensure students are prepared. This would allow students whose interests and future plans don’t line up exactly with any one major to pursue a full education, without having to design an entirely new degree plan.

The colleges here have a responsibility

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Assistant Managing Editor Night Editor Opinion Editor Photo Editor

Dane Beavers Whitney Bryen Steven Jones Luke Atkinson Judy Gibbs Robinson R.T. Conwell

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

phone: 405-325-3666

to work together to provide the most comprehensive education possible. For some students, that is already accomplished through provided majors.

For others, that means a cross-college collection of courses. Still for others, that could mean a wide sampling of courses anchored by an existing degree. It is impossible to design a major that matches up to all, or even most, real-world careers. In order to provide students with the knowledge and skills they require for the real world, the university should adopt policies of openness among all colleges, majors and tracks.

We should be making it easier, not more difficult, to pursue varied interests.

These pursuits help develop students into well-rounded individuals.

Graduating into a future where the majority of adults will hold three or more jobs in different fields over the course of their life, at a time when changing technology creates new jobs at exponential rates, students will need as broad an education as the university can provide.

The opinion article on Tuesday titled, “Voters neglected the right of smokers to choose”, grossly missed the point of smoking bans.

Rather than being indicative of a conspiracy to inhibit personal freedoms, restrictions on smoking in public places gives others the right to make decisions about their own health, rather than having this decision forced upon them.

The reality is that smoking creates an enormous public health burden, not just among those who directly partake in it, but also in those exposed to it indirectly, even for “one second.”

The problem is that exposure to “one second” occurs daily, or often multiple times in a single day, creating a definite health hazard that contrary to what the author wrote, does impact everyone’s health.

The state has in the past banned substances and practices that harm individuals based on their impact on public health as well as their overall cost to society and, obviously, smoking falls into this category.

Jay Coleman, microbiology junior

Mary Stanfield is a philosophy sophomore

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e-mail: dailynews@ou.edu

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

The opinion page is produced by a staff of columnists and cartoonists who are independent of The Daily’s news staff.

Letters to the editor are welcomed.

Letters should concentrate on issues, not personalities, and should be fewer than 250 words, typed and signed. Letters may 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. Submit letters to dailyopinion@ou.edu or in person Sunday through Thursday in 160 Copeland Hall.

Guest columns are encouraged. They can be submitted to the opinion editor via e-mail at dailyopinion@ou.edu.

Comments left on OUDaily.com may be reprinted on the opinion page. ’Our View’ is the opinion of majority of the members of The Oklahoma Daily’s editorial board.

Editorial Board members are The Daily’s editorial staff. The board meets Sunday through Thursday in 160 Copeland Hall.

Columnists’ and cartoonists’ work is representative of their own opinions, not those of the members of The Daily’s Editorial Board.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

OU STUDENTS YOU ARE INVITED! “Where Our Economy Is Headed”

David Leonhardt

New York Times Economics and Business Columnist David Leonhardt will share his insight on today’s economy.

Leonhardt has been writing about economics for The New York Times since 2000, focusing recently on the housing bubble, bailouts, the stimulus package, the Big Three autoworkers and today’s stock market. He also writes frequently about economic policy, real estate and the job market as well as about corporate mismanagement in recent years.

5 p.m.

TODAY Sandy Bell Gallery, Mary and Howard Lester Wing Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art Please respond by calling the Office of Special Events at 325-3784.

For accommodations on the basis of disability, call the Office of Special Events at (405) 325-3784.

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.

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Wednesday, April 22, 2009

OBAMA OPEN TO TORTURE MEMOS PROBE Congress could order a full review of tactics BEN FELLER Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Widening an explosive debate on torture, President Barack Obama on Tuesday opened the possibility of prosecution for Bush-era lawyers who authorized brutal interrogation of terror suspects and suggested Congress might order a full investigation.

Less than a week after declaring it was time for the nation to move on rather than “laying blame for the past,” Obama found himself describing what might be done next to investigate what he called the loss of “our moral bearings.”

His comments all but ensured that the vexing issue of detainee interrogation during the Bush administration will live on well into the new president’s term. Obama, who severely criticized the harsh techniques during the campaign, is feeling pressure from his party’s liberal wing to come down hard on the subject. At the same time, Republicans including former Vice President Dick Cheney are insisting the methods helped protect the nation and are assailing Obama

AP PHOTO/GERALD HERBERT

White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel listens during President Barack Obama’s meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan Tuesday in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. for revealing Justice Department memos detailing them.

Answering a reporter’s question Tuesday, Obama said it would be up to his attorney general to determine whether “those who formulated those legal decisions” behind the interrogation methods

should be prosecuted. The methods, described in Bush-era memos Obama released last Thursday, included such grim and demeaning tactics as slamming detainees against walls and subjecting them to simulated drowning.

He said anew that CIA operatives

who did the interrogating should not be charged with crimes because they thought they were following the law.

“I think there are a host of very complicated issues involved here,” the president said. “As a general deal, I think that we should be

looking forward and not backwards. I do worry about this getting so politicized that we cannot function effectively, and it hampers our ability to carry out national security operations.”

Still, he suggested that Congress might set up a bipartisan review, outside its typical hearings, if it wants a “further accounting” of what happened during the period when the interrogation methods were authorized. His press secretary later said the independent Sept. 11 commission, which investigated and then reported on the terror attacks of 2001, might be a model.

The harsher methods were authorized to gain information after the 2001 attacks.

The three men facing the most scrutiny are former Justice Department officials Jay Bybee, John Yoo and Steven Bradbury.

Bybee is currently a judge on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Yoo is a professor at the University of California-Berkeley.

It might be argued that the officials were simply doing their jobs, providing legal advice for the Bush administration. However, John Strait, a law professor at Seattle University said, “I think there are a slew of potential charges.”

Prospectors hope new California gold rush will pan out 1,444 gold search permits already issued in 2009 TRACIE CONE Associated Press

COLOMA, Calif. — There’s still gold in California’s Sierra Nevada foothills, and a new rush is under way to find it.

Not since the Great Depression have so many hard-luck people been lured by prospecting, hoping to find their fortune tumbling down a mountain stream. The recession and high gold prices are helping to fuel the latest gold craze, especially among workers who have lost jobs.

“I guess there’s always hope. At home, I don’t have any right now,” said Steve Biorck, a concrete finisher who headed west because construction work dried up in Tennessee. Now he spends days standing knee-deep in an icy creek coaxing gold flakes from a swirling pan of gravel.

Miners who locate an unclaimed area

can pay a $170 fee to the federal government for access to the public land. Most claims are along the 120 miles of steep granite outcrops and rushing riverbeds that are part of California’s Mother Lode, a narrow band of gold-rich terrain.

When Don Wetter was in the Army, he guarded Fort Knox in Kentucky, home of the U.S. Treasury’s gold depository. Now that he’s been discharged, Wetter hopes to find some gold of his own using an anticipated loan for a “grubstake,” an old mining term for money to sustain the search.

Wetter, a 22-year-old tree trimmer from Troy, Mich., said he wanted to turn to hunt for gold because most of his customers lost their jobs or moved away.

Many would-be gold panners are drawn to the South Fork of the American River, where the 1849 discovery of nuggets at Sutter’s Mill launched the largest human migration in the Western Hemisphere.

The Depression brought another wave of miners in the 1930s.

“It’s hard to keep my equipment in

Medical student held without bail in connection with Craigslist death Fiancée claims the police have the wrong man MELISSA TRUJILLO Associated Press

BOSTON — Prosecutors said Tuesday they found a semiautomatic weapon at the home of a Boston medical student who has been ordered held without bail on charges he shot to death a masseuse he had lured to a hotel through Craigslist.

Philip Markoff said nothing during the brief hearing in Boston Municipal Court.

Authorities said they followed a computer trail to Markoff, linking an account used to set up appointments on Craigslist with two women who were attacked to his address in Quincy.

They say a search of his home found the gun, ammunition and materials exactly matching those used in an attack on another masseuse in a Boston hotel.

Markoff is charged with murder in the death of Julissa Brisman of New

York City and kidnapping and armed robbery in the other assault.

The second-year Boston University medical student lives with his fiance, who claims police have the wrong man.

“He could not hurt a fly,” Megan McAllister said in an e-mail to ABC’s “Good Morning America. “All I have to say is Philip is a beautiful person, inside and out,” she said in the e-mail read on Tuesday’s program.

Markoff’s attorney, John Salsberg, did not immediately comment.

Authorities have said there could be more victims.

“O u r t o p p r i o r i t y i s holding Philip Markoff accountable. He’s a predator,” Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley said Monday night in announcing Markoff’s arrest earlier in the day during a traffic stop south of Boston.

An e-mail message sent to McAllister via her Facebook page was not i m m e d i a t e l y re t u r n e d

Tuesday. The McAllister family did not respond to knocks on the door of their Little Silver, N.J. home Tuesday. Shortly after, a police officer emerged from the home and said the family did not wish to speak with reporters, and asked the media respect their privacy.

Michael Bernard, who lives in Markoff’s building in Quincy, was shocked to recognize his neighbor on television reports of the killing.

“He was smart, he carried himself well, he was clean, a good looking guy,” said Bernard, a retired electric company worker.

“He seemed like the type that would have it all. It doesn’t make sense.”

Authorities believe Markoff also may be connected to the attempted robbery Thursday in Warwick, R.I., of a stripper who had posted an ad on Craigslist. She was held at gunpoint before her husband entered the room and her attacker fled.

stock,” said Albert Fausel, the third-generation owner of the nearby Old Placerville Hardware store, which was founded to sell sluices, picks and pans to the original ‘49ers.

Back then, the price of gold was $16 an ounce. Today it hovers around $1,000.

The store’s wood floors used to creak under the weight of recreational rafters and fisherman. Now prospectors are some of the biggest shoppers.

“A lot of people are out of jobs and know where the gold holes are,” Fausel said.

Between October 2007 and September 2008, the Bureau of Land Management in California issued gold miners 3,413 permits, or claims, to search for gold. That figure compared with 1,986 claims in 2006. So far this fiscal year, the agency has issued 1,444 claims.

Many miners believe that only 10 percent of the gold in the Sierra Nevada was discovered in the original gold rush. They are also excited by the prospect of stumbling onto buried treasure.

AP PHOTO/RICH PEDRONCELLI

Todd Osborne pans for gold along a creek near Coloma, Calif., Thursday.

CAMPUS NOTES

TODAY

lecture at 7:30 p.m. in the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History.

CHRISTIANS ON CAMPUS Christians on Campus will host a Bible study at 12:30 p.m. in the Oklahoma Memorial Union.

THURSDAY

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY The Department of Sociology will host a

SCHOOL OF MUSIC The School of Music will host a performance at 8 p.m. in the Catlett Music Center.

POLICE REPORTS Names are compiled from the Norman Police Department and OUPD. The reports serve as a record of arrests, not convictions. Those listed are innocent until proven guilty.

AGGRAVATED DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE Darren Wayne Senne, 25, East Robinson Street, Sunday DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE Jacob Michael Hall, 24, Boyd Street, Friday Andreas Benjamin Brekke, 21, Boyd and Elm, Sunday Taylor Michelle Watson, 22, Brooks and College, Sunday

MUNICIPAL WARRANT Robert Edward Brannock, 31, 1537 Davinbrook Dr., Monday Stacy Marie Burks, 28, 3003 River Oaks Dr., Sunday Joseph Samuel Gonzales, 27, 1928 Fillmore Ave., Monday Melvin Shy-Travis Johnson, 38, 1910 Fillmore Ave., Monday Shannon Courtney McCall, 27, 2264 S. Houston Ave., Monday Elliott Colin Thompson, 36, 1014 S. College Ave., Monday COUNTY WARRANT Usiel Reveles Perez, 21, 4400 W. Main St., Monday

SOCIAL HOST Conner Evan Zwinggi, 22, Brandywine Lane, Sunday PUBLIC INTOXICATION Ashlee Ronning, 21, 601 12th Ave. NE, Sunday POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL Kelly Elizabeth Lindberg, 18, Brandywine Lane, Sunday ASSAULT AND BATTERY Diane Eckiwardy, 43, 1430 24th Ave. SW, Monday Juanita Mary Miller, 29, 1430 24th Ave. SW, Monday

Coraline (2D) PG 12:45 2:50 5:05

Push PG13 12:30 2:45 7:10

He’s Just Not That Into You PG13 12:55 4:30 7:30 10:00

Slumdog Millionaire R 4:45 9:50

Hotel for Dogs PG 12:50 2:55 4:55 7:00 9:35

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button PG13 7:45

Paul Blart: Mall Cop PG 12:50 3:10 5:15 7:25 9:45

The International R 1:00 4:00 7:20 9:55

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

7

Marriage rates in Iraq rise as violence wains Iraqi social life makes a come back KATARINA KRATOVAC Associated Press

BAGHDAD — Three cars bedecked in flowers and ribbons swerve around blast walls and honk through police checkpoints, before screeching to a halt outside a Baghdad hotel. A brass band runs up to a shining sedan as the bride, struggling with her gown, emerges.

Confetti and rosebuds are showered over Maysa Monem and her new husband as women ululate — while inside the Sheraton’s ballroom, 300 friends and family wait, along with a luxurious, 10-layer wedding cake.

The long stretch of relative calm in Baghdad is sparking a marriage boom.

Couples who put their lives on hold amid Iraq’s turmoil are rushing to make up for lost time. Not only do more people appear to be hitching up, newlyweds are throwing lavish wedding parties like those that were once a mainstay of the Baghdad social scene.

During the darkest days of Iraq’s sectarian violence in 2006-07, when Shiite militias and Sunni insurgents were killing members of the rival sects, many couples put off marriages. Families were too busy mourning deaths or just dealing with the worries of day-to-day life in a war zone. And with Baghdad people hunkered down in fear, just finding a potential spouse became more difficult.

Weddings did go on, but they were small, quiet affairs to avoid notice. Wedding parties were a favorite target for suicide bombers.

Now with violence down 70 percent from a year ago, the freeze on personal lives is thawing. While comprehensive statistics aren’t available, reports from a few local authorities suggest weddings have jumped dramatically.

Shiite imam Ahmed Hirz Al-Yasiri says he certifies marriages for up to 20 couples a day in the Shiite district of Sadr City, twice the rate over the past three years. Ali al-Ukaili, a judge in a Baghdad municipal court, says he gets up to 100 marriage applications a day, compared to 70 only a short time ago, an increase he attributes to the greater security.

And newlyweds again want to make a splash. Hotel and social club owners are rushing to meet demand, and ballrooms are booked months in advance, at up to $6,900 a night — a fortune in Iraq. Sheraton manager Mustafa Abdullah says the hotel now hosts about 20 weddings a month.

Big weddings are just one of many signs of life on the rebound in Baghdad amid the calm. People no longer cower at home after nightfall. Restaurants stay open later and nightclubs have sprouted in more secular districts.

Couples hold hands on Abu Nawas Street, a popular promenade along the Tigris River that had been abandoned amid the violence after the 2003 U.S. invasion.

LOUIS LANZANO/AP

Police and FBI agents escort the Somali pirate suspect U.S. officials identified as Abdiwali Abdiqadir Muse into FBI headquarters in New York on Monday, April 20, 2009. Muse is the sole surviving Somali pirate suspect from the hostage-taking of commercial ship captain Richard Phillips from the Maersk Alabama.

Captured pirate comes to NY Prosecution pending, Muse could serve life in prison COLLEEN LONG Associated Press

NEW YORK — Abdiwali Abdiqadir Muse grew up destitute in Somalia, the product of a violent, lawless nation where his mother scraped together a few dollars a day selling milk and tending to a small herd of camels, cows and goats.

For entertainment, he would frequent a run-down outdoor cinema and watch Bollywood movies in a town with no running water or electricity. He eventually joined up with a gang of pirates who laid siege to an American cargo ship and took the captain hostage. The standoff ended last week with three of the pirates killed by U.S. Navy snipers. Muse survived but was stabbed in the hand with an ice pick.

On Tuesday, the teenager found himself a world away from the dusty tenements and pirate ships of Somalia, appearing in a packed federal courtroom in New York on what are believed to be the first piracy charges in the U.S. in more than a century.

The 5-foot-2 Muse looked bewildered count carries a mandatory sentence of and so scrawny that his prison clothes life in prison. were several sizes too big. He had a “An act of piracy against one nation is a frayed white bandage where he was crime against all nations,” said Acting U.S. stabbed.

Attorney Lev L. Dassin.

When his court-appointed lawyer The government says he is 18. A federal said Muse’s father would be interviewed judge agreed Tuesday, ruling that Muse is in Somalia to verify his birth date, Muse an adult and that the case can proceed in put his head in his hand and broke down open court. But his lawyers are likely to in tears. When the judge asked him if he press on with their argument that he is understood that courtjust 15. If he is found to appointed lawyers “An act of piracy against be underage, defense would represent him, lawyers could try to the teenager responded one nation is a crime have the case tossed out through a translator: against all nations.” or seek leniency if he is “I understand. I don’t convicted. have any money.” When LEV L. DASSIN., U.S. ATTORNEY Establishing his age he was asked to raise his could prove difficult beright hand, he pointed cause the anarchy that it into the air as if he was has existed in Somalia being called on in class. over the past two decades makes it unThe decision by the federal govern- likely that any birth records exist. Muse’s ment to bring Muse to justice here has mother said he was delivered by a midthrust the skinny teenager into the inter- wife, and not in a hospital. national spotlight, and raised legal quesProsecutors might send Muse to a dentions about whether the U.S. is going too tist to help determine his age by analyzing far in trying to make an example of some- his teeth, a solution courts have used in one so young. the past for Somali defendants.

Muse was charged with piracy, con“The question always comes up. ‘He’s spiracy and brandishing and firing a gun 15. No, he’s not.’ They send him to a denduring a conspiracy. The most serious tist and bring him in to testify.”

Scientists discover a nearly Earth-sized planet Gliese 581 d first habitable planet outside our solar system JENNIFER QUINN Associated Press

HATFIELD, England — In the search for Earthlike planets, astronomers zeroed in Tuesday on two places that look awfully familiar to home. One is close to the right size. The other is in the right place.

European researchers said they not only found the smallest exoplanet ever, called Gliese 581 e, but realized that a neighboring planet discovered earlier, Gliese 581 d, was in the prime habitable zone for potential life.

“The Holy Grail of current exoplanet research is the detection of a rocky, Earth-like planet in the ‘habitable zone,’” said Michel Mayor, an astrophysicist at Geneva University in Switzerland.

An American expert called the discovery of the tiny planet “extraordinary.”

Gliese 581 e is only 1.9 times the size of

Earth — while previous planets found outside our solar system are closer to the size of massive Jupiter, which NASA says could swallow more than 1,000 Earths.

Gliese 581 e sits close to the nearest star, making it too hot to support life. Still, Mayor said its discovery in a solar system 20½ light years away from Earth is a “good example that we are progressing in the detection of Earthlike planets.”

Scientists also discovered that the orbit of planet Gliese 581 d, which was found in 2007, was located within the “habitable zone” — a region around a sun-like star that would allow water to be liquid on the planet’s surface, Mayor said.

He spoke at a news conference Tuesday at the University of Hertfordshire during the European Week of Astronomy and Space Science.

Gliese 581 d is probably too large to be made only of rocky material, fellow astronomer and team member Stephane Udry said, adding it was possible the planet had a “large and deep” ocean.

“It is the first serious ‘water-world’ candidate,” Udry said.

Mayor’s main planet-hunting competitor, Geoff Marcy of the University of California, Berkeley, praised the find of Gliese 581 e as “the most exciting discovery” so far of exoplanets — planets outside our solar system.

“This discovery is absolutely extraordinary,” Marcy told The Associated Press by e-mail, calling the discoveries a significant step in the search for Earth-like planets.

While Gliese 581 e is too hot for life “it shows

that nature makes such small planets, probably in large numbers,” Marcy commented.

“Surely the galaxy contains tens of billions of planets like the small, Earth-mass one announced here.”

Nearly 350 planets have been found outside our solar system, but so far nearly every one of them was found to be extremely unlikely to harbor life.

Most were too close or too far from their sun, making them too hot or too cold for life. Others were too big and likely to be uninhabitable gas

For all your years of dedication, housing and food services would like to thank and congratulate the following.

20 years

30 years

Ali Shafaie Danna Todd Karen Webster

Richard Atkinson Carl Magness

15 years Vincent Mamone Jerry Vincent

Retirements Linda Murnan Doris Jackson

10 years Robert Butler Michael Holzer Brock Mathias Karla Woodfork Barbara Cummins

Housing and Food Services is a department in OU’s division of Student Affairs.

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.

h &f

8

« SOFTBALL OU faces North Texas today. See the story online.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

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

OUDAILY.COM

FOOTBALL

Q&A WITH FORMER SOONER NIC HARRIS EDITOR’S NOTE: Each day leading up to Saturday’s NFL draft, The Daily will interview a former Sooner, who hopes to be picked in this weekend’s draft.

NFL draft prospect Nic Harris is just a few days away from finding out if his dream becomes a reality.

Harris, a two-year starter at safety for the Sooners, could possibly shift to linebacker at the next level.

This would not be new to Harris, a versatile defender who shifted to middle linebacker in multiple games last season after injuries at the position plagued the Sooners.

You played safety at OU and now may move to linebacker. Where do you see yourself playing?

I see myself on the field. Either or, but it doesn’t matter because at the end of the day, you know, just playing ball. Wherever they want me to play, I’m pretty sure that whatever team selects me, I’ll be a pretty good fit.

Ultimately, just use my skills and have them use me wherever they want to use me.

How much attention do you pay to the analysis and predictions?

HARRIS AT-A-GLANCE Stats from Harris’ senior season: » 75 tackles (fourth on the team) » three tackles for a loss » one fumble recovery » one interception » three forced fumbles

None, because at the end of the day, those analyses are pretty much just written by critics. And the last time I checked, the critic has never made the selection.

What skills do you think will make you successful in the NFL? My ability to be extremely knowledgeable. My ability to make the calls as well as to, you know, make the game easy.

What has the draft process been like?

It’s an experience. Living the dream. Something I’ve wanted ever since I was young. In a couple days my dreams are about to come a reality. And ultimately there’s not many people who get to live out their dreams.

What are you looking forward to most about playing in the NFL? I’m looking forward to being the best-known athlete in the NFL, not wearing a helmet. Ultimately what that means is I want to make myself as marketable as I possibly can, off the field. Because I think that my athletic ability will take care of itself on the field.

ZACH BUTLER/THE DAILY

Safety Nic Harris tackles Texas Tech’s junior wide receiver Todd Walker in OU’s Nov. 22 win. Harris is expected to be drafted in this weekend’s NFL draft, but it is unknown whether he’ll play safety or linebacker.

How are you feeling about it, are you excited?

I haven’t been. The closer it gets I’ll become more, but right now I don’t want to get overly anxious.

As far as Saturday goes, I probably won’t get any sleep the night before.

I guess as the week progresses I will be.

Any big plans for draft day?

We’re just planning on having a big draft extravaganza and just trying to give back to my community. A lot of family coming in, a lot of friends coming in.

With which teams have you worked out and been in contact?

I’ve worked out with St. Louis, I worked out with New England.

Buffalo brought me in. I met Atlanta,

Carolina, Jacksonville, so pretty much every team or all the teams at the Combine as well as my Pro Day, as well as the Senior Bowl. I’m extremely confident that things, you know, will work out the way that I suggest that they should. But, you never know.

Have you been working out at safety or linebacker?

Both. There’s not one set drill that is predicated around linebacking or predicated around safety, so it’s pretty much just extremely both.

Do you think your versatility will

work to your benefit?

Yeah, it may or it may not. It depends on who wants what. I think that whatever team that, like I said I’m extremely grateful to be considered, but whatever team does draft me I feel they’ll be getting the best of both worlds, because I can play pretty much virtually anywhere on the field.

— Claire Brandon/The Daily

SEE YESTERDAY’S Q&A WITH JUAQUIN IGLESIAS ON OUDAILY.COM.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

9

RUGBY

Freshman following sport he loves overseas After turning down a scholarship to play football, Kelton Miller found success in rugby MJ CASIANO The Oklahoma Daily

Freshman Kelton Miller hasn’t always been able to identify himself as a Sooner.

Endless moves as a child left Miller with only one way to identify himself: as a rugby player. Growing up in the Midwest, however, where rugby isn’t exactly the most popular sport, he had to learn the game on his own.

It didn’t come easy.

But since his father, Stacy Miller, considers rugby an important aspect of his own life, Miller’s experience and knowledge grew that much more. Stacy Miller still plays the game today at age 50, and coaches the Mustang Area Rugby Club.

“I think it’ll be similar for him,” Stacy Miller said. “When he can’t play anymore, he’ll coach.”

Miller’s challenges began as a teenager, when he was forced to meet new people at four different high schools.

“It was definitely hard saying goodbye to friends and meeting new friends every year,” he said.

“We have former [OU] players that have gone on to play in Spain professionally. There is a lot of opportunity in the sport right now. And [Miller] has an opportunity to do that”.

HEAD COACH KENNETH FOREHAND “Although it definitely helped me to become a stronger person.”

Throughout each move, Miller hung on to the one thing that never changed: his love of rugby.

In each new location, Miller would do whatever it would take to play rugby, including starting two rugby clubs in both Mustang and Bartlesville.

His father said when his son was younger, he announced, “I’m a rugby player, and I want to be playing rugby.”

It was a memorable quote that would shape Miller’s actions throughout his high school and college careers.

RUGBY RESOLUTION As Miller graduated high school and moved on to Oklahoma State, he was presented with an opportunity to play Division I football via scholarship.

He turned it down.

He continued doing what he knew best, playing rugby. Although he was happy, he didn’t feel like OSU was his home.

“I just didn’t feel like that was

MICHELLE GRAY/THE DAILY

Freshman rugby player Kelton Miller turned down a scholarship to play football at Oklahoma State to play rugby.

where I should be,” Miller said. “It just didn’t feel right.”

Accustomed to change, Miller followed his gut and made the decision to transfer to OU, where he joined the rugby team.

At OU, he has had the opportunity to play with the club team, which is nationally ranked in the top 25.

“His play has stepped up; he had to work his way up,” head coach Kenneth Forehand said. “That’s how it is here. But he plays at such a high level.”

Miller’s dedication to the sport is finally starting to pay off. He was invited to try out for the national under-20s rugby team and made the squad.

“He has skills, knowledge, determination, discipline and work ethic,” Stacy Miller said.

SUCCESS ON A NATIONAL LEVEL It’s a good thing Miller is accustomed to change, because the next stop on his rugby map will be across the globe.

“As a 1990-born player playing for a 1989 U.S. team, it has been difficult, competition-wise, due to me playing up a year,” Miller said “But I have been selected as a reserve player for the 2009 Junior World Trophy in Kenya. Although it will [impact] my school work and finals, it is going to be an experience I can’t pass up.”

At the moment, Miller is competing for the starting inside center position, but he’ll likely serve as a reserve player.

His goal is to serve his team to the best of his ability.

“We have former [OU] players that have gone on to play in Spain professionally. There is a lot of opportunity in the sport right now,” Forehand said. “And [Miller] has

MICHELLE GRAY/THE DAILY

Kelton Miller, a freshman on the OU rugby team will play or the national under 20’s rugby team in Kenya this summer. an opportunity to do that”.

Now, the freshman who spent most of his childhood moving from high school to high school, will continue moving.

Although Miller will have yet another place to call home as he spends time in Kenya this summer, he will have rugby as one constant in his life.

Miller said no matter where he

ends up, he knows he’ll have people that will have his back.

“Any where you go, rugby mates will accept you no matter what,” Miller said. “It’s almost like a world wide fraternity. When I lived in California the Russian army team stayed at our house for an entire week, and we showed them hospitality just as we would expect from them.”

BASEBALL

STAFF COLUMN

Hubbard leads OU against Wichita State

Lions need to draft quarterback not named Matthew Stafford

Sooners host Shockers at 7:05 p.m.

JONO GRECO The Oklahoma Daily

After losing its first series of the season in the form of a sweep by the No. 5 Texas Longhorns, the No. 13 Sooner baseball team returns to L. Dale Mitchell Park at 7:05 p.m. today to play the Wichita State Shockers.

The Sooners (29-11, 8-7) will send sophomore Antwonie Hubbard (1-2) to the mound to take on a Shockers team (20-18, 5-5) that OU handily beat 15-0 on April 8 in Wichita, Kan. Hubbard has not been at full strength this season as he has been recovering from a stress fracture in his left foot.

In his six starts this season, Hubbard has posted a 3.18 ERA while throwing 22 2/3 innings and striking out 21 batters.

In the early April matchup against the Shockers, the Sooners had four hitters who had at least two hits and eight batters who drove in at least one run.

Junior center fielder Jamie Johnson led OU in hits in the first game against Wichita State by going 3-5 with a triple, while bringing in one run and scoring four times.

However, even though the Sooner offense surged in WATCH IT the first matchup against the Shockers, recent staffs have If you can’t make it out to had success in slowing down L.Dale Mitchell Park this the OU attack. evening, watch the game on Prior to April 3, the Sooners television. were averaging almost 10 runs a game. Since that time, »Cox channel 7 in Oklahoma however, OU has only been City able to muster 5.1 runs per »Cox channel 3 in Tulsa contest.

The Sooners have gone 6-5 during that stretch and the or listen on: lower run production can be »KOKC 1520 AM attributed to good pitching staffs within conference.

Two of the three Big 12 teams OU has faced in those past eleven games – Missouri and Texas – boast ERAs of less than 4.75 and, on four occasions, have been able to hold the Sooner bats to four runs or less.

Freshman third baseman Garrett Buechele is tied for third in the Big 12 in batting average of all hitters who have played a minimum of 35 games.

He is tied with Kansas sophomore Tony Thompson with a .384 average.

Junior shortstop Bryant Hernandez’ batting average has slipped over the past few weeks and his .378 average is second on the team.

Tonight’s home game is Student Night and the first 250 students well get a free soft drink and popcorn courtesy of head coach Sunny Golloway.

Other game promotions include a raffle in which students will have the opportunity to win OU autographed

T

JAMES CORNWELL/THE DAILY

Junior right-handed pitcher Garrett Richards pitches during OU’s matchups against No. 16 TCU April 14. Richards pitched five innings and recorded the win against TCU. memorabilia and one student will leave the contest with a free iPod touch.

The game can be seen on Cox Channel 7 in Oklahoma City, Cox Channel 3 in Tulsa and can be heard on KOKC 1520.

PLAYER TO WATCH SOPHOMORE PITCHER ANTWONIE HUBBARD » Six Starts » 1-2 Record, 3.18 ERA » 22 2/3 Innings Pitched » 21 Strikeouts » 20 Hits » 13 Walks

ANTWONIE HUBBARD

he consensus No. 1 pick in the NFL draft this weekend is Georgia quarterback Matt Stafford. He has been since the Detroit Lions went on the clock in December.

Yet somehow, the Lions still tell the media they don’t know which direction they’ll go with their pick.

It’s simple. The Lions need a quarterback.

In the off-season, they traded away their best chance at winning – Jon Kitna – for defense. Now, they have three quarterbacks on the roster, all of whom are unimpressive.

If for some reason the Lions traded away their No. 1 pick or drafted a position other than quarterback, then 32-year-old Daunte Culpepper would be the starter.

Let’s face it — his best days are behind him. He barely completed on the north side of 50 percent last year, and was near- MJ ly a lock to throw more interceptions than CASIANO touchdowns last season. Count him out.

Next in line would be second-year player Drew Stanton from Michigan State, who the Lions just used a second-round pick on. He’s inexperienced and likely is no more than a career backup.

Lastly there’s Drew Henson. No further explanation needed. Maybe he should go back to baseball, again.

Because of these factors, the team has two options: Draft Stafford or USC quarterback Mark Sanchez.

The Lions have no choice. It’s one of those two players.

The thing that I don’t understand is why the Lions and the majority of draft scouts are leaning toward Stafford.

Physically, Stafford and Sanchez are the same player.

Both are 6-2, about 225 pounds and run in the 4.8 range in the 40-yard dash. So it’s not like one has better numbers.

Stafford is compared to Chicago Bears’ quarterback Jay Cutler because of brute arm strength. Some compare Sanchez with Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan.

Although Stafford has started since his freshman year and Sanchez didn’t become the full-time starter until his junior campaign, Sanchez has consistently looked better.

Both came out of high school as elite prospects and are leaving college the same way, after competing in two of the toughest conferences in football.

And in these two conferences with tough opponents, Sanchez had a career 64.3 completion percentage and had a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 25. He also won all the time. He would’ve started all three years if he went somewhere other than USC. Stafford had a career 57.1 completion percentage with a touchdown-to-interception ratio difference of 18.

If the Detroit Lions ever want to not be the worst franchise in sports, they’ll draft a quarterback Saturday. If they know what’s good for them, his name won’t be Stafford.

MJ Casiano is a broadcast and electronic media sophomore.

10

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

R.T. Conwell, advertising manager Classifieds@ou.edu phone: 325-2521, fax: 325-7517 For more, go to OUDAILY.COM

PLACE AN AD

C Transportation

Phone: 325-2521

AUTO INSURANCE E-Mail: classifieds@ou.edu Fax: 405-325-7517

AUTO INSURANCE Quotations Anytime

Foreign Students Welcomed Jim Holmes Insurance, 321-4664

Campus Address: COH 149A

DEADLINES Line Ad ..................2 days prior Place your line ad no later than 9:00 a.m. 2 days prior to publication date.

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

PAYMENT s r

r

TM

Payment is required at the time the ad is placed. Credit cards, cash, money orders or local checks accepted.

Businesses may be eligible to apply for credit in a limited, local billing area. Please inquire with Business Office at 325-2521.

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

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

Classified Display, Classified Card Ads or Game Sponsorship Contact an Acct Executive for details at 325-2521.

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

Employment

J Housing Rentals J Housing Rentals J Housing Rentals J Housing Rentals APTS. UNFURNISHED FREE RENT or up to $300 off First Mo! Student and Military Discounts Models open 8:30-5:30 M-F; 10-4 Sat 1-2 bedroom apts/townhomes with washer/dryer hookups in 2 bedrooms.

Pets Welcome! Free Tanning! Immediate Move-in!

Two locations: Apple Creek and Hillcrest Estates Call us at 329-2438 or 360-2048 or look us up online, apartmentguide. com

HELP WANTED MetroShoe Warehouse now hiring energetic persons for FT/PT sales and mgmt trainees. Hrly + comm. Apply at 1732 24th Ave NW, Norman.

A JOB THAT TAKES YOU PLACES! Dispatcher/Driver, PT/FT. Need enthusiastic person, 25+, with good driving record, cash every shift. Bonus Program.

Call 329-3335.

Bartending! Up to $250/day. No exp nec.

Training provided. 1-800-965-6520, x133.

PT LEASING AGENT 12:45pm-6pm M-F, Rotating Sats Pay based on experience.

Must be friendly & detail oriented.

Apply at 2900 Chautauqua Or call 360-6624 for more info Commons on Oak Tree Now hiring Leasing Consultant Call 321-8877 Gingerbread Nursery School & Kindergarten is looking for fun loving, nature-oriented helpers, M,W,F, 12-3 pm. Call Skye at 321-0087 or 850-3082, after 1pm.

1 BLK FROM OU, very nice 4 room apt, 800 sf, wood floors, 1016 S College, Apt 1, $295/mo. Call 360-2873 or 306-1970.

Post Oak Apartments 1-2 bed apts available! Newly renovated. Visit postoakliving.com - 364-3039, 705 Ridgecrest Ct. 3 bd $820/mo. & 4 bd $870/mo. Less than 1 mile from OU, CART, w/d, pool, 24hr maintenance. www.oig.biz or call 364-5622 P/L Now for Summer & Fall! *Free Membership at Steel Fitness! $99 Deposit! No Application Fee! Models open 8a-8p Everyday!

Elite Properties 360-6624 or www.elite2900.com

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

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.

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.

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

HOUSES UNFURNISHED NEAR OU, 915 W Lindsey - 1 or 2 bd, 1 ba, $500.

NEAR OU, 707 Juniper - 3 bd, 2 ba, CH/ A, W/D, carport, garage, $975.

NEAR OU, 1415 McKinley - 2 bd, 1 ba, garage, W/D, stove, ref, CH/A, $675.

911 Nebraska - 2 bd, CH/A, W/D, ref, garage, stove, $650 NEAR OU, 717 Wilson - 2 bd, 1 ba, carport, CH/A NO PETS, References Required.

Contact: 329-1933 or 550-7069

4 Bed/4 Bath Condo for Rent Norman - The Edge Less than 1 mile from Campus. Furnished Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, W/D, Hi-speed internet. $350/Mo + utilities - pdawson. pd@verizon.net

AVAILABLE IN AUG Short walk to OU, 4-6 blks west of OU, nice brick homes, wood floors, CH/A, w/d, disposal, good parking.

4 Bdrm $1,600 3 Bdrm $1,500 Bob, MISTER ROBERT FURNITURE Mon-Sat, 321-1818

TOWNHOUSES UNFURNISHED Griffin Park Townhouse, 2 bd, 1.5 bth, combined living & dining room, all appl, unfurn, neutral colors, $650/mo. 3292310.

SHORT WALK TO OU 1-5 blks west, nice brick homes, wood floors, CH/A, w/d, disposal, good parking.

4 Bdrm $1,800-$2,000 3 Bdrm $750-$1,500 2 Bdrm $600-$800 1 Bdrm $420-$460 Bob, MISTER ROBERT FURNITURE Mon-Sat, 321-1818

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8 6

6 7 9 1 5 2 4 7 8

STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in Norman 100% FREE to join. Click on Surveys.

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

Taylor Ridge Townhomes (405) 310-6599

5 3

5 6 1 3 4

3 9 7

Previous Solution

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9

2 6

8 2 7 6

4 6 3 2 8 1 7 5 9

1 7 9 6 5 3 8 2 4

8 2 5 7 9 4 3 6 1

6 4 8 3 2 5 9 1 7

2 9 1 8 4 7 5 3 6

5 3 7 9 1 6 2 4 8

9 5 4 1 7 2 6 8 3

7 1 6 5 3 8 4 9 2

3 8 2 4 6 9 1 7 5

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.

$5,000- $45,000 PAID EGG DONORS up to 9 donations, + Exps, non-smokers, Ages 19-29, SAT>1100/ACT>24/GPA>3.00 Contact: info@eggdonorcenter.com SUMMER LIFEGUARDS & SWIM INSTRUCTORS. Aquatic staff and competitive swimmers.

Apply at the Cleveland County Family YMCA, 1350 Lexington Ave. EOE.

Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker April 22, 2009

J Housing Rentals

HIGHLIGHTING OR COLOR

WITH HAIRCUT • $49.99 WEAVE OR FOIL ADD $10.00

HAIRCUT • $10.99

APTS. FURNISHED

$400, bills paid, efficiency LOFT apartments, downtown over Mister Robert Furniture, 109 E Main, fire sprinkler, no pets, smoke-free. Inquire store office.

JUNE RENTAL 850 S Flood - $475+bills. 212 S Flood - $600+bills. Smoke-free, no pets, 1 year lease, security dep. 360-3850

805C Cardinal Creek Condo’s, 2 bdrm, 2 bth gated community, pool, weight room, on-site washer/dryer, close to campus, nice enviroment to study, overlooks OU golf course $585/mo. Call (580) 7634278

Make up to $75 per online survey, student opinions needed www.cashtospend.com.

Furnished 1 bdrm studio, utilities pd, corner of Flood & Boyd, $625/mo. 329-2310.

Rental Home Lovely 3 bdrm+garage+hardwood floors (beneficial for allergies). IDEAL FOR GRADUATE STUDENT $675 +utilities+yard care. Near Brooks & Berry. hfamagi@sbcglobal.net

Available 4/18 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 1801 Burnt Oak 4/2/2 $1190 321 Waterfront 4/2/2 $1260 Contact Wendy at KW, 473-6832

P/T office assistant/receptionist for OKC advertising agency. Answering phones, filing, errands, etc. Email resume to ideas@insightokc.com - $8/hr, 20 hrs per week.

Most bills paid, fully furnished.

Call 321-8877

HOUSES UNFURNISHED

4 bdrm, 4 bath, 2 living, 2 dining, $2,400/ mo.

Call 329-2310.

Mystery shoppers wanted for easy tanning salon assignments! National market research company seeks individuals to complete assignments for a local tanning salon chain and other retailers. tanning session reimbursed for completion of online survey. Please apply at www.bestmark.com

(located just below the puzzle)

POLICY

1 bedroom Nottingham Condo for rent, newly updated. 417-861-9439 or 3137599.

HOUSES UNFURNISHED

5 BDRM, 3 Bath - Extremely Close to Campus! Kitchen appliances included, washer and dryer, lawn care provided, pets OK. Call 826-1335.

CONDOS FURNISHED

Non-Requested Stylist Only

Room for rent $314/month.

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

CONDOS UNFURNISHED

Open 7 Days A Week!

The Works $15.99 Shampoo/ Cut/Blowdry

116 S. Main, Noble 127 N. Porter 872-1661 360-4247

Must present this coupon

129 N.W. Ave. 1215 W. Lindsey 360-4422 364-1325

Save a Life.

Call the Hotline at

325-5000

to report hazing, illegal or unsafe drinking.

All calls are anonymous.

The University of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Hospice Volunteers Excell Hospice needs compassionate, caring volunteers to provide occasional assistance to those in their last stages of life. Good resume builder for Social Science majors. Very flexible hours.

Call Marissa at (405) 631-0521.

ACROSS 1 Nest noises 6 Fall lead-in?

10 Thick block 14 “Anybody home?”

15 She played Glinda in “The Wiz” 16 Skeletal unit 17 Forest nymph 18 “Potpourri for 200, ___” 19 They may be on the back 20 Advice for fishermen 23 Cracker’s focus 26 Result of hocus-pocus 27 Wear through weathering 28 Went silent (with “up”) 30 Obsessive whaler of fiction 32 Not just feuding 33 Page with views, briefly 34 Thumbs downs 37 Advice for rowing crews 41 Barbecue sound 42 Some retirement accts.

43 Crimea conference attended by Churchill 44 Bela’s “Son of Frankenstein” role 45 Tax loophole

47 Wife of Abraham 50 Consumed consomme 51 Study surface 52 Advice for deck hands 56 Hip to 57 Reverse, as a typo 58 Billionaire into books 62 Possessive declaration 63 Pirate’s potation 64 Blue-blooded 65 Defendant, to a juror 66 Bronte’s Jane 67 Support for a clown DOWN 1 A degree of success?

2 Air homonym 3 ’60s Tarzan Ron 4 McDonald’s tray liner 5 Part of a float 6 Metal-coated 7 Put one’s feet up 8 With a clean slate 9 Vehicle with a checkered past?

10 Splendiferous 11 Argentine plain 12 Earned a hand?

13 Cookbook directive 21 Start of a daisy-

22 23 24 25 29 30 31 33 34 35

36 38 39

plucker’s phrase Nickname for a sharpshooter Hordes Choral components Deer offspring Dream guy Well-chosen Cynical laugh sound Stamps one’s approval “Cape Fear” star “The Tattooed Girl” novelist Joyce Carol Kind of contrast ___ y plata (Montana motto) Word yelled to halt a stickball

game 40 Unlocked area?

44 Tedious affair 45 Shemp, for one 46 Like cool cats 47 Pinch pennies 48 Broadway orphan 49 “Wide World of Sports” producer Arledge 50 Gusto 53 Unusually large 54 Professor ‘iggins, to Eliza Doolittle 55 Billion-year increments, in geology 59 Triple Crown stat 60 Alternative to nothing 61 Riled (up)

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

© 2009 Universal Press Syndicate www.upuzzles.com

“SEA WHAT I MEAN?” by Jill Carney

Previous Answers

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

11

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

A ROARING GOOD TIME Civic Center Music Hall welcomes Tony Award-winning musical ‘The Lion King’

B

ased on the 1994 animated Disney film, the stage musical version of “The Lion King” premiered on Broadway in 1997. Directed by Julie Taymor, and with music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice, the musical has become vastly popular for its beloved story and inventive use of detailed animal

WITH THE IMMENSE POPULARITY OF “THE LION KING,” WHAT IS THE TYPICAL AUDIENCE REACTION LIKE? WHAT BRINGS PEOPLE BACK TO SEE THE SHOW AGAIN? Andrew Frace: The reaction to the show is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. Right from that downbeat in the first “Circle of Life” fanfare, people are going crazy. They’ve never seen anything like this before. And I think what brings people back time and time again is not just the story and the pageantry and the puppetry; it’s the melding of so many different forms of art. It’s such a large feast of a show, there’s something for everybody to enjoy. It’s a great story that [people are] familiar with through the movie, but when you see it live on stage, it’s so vastly different. It doesn’t lose the heart of the piece, but it transcends [it].

WHAT’S IT LIKE WORKING WITH A PRODUCTION RENOWNED FOR ITS ELABORATE AND INTRICATE COSTUMES? Frace: The puppetry and the costumes are combined into one, and you’re trained to use and manipulate the puppets and the masks. It’s all very detail-oriented and [you spend] a great deal of time training your body to take on the persona [of the character you’re playing.] I play a hyena, so I spent weeks learning how to walk like a hyena, on all fours, and how to manipulate the mask. I read books on hyenas and watched YouTube videos of hyenas. The puppetry work is kind of a humbling experience, because it’s not just about you, the actor, it’s about you personifying this character through an inanimate object. So you’re taking this blank page – which is the mask or the puppet – and you are given license to use it as you will. It’s an extension of the actor’s body. They’re difficult to use, but once you get the knack of them you can do so much more than you could’ve with just your body.

costumes and puppets.

Productions have since been staged in Tokyo, London, Sidney and Paris, with a national touring production beginning in 2002. The tour is now in Oklahoma City for the first time, and will run for five weeks.

Andrew Frace plays Ed, one of a trio of cackling, malevolent hyenas. He spoke with The Daily’s Dusty Somers about his experiences with “The Lion King.”

IT’S ALMOST LIKE A DIFFERENT MEDIUM THAN ACTING. Frace: Right. You start your acting from this place off truth, but then there’s this extra element added on top of that, and I think that’s another thing that brings [audiences] in, because ause you’re not just seeing actors act; you’re seeing actors act through ough g these puppets and costumes, and it adds such a rich extra element to the show.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN WORKOING ON A TRAVELING PRODUCTION AND A PRO PRODUCTION THAT JUST PLAYS IN ONE CITY??

Frace: Tour life is a very different life – it has its ups ps and its downs, [but] I think more ups than downs. The great thing hing about “The Lion King” is you travel, but you spend at least five weeks in each city. It’s almost like relocating every month to a new home, rather than being out on a tour where you’re moving every other day or every other week. You can really get a sense of the he city that you’re in, rather than a whirlwind type of tour. It’s a great reat way to see the country and perform in all different types of venues. nues.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TRYING TO BREAK INTO THE ACTING BUSINESS AND BOOK A JOB? Frace: For every 100 auditions that you get, it just takes thatt one. I can’t count the number of auditions that I’ve been een to, but buut then I book “The Lion King,” and it changes [my] life. You have to learn not to take things personally, and everybody tellss you it’s a hard business, and it is. It’s really tough to wake up every veryy day in New York City or Los Angeles or wherever you are, and go to an audition and have people say, “You’re not right for this part” or “You don’t fit our show.” But for me it’s my passion, so it’s the most rewarding thing when you do get that job.

– Dusty Somers, journalism junior.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Timothy Ti th CCarter t plays l Si Simba’s b ’ villainous ill i uncle, l SScar.

HOROSCOPE

By Bernice Bede Osol

Copyright 2008, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

“THE LION KING” When:

April 21-May 24 Tuesday-Thursday – 7:30 p.m.

Friday – 8 p.m.

Saturday – 2 p.m., 8 p.m.

Sunday – 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

Where:

Civic Center Music Hall 201 N Walker Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73102 For tickets, call 405-297-2264

PHOTO PROVIDED

Phindile Mkhize sings as Rafiki in the opening song, “The Circle of Life.”

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -Instead of being a realist when viewing important matters, you have a tendency to color the facts to suit your desired outcome. If circumstances are different, you’ll lose.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Expecting more than you’re entitled to will only lead to disappointment. You need to be honest about what you did and didn’t contribute, because rewards will be proportionate.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- You are good at charming people or using your wit to get what you want, but that’s not likely to work this time.

Performance will be the only thing that impresses others.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- In order to be a nice person, you are likely to do things that could build up a person’s hopes, not let them down. However, don’t think you need to say only what people like to hear; speak the truth.

Now Open!

Call for an appointment!

Walk-in’s always appreciated!

405.310.4455 12th Ave S.E. & Lindsey • East Village Plaza

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Pretending to be that which you think would impress others is likely to turn companions off.

Don’t use affectations when you have so many qualities of character upon which to trade.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Don’t be so quick to condemn when someone held in high esteem disappoints you, because people can’t always be what we think they should be. They are only human.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Watch what you say, and guard against inclinations to speak without thinking. A slip of the tongue or saying the wrong thing to a sensitive person could cause severe damage.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Try to avoid shopping, since your sales resistance is apt to be rather low at this time.

You could have regrets when the bills come due about buying foolish items you didn’t need.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Don’t underestimate your worth, because in order to impress, you might overcompensate and, without meaning to, come off as haughty or condescending. That’s not what you want.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Unless you’re a self-starter, you are likely to waste a lot of time and have little to show for your day. Set a definite schedule of productivity early on, and stick to it.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -Someone with ulterior motives who thinks he or she has you figured out might employ flattery to manipulate you. Beware of anyone who is bearing accolades.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Merely thinking big and planning to make lots of money won’t produce the results you want. In order to achieve your large dreams, you must plan things out well and be prepared to work for them.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

OUDAILY.COM »

12

Need more L&A? Check out our blogs online.

»

Are you a comic fan? Check out these titles at your local comic book store.

KICK-ASS #6

»

Finally after various delays, the sixth issue of the supposedly most exciting and controversial book hits stands today. This issue will start where it left off as Kick-Ass meets the deadly vigilante team Hit-Girl and Big Daddy.

Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. make a great team, creating a realistic world that has no place for superheroes but has one forced upon it with very interesting consequences. Millar as usual is at home when writing witty yet mildly disturbing dialogue and stories, while Romita Jr. is one of the best artists working in comic books today. Pick this up.

INVINCIBLE #61

»

After the invasion of the world by Invincibles from other dimensions masterminded by the evil Armstrong Levy, the world is in shambles and numerous superheroes are either dead or being hospitalized. Invincible works on rebuilding and must face the mysterious new villain CONQUEST. Anyone who regularly reads this column regularly knows Robert Kirkman is one of my favorite comic book writers. He treats his characters with respect giving them long back stories and emotional connections with each other though he has no problems with killing them off. As seen in the last issue of Invincible #60, the biggest Image crossover, Kirkman is good when working with a diverse group of characters without compromising the story.

Osizimete Aken’ova is a film and video studies junior.

THE NORMAN MUSIC FESTIVAL IS JUST THREE DAYS AWAY. CHECK OUT THE DAILY ON FRIDAY FOR A PREVIEW TO THE BIGGEST FEST IN TOWN. FOLLOW OUDAILY ON TWITTER FOR MORE INFO!

BE A PART OF OU HISTORY. (AND HANG IN THE FAMILY HALL OF HONOR.)

100

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Or walk in: Crimson Room in the Union

Today-Friday Sooner yearbook is a publication of OU Student Media in the division of Student Affairs.

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.