The Oklahoma Daily

SPORTS • PAGE 8

LIFE & ARTS • PAGE 7

Griffin, Bradford eye top award Former Sooner athletes Blake Griffin (shown left) and Sam Bradford are both in contention for rookie of the year honors in the NFL and NBA.

Oscar contenders announced Jeff Bridges (shown right) from “True Grit” was announced as a best-actor nominee. Read a breakdown of Oscar snubs and surprises.

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Wednesday, January 26, 2011

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Senator aims to boost scholarship funds Scholarship bill reaches to make higher education a reality for more students NICHOLAS HARRISON The Oklahoma Daily

State Sen. Jim Wilson has introduced a bill to expand the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship program and provide greater opportunity for low-income students to attend college.

Senate Bill 415, or the “Second Century

Promise Act,” would provide scholarships to high school students from families with a income of less than $80,000 annually who have a 2.0 GPA and score at least 19 on the ACT. The bill also would open the program to university students who complete 30 credit hours at a two- or four-year institution and have a 2.5 GPA. The scholarship program is available to families with an income of less than $50,000 per year, and students must register in eighth, ninth or 10th grade. The scholarship

is not given to nontraditional students or those who miss the high school window to enroll in the program.

The program has helped more than 39,000 students since its 1992 inception, according to the Oklahoma State Regents.

Compared to a statewide average of 49 percent, 61 percent of recipients go on to complete college.

“Oklahoma is lagging in the number of college graduates compared to surrounding states. Providing these scholarships will

help make our state more competitive economically,” Wilson said.

Wilson estimated the program would cost $14 million in the first year and $25 million in the second, which he said could be covered through a beverage container recycling deposit.

Wilson said he wrote the bill because he thought students were being priced out of a

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ARRIVE IN NORMAN

SEE BILL PAGE 2

RESEARCH

OU team to begin clinical trials Researchers working to curb growth of pancreatic cancer to test early treatment KATHLEEN EVANS The Oklahoma Daily

OU welcomes exchange students 61 international students from 17 countries start spring semester at OU BROOKE MYERS The Oklahoma Daily

S

ixty-one students from across the world recently arrived in Norman, and International Student Services and the International Programs Center hosted an orientation Monday for the new students.

The 61 international students represent 17 nations and are studying at OU as semester-long reciprocal exchange students, yearlong students or as students in specialized short-term programs that last about four weeks, said Tina Henderson, OU exchange student adviser.

OU has hosted international students for more than 50 years, according to the International Student Services’ website.

Last year, a record-high 690,923 students came to the U.S. to study abroad, according to the Institute of International Education.

Monday’s transfer student orientation fo- Mazumder said. “Because I’d like to stay in cused on information specifically for trans- America, right? So I like to teach American fer students, including students.” work visa and immigraMazumder called his home tion policies, said Brooke They told me you really nation a land with limited enHammer, international opportunities. love your culture here, gineering programming advis“It’s a very small country and if you really want and opportunity is not too er at the International to see the culture part much as a mechanical engiPrograms Center.

“It’s important that neer,” he said. “Because we of America, you have we help them with any to come in the South.” are not industrial-based — questions they may we are agriculture-based.” have,” Hammer said.

Schools in Bangladesh are —MARTINA ZUCCA, ITALIAN Monayem Mazumder, not equipped with the techEXCHANGE STUDENT graduate research assisnology to teach engineers tant and Ph.D. student what they need to know beof aerospace and mechanical engineering cause of the expense, Mazumder said. at OU from Bangladesh, said his dream is to Students in his country also cannot obtain be a professor. a doctorate, he said.

As a step toward that goal, he is a teaching Mazumder said his future goal is to bring assistant for two professors at the university his parents here, away from the instability in this semester.

“I like it, because in the future, if I’d like to be a faculty member, I need to teach,” SEE EXCHANGE PAGE 2

STUDY ABROAD

Cuban travel restrictions expected to ease President Obama plans to revise limitations on religious groups, study abroad programs ALYSSA DUDEK The Oklahoma Daily

OU students cannot study abroad in Cuba, however recently proposed changes in travel restrictions to the country mean it may soon be possible.

President Barack Obama intends to change current travel and remittance policies regarding

Cuba, marking an effort to reach out to the Cuban people, according to a White House press release dated Jan. 14.

The first aspect of the president’s plans are to put in place new, less-constrictive limitations on travel to the country. The White House release said travel will now be open to religious groups journeying to Cuba for religious purposes. Students will also be able to study abroad in Cuba with proper licensing and accreditation.

Exchange programs not involving

A LOOK AT WHAT’S ON The Undergraduate Student Congress on Tuesday night approved $1,660 in emergency funding for five organizations

the pursuit of a degree will also be granted specific licensing, according to the release.

The OU Education Abroad Office does not offer the opportunity to travel to Cuba, but OU study abroad adviser Alice Kloker said her office is keeping tabs on the policy changes and is interested to see what develops. Kloker said while this is the only information available now, the study abroad office will continue to update the OU community on any changes.

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Students and religious congregations are not the only groups being granted travel access. The White House release stated that certain licensed institutions can sponsor conferences, seminars and workshops for students, staff and faculty.

Maria Ruiz, OU professor emeritus of Spanish, is a Cuban native exiled over 40 years ago. She said she is skeptical regarding whether SEE ABROAD PAGE 2

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An OU Health Sciences Center research team hopes to test a new method of controlling the development of pancreatic cancer on humans by the year’s end.

The American Cancer Society estimates about 43,140 U.S. citizens were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2010, resulting in an estimated 36,800 deaths.

Dr. C.V. Rao of the Peggy and Charles Stephenson Oklahoma Cancer Center is working to decrease the mortality rate of pancreatic cancer by using the drug Gefitinib early in a patient’s treatment, he said.

Usually the drug is administered in the latter stages of treatment, but it has shown results when used earlier in clinical trials performed on mice, Rao said.

Gefitinib is a pill that works by inhibiting receptors that signal cells to grow and reproduce, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Rao and his team used Gefitinib because it targets a mutated gene present in about 95 percent of pancreatic cancers. He said the drug helped deactivate the processes within the body that led to the uncontrolled growth and spread of cancer.

“Pancreatic cancer is a poorly understood cancer, and the focus has been on treatment in the end stages,” Rao said. “But we found if you start early, there will be a much greater benefit.

This is the best chance at beating the disease.”

Rao said pancreatic cancers often go undiagnosed until the late stages of the disease’s development, when survival rates are very low.

Research is helping to improve early detection, offering greater opportunities for the early use of Gefitinib, Rao said.

A California team has begun using these results for clinical trials on human subjects, according to a press release. The Health Sciences Center and other treatment centers hope to begin their own trials within the year.

“We are in the process of meeting with other centers, including M.D. Anderson [Cancer Center],” Rao said. “Our goal is to begin a trial in about 18 months.”

TODAY’S WEATHER

53°| 29° Tomorrow: Sunny, high of 62 degrees

2 • Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com

CAMPUS

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

BILL: Senator, program hopes to increase grads Continued from page 1 college education.

According to reports compiled by the State Regents in fiscal years 2003 and 2010, total Oklahoma resident undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees per credit hour at OU have increased from $97.62 in 2003 to $226.13 in 2011. The Legislature removed specific statutory caps in 2004, allowing the State Regents to set tuition and mandatory fees within a range set by peer institutions.

Today around campus » Tickets for the Pink and Black Ball are on sale 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Oklahoma Memorial Union’s main lobby. » Latin Americanist Lunch will be noon to 1:30 p.m. in Hester Hall, Room 160. » Christians On Campus will hold a free Bible study 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. in the Union’s Traditions Room. » Women’s basketball will play Texas A&M at 7 p.m. in Lloyd Noble Center. » The athletics department will offer a seminar entitled “Setting and Achieving Your Goals” from 4 to 5 p.m. in Wagner Hall, Room 245. » The OU Animal Volunteer Alliance will host its first meeting of the semester 7 to 8 p.m. in the Union’s Presidents Room.

EXCHANGE: Students come for culture, studies Continued from page 1 Bangladesh.

Students from abroad say they come to the U.S. for varying reasons and experiences.

Martina Zucca, an exchange student from Italy who arrived Jan. 13, is studying English and Spanish while helping a professor translate a book into Italian.

Though her arrival was slowed by several setbacks including security, a canceled flight and a broken

Thursday, Jan. 27

» Tickets for the Pink and Black Ball will be on sale 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Union’s main lobby. » The “Welcome Back to Science and Engineering” meeting will be 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Union’s Beaird Lounge. The event will inform students about Alpha Sigma Kappa, Women in Technical Studies and the Triangle Fraternity. » A research librarian will be available to help students with research questions 1 to 3 p.m. in Wagner Hall, Room 280. » Gail Christenson, from the University of Texas, will give a lecture titled “The Chicxulub Structure: What an Impact!” from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Sarkeys Energy Center, Room A235. » The Society of Portuguese Speakers will host its first meeting of the semester 6 to 7 p.m. in the Union’s Crimson Room.

Friday, Jan. 28

the recent changes in travel restrictions will improve the relationship between the U.S. and Cuba.

“In some ways it’s good, but I have mixed feelings,” Ruiz said. “I think it will help the [Cuban] government more than the people.”

Cuban citizens are not allowed to interact with tourists; they cannot freely visit beaches and they cannot visit any of the stores, hotels or hospitals that tourists visit, Ruiz said.

Ruiz said students studying in Cuba may face different struggles besides travel, citing the experience of a friend who traveled to the country with students.

“Each of the classes were

» Final day to change courses from audit to credit. » Young Choreographers’ Showcase will begin at 8 p.m. in the Reynolds Performing Arts Center. » The Union Programming Board will present Zen Night from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Union. » The UPB will show the movie “Morning Glory” for free at 4, 7 and 10 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. in the Union’s Meacham Auditorium.

Saturday, Jan. 29 » Official grant announcement will begin. Grant applications will then be available for download. » Susan Contreras art exhibition will open to the public until Feb. 20. Her art will be displayed in the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and is free to OU students with ID. » The UPB will show the movie “Morning Glory” for free at 9 p.m. in the Union’s Meacham Auditorium.

Regents to discuss fees, new college The OU Board of Regents will meet at 3:30 p.m. today in the Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City to discuss creating the College of International Studies and the consideration of a new Academic Integrity Code.

The board also is scheduled to vote on fees, including the creation of new consolidated course and fees ranging from $8 to $26 per credit hour.

Other fees to be considered are increases to technology service fees for eight colleges, an increase in the graduate business program fee and the establishment of a new academic excellence fee at the law school.

— Nicholas Harrison/The Daily

» This day in OU history

Jan. 26, 1971 Hillel, OU student group host Israel Week The Hillel Foundation and the OU Jewish Student Center hosted Israel Week as a way of educating students on the turbulence in Israel. Israel Week also was put on as a way of combating anti-Israeli sentiment. Events of the week included a free public lecture, “Prospects for Peace in the Middle East,” by Benjamin Bonney, Consul General of Israel. On Friday, the Hillel hosted special Sabbath services in honor of Israel.

Student association makes plans for women’s events The Women’s Recreational Association began the semester with a representative council meeting in the Women’s Building. Plans were made for a fencing tournament and a swim meet to be held later in the semester. The association also had begun tryouts for the undergraduate basketball team.

— Source: The Oklahoma Daily archives

phone, she said everyone she met was “really, really nice.”

Unlike Mazumder, who hopes to live in the U.S. permanently, Zucca is staying in Oklahoma for four months, and is on a quest for culture.

“I want to see; I want to travel a bit. I wish to go to New Orleans, New York, Grand Canyon,” Zucca said.

Zucca said she chose OU because she wanted to live in a smaller place.

“They told me you really love your culture here, and if you really want to see the

culture part of America, you have to come in the South,” she said.

Zucca said she is making an effort to get involved by joining clubs and going to events.

“I think if you study abroad, you are different from the others,” Zucca said.

“You know how to behave with other people — not only with your friends, from your country, your culture, your language. … It’s an exchange … It’s a great opportunity, and I won’t ever have it again. So I just enjoy it.”

Exchange students by the numbers

61 189

New spring 2011 exchange students

Active exchange students from fall 2010 to spring 2011

24

Countries represented

ABROAD: Cubans unable to visit with tourists Continued from page 1

» Young Choreographers’ Showcase will begin at 8 p.m. in the Reynolds Performing Arts Center.

Ben Hardcastle, director of communications for the Oklahoma State Regents, said OU and Oklahoma State University’s tuition and fees are among the lowest in the Big 12, and the State Regents work to keep them that way.

The State Regents did not take a position when the bill was introduced, Hardcastle said. He said that the State Regents would continue to monitor the bill as it made its way through the legislative process.

“The State Regents are really all about getting more students in college and more students graduating college,” Hardcastle said.

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monitored by the government,” Ruiz said. “One cannot speak freely in class and students who visit may get the wrong idea about Cuba because information reaching them is being controlled.”

The president’s plans also provide for a restructuring of the regulations on U.S. airports’ ability to offer flights to Cuba.

Airports seeking qualification must have adequate customs and immigration

capabilities and a licensed service provider which has expressed an interest in providing service to and from Cuba, according to the White House press release.

Tassie Hirschfeld, OU anthropology professor, said she has spent considerable time in Cuba conducting research. She feels there are valid reasons for students to both visit and avoid Cuba.

“Cuba is unique because there’s been a trade embargo there since the 1960s,

meaning no McDonald’s or any of the other American businesses U.S. students are used to seeing. Cuba also has a wonderful culture, natural beauty and great, hospitable people,” Hirschfeld said. “However, Cuba is a dynastic, dictatorial regime with grave human rights abuses and if students go they won’t see that. The government keeps tabs on the Cuban-foreigner boundary in invisible ways you can’t see.”

The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com

NEWS

Wednesday, January 26, 2011 • 3

Norman City Council candidate preview Eight Norman residents will vie for the four seats on Norman’s City Council that are up for grabs in the March 1 municipal election.

Norman is divided into seven wards, each of which elects its own council member to the Norman City Council. Wards 1, 3, 5 and 7 will elect their members in March’s election, for which the last filing day was Jan. 12.

OU’s campus is within Ward 7, which has three candidates in the election.

— Alex Ewald/The Daily

Ward 1 ROGER GALLAGHER Retired commercial pilot Roger Gallagher, 69, is running for Ward 1 as a Norman citizen who has attended City Council meetings for three years.

As a frequent council meeting attendee and member of Citizens for Financial Responsibility, Gallagher said he thinks more citizen participation in City Council is essential. Gallagher moved to Norman in 1976.

“I think citizens who are interested in this city should sometimes step up and try to do something to improve the city the way they visualize it,” he said.

Contact the campaign at gallagherward1@gmail.com or 405-329-3507.

CHRIS LEWIS Norman City Planning Commissioner Chris Lewis, 47, said he feels it is important for him to come into office with a global perspective rather than a political agenda.

Lewis has been one of nine city planning commissioners since June 2009.

“If you go in with an agenda, then what you’re doing is… like putting blinders on a horse, so that means you’re going to exclude an enormous number of people and their opinions,” Lewis said.

He was a Norman reapportionment commissioner from 2006 to 2009.

Lewis has lived in Norman since 1987 and is a graduate student in the advanced programs department.

Contact the campaign at chrislewis@cox.net.

Ward 3 HAL EZZELL Incumbent Ward 3 Councilman Hal Ezzell, a Norman businessman, is running unopposed for re-election.

Ezzell, who runs a private law practice, was first elected to his Ward 3 seat in 2007, and has since served on the Council Finance Committee.

Ezzell wants to serve and represent the people of his ward again because the city’s budget needs more attention.

“The city is in a very challenging time,” Ezzell said. “The budget is the mechanics … it’s the tool you use to measure and predict for the future.”

As the only council member running for re-election this year, Ezzell hopes his future peers see that he tries to keep an open mind on every issue affecting the community.

“The City of Norman’s issues aren’t partisan by nature,” he said. “So I hope that people would observe that I was independent and thoughtful [in making decisions].”

Contact the campaign at ward3@normanOK.gov or 405-579-0142.

Ward 7 BRANDE KAUFFMAN Norman attorney Brande Kauffman, 37, said she believes City Council needs to re-prioritize, and the council is not taking citizens’ interests seriously.

There are many short and long-term problems facing the city, including changes to water use and a lack of small-business ownership, Kauffman said.

“We are Norman: It’s the small-businessmen, it’s the students, it’s the reverend, it’s the mom and kid who [go] to soccer camp,” she said. “We just need to make sure the people and their livelihood are a priority over everything else.”

Kauffman graduated from OU in 1995 with a letters degree and in 1998 from the OU College of Law. Kauffman now runs her own general litigation firm, where she practices primarily family and criminal law.

Contact the campaign at kauffmanward7@gmail.com or 405-579-0142.

STEPHEN TYLER HOLMAN

Ward 5 HOWARD SAXION Howard Saxion said he is running for the Ward 5 seat with professional expertise on issues important to Norman. Saxion, 58, announced his candidacy Jan. 8 after Rachel Butler decided not to seek re-election.

“I want to be an advocate for people who live in the ward to be sure they are being well served in the city,” said Saxion, who moved to Norman 13 years ago.

During his time in Norman, Saxion has served on several city boards such as the Environmental Control Advisory Board and the Board of Adjustment.

Contact the campaign at saxionforward5@me.com or 405-292-6715.

Former OU student Stephen Tyler Holman, 26, decided to run for City Council after regularly attending city meetings for several years. He said water use and fiscal responsibility are important him.

Living in Ward 7 is challenging because a lot of students may not feel as involved in the city because they are here for only a couple years, Holman said.

“I imagine there may be some students that could spend a couple years in Norman and hardly leave the campus,” he said.

Holman works at Hideaway Pizza and The Deli to pay his way through school at OU. Holman also runs a non-profit music-booking business, Universe City, because of which he is not enrolled in classes this semester.

Contact the campaign at stety74@gmail.com or 405-535-1491.

DAVE SPAULDING

LINDA LOCKETT

Small-business owner Dave Spaulding is running for the Ward 5 seat with plans to make the government less intrusive.

The Norman native, 36, announced his intentions to run Jan. 10 because he wants to work with his future consitutents instead of against them.

“I’m a conservative voice. I want to be a conservative voice for the people,” Spaulding said. “I think the government is more intrusive than they should be.”

Spaulding has owned his landscape business, A-Deal Lawn Service, for more than 10 years.

Contact the campaign at SpauldingWard5@primoweb.com or 405-361-5380.

Longtime Norman businesswoman Linda Lockett, who was elected the first female Norman Business Assocation president in 1987, is running for the Norman City Council’s Ward 7 seat on her lifetime of experience in business.

Lockett, 72, said she wants the City Council to be more fiscally responsible.

“I’ve been in business all my life, and I just want to see the city spend its money wisely and to not depend on raising money for everything,” she said.

Lockett, who graduated from OU with a business degree in 1960, was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the NBA in 1990.

Contact the campaign at lockett4ward7@gmail.com or 405-922-0557.

4 • Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com

THUMBS UP ›› Oklahoma senator sponsors bill to help low-income students get into college (see page 1)

OPINION

Jared Rader, opinion editor dailyopinion@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666

OUR VIEW

COLUMN

Study in Cuba could help

Roe v. Wade still attacked 38 years later

I n a w e l c o m e m ov e, President Barack Obama’s administration plans to relax travel restrictions to Cuba for religious groups and students interested in studying there.

This has great potential to improve relations between the U.S. and the small communist island — and students should seize the opportunity to study there. It’s possible these travel exemptions could be taken away in light of even slight tension with the country.

While OU doesn’t have a study-abroad program in place with Cuba, universities such as American University, Duke University and Florida International do.

Visiting Cuba should help students gain a greater

understanding of a country that has experienced a U.S. embargo for the last 50 years.

The embargo is considered a failure by many, but U.S. officials continue extending it.

Instead of forcing Fidel Castro and the communist party to release their stranglehold on democracy in Cuba, the embargo has arguably empowered these figures, allowing them to blame the U.S. for all of Cuba’s problems.

Even Daniel Griswold of the Libertarian Cato Institute think-tank in Washington, D.C., has criticized U.S. policy toward Cuba.

“The embargo has made the Cuban people a bit more impoverished, without making them one bit more free. At the same time, it has deprived

Americans of their freedom to travel and has cost U.S. farmers and other producers billions of dollars of potential exports,” Griswold said in a June 2009 editorial in The Guardian.

Some lawmakers have recognized the futility of sanctions against the country, but little progress has been made because of enduring disdain for the socialist country.

The chances of the embargo being lifted against Cuba will increase if more students gain a greater understanding of the country.

Granted, Cuban officials will likely do their best to control exactly what students see in the country, there should be little worry that students will be swayed by

their tactics. It’s a safe bet that most Americans are aware of the Cuban government’s ongoing human rights abuses.

Allowing people to travel to and businesses to invest in Cuba will only help the country get on course for democratic change.

A similar situation is happening in China. While the government is still an authoritarian regime, normalized U.S. relations with the country have helped it open up in ways that were unimaginable 40 years ago.

Let’s hope this light improvement on travel restrictions to Cuba will lead to a similar reality.

Welcoming students of all majors, Teach for America provides a pathway to certification through state and district programs across the country from Boston to Los Angeles.

Although teaching for the first time can be challenging, Teach for America and the school districts provide training and support to ensure corps members have the resources to rise to the occasion.

Inspiring students in the classroom and motivating them toward success enables students to achieve their full potential in core subjects and, upon graduation, provide for being both career and college ready.

Teach for America begins its work to bridge the gap in education equality where it begins — the classroom. Teaching students to be lifelong learners and develop proficiency in core subjects will effectively stem the tide of the negative outcomes of education inequality — increased incarceration rates, limited economic opportunity and stifled innovation.

Visit www.teachforamerica.org for more information about joining the corps and enhancing the lives of students in the classroom. Applications are due Feb. 4.

Saturday marked the 38th anniversary of the passage of Roe v. Wade, STAFF COLUMN OLUMN the historic Supreme Court decision that reafSarah Garrett arrett firmed women’s right to privacy as a part of due process of law.

Since this date, states have been forbidden to prohibit abortion for women before a fetus is viable, a calculation that shows respect for the value of a grown person’s life over the pipe dreams of “possible lives” of unborn people.

The landmark Roe v. Wade decision continues to come under violent and verbal attack from a wide spectrum of activists, people who are determined to make other people’s life choices.

The latest assault on this constitutional right came to Congress on Thursday in the form of H.R. 3, or the “No Taxpayer Funds for Abortion Act.” This resolution would actually prohibit a taxpayer from receiving new tax discounts on insurance (meant to make private, for-profit insurance more affordable — a part of the Affordable Health Care Act) if the insurance plan in question provides coverage for abortions.

H.R. 3, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Christopher Smith, R-NJ, also prohibits federal health care providers from performing the procedures, and applies all the above prohibitions to the District of Columbia. This bill and the surrounding discussions equalize “abortion” and “reproductive freedom” in the minds of the American public, perhaps deliberately.

Reproductive freedom categorically includes emergency contraception such as medical abortion and the use of the abortion pill RU 486, but the concept of reproductive freedom is not limited to highly politically charged scapegoats like emergency contraception.

Reproductive freedom should include all factual information and access to resources that allow women and men to plan their families, rather than have the realities of parenthood thrust upon them for lack of education, access to contraception and impartial medical care.

Oklahoma’s new Legislature also is continuing efforts to undermine federal security of this right for women by bringing up laws that try to limit access to legal abortion.

These limits include the April The point of Roe 2010 law, which requires any v. Wade was woman seeking termination not to make a to undergo an unnecessary moral judgment ultrasound procedure, in hopes that she will change on the practice her mind under psychologiof abortion. The cal duress. decision stands as Oklahoma’s Republicana demonstration dominated congress has of the equal rights promised to introduce more of all persons to restrictions on access to safe, legal abortion. Oklahoma is autonomy over one of a minority of states that their own bodies.” have a “trigger law,” which would prohibit abortion and other reproductive services straight away should Roe v.

Wade be overturned.

Regardless of whatever quasi-moral, anti-eugenicist arguments against specific instances of abortion exist (the vast majority of these being logically flawed, originating from a very specific ideological view and perpetuated by men), Roe v. Wade was the correct decision for the Supreme Court to make, and the right of women to autonomy over their own bodies is rightly secured by the Constitution according to the court’s interpretation.

The point of Roe v. Wade was not to make a moral judgment on the practice of abortion. The decision stands as a demonstration of the equal rights of all people to autonomy over their own bodies. A person has the right to make informed decisions about her own future, based on factual information and what she deems best at the time — especially the decision about when to start a family.

In our society, the responsibility wrongly falls entirely on women’s heads. The “abortion debate” could be just as accurately described as “whether or not to restrict the lifechanging choices of other people based on our own specific ideas about morality debate”. This kind of “debate” is inevitably ethnocentric and grounded in a worthless screaming match about whose subjective ideas about life are correct.

The bottom line is women have the inalienable right to determine their lives, including choices of reproduction.

Anti-choice protest and action on the issue of abortion distract us from conversations that we should be having about reproductive freedom.

Other more important issues, such as more effective and freely chosen parenting, disease prevention and repairing childhood (and community) inequality experienced by the poor and minorities, have been sidelined by this ideologically motivated debate about reproductive rights that were secured almost 40 years ago.

— Brett Stidham, human resources management senior

— Sarah Garrett, anthropology senior

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COLUMN

Embark upon a food journey “Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants.” This is the premSome more time clicking ise of a book by Michael Pollan called “In Defense of Food.” around will show you the STAFF COLUMN UMN I bought it recently because during the past few months, I’ve advantages of organically been thinking more and more about what kinds of substanc- produced vegetables and Jerod Coker ker es I’m putting into my body. And that got me thinking: Why fruits over regular commerdon’t we talk about this? cially produced ones. The We love talking about politics, economics and social is- lack of pesticides, the fact sues, but we rarely talk about something that is at least as that they are not genetically modified organisms, the soil important: food. conditions they are raised in, even when they are harvested, It all started when People for the Ethical Treatment of have led me to try and purchase only organic fruits and vegAnimals vice president Bruce Friedrich came to OU for a de- etables as well. bate called “Is Eating Meat Ethical?” Whatever one thinks of I don’t have time to go into all of the details of what I’ve PETA, or Friedrich for that matter, is beside the point. What I learned so far in my perusing of food facts, but I would engot out of the debate was a different view toward food. courage anyone who, like me, hadn’t thought much about I started watching documentaries like “Food, Inc.” and the food they eat before now to do some research.

“The Future of Food.” I started readSome questions to consider: Does aling the nutrition facts on the cans and cohol lower testosterone levels? What do Other questions will arise packages of the food I bought, and I factory farms do to the animals they raise? started cooking my own meals.

How many calories, sodium, fat, sugar and as you research what The point of this article is not to conyou’re putting in your body, more is in the food at restaurants I go to? vince you to eat one particular diet or about the food I buy? What the hell and you may be disgusted What another. Whether you’re a raw-food is high fructose corn syrup, and why is it in at times. But that’s OK. vegan, a cooked-food vegan, a vegeverything? What is mono-cropping?

Find out what exactly etarian, an omnivore, a pescatarian or Other questions will arise as you rewhatever, my point is that we should you’re eating, and come to search what you’re putting in your body, think about what we eat before we eat and you may be disgusted at times. But your own conclusions.” it. This is something I had never really that’s OK. Find out what exactly you’re eatdone before a few months ago. ing, and come to your own conclusions.

For instance, if you go to meat.org, you can watch Paul My conclusions have been to follow Pollan’s advice from the McCartney (a personal hero of mine) narrate all of the atroc- beginning. I mainly eat plants, with some occasional chickities that factory farms commit against the animals they en and fish (I stay away from mammals altogether). raise. This led me to stop eating any meat that wasn’t ethiI don’t know why we don’t talk about this important topic cally raised. more often, but hopefully this column will serve as a springOr if you spend some time on Google looking for infor- board for thought, research and discussion. Happy eating! mation about what they feed these animals, you’ll see that factory farms feed them disgusting diets, pump them full of — Jerod Coker, hormones, force them to grow abnormally quickly, etc. This journalism senior led me to only eat meat and eggs that have been certified as organic by the USDA. Comment on this column at OUDaily.com

GUEST COLUMN

Teach for America inspires Editor’s note: Brett Stidham is an incoming 2011 Teach for America Corps member for the Washington, D.C., region Have you ever thought about how our nation can solve some of the biggest challenges facing America: reducing the need for more prisons, increasing economic development in our communities and enhancing the spirit of innovation and creativity for the future?

Believe it or not, all of these factors are influenced by the education of students in classrooms across our nation. State and local governments use the reading proficiency of third graders to forecast the future population of their correctional facilities, and sadly, they are highly effective in their assessments.

In Oklahoma, employers seek other options in terms of location because the perspective employee pool is by and large not prepared in key math and science areas to address the challenges of jobs available.

Competing in the future means competing in a knowledge-based economy; this requires us to revive the essence of being American — creativity and innovation. Progress toward achieving these goals begins on day one in the classroom.

Teach for America facilitates this process by placing leaders in the classroom to inspire and foster an environment of creativity and growth in academic disciplines.

Meredith Moriak Chase Cook Chris Miller Jared Rader James Corley

contact us

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phone: 405-325-3666

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e-mail: dailynews@ou.edu

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

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

Letters should concentrate on issues, not personalities, and should be fewer than 250 words, typed, double spaced and signed by the author(s). Letters will be edited for space. Students must list their major and classification. Submit letters Sunday through Thursday in 160 Copeland Hall. Letters also can be e-mailed to dailyopinion@ou.edu.

Our View is the voice of The Oklahoma Daily Editorial Board, which consists of the editorial staff. The board meets at 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday in 160 Copeland Hall.

Columnists’ and cartoonists’ opinions are not necessarily the opinions of The Daily Editorial Board.

NEWS

The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com

Wednesday, January 26, 2011 • 5

Egyptians clash with police

1 2

Similar political unrest in Tunisia inspires riots against government CAIRO — Thousands of anti-government protesters clashed with police Tuesday in the center of Cairo in a demonstration to demand the end of Hosni Mubarak’s nearly 30 years in power.

Police responded with blasts from water cannons and set upon crowds with batons and tear gas to clear demonstrators demanding an end to Egypt’s grinding poverty, corruption, unemployment and police abuses.

Tuesday’s demonstration, the largest Egypt has seen for years, began peacefully, with police showing restraint in what appeared to be a strategy by the government to avoid further sullying the image of a security apparatus criticized as corrupt and violent.

With discontent growing over economic woes, and the toppling of Tunisia’s president still resonating in the region, Egypt’s government — which normally responds with swift retribution to any dissent — needed to tread

WORLD NEWS BRIEFS 1. Paris

France, Russia sign deal on assault warships

NASSER NASSER/AP

A wounded protester is helped away after clashes with riot police at a demonstration Tuesday in Cairo, Egypt. Thousands of anti-government protesters, some hurling rocks and climbing atop an armored police truck, clashed with riot police in the center of Cairo in a Tunisia-inspired demonstration to demand the end of Hosni Mubarak’s nearly 30 years in power. carefully.

But as crowds filled downtown Cairo’s Tahrir Square — waving Egyptian and Tunisian flags and adopting the same protest chants that rang out in the streets of Tunis — security personnel changed tactics and the protest turned violent. Around

10,000 protesters packed the vast square, the Interior Ministry said.

The sight of officers beating demonstrators had particular resonance because Tuesday was also a national holiday honoring the muchfeared police.

In Egypt, discontent with

life in the autocratic, police state has simmered under the surface for years.

It is the example of Tunisia, though, that appeared to be enough to push many young Egyptians into the streets for the first time.

— AP

Russia orders crackdown on extremists Airport security is weak, country plans to look to United States as example, president says MOSCOW — Stung by another terror attack, President Dmitri Medvedev on Tuesday ordered security services to step up efforts to dismantle extremist networks and criticized the management of Moscow’s biggest airport.

A day after a suicide bombing killed 35 people waiting for international passengers arriving at Domodedovo airport, there still was no claim of responsibility. But suspicion fell on Islamic militant groups from the Caucasus region who have been blamed for previous attacks, and Russian officials said they were searching for three Chechen men.

“It is obvious there are system errors in ensuring people’s safety, and in managing this transportation facility,” he said.

“The existing information demonstrates that there was simply anarchy,” he added. People “would come in from anywhere, and the movement control at best was partial — and didn’t apply to those who were meeting passengers.”

One survivor of the attack said although the airport had

metal detectors installed at its entrances, he saw no one being required to pass through them.

In 2004, two suicide bombers were able to buy tickets illegally from Domodedovo staff and detonated bombs aboard a pair of planes, killing 90 people. The last major attack in Moscow was in March, when two bombers attacked the metro system, killing about 40 people. Officials said they traced those bombers back to the Caucasus region of Dagestan.

With Russia preparing to host major international events including the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, Medvedev said Russian officials must learn from how airport security is conducted in countries such as Israel and the United States: “The examination of both passengers and luggage is most thorough. They will take out your entire soul.”

Airport officials declined to comment on the criticism.

Medvedev’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said no immediate personnel changes were planned.

— AP

France’s government on Tuesday signed an agreement to sell four assault warships to Russia, finalizing a deal that has raised concerns in the United States.

French Defense Minister Alain Juppe and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin signed the deal in Saint Nazaire.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy also was present.

The ships will be able to carry helicopters and armored vehicles. Sarkozy said two ships will be built in France and two others in Russia. ___

2. Maiduguri, Nigeria

Radical sect kills 2 soldiers, injures 1 in northeast Nigeria An army general says suspected members of a radical Muslim sect shot two soldiers to death and injured another manning a checkpoint in northeast Nigeria.

Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Ndaliman said the shooting happened Sunday in the rural village of Biu. Ndaliman said two members of the Boko Haram sect opened fire from a motorcycle.

Boko Haram, which means “Western education is sacrilege” in the local Hausa language, has attacked churches and engineered a massive prison break in recent months.

— AP

6 • Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com

CLASSIFIEDS

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

J Housing Rentals

PLACE AN AD HELP WANTED

Fax: 405-325-7517 Campus Address: COH 149A

Phone: 405-325-2521 E-mail: classifieds@ou.edu

Charleston Apartments: Grounds & Pool person needed, 2073 W Lindsey. $7.50 start. PT during semester, FT during breaks. Call 364-3603, ask for Jamie.

DEADLINES Line Ad..................................................................................3 days prior Place line ad by 9:00 a.m. 3 business days prior to publication.

$5,000-$7,000

Display Ad ............................................................................3 days prior Classified Display or Classified Card Ad Place your display, classified display or classified card ads by 5:00 p.m. 3 business days prior to publication.

PAYMENT s r r

Bartending! Up to $300/day. No exp nec.

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

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

Available positions in the OU Athletics Department!!! Junior, Senior, Graduate, and Post-graduate applicants only!!!

MATH - Statistics!!! Hiring for Spring 2011. Call 325-0554 for more info!!!

Light housekeeping in Norman, 2x/month, fee negotiable. Must have transportation.

Please provide ref. Call 321-1294 between 4-8pm.

TM

GREAT STUDENT JOB PT Leasing Agent, Mon-Fri 12:45-6 Rotating Sats. Pay based on experience.

Must be friendly & detail oriented.

Apply at 2900 Chautauqua Or call 360-6624 for more info.

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

RATES

Need night drivers w/ good driving record, over 25 yrs old - cash daily! Yellow Cab of Norman 329-3333

Line Ad There is a 2 line minimum charge; approximately 42 characters per line, including spaces and punctuation.

(Cost = Days x # lines x $/line)

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

TUTORS WANTED!!!

Available positions in the OU Athletics Department!!! Junior, Senior, Graduate, and Post-graduate applicants only!!! ALL SUBJECTS - SOC, PSY, & COMM!!!

Hiring for Spring 2011. Call 325-8376 for more info!!!

10-14 days.........$1.15/line 15-19 days.........$1.00/line 20-29 days........$ .90/line 30+ days ........ $ .85/line

1 day ..................$4.25/line 2 days ................$2.50/line 3-4 days.............$2.00/line 5-9 days.............$1.50/line

HELP WANTED

APTS. UNFURNISHED

Traditions Spirits is currently hiring HOSTS for breakfast, lunch and dinner shifts at Autographs Sports Bar, located inside Riverwind Casino. Please apply online at www.traditionsspirits.com, or in person at 2813 SE 44th St, Norman, OK. You may also email your resume to hr@traditionsspirits.com or contact Human Resources at (405) 392-4550.

Simple Student Living at quality prices: SOONER CROSSING! 1 Beds avail starting JAN! 321-5947 - soonercrossing.com

Marshal (Part-Time) Municipal Court Graduation from college and currently attending law school. Valid Oklahoma Driver’s License and satisfactory motor vehicle record. Knowledge of courtroom proceedings and practices and legal terminology. $8.25 per hour. Work period: 15 hours a week maximum. Approximately 10 hours in the courtroom on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and 5 hours serving processes. Obtain application at 201-C West Gray, Human Resources Dept., CITY OF NORMAN (405) 366-5482. Web: normanok. gov EOE/AA

J Housing Rentals

CONDOS UNFURNISHED Great 1BR Condo close to Campus.

Convenient location with access to public transportation, grocery stores & dining.

Association has on-site laundry facilities & pool! Call Jennifer at (405) 323-3145 to see the unit any time.

9

help is just a phone call away

number

crisis line

325-6963 (NYNE)

OU Number Nyne Crisis Line

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

except OU holidays and breaks

HOUSES UNFURNISHED AVAILABLE IN MAY A short walk to OU, 1-5 blks west of OU, nice brick homes, wood floors, CH/A, W/D, disposal, good parking.

3 bdrm $990-$1,500 2 bdrm $700-$900 1 bdrm $420-$500 Bob, MISTER ROBERT FURNITURE 321-1818 House for rent @ Campus Corner.

Triplex: 3bd, 2bd & 1bd apts. Shown by appt only. Call or text 918-629-3153

APTS. UNFURNISHED RENT NOW!! $99 dep / 6 mos. Free Gym 1 & 2 bedrooms available Pets Welcome! Large Floor Plans!

Models open 8a-8p Everyday!

360-6624 or www.elite2900.com HUNTERS RUN 2 Bed T/H’s $99 dep / 6 mo free gym Monthly Rent $805.00 Appr. 1400sqft, 2 Car Garage Small Fenced Yd, Full size W/D Elite Properties 360-6624 or www.elite2900.com

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

2 col (3.25 in) x 2.25 inches

2 col (3.25 in) x 2 inches Sudoku ..............$760/month Boggle ...............$760/month Horoscope ........$760/month

brighter future

Crossword ........$515/month

It’s simple. Replace your 5 most frequently used lights with ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR® to reduce your home energy use and make a big difference in the fight against air pollution.

POLICY 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 3252521, 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.

Being

NUMBER ONE is nothing to celebrate.

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.

This year, more than 163,000 people will die from lung cancer—making it America’s

NUMBER ONE

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.

cancer killer.

But new treatments offer hope.

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

Join Lung Cancer Alliance in the fight against this disease.

YOUR HOME CAN CAUSE TWICE AS MANY GREENHOUSE GASES AS A CAR. Discover steps you can take to reduce air pollution from your home and car at energystar.gov.

lungcanceralliance.org

ENERGY STAR® is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

dowellproperties.com

HOROSCOPE

Best apartment value in Norman!!!

By Bernice Bede Osol

Copyright 2010, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.

Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011

w/d hook ups, westside

w/d hook ups, westside

1 bd 1 ba 748 SF $430 2 bd 1 ba 832 SF $465 2 bd 2 ba 880 SF $475 2 bd 2 ba 968 SF $505 2 bd 2.5 ba 1150 SF - TH $595 3 bd 3.5 ba 1350 SF - TH $695 364-3603 No Pets

Georgian Townhomes 1 bd 1 ba 675 SF $425 2 bd 1 ba 875 SF $485 Apartments 1 bd 1 ba 748 SF $420 2 bd 1 ba 900 SF $485 3 bd 1 ba ABP 1000 SF $670

Monday- Friday 8:30-5:30 Saturday 1-5 p.m.

2072 W. Lindsey BISHOP’S LANDING

Monday- Friday 8:30-6 p.m.

Saturday 1-5 p.m.

1932 W. Lindsey

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) - If your way of doing something conflicts with that of a co-worker’s, both parties must be prepared to make some adjustments. Problems will result if you are unyielding or too stubborn.

Near Campus Across from Duck Pond

360-7744

Eff, 1 & 2 Bed Apartments

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Someone who is jealous of you, but who doesn’t operate openly, might attempt to put some obstacles on your path. However, because you’re up to his/her shenanigans, they won’t affect you.

From $263/mo

M-F 8:30-5:30, Sat 1-5p.m.

333 E. Brooks (one block east of OU.) ** No pets *Effective rent allows for comp. with apts. that are not all bills paid

7 8 2

9 6

5

3 5 4 1 3 9 8 5

1 4 7

6

6 2

9 5 6 2 6 3 7 1 4

Previous Solution 1 8 4 7 2 9 6 5 3

7 3 6 8 5 1 4 9 2

9 5 2 3 4 6 8 1 7

4 9 1 5 6 3 7 2 8

3 7 8 2 9 4 5 6 1

6 2 5 1 7 8 3 4 9

5 4 3 9 1 7 2 8 6

8 6 9 4 3 2 1 7 5

2 1 7 6 8 5 9 3 4

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

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.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) - Keep your opinions to yourself regarding problems or decisions that don’t directly involve you, even if it does affect a friend who won’t fight back. You could make things worse.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) - Strive to appreciate your mate’s point of view, especially if it involves a family issue. If you can’t meet him/her halfway, it will encourage conditions for lingering warfare.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) - Do not partake in gossip pertaining to someone who isn’t present to defend him/herself. Anything negative you say will be repeated to the object of your attention.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) - Avoid all types of risky enterprises, especially those that are of a financial nature. Lust for action could override your common sense and objectivity, causing you to make a poor choice.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) - Take care that you don’t ignore your better judgment and yield to the wishes of a clever manipulator. If you are on guard, this person’s tactics will prove fruitless.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Courtesy and rationality are both essential requirements for dealing with people. When it comes to your involvements with others, treat everyone with the respect you want from them.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) - Don’t take merchandise or equipment that needs repair back to the place that did a lousy job previously, even if you originally bought it from them. Find someplace new.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) - Don’t seethe in silence if an arrogant person directs some derogatory remarks at you. Let this person know up front that you’re not a candidate for putdowns.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Complications will result if you are far too possessive of someone with whom you’re emotionally involved.

This type of action always ends up in causing the person to flee.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) - If you and a close friend find yourselves in a conflicting position regarding an issue about which you both feel strongly, don’t let it get out of hand. Agree to disagree.

Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker January 26, 2011

ACROSS 1 Parental palindrome 4 Some cottons 10 Decorated pitcher 14 Yoko from Tokyo 15 Extra number 16 Prone to sunburn 17 Sitcom with Judge Harry Stone 19 Where the rial rules 20 Dropped hints about 21 Mischievous youngster 23 They had cool jobs?

25 Superhero’s garment 27 Yearling’s age 28 German engraver Albrecht 29 Speaker systems, briefly 30 Car parker 32 Smelter input 33 Box office triumph 35 “Let’s Get It Started” group 40 Used FedEx 41 Owed, as payment 43 What theme parks do 46 Uncommon sense?

47 Drained of color 49 Pen inhabitant 50 Taro root

52 Restraining order?

53 Pennypincher, slangily 55 Cavalry blade 56 Tobacco dryer 57 Film characterized by satiric humor 62 Puerto ___ 63 Showing more age, in a way 64 Scottish veto 65 Roller coaster’s feature 66 Ants, old-style 67 Wrecking-ball alternative DOWN 1 Put on 2 Something to buy from Sajak 3 Nonsense verse 4 Varsity member’s prize 5 Pre-Columbian Andean 6 Loch Lomond local 7 Gymnast Mary ___ Retton 8 Commit a faux pas 9 Frame 10 Sweeping story 11 Soup can painter Andy 12 Benes of sitcom fame 13 Curdling

substance 18 Where the heart is, proverbially 22 Accelerate sharply 23 Words that end an engagement 24 Sidewalk border 25 West Indian musical style 26 Out like a light 29 Sounded like a chick 31 Grabbed a bite 33 Hit the slopes 34 Like every other number 36 “With the jawbone of an ___ ...” (Judges 15:16) 37 Nestling’s cry 38 Supporter of

a cause 39 Egypt’s ___ Canal 42 Dir. opposite of WSW 43 State of harmony 44 Angora’s coat 45 Paris-based peace gp.

47 Tree-shaded areas 48 “... not always what they ___” 51 Ram truck maker 52 Gemstone surface 54 Perched on 55 Type of terrier 58 Spot for a shot 59 St. Louis gridder 60 Dapper guy 61 “The best is ___ to come!”

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

© 2011 Universal Uclick www.upuzzles.com

EBONY NO IVORY by Hermmy Getz

(Editors: For editorial questions, contact Nadine Anheier, h i @ li k )

Spring Specials

The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com

Wednesday, January 26, 2011 • 7

LIFE&ARTS

TOMORROW ›› Read a feature about Thursday’s Young Choreographers Showcase

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

Oscar snubs and surprises ‘King’s Speech’ leads with 12 nominations; higher ed documentary left in the cold JAKE COYLE The Associated Press

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Top: Colin Firth portrays King George VI in “The King’s Speech.” The film was nominated Tuesday morning for an Academy Award for best film.

Left: Jennifer Lawrence is shown in a scene from best-picture nominee “Winter’s Bone.” The 20-year-old Lawrence is the fifth-youngest best actress nominee.

Best Picture:

Best Actor:

Best Actress:

» “Black Swan” » “The Fighter” » “Inception” » “The Kids Are All Right” » “The King’s Speech” » “127 Hours” » “The Social Network” » “Toy Story 3” » “True Grit” » “Winter’s Bone”

» Javier Bardem, “Biutiful” » Jeff Bridges, “True Grit” » Jesse Eisenberg, “The Social Network” » Colin Firth, “The King’s Speech” » James Franco, “127 Hours”

» Annette Bening, “The Kids Are All Right” » Nicole Kidman, “Rabbit Hole” » Jennifer Lawrence, “Winter’s Bone” » Natalie Portman, “Black Swan” » Michelle Williams, “Blue Valentine”

NEW YORK — In handing out 120 nominations, the Oscars inevitably spurn others. “Snub” is the word of choice for these oversights, and Christopher Nolan is well acquainted with its meaning.

Two years after seeing his “The Dark Knight” earn neither a best picture nomination nor a directing nod, Nolan was passed over for directing “Inception,” another film both acclaimed and popular at the box office.

This time, at least, “Inception” was included among the best picture nominees, which now include 10 films — a change made last year partly because of the outcry over the rebuff of “The Dark Knight.”

“Inception” still counted eight nominations, including a best original screenplay mention for Nolan, yet nothing for Lee Smith’s bravo editing.

Though many of the nominations announced Tuesday by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences were as expected, the most glaring omission was that of “Waiting for ‘Superman’” in the best documentary category.

One of the most talked about documentaries of the year and a widely expected Oscar favorite, the education system examination was left out, perhaps because some experts deemed it an inaccurate exaggeration of charter schools.

Other surprises from this year’s batch of Oscar nominees include:

NEVER IN THE CONVERSATION The Oscar race often arrives at favorites in a curious, buzz-reliant way. There were many who never caught on with the academy, but nevertheless are among the snubbed: Martin Scorsese’s “Shutter Island,” Tilda Swinton in “I Am Love,” Pierce Brosnan in “The Ghost Writer,” Greta Gerwig in “Greenberg,” Rebecca Hall in “Please Give” and surely many others.

BARDEM DISPLACES DUVALL Earning an acting nomination for a performance in another language is never easy, but Javier Bardem managed to get into the best actor field with a nomination for the Spanishlanguage “Biutiful.” Bardem’s third nomination (he won for “No Country For Old Men” in 2008) likely took the spot pegged for Robert Duvall’s bearded hermit in “Get Low.”

THIS YEAR’S INDIE DARLING The Ozark Mountains drama “Winter’s Bone” had long been a cause celebre for those who root for the smaller movies. Rather than sneak into the awards, it garnered a commanding four nominations, including best picture and best supporting actor for John Hawkes. Its star, the 20-year-old Jennifer Lawrence, is the fifth youngest best actress nominee.

GOSLING, MANVILLE MISSING Many would say the two best performances of 2010 were Ryan Gosling in “Blue Valentine” and Lesley Manville in “Another Year.” Both were left out, though Gosling’s co-star, Michelle Williams, was nominated for best actress. Some questioned why Manville wasn’t pushed in the supportingactress category.

A KING’S DOZEN “The King’s Speech” was a heavy favorite going into Tuesday’s announcement, but its leading 12 nominations is still a surprisingly high total. Though a performance-based film, it still earned nods for cinematography and sound editing. (With 10 nominations, “True Grit” also proved especially strong, further highlighting the Golden Globes’ questionable judgment in snubbing it altogether.)

The Fred Harris Lecture Series will present a

Free Public Lecture to be held

Wednesday, January 26th at 7:30 p.m. in the Meacham Auditorium at the University of Oklahoma Memorial Student Union The speaker will be the 2008 National Book Awardee 2009 Pulitzer Prize Winner 2010 MacArthur Fellow

Annette Gordon-Reed Professor of law and history at Harvard University and The Carol K. Pforzheimer Professor at the Radclife Institute for Advanced Study.

As part of the Fred Harris Lecture Series Professor Gordon-Reed will present the free public lecture on

“The Hemingses of Monticello: Writing the Life of an Enslaved Family.”

For disability or special accommodations contact the History Department at the University of Oklahoma at 405-325-6002.

8 • Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com

SPORTS

OUDAILY.COM ›› Madison Mooring (shown left) earns newcomer of the week honors after Sunday performance

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

COLUMN

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Sooners continue to shine

Post play, defense key against Aggies

In 2008-09, Oklahoma became the first school to have both the Heisman Trophy winner for football (Dec. ‘08) and the Naismith Award winner for men’s basketball (March ‘09) in the same academic year.

Blake Griffin and Sam Bradford are accomplishing things no pair from one school has ever accomplished in sports history.

After winning the Naismith and Heisman awards, they became the first duo from the same school to be selected No. 1 overall in their respective drafts.

Griffin and Bradford have since taken their talents to the NBA and NFL respectively, and both continue to perform at a very high level.

Now, Griffin and Bradford stand poised to be the first players from the same school to win Rookie of the Year in their respective sports in the same season.

Bradford set several NFL rookie records this season as the quarterback of the St. Louis Rams, including pass attempts (590) and completions (354). He also set the rookie record for consecutive passes without an interception (169) and became the first rookie to pass for 300 yards and three touchdowns without an interception in a 36-33 road win at Denver.

Lastly, he was the first rookie QB to win back-toback Offensive Rookie of the Month awards.

The NFL will announce its Rookie of the Year, for which Bradford is a finalist, on Feb. 3.

Griffin has been equally impressive in the NBA.

Sooners to host Texas A&M, formidable center Adams in battle of unbeatens in conference play ANNELISE RUSSELL The Oklahoma Daily

ALEX GALLARDO/AP

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) drives against Indiana Pacers forward Tyler Hansbrough on Jan. 17. Griffin is considered a front-runner for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award.

STAFF COLUMN

Luke McConnell

As of Tuesday night, he is averaging 22.8 points per game and 12.9 rebounds a game. He recorded 27 consecutive double-doubles until that streak was snapped Jan. 19.

It’s as if he is back at OU, terrorizing helpless opponents that are neither as big nor as athletic as he is.

Griffin’s fixture on ESPN SportsCenter’s “Top Plays,”

because of his rim-rattling dunks, has made him a human highlight reel.

The NBA will announce its Rookie of the Year, for which Griffin is considered a front-runner, during the playoffs in June.

So these former Sooners are having great success at the next level. But it’s really a lot more than that.

The thing about college is once you advance to the next level, you become a de facto ambassador for your school. The things you do and the things you say are both reflections on your

SOFTBALL

OU nets top-10 ranking Sooner team again listed in national top 25, along with four conference foes TOBI NEIDY The Oklahoma Daily

One week after the OU softball team was credited as the Big 12 Conference’s No. 1 team in the Coaches Poll, the Sooners received top-10 rankings in both collegiate national polls.

OU begins the 2011 season ranked No. 9 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Poll and No. 6 in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Poll.

Defending national champion UCLA sits atop the NFCA poll after beating Arizona 6-5 and 15-9 in the championship series last season during the Women’s

Stay connected with The Daily sports desk for news and updates about Sooner sports

@OUDailySports www.twitter.com/OUDailySports

Past Sooner rankings/finishes Year 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006

Preseason ranking (NFCA/ESPN) 9/6 11/10 10/7 5/5 16/16 12/13

College World Series in Oklahoma City. Arizona commands the top spot in the ESPN poll after posting a slightly better overall point total (488-462) than the Bruins.

OU isn’t the only representative from the Big 12 in the polls. Missouri is ranked No. 7 in the NFCA and No. 9 in the ESPN.

NCAA postseason result ?

Super Regional Regionals Super Regional Super Regional Regionals

Last season, the Missouri Tigers made it to the WCWS t h ro u g h t h e C o l u m b i a Regional and Super Regional before dropping their first game to Hawaii, 3-2, and then being ousted

by Florida, 5-0.

Texas (15/15), Texas A&M (21/19) and Oklahoma State (23/22) also received preseason top-25 rankings.

Christians on Campus Christian Seminar Today, 1/26 @12:30pm Traditions Room, OU Union “Why did God run?” www.christiansoncampus.cc

school.

Bradford and Griffin are ambassadors in the highest sense because they are public figures who are constantly scrutinized, both for their play and for their character off the field and court.

In a world where athletes are constantly being caught in illegal activities, having affairs or taking performance-enhancing drugs, it’s great to see two of OU’s own excelling both on and off the field.

—Luke McConnell, journalism junior

“Block out, block out, block out.”

That’s the name of the game, according to sophomore center Lyndsey Cloman, when the No. 13 Sooners host No. 6 Texas A&M at 7 tonight at Lloyd Noble Center.

Both teams are vying to remain undefeated in Big 12 play, but one major roadblock for the Sooners will be Texas A&M’s Danielle Adams. The senior center averages 22.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.

“We’ve got to contest, keep her off the block and keep her off the boards,” Cloman said.

Senior forward Carlee Roethlisberger also might be tasked to post Adams at the five spot. And despite Adams’ size, Roethlisberger said she likes her own chances on the offensive side because of her speed and 3-point shot ability.

Despite being a wide body, Adams is only listed as 6-foot1-inch, so using Adams’ lack of height against her and getting hands up in the post will be critical, Cloman said.

Although Adams may take up space in the paint, senior guard Danielle Robinson said it won’t change her game.

“I’m still going to be aggressive, and that’s not my style to be passive at all, even if there is a dominant post player,” Robinson said. “You just got to make plays.”

This Texas A&M squad is known for its defense. Robinson said the Sooners are going to have to respond on offense by being confident and relying on one another.

“We just know that we can’t turn it over because they’re going to take advantage of it,” Robinson said. “We have to be strong with the ball and know that somebody’s going to come when we need help.”

The Aggies lead the nation in forced turnovers per game (25), but the Sooners have slowly begun to develop their own identity on the defensive end.

“I think now that we throw that defense in the mix ... you can really play a full, rounded game,” Roethlisberger said.

And the Sooners are going to need a full-force effort against an Aggie team that has beaten OU four of the last five outings. Luckily for the Sooners, the first meeting this season is in Norman, where OU is 16-2 against Texas A&M. All signs point to a defensive battle tonight, and whichever team can outlast the other will remain unscathed in conference play.

“It’s gonna be a great game. It might be a really low-scoring game, but its going to be a battle,” Cloman said.