The Oklahoma Daily

FRIDAY OCTOBER 23, 2009

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HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS WILL NOT TAKE EFFECT UNTIL 2013 Issues surrounding reform bill spark heavy debate CAITLIN HARRISON Daily Staff Writer

As Congress inches closer to passing a health care reform bill, many things remain uncertain, but one isn’t: Most of the bill’s major provisions won’t take effect until 2013.

Marc Young, assistant insurance commissioner at the Oklahoma Insurance Department, said the U.S. may see many of the bill’s payment mechanisms enacted within the next year, including tax increases and reductions in medical reimbursements.

But none of its significant changes — specifically, federal tax credits to make insurance more affordable — will occur for about three years.

“This is an incredibly complex issue,” Young said. “It’s going to take some considerable time to get a lot of these provisions in place and enacted.”

But more time before health care changes could have an upside, such as giving employers more time to alter their business plans to line up with the new health care system, said Michael Lapolla, public health professor. He said it will also give people time to understand their health care options.

“This [wait] is not uncommon in government for something that’s fairly controversial,” Lapolla said.

Michael Givel, political science professor, stated in an e-mail that waiting three years could be problematic for Americans facing issues of cost and access to health care. But the proposed delay has led some Democrats in Congress to attempt to temporarily protect the private health industry, he said.

By the time health care is enacted, the

U.S. will be in a new election cycle. Givel said Republicans may use this as a campaign issue against Democrats in the 2012 election.

“They quite likely will say that the Democrats, including President Obama, made substantial promises for better health care, but could not deliver anything for three years,” Givel said.

Givel said it is not yet known if any of the major health reform provisions will start immediately.

Although Congress is considering five different bills, it is not certain which one will pass, or exactly when, Lapolla said.

Givel noted it is also not known how the government will finance the health plan. He said Congress is debating between using federal tax credits or a public option to pay for health care. The tax credit option falls under the version written by Sen. Max Baucus, D-Montana, which eliminates the public option in favor of allowing taxpayers to write off

part of their private health insurance costs from their federal income tax.

The public option would compete with private health insurance and could prove to be a direct threat to its profits and viability, Givel said.

Young said the Baucus version, or one similar to it, appears to be most likely to pass.

“I don’t think there’s really a clear sense of what’s going to happen with health care yet,” Young said. “I think it’s important that people manage their expectations on what happens with this issue.”

Givel said the issue’s heavy debate shows just how much is at stake in health care reform.

“The ongoing battle over the public versus private option, and particularly the proposed three-year delay, is a clear illustration of the power and influence of the private health care industry and its lobbyists with both major political parties,” Givel said.

Flowers in full bloom fill South Oval

PHOTOS BY JEREMY DICKIE/THE DAILY

Community discussion to be held in Spanish OU Biological Station to celebrate anniversary TROY WEATHERFORD Daily Staff Writer

A Catholic Church will host a bilingual discussion about issues facing the community from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. Monday, a spokeswoman for the city of Norman said.

The meeting will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 421 E. Acres St. said Carol Coles, city of Norman spokeswoman. The discussion will be in both English and Spanish, she said.

“All Norman residents are invited and welcome to attend to discuss issues of importance to all of us who take pride in Norman,” Lisa S chmidt, Nor man Human Rights Commission

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chairwoman stated in a press release.

The discussion will divide into groups and talk about employment, public safety, education, economic opportunities, and housing and human services, Cole said.

Groups will be offered in both English and Spanish, she said.

Cole said the city is doing really well in some areas but sorely lacking in others.

Members of the Norman Human Rights Commission will moderate the conversations, she said.

St. Joseph’s large number of Hispanic parishioners influenced the choice to hold the discussion at that church, Cole said.

“This is the first time

we are actually reaching out to the Hispanic community,” Cole said. “This is with emphasis on a specific population.”

Previous discussions have provided valuable insight to the city, she said.

“It’s been a very good opening up of communication,” Cole said.

“Our goal with each of these conversations has been to provide a safe and respectful place for people to discuss how we as a community can encourage the participation and contributions of all of our residents to making Norman a strong and inclusive place to live and work and raise families,” Norman Mayor Cindy Rosenthal stated in a press release.

Intersession courses to offer real, hands-on experience KARLIE TIPTON Daily Staff Writer

Handling alligators, documenting venomous snakes and studying invasive crustaceans might not sound like typical classroom activities, but those things have been part of the lesson plan for nearly 60 years at the OU Biological Station.

The station, which celebrates its 60th anniversary Saturday, sits on the shore of Lake Texoma near Madill.

“The station began as the brainchild of Dr. Carl Riggs,” PHOTO PROVIDED

ANNIVERSARY CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

© 2009 OU PUBLICATIONS BOARD

Students work at the Biostation located at Lake Siene.

VOL. 95, NO. 46

2 Friday, October 23, 2009 Meredith Moriak, managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 325-3666 • fax: 325-6051

OUDAILY.COM » WANT TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE FAKE BLOOD TO ADD ANOTHER TOUCH TO YOUR HALLOWEEN COSTUME? CHECK OUT OUDAILY.COM.

OU IT to release new WiFi network for on-campus access Change made to combat illegal downloading and poor wireless access RICKY MARANON Daily Staff Writer

Another change to OU technology is on the horizon in addition to oZONE. OU IT will open up a new wireless network on campus Sunday called OUWiFi, said Nick Key, OU IT spokesman.

“The new network will be just like the one we have now,” Key said.

“OUWiFi will offer the same coverage as the current ANY network.”

Ke y said the only change

students will notice is they will have to register their computer to connect to the new wireless network and complete a copyright tutorial and quiz.

Key said registration is a webbased process that will require users to log in with an OUNet Account, complete a quiz and enter contact information.

Key said other devices, like game consoles, must be registered manually through OU IT’s 325-HELP line.

There will be a ban on one type of application with the implementation of the new WiFi network.

“All person-to-person applications are restricted on OUWiFi to combat illegal downloading and to

Anniversary Continued from page 1 said Lawrence Weider, director of the Biological Station and Professor of Zoology.

As former OU president George Cross describes in his book, “The Seeds of Excellence,” Riggs primarily studied fish ecology and systematics, which led to a familiarity with many of Oklahoma’s large lakes. He was also a fishing enthusiast, an interest that earned him many friends, including one with successful banker from Madill named Norman Brillhart.

Riggs soon became interested in developing a research center on the shores of Lake Texoma near Madill, but a great deal of land and money would be necessary to make it happen. However, through Riggs’ contacts with the Army Corps of Engineers and Brillhart’s relationships with Sen. Raymond Gary and Gov. Roy Turner, the two were able to get the land and the money they needed, according to Cross’ book.

“The station was officially founded in

improve wireless availability and performance,” Key said.

Key said the ANY WiFi network will exist for OU guests, but students and faculty will use the OUWiFi network.

“ANY will transition to OUGUEST for the spring semester,” Key said.

“OUGUEST will provide limited network and Internet access for visitors to OU’s campus.”

Students said they have adjusted to OU IT changing things around this semester.

“With all systems, it’s going to take some getting used to,” said Jacob Birmingham, University College freshman. “I understand that systems need to be upgraded and updated.”

1949 [and] the first summer session was in 1950,” Weider said.

The class schedules have changed somewhat since the station began instruction.

“From 1950 until the early 1990s, the station offered an eight-week summer session. Then, in the early ‘90s a switch was made to two, two-week long sessions,” Weider said.

Whether for eight or two weeks, the station has been the place to go for OU students who want to spend two weeks literally getting their hands dirty in the field they are studying.

“I took a class called Field Herpetology,” said Jessie Tanner, French and zoology senior. “The first day ... we dug trenches for pitfalls and erected drift fences in order to catch amphibians and reptiles while they were out foraging.”

Others who attended any of the summer classes at the station recall those courses being different from other intersession experiences.

“You got to actually touch and see all of the animals that you’re studying,” said Bailey Reale, Spanish and zoology senior.

Other students said they have tried to find ways around IT’s changes.

“Nothing has really affected me so far,” said Tayla Agee, University College freshman. “Learn and Exchange are still the same for now.”

Agee said she knows she will have to use the new system and services soon but is waiting until she absolutely has to.

“I still use the old stuff, but I hope they will integrate the old stuff in with the new stuff in a userfriendly way,” said Ryan Hawkins, construction science sophomore.

“In the end, I know the changes are good.”

Key said if students feel stressed

“It seemed like I learned a lot more because you’re in the middle of studying it instead of just reading it from a text book.”

Students are not the only ones learning at the station, however. Professionals in various fields also use the area to perform their own research.

There has been a lot of work done lately focusing on invasive species, such as the fish-killing golden algae, Prymnesium parvum, which has been found in a number of lakes in Oklahoma and Texas, and the small crustacean Dafnia lumholtzi.

That crustacean most likely comes from Africa and has spread from California to the Great Lakes to Florida, Weider said.

Although the classes or projects may vary, there is one general consensus about the Biological Research Station: it leaves quite an impression on whoever stays there.

“I spent my afternoons trapping snakes and learning how to safely handle snapping turtles and rattlesnakes. Tanner said it was one of the most challenging courses I’ve had so far at OU — but absolutely the most fun.”

out about the current technology changes, there are ways to make the transition to the new programs better.

“We understand that it can be hard adjusting to oZONE and other changes,” Key said. “We do have solutions in place that can make the transition easier.”

Key said there are tutorial videos available at ou.edu/ozoneintro and help is also available 24 hours a day at 325-HELP. “The changes are stressful for us too,” Key said. “We understand how students can feel at this time.

We aren’t just implementing new programs without thinking about the students.”

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Pulitzer Prize-winning author speaks at OU Speech addresses Abraham Lincoln’s opposition to Mexican-American War KRISTIN SIEGEL Daily Staff Writer

Editor’s Note: To read the full story about Daniel Walker Howe’s lecture on Abraham Lincoln’s Opposition to the Mexican War, log onto OUDaily.com.

The OU College of Arts and Sciences hosted Pulitzer Prize-winning author and UCLA professor, Daniel Walker Howe, as he lectured about Abraham Lincoln’s opposition to the Mexican-American War Thursday night in the Oklahoma Memorial Union’s Meacham Auditorium.

The evening began with an introduction by Paul Gilje, OU professor of Revolutionary, Early American and Maritime History, who donned an Abraham Lincoln tie for the occasion.

Gilje joked about the irony of Yale offering Howe a job after Howe published a book titled “The Unitarian Conscience: Harvard Moral Philosophy, 1805-1861.”

CAMPUS NOTES

This lecture was part of the FOCAS’ lec- concept he created in contrast to “the half ture series in honor of President Abraham truths” that he denounced President Polk Lincoln’s 200th birthday, Gilje said. for speaking.

Upon entering the stage, Howe prefAfter Nicholas Trist, the American dipaced his lecture by stating its relevance lomat to Mexico, defied President Polk’s to the OU History Graduate Program and orders to break off peace negotiations, emphasizing its the war ended. relevance to the “I enjoyed the lecture, because it The United States American West as showed the making of Lincoln. It thenobtained a borderland. from Texas to showed the evolution of his rhetoric land The audience California. Lincoln was then intro- and political ideas.” and his fellow duced to a younger members of the Lincoln, who, only -MATT PEARCE, HISTORY GRADUATE STUDENT Whig Party were three weeks into displeased, behis term in the House of Representatives, cause the acquisition of land directly conbegan to openly oppose President James flicted with their values, Howe explained.

K. Polk’s policy and reasoning behind “I enjoyed the lecture, because it the Mexican-American War. Lincoln re- showed the making of Lincoln. It showed frained from stating his opinions on the the evolution of his rhetoric and political war while campaigning, but then began to ideas,” said Matt Pearce, history graduate openly question the foreign policy, Howe student. explained.

“Logical, legalistic and carefully POLICE REPORTS phrased,” Howe said of Lincoln’s Spot The following is a list of arrests and citations, Resolutions, a collection of challengnot convictions. The information is comes Lincoln presented to the House of piled from the Norman Police Department Representatives Dec. 22, 1847. He later and the OU Police Department. All those began to speak about “the whole truth,” a listed are innocent until proven guilty.

TODAY CAREER SERVICES Career Services will host a pizza luncheon to answer questions about graduate school and the admissions process at 12:30 p.m. in the Oklahoma Memorial Union’s Heritage Room.

AGGRAVATED DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE Dionne Rae Baughman, 29, E. Robinson Street, Wednesday

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY A visiting associate professor will host a lecture titled “Beyond the Roof of Africa” at 2 p.m. in the Sarkeys Energy Center.

MUNICIPAL WARRANT Nicholas Taher Hosseini, 26, W. Lindsey Street, Wednesday Joshua Dylan Lasher, 35, N. Flood Avenue, Wednesday

GREEN WEEK Executive Team applications are due today. Applications are online at http://www.ou.edu/green.

NEW NORMAN JACK IN THE BOX

LINDSAY HEMMINGWAY/THE DAILY

Daniel Walker Howe, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and professor of history at UCLA, spoke about Abraham Lincoln’s opposition to the MexicanAmerican War on Thursday evening in Meacham Auditorium located in the Oklahoma Memorial Union.

POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA Mandy Lynn Johnson, 32, State Highway 9 West, Wednesday, also possession of drug paraphernalia PUBLIC INTOXICATION John Wesley Allen Martin, 20, 11 Askew Drive, Tuesday PETTY LARCENY Blake Joe Mitchell, 19, 333 N. Interstate Drive E., Wednesday SECOND DEGREE BURGLARY Hilary Thomas Williams, 19, 1921 Guilford Court, Wednesday

Jack in the Box is planning to open a Norman location at 12th Avenue N.E. and Main Street, said Brian Luscomb, spokesman for the fast-food retailer. Luscomb said the store should open before June 2010.

There are currently three Jack in the Box locations in Oklahoma, one each in Ada, Ardmore and Durant.

-Daily staff reports

ANNUAL AVIATION FESTIVAL TO HAVE NEW AIRCRAFT SHOW Max Westheimer Airport will host the third annual Aviation Festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

New to this year’s festival is a radio controlled aircraft show. Aircraft static displays include a Chinook Plus II; Cirrus SR 22 turbo; T-6 from Columbus Air Force Base; King Air C90; Cherokee Warrior; bi-planes; Norman Fire Department; University of Oklahoma Police Department; SWAT team; Norman Police Department; V-Tail Bonanza; Cessna 310; and the Air Traffic Control Tactical Communications Mobile Unit.

The airport is at 1700 Lexington Ave. in Norman, just north of Robinson Street between Interstate 35 and Flood Avenue.

-Daily staff reports

MICHELLE GRAY/THE DAILY

Travis Neal, an OSU graduate and member of the Air Force, stands in front of an Air Force owned TG Texan II at last year’s OU Aviation Club sponsored event held at the Max Westheimer Airpark on September 20.

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Friday, October 23, 2009

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

COMMENT OF THE DAY »

In response to Thursday’s news story, “‘Love Your Body Day’ addresses body image misconceptions”

“good story. well written.”

-tayl4008 “Women’s and Gender Studies is always doing the coolest stuff.”

-borenismyhomie

YOU CAN COMMENT AT OUDAILY.COM

STAFF COLUMN

OUR VIEW

Coburn wrong about political science Earlier this month, U.S. Sen. problem.

Tom Coburn, R-Oklahoma, said, Not to mention, Coburn’s stances “Congress has an obligation to enon some scientific issues, such as the sure that millions of taxpayer dollegacy of Rachel Carson, author of lars intended for scientific research “Silent Spring.” Many people credit are not being wasted on politics,” Carson’s book as being a major according to Politico.com. Coburn catalyst in the beginning of the enviwent on to say, “Political science ronmental movement in the 1960s. would be better left to pundits and Coburn, however, said Carson voters themselves and federal reused “junk science” according to a search dollars would be best left to 2007 story in the Washington Post. scientists.”

Coburn also called global warming Like many who value political “crap,” according to a story in Time science have already done, we take magazine. issue with these statements. It’s true We question whether anybody that education of all subjects, includshould be taking advice on science ing sciences, is underfunded. But PHOTO PROVIDED from somebody who holds the scitaking money from political science U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Oklahoma entific “opinions” Coburn does. to give to so-called “real” sciences is This is in stark contrast to the not the solution, as we believe social subject of Thursday’s Our View, sciences are extremely worthy of study and funding.

Oklahoma Speaker of the House Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, As we have editorialized in a few of this semester’s who is saying and doing things in which Oklahomans previous Our View editorials, many Oklahomans and can take pride. Benge is representing the Sooner State Americans are already too uninformed when it comes well, while Coburn is not. to our system of government and politics. Taking money Fortunately we can cling to the happy thought that he away from political science would only exacerbate this will not be in office forever.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR THIS LETTER IS IN RESPONSE TO THE OCT. 13 NEWS STORY, “STUDENT CHALLENGES LOSS OF POSITION IN CAMPUS GROUP.” TO READ THAT ARTICLE, VISIT OUDAILY.COM

standard. In the article, Eddie Shimp, the new HCSA vicepresident, was made out to be a seemingly random council member selected for the position, when in fact he was the opposition to Cooper in last April’s election, making him well qualified for the replacement vice-president.

The bill that was mentioned in the article was not heard because the bill was inappropriately written, and the claims and desires of the bill were beyond the powers of the HCSA council, making it a waste of time to review it.

Furthermore, it wouldn’t make sense to wait for the school year to start to hold elections because none of the students would have any idea what they were voting on.

Most freshmen still have no idea what HCSA is by the end of their first year at OU. It appears that Cooper has a vendetta against the HCSA council, and the poor reporting and lack of information in The Daily’s article doesn’t help resolve the issue.

I wanted to comment on the poor job that The Daily did on reporting about Jay Cooper’s ejection from Housing Center Student Association. Please note that I am not an HCSA member, but I am a former resident adviser and have experience with the members and processes of HCSA. Cooper states that his removal due to a below mini- Jordan Stone mum GPA was “shady,” which is quite funny because he Zoology senior was involved in creating the by-laws that established that Former resident adviser

STAFF COLUMN

Concert creates much needed unity I hadn’t planned on going to see U2 Sunday. I wasn’t a huge fan, and I figured I could listen to the music, which was bound to be extremely loud, outside the stadium.

However, in a unique turn of circumstances, I was able to obtain a free ticket and soon found JELANI myself inside the stadium waiting SIMS for the concert to start.

The stadium had been completely transformed. The turf was covered in metal, and a gigantic stage, which Bono referred to as a “spaceship,” was in the center.

He explained that the purpose of the elaborate contraption was so he and the band could be closer to their fans.

As U2 went through their set, the moment of togetherness they were seeking happened. It was truly an experience to hear thousands of people singing each song with one voice. People who would most likely never have talked to, liked or even merely smiled at one another suddenly found a commonality through the epic music of U2.

It was at this moment that I realized why I like concerts so much. The togetherness and common ground created by the event was exhilarating. Furthermore, it

is rare to find such great synergy and trials that you are. among so many different people Perhaps that is why events like anywhere else.

Sept. 11 and Hurricane Katrina And I think that’s a shame. were so pivotal – they caused evSome might roll their eyes and eryone to drop what they were discount what I’m doing and notice saying as just an- It was at this moment the person next to other emotional that I realized why I them. appeal for every- like concerts so much.

It shouldn’t one to love one t a k e s u c h ra d i a n o t h e r. T h a t ’s The togetherness cal events such probably because and common ground as concerts or diwe humans spend created by the event sasters to make most of our time us acknowledge was so exhilarating. dealing with arone another. We guments and should constantly violence. look outside ourselves and try to Violence is our entertainment understand each other, or at least and excitement. We watch it, sing smile at one another a little more. about it and enjoy anticipating Try it. the physical altercation of peoDon’t wait for the next big band ple. After all, this opinion page or disaster to roll into town. Smile wouldn’t be popular if people at someone, have a conversation didn’t come to it every day look- and find common ground with ing for a fight with the columnist people. Speak to someone in an who manages to make them mad. elevator. Although you might want T h i s i s ju s t w h o w e a re a s to feel out the elevator situation human beings. first ; it is absolutely unnerving However, despite the many to some people when you speak negative aspects of our nature, to them in an elevator for some we still manage to find those rare reason. moments when people put aside Anyhow, when you do this, the their thirst for conflict and be- result is at its least-satisfying and come one. These moments come at its most-exhilarating. Beautiful at celebrations and concerts and things happen when we drop our also in the face of great disaster. inhibitions and sing together.

It’s hard not to sing along with a stadium of thousands enraptured by the music, and it is likewise hard to turn one’s nose up at anyJelani Sims is a religious studies and one when they are witnessing and professional writing junior. experiencing the same horrors

T=: O@A6=DB6 D6>AN Jamie Hughes Editor-in-Chief Meredith Moriak Managing Editor Charles Ward Assistant Managing Editor Ricky Ly Night Editor Will Holland Opinion Editor Michelle Gray, Merrill Jones Photo Editors

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e-mail: dailynews@ou.edu

Concerts could help OU navigate through budget shortfalls Although seemingly immune to the recession, OU is finally starting to feel the squeeze. Public institution funding dropped 5.7 percent per student this year, according to a nationwide survey compiled by the College Board.

With endowment down and large cutbacks already in place, the time is upon us to search for unconventional sources of revenue. As daunting as the shortfall sounds, it may be much easier and more pleasant to address than it seems.

As reported previously in The Oklahoma Daily, the U2 and Black Eyed Peas concert brought in revenue to the OU athletics department. Not only was the performance IAN one of the largest to appear in the Oklahoma FULLINGTON Memorial Stadium, it also put to use a facility that would have otherwise sat empty. The revenue brought in also reaches beyond the athletics department.

Consider the hotel rooms needed and the restaurants frequented by the fans driving in to attend.

It’s a good start.

OU should pursue many more performers to help fill the gaps created by budget cuts.

While stadiums serve as entertaining venues, they are difficult to fill. OU should look to attract artists to the Lloyd Noble Center and other performance halls around campus. Aside from basketball season and career fairs, the Lloyd Noble Center goes unused.

Even smaller venues, like Sharp Concert Hall, are equipped to house small performances and concerts. OU is failing to capitalize on a great opportunity.

OU should actively seek artists to fill concert halls when university events are not occupying them. Every time a venue goes unfilled on the weekend, OU loses the opportunity to earn extra revenue. OU has the infrastructure in place to accommodate bands of any size, and fan bases of any size.

We’re flexible enough to move performing acts around if ticket sales demand it.

Take the Richard Dawkins lecture last spring as an example.

The event was rescheduled from Sharp Hall to the Field House after the demand for tickets was greater than the capacity.

With a plethora of parking, several venues of different sizes and having the U2 concert under our belt, we have three gold stars on our resume.

Now we must aggressively pursue acts.

OU has a prime chance to attract artists to perform at our venues this spring, when the third Norman Music Festival rolls around. OU should work alongside NMF planners to help coordinate venues and lure in even larger artists.

We cannot expect to land gems like U2 constantly, but there is no reason why we cannot consistently host smaller, local acts month to month. With roughly 20,000 students, OU could be a hotbed for upcoming artists to gain exposure.

As much as we don’t want to “Austin our Norman,” the increased traffic from concerts acts would be a boon to local businesses. Campus Corner lacks a performing venue that can hold more than a couple hundred people. Consistent performances at OU would trickle revenue into restaurants and bars.

Instead of the extra revenue going strictly to athletics program, OU can allot the cash to departments that are struggling to manage with cutbacks. It may not eliminate the departure in budget we’re facing; however, every dollar counts.

Ian Fullington is an economics junior.

MARCIN RUTKOWSKI/THE DAILY

Bono of U2 sings at the band’s concert at the Oklahoma Memorial Stadium Sunday evening as part of U2’s 360° tour.

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

Letters should concentrate on issues, not personalities, and should be fewer than 250 words, typed, double spaced and signed by the author(s). Letters will be cut to fit. Students must list their major and classification. OU staff and faculty must list their title. All letters must include a daytime phone number. Authors submitting letters in person must present photo identification.

Submit letters Sunday through Thursday, in 160 Copeland Hall. Letters can also be submitted via e-mail to dailyopinion@ ou.edu.

Guest columns are accepted at editor’s discretion. ’Our View’ is the voice of The Oklahoma Daily.

Editorial Board members are The Daily’s editorial staff.

The board meets Sunday through Thursday at 4:30 p.m. in 160 Copeland Hall.

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

Friday, October 23, 2009

Cassie Rhea Little, L&A editor dailyent@ou.edu • phone: 325-5189 • fax: 325-6051

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« MULTIMEDIA OUDAILY.COM See a video about affordable Halloween fashion online.

‘ASTRO BOY’ ATTEMPTS TO HUMOR A NEW GENERATION Astro Boy is as shiny as ever more than 50 years later in an agreeable slice of children’s entertainment that explores the character’s origins.

The Japanese manga series “Astro Boy” debuted in 1952 and was a forerunner of the anime style; now, a film of the same name looks to inDUSTY troduce the character to SOMERS a new set of American audiences. There’s nothing new here, but the imaginative futuristic setting and fairly clever action sequences should keep both adults and kids pleasantly occupied.

To b y ( F r e d d i e H i g h m o r e , “ T h e Spiderwick Chronicles”) is the genius son of minister of science, Doctor Tenma (Nicolas Cage, somehow managing an even more overwrought performance that in “Knowing” with his voice alone).

Tenma, along with colleague Doctor Elefun (Bill Nighy, “Valkyrie”), are looking to the government for research funding, but that means allowing warmonger President Stone (Donald Sutherland, “Fool’s Gold”) to use some of the technology for weaponry.

When an uninvited Toby gets vaporized PHOTO PROVIDED in a weapons experiment gone wrong, Astro Boy flying through the clouds in a scene from the new movie “Astro Boy.” The film is playing in theaters tonight.

Tenma is crushed, and channels his grief into creating the robotic equivalent of his son, imbued with his memories and entertainment, so it’s no surprise the film falls in with a gang of misfits that includes much better when showcasing Astro’s physically identical. The result — Astro quickly changes gears to whiz-bang ac- Cora (Kristen Bell, “Forgetting Sarah abilities, most of which he doesn’t even Marshall”), and is led by circus manager know he has until they are somehow Boy, an indestructible and extremely tion and robot humor.

Additionally, some heavy-handed po- Hamegg (Nathan Lane, “Swing Vote”). activated. powerful robot — initially doesn’t even The epic, city-destroying finale is utterlitical symbolism — blue energy brings Their world and his world are both upset know the difference.

There are some interesting philosophi- peace and harmony, and red energy by the rampaging Stone, who’s eager to ly familiar, but maintains a healthy level cal dilemmas raised in the first act of brings destruction, which the war-hun- obtain the powerful energy source hidden of excitement. “Astro Boy” probably isn’t the biggest, fastest and strongest robot “Astro Boy” — a father attempting to cre- gry president insists is what the country within Astro.

The film does not have humor on its money can buy, but it’ll be adequate for ate life to replace lost life and a “child” not needs — is belabored throughout the film, side, but it charges on undeterred with most. informed of his artificial identity. Some but it’ll sail right over kids’ heads.

After learning of his true identity, Astro lame joke after lame joke. It functions Dusty Somers is a journalism senior. of this is pretty heavy stuff for kiddie

WEEKEND CONCERTS TRAIL OF DEAD FUTURE OF THE LEFT CALLUPSIE

9:00 p.m.

Friday The Conservatory 8911 N. Western Ave., OKC $10 GHOULS GONE WILD FEATURING STARDEATH & WHITE DWARFS THE COLLINS KIDS DEAD BEATS

7 p.m.

Saturday Downtown OKC Free SING IT OR SCREAM IT FEST 2009 FEATURING: SENSES FAIL FOREVER THE SICKEST KIDS THE ROCKET SUMMER AND MORE

1 p.m.

Sunday Coca-Cola Bricktown Event Center 425 E. California, OKC $20 adv/$25 door BUILT TO SPILL AND DINOSAUR JR. LOU BARLOW & THE MISSING MEN

7:30 p.m.

Sunday Diamond Ballroom 8001 S. Eastern Ave., OKC $24 -Joshua Boydston/The Daily

Drink of

WEEK

the

Editors note: Drink of the Week is a regular feature in The Oklahoma Daily and OUDaily. com. The Daily, however, does not encourage underage or irresponsible drinking.

Mother nature has been cruel to us so far this autumn. One day it’s a sunny 75 degrees, the next it’s cloudy and grey in the low 50s.

Needless to say, I’m having a hard time adjusting.

ASHLEY I still wear BERNTGEN shorts to class and drink my coffee iced, no matter

»

The Daily’s Ashley Berntgen suggests a cozy drink for cold weather as this week’s Drink of the Week.

what Mike Morgan and his team of experts tell me.

I then find myself shocked when I have permanent goose bumps and my teeth won’t quit chattering.

In the spirit of the recent chilly weather, this week’s drink is sure to warm you up: Irish coffee.

There are many variations on this drink, which was purportedly invented by an Irish chef in the early 1940s, and later brought to the U.S. via San Francisco by the same chef.

Some variations include Irish crème or Rumplemintz, but I think if you’re going to make truly Irish coffee, you should make it with the most Irish spirit there is: whiskey.

Ashley Berntgen is a public relations senior.

IRISH COFFEE Ingredients: 1-½ shots of Irish whiskey 1 tsp. of sugar 6 ounces of hot coffee Whipped cream Crème de menthe to garnish Recipe: Pour whiskey into a warm coffee mug (restaurants use clear glass mugs with a short stem at the bottom).

Add sugar. Pour coffee into mug, leaving an inch of room at the top. Top off with whipped cream.

The crème de menthe isn’t necessary, but some people appreciate aesthetics when it comes to mixology.

6 Friday, October 23, 2009 Thad Baker, advertising manager classifieds@ou.edu • phone: 325-2521 • fax: 325-7517

PLACE AN AD Phone: 325-2521 E-Mail: classifieds@ou.edu Fax: 405-325-7517 Campus Address: COH 149A

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PAYMENT s r

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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

Announcements

J Housing Rentals APTS. FURNISHED

ENTERTAINMENT FEMALE SINGER NEEDED Established recording studio and producer looking for new talent. Interest in song writing and performing also important.

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For Sale FURNITURE Cot futon w/frame, lg pillows, $75 - Sm table, 2 chairs, $75 - 872-8406

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40 year music collector sale. Rock, Country, Jazz, and Blues, 2000 CDs, records, cassettes, posters, receivers, Bose speakers, and turntables, and Beatles Stuff, Fri 8-5 and Sat 8-?, 427 George L. Cross Ct. (behind Hastings on Main).

Employment

CONDOS UNFURNISHED 1 bd/1ba $500 mo. Includes all kitchen appliances. No pets. Longburk Real Estate 732-7474.

NICE condo near OU - 2 bed, 2 bath. $675/mo, no pets. 812-0467 THE EDGE-1 room avail in 4 bd condo, full ba, walk-in closet, appl, full kitchen, $425 incld internet, cable & util. 4733957

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

Need people to post ads online. Social networking knowledge a plus. Paid every Friday. See paycheckonfriday.com Survey takers needed! Make $5-$25 per survey! www.getpaidtothink.com

$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 TUTORS WANTED!!!

Available positions in the OU Athletics Department!!! Junior, Senior, Graduate, and Post-graduate applicants only!!! GERMAN!!! Hiring for Fall 2009. Call 325-0771 for more info!!!

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

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

HOUSES UNFURNISHED Avail Dec 21 - brick house, 911 S Flood, 3 bd, 2 ba, wood floors, CH/A, W/D, dishwasher, disposal, garage, no pets, smoke-free. Do not disturb occupant.

Call Bob 321-1818 for appointment. Others this side of campus available in May.

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

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This year, more than

172,000 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer, and more than

163,000 will die— making it America’s NUMBER ONE cancer killer.

But new treatments offer hope.

Join Lung Cancer Alliance in the fight against this disease.

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lungcanceralliance.org

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

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Instructions: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.

Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker October 23, 2009

Contact an Acct Executive for details at 325-2521.

ACROSS 1 Sacred choral work 6 Playing hard to get 9 Cobra’s cousin 14 Muscle weakness 15 Pennsylvania in D.C., e.g.

16 Bank feature 17 Gridlock consequence 18 Gain an advantage 20 Female hormone 22 Small songbirds 23 Agent Matt played by Dean Martin 24 Exasperated exhalation 25 “All men ___ created equal” 27 Armchair companion 30 Like typical April weather 33 “The ___ Archipelago” 35 “... ___ a midnight dreary ...”

36 Entree go-with 37 “Jaws” town 38 “Anna Karenina” author Tolstoy 39 Works at the bar 40 American Indian corn bread 41 A witch’s nose might

2 col (3.792 in) x 2 inches Sudoku ...........$760/month Boggle ............$760/month Horoscope .....$760/month 1 col (1.833 in) x 2.25 inches Crossword .....$515/month (located just below the puzzle)

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 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.

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small step no. 34

have one 42 Black-andwhite outfit 43 Before, in palindromes 44 Former Winfrey rival 46 “Yeah,” formally 47 “My king” 48 “Tat-tat” preceder 50 Turn in the right direction 53 Guard 57 Aid 59 Poetic form 60 Invitation from within 61 “How ___ this happen?”

62 Artful dodges 63 Aerosol targets 64 It’s fit for a pig 65 Passed the buck?

DOWN 1 Buddy, down under 2 “The Adventures of Milo and ___” 3 Get ready to sprint?

4 Become accustomed (to) 5 Study of symbolism 6 Animal confinement 7 Baker’s need 8 Up to this point 9 Badmouth 10 Hebrew alphabet opener

11 Balthasar, Gaspar and Melchior 12 Drier than sec 13 Rock concert equipment 19 Pertaining to bees 21 Prime meridian hrs.

24 Clean-shaven 25 Amazed 26 It’s often spread 28 The Green Wave, in college sports 29 Handel’s “Deidamia,” for one 30 Triumph, but just barely 31 Murphy of Hollywood 32 Screen and stress, for two 34 Stopped fasting

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

© 2009 Universal Uclick www.upuzzles.com

CREATION SCENE by Mark Howard

Millions of Americans expose themselves to noise levels above 85 decibels for hours at a time – the level audiologists identify as the danger zone. Lawn mowers, sporting events, live or recorded music, power tools, even traffic and crowded restaurants can sustain these levels. If you’re around noises like these for prolonged periods, you’re risking permanent hearing loss.For more on the 85 dB threshold, and ways to protect your hearing health, visit ASHA.org.

Previous Answers 1-800-638-8255

36 Hemingway novel setting 39 Where movies are played 41 Valued at 44 Algerian monetary units 45 Big coffee holder 47 Jewish meal 49 Raise the end of 50 Bar in the fridge 51 Separate with force 52 “What am I getting myself ___?”

53 Agitated condition 54 Drainage indicator 55 Idyllic garden 56 For fear that 58 Commercial spots

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Friday, October 23, 2009

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

« FOOTBALL Look for a recap and analysis from Saturday’s game.

OUDAILY.COM

OU PLAYS FOR FIRST ROAD WIN SATURDAY ERIC DAMA Daily Staff Writer

Game Essentials: What: No. 25 OU (3-3, 1-1 Big 12) vs. No. 24 Kansas (5-1, 1-1 Big 12) When: Saturday, 2:30 p.m.

Location: Lawrence, Kan. Venue: Memorial Stadium TV: ABC

Quick Facts: • OU leads the all-time series 67-27-7, including a 31-15-4 advantage in Lawrence.

• OU has won five straight against Kansas since the Jayhawks won three in a row from 1995-97.

• OU and Kansas played 96 straight games against each other from 1903-97, ranking as the nation’s fifth-longest uninterrupted series.

Keys to the Game: 1) Old Friends. Bob Stoops and Kansas head coach Mark Mangino know each other better than Florida State players know the answers to their tests. OK, bad example. Nevertheless, the two men, both natives of Youngstown, Ohio, coached together at Kansas State under current Wildcat head coach Bill Snyder.

More importantly, Mangino was on OU’s coaching staff from 1999-2001, serving as the Sooners’ offensive coordinator for the 2000 national championship. Coaches tend to downplay history, but if either Stoops or Mangino are able to gain an advantage over the other then the scales would tip heavily.

2) Receiving Corps. Kansas wideout Dezmon Briscoe leads the nation in receiving yards per game (134.2) while fellow wideout Kerry Meier is second in receptions (9.00). Combined, the duo leads the NCAA in receptions per game (18.34), receiving yards per game (230.87) and career touchdown receptions among active duos (42).

The Sooners proved last week against Texas they are capable of playing brilliant defense against anyone, but in the event Kansas’ wide receivers continue their hot streak, OU’s counterparts need to be able to match their production.

3) On the Road Again. OU has laid a giant egg in the road victories column this season (0-3). One thing those three teams’ boasting wins over the Sooners have in common with Kansas: They were all nationallyranked (and all still are).

OU desperately needs to prove it can win away from Norman. Like in the last three losses, that will likely come down to whether or not the Sooners can make a defensive stop on the final drive (see BYU and Miami) or score on the final drive (see Texas).

OU will win if: Landry Jones can get OU’s offense back to the level of production it churned out during his three-game stint as starter earlier this season.

Kansas will win if: Its defense can slow down Landry Jones and Co. enough to let its fourth-ranked scoring offense make the difference.

ZACH BUTLER/THE DAILY

Senior running back Chris Brown is tackled during last season’s game with Kansas Oct. 18, 2008.

They said it: • Bob Stoops on Kansas’ Todd Reesing: “He has really lit it up in the past couple of weeks, not that he was ever not doing really well. When things are there on time he has a quick and accurate release. But where he is really dangerous is when it isn’t there and he pulls it down, spins around and takes off. You have to do a great job at corralling him and getting pressure.”

• Senior offensive lineman Brody Eldridge

on the team’s confidence in Landry Jones: “We’re very confident. You saw what Landry can do when he stepped up for those first three games when he was in there. There’s no question about what Landry can do.”

• Senior defensive back Brian Jackson: “They definitely have a great group of receivers. I have to give [junior wide receiver] Dezmon Briscoe credit. He did his thing last year. That gives me another reason to have a chip on my schedule.”

HOROSCOPE

By Bernice Bede Osol

Copyright 2008, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.

Friday, Oct. 23, 2009

MICHELLE GRAY/THE DAILY

Sam Proctor, sophomore defensive back, tackles Texas quarterback Colt McCoy Saturday at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- If your plans are to go to a place where you could run into someone you would like to impress, spend a little time primping beforehand. Appearances are important.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Those who promise the most are likely to be the first ones to let you down or do the least.

It’s best to be prepared to operate on your own, especially if the support you desire isn’t forthcoming.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Don’t make a promise that you can’t keep merely to quiet someone’s pleas. This person will base his or her plans on you and fail miserably if you don’t come through.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Your responsibilities cannot be rationalized away, so roll up your sleeves and get to work early; otherwise, you’ll only waste valuable time devising elaborate excuses.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Make sure that your thoughtful gestures aren’t over the line, because you could place someone in a position where the reciprocation will be far too expensive for him or her.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Be extremely careful not to become overly possessive of the one you cherish. Romance is smothered under that kind of weight; it needs lots of room to breathe and grow at its own pace.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- You may not like it, but people will be paying close attention to the smallest details -- so watch what you say, what you do and how you look. That bright spotlight will be shining on you.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- There is a strong possibility that you could make some extremely unwise concessions, all in the hopes of appeasing someone you love. Unfortunately, that will only worsen matters further.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- If you have the impression that you can achieve your aims through sheer flattery, you’ll be greatly mistaken. In order to deal effectively with others, sincerity is essential.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Don’t expect verbal promises to count for too much. If you are having some work done, get a service contract just to be sure that you get everything you expect.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Be more careful than usual that you don’t become involved in a romantic intrigue. Give a wide berth to anyone who is off-limits, because this kind of behavior will cause severe complications.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -Your extravagant impulses could be rather pronounced, so unless you don’t care, be cognizant of your weakness and keep a handle on it. Don’t spend more than you can afford.

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Friday, October 23, 2009

FRIDAY FACE-OFF:

Is the Oklahoma City Thunder better than a .500 team this year?

NO You all do realize that being a .500 team would mean the Thunder winning 41 games, right? Honestly, I can’t believe this is a topic of debate.

While hailing from Dallas and being a Mavericks fan myself, I have become interested in the Thunder’s progress and find myself only rooting against them four times a year i.e. when they play the Mavs.

As far as I’m concerned, being a .500 team would be a miracle. While I don’t mean to hate on the Oklahoma City Thunder, I just can’t help it.

This is a team that went an embarrassing 23-59 last year. While they are young and have what I would like to think is a promising future, success for young teams comes with time, not in leaps and bounds. Just ask the Portland Trailblazers.

CLARK The recent addition of Arizona FOY State’s James Harden should help the team out a bit by giving them a proven scorer and athlete, but this was not the move I would have liked to see. With the selection of the 6-foot -5-inch swingman in this year’s draft, Sam Presti has shown his allegiance to keeping Russell Westbrook at point guard.

And that scares me.

Westbrook is a fine athlete and a great slashing scorer, averaging 15 points a game, not to mention grabbing five boards, but he is a shooting guard based on his playing style. His 5.3 dimes a game puts him at 18th in the NBA among all guards. This is concerning considering he plays point guard for a team that ranks 28th in assists per game with 13.9, putting them in the company of Sacramento and Memphis with teams averaging less than 14. Those are not good teams to be “in” with.

However, Westbrook does lead the NBA in one stat – turnovers. He had an “outstanding” 274 of them last year and his ball handling, passing and decision-making skills were the subject of many critics. And yes, I know he was a rookie, but so were Derek Rose and Mario Chalmers.

For the time being, Presti has also shown his loyalty to keeping Jeff Green as a power

YES forward instead of a small forward. Again, the same rule applies. Based on his playing style, Green is a small forward. The only way to incorporate both Green and Kevin Durant into a starting lineup is to have Green at small forward and Durant at shooting guard.

And if Durant does not play the two (which he doesn’t), then I see little room for Green in the starting lineup. And no, I don’t care how good of friends they are.

However, the Thunder could make some room for that Durant/Green look at both forwards if they had a good, dominant big man. But again, they don’t. Picking up a good big man should have been the number one priority for the Thunder this offseason. And they respond with trading for the center formerly known as B.J. Mullens (now “Byron”) out of Ohio State and picking up former Wizard Etan Thomas. Mullens is not a top caliber recruit by any means, and Thomas was used as Brandon Haywood’s punching bag in Washington’s practices last year. Nice to know the Thunder are grabbing the scraps from teams like the Wizards. Awesome.

There are just too many holes in the Thunder’s lineup to justifying it winning 41 games. And while they have a few good bench players, their depth is nothing to speak of.

Shaun Livingston says he feels more confident on his knees after having this offseason to work out, but he will never be the same as he was before the injuries to his knees. I love the idea of Thabo Sefolosha being a seventh or even sixth man in a rotation and serving as a defensive specialist, but he is not a guy that I would give 30 minutes a game to, much less start.

I do believe the Thunder will do much better next season, considering they were 2-24 at one point in the season last year and then somehow managed to grab 21 wins in their last 56 games of the season.

Do I hope the Thunder make it to 42 wins? Definitely. Am I buying any stock in the idea? About as much as I’m buying in Enron this year.

Clark Foy is a journalism junior.

The Oklahoma City Thunder can win 41 games this year.

So what if they started last season 3-29—look at how they finished.

Replacing the head coach and switching Kevin Durant to his natural power forward position helped the Thunder finish 23-59, a 20-30 record over the back stretch.

If you use simple mathematics to expand the 20-30 record over an 82-game season, the Thunder would win 54 games.

Don’t get me wrong—the Thunder will not win 54 games.

I think it’s not hard to imagine them winning 41, though.

In late July, Bulls.com columnist Sam Smith said he thinks Kevin Durant is, or will be, bet- JAMES CORLEY ter than LeBron James.

Before we get a coronation ceremony ready for King Durant, I disagree; however, I do think Durant is one of the best players in the NBA right now.

He’s been unwaveringly consistent and finished sixth on the scoring leaders list with 25.3 points per game.

The Thunder drafted James Harden to complement Durant’s versatility.

Although I don’t usually take a lot of stock from preseason stats, Harden averaged 11.8 points, 2 assists and 1.2 steals in six games prior to Thursday’s game against the Kings.

At Arizona State, he averaged 20.1 ppg last season and shot .356 percent from the 3-point line.

He was the perfect player for manager Sam Presti to take as the Thunder’s firstever pick, and he’s made an immediate impact on the offense that’s beginning to look a lot like the Suns’ fast-break

offense pre-Shaq.

With Harden and Durant, not to mention Jeff Green, at the helm of OKC’s offense, I don’t see them struggling to get wins like they did last year, even though they’ll be a little undersized.

I think Presti really showed his drafting genius to solve the size problem by trading picks with the Mavs for 7-foot Byron Mullins from Ohio State and acquiring 6-10 Serge Ibaka.

I think it shows Presti’s plan for the future and his commitment to addressing the need recently-departed Robert Swift so inadequately filled with a pair of talented rookies.

The Thunder will be fine for now with a quick, small offense until Mullins or Ibaka can fill the role.

I also think a team like the Thunder last year can’t lose so many close games without learning something.

OKC was 4-9 in games decided by three points or less, and the numbers get disgustingly worse when the margin is increased another couple points. Time after time the Thunder blew halftime or third-quarter leads.

That’s got to be trying for the players to endure.

I think they learned and grew from the devastating 3-29 start to finish the season relatively strong, and they’ll carry those lessons and growth into this season.

Winning 41 games to go .500 for the season isn’t an incredibly lofty goal, and I think the Thunder will get there in April.

James Corley is a journalism senior.

GO TO OUDAILY.COM FOR THE THUNDER’S SCHEDULE

Round two for Sooner volleyball and the Cornhuskers JAMES CORLEY Daily Staff Writer

NEIL MCGLOHON/THE DAILY

The OU volleyball team has a fighting chance to beat three ranked opponents in a row.

The Sooners (13-6, 6-4) travel to Lincoln Saturday to face No. 5 Nebraska (14-5, 7-3). The Huskers are still reeling from a rare home loss to No. 14 Iowa State Wednesday, the first time in 75 matches Nebraska has lost to the Cyclones.

“We’re not staying with Nebraska volleyball,” Nebraska coach John Cook said Wednesday about NU’s recent troubles. “We’re not committing to how we train, it’s people starting to do their own thing.”

The Sooners just set a school record by toppling No. 19 Baylor and No. 21 Texas A&M in back-to-back games, the first time OU’s beat two ranked foes in a row.

“Getting back-to-back wins over ranked opponents is a great stepping stone for our program,” OU coach Santiago Restrepo said Wednesday. “We’re still a young team, and it’s good these young ladies are experiencing these situations now. They can build on them down the road.”

OU’s offense has been rolling after big performances from Suzy Boulavsky, Bridget Laplante and Sarah Freudenrich in the last two games.

The defense leads the Big 12 in digs per set and is second in opponent hitting percentage allowed. María Fernanda has been a strong anchor for the defense this season, grabbing the second-most digs per set in the conference.

On Sept. 29, the Sooners took Nebraska to five sets and had a strong chance to upend the Huskers in Norman.

Although it’s much more difficult to grab a win on the road at the Coliseum in Lincoln, Texas and Iowa State have proven that it’s possible.

The Sooners’ surprising sweep of No. 21 Texas A&M Wednesday has given OU momentum, in contrast to Nebraska’s morale-killing loss to Iowa State, that could give the Sooners the edge they’ll need to increase their ranked opponent win streak to three.

Setter Brianne Baker (1) sets up the ball for a hit during the Sooner women’s game against Iowa State Oct. 7.

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