Friday, December 2, 2011

SOONERS, POKES EYE TITlE Bedlam preview page B1

F R I DAY, D e C e M B e R 2 , 2 011

w w w. O U DA I LY. C O M

2 010 G OL D C R Ow n w I n n e R

academics

fewer students review courses Course eval rates decline, offical says BlaYKlee BUChaNaN campus Reporter

Student participation in the course and faculty evaluation system decreased nearly 24 percent over the

last six years, but that isn’t stopping OU from encouraging student participation.

Students received emails this week instructing them to fill out the online survey, but fewer are providing professors with feedback, Nancy Mergler, senior vice president and provost said in an

email.

In fall 2005, 64.7 percent of students evaluated their professors and courses. As of the summer of 2011, the number had dropped to 41.2 percent of students participating.

The evaluation process made the transition from paper to online in 2009.

Evaluations were completely paperless by spring of 2010.

With the new online system, there was a 12.3 percent participation decrease.

EValuate, the online evaluation system, offers incentives to encourage participation. OU students who complete evaluations online also

enter in a drawing to win one of three Apple iPads.

University College freshman Chloe Magee said she gets extra credit for assessing some of her classes.

“Because I get extra credit for some classes, though, I see EVALUATE paGe a3

nanette Hathaway, adviser for the president’s leadership class, (center) talks with students after receiving the christmas wreath they made for her thursday in the Beaird lounge of the oklahoma memorial union. “it’s my first wreath, i’m very excited!”

Hathaway said. “i’m going to hang it in my office and keep it forever.” the biannual event, sponsored by the union programming Board, encourages students to decorate a wreath to honor their faculty advisers.

see FINANCES paGe a3

see RACES paGe a2

Holiday travel leaves some strapped for cash COCO COUrTOIS campus Reporter

Etienne Dant z ended up spending more than he planned during his Thanksgiving break from classes.

Dantz and many other exchange students traveled

VOL. 97, NO. 73 © 2011 OU Publications Board FREE — Additional copies 25 cents www.OUDaily.com www.facebook.com/OUDaily www.twitter.com/OUDaily

INsIDe News ..........................

Classifieds ..................

Life & Arts ..................

Opinion ......................

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A2 B4 A5 A4 B1

NOw ON

OPiniOn

Local musicians to spread holiday cheer with gig

course eval results should be public doing so would make our voices more impactful and public. (Page a4)

OPiniOn Play a celebration of female sexuality “the vagina monologues” features women talking about sexuality. (Page a4)

multimedia

life & arts

Behind the scenes

calorie-counting not important to health

The Daily talks with the director and designers behind “the nutcracker.”

(Oudaily.com)

trying to avoid.

“When I went shopping, I did not buy much because I feared there would not be enough on my account to pay,” Dantz said. “I still like to eat properly, but it’s clear I won’t use my food money to buy some drinks.”

For Diana Ioana Palimariu, a Spanish student, food in the U.S. has proven to be more expensive than she

ingredients in food matter more than caloric content.

(Page a6)

pHoto proVided

captain comfy drummer Jerry Jones performs at a recent show at the deli. the norman-based band will donate all proceeds it makes from its show tonight on campus corner to charity. (Page a5)

Staff Reporter

thought.

“It was impossible to cook during the road trip, so we ate fast food all week,” Palimariu said. “For a crappy combo they charge you $7 to $8. So imagine that three times a day.”

Palimariu said some basic ingredients such as milk and bread were much too

internatiOnal students

In addition to that, Dantz still hasn’t received payment from his pr imar y scholarship.

“I’m waiting for my scholarship, but it’s written ‘payment in process’ since Nov. 16. I was really relying on the scholarship, so basically I’m broke,” Dantz said.

Dantz said he will have to ask for more money from his parents, the one thing he was

JaKe MOrGaN

An OU student public relations campaign group will host a 5k and one-mile fun run Saturday in Tulsa to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma.

Amanda Easley , public relations senior and spokeswoman for the class group, BOOMPR, said the “Run for a Little, Help for a Lot ” 5k is part of a semester-long project for the its Public Relations Campaign class.

“Our professor actually assigned organizations to groups,” Easley said.

“Choosing a 5k worked out in our favor because we were throwing around a lot of different ideas.”

Mo s t o f t h e m o n e y raised will go toward the matching process that pairs children with approved adult volunteers, said public relations senior Jessica Prater, account executive for BOOMPR. “[Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma] has to do background checks for every single person that applies, and the interview process can be quite expensive,” Prater said.

National research on the Big Brothers Big Sisters program has shown participating children display more confidence in the classroom, experience improved family relations and exhibit less drug use, according to a press release.

And the 5k could not have taken place at a better time.

Big Brother Big Sisters of Oklahoma now faces a $1.6 million federal budget cut in funding. Brian

KinGsLey Burns/tHe daiLy

during the break, and returned with minds are full of memories, but empty wallets.

Many begin the month of December in the red as they brace themselves for the upcoming Christmas temptations.

“It always cost you more than expected,” said Dantz, a French student in literature linguistics and history.

Class group hosts races Races to benefit state organization

Students craft wreaths for advisers

Unexpected costs surprise students

fundraiser

The Daily’s open record requests Requested document and purpose

date requested

non-identifying information for the number nyne hotline — this information was requested to compare and contrast historical data of the hotline.

monday

receipts and purchase orders from professor chad Kerksick’s creatine nitrate study — this information was requested to see what items were purchased and used in Kerksick’s study

tuesday

all emails produced by or submitted to the advisory committee on tobacco Policy — these emails were requested to better understand how the committee’s email address is being used by the community and the committee.

nov. 17

President david Boren’s schedule — this document was requested to see who Boren meets with and where he plans to travel.

nov. 8

A2

News

• Friday, December 2, 2011

news

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

academics

Sooners smoothing out final papers Students can revise assignments at all writing centers Sarah Bedell Staff Reporter

Students have been ducking into the OU Writing Center for waffles each Wednesday, but with finals approaching the center has more to offer than just breakfast delights.

The center has been helping students since its opening in 1989, and every year it continues to draw in more people looking to enhance their writing skills.

Writing is the common denominator for teaching and learning at a university, said Michele Eodice, the associate provost for academic engagement. “ We have what is considered a 21st century writing center; we are open to everyone,” Eodice said.

Jason Barry, electrical engineering senior and three-year Cate Writing Center employee said he has seen people come in to work on just about everything from dissertations to papers for comp and psychology.

“We usually get busy about half way through the semester, because students start to have big papers due,” said Barry.

The center works on whatever the student feels they need to work on, which may include an early draft or strengthening an argument, Eodice said.

Chemistry junior Tufica Bell said she brought her

Today around campus Final day to submit a thesis reading copy.

An exhibit of students’ photos will be on display all day at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art’s Lightwell Gallery. The display is a presentation from the F-Stop Society, a new student-art organization.

An opening reception for the exhibit will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 5.

The exhibit will be on display until Dec. 9.

A festival of tree decoration by student organizations will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at Oklahoma Memorial Union’s Crossroads Lounge. The best in show tree will be selected in the afternoon.

A booth about mercury poison in the state by the Sierra Club will be on display from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Oklahoma Memorial Union’s food court. The booth will give out free hot chocolate.

Guess the score from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Oklahoma Memorial Union’s first floor lobby. The winner will win a Union Programming Board T-shirt.

The First Friday event will take place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Wagner Hall, Room 145. The free event will feature Health Science Center representatives talking to prospective students about degree programs and requirements.

An art discussion will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. at Fred Jones Jr. Musuem of Art’s Dee Dee and Jon R. Stuart Classroom. The discussion will focus on 1960s work’s conceptual development.

races: Program faces cuts

An art panel discussion on the global impact of Chinese Avant-Garde will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art’s Mary Eddy and Fred Jones Auditorium.

A free movie titled “One Day” will be shown at 6, 9 p.m. and midnight at Oklahoma Memorial Union’s Meacham Auditorium. The event is sponsored by the Union Programming Board and Campus Activities Council.

Continued from page A1 Carr, the recruiter for program’s Tulsa office, said this cut eliminates a grant for the Mentoring Children of Prisoners program.

To combat financial difficulties, the program is looking to raise money mostly through private donations, Carr said.

So far, 60 to 70 people have registered for the race, but Easley said she expects the number to double by the end of registration.

Make holiday crafts at the Union Programming Board’s Annual Holiday Craft Factory from 6 to 9 p.m. at Oklahoma Memorial Union’s food court.

“The Nutcracker” will be performed by the University Theatre and the School of Dance Oklahoma Festival Ballet at 8 p.m. at Fine Arts Center’s Ruple Jones Theatre. Contact OU Fine Arts Box Office at 405-325-4101 for more information.

GO AND DO Run in the race

Corrections

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Saturday

The Oklahoma Daily has a commitment to serve readers with accurate coverage and analysis.

Readers should bring errors to The Daily’s attention by emailing dailynews@ou.edu.

WHERE: Tulsa INFO: www.runforalittle5k. eventbrite.com

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HOLIDAY

m se pa eet rv ck in oo e ne ag g r rb es oo o fo w on m r d l. lin et co e ai m ls

550 24th Avenue N.W. 405-360-3634

MELODIE LETTKEMAN/THE DAILY

Allison Hoagland, journalism senior, (right) watches as Laurel Cunningham, women’s and gender studies and English literature junior, (left) answers history senior Josh Massad’s questions about organization in his final Capstone paper Thursday in Wagner Hall’s Writing Center.

English composition papers to the Writing center to get help organizing her paper and verbalizing her thoughts.

“When I went the assistance there seemed really knowledgeable and creative so it was very efficient,” Bell said.

The center has a repeat rate of about 2.5 — meaning most students do return, Eodice said.

Bell said she visited four times during one semester.

Besides providing help with papers, the center also provides space for students to practice speeches and Power Point presentations with someone on hand to give advice, laptops for students to use and events, such as Waffle Wednesday and Punctuate with Popcorn, to bring students in.

“We offer so many options now that students can find us easily —drop in whenever we are open, or make an

AT A GLANCE Writing Center locations • Cate Center 4 • Wagner Hall • Sarkeys Energy Center

appointment online in advance, or send your text to us for online consultation,” Eodice said.

Friday, December 2, 2011 •

A3

evaluate: Assessments provide professors with feedback for future use Continued from page A1 feel like I need to do them for all of my classes,” Magee said.

Feeling obligated to review professors is why psychology sophomore Daniel Tinney does the evaluations.

“I plan on doing them,” Tinney said. “I like most of my teachers, and they said it helps them out, so I don’t mind.”

Helping faculty gain insight on how to improve their courses is a huge part of evaluation, university spokesman Michael Nash said in an email. Nash explained faculty members do this by reviewing anonymous student answers.

“Participation in completing these evaluations is beneficial for both the students and the faculty,” Nash said.

The provost’s office uses the data collected to assess professors reaching tenure, according to Daily archives.

OU isn’t the only university where administration places an emphasis on evaluation.

The University of Texas states on its website that student feedback helps with teaching effectiveness, faculty promotions and salary decisions. Evaluations also

›››› Sooner Sampler: Should course evaluations be made public?

“Yeah, as long as the person giving the opinion approves.

Otherwise the professors could be trying to censor the evaluations.”

James Hulsey, violin performance sophomore

aid in student decisions in course selection.

UT’s website allows students to view results of the reviews online; all they need is a UT EID, a user name like

“If the evaluator gives permission I think it should be public. As long as all the opinions are given.”

Alexandra Arcuri, University College freshman

the OU 4x4 with a high assurance level.

Even within OU, evaluations can differ by department. Expository writing professor Jennifer Shaiman

“I think it kind of defeats the purpose if they’re private.

People would be more honest if the professors didn’t need to give permission.”

“I don’t really care. In my opinion most of the evaluations are kinda junk, not all that accurate, whether it’s public or private.”

Nathan Woods, accounting sophomore

Will Adams, aerospace engineering sophomore

said the expository program conducts its own student evaluation more extensively than the university-wide survey.

The department asks all

students to complete a longer, narrative evaluation while in class, Shaiman said.

“I find these very useful, and I do change aspects of the class in response to

“I think it would be nice to know.”

Dana Hoggan, University College Freshman

them,” Shaiman said.

Shaiman also said she finds the university’s evaluation system less useful because students often don’t include comments.

finances: International students rely on families, friends for expenses Continued from page A1 expensive.

“Hundreds of dollars each time I go to Walmart has put me in low balance,” Palimariu said. “I had my money planned before coming to the U.S., but it hasn’t been enough.”

For some, holiday parking tickets add to the bill.

Sara Tavanti, Italian linguistics student, and her three friends paid the price for not understanding the parking system.

“In San Diego they have like five different parking line colors, and we didn’t realize. So

we had our first fine,” she said.

After a fine of $50, Tavanti said the first thing they did the following morning was go retrieve the car.

“Tada! The car’s gone. Towed because of a freaking marathon,” Tavanti said.

After calling the police department and paying the $300 fee to retrieve the car, they had another surprise.

“They bring us the car and, tada, other fine,” Tavanti said. “At least it made it even, and we had to pay a $100 each.”

Some students also took advantage of being in the U.S. to buy things they couldn’t have bought otherwise.

To l u w a n i A d e n e k a n , a N i g e r i a n

More Online Visit OUDaily.com to read the full story entrepreneurship student from the United Kingdom, said she was tempted by Black Friday.

Adenekan said she spent about $200 on clothes such as sweaters and tops.

Apart from that, Adenekan said she has been careful.

“Obviously, as an exchange student, I can’t work, and I don’t have any scholarships or student loans or anything, so I depend on my

parents who have four children.” Adenekan said. “I can’t just ask them anything.”

Bastian Koll, a German management information systems student, has decided to focus his expenses on his Christmas holidays.

“We’re gonna go to the Bahamas for Christmas, and then to New York for the New Year’s Eve,” Koll said.

Even though it might seem like an exotic destination, Koll said the flight is much cheaper from the U.S. than from Germany.

Because Koll booked his flight before, he already spent his money.

“I still have money for the trip to Christmas, but I can’t use it before,” Koll said.

A2

News

• Friday, December 2, 2011

news

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

academics

Sooners smoothing out final papers Students can revise assignments at all writing centers Sarah Bedell Staff Reporter

Students have been ducking into the OU Writing Center for waffles each Wednesday, but with finals approaching the center has more to offer than just breakfast delights.

The center has been helping students since its opening in 1989, and every year it continues to draw in more people looking to enhance their writing skills.

Writing is the common denominator for teaching and learning at a university, said Michele Eodice, the associate provost for academic engagement. “ We have what is considered a 21st century writing center; we are open to everyone,” Eodice said.

Jason Barry, electrical engineering senior and three-year Cate Writing Center employee said he has seen people come in to work on just about everything from dissertations to papers for comp and psychology.

“We usually get busy about half way through the semester, because students start to have big papers due,” said Barry.

The center works on whatever the student feels they need to work on, which may include an early draft or strengthening an argument, Eodice said.

Chemistry junior Tufica Bell said she brought her

Today around campus Final day to submit a thesis reading copy.

An exhibit of students’ photos will be on display all day at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art’s Lightwell Gallery. The display is a presentation from the F-Stop Society, a new student-art organization.

An opening reception for the exhibit will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 5.

The exhibit will be on display until Dec. 9.

A festival of tree decoration by student organizations will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at Oklahoma Memorial Union’s Crossroads Lounge. The best in show tree will be selected in the afternoon.

A booth about mercury poison in the state by the Sierra Club will be on display from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Oklahoma Memorial Union’s food court. The booth will give out free hot chocolate.

Guess the score from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Oklahoma Memorial Union’s first floor lobby. The winner will win a Union Programming Board T-shirt.

The First Friday event will take place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Wagner Hall, Room 145. The free event will feature Health Science Center representatives talking to prospective students about degree programs and requirements.

An art discussion will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. at Fred Jones Jr. Musuem of Art’s Dee Dee and Jon R. Stuart Classroom. The discussion will focus on 1960s work’s conceptual development.

races: Program faces cuts

An art panel discussion on the global impact of Chinese Avant-Garde will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art’s Mary Eddy and Fred Jones Auditorium.

A free movie titled “One Day” will be shown at 6, 9 p.m. and midnight at Oklahoma Memorial Union’s Meacham Auditorium. The event is sponsored by the Union Programming Board and Campus Activities Council.

Continued from page A1 Carr, the recruiter for program’s Tulsa office, said this cut eliminates a grant for the Mentoring Children of Prisoners program.

To combat financial difficulties, the program is looking to raise money mostly through private donations, Carr said.

So far, 60 to 70 people have registered for the race, but Easley said she expects the number to double by the end of registration.

Make holiday crafts at the Union Programming Board’s Annual Holiday Craft Factory from 6 to 9 p.m. at Oklahoma Memorial Union’s food court.

“The Nutcracker” will be performed by the University Theatre and the School of Dance Oklahoma Festival Ballet at 8 p.m. at Fine Arts Center’s Ruple Jones Theatre. Contact OU Fine Arts Box Office at 405-325-4101 for more information.

GO AND DO Run in the race

Corrections

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Saturday

The Oklahoma Daily has a commitment to serve readers with accurate coverage and analysis.

Readers should bring errors to The Daily’s attention by emailing dailynews@ou.edu.

WHERE: Tulsa INFO: www.runforalittle5k. eventbrite.com

w

w

w .s

ll to

re

pr

iv at e

AT PARTIES

ca

HOLIDAY

m se pa eet rv ck in oo e ne ag g r rb es oo o fo w on m r d l. lin et co e ai m ls

550 24th Avenue N.W. 405-360-3634

MELODIE LETTKEMAN/THE DAILY

Allison Hoagland, journalism senior, (right) watches as Laurel Cunningham, women’s and gender studies and English literature junior, (left) answers history senior Josh Massad’s questions about organization in his final Capstone paper Thursday in Wagner Hall’s Writing Center.

English composition papers to the Writing center to get help organizing her paper and verbalizing her thoughts.

“When I went the assistance there seemed really knowledgeable and creative so it was very efficient,” Bell said.

The center has a repeat rate of about 2.5 — meaning most students do return, Eodice said.

Bell said she visited four times during one semester.

Besides providing help with papers, the center also provides space for students to practice speeches and Power Point presentations with someone on hand to give advice, laptops for students to use and events, such as Waffle Wednesday and Punctuate with Popcorn, to bring students in.

“We offer so many options now that students can find us easily —drop in whenever we are open, or make an

AT A GLANCE Writing Center locations • Cate Center 4 • Wagner Hall • Sarkeys Energy Center

appointment online in advance, or send your text to us for online consultation,” Eodice said.

Friday, December 2, 2011 •

A3

evaluate: Assessments provide professors with feedback for future use Continued from page A1 feel like I need to do them for all of my classes,” Magee said.

Feeling obligated to review professors is why psychology sophomore Daniel Tinney does the evaluations.

“I plan on doing them,” Tinney said. “I like most of my teachers, and they said it helps them out, so I don’t mind.”

Helping faculty gain insight on how to improve their courses is a huge part of evaluation, university spokesman Michael Nash said in an email. Nash explained faculty members do this by reviewing anonymous student answers.

“Participation in completing these evaluations is beneficial for both the students and the faculty,” Nash said.

The provost’s office uses the data collected to assess professors reaching tenure, according to Daily archives.

OU isn’t the only university where administration places an emphasis on evaluation.

The University of Texas states on its website that student feedback helps with teaching effectiveness, faculty promotions and salary decisions. Evaluations also

›››› Sooner Sampler: Should course evaluations be made public?

“Yeah, as long as the person giving the opinion approves.

Otherwise the professors could be trying to censor the evaluations.”

James Hulsey, violin performance sophomore

aid in student decisions in course selection.

UT’s website allows students to view results of the reviews online; all they need is a UT EID, a user name like

“If the evaluator gives permission I think it should be public. As long as all the opinions are given.”

Alexandra Arcuri, University College freshman

the OU 4x4 with a high assurance level.

Even within OU, evaluations can differ by department. Expository writing professor Jennifer Shaiman

“I think it kind of defeats the purpose if they’re private.

People would be more honest if the professors didn’t need to give permission.”

“I don’t really care. In my opinion most of the evaluations are kinda junk, not all that accurate, whether it’s public or private.”

Nathan Woods, accounting sophomore

Will Adams, aerospace engineering sophomore

said the expository program conducts its own student evaluation more extensively than the university-wide survey.

The department asks all

students to complete a longer, narrative evaluation while in class, Shaiman said.

“I find these very useful, and I do change aspects of the class in response to

“I think it would be nice to know.”

Dana Hoggan, University College Freshman

them,” Shaiman said.

Shaiman also said she finds the university’s evaluation system less useful because students often don’t include comments.

finances: International students rely on families, friends for expenses Continued from page A1 expensive.

“Hundreds of dollars each time I go to Walmart has put me in low balance,” Palimariu said. “I had my money planned before coming to the U.S., but it hasn’t been enough.”

For some, holiday parking tickets add to the bill.

Sara Tavanti, Italian linguistics student, and her three friends paid the price for not understanding the parking system.

“In San Diego they have like five different parking line colors, and we didn’t realize. So

we had our first fine,” she said.

After a fine of $50, Tavanti said the first thing they did the following morning was go retrieve the car.

“Tada! The car’s gone. Towed because of a freaking marathon,” Tavanti said.

After calling the police department and paying the $300 fee to retrieve the car, they had another surprise.

“They bring us the car and, tada, other fine,” Tavanti said. “At least it made it even, and we had to pay a $100 each.”

Some students also took advantage of being in the U.S. to buy things they couldn’t have bought otherwise.

To l u w a n i A d e n e k a n , a N i g e r i a n

More Online Visit OUDaily.com to read the full story entrepreneurship student from the United Kingdom, said she was tempted by Black Friday.

Adenekan said she spent about $200 on clothes such as sweaters and tops.

Apart from that, Adenekan said she has been careful.

“Obviously, as an exchange student, I can’t work, and I don’t have any scholarships or student loans or anything, so I depend on my

parents who have four children.” Adenekan said. “I can’t just ask them anything.”

Bastian Koll, a German management information systems student, has decided to focus his expenses on his Christmas holidays.

“We’re gonna go to the Bahamas for Christmas, and then to New York for the New Year’s Eve,” Koll said.

Even though it might seem like an exotic destination, Koll said the flight is much cheaper from the U.S. than from Germany.

Because Koll booked his flight before, he already spent his money.

“I still have money for the trip to Christmas, but I can’t use it before,” Koll said.

A4

Comment of the day on OUDaily.com ››

• Friday, December 2, 2011

OPINION

“‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy Holidays’ are both fine. People shouldn’t be offended by the fact someone is wishing them well, even if that well wishing comes from a culture different than your own.” (braceyourself, Re: Holidays not universal for all religions)

EDITORIAL

Evaluations do carry weight Our View: Students should have access to class evaluations. But until that happens, it’s still important to fill them out.

effect. The results of student evaluations are kept private, so students have no way of really knowing how much impact they It’s time for class evaluations again. Let’s get the WHEN: Now through have. collective sigh out of the way.

Dec. 9 If the administration is We know, we know, there’s nothing you need as concerned as it seems less in the days leading up to finals than one more WHERE: eval.ou.edu to be with bringing in item on your to-do list. It just doesn’t seem like it more evaluations — given accomplishes much. And now that the evaluations the iPad give-aways and other incentives — it have moved online, it’s even easier to conveniently should make the results of student evaluations “forget” in favor of one more trip to Starbucks. publicly accessible.

In fact, just over half of students filled out an It could be like an OU-specific version of sites evaluation last semester, according to Daily like Myedu.com, with much more valuable and rearchives.

But with the ease and availability of course eval- liable data. The administration still could use the uations nowadays, it’s easy to forget that it was stu- data as it does now, but students also could use this data to their advantage when choosing courses. dents who first fought for them.

Students would be more invested in the That’s because before these evaluations, evaluation system and would be more students had no formal, easy resource for The Our View likely to fill them out consistently and giving feedback on classes. is the majority truthfully.

Sure, if a student was particularly inopinion of The Faculty Senate considered such a spired, she could seek out a department The Daily’s proposal in the 1980s and came up with 10-member head or other administrator to make a foreditorial board the compromise that evaluations could mal complaint or compliment. But access to this was spotty and based entirely on only be released with the professors’ constudents’ own time and initiative. sent, according to Daily archives.

With the onset of regular evaluations, students But this current policy would make any rating now have a way to express what works for their ed- system for students useless, as it most likely would ucation and what doesn’t. have much more information on professors who Even if it sometimes feels like evaluations just receive good evaluations. disappear into the abyss of paperwork — or now Releasing student evaluation information is a cyberspace — they actually are taken into account perfect way to encourage participation and add a in decisions about pay raises, promotions and ten- new level of usefulness to this important tool. ure, especially for newer professors and for nonColorado, Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech all traditional programs. already release course-evaluation data to students.

Evaluations are not just one more bit of writing It’s time OU was added to that list. during the busiest part of the year; they are stuIn the meantime, this is your tool, and it can dents’ chance to have a voice. make a difference. So use it.

But many students don’t see them as an imComment on this at OUDaily.com portant resource because it’s difficult to see their

GO AND DO Online class evaluations

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Quit stereotyping Middle East I was studying in the library the other day when I over- a choice. However, the comments made at the library raise heard a curious conversation. A girl, sitting farther down a significant issue I have found prevalent in the U.S. We the table from me, informed her friends, “All women in know so little about the area of the world with which we Arab countries are required to cover their heads.” I was are politically and militarily engaged. In the post-9/11, inquite flabbergasted by what I heard. Having numer- vasion of Iraq world we live in, the media portrays the Arab ous Arab friends and having taken Middle Eastern stud- world in a rather inaccurate manner: We are shown images ies classes I knew this to be an erroneous of covered and timid women and men who assertion.

“As we stereotype are domineering and violent. Additionally, I quickly retorted, explaining that Saudi in general, we have done little to educate others, they will Arabia is the only country in the entire Arab ourselves about the complex culture of the in turn stereotype region. All of this has led to stereotyping, world that requires women to cover their heads. According to the United Nations such as all women being required to cover. us, leading to Statistics Division, the population of the The U.S. today finds itself in a precarious misunderstanding, position in the Arab world: a war in Iraq, Arab world is approximately 357,838,000.

Saudi Arabia’s population is 28,083,000. failed Israeli-Palestinian peace talks and resentment and That means Saudi Arabia only accounts for now democratic and anti-regime protests. intolerance.”

7.8 percent of people living in majority Arab The dynamics of the Arab world are changcountries. ing, so it is critical that we seek to underWomen only account for 44 percent of Saudi Arabia’s stand this region of the world culturally. If we continue total population. The population of women in the Arab to espouse preconceived notions, the situations the U.S. world is 157,372,800. Therefore only 7.9 percent of all is entangled in will only worsen. As we stereotype others, women living in Arab countries are required, by law, to they will in turn stereotype us, leading to misunderstandcover their heads. Moreover, many Arab countries have ing, resentment and intolerance. secular governments such as Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and The U.S. cannot address the situations it finds itself in until the democratic uprisings earlier this year, Tunisia without cultural awareness. and Egypt.

My point is not to defend the legal requirement of Caitlin Miles, communication women to cover. On a personal level, I believe it should be and international and area studies senior

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Delayed requests have no legal basis I graduated from OU last year, and I’m currently serv- public employees on public property using public equiping overseas with the National Guard. As an alumnus, I try ment. There’s no basis for denying the request. However, last year, the university had its staff sit down to keep track of my alma mater. I was one of “It is clearly a with the president to generate a new docuthe only law students to write for The Daily. I did a lot of investigative reporting, and I unpublic record. ... ment, rather than releasing the requested records. derstood how the state’s open meetings and There’s no basis So, I would like to address this letter to the open records acts work. for denying the editor as an open letter to President Boren I still believe committee meetings of the — asking him to comply with state law and OU regents should be open to the public, and request.” release his schedule to The Daily. that records regarding perks provided by the The Daily should be able to report on the foundation to OU employees and the results of student course evaluations must be made available. president’s schedule and public appearances without first However, OU’s legal counsel has a different interpretation, discovering that information through other media sources.

Quite simply, they’re legally entitled to the public records and it is an area where reasonable minds can disagree.

What I find a bit disturbing is the president’s office still that allow them to do that. not releasing David Boren’s schedule to The Daily. That reNicholas Harrison, quest has been pending since Jan. 31.

OU alumnus It is clearly a public record — created and maintained by

Chris Lusk Chase Cook Annelise Russell James Corley Katherine Borgerding

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To cast your vote, visit COLUMN

Praise female sexuality with ‘Monologues’

S

ometime in OPINION COLUMNIST the month of February, don’t be surprised if you hear words like “vagina” echoing through the third floor of the Oklahoma Memorial Union. It’s just the annual perforMary Stanfield mance of “The Vagina stanfieldm@ou.edu Monologues” by Eve Ensler.

If you’re like many who haven’t seen the play, or this is your first introduction to the monologues, you’re probably already conjuring awkward images of what the performance must be like. Is it some nearly pornographic, avant garde rambling? Or is it more of an angry feminist rant?

Well, there’s certainly some mention of sex and sexuality. And you’ll definitely see some women full of righteous anger. But more than any of that, the audience of “The Vagina Monologues” will be treated to a rare sight indeed: women speaking openly about their sexuality.

You see, our culture has this hang-up about sex. We’re perfectly fine using it to sell movie tickets and perfume and everything else. But when it comes to having real, frank, positive converGO AND DO sations about sex in the real Auditions for world, that’s just a little too awkward. Especially if it’s a “The Vagina woman doing the talking.

Monologues” Now I don’t think this is some conscious, overt WHEN: 2 to 5 p.m. conspiracy by the patriarSunday chy to subvert the almighty WHERE: Traditions power of the vagina. I think Room in the Oklahoma it’s simply a feature of how Memorial Union our culture has developed — we view female sexuality and the female sex organs as these mysterious, taboo things. Our cultural discomfort with sexuality leads to silence, and silence leads to shame. After all, what kind of decent lady talks about her “lady parts” in public? It’s just inappropriate.

It’s this silence and shame that lead to self-image issues, painful societal pressures and widespread violence against women.

I have to admit, while growing up, I internalized this sense of embarrassment about sex and my own sexuality without question. Sure, I could talk about the fundamentals of sex and trade safe sex facts like a champ. But I was just as embarrassed by, even ashamed of, my own sexuality as the rest of society seemed to be.

That ended the day I stepped into the room to audition for “The Vagina Monologues” two years ago.

It was disconcerting, at first, to see all these otherwise sweet, upstanding girls sitting around in a circle reading a list of names for the vagina (“cootchie snorcher” was my favorite) and what their vagina would wear if it had clothes (one was in a feather boa). But once I relaxed and had a good laugh at my expense, I realized that this was the first time I’d felt safe enough to confront my own sexuality head on. I realized that this was the healthy environment, not the one full of shameful silence and fear.

This performance was an opportunity to be truthful and genuine in a way I had never been before. It explored everything from understanding our own anatomy to the power of first sexual experiences, from the gritty miracle of childbirth to the dangers of rape. And it was open and real in a way that had many of us crying backstage in between pieces.

Through this performance, I learned that vagina is not a dirty word. That sexuality — yes, even female sexuality — is a beautiful, natural part of adult life. That our shameful, repressive silence surrounding sex only keeps us from fully understanding and celebrating it.

And I got to meet a group of strong, amazing women who went through this transformation alongside me.

So, my fellow Sooner women, I hope you’ll join me in auditioning for this year’s performance from 2 to 5 p.m.

Sunday in the Traditions Room of the union. I promise, it’s an experience you can’t replace.

And all Sooners, regardless of gender, I hope to see you in the audience this February. You’ll either leave the auditorium with a big grin or dabbing at tears — either way, it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Mary Stanfield is a philosophy senior and The Daily’s opinion editor.

The Oklahoma Daily is a public forum, the University of Oklahoma’s independent student voice and an entirely student-run publication.

Columnists’ and cartoonists’ opinions are their own and not necessarily the views or opinions of The Oklahoma Daily Editorial Board.

Letters should concentrate on issues, not personalities, and must be fewer than 250 words, typed and signed by the author(s). Letters will be edited for accuracy, space and style.

Students must list their major and classification.

To submit letters, email dailyopinion@ou.edu.

Letters also can be submitted in person Sunday through Thursday in 160 Copeland Hall.

Our View is the voice of The Oklahoma Daily Editorial Board, which consists of nine members of the editorial staff. The board meets at 5 p.m.

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Friday, December 2, 2011 •

OUDaily.com ››

Life&arts Captains of

The sixth annual holiday music concert Holiday Pipes will take place Sunday in Sharp Concert Hall in Catlett.

A5

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

sound

Local band makes waves and prepares for show benefitting OKC charity Chris Miller Online Editor

The members of up-andcoming local band Captain Comfy say they want their music to make a difference in listeners’ lives, and now they’re putting their money where others’ mouths are.

In an effort to spread holiday cheer to those in need, the six-piece ensemble will donate its portion of the proceeds from tonight’s show at The Deli, 309 White St., to OKC Angels, a nonprofit organization providing Christmas gifts and meals to children and families in need.

Though the band members could certainly put the money to good use themselves, OU alumnus and bass player Taylor Graham said the decision to donate tonight’s earnings was an easy one. “We’re all relatively broke, but when you put it all in perspective, it’s the right thing to do,� he said. “If money comes later on, great. Our focus is on enjoying playing music together right now.�

Band members may not see any immediate monetary benefit from their show tonight, but Justin Rackleff, health and exercise science major and percussionist, said seeing concert attendees appreciate the band’s performances is a reward in itself. “If I could think of one thing I wanted to do with my life, this would be it,� he said. “To see people taking note of and enjoying what we do is indescribable.�

Taking note of Captain Comfy is exactly what local audiences have been doing since the band’s April 28 debut, and band mem bers attribute their success to focusing on the musicianship and camaraderie between themselves and concertgoers. “We hope that people can come to our shows and recharge their spirit because

AT A GLANCE How to donate Visit the nonprofit organization OKC Angels’ website at okcangels.webs.com or email okcangels@yahoo. com.

Source: OKC Angels website

photos provided

Above: Captain Comfy guitarst Mitch Wilkerson performs at a recent gig at The Deli in Norman. Wilkerson said the band is at its best when it can feed off the energy of concert-going fans.

Left: OU alumnus and Captain Comfy bassist Taylor Graham performs at The Deli. Graham said the band’s decision to donate tonight’s concert’s proceeds to charity was the “right thing to do.�

GO AND DO See the band WHEN: 10:30 tonight

“If I could think of one thing I wanted to do with my life, it would be this.To see people taking note of and enjoying what we do is indescribable.� justin rackleff, health and exercise science senior

we feed off that on stage,� guitarist Mitch Wilkerson said.

Though band members want their music to be accessible to any audience, they admit their sound is not easily categorized.

Keyboard player Ty Walls, who joined the band in June, said he now faces the same dilemma describing the music that his fellow

bandmates once did when trying to convince him to join. “They tried and failed to describe it to me, and that’s exactly what happens now ... because I really don’t know what to say,� he said.

Despite the fact all six band members attended Broken Arrow High School and consider themselves longtime

WHERE: The Deli, 309 White St. PRICE: $5

friends, Captain Comfy is essentially a confluence of divergent musical approaches and influences.

Members cite everything from Phish and the Grateful Dead to Radiohead, Ben Folds and Talking Heads as influences upon their personal styles, but somehow when they take the stage, these divisions disappear and all that remains is a well-controlled jam rock mĂŠlange that can and often does switch from a

mellow, ambient melodies to bass-driven funk grooves at a moment’s notice.

Furthering the differences, some members come from a classical music background, while others are self-taught.

While at Broken Arrow High School, both Walls and drummer Jerry Jones were involved in the school’s marching band, which won a national championship during their time there. “We were taught by incredible educators, and constantly observing people who really get it was a huge help,�

Walls said The remaining members, including OU alumnus and percussionist Michael Bina, all learned their instruments in less formal settings. “We all have our strengths and weaknesses in songwriting and performing, but they

complement one another well,� Graham said.

Wilkerson echoed those sentiments, saying that the band is still in the process of finding its artistic footing, but its members embrace improving together. “There’s so many individual influences and differences ‌ and that’s why the sound is going to be constantly evolving,â€? Wilkerson said. “That’s a good thing.â€?

Whatever success or hardships the they have, Rackleff said the journey will be made easier by the band’s bond. “Being in a band is a lot easier when you’re working with your best friends rather than a group of good musicians with nothing in common,� he said. “We know we have something, and I’m excited to see where we make it together.

the gender issues the ball seeks to expose are everywhere, including OU. “Those who identify as gender queer, intersex or transgender don’t have a commonly recognized identity, and because of this, people are weirded out by it, and it’s strange.�

Cunningham said the

reactions are exactly what the Gender Bender Ball seeks to change. “The Gender Bender Ball is happening so these identities are brought to the forefront and recognized as acceptable forms of expression,� she said.

Caitlin Ruemping, Life & Arts Reporter

entertainment briefs UPB

Holiday factory opens in union The Union Programming Board aims to add some cheer to the end of the sem e s t e r w i t h i t s a n nu a l Holiday Craft Factory at 6 tonight in the food court of the Oklahoma Memorial Union.

Students can make free holiday-neutral crafts such as sock snowmen, picture frames, cards and their own cocoa mix, public relations

senior Bridgitte Castorino said.

The event came to be this year under the direction of Castorino, who said she saw taking charge of Holiday Craft Factory as a no-brainer. “I love the holidays,� she said. “I love crafts. I love factories. Glue them together and what do you get?

Holiday Craft Factory, my favorite.�

Castorino said she encourages students who love the holidays to attend.

“It’s also a great way to have a blast and make gifts for your friends and family for the holidays,� Castorino said.

Caitlin Ruemping, Life & Arts Reporter

student life

Genders to bend for annual ball The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Friends student group will host its annual G ender

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Bender Ball tonight to raise awareness of gender issues.

The event, held at 8 p.m. in the Scholars Room of the Oklahoma Memorial Union, seeks to enlighten students by exploring gender identities. While the night’s theme of “Drag Night,� GLBTF member Laurel Cunningham said

A6

Life&Arts

• Friday, December 2, 2011

about

The Other ingredients inside the food that you eat are more important Brooke Buckmaster

calories

Life & Arts Reporter

Despite its dictionary definition, a calorie can mean many Calories from fat different things, depending on whom you talk to.

Calories from fat is the perTo an athlete seeking that husky, muscular body, a calorie centage of total calories that is an unavoidable substance. are from fat. Throughout the On the opposite end of the spectrum, a calorie can be conday, we are supposed to be sidered taboo. For some women hoping to look good in that consuming less than 30 perlittle black dress, a calorie can have a negative connotation. cent of our calories from fat.

Coming from a health perspective, a calorie has little “It’s ok to consume food meaning. that has greater than 30 per“A calorie has little to nothing to do with the health concent fat,” Knehans said. “But tent of a food item,” OU nutrition professor Allen Knehans you want to be careful that said. you don’t consume a lot of It takes approximately 3,500 calories above your daily calhigh fat substances.” orie intake to gain just one pound, according to health.gov.

A calorie has little effect on health in the grand scheme of things according to the website.

Rather than counting calories before every meal, nutritionists have found that other areas of the food label are more important. When it comes to terms such as grams of fat, calories from fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and the 2,000 calorie myth, here are things to keep in mind: Total fat Under this label, pay special attention to two subcategories: calories from The 2,000 calorie fat and saturated fat. myth Just because the food label is based off of a daily intake of 2000 calories doesn’t mean that is the recommended amount of calories you should eat each day.

Cholesterol “The food label is based Cholesterol is another off of a 2000 calorie diet primary item to look at on a meant for a person weighfood label when determining roughly 220 pounds,” ing the healthiness of a food Knehans said. product. On average, it is adIt is possible to eat more vised to consume less than than 2000 calories and be 300mg of cholesterol a day, healthy, he said.

Knehans said.

Looking at things such asTo put in realistic terms, an grams of fat, cholesterol and eight count of chicken nugsodium is a much healthier gets from Chick-Fil-A conapproach for looking at the tains 70mg of cholesterol, alfood label than making sure most a third of the suggested you keep your calories at daily intake, he said. around 2000.

Sodium

The suggested amount of sodium one should intake each day is 2300mg. While it might be acceptable to eat a food high in cholesterol here and there, Knehans advised that you keep the foods high in sodium to the bare minimum.

Foods to watch out for include snacks such as pretzels and popcorn, as well as any food soaked in soy sauce or salad dressing.

“High amounts of sodium in your diet increase the risk of high blood pressure,” Knehans said.

Saturated fat

Saturated fat is the “fatty acid” that a food contains and is as bad as it sounds.

The intake of too much saturated fat can lead to high blood cholesterol, ultimately leading to heart disease.

“If the majority of the fat in the food is coming from saturated fat, then that would be an indication that it’s not healthy,” Knehans said.

Photo illustration by Melodie Lettkeman/the daily

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BED L AM P RE V IE W

F r i d a y, D e c e m b e r 2

B2

BEDLAM PREVIEW

• Friday, December 2, 2011

ANALYSIS

‘Belldozer’ driving OU into end zone Bell formation increases team’s red-zone efficiency LUKE MCCONNELL Sports Reporter

For the past several seasons, the Oklahoma Sooners have been best known for having one of the most potent offenses in college football.

In 2008, the Sooners averaged more than 50 points a game en route to scoring an NCAA single-season record 716 points, including a national record five-straight games w ith 60 or more points.

However, OU’s offense has been based primarily on the passing game, with quarterbacks Sam Bradford and Landry Jones putting up video game-like numbers the past three seasons.

A smash-mouth rushing attack has not been much of a factor in the Sooners’ offensive success.

That has been more apparent in the red zone, where in 2010 the Sooners scored just 44 touchdowns in 77 red-zone appearances, just 57 percent.

In 2011, OU hoped to improve those numbers with a more-experienced offensive line that returned all but one starter from the previous year’s squad.

However, through seven ga m e s t h i s s ea s o n , t h e Sooners were back where they ended 2010, scoring touchdowns with just 55.8 percent (19-of-34) of their trips in the red zone.

The Sooners were scoring in bunches, averaging 44.3 points per game, but those points were hard to come by once OU penetrated the opponents’ 20-yard line.

KINGSLEY BURNS/THE DAILY

Redshirt freshman quarterback Blake Bell (10) rushes for a touchdown during OU’s 41-25 win against Texas A&M on Nov. 5 in Norman. Bell has scored nine touchdowns in the last four games out of the “Belldozer” formation, which also has increased OU’s red-zone efficiency.

In a modified wildcat formation with a doublefullback set featuring Trey Millard and Aaron Ripkowski, WITH BELLDOZER Bell made an immediate Kansas State: 5-for-5 (1.000) and positive impact on the » One Bell touchdown offense.

Texas A&M: 3-for-5 (.600) Bell converted two of the » Two Bell touchdowns three third-down attempts against the Wildcats and Baylor: 5-for-5 (1.000) » Four Bell touchdowns scored a touchdown.

More importantly, the Iowa State: 2-for-7 (.286) Sooners went 5-for-5 in » Two Bell touchdowns the red zone against the Wildcats. their red-zone efficiency.

Since that point, the ofEnter freshman quar- fense’s efficiency in the terback Blake Bell, better red zone has improved known as “The Belldozer.” drastically.

AT A GLANCE OU red-zone percentage PRE-BELLDOZER Tulsa: 5-for-8 (.625) Florida State: 1-for-5 (.200) Missouri: 4-for-5 (.800) Ball State: 3-for-4 (.750) Texas: 3-for-5 (.600) Kansas: 3-for-7 (.429) Texas Tech: 2-for-4 (.500)

Then, against Kansas State, the Sooners unveiled an offensive package that completely revolutionized

Excluding last week’s game against Iowa State, the Sooners were 13-for-15 in the red zone, thanks in large part to the Belldozer and his seven rushing touchdowns in three games.

Bell also converted 9-of12 third- or fourth-down opportunities, including a 6-for-8 performance against Texas A&M. In the Sooners’ 45-38 loss to Baylor on Nov. 19, Bell scored four touchdowns and more than likely would have scored the go-ahead two-point conversion had there not been a false start

penalty called.

Before the Kansas State game, the Sooners ranked 83rd in the country in touchdown percentage in the red zone.

Since the implementation of the Belldozer package, the Sooners had jumped up to 41st prior to the Iowa State game.

Against the Cyclones, the Sooners went just 2-for-7 in the red zone, although several factors contributed to that lack of success.

The w eather was terrible, as coaches and players readily stated after the game, and the Iowa State defense was more prepared for the formation than previous OU opponents.

A f t e r t h e Te x a s A & M game, OU coach Bob Stoops said the Sooners would continue to use Bell but didn’t want to get carried away with the frequency of its use.

“It has really expanded third-down efficiency and red-zone scores,” Stoops said. “I think there is more to come with it. He (Bell) is a big tough guy. I think the more he is out there, the more comfortable he is going to get.”

B e l l ha s g o tt e n m o re comfortable, and there is no doubt the results have been positive for the Sooners’ offense.

Oklahoma State boasts the second-ranked scoring offense in the country at 49.8 points per game, so the Sooners will need touchdowns — not field goals — to beat the Cowboys.

The emergence of Bell and a short-yardage power running game may be the key for the Sooners to win their ninth straight Bedlam matchup.

Bedlam position breakdown COACH

Both Bob Stoops and Mike Gundy have proven their worth by taking struggling programs and turning them into national powerhouses. Both have won big games. However, only one has beaten the other. The edge might be mental more than anything, but until Gundy proves he can beat Stoops, the edge goes to OU.

QUARTERBACK

Slight edge to Oklahoma State. Landry Jones and Brandon Weeden are about as close as possible by the numbers. Both quarterbacks are putting up right around 370 yards of offense per game, and both have thrown for just more than 4,000 yards this year. However, Weeden has been slightly more accurate with a completion percentage of 73 percent compared to Jones’ 64 percent. Also, with two quarterbacks so evenly matched, the slight edge has to go to the one playing at home.

WIDE RECEIVERS

If Ryan Broyles was playing in this game, this position would be a deadlock.

Likewise, if Justin Blackmon got hurt tomorrow morning, call it a tie. In fact, OU might even have a slight advantage. OU’s Kenny Stills-Jaz Reynolds combination has slightly better numbers than OSU’s counter of Josh Cooper-Tracy Moore. However, Broyles’ ACL tear makes this one pretty simple. One team has Justin Blackmon, the other doesn’t. Edge goes to OSU.

2nd 16th

RUNNING BACKS

OSU would have a slight advantage here even if OU still had Dom Whaley at its disposal. However, that loss only broadens the gap. OSU has two legitimate running threats — Joseph Randle and Jeremy Smith. Randle is averaging 94.7 yards per game, and Smith is averaging 52.6. The two also have combined for 28 touchdowns. OU’s leading rusher now that Whaley is out is Roy Finch. The sophomore is averaging only 48.7 yards per game, and he and backup Brennan Clay have combined for only four touchdowns.

FRONT SEVEN

OU gets the edge here. The only time the Sooners’ front seven has struggled at all this year has been against mobile quarterbacks. Since Brandon Weeden will not present that problem, OU’s front should be able to get more pressure than O-State’s. After all, OU’s offensive line has been one of the best in the nation at protecting its quarterback.

SECONDARY

OU has two very talented corners but is struggling at the safety position.

OSU, on the other hand, has been solid at safety all year but lacked consistency at cornerback. Chalk this one up as a tie. Both teams should be able to have success in the passing game. After all, no team in the country has shut down either offensive attack yet this year.

PUSH

BY G REG FE W E L , A S S I S TA N T S P O R T S E D I TO R

BEDLAM PREVIEW

Friday, December 2, 2011 •

B3

Column

Oklahoma team stands in its own way SPORTS COLUMNIST

unstoppable as he picked apart OU for a last minute game-winning drive.

Meanwhile, the supposedly championship-caliber Sooners who were supposed to be able to put opponents away looked bewildered in those final minutes. A false Greg Fewell start penalty, numerous degreg_f@ou.edu fensive breakdowns and a controversial timeout by OU klahoma got its all gave Baylor the opportunickname from a nity for that final drive. group that snuck What’s worse is the out early to get an upper Sooners’ meltdown came hand in the land run of at a time when all the stars 1889. Some might call those seemed to be aligning for original “Sooners” cheaters. them. Oklahoma State and Others, however, maintain Oregon had just been beatthat the group was simply en, meaning OU would have using every available advan- been ranked No. 3 in the tage to win. country even after its loss to Fast forward to 2011, how- Texas Tech. Of course, had ever, and it seems the current OU not already lost to a Tech Sooners are doing everyteam not even bowl eligible, thing in their power to keep it would not have needed the from being successful. help from those other teams Oklahoma has derailed in the first place. its own potentially national Oklahoma entered its championship-bound train game against the Red twice this season with losses Raiders with a 39-game to lesser-ranked opponents. home winning streak. On top The worst part about the of that, the Sooners already Sooners’ two losses this sea- had survived then-No. 5 son is how they came. OU Florida State in Tallahassee, had a chance to win in the Fla., and demolished Texas fourth quarter in both games in the Red River Rivalry. The and failed to do so. team was expected to coast “We came in ready to play, to a Big 12 title showdown but at the end of the day, with Bedlam rival Oklahoma they coached better than State. we did and they played betLike the Baylor game, OU ter than we did,” coach Bob overcame its own sloppy Stoops said after OU’s Nov. play to stay in the game 19 loss to Baylor. “We fought against Tech. However, in back. I never questioned our the final minutes — with the players’ want to and fight, game on the line — Tech but in the end, they made a made the big plays and OU few more big plays than we did not. did, and that’s the difference “I thought we took a lot of in the game.” steps forward, but obviously The Bears definitely tonight we took a whole lot made more big plays than of steps back,” linebacker the Sooners that night, and Travis Lewis said after the more importantly, Baylor loss. made those plays in crunch Though the senior was time with the game on the referring to the team’s menline. Junior quarterback tality, the same could be said Robert Griffin III looked for its ranking. OU went from

AT A GLANCE Sooner stumbles In the last seven seasons, a ranked OU squad has lost to seven unranked teams.

2011 Texas Tech 41, No. 3 OU 38 2010 Texas A&M 33, No. 11 OU 19

O

2009 Nebraska 10, No. 20 OU 3 2007 Colorado 27, No. 3 OU 24 Texas Tech 34, No. 3 OU 27 2005 TCU 17, No. 7 OU 10 UCLA 41, No. 21 OU 24 Compiled by Chris Lusk, The Daily

Sooner fans surely will think back to those days before RG3’s Heisman campaign rolled over the sharks or the Red Raiders ended the nation’s longest active home winning streak.

Kingsley Burns/The Daily Ultimately, though, for all Freshman running back Brandon Williams (23) gets surrounded by Baylor defenders during OU’s 45-38 but one team, every season loss to the Bears on Nov. 19 in Waco. The loss all but erased any hope for a trip to the national title for OU. comes down to those things that could have and should have been done differently. continues to have success All the Sooners can do now “For all but one team, every season comes matched by very few proto salvage the season is look down to those things that could have and grams nationally. ahead. In this case, that should have been done differently.” “(I’m happy) to still have a means a trip to Stillwater to Big 12 championship to play face a very good OSU team for and really kind of having that feels like this is its year. to play with everything on No. 3 in the BCS with a clear 2007, when OU overcame A win means the Sooners the line this week in order to claim yet another conferroad to the title game to No. 9 an early loss to reach No. 3 have a chance next week,” in desperate need of help. in the BCS before losing in ence championship and gain This is not the first year November to end that year’s defensive coordinator Brent yet another BCS bowl berth.

Venables said after OU’s lat- However, if OU pulls another OU’s aspirations have been title quest. est win against Iowa State. shot down by an untimely In Oklahoma’s defense, OU, the team could be relUndoubtedly the Sooners egated to the Alamo Bowl. loss, either. it is doing more than most are happy with their current Just last year, Oklahoma teams in the country. The That’s a far cry from a naposition, which has them rolled through the first Sooners are putting themtional championship. about to play for a second half of its schedule. Then, selves in a position to comafter clocking in at No. 1 in pete for championships year consecutive Big 12 chamGreg Fewell is a journalism pionship and a BCS bowl the initial BCS standings, in and year out. senior and the assistant berth. However, the position sports editor for The Daily.

Oklahoma lost on the road to And despite the miscues could have been so much No. 18 Missouri. that have kept them from You can follow him on sweeter.

It was the same story in going all the way, the team Twitter at @gregfewell.

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B4

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Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker December 2, 2011

Previous Solution

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.

ACROSS 1 Prepare for a boxing match 5 Delivery result 10 Places for props 14 “Major� animal 15 Bomber Gay 16 “The Last of the Mohicans� heroine 17 Spice girl that sang “Come On-A My House’’?

20 “Green Acres� star Gabor 21 It’s found in rinks and drinks 22 Estate lawyer’s specialties 23 Cheese made from ewe’s milk 25 Use a rudder 27 Spice girl that danced with Fred Astaire?

32 Autumn need 35 Kills, as a beast 36 Part of HOMES 37 Music to a matador’s ears 38 Hero in Zaire, 1974 39 Well-placed serve 40 Cigarette substances 42 “It’s ___ world ...’’ (male chauvinist’s claim)

12/2

44 Kind of collar 45 Neil Young classic about a spice girl?

48 Earthly pigment 49 One often found playing a round 53 Prepare apples, in a way 56 Meditation syllable for an electrician?

57 Pompeii fallout 58 Spice Gal called “Sir’’

by Marcie 62 Bottom of the foot 63 From then on 64 Pipe part 65 Made a tax valuation (Abbr.)

66 Cornered in branches 67 Funeral fire DOWN 1 More likely 2 Brigham Young University’s home 3 Indian state 4 “Norma ___�

(1979 movie) 5 Guidance signals 6 Concerning, in memos 7 Orbison who sang “Oh, Pretty Woman�

8 Pampering, for short 9 Bare-back blouses 10 Source of

widespread devastation Billions of years Shipping weight allowance “Simon ___�

Short skirt Two-toned cookie Mature, as cheese Established water route Making an effort Alluring beauty (Var.) “E’’ in QED Puerto ___ Observed Military training program Jai ___ (fast court game) Tighten up type Got nosy Massachusetts college See 31-

11 12 13 18 19 24 25 26 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 41 42 43

Down 44 Right-angled building addition 46 Land measure 47 Cakewalk 50 Like some acids 51 Fragrant compound 52 Limerick characteristic 53 “___-daisy!� (cry to a baby) 54 Ultramodernists 55 Pfc’s superiors 56 Fairy tale starter 59 Bygone Russian space station 60 “Medic� ending 61 Venomous snake

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

HOROSCOPE

By Bernice Bede Osol

Copyright 2011, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.

Friday, Dec. 2, 2011 SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Before starting another project, be sure to ďŹ rst ďŹ nish what youĘźve already begun. Focus and followthrough become difďŹ cult when you have too many things going on at the same time.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Be extremely selective regarding whose counsel you follow. Going with the wrong advice could cause minor complications to turn into very serious ones.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Warning signs are all over your chart, telling you that going to the wrong adviser could cause complications that would turn into grave impediments.

12/1

Š 2011 Universal Uclick www.upuzzles.com

THE SPICE GIRLS By Donald Stubin

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Subdue any kind of inclinations that invite distraction. Chances are they would cause you to waver in your pursuit of an objective, when you should be giving your full attention.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- By pretending you know a lot about something when in reality you know little, you could get yourself in an embarrassing position when asked to explain it to others.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- If a friend of yours attempts to pry some conďŹ dential information out of you, hold ďŹ rm in keeping mum. If this particular info morsel were to be circulated, youĘźd be blamed.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- All being difďŹ cult will get you is a loss of support from your friends.

DonĘźt be your own worst enemy; build bridges, donĘźt burn them.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Take it slow when engaged in something important that could produce many future rewards, and make sure you do everything right. Patience will get you where you want to go much quicker than haste.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- When caught up in something that is not directly under your control, it behooves you to be on guard.

You could easily be blamed for anotherĘźs mistake and be forced to rectify it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -DonĘźt get caught up in airing a disagreement with your spouse in front of others. Having an audience would only make matters worse as each of you tries to look like the blameless party.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Conditions are such where a gadget, tool, material or a method could easily cause you to run amok if youĘźre not totally familiar with its intricacies. Get quality instructions ďŹ rst.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Impulsiveness on your part could cause you to purchase an expensive piece of merchandise for which you currently have little use but hope one day to have.

Wait to buy it until you actually need it.

Friday, December 2, 2011 •

OUDaily.com ››

SPORTS

The Sooners may have the first truly solid defense Oklahoma State will have faced all season, The Daily’s Jordan Jenson says.

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

Volleyball

OU to start fresh for NCAA match Rematch against Tulsa first up for Sooners in tourney Luke McConnell Sports Reporter

The OU volleyball team struggled down the stretch of the regular season, but Sunday’s announcement that the Sooners had made a third consecutive NCAA tournament has given OU a fresh start.

“Whatever happened in the past is over,” OU coach Santiago Restrepo said.

“Right now, everyone in the

NCAA (tournament) needs to win six games to win the national title. We’re starting from 0-0, and everyone does the same.”

The Sooners will start their quest for the program’s first national championship at 7 p.m. Friday night in Los Angeles, where they will face the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.

Host and No. 7 national seed Southern Cal will play Yale in the other match following OU-Tulsa.

O k l a h o m a’s t o u r n a ment opener is a rematch from the second round of

the tournament last season, when OU defeated the Golden Hurricane, 3-2, to advance to the Sweet 16.

Restrepo said playing a familiar opponent is good for volleyball in the state as a whole.

“We know what they are capable of doing, so we are very familiar with each other and the plays that they run and the plays we run,” Restrepo said. “It’s very good for all the junior programs here and the development of volleyball in the state.”

The Golden Hurricane is

led by junior outside hitter Tyler Henderson, who ranks seventh in the country with 4.81 kills per set.

Last season, Henderson’s 24 kills were not enough during the Sooners’ 3-2 second-round victory.

Restrepo said limiting her production would be a key to another OU victory, saying the team has been working on how to contain her. “ We a re re a d y t o p u t [Suzy Boulavsky and Sallie McLaurin] to block Henderson. Those are the ones that are going to be matched up with her, and

they have to do a very good job blocking.”

OU was swept by USC in the first round in 2009, and senior right side Suzy Boulavsky said the experience was a good one that will allow her and the other seniors to set the pace for their younger teammates.

“Playing at USC, it’s a big deal,” Boulavsky said. “The gym is huge, they have a ton of fans, it’s a big school and their coach is wellknown. You realize everything you’ve worked for the see TOURNEY page B6

Women’s basketball

Kingsley Burns/The Daily

Sophomore guard Aaryn Ellenberg had a breakout game against Ohio State last season. The Las Vegas native has taken a larger leadership role with the team since the departure of recent graduate, All-American Danielle Robinson, and OU coach Sherri Coale said Ellenberg will need to continue pushing the team forward.

Ellenberg fills role left by Robinson Sophomore guard to lead team against Ohio State after big performance in last matchup Tobi Neidy

T

Sports Reporter

his time last season, OU women’s basketball coach Sherri Coale was shocked at what she saw from her team.

The Sooner program was coming off consecutive Final Four appearances and made a trip to Columbus, Ohio, to take on Ohio State in a top-10 showdown between the two teams.

But instead of being led by All-American Danielle Robinson against the Buckeyes and former Big Ten Player of the Year, Jantel Lavendar, a new name emerged on the offensive stat sheets that made the Sooner coaching staff take notice: Aaryn Ellenberg.

“We were really looking to (Ellenberg),” Coale said. “A true freshman? Are you kidding me?”

That was Coale’s reaction to watching one of her newest recruits score a team and game-high 34 points against the then-No. 6 team in the country last year.

The only thing that stopped Ellenberg from having more points against the Ohio State defense was herself after she collected four fouls with more than 11 minutes left in the game.

“When Ellenberg got her fourth foul and

B5

had to come out, it began to unravel a bit “That’s just what she does — she just because she had been so much a part of our scores,” Coale said. “She’s definitely a calm offensive confidence,” Coale said. and cool head.”

While Ellenberg’s leadership has continHer stats say she’s the offensive backued to be an integral part of the OU offense, bone for the Sooners, a need this Oklahoma this year the Sooners are focusing on the team had to address during the offseason smaller fundamentals of the game when when deciding how to make up for losing the team hosts the No. 18 Buckeyes this Robinson to graduation. weekend in Norman.

While Coale was quick to admit Ellenberg “We have to stop Ohio State in transition,” and Robinson have two unique playing Coale said. “We’ve got to focus on the little styles, the coach said she is pleased to see things like stopping the ball and protecting how Ellenberg continues to display a comthe basket.” manding presence on offense.

Getting the small stuff right is some“She is filling the void as far as points prothing the Sooners have been working on duction,” Coale said. “But people will start in preparation for Ohio State this week, to key in on her more because of Danielle’s while also using what the team absence.” learned from last year’s match- “That’s just what Another factor that will keep up in order to get ready for the she does — she opposing defenses’ eyes on rematch. just scores. She’s Ellenberg was the sophomore’s “Last year, it was my first true definitely a calm nomination to the early-season road game, so it was a different and cool head.” Naismith watch list this week. experience for me,” Ellenberg Ellenberg joins junior guard Sherri Coale, OU said. “They’re a really good Whitney Hand to represent the women’s basketball team like everyone we’re going Sooners for the most prestihead coach to play, but we’re working on gious award in women’s hoops doing the little things right.” that recognizes players this early based on And it’s no secret Ellenberg also will need their previous year’s performances. to take her usual leadership role this week“It’s tough to just get their name into the end if the Sooners want to come out on top. conversation,” Coale said. “And now they The Las Vegas native has been on fire just need to keep themselves in it. It’s hard for the Sooners, averaging 21.5 points this to get mentioned, but once you can get in, season. Her 86 total points in the best on people pay attention to you. the team, and Ellenberg also has been “This award is suppose to be a reflection the team’s leading scorer in all four of the of consistency, and hopefully they can do Sooners’ games. that for our team.”

Basketball

Newell transfers closer to home Replacement of guard uncertain for future games RJ Young

Sports Reporter

Oklahoma men’s basketball returns to action against Sacramento State at 7 p.m. Friday at Lloyd Noble Center, but it will do so without the services of sophomore guard Calvin Newell.

Newell informed men’s basketball coach L on Kruger on Thursday he will transfer to another school after playing just over one season as a Sooner.

In OU’s first five games this year, Newell led the team in scoring twice and is the second-leading scorer on the team with 13 points per game this season.

“I met with coach Kruger this morning and told him I’ve been dealing with issues regarding my family the past few months and that I’ve felt distracted lately,” Newell said. “I feel I need to get back closer to home, and that’s why I’ve made this decision.”

Newell, a Philadelphia native, looked like he was going have a breakout season for the Sooners after averaging just 3.5 p o i nt s p e r ga m e a s a freshman.

He’s added spark to OU’s offense off the bench this season and was especially adept at creating his own shot off the dribble penetrating defenses.

“We’ll definitely miss Ca l v i n ,” K r u g e r s a i d .

“He’s been a key contributor this season and a guy who’s scored the basketball for us.

“However, I respect his decision and the issues he’s facing and certainly wish him the best.”

The immediate question for Oklahoma is who will step into Newell’s role as a scoring guard off the bench.

The Sooners are not especially deep at any position, but point guards Carl Blair and Sam Grooms have played in spurts together.

Kruger and his staff will have to come up with a plan quickly and see how it works out against Sacramento State bef o re O k l a h o ma h o s t s more traditionally tough competition.

O k l a h o m a ’s g a m e against the Hornets begins a three-game homestand during the next eight days, where the Sooners also will play host to Oral Roberts and Arkansas.

Junior guard Steven Pledger has led the Sooners in scoring, averaging 17.8 points per game.

He and junior forward Romero Osby were among the only three Sooners who are averaging double-figures in scoring through Oklahoma’s first five games.

Sacramento State (3-3) boasts three players averaging double-figures this season.

The Hornets played some of their worst basketball of the season so far in their last game against Cal Poly, losing the game, 77-51.

Oklahoma (4-1) defeated Sacramento State last season on Dec. 21, 2010, 66-53, at Lloyd Noble Center.

B6

Sports

• Friday, December 2, 2011

TOURNEY: Oklahoma peaking at the right time, player says Continued from page B5 entire season comes down to this match, so I think [the younger players] realize it, but I think they’re ready.”

OU comes into the tourna m e nt o f f p e rhap s i t s best two-game stretch this season.

Although the Sooners lost to Texas on Saturday, OU still hit .234 and led in every set against the Longhorns.

Sophomore middle blocker Sallie McLaurin said the Sooners are peaking at the right time for a successful run in the tournament.

“Last season we peaked earlier, and this season I think we just peaked later,” McLaurin said.

While USC is the host for this sub-regional, the Trojans are not happy about their seeding.

USC is currently the No. 1 team in the country in the AVCA coaches’ poll, with 53 of 60 first-place votes.

This was one of several puzzling moves the selection committee — which does not factor in the coaches poll into the selection and seeding process — made in the making of the 2011 field.

Cal, which spent time at No. 1 this season, did not receive a top-16 seed.

No. 3 Hawaii, which received five first-place votes in the most recent poll, received the No. 10 seed and will meet the winner of OU’s sub-regional.

On the flip side, No. 14 Iowa State received the No. 4 seed in the tournament and has perhaps the easiest route to the Final Four in San Antonio.

The decisions don’t make a lot of sense, but Restrepo said the questionable seedings could play in the Sooners’ favor.

“The good thing is that USC is mad because they

basketball

Sooners ready for Buckeyes Women’s hoops looks to bounce back from loss KEDRIC KITCHENS Sports Reporter

Astrud Reed/The Daily

Seniors Suzy Boulavsky, right side (2), and Carlee Roethlisberger, middle blocker (7), block a Texas Tech attack during OU’s home finale against the Red Raiders. The Sooners won, 3-0. Oklahoma opens competition in the NCAA tournament against Tulsa at 7 p.m. Friday in Los Angeles.

AT A GLANCE Tulsa Golden Hurricane

AT A GLANCE Southern Cal Trojans

2011 record: 27-6 Last game: Lost to SMU, 3-2, Saturday in Dallas.

Last game vs. OU: Lost to the Sooners, 3-2, in 2010 NCAA tournament second round Key players: Junior OH hitter Tyler Henderson (4.81 kills

2011 record: 25-4 Last game: Beat UCLA, 3-1, Saturday in Los Angeles.

Last game vs. OU: Beat the Sooners, 3-0, in 2009 NCAA tournament first round Key players: Senior OH Alex Jupiter (4.45 kills per set,

have to go to the Sweet 16 and play Hawaii,” he said.

“They’re just overlooking the first and second round and think the y are just going to go to the Sweet 16 automatically.”

The Sooners began the season with a lot of hype surrounding their No. 16 preseason ranking, but Oklahoma finds itself unra n k e d a f t e r g o i n g 2 - 6 through the second half of conference play.

McLaurin said the

per set), junior OH Diana Silva (3.17 kills per set, 3.39 digs per set), sophomore OH Kellie Culbertson (2.55 kills per set, 3.27 digs per set), junior setter Jordan Clampitt (8.20 assists per set), junior libero Jessica Adams (4.86 digs per set)

2.82 digs per set), junior OH Katie Fuller (2.85 kills per set, 1.77 digs per set), senior setter Kendall Bateman (12.09 assists per set), sophomore libero Natalie Hagglund (5.03 digs per set)

position of hunter is one that the Sooners have AT A GLANCE Yale Bulldogs thrived in, and this time will freshman OH Allie Frappier 2011 record: 18-6 be no different.

Last game: Lost to Dartmouth, (3.05 kills per set, 2.76 digs per “I think that’s going to set), sophomore OH Erica Reetz 3-2, Nov. 12 in Hanover, N.H. help us because we’re back (2.41 kills per set, 2.88 digs per Last game vs.

OU: Teams have on our game and people set), sophomore setter Kendall never met. will be underestimating us Polan (10.89 assists per Key players: Freshman OH and that will be in our favor,” set), freshman libero Maddie Mollie Rogers (3.26 kills McLaurin said.

Rudnick (4.86 digs per set) per set, 3.49 digs per set), This is the Sooners’ third cons e cutive tr ip to the NCAA, a first in the pro- 12 championship, it’s been Sooners want to make it a successful season for OU. just as successful as the last gram’s history.

However, a blank slate one.

Despite the disappointment of not winning a Big is just beginning, and the

The OU women’s basketball team faces a Naismith Trophy watchlist player and its first ranked opponent of the season Sunday in the form of senior guard Samantha Prahalis and the Ohio State Buckeyes.

No. 18 OU is coming into the game after its first loss of the season to Vanderbilt.

Since their record-breaking 62-point victory over Sacramento State, the Sooners have shot less than 41 percent from the field and less than 31 from behind the 3-point line.

The No. 17 Buckeyes are undefeated so far this season after an overtime victory over Florida State on Wednesday. Prahalis averages 18.2 points a game with junior guard Tayler Hill adding 21.5 points a game of her own. Hill is coming off a career-high 31-point performance against FSU. Much like Ohio State, OU has relied heavily on two players offensively. In the Sooners’ case, those two players have been sophomore guards Morgan Hook and Aaryn Ellenberg.

Ellenberg was named to the Naismith Trophy early watch list this week. Hook has scored 16 or more points the last two games and is averaging 14.8 points per game.

The Sooners and Buckeyes face off at 2 p.m.

Sunday at Lloyd Noble Center.