The Oklahoma Daily

FRIDAY DECEMBER 11, 2009

THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE

ANYTIME AT OUDaily

com

Saturday’s Weather Does OU stand a chance in the Sun Bowl against Stanford? Find out inside.

PAGE 7

Find out what The Daily’s Dusty Somers thinks are the best movies of the decade.

PAGE 5

50°/35° owl.ou.edu

OUDAILY.COM » BECOME A FAN OF THE OKLAHOMA DAILY/OUDAILY.COM ON FACEBOOK FOR UPDATES, STORIES, VIDEOS AND ALL YOUR DAILY FAVORITES.

COMPUTER CLASS EVALUATES OZONE FOR FINAL PROJECT Students to present findings to oZONE team to improve user interface KELSEY WITTEN Contributing Writer

Computer science students will speak directly to the oZONE project team on behalf of nearly 1,000 opinionated students Monday during the class’ final exam period.

Twenty-one students in Amy McGovern’s human and computer interaction class have been surveying and analyzing student and faculty opinions on OU’s oZONE Web site, which is the new hub of enrollment. The students will present their findings in front of McGovern and the oZONE team as their final project.

“We were covering how you evaluate different user interfaces,” McGovern said of her class. “One of the major ways you do that is to

get your user population in to do a survey. We were talking as a class about what we could evaluate and what would be interesting to them. Since oZONE just came out, it’s a very meaningful experience to [students] because everybody had to use it to enroll.”

The class worked together to develop an oZONE survey, and McGovern sent out a mass e–mail.

As a result, the survey received nearly 900 responses in the first eight hours.

The student groups sorted through the responses, which included 800 surveys with written comments in addition to multiple choice responses. After McGovern saw the response, she contacted the oZONE team, and they agreed to attend the class’ final Dec. 14.

Each small group will give a 15minute presentation to the oZONE team during the final. Computer science junior Julia Layne said the opportunity to speak in front of the oZONE staff made the project

seem more worthwhile.

“Hopefully some of the things we talk about might be able to be changed,” Layne said. “But it’s a little scary because they’re the people who developed it, and you don’t want to rag on them too much.”

Layne said most student complaints were about the enrollment portion of oZONE. “A lot of people really liked OZONE CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

Fan Fiesta, sunny weather await Sooners in El Paso With ‘plenty to do’ in the Sun Bowl’s host city, students advised not to cross the border CASEY PARVIN Daily Staff Writer

When Sooner fans travel to the 76th annual Brut Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, on New Year’s Eve, they can expect one sure factor: sunny weather.

“We have sunshine in the city 310 days out of the year,” said Pifas Silva, communications manager of the El Paso Convention Center and Visitors Bureau. “We usually wear a T-shirt and shorts to the game because it will be in the late 60s, early 70s for the game.

You can bring a light sweater, but I guarantee you’ll take it off by halftime.”

Silva said El Paso is the perfect location in December.

The Brut Sun Bowl will be played at Sun Bowl Stadium, which is part of the University of Texas at El Paso’s campus, at noon Dec. 31, according to its Web site. On Dec. 30, El Paso’s convention center is holding a free party for all fans, Silva said.

“There is a pregame party at the convention center called Fan Fiesta,” Silva said. “It’s a big pep rally where both bands will perform. There will also be vendors and people selling food. It’s four hours of entertainment from 6 to 10 p.m.”

For hotel arrangements, Silva said there is a Holiday Inn Express four blocks from the convention center, but if someone wants to stay close to the stadium, there is a Hilton Garden within walking distance.

“The Holiday Inn Express is a five-minute drive from the stadium,” Silva said. “The hotel always offers a shuttle service on game day that will cost between $2 to $5.”

Trey Scott, economics sophomore, plans

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION MARCIN RUTKOWSKI/THE DAILY

to stay with relatives while in El Paso for the game.

“My mom, myself and my friend have never been to El Paso before and we are just going with the flow,” Scott said. “I’m really excited for the weather, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to do anything for New Year’s since I won’t have a vehicle.”

Silva said El Paso has an energetic nightlife

and there should be plenty for college students to do.

“Five minutes from campus there is a vibrant entertainment district called Cincinnati Street with two blocks full of restaurants and nightclubs,” Silva said. “Someone can barhop from place to place and listen to really fun live bands in a quaint historic district.”

For college students under age 21, Silva

said he suggests some of the more outdoor activities that El Paso has to offer, like visiting Franklin mountain, the southernmost mountain of the Rockies.

“Wyler Aerial Tramway is a gondola ride where visitors can see 7,000 square miles, two countries and three states,” Silva said.

EL PASO CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

Jewish students find comfort, peace Interior designers construct models as finals develop, present in celebrating Hanukkah tradition Students scaled 3-D office interior Despite being far from families, dedication to holiday still strong NATASHA GOODELL Oklahoma Daily

When the sun descends Friday evening, Jewish students at OU will take a break from studying to begin lighting the menorah in celebration of Hanukkah, and for many of them this will be their first year away from home during this holiday.

“When I go home, my family is having another celebration of Hanukkah so I can

be there,” said Isaac Freeman, international security studies senior. “We’re going to have latkes.”

He said the first night of Hanukkah happens to fall on Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, and he said they are having a big dinner at the Hillel Jewish Student Center in honor of Hanukkah and Shabbat.

Freeman said the Hillel Jewish Student Center will have a candle lighting ceremony every night of Hanukkah that is open to anyone in the community.

“I don’t know if I’ll be able to make it to HANUKKAH CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

JEREMY DICKIE/THE DAILY

Jonathan Wille, University College freshman, and Shayna Daitch, international security studies junior, gather around a menorah Thursday evening in the Reflection Room of the union.

FREE — ADDITIONAL COPIES 25¢

CLAIRE BRANDON Contributing Writer

While many students at OU are busy studying for final exams or diligently footnoting final papers, some are constructing intricate models.

The final project for interior design students in Design and Graphics III is to build the interior of a dentist’s office. The undergraduates are building a 3-D model for the first time, which they will present to a professional architect based in Oklahoma City.

“It’s the real deal,” junior Caitlin Rodgers said. “It’s real because it’s drawn to scale and it meets the design code. We have researched real furniture that can go inside. I have real samples of the fabric, floorings, tiles and all that jazz.”

According to OU’s interior design student handbook, interior design combines creative and technical solutions to build an interior environment.

“These solutions are functional, enhance the quality of life and culture of the occupants, and are aesthetically attractive,” the handbook states.

Before students began designing, they considered the project’s requirements, such as the dentist’s interests and location.

“We met the dentist who we’re designing for and got to tour his local office for design ideas,” Rodgers said. “His taste is expensive.”

Students are assigned to design a dentist’s office in La Jolla, Calif. — the most expensive real estate market in the U.S., according to a press release from Coldwell Banker, a real

© 2009 OU PUBLICATIONS BOARD

PHOTO PROVIDED

estate sales company.

While students were given a $5,000 budget for their last project, they don’t have any price restrictions this time.

“These are always the more fun projects because you can be as creative as you want to,” Rodgers said.

Money may not be an object for this project, but other things can be.

“Sometimes you don’t have enough time to use all the creative ideas you have, so you kind of have to pick and choose what ideas you use,” Rodgers said.

Sophomore Megan Lewis said time commitment is the biggest factor with this project. “[Caitlin and I] worked 36 hours this past weekend, then the time we spend in studio is 10 hours a week,” Lewis said. “So I’d say DESIGNERS CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

VOL. 95, NO. 78

2 Friday, December 11, 2009 Meredith Moriak, managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 325-3666 • fax: 325-6051

oZONE

CAMPUS NOTES TODAY

Continued from page 1

BIKE SALE Physical Plant will be selling used bikes from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at South Campus Building #130 on Constitution Street and Jenkins Avenue.

POLICE REPORTS The following is a list of arrests and citations, not convictions. The information given is compiled from the Norman Police Department and the OU Police Department.

On occasion, the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department will contribute to these reports. All those listed are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA Brett Wilson Bigbie, 18, 3600 W. Robinson St., Tuesday, also unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE Jeremy Blake Cole, 28, North Crawford Avenue, Tuesday MUNICIPAL WARRANT Teri Annette CoxStephens, 37, 201 W. Gray St., Wednesday Robert Richard Tautfest, 49, 2420 Classen Blvd., Wednesday, also public intoxication

GRADY COUNTY FELONY WARRANT Darren Ray Dean, 24, 1300 E. Alameda St., Wednesday, also obtaining or attempting to obtain a controlled dangerous substance by the use of forgery DISTURBING THE PEACE Kevin Gregory Ellis, 30, 1334 Eastgate Drive, Wednesday PETTY LARCENY Haylee J. Johnson, 18, 3201 W. Main St., Wednesday MECHANICAL WORK LICENSE VIOLATION Andrew Joseph Parker, 25, 601 Meadow Ridge Road, Tuesday Jeremy Wayne Zamb, 32, 601 Meadow Ridge Road, Monday COUNTY WARRANT John Donnell Shaw, 28, 625 E. Frank St., Wednesday, also public intoxication Merrick James Thunderbull, 32, Oakhurst Avenue, Wednesday

the old enroll system,” she said.

“Since this new enroll is still really in the works, it is very difficult for students to use. It’s not extremely user friendly. A lot of people are saying go back to enroll, which really isn’t an option.”

OUDAILY.COM » GO ONLINE TO SEE THE THIRD INSTALLMENT OF THE DAILY OFFICE.

Enrollment will not return to the old system, called OE, but Eddie Huebsch, OU IT director of projects, said the class presentations would be “a very good thing,” and the oZONE team is working hard to make oZONE more user friendly.

“We are very concerned about the user interface,” Huebsch said. “No matter how much great

technology you have behind the scenes, the user interface is where ‘the rubber meets the road,’ so to speak. We did have to take a few steps backward with the user interface to go forward with the system as a whole, but we are hoping in the not-too-distant future that we will make great strides in improving that.”

This sentiment is echoed by

El Paso

Designers

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1

According to its Web site, the tramway costs $7 for adults.

The El Paso Convention Center and Visitors Bureau follows the government and the Secretary of State’s guidelines and does not suggest anyone cross the border into Juarez, Mexico.

“It is fairly easy to cross the border because we have three international bridges, but we do not recommend travel to Juarez, especially on New Year’s Eve and especially if they’re under 21,” Silva said.

I’ll probably spend 200 hours total on this project when it’s all said and done. That’s ridiculous, now that I think of it.”

OU students are expected to devote three hours of outside preparation for each hour of lecture, according to the OU College of Architecture’s student handbook. According to the handbook, this expectation is further expanded for students in studio.

“Ideally, if we were to work on these for a few hours everyday, we’d be fine,” Lewis said. “But we have other classes too, like macroeconomics and archaeology.”

Lewis said that while working on her previous project, she took three hours of sleep in 36 hours.

Hanukkah Continued from page 1 all of the candle lightings at Hillel because of finals,” Freeman said. “I have my own menorah that I can light though.”

Freeman said it is traditional to say a prayer over the candle lighting each night and give presents to each other. “[This is the] celebration of a great miracle that happened in Israel,” Freeman explained.

He said the story of the miracle was a king oppressed the Jewish people and desecrated the temple. Judah Maccabee, a Jew, led his family against him and they were able to expel the army away from the land and restore the temple.

Freeman explains the lamp in the temple was supposed to remain eternally lit, but the Jewish people only had enough oil to last

one day and it would take them several days to get more oil.

“Miraculously, it kept burning for eight days,” Freeman said.

“This is the miracle celebrated by Hanukkah.”

By definition, Hanukkah means the rededication of the temple.

Freeman said Hanukkah follows the Hebrew calendar, which follows the lunar cycle. He said he understands not being released from classes for Hanukkah.

“It would be hard to adjust to the schedule of Hanukkah,” Freeman said. “OU recognized the holiday at the lighting last week and I think the fact that OU recognizes religious diversity on this campus is really great.”

Jonathan Wille, University College freshman, said he was raised Jewish, but he will be especially observant this year.

“I really got into the Jewish faith this year,” Wille said. “I will attend

most students who have tried to use oZONE, including Layne and her classroom peers.

“For the most part, we’re not in love with oZONE,” she said.

“We’re hoping we can make a difference, and we can help them make a better oZONE. It really is a good idea to have it all in one place. It just needs to be hammered out.”

“My mom was concerned for my health,” Lewis said. “I’m for sure getting some sort of sleep before tomorrow — hopefully.”

Sleep deprivation isn’t the only health issue interior design students might be faced with. While cutting out part of her model, Rodgers sliced her thumb open with an Exacto knife.

“Got some blood on my baby blue walls,” Rodgers said, laughing. “I put my blood and sweat into this project because that’s the kind of worker I am.”

Despite injuries and sleepless nights, Lewis and Rodgers have developed a strong friendship through countless hours of working on studio projects together.

“We wouldn’t be friends if it weren’t for studio,” Lewis said. “We wouldn’t know that we have so many things in common.”

the first night at Hillel and I’ll be celebrating with friends throughout most of the week.”

Wille said he lives in the dorms this year. Dorm rules prohibit candle lighting in the resident halls.

“I bought an electric menorah so it works,” Wille said.

He said his mother’s side of the family celebrates Hanukkah and his dad’s side celebrates Christmas.

“It is just more celebration for me I guess.” Wille said. “I’m really looking forward to it [Hanukkah].

It will be a nice break from studying.”

Misheala Giddings, international and area studies junior, said Hanukkah is one of those really good underdog stories.

“While it’s not a major holiday, it’s one of my favorite stories,” Giddings said. “It was one of the last times that you see Jewish uprising for a while.”

Giddings said her whole family celebrates this holiday.

“I just brought a menorah to my house in Norman,” Giddings said.

“Finals are in the early afternoon for me. So I’ll be at home at sunset to light the candles, say prayers and remember the stories.”

Sam Scharff, zoology junior, said he celebrates Hanukkah because he sees it as an opportunity to sit at a table with family and friends and enjoy their company.

“The best part about Hanukkah this year is that my dad has been serving in Afghanistan and he gets back Dec. 17, just before the last day of Hanukkah,” Scharff said.

Scharff said his family has spent six months not getting to interact with his father personally.

“It’s really special that he’ll be back and it’s an interesting coincidence that it falls on Hanukkah so we’ll get to celebrate this holiday with him,” Scharff said.

GET CASH BOOKS #VZCBDL )PVST University of Oklahoma Bookstore – Stadium Store December 7 – 19 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. $BUF t $PVDI t 0WBM t #PZE t 4PPOFS 4IPQ t 6OJPO December 11 – 18 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Powered by efollett.com 831/833_WBB09

Friday, December 11, 2009

Sooner Sampler

“Ndamukong Suh. He plays defense and that’s badass. And he’s in the Big 12.”

-NICK COFFEY, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE FRESHMAN

»

THE DAILY’S KATHLEEN EVANS ASKED STUDENTS WHOM THEY WANTED TO WIN THE HEISMAN TROPHY THIS SATURDAY.

“I want Tim Tebow to win because he has been nominated before. He’s a great player and I don’t have anything negative to say about him and I’m really critical.”

-KISA JOHNSON, ASTROPHYSICS SOPHOMORE

“Ndamukong Suh because he destroyed Texas.”

“Tim Tebow. I’ve heard he’s pretty good.”

-BRAD QUIRK, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE FRESHMAN

-SARAH CASE, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE FRESHMAN

3

“Ndamukong Suh, because he really has been the most dominant player in the nation. No team’s been able to stop him by doing his job.”

-MICHAEL JOHNSON, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE FRESHMAN

“Tim Tebow. He’s most deserving.

He’s a good player with a good team.”

-MERRILEA PLACE, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE FRESHMAN

“Ndamukong Suh – he’s a gamechanger.”

-AMON SCHOEPPEY, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE FRESHMAN

CANCER-FIGHTING STUDENT RETURNS TO SCHOOL TO COMPLETE DEGREE Geography junior insists on completing education despite doctors’ hesitance MARA NELSON Contributing Writer

It’s not unusual for a professor to hear excuses from students, from the legitimate to the ludicrous.

And on its face, “I’ve got cancer” might seem ludicrous.

From the mouth of junior Jimmy Wilcoxen, though, it’s both legitimate and unused.

Wilcoxen, a 22-year-old geography major, was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia Oct. 4, 2008, only days after he struggled through the law school entrance exam while suffering from a high fever and body aches.

“I always tell people he is one of the most positive people. This is the last person we thought something like this would happen to,” said Sloane Ford, Wilcoxen’s girlfriend.

Within a week after being diagnosed, Wilcoxen and his mom, Andrea Wilcoxen, moved to Houston to enter a clinical study for treatment at the University of Texas’ MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Wilcoxen said he went through the month-long first stage of treatment to figure out how serious the cancer was, how far the disease had gone and if the cancer had spread.

“I didn’t know how bad it was at first so it’s kind of scary waiting that long,” Wilcoxen said.

Wilcoxen eventually went into remission when his body responded well to the chemotherapy he had received during the first phase.

Last spring, he enrolled in several distance learning courses after being forced to withdraw from both on-campus and online courses because “it was too hard to manage school and treatments.”

Wilcoxen said the second phase “knocked [him] down pretty hard.” It was a more intense chemotherapy treatment given once a week that took nine months to complete.

“It’s a pretty aggressive cancer, so they have to make sure that they get it all.”

Wilcoxen and his mother returned home to Oklahoma in early August after his completion of the second phase of treatment, just in time for Wilcoxen to enroll in nine hours this semester.

“I was actually kind of surprised how quickly I was able to get back into school,” he said. “It’s been hard to get back to normal.”

Ford said even the doctors were hesitant about Wilcoxen returning to school so soon, but Wilcoxen was insistent about finishing his degree.

Wilcoxen said the only time he has not been able to attend a class is because of doctors’ appointments.

When asked if he lets his professors know of his condition, he simply answered, “No, because one thing that’s nice is that you can’t really tell by looking at me.”

He is now in a two-year maintenance program that is intended to kill any remaining cancerous cells. It consists of a monthly intravenous chemotherapy treatment and oral chemotherapy treatment once a day.

“It’s such a small dose that it doesn’t affect me at all,” Wilcoxen said.

Academic advisor Darren Purcell said, “His dedication

PHOTO PROVIDED

Jimmy Wilcoxen, a geography junior, has been diagnosed with a form of cancer called acute lymphocytic leukemia. After being away for treatment, including chemotherapy, he is now back at school and expects to graduate in December 2010. to continue to make progress toward his degree throughout the treatments has been incredible in my opinion.”

Wilcoxen plans to graduate from OU with a bachelor’s degree in geography in December, 2010, and apply to OU’s College of Law.

4

Friday, December 11, 2009

COMMENT OF THE DAY »

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

In response to Max Avery’s Thursday column, “Prayer is a form of academic misconduct” YOU CAN COMMENT AT OUDAILY.COM

OUR VIEW

“This is awesome. All I feel is appreciation for the writer of this article, and pity for those who aren’t quite clever enough to understand its satirical humor.”

-missmolly

STAFF CARTOON

What we learned At the beginning of the semester, we set out to create the best newspaper we could. Although we were a relatively young staff, we got through it. And we learned a lot on the way. Here are some of those things: “As multimedia editor, I have learned to let things go when they are out of your control.”

-Jacqueline Clews, multimedia editor “In my two and a half years at The Daily, I have gone through many changes in thought process and personal beliefs. I think that what the newsroom has taught me, above all, is that although you may act differently in varying situations, that does not mean you are not secure in yourself, or do not understand who you are.”

-Michelle Gray, photo editor “I learned how to schedule my time better, or at least that I need to learn how to schedule my time better. I also learned that work can be fun.”

-Will Holland, opinion editor “I learned you have to take the good with the bad.

Admit mistakes when you make them but stand up for yourself when you believe you did the right thing.”

-Jamie Hughes, editor-in-chief “I learned that you have to hold ya own.”

-Merrill Jones, photo editor “In the world of newspapers, you can never have too much content or too many copy editors.”

-Cassie Rhea Little, life & arts editor “This year, I learned that the only things that matter are gettin’ paid and gettin’ laid ... and good centerpiece packages.”

-Ricky Ly, night editor “You can’t do everything all by yourself, and it’s OK to take time for yourself.”

-LeighAnne Manwarren, senior online editor “The Daily isn’t a job. It’s a lifestyle.”

-Meredith Moriak, managing editor “... I learned that girls are much better at making football staff picks ...”

-Annelise Russell, sports editor “I learned how old I am, and I got that one during orientation. Someone found a Cypress Hill CD while cleaning up and looked at it as if it was an artifact from an ancient time. Different day, different music and apparently some different (and more productive) recreational activities.”

-Charles Ward, assistant managing editor

Mark Potts is a film and video studies graduate student.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR THIS LETTER IS IN RESPONSE TO THURSDAY’S NEWS STORY, “BURSAR TO APPLY CREDIT CARD FEES FOR SOME CHARGES.”

new credit card fees, the new hike in general fees, the general extreme cost of tuition or the absurd cost of textbooks, it makes me wonder how long this industry will be able to stay alive.

In any other industries, when the consumers are unhappy with the product or the means it takes to get the product, they stop buying the product or they get it from somewhere else. And if the university continues to make the consumer unhappy, the consumer will move on to a different university or simply learn to do without the product.

It is getting to the point to where people cannot afford to go to college and yet at the same time in order to get a good job they have to have a college education. So basically the college industry is screwing over its consumer, and it doesn’t seem to care about that small fact too much.

When an industry begins to care more about itself instead of the consumers that keep the industry running you can bet that within time, that industry will cease to exist.

I was disgusted to see what new form of scam the university has decided to enforce on its students. I say scam because OU is a business, and that’s what businesses do. They scam their customers.

I hate to do it, but I’m going to quote a movie to back up my argument in this article because this movie puts it really well. The movie “Accepted” puts it perfectly when Lewis Black says college is a service industry as in serve us and frankly that’s what college is supposed to be.

Colleges are consumer industries because the consumers (students) are buying a product (education), so how does it work that the industry can totally scam its customer and yet the customer keeps coming back?

Stefanie Heinrich, letters junior When I see all the scams OU throws at its customers, like the

STAFF COLUMN

Further explanation of why a belief in a higher power is not rational I want to clear up a couple of misconceptions about my column that ran last Tuesday, “Logical scrutiny disproves faith.” But first I want to address a common sentiment I have encountered when discussing controversial issues.

Many feel that these issues shouldn’t be discussed because people are not going to change their minds on something like religion. I could not disTARRANT agree more.

CARTER I know from experience that there are people out there who haven’t made up their minds, who have serious doubts and who are open to rational arguments. These are the people I am writing for.

So if you are the type of person who is emotionally settled on the issue then this column is not for you.

The misconceptions are apparent by examining Trevor Clark’s response to my last column.

First of all, Mr. Clark never pins down what he means by faith. Initially, he provides a definition that he partially agrees with only to disagree later.

When making an argument, it is usually a good idea to put forward a definition you agree with so that others can either accept or challenge your position. If someone can’t even agree with his or her own definitions, this inevitably leads to confusion for those

trying to understand the issue. argument breaks down is when he argues My understanding of “having faith” is that faith is similar to evidence found at a when somebody believes something without crime scene. sufficient evidence. So, if somebody believes Faith is not the same kind of evidence that in a god, with sufficient evidence, we cannot one finds at a crime scene. For starters, a say he or she has faith. crime scene can be viewed by others.

The point of my column simply was to Only a select few people can see God demonstrate that faith cannot be considered through faith. sufficient evidence. If Mr. Clark or others have Faith cannot be analyzed like the evidence sufficient evidence for their at a crime scene because it belief in a god (i.e. rational I know from experience can only be analyzed by the arguments), then more there are people out there individual who possesses power to them because who haven’t made up their it. they are not the target of Also, the inferences minds, who have serious based the column. on crime scene eviThe most glaring weak- doubts and who are open dence are justified in deness with Mr. Clark’s re- to rational arguments. termining whether a crime sponse is that he fails to see These are the people I am took place. Inferences the obstacles to objective based on faith go beyond writing for. truth that faith presents. the scope of the evidence.

Christians claim that All faith can do is tell objective truth exists and that the ultimate you that a god’s existence feels right for you. objective truth is God. If you have a meth- It cannot tell you that objectively, unless you odology, like faith, that arrives at conflicting feel compelled to go beyond the scope of the conclusions, then you have a problem if your evidence. goal is objective truth.

Another objection Mr. Clark has against When using a more objective standard my argument is that other people believe for like the scientific method, conflicting con- other reasons besides faith, and that I am steclusions are not supported. You will not find reotyping all believers. thousands of different theories of gravity valiThen he goes on to name drop against an dated by the scientific method. argument I never made. This is a straw man However, you do see thousands of different argument because I qualified my argument gods validated by faith. So having a “plethora by discussing “many rational theists.” of other faiths” does entail that faith is not an Just so it is clear, the word “many” simply objective standard of truth. means more than one.

Another example where Mr. Clark’s Then, Mr. Clark puts words in my mouth

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

CONTACT US

LeighAnne Manwarren Jacqueline Clews Annelise Russell Cassie Rhea Little Judy Gibbs Robinson Thad Baker

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

phone: 405-325-3666

Senior Online Editor Multimedia Editor Sports Editor Life & Arts Editor Editorial Adviser Advertising Manager

e-mail: dailynews@ou.edu

and assumes that I mean believers have “blind belief.”

This is yet another misconception that leads to a straw man for Mr. Clark to knock down. I never said people don’t have a reason for their faith.

We are human beings who happen to attach a reason to nearly all of our actions. So it doesn’t surprise me that people attach a reason onto their beliefs in a god despite the evidence.

The question is whether such reasons are epistemologically warranted, not whether people can formulate a rationalization for their belief.

Finally, Mr. Clark’s response ends with an appeal for me to take back the claim that science is the ultimate standard for objective truth. It is hard to take back something you never said.

I said science is the most “accurate and reliable” standard. I never claimed it was the ultimate standard of truth.

Mr. Clark implies that science might not be able to be validated without using its own method to validate itself. I have heard this peculiar objection from some believers and don’t understand why they assert it.

It’s not that difficult to answer because deductive and inductive logic validate the scientific method and the conclusions that follow. If Mr. Clark needs basic logic validated, that is another discussion all together.

Tarrant Carter is a philosophy and psychology senior.

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

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

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

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

Editorial Board members are The Daily’s editorial staff.

The board meets 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, December 11, 2009

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

5

« HOLIDAY MUSIC OUDAILY.COM

Go online to find out about tonight’s improv-based pipe organ holiday concert, OUDaily.com.

THE DECADE’S BEST »Movies of the 2000s EDITOR’S NOTE: The Best of the 2000s is a four-part feature in The Oklahoma Daily. The articles are based on the writer’s opinion.

friendship between men that may be his finest work ever.

7. “IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE” (WONG KAR-WAI, 2000) 20. “I’VE LOVED YOU SO LONG” (PHILIPPE CLAUDEL, 2008) The emotionally devastating turn by Kristin Scott Thomas is the engine of this finely tuned human drama.

It’s a beautifully textured and rhythmic exploration of an impossible love, and it aches with the longings of an era past.

6. “THERE WILL BE BLOOD” (PAUL THOMAS ANDERSON, 2007) 19. “ALMOST FAMOUS” (CAMERON CROWE, 2000) At once a love letter to rock ’n’ roll and to the idealism of youth, “Almost Famous” can’t help but provoke a smile.

Daniel Day-Lewis towers over his peers, and Anderson cements his reputation as a premiere American filmmaker.

5. “MULHOLLAND DR.” (DAVID LYNCH, 2001) DUSTY SOMERS

18. “4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AND 2 DAYS” (CRISTIAN MUNGIU, 2007) Spare and haunting, this thriller is packed with moral issues, but it’s the faces that stick with you.

1 7 .

“ONCE” (JOHN CARNEY, 2006)

The indie musical triumphs thanks to brilliant songs and sweetly touching romance.

1 6 . “ S P I R I T E D A W AY ” (HAYAO MIYAZAKI, 2001) The master of animation is at the top of his game here in this fully realized fantasy world.

15. “SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK” (CHARLIE KAUFMAN, 2008)

Lynch’s twisted vision makes for an engrossing mystery that grabs you by the collar for a weirdly intense 2 ½ hours.

BEST

of the

2000s

Kaufman’s directing debut is astonishing for its massive scope and intensely personal reflection on the nature of art.

14. “LET THE RIGHT ONE IN” (TOMAS ALFREDSON, 2008) This is the vampire movie of the decade that matters.

13. “UP” (PETE DOCTER, 2009) Pixar’s storytelling prowess is at its apex with the first 15 minutes of this film.

12. “PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE” (PAUL THOMAS ANDERSON, 2002) Anderson coaxes Adam Sandler away from brain-dead comedy long enough to reveal something special.

11.“BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU’RE DEAD” (SIDNEY LUMET, 2007) This ferocious melodrama belies the age of the brilliant Lumet — 83 — at the time of filming.

10.“THE PIANIST” (ROMAN POLANSKI, 2002) Polanski’s intimate approach ensures the most moving fiction film about the Holocaust ever.

9. “THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY” (JULIAN SCHNABEL, 2007) Schnabel locks us in with a man who’s only able to blink an eyelid, and then he tears the lid off the beauty of life.

8. “TALK TO HER” (PEDRO ALMODÓVAR, 2002) Almodóvar clearly knows how to give us moving female characters, but it’s his tale of

4. “YI YI” (EDWARD YANG, 2000) Yang explores the moments of life we’re not prone to really see, and finds rich human experience therein.

3. “INTO THE WILD” (SEAN PENN, 2007) A brash college grad rejects society, but finds plenty of people along the way to share life with in this deeply affecting film.

2. “NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN” (JOEL AND ETHAN COEN, 2007) The Coens don’t make a misstep, and the film works equally as well as a pulpy western thriller as it does an exploration of the changing of times.

1. “25TH HOUR” (SPIKE LEE, 2002) Lee’s best film ever and the best film of t h e d e c a d e, “ 2 5 t h Hour ” has career performances f ro m E d w a rd Norton, Barry Pepper and Philip Seymour Hoffman, and its story of the last hours of a man’s free life gets more impacting with every viewing.

The ending monologue by veteran actor Brian Cox is one of the best ever to be put on film.

Dusty Somers is a journalism senior.

6 Friday, December 11, 2009 Thad Baker, advertising manager classifieds@ou.edu • phone: 325-2521 • fax: 325-7517

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

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

DEADLINES Line Ad ..................................................................................3 days prior Place your line ad no later than 9:00 a.m. 3 days prior to publication.

Display Ad ............................................................................3 days prior Classified Display or Classified Card Ad Place your display, classified display or classified card ads no later than 5:00 p.m. 3 days prior to publication.

r

TM

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

RATES Line Ad

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

(Cost = Days x # lines x $/line) 1 day ..................$4.25/line 2 days ................$2.50/line 3-4 days.............$2.00/line 5-9 days.............$1.50/line

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

Classified Display, Classified Card Ad or Game Sponsorship

Contact an Acct Executive for details at 325-2521.

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

Employment HELP WANTED

PET SERVICES STOP PET OVERPOPULATION - Second Chance low-income spay/neuter clinic. $40/dog or $30/cat includes rabies.

Homes under $35,000/yr only.

405-329-7400

Employment

Have the summer of your life at a prestigous coed sleepaway camp in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, 2 1/2 hours from NYC. We’re seeking counselors who can teach any Team & Individual Sports, Tennis, Gymnastics, Horseback Riding, Mt Biking, Theatre, Tech Theatre, Circus, Magic, Arts & Crafts, Pioneering, Climbing Tower, Water Sports, Music, Dance or Science.

Great salaries and perks. Plenty of free time. Internships available for many majors. On-campus interviews on 1/21.

Apply online at www.islandlake.com. Call 800-869-6083 on weekdays for more information. info@islandlake.com

Panhandle Opportunities: working with individuals with developmental disabilities.

7.50/hr to start, paid training. Flexible hrs, benefits. Positive environment, Norman area. 942-4822 or fax resume 942-4993.

2 col (3.25 in) x 2.25 inches Crossword ........$515/month

POLICY The Oklahoma Daily is responsible for one day’s incorrect advertising.

If your ad appears incorrectly, or if you wish to cancel your ad call 3252521, before the deadline for cancellation in the next issue. Errors not the fault of the advertiser will be adjusted. Refunds will not be issued for late cancellations.

The Oklahoma Daily will not knowingly accept advertisements that discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religious preference, national origin or sexual orientation. Violations of this policy should be reported to The Oklahoma Daily Business Office at 325-2521.

BEST ENERGY DRINK! AND INCOME FOR LIFE! GO TO: www.myandfriendsfuture.com MISAL OF INDIA BISTRO Now accepting applications for waitstaff.

Apply in person at 580 Ed Noble Pkwy, across from Barnes & Noble, 579-5600.

$5,000-$45,000

HELP WANTED

PAYMENT s r

Services

Now Hiring for the Spring Semester Community After School Program is now hiring part-time staff to work in our schoolage childcare programs in Norman Public Schools. Hours: M-F 2:20pm - 6:00pm.

Begin working Jan 4th. Closed for all Norman Public School holidays and professional days. Competitive wages starting at $7.25/hour. Higher pay for students with qualifying coursework in education, early childhood, recreation and related fields. Complete application in person at 1023 N Flood Avenue or online at www. caspinc.org.

PAID EGG DONORS up to 9 donations, + Exps, non-smokers, Ages 19-29, SAT>1100/ACT>24/GPA>3.00 Contact: info@eggdonorcenter.com Survey takers needed! Make $5-$25 per survey! www.getpaidtothink.com Bartending! Up to $300/day. No exp nec.

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

As part of our expansion program, our company is looking for part time work from home Account Manager and sales representatives. Pays 10% of what the client sends you monthly plus benefits and takes only a little of your time.

Please contact us for more details. Requirements - should be computer literate.

2-3 hours access to the internet weekly.

Must be over 20 yrs of age. Must be Efficient and Dedicated. If you are interested and need more information, contact Patrick Jordan (ptrckjrdn100@gmail.com)

J Housing Rentals APTS. UNFURNISHED

J Housing Rentals TOWNHOUSES UNFURNISHED

IMMEDIATE Move Ins $99 DEPOSIT / 6 Month Free Fitness 1 & 2 bed $445-$580 Pets Welcome! Large Floor Plans!

Models open 8a-8p Everyday!

360-6624 or www.elite2900.com WINTER SPECIAL! NEAR OU, 1012 S College $295/mo. 360-2873 / 306-1970.

CONDOS UNFURNISHED THE EDGE-1 room avail in 4 bd condo, full ba, walk-in closet, appl, full kitchen, $425 incld internet, cable & util. 4733957

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

Taylor Ridge Townhomes (405) 310-6599

ROOMMATES WANTED Female Roommate Wanted Spring Semester in The Cottages of Norman - 3 bdrm, 2 story cottage w/great roommates - FULLY furnished, bills incl. with rent. 5 minutes from Campus. Call Jen for pricing: 817-821-5090

DIFFERENT

HOUSES UNFURNISHED

STUDENTS NEED

1700 Briarcreek Dr - 4bd/2ba, CH/A, FP, Appls, W/D Hkups, Fenc/Yd, 2 car, Mins to OU - $1200/mo +$600 dep. No Pets or Smoking! Call 405-740-7574 Walk to class, 3/2/2, fireplace, patio, CH/ A, 801 Elmwood. 329-4119.

Very safe and clean, tenant pays all bills, smoke free, no pets. For one person - call 360-3850 and tell a little about yourself.

4 BDRM, 2 Bath, walking distance to campus, kitchen appl incld, w/d, pets OK. Avail Jan 1 - Call 826-1335.

DIFFERENT CHOICES Help your students continue their education.

• Tuition assistance • Career skills • Leadership training GET

OA UP T

00 $20,0 S

NU T BO

STMEN ALIFY U QU IF YO

ENLI

1-800-GO-GUARD

J Housing Rentals

www.1-800-GO-GUARD.com

APTS. FURNISHED Large bedrm for sub lease in 3 bd ground floor apt - furnished, pvt bath - 2 mi from campus. $459/mo, util incl. 918-916-4294 Student studying abroad for Spring 10 looking for F to rent apt from Jan 1 - May 31. The Edge - $425/mo, no pets. 6005335 or 613-3060

3 6 1 4 8 8 1 7 9 3 5 1 3

Help Wanted ads in The Oklahoma Daily are not to separate as to gender. Advertisers may not discriminate in employment ads based on race, color, religion or gender unless such qualifying factors are essential to a given position.

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

Previous Solution

6

7 5 9 3 6 8 1 4 2

1 5 7 9 5 4 1 2 6 7 3 2

8 1 2 4 7 9 6 5 3

3 6 4 2 1 5 9 8 7

4 7 8 6 2 1 3 9 5

5 3 1 7 9 4 8 2 6

2 9 6 5 8 3 7 1 4

6 8 7 9 5 2 4 3 1

9 4 5 1 3 7 2 6 8

1 2 3 8 4 6 5 7 9

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.

Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker December 11, 2009

HOROSCOPE

By Bernice Bede Osol

Copyright 2008, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.

Friday, Dec. 11, 2009

Previous Answers

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) - Don’t hesitate to involve yourself with a big group. In fact, the larger the assembly, the more effective you are likely to be. For whatever reason, you seem to know how to connect with crowds.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) - Owing to your wonderful positive and philosophical attitude, you are likely to be even more popular than ever and draw all types of interesting people to you wherever you go.

Something good will come of it.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) - Make accomplishments your top priority with little in mind of the rewards or recognition involved. If you concentrate solely on achievement, you’ll receive both in the process.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) - If there is some kind of critical adjustment to make, do it today.

Any changes, even small ones, will turn out to be extremely good and prove more valuable than you ever imagined.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) - Although the demands on your ego are less demanding at this time, the people you’ll be with will find you a warm and delightful person and want nothing from you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) - When engaging with key people, try to deal with them on a one-on-one basis if possible. The more intimate the meeting is, the better it is for you. You’re luckier going head-to-head.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) Associates are inclined to share things with you, both tangible and intangible, without being asked or told to do so. As result, this could turn out to be a very fortunate day for you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Whether you are your own boss or an employee, do your very best, which will prove to be quite fortunate for you. There will be larger-than-usual compensation for projects or jobs done well.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Circumstances could bring you in contact with someone you’ve wanted to meet. To your surprise you’ll both have far more in common than you dared to hope and instantly connect with one another.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) - The mere fact that you will not be intimidated by outside factors or by jobs that overwhelm others, you’ll automatically be a success. Nothing in your mind is too big to accomplish.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) It’s not unusual for you to make much of nothing, but this talent will expand into turning a small opportunity into something quite impressive that will hold rewards.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) - If you don’t attempt to over steer what’s at hand, things will work out quite successfully for you. Lady Luck is in your corner.

So don’t get in her way, and she’ll be able to do better work for you.

ACROSS 1 Apprehends 5 Bridal path bit 10 Thing worse than knavery 14 That certain something 15 Lack of muscle tone 16 Vatican City monetary unit, once 17 Texas city where Dr Pepper was created 18 Important organs for a singer 19 Horned Egyptian goddess 20 Talker looking for a deal, often 23 Wear and tear 24 Meddlesome gossip 25 Andean pack animal 27 Exasperated sounds 31 Clutch performer?

34 High-fiber fruit 37 Ten-toed sloth?

40 Archer who aims for the heart 42 “Captain Blood” star Flynn 43 Guy who stood behind Michael Jackson 44 High-roller’s limit, perhaps

47 Adams or Johnson 48 Keep ___ to the ground 49 Hits a high point 51 Citrus peel in a mixed drink 54 “What’s mine is ___” 58 “A leopard can’t change its spots,” e.g.

60 Meeting moderator 64 Addressed the court 66 Poem’s final stanza (Var.) 67 Oom-pah-pah instrument 68 To the sheltered side, at sea 69 A day’s march 70 “CHiPS” star Estrada 71 Lip-___ (pretend to sing) 72 Improved muscle definition 73 .00001 newton DOWN 1 Full of topical info 2 Get ___ start (be tardy) 3 Breakfast rasher 4 Uppity ones 5 Crab’s sensor 6 It has notions 7 Certain Chinese mafia association 8 California ballplayer

9 Spray under the sink 10 “Y” sporter 11 Certain teaching material 12 Spring flower 13 Beam intensely 21 Nonclerical 22 Post-WWII alliance 26 “Futurama” creator Groening 28 “Anything ___” 29 Offended 30 Put into a Dumpster, e.g.

32 Sgt. Snorkel’s four-legged friend 33 Twelve o’clock, half the time 34 Big cheese in Athens 35 Persia, now 36 Middleman 38 “Driving Miss

Daisy” driver 39 Not guilty, e.g.

41 Uncooked side 45 Rock star Clapton 46 Terrier named for a Scottish isle 50 Alphabetized, e.g.

52 Linen sale purchase 53 “So much,” musically 55 Illegal lending practice 56 Dick Grayson’s alter ego 57 Viper for one 58 Steam bath sites 59 Wartime friend 61 Terrible ruler?

62 Tug-of-war need 63 “The ___ Piper of Hamelin” 65 Yr.’s end

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

© 2009 Universal Uclick www.upuzzles.com

CASUAL FURNISHINGS by Kay Daniels

Friday, December 11, 2009

7

Annelise Russell, sports editor « BASKETBALL dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 325-7630 • fax: 325-6051 Go online for a G recap of Thursday re night’s game. n

OUDAILY.COM OU

FOOTBALL

FRIDAY FACE-OFF:

Will OU prevail over Stanford in the 2009 Brut Sun Bowl?

YES OU will shine in the 2009 Brut Sun Bowl for a couple of reasons.

No doubt Stanford’s potential loss of its starting quarterback is a factor. Cardinal starting quarterback Andrew Luck’s surgery on his finger has him missing two to three weeks of practice.

Cardinal head coach Jim Harbaugh has already announced his plans to potentially start seTOBI nior Tavita Pritchard as a NEIDY replacement.

We know what it’s like to change quarterbacks in the season, but the postseason is when teams need to be on the upswing. OU’s impressive shutout win over in-state rival Oklahoma State has provided the momentum to carry the Sooners to a victory in El Paso, Texas, while Stanford’s loss of a quarterback may have the Cardinals changing things up too late.

History is behind the Sooners as well.

Sooner success in the Sun Bowl has been a collection of routs.

The Sooners ran over Texas Tech in the 1993 Sun Bowl, winning 41-10. The Sooners were also dominant against Houston in the 1981 Sun Bowl 40-14. See a pattern developing?

Defense wins ballgames...everyone in the football world has heard this, and it shouldn’t be forgotten. The Cardinals pack a heavy punch on offense.

NO Cardinal senior running back Toby Gerhart has proven why he belongs in the Heisman race. Gerhart leads the nation in rushing yards (1,736) and touchdowns (26).

Stanford’s offense averages over 440 yards a game against opponents this season. But even though Stanford may be bringing their 13th-ranked offense into El Paso, they will meet a stout 7th-ranked defense in Oklahoma.

The Sooners have held their opponents to an average of 273 yards per game this season.

Look for defensive leaders sophomore linebacker Travis Lewis, junior defensive back Quinton Carter, senior linebacker Keenan Clayton, senior linebacker Ryan Reynolds, junior defensive end Jeremy Beal, and junior defensive tackle Gerald McCoy to disrupt everything Stanford has going for them.

But the real reason: because we really need this win. Not playing in the Big 12 Championship game hit the Sooner Nation hard, especially after going three years straight.

Winning in the Sun Bowl not only means a W in the postseason win/loss column for Bob Stoops, something that critics have been bashing him about, but it also means a great finish to a struggling season.

Losing five games is not the ‘Oklahoma Standard’, and especially not under Bob Stoops. Losing five games, all of them on the road, means winning this road game is crucial. This season needs absolution. It needs redemption. And it’s waiting for the Sooners in El Paso.

Tobi Neidy is a public relations senior.

Ever since I was a freshman I’ve had gut feelings about games the Sooners will lose.

Each time I get this feeling, they lose.

Coincidence? Maybe, but until I’m proven otherwise I’m sticking with it.

I know the game is a few weeks away, but I’m already getting this bad feeling that OU will not return from El Paso, Texas, with its first bowl win since 2005. There are a multiJONO tude of reasons why that GRECO sulking feeling is emerging, but the greatest has to be because I’m not a fan of the Sooners when they’re away from Owen Field.

OU has a putrid 1-5 record when it is the road team or is playing on a neutral field, and averages 16.2 points per game on the road. The Sooners best offensive output on the road was 35 points against a Kansas Jayhawks team that finished last in the Big 12 North.

Neither the coaches nor the players will admit there is a difference in the team’s style of play at home compared to on the road, but OU’s six road performances don’t lie.

With freshman quarterback Landry Jones at the helm, the Sooners’ offense failed to eclipse 400 offensive yards even once on the road, a feat that it did all but one time at home.

Even though Jones is playing the closest to Artesia, N.M., as he has all season, the road has not been his friend. He has thrown twice

as many interceptions as touchdowns – 10 interceptions versus five touchdowns – and had his worst performance of the year when he threw five interceptions in a loss against Nebraska.

Also, the last time we saw the Sooners on the road they put up the worst defensive performance of the season.

At Texas Tech, a place where OU has a three-game losing streak, the Red Raiders’ offense manhandled the Sooners’ defense.

Led by junior quarterback Taylor Potts, the offense scored 41 points, threw for 388 yards and ran for 161 yards – all season highs for OU’s defense.

Some call that defensive performance a fluke, especially with the shutout the defense posted the following week against Oklahoma State, but the game should not be forgotten.

The reason why it shouldn’t be forgotten comes in the form of Stanford senior running back Toby Gerhart. Gerhart ran for 1,736 yards with 26 touchdowns this season, and is one of five finalists for the 2009 Heisman Trophy.

Even if OU’s offense has a good game, I do not see the Sooners overcoming a dominating performance by Gerhart.

The only way the Sooners will win the Sun Bowl is if they shut him down and hold Stanford’s offense — who scored 51 points against Oregon 55 and points against Southern California in backto-back games— to less than 20 points.

Again, I don’t see that happening, which means this year’s senior class will have graduated without winning a single bowl game at OU. Jono Greco is a journalism junior.