Wednesday, February 25, 2015

BIG BAD BEARS

Baylor comes to town for conference showdown PAGE 5 The University of Oklahoma’s independent student voice since 1916

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Congress approves $1,712 chain Steel chains to be purchased for South Oval seal PAGE JONES

Assistant Managing Editor @pageousm

The Undergraduate Student Congress passed the “We’ll Buy it Ourselves Act of 2015” last night allowing for the purchase of a chain to go around the seal on the south oval.

The chain would cost $1,712 from the Congress Initiatives Fund, which

would pay for the purchase and installation of the chain.

Congress originally passed a resolution requesting that a chain or rope be placed around the seal last semester, but the resolution failed when it went to the Graduate Student Senate.

Senate members opposed the resolution because they felt that the area was not well lit enough and that the chain posed a hazard to bikers, said Connor Bourland, author of the act.

After the resolution failed in the senate, Bourland contacted OU President David

Boren regarding the chain or rope for the seal. Boren told Bourland that he still supported the resolution, but would rather it be a chain instead. After that, Bourland asked for a quote from facilities management.

Bourland said that he does not know when the chain would be erected, as it would be up to facilities management to place the order, but that he would like it as soon as possible.

A chain around the seal on the South Oval would hopefully discourage students from walking on it and

promote a new tradition at OU. “All students can walk on the seal one day and one day only, and that is one time across the seal on the day they graduate,” Bourland said.

Bourland said that this new tradition comes from president Boren and Molly Shi Boren.

OUDaily.com For a complete list of resolutions from Tuesday’s meeting, visit oudaily.com/news

Testing at OU under question

DAILY FILE PHOTO

The South Oval seal by the Bizzell Memorial Library does not currently have ropes around its perimeter. Undergraduate Student Congress voted Tuesday to purchase a chain to put around the seal to prevent students from walking across it.

RAISING AWARENESS, FINDING

VOLUNTEERS

OU receives write up for questionable testing conditions MIKE BRESTOVANSKY Assistant News Editor @BrestovanskyM

The OU Health Sciences Center has recently come under fire after the U.S. Department of Agriculture re p o r t e d t hat b ab o o n s meant for animal testing were being housed in unhealthy conditions.

According to the USDA’s report of an inspection made on Jan. 20, Valor, Terk and Ebenezer, three young monkeys about 3 months old, were sprayed with water during the cleaning of their enclosure, which put them at risk for hypothermia.

The report also noted other infractions dealing with unsanitary conditions of both occupied and unoccupied enclosures.

To m m y H o l b r o o k , manager of OU’s Baboon Research Resource, said that the media coverage of the infractions has been overblown, citing the influence of animal exploitation activist Michael Budkie.

“They have to write us up for any deviations from protocol,” Holbrook said. “But

YA JIN/THE DAILY

Top: Energy management and finance junior James Culbertson and psychology sophomore Daniel Moreno give out fliers for the Big Event Tuesday afternoon on South Oval. Registration for Big Event ends Friday.

Bottom: Economics senior Bryce Jaggers blows bubbles on the South Oval to raise awareness about Relay for Life. Relay for Life executive committee members handed out fliers Tuesday afternoon.

SEE CITATION PAGE 3

Soonerthon pushes to be kid-focused Women’s basketball Students make kids the spotlight rather than dollar amounts KATE BERGUM

Assistant News Editor @kateclaire_b

As Soonerthon approaches, students who are planning and preparing for the philanthropy event keep the reason for their work in mind: the Oklahoma children who suffer from serious diseases and disorders.

YA JIN/THE DAILY Although the dance marMembers of the Campus Activities Council Soonerthon executive athon, to be held March 7, team raise money for Children’s Hospital Foundation on Jan. 21 on raised more than $300,000

in total last year and more than $40,000 in 24 hours earlier this year, the executive committee members of the Soonerthon try to focus on more than the money, Soonerthon chairperson Jessica Freeman said.

“We’re trying in everything we do to be really kid-focused,” said Freeman, a public relations junior.

Instead of asking students to donate money, Freeman and the Soonerthon team tell students about the children they have met through the Children’s Miracle Network

the South Oval. CAC Soonerthon will be held Mar. 7.

WEATHER Partly cloudy with a high of 51, low of 22.

Updates: @AndrewGortonWX

FIND US ONLINE

SEE DANCE PAGE 2

OU DAILY OUDaily.com

looks to end strong Sooners continue hard work despite season culmination

on the conference tournaments’ second seed barring a major collapse.

Oklahoma shouldn’t have a problem making the NCAA JOE BUETTNER Tournament regardless of Women’s Basketball Reporter @Joe_Buettner how they finish the regular season, but there’s still plenThe women’s college ty of work left to do for Sherri basketball postseason Coale’s squad. looms with just three regular season games left on Finishing strong in conference play OU’s schedule.

Oklahoma’s last three opThe Sooners are unranked by the Associated ponents of the regular season Press and Coaches Poll, won’t be a cakewalk. but they have a firm grip SEE POSTSEASON PAGE 5

OU YAK OF THE DAY

OUDaily

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“‘Netflix: Are you still watching th–’ Me: yes I’m still watching I have no friends, no girlfriend, what else am I gonna do ??’”

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2

• Wednesday, February 25, 2015

NEWS

Paris Burris, news editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com • Twitter: @OUDaily

Committee approves conversion therapy House committee votes 5-3, approves therapy legislation OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Legislation that would protect the practice of therapy that seeks to change people’s sexual orientation or gender identity in Oklahoma was approved by a state House committee Tuesday.

As other states ban or consider prohibiting socalled conversion therapy, Oklahoma’s Children, Youth and Family Services Committee approved the bill 5-3 without debate and sent it to the full House. The measure will likely face a tougher audience there, as medical, psychological and sociological professional organizations that have condemned the practice mobilize their opposition to it.

Opponents say the bill is the first of its kind in the U.S. California and New Jersey have passed measures to ban some conversion therapy, which can involve prayer, psychological counseling or a range of practices designed to eliminate or reduce same-sex attractions, and similar bills have been filed in other states.

The author of the Oklahoma bill said it’s intended to head off any efforts to ban conversion therapy in the state. Rep. Sally Kern, a Republican

embarked on banning conversion therapies because of the harmful — and often brutal and inhumane — tactics utilized,” Mary Jo Kinzie, executive director of the Oklahoma chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, said in a statement released before the committee’s meeting.

Kern said the bill specifically bans electric shock, ice baths and other potentially harmful forms of therapy.

“I have the right to take my children in to seek any type of therapy that I want.”

REP. GEORGE YOUNG, D-OKLAHOMA CITY

MICHAEL AINSWORTH/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Forensics expert Howard Ryan testifies Tuesday during the capital murder trial of former Marine Cpl. Eddie Ray Routh at the Erath County, Donald R. Jones Justice Center in Stephenville Texas. Routh, 27, of Lancaster, is charged with the 2013 deaths of Chris Kyle and his friend Chad Littlefield at a shooting range near Glen Rose, Texas.

from Oklahoma City who chairs the committee, said it is aimed at protecting parental rights.

“There is a movement across the country to ban parents from having the right to take their children in for therapy for same-sex attractions,” said Kern, an

opponent of same-sex marriage who in 2008 described homosexuality as a greater threat to the United States than terrorism.

She said sexual orientation change therapy is practiced across the nation in spite of efforts to ban it.

Lawmakers who voted

against the bill questioned why it was needed.

“I have the right to take my children in to seek any type of therapy that I want,” said Rep. George Young, D-O klahoma City, who voted against the measure.

The measure says parents may obtain counseling or

therapy for children under 18 without interference by the state. An amendment approved by the committee removed pastor and youth minister from the list of mental health providers authorized to provide the therapy.

“Several states have

Troy Stevenson, executive director of Freedom Oklahoma, said the measure “protects the child abuser, rather than the child.”

“We have a duty to protect young people, and should never be in the business of creating new avenues for victimization,” Stevenson said in a statement.

No o p p o n e n t s s p o k e against the measure during the hearing. Two people spoke in support of it, including Stephen Black, executive director of First Stone Ministries in Oklahoma City, which Black said offers pastoral care to people searching for freedom from unwanted samesex attraction.

DANCE: Students explain usefulness of support before requesting donation Continued from Page One and how greatly those children would benefit from their support, Freeman said.

“We have to make campus understand why these kids really deserve it before we can really ask them to fundraise,” Freeman said.

All members of the Soonerthon executive committee take a tour of the OU Children’s Hospital, said Linzy Hall, a senior development officer for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

The tours impact the students and open their eyes to what a children’s hospital looks and feels like, Hall said.

During her hospital tour, Freeman met young children on dialysis, she said.

Some needed the long and uncomfortable treatment three times a week and had to drive three to four hours to Oklahoma City to get care, Freeman said.

“It kind of puts things in perspective, Soonerthon does,” Freeman said. “I might have a huge test tomorrow, but there are some really amazing kids who are dealing with much bigger problems than tests and what they get to be when they grow up.

They don’t know if they’re going to be able to grow up to be anything, which is a really scary thought.”

Seeing these children

makes the executive committee understand why Soonerthon and fundraising matter, Freeman said.

However, members of the executive committee have to be cautious because although they have been able to see these children and hear their stories, not all OU students have, Freeman said.

“That’s why we have to be careful … that we don’t come off as too intense, because we get it,” Freeman said. “We’ve seen these kids and we want to fight for them.”

“We’ve seen these kids and we want to fight for them.”

JESSICA FREEMAN, SOONERTHON CHAIRPERSON

Still, the fact that the OU community raised more than $40,000 in 24 hours shows that if students understand the dire situations of these children, they can be incredibly generous, Freeman said.

The funds raised for Soonerthon benefit research, education and clinical care within the state of Oklahoma, Hall said.

The Children’s Hospital Foundation uses the funds to recruit doctors and other experts specializing in cancer, blood diseases, eating disorders, diabetes and cystic fibrosis treatments, Hall said.

“We like to recruit all sorts

CALEB SMUTZER/THE DAILY

A crowd of Soonerthon participants dance along with dancers on stage March 9, 2014 in the Huston Huffman Fitness Center. This year’s Soonerthon will be held March 7, and funds raised from the event benefit the Children’s Hospital Foundation.

of specialists to care for our kids so they don’t have to leave the state,” Hall said.

Funds from Soonerthon also help doctors conduct research that helps children around the world, Hall said.

In addition to improving care for children, Soonerthon allows the children to have a great time, Hall said.

Patient families, called “Miracle Families” attend Soonerthon, and for these children, the event is something to look forward to for

months, Freeman said.

“A lot of them say it’s better than their birthday,” Freeman said. “It’s the best day of the year.”

For a few hours, the children and their families can forget about their illnesses and treatments and have fun with college students, Hall said.

“Throughout this whole day, they’re treated like rock stars and put on a pedestal,” Hall said.

Sophomore Christina

New comb helps assig n Miracle Families to spend Soonerthon with campus organizations, she said.

One of Newcomb’s favorite parts of Soonerthon is seeing the families connect OU students — something Newcomb dubs the “Miracle Movement,” she said.

Newcomb then sees students and faculty come to understand Soonerthon’s meaning, she said.

The Soonerthon Executive committee does not have

any final monetary goals for the fundraiser, Freeman said.

Whatever amount the community raises is something to be proud of, Freeman said.

Yet when the sum is revealed, Freeman hopes students will be able to take ownership and pride in the moment because of their personal contributions, she said.

Kate Bergum kate.c.bergum-1@ou.edu

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NEWS

Wednesday, February 25, 2015 •

3

BRIEFS Red Flag Campaign highlights the signs of an unhealthy relationship Students can learn about red flags in relationships tomorrow on OU’s South Oval.

The Women’s Outreach Center will promote the Red Flag Campaign, a national organization that addresses red flags for dating violence, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., said Melanie Adams, assistant director of the Women’s Outreach Center.

Adams said the national organization uses the hashtag #SaySomething to encourage bystanders who witness a red flag in a relationship to be active and speak up.

“It’s about saying something instead of being silent,” Adams said.

Students can stop by the event on the South Oval and write what a red flag is to them or a message of support on a red flag, Adams said.

Adams explained that a red flag in a relationship varies from person to person, so the campaign hopes to start a conversation about what warning signs to look for.

“It stimulates a conversation about when we should be concerned,” Adams said.

Adams said that it was important to bring the national campaign to campus because “this is a time in the campus community lives that we are defining relationships,” and it is important for students to know what they want in a relationship.

Andie Beene, Staff Reporter

MICHAEL AINSWORTH/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Forensics expert Howard Ryan testifies Tuesday during the capital murder trial of former Marine Cpl. Eddie Ray Routh at the Erath County, Donald R. Jones Justice Center in Stephenville Texas. Routh, 27, of Lancaster, is charged with the 2013 deaths of Chris Kyle and his friend Chad Littlefield at a shooting range near Glen Rose, Texas.

Murderer of Navy SEAL claims insanity in defense of shooting Eddie Ray Routh faces life sentence without parole STEPHENVILLE, Texas (AP) — A former Marine was convicted Tuesday in the deaths of the “American Sniper” author and another man at a shooting range two years ago, as jurors rejected defense arguments that he was insane and suffered from psychosis.

The trial of Eddie Ray Routh has drawn intense interest, in part because of the blockbuster film based on former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle’s memoir about his four tours in Iraq.

Since prosecutors didn’t seek the death penalty in the capital murder case, the 27-year-old receives an automatic life sentence without parole in the deaths of Kyle and Kyle’s friend, Chad Littlefield.

The prosecution painted Routh as a troubled drug user who knew right from wrong, despite any mental illnesses. While trial testimony and evidence often included Routh making odd statements and referring to insanity, he also confessed several times, apologized for the crimes and tried to evade police.

C r i m i na l l aw e x p e r t s said the verdict hinged on whether the defense could prove Routh was insane and did not know the killings were wrong at the time they were committed. Jurors had three options: find Routh guilty of capital murder, find him not guilty, or find him not guilty by reason of insanity. If found not guilty by reason of insanity, the court could have initiated proceedings to have him committed to a state mental hospital.

Kyle and Littlefield had

taken Routh to the shooting range at Rough Creek Lodge and Resort on Feb. 2, 2013, after Routh’s mother asked Kyle to help her troubled son. Family members say Routh suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder from serving in Iraq and in Haiti after the devastating 2010 earthquake.

A forensic psychologist testified for prosecutors that Routh was not legally insane and suggested he may have gotten some of his ideas from television. Dr. Randall Price said Routh had a paranoid disorder made worse by his use of alcohol and marijuana, calling his condition “cannabis-induced psychosis.”

Defense attorneys noted that Kyle had described R o u t h a s “s t r a i g h t - u p nuts” in a text message to Littlefield as they drove to the luxury resort.

Among evidence entered

by prosecutors was a recorded phone call between Routh and a reporter from The New Yorker magazine in which Routh said he was annoyed Littlefield wasn’t shooting, but instead seemed to be watching him.

“Are you gonna shoot?

Are you gonna shoot? It’s a shooting sport. You shoot,” Routh said in the phone call. “That’s what got me all riled up.”

Defense attorneys said Routh, who had been pres c r i b e d a nt i -p s y c h o t i c medication often used for schizophrenia, believed the men planned to kill him.

“I had to take care of business. I took care of business, and then I got in the truck and left,” Routh said in the phone call.

Routh later took off and led authorities on a chase before the truck became disabled and he was arrested.

CITATION: OU adjusts in light of recent citations Continued from Page One [Budkie] takes those writeups and twists their words and makes them sound five hundred times worse.”

Budkie’s website, Stop Animal Exploitation Now!, has not made any statement regarding OU’s citation.

Holbrook said that steps were made to correct each

infraction as soon as they were noticed.

According to the report, the only infractions not corrected during the course of the inspection were those involving a leaky pipe and a damaged floor, which were to be repaired by Jan. 26 and Feb. 15, respectively. A staff meeting was also held on Jan. 22 to discuss proper

protocol.

This is not OU’s first instance of improperly handling live test subjects. Last summer, OU was cited for improperly medicating, sanitizing and treating test animals. In 2013, OU received backlash for euthanizing a dog via electrocution, and in 2011, a professor resigned following allegations of

illegal human experimentation on students.

In the wake of these citations, an OU student has created a Change.org petition calling for the closure of OU’s animal testing lab. As of press time, it has received 559 signatures.

Mike Brestovansky mcbrestov@gmail.com

Judge repremands mental health commissioner for denying treatment OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — State mental health commissioner Terri White has apologized to a judge who threatened to hold her in contempt of court because a mentally ill defendant did not get treatment for six months.

White promised during a meeting Friday that the judge would be notified if competency treatment cannot be provided for a defendant within a reasonable time, The Oklahoman reported.

District Judge Ray C. Elliot dismissed a contempt-ofcourt proceeding against White after the meeting.

“It was a very short and pleasant meeting with the judge, and he understands the situation,” a Mental Health Department spokesperson said Monday.

White had been admonished for not transferring a defendant to the Oklahoma Forensic Center in Vinita per Elliot’s order. The defendant was transferred to the mental health facility after White’s hearing was scheduled.

The commissioner denies violating judicial orders, but acknowledges that judges need to be better informed about a defendant’s status, especially since there is a shortage of beds at the mental health facility.

“The department’s waiting list for services is longer than it has ever been. The department assured the judge that we will stay in better communication with the court concerning the list as we move forward,” the spokesperson said.

McAlester debates bringing back prison rodeo to raise city’s revenue MCALESTER, Okla. (AP) — An Oklahoma city is considering bringing back what was the nation’s last remaining prison rodeo.

The Oklahoman reports that the city of McAlester has begun discussing reviving the event that allowed inmates to compete in various activities. It closed in 2010.

Professional Bull Riders, Inc. has taken interest in resurrecting the city’s tradition.

Many of McAlester’s citizens, along with city officials, have been trying to start the rodeo back up because it was a major source of income for the city that drew tourists from across the country, according to tourism manager Kathy Wall. Wall said that 89 percent of the revenue generated by the rodeo came from out-of-town visitors.

“It was a major, major loss,” restaurant owner Joe Prichard said.

Corrections Department Director Robert Patton and Gov. Mary Fallin’s general counsel, Steve Mullins, have also been involved in talks with the city to bring back the rodeo.

“The state has a great relationship with the city of McAlester, and we want to do what we can to assist with tourism and anything else we can,” said Michael McNutt, Gov. Mary Fallin’s spokesman.

The rodeo closed after 70 years due to low staffing at the prison and the need for expensive repairs to the rodeo stadium.

Adopt - An - Area Area ratings for this week

my friend’s got mental illness

To a friend with mental illness, your caring and understanding greatly increases their chance of recovery. Visit whatadifference.samhsa.gov for more information.

Mental Illness – What a difference a friend makes.

Table Talk

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Topic: p What’s the source of y your religious beliefs?

Free meal and interfaith interfait dialog

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4

• Wednesday, February 25, 2015

OPINION

Kaitlyn Underwood, opinion editor dailyopinion@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/opinion • Twitter: @OUDailyOpinion

Muslim Day in Oklahoma CLASSIFIEDS Our view: We

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support Muslim Day at the Capitol and its participants for engaging with state government and sharing insight into their community with Oklahoma lawmakers.

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LOST & FOUND

Muslim Day at the Capitol is positive political news in a state plagued by multiple outlandish legislative bills.

The event is planned for Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m at the Oklahoma State Capitol and is intended to promote civic engagement within the Islamic community.

Oklahoma is not a particularly religiously diverse state and the event has drawn the attention of supporters and detractors alike. We don’t support the message of people who’ve RSVP’d to a Facebook event to protest Muslim Day, but we do fully support every Oklahoman who PHOTO PROVIDED will be participating in A photo posted to CAIR’s Facebook page on Jan. 13, 2015 shows Khalid Alzubi as he honoring the day. stands with his Oklahoma State Flag and protest sign outside Penn Square Mall in The Oklahoma Oklahoma City. Muslim Day will be held at the State Capital on Friday Feb. 27 and is Chapter of The Council intended to promote community interaction with peoples of the Islamic Faith. on American-Islamic hope Oklahoma’s lawgovernment and sharRelations is hosting the needs and concerns of event, and Muslim Day the Islamic community ing a fair representation makers will learn from of Islam with Oklahoma the Muslim Day particiwill feature activities to in Oklahoma. pants and that all particlawmakers, even in the We also give both educate ipants will feel accepted face of adversity from major kudos Muslims about Our View is and supported. planned protestors. to Muslim the democratthe majority Oklahoma doesn’t Fortunately, a numstudents paric process and opinion of have to only make headber of interfaith orgaticipating in interact with The Daily’s nizations have pledged lines when our legisMuslim Day. their state legisnine-member editorial board Those students their support of Muslim lators propose wacky lators. The event bills. Though it’s rare, Day, which restores a will be the fuis designed to sometimes Oklahoma little of our hope that ture leaders allow Muslims is known for inclusive acceptance is stronger and interfaith support- of Oklahoma’s Islamic events, such as Muslim ers to engage with state community, and we be- than hate. We believe Day, and we hope to every American citilieve desire to engage government. We think hear about Muslim Days zen, regardless of race, in state government Muslim Day is a great for years to come. religion or ethnicity should be supportway for legislators to has the right to visit the ed. We commend the interact with minority Capitol and we support Muslim Day particconstituents, and we Comment on this on Muslim Oklahomans ipants for striving to urge lawmakers to lisexercising that right. We OUDaily.com ten to and consider the learn more about state

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Lost & Found

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.

By Eugenia Last

Copyright 2015, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

Exercise caution when it comes to investments. It’s vital that you be vigilant if asked to assist others with estate matters, donations or investments. Don’t take on a task you aren’t capable of doing, even if the person asking for help is insistent.

you will be able to gain valuable support for your plans.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -Deception is apparent. Someone will try to undermine your credibility.

Be prepared to fight for what is rightfully yours. Work alone for now. The less said, the better.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Find a quiet corner and get your work done without entering into a stressful dispute. Your attention to detail will ensure that you complete your tasks successfully.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- You are thirsty for knowledge. Attend informal events or seminars that will give you insight into different cultures and philosophies. The people you meet will figure prominently in your future.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Your honest, open manner and true concern for others make you a trusted confidante. Do something special for someone who has been there for you in good times and bad.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- You will be asked to help with someone’s financial or legal matters. You will gain confidence and contentment knowing that you are doing something nice for someone.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Consider the motives of someone who wants you to loan out or invest your hard- earned cash. A foolhardy joint financial venture will cause serious setbacks if you go into debt.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Partnerships look promising.

Show what you can bring to the table and find out how far you can go, based on the sum total of your and your counterpart’s contributions.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- You’ll have to work hard to get things going. Dwelling on emotional issues will lead to depression. Take a mental health day, go out for a walk or do something you enjoy.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- The more you do to help those in need, the more recognition and satisfaction you will receive. You have what it takes to get the work done in a timely manner.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -Don’t get drawn into the rumor mill, and avoid repeating negative or uncomplimentary comments. Gossip will not help you make gains, but it will put you in an awkward position.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -Get out and have a good time with a friend or lover. Lively activities will provide a welcome diversion from everyday pressures and tension.

Romance is in the stars.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Step into the limelight with confidence. Your suggestions will have a powerful impact on those around you, and

Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker February 25, 2015

ACROSS 1 High-five sound 5 Shoelace piece 10 Bird bill part 14 Doughnut center 15 France’s longest river 16 Impressive style 17 Pour but good 20 Innate impulses 21 Bond’s Fleming 22 Keanu Reeves’ role in “The Matrix�

23 Campfire fallout 24 “Murphy Brown� star 27 Fish hawk’s cousin 29 Chilly 32 Singer Grant 33 Sir Lancelot du ___ 36 Lacking wit or imagination 38 Print revealer 41 Common sight in Maine 42 ID factor, perhaps 43 Bunion site 44 Like lemon juice 46 Go, to the dogs?

50 “Aladdin� setting 52 Caterer’s coffeemaker

2/25

55 Day-care diversion 56 “Cocoon� director Howard 57 Like a $600 return on a $200 bet 60 Certain visibility improver 63 Protected, on board 64 Put in prison 65 Bean or certain capital city 66 Cincinnati ballplayers 67 Misty-eyed 68 Provides with a staff DOWN 1 The Alamo, for one 2 Repair shop substitute 3 Krauss or Lurie 4 ___-up (confined) 5 Alda and Ladd 6 “I fooled you!�

7 Schindler made one 8 Bygone times 9 Two hours before midnight 10 ___ Rapids, Iowa 11 Stretch out 12 Joplin tune 13 CPO’s superior 18 Org. in many spy novels 19 Subside

24 Two-legged support 25 Weighty Kuwaiti?

26 The Big Apple, briefly 28 “What ___ can I say?�

30 Automatic pistol 31 A country’s output, for short 34 Succeeds in getting 35 Approximately, date-wise 37 Hard, yellow cheese 38 Christian of fashion 39 Like some income or runs 40 Alumna bio word 41 Bake sale org.

45 Coarse fabric

47 A perfect place 48 Quietly serious 49 Manyheaded mythical sea monsters 51 Gives advance warning 53 Use the towel again 54 Fresh from the factory 57 It’s free when it’s unscheduled 58 Greek goddess of youth 59 Cinema feature 60 Where there’s a general assembly?

61 Ending for “tact�

62 Cabinet acronym, once

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2/24

2/24

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HEADING OFF A STORM By Kenneth Holt

Wednesday, February 25, 2015 •

SPORTS

Dillon Hollingsworth, sports editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/sports • Twitter: @OUDailySports

Transition is key for OU in match against Baylor Sooners prepare for rematch against a tough Baylor squad BRADY VARDEMAN

Assistant Sports Editor

The top two teams in the Big 12 will square off today in Norman when OU women’s basketball (17-9, 11-4) returns to action against No. 3 Baylor (26-1, 15-0).

The Lady Bears handed the Sooners a 23-point loss in their first meeting two weeks ago. Despite the loss, OU guard Peyton Little put up 22 points, hitting five of nine from beyond the arc.

Little has led the Sooners in scoring each of the last eight contests, averaging 20.4 points per game.

With a rematch looming, Sooners coach Sherri Coale said Little will get the shots she has become accustomed to.

“She gets plenty of shots,” C o a l e s a i d . “ We w o n ’ t change a thing.”

Baylor brings one of the biggest line-ups in the Big 12 to the table. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, sophomore point guard Khadijiah Cave averages 11 points per contest. The added size could mean more work for OU forward Kaylon Williams.

“Baylor is a smart team, and they do work through their bigs, like a lot of the Texas teams do,” Williams said. “The challenge will probably be being active in the post and making sure the post-guy gets as little touches as possible.”

“Baylor is a smart team, and they do work through their bigs, like a lot of the Texas teams do.

The challenge will probably be being active in the post...”

KAYLON WILLIAMS, REDSHIRT JUNIOR FORWARD

Against Kansas State Feb. 21, Williams recorded her fifth double-double of the season. The junior scored 13 points and had a season-high 12 rebounds,

Elegant but Casual

Friendly Staff

Healthful Dining

JACQULINE EBY/THE DAILY

Freshman guard Gioya Carter shoots against Baylor on Feb. 3, 2014 at Lloyd Noble Center. The Sooners will play the Bears today in Norman.

including nine on the offensive end of the floor.

Baylor averages nearly eight rebounds more per game than the Sooners, while allowing five fewer.

Coale said the team will need to limit Baylor’s presence inside.

“We do need to limit their points in the paint because they’re really, really lethal if the ball gets inside the lane,” she said. “If they don’t score it on the first time, they’re going to get an offensive rebound.”

OU emphasized zone defense in practices leading up to its contest with Baylor.

Williams said if the team wants to avoid another blowout to the Lady Bears, solid defense will be key.

“Thing for us is probably transition,” she said. “They had a lot of transition points on us, and Baylor is a very athletic team so they get back pretty quick. So our emphasis was getting back and protecting the paint.”

Baylor comes to Norman with just two home games remaining on the Sooners’ slate. Senior Sharane

Everyone is talking about

5

OU VS. BAYLOR When: Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m.

Where: Lloyd Noble Center Upcoming game: OU vs. Kansas – Saturday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.

Campbell said she is trying to enjoy the time she has left at the Lloyd Noble Center.

“I’m just taking it one game at a time, having fun with my teammates,” she said.

As matches with conference-leader Baylor and Bedlam-rival Oklahoma State loom, Campbell said the team is grateful to play big games to finish the season.

“We’re getting better and improving every week,” she said. “It’s really just about how we play.”

Baylor has the Big 12 regular season crown locked up and OU has all but secured second place. Little, however, said the team is

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not going to take their foot off the gas over the final few games.

“That doesn’t stop us from doing what we want to do,” she said. “We’re going to be ourselves and do what we do game in and game out.”

Brady Vardeman brady.vardeman@ou.edu

POSTSEASON: Difficult road ahead for Sooners Continued from Page One Baylor blew out Oklahoma in Waco, Texas on Feb. 11, but the Bears have been played much closer when on the road.

The Bears’ athleticism troubled Oklahoma in their first meeting, but OU has yet to lose at home and Coale’s squad should feel confident after earning a tough road win in Manhattan, Kansas.

A victory over the Baylor Bears cer tainly w ould help Oklahoma improve its stock with the NCAA selection committee, but the team will need to avoid an upset from the Kansas Jayhawks, who have the league’s worst record.

Oklahoma must also travel to Stillwater for round two of Bedlam. OU won the first meeting on Jan. 19, but the Cowgirls could be motivated with an opportunity to tie OU for second place in the Big 12 standings.

The regular season has been kind to Oklahoma, but finishing strong is pivotal for OU to avoid a tough first round match-up in the NCAA Tournament.

round bye in the tourney, however, and they wouldn’t have to see the top-seeded Baylor Bears until the championship round.

Outside of the Bears, most of the conference can compete with one another, and OU will need to bring the same up-tempo and underdog attitude if they want to contend for the tournament title.

GOING DANCING IN NORMAN?

The top 16 overall teams in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament get the luxury of hosting their own first and second round regional.

A win over No. 3 Baylor and a big run in the Big 12 tournament could propel Oklahoma to one of those spots, but if not, OU is more than likely looking at a seed in the 6-to-9 range.

E S P N ’s B ra c k e t o l o g y projects the Sooners as the seven-seed with a first round match-up against Arkansas and in the same region as the top-ranked Connecticut Huskies.

OU’s puzzling, early season losses haven’t helped REDEMPTION IN THE BIG 12 with its national percepTOURNAMENT tion, but some mop up work at the end of the year could While Baylor has locked help them get to the fourup the regular season title, seed, five-seed range as the the Sooners can still win Big Dance approaches. the Big 12 Conference tournament.

The Sooners are a young squad, and most of its core Joe Buettner joebuet@ou.edu hasn’t experienced the grind of playing in the Big 12 tournament. The team will benefit from a first

6

NEWS

• Wednesday, February 25, 2015

OU nursing receives accolade Online program rated among best for 2015 ASHLEY GEARY

Life & Arts Reporter

The U.S. News & World Report has recognized the OU College of Nursing for its Master of Science in Nursing Education online degree program this month, dubbing the degree program one of the best online advanced degree nursing programs for 2015.

Among the criteria the U.S. News & World Report used for its rankings are student engagement, peer reputation, student services and technology, said Voncella McCleary-Jones, d i r e c t o r o f t h e Ma s t e r of Science in Nursing Education program and assistant professor in the College of Nursing.

“The college is a very intellectually stimulating environment,” McClearyJones said. “Each day brings opportunities for expanding one’s horizons. There are numerous growth and learning experiences for the students as well as the faculty.”

The online degree program offers multiple pathways for nursing students s e e k i n g t h e i r m a s t e r ’s degree.

Trevelyn Rauch, a 42-year-old senior enrolled in the program, continued her education while raising a family and working, she said.

“The one thing that attracted me to the online program at OU was that they offered part time,” Rauch said. “That’s doable for a working mom and makes it to where it’s convenient.”

While enrolled in the online program, students are

JIANI WU/THE DAILY

OU Health Sciences Center College of Nursing students work on a project together on Feb. 18, 2015 in the College of Nursing student lounge. The college has been recognized for its Masters of Nursing Education, which was one of the best advanced online nursing degree programs.

“The one thing that attracted me to the online program at OU was that they offered part time.

That’s doable for a working mom...”

TREVELYN RAUCH, NURSING STUDENT IN PROGRAM

able to grow and learn from each other without having to be physically in a classroom setting, Rauch said.

“We’re able to basically learn from each other, plus learn from the faculty,” Rauch said. “We do a lot of discussion boards where the faculty member will pose a question, and we’re supposed to respond to each other’s questions.”

Rauch’s favorite aspect about the online degree program is being able to learn from her peers, she said. Posing questions on the discussion boards is an everyday activity for the students, so they have the opportunity to learn from different areas of expertise, she said.

“Exploration of learning theories, content, teaching strategies and ideas takes place as students communicate with their peers and me in discussion forums, live chats and Google video hangouts within the online course,” McCleary-Jones said.

The content taught in the online program is geared toward adult learners, Rauch said. Aside from online discussion forums, students

also complete a variety of research and writing, Rauch said.

“What we get out of our learning is what we put into it,” Rauch said.

The program is flexible, letting students access the class from anywhere in the state, as well and easily contact professors, Rauch said.

“The one nice thing is all of the faculty I have dealt w i t h a re e x c e l l e n t a n d available. No, we are not in the classroom, but they’re available via email, through discussion threads or by phone,” Rauch said. “I’ve never not been able to get ahold of [a professor] in a timely manner.”

Brittany Stevenson, a student enrolled in the MSN Education program who graduated from OU

Arts and Sciences Week

College of Nursing in 2011, shortage, we have to imsaid the online degree pro- prove and have more in gram sparked her interest nursing education.” because of its prestige and affordability, among other things.

Ashley Geary “The faculty is scholarly, ashleymgeary@ou.edu supportive and knowledgeable, and the curriculum developed produced positive outcomes,” Stevenson said. “My past experience at OU [College of Nursing] also made a huge impact on my decision to apply to the MSN Education online degree program.”

Educational programs are crucial in improving nursing, Rauch said.

“The one big reason I went into the Master’s of Nursing Education is because of the nursing shortage,” Rauch said. “For us to improve the nursing

College of Arts and Sciences

FEB. 23 - 27 ALL EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

MONDAY, FEB. 23

THURSDAY, FEB. 26

“Soccer, Italian Style” by Maurizio Vito 1-2 p.m. • Kaufman Hall 230, Modern Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

“El Nopal, the magic cactus plant of Mexico” by Estrella Morales 12:30-1:30 p.m. • Kaufman Hall 230, Modern Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

“El Mole, the magic condiment of Mexico”

by Miriam Romero 3-4 p.m. • Kaufman Hall 230, Modern Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

TUESDAY, FEB. 24 “The Chinese Dumpling, the magic holiday food of China” by Yanrong Qi and Nian Liu 12:30-1:30 p.m. • Kaufman Hall 230, Modern Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

“The Kibbutz in Israel, a social and economic perspective” by Dr. Ori Kritz 2-3 p.m. • Kaufman Hall 230, Modern Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics “French Songs, then and now” by Dinah Stillman 3-4 p.m. • Kaufman Hall 230, Modern Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics “Insecure Majorities: Congress, Party Competition and the Permanent Campaign” by Frances E. Lee 7 p.m. • Gould Hall Gallery, 830 Van Vleet Oval, Political Science

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI LECTURES SAM’S Best Buys

Big selection, latest styles“Passion, Power and Possibilites: Leaning In to Social Work Leadership”

by Gail Lapidus Thursday, Feb. 26 • NOON • JJ Rhyne Community Room, Zarrow Hall

REAL BARGAINS!

“Persian Poetry” by Marjan Seirafi-Pour 1:30-2:30 p.m. • Kaufman Hall 230, Modern Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Family Ski Wear Children Chil Ch ildr dren en tto o King Kin Ki n Size

“CAS Research Celebration Day” Noon to 5 pm, remarks at 4:15 pm.

Molly Shi Boren Ballroom, OMU. Displays of research efforts from 25 departments and programs in the college.

”From Pre-med to Young Alum: How Mice, Mentors, and Making the Most of Undergraduate Opportunities Shaped My Success” by Brandi Coyner Thursday, Feb. 26 • 1:30 p.m. • Dodson Lounge, Price Hall

Skiing for Spring FRIDAY, FEB. 27 WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25 Break?

“Explore Japanese Games” by Nana Onishi 3-4 p.m. • Kaufman Hall 230, Modern Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

“Banking in Oklahoma: Past, Present, and Future” by Homer Paul, with Ken Fergeson, NBC Oklahoma; Sean Kouplen, Regent Bank; and David Westman, BancFirst Thursday, Feb. 26 • 3 p.m. • Dodson Lounge, Price Hall

”Henna, Moroccan Mint Tea and Henna Designs” by Nisrine Slitine El Mghari 12-1 p.m. • Kaufman Hall 230, Modern Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

” Self-Governed Agency and Fitness to Be Held Responsible: A Consideration of Patient Non-Compliance” by Ruth Tallman Friday, Feb. 27 • 2:30 p.m. • Dale Hall Tower 607, Department of Philosophy 2409 24 09 S Agnew A gnew gn ew Ave A ve (405) For accommodations on the basis of(4 disability636-1486 for the Modern Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics lectures, contact Shawn Gralla at shawn.m.gralla-1@ou.edu For accomodation on the basis of disability for the Distinguished Alumni Lectures, contact Kristi Morgan at kcain@ou.edu Monday to Saturday 9:00-5:45 & Sunday 1:00-4:45