The Oklahoma Daily

THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA’S I NDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE

THURSDAY, JAN. 22, 2009 © 2009 OU Publications Board

VOL. 94, NO. 81 FREE — Additional Copies 25¢

OU among most affordable in Big 12 conference • Rise in tuition, fees parallel to employee salary, benefits MATTHEW MONTGOMERY The Oklahoma Daily A report from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education shows that OU’s costs rank among the lowest within the Big 12 Conference, and that Oklahomans now have more help accessing higher education than ever before.

University Press Secretary Jay Doyle said OU ranked third lowest in resident tuition and second lowest in nonresident tuition in the Big 12 Conference.

“The Big 12 Conference’s average cost of tuition for 30 hours of coursework is $7,300 and OU’s is slightly lower than its peers,” said Ben Hardcastle, the State Regent’s director of communications.

He said OU’s average cost of tuition and fees for 30 hours of coursework for 2008-2009 was $6,493 for residents, and $16,474 for nonresidents.

Hardcastle said OU’s tuition rates are substantially lower than the other Big 12 school’s rates, with the exception of Baylor, which is a

private university and is not included in the report.

The State Regents’ report indicated tuition and mandatory fees go up about $400 per year for a fulltime resident student.

This year’s tuition was raised 9.9 percent, including a 2 percent salary increase for faculty and staff.

OU Vice President and Provost Nancy Mergler said the increase in tuition and mandatory fees coincides with the ever-increasing cost of providing competitive salaries and benefits for faculty and staff.

She said, however, that rising utility costs, limited state allocations and the weakening economy have also forced tuition and fee increases.

State-wide, Oklahomans have received more help in affording higher education as institutions have increased available financial aid, resident tuition waivers, needbased scholarships and on-campus jobs, according to the State Regents’ report. A federal grant has allowed the state to offer 600 new scholarships for needy upperclassmen who are approaching graduation.

Also, students entering four-year universities initially have the option of locking in their tuition rates for all four years. This will guarantee the tuition at a slightly higher rate, assuming the normal rate will increase over the four years, potentially saving hundreds of dollars.

Source: Institutional Research Office, University of Missouri-Columbia

WHAT’S INSIDE Students offered up their arms at a blood drive in Cate Center Wednesday. Page 5.

After a whirlwind Inauguration Day, Barack Obama entered the whirlwind of his first full day of the presidency. Found out how he spent it on Page 13.

Most Americans cheer as gas prices fall, but for some small oil towns, lower prices at the pump cause suffering, not celebration. Page 11.

Donations from lobbyists are falling in Oklahoma after legislative reforms enacted to curb lobbyists’ influence. Page 5.

Obama’s election has some people elated and some people anxious. The schism between Obamaniacs and his skeptics is nowhere more obvious than on the issue of abortion. Page 11.

Evidence may have been found to confirm the report that a flock of birds sent a plane spiraling into New York’s Hudson River last week.

Page 11.

OUDAILY.COM Check out OUDaily.com for exciting new videos the OU men’s basketball team’s victory against Nebraska and students talking about their New Year’s resolutions.

Pick-A-Prof, any prof • Finding that perfect professor has never been easier with student-aimed Web sites ollege students no longer need to walk into class without the opportunity of knowing a professor’s grade history and reading other students’ critiques.

OU students can research nearly any professor’s teaching history with Pick-A-Prof.com as their guide.

“Every time I make a decision on a class, the first thing I check is ‘Pick-A-Prof,’” said Brian Koss, a history senior. “If a teacher does not have what I think is a fair grade distribution, I don’t even think about enrolling in a class with them as an instructor.”

Pick-A-Prof.com has served more than 350 universities since the web site’s conception in 2000.

The Oklahoma Daily chose to feature the following professors because their general education courses received the highest rankings, lowest drop out rates and the fairest grade distribution on the professor evaluation web site.

C

– LEIGH ANNE MANWARREN/THE OKLAHOMA DAILY

THOMAS BURNS Professor of sociology Doctorate from University of Maryland in Sociology Focus: Comparative and Historical Development, Environment and Human Ecology, Sociology of Health, Social Theory, Statistics and Methods, Social Institutions, Communication and Rhetoric, and Cultural and Social Change Teaching style: Open door policy Quote: “It is said that Aristotle took his students out for walks while he taught them. I like to do that too and will take some of my smaller classes out for walks on campus on nice days. So if you see a group of students wondering around campus, it might be one of my classes.”

ASHLEY EDDY Graduate Teaching Assistant ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT What is your New Year’s resolution? The Daily’s Sarah Dorn covered campus to ask students.

English Graduate Student Focus: Creative Writing Teaching style: Comfortable Quote: “I want to make sure students have the freedom to write in different styles with their own voice, giving room for more creativity.”

2008 was a good year for video games, but which one is the best? The Daily’s Kyle Wanzer picks out the top five games of 2008.

THOMAS ROY

SPORTS The men’s basketball team looked to stay perfect in conference play last night as they took on the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

The Daily has all the results and coverage you need. Page 6.

History lecturer Doctorate from OU in History Focus: Native American, Medieval and U.S. History Teaching style: Laid back Quote: “I think students should know and study history to know more about our present. History isn’t just about the past, but we are living history. If we learn our history, we learn about our present and our future.”

TODAY’S INDEX L&A 9,10 Campus Notes 2 Classifieds 12 12 Crossword Horoscope 13

News 11, 13 Opinion 4 Police Reports 2 Sports 6,7,8 Sudoku 12

WEATHER FORECAST

TODAY

LOW 44° HIGH 76°

FRIDAY LOW 27° HIGH 63° Source: Oklahoma Weather Lab

Log on to OUDaily.com for video of professors talking about what makes a good professor.

MEGHAN MCGHEE Lecturer: Sociology Doctorate from OU in Sociology Focus: Introduction to Sociology and Sociology of Deviance Teaching style: Relate the subject back to the students.

Quote: “I did the first couple of years to see what they were saying, but you never know if it were the students that never went to class or got bad grades that were writing the reviews, but I was excited to hear that students enjoy my class.”

2

News

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009

Oklahoma bottoms out in quality of life • State cited for lack of action in improving the lives of residents HANNAH RIEGER The Oklahoma Daily While OU athletic teams rank in the nation’s top 10 in football and basketball, the state falls to the bottom 10 in many qualities of life comparisons, according to a children’s advocacy group.

The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy recently released a legislative agenda with the state’s rankings in life qualities, compared to other states. Oklahoma ranked in the bottom for nine life qualities, including income, education and health related issues.

“Oklahoma is one of the unhealthiest states in the nation,” said Anne Roberts, executive director of The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy. “In order to turn this ship around, we must begin with our children.”

“The way we will begin to fix this problem is through the youth in Oklahoma,” Roberts said. “If we can get them making good decisions about healthy lifestyles, rankings in Oklahoma should move up.”

Oklahoma public school students in kindergarten through fifth grade have a new curriculum, which includes health education, required physical education and healthier food in the cafeterias, Roberts said.

The state’s high poverty and poor health rates are linked, Roberts said. There are many areas in Oklahoma where there are no grocery stores and places for people to have healthy eating choices, Roberts said.

Oklahoma is at fault for not providing financial support in areas where it is most needed, said Marilyn Kring Brockhaus, a licensed social worker. The rural areas of Oklahoma are in the worst shape, she said.

In order to have better qualities of life in these areas, good salary jobs and motives need to be implemented throughout rural areas, Brockhaus said.

There are too many administrators, and not enough direct service and support in places of need, she said.

Spreading awareness is one thing individual Oklahomans can do to help the quality of life, she said.

OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCURACY The Daily has a long-standing commitment to serve readers by providing accurate coverage and analysis. Errors are corrected as they are identified. Readers should bring errors to the attention of the editorial board for further investigation.

ERROR SUBMISSIONS e-mail: dailynews@ou.edu phone: 325-3666

Photo illustration by Zach Butler

Oklahoma finishes last in quality of living, in the bottom 10 of nine standard groups: income, insurance, high school education, college education, nutrition, tobacco use, mental illness, diabetes and heart disease.

“Good forms of communication about these issues include word-of-mouth, newspapers and church services,” Brockhaus said.

Some students considering staying in the state after graduation consult the rankings often, but they aren’t always a deterring factor.

“I don’t think I would move because of these issues,” said Melissa Martin, multidisciplinary studies junior. “I like Oklahoma as a state, and my family is here and that is a strong unit of support.”

Some issues depend on government progress, but most of it depends on a person’s willingness to change their behavior and teach younger generations healthier habits, Martin said.

CAMPUS NOTES TODAY OU LIBRARIES Library orientation sessions begin at 7:30 a.m. in Bizzell Memorial Library.

OU IT OU IT will host an open house for the new computer lab in the Oklahoma Memorial Union. It begins at 11:30 a.m. in Beaird Lounge.

OKLAHOMA RANKINGS Income: 47th Health Insurance: 44th High School Education: 41st College Education: 47th Good Nutrition: 50th

Tobacco Use: 47th Mental Illness: 50th Diabetes: 46th Heart Disease: 50th

POLICE REPORTS

PUBLIC INTOXICATION

Names are compiled from the Norman Police Department and the OU Department of Public Safety. The reports serve as a public record of arrests, not convictions. The people listed are innocent until proven guilty.

Jason Edward Board, 31, 500 South University Blvd., Tuesday

PETTY LARCENY Timothy William Pyle, 27, Bizzell Library southwest bike racks, Tuesday Raymond Earl Daniels, 23, 333 North Interstate Dr. E, Tuesday

LARCENY OF MERCHANDISE

POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES Shasta Katie Gregory, 26, Sunrise Street., Tuesday Gerald Weldon Haralson, 54, 1221 East Lindsey St., Tuesday, also 3 municipal warrants, possession of marijuana Allaura D’Nea Henry, 18, 914 East Lindsey St., Tuesday, possession of marijuana Gena Darlene Reich, 43, 914 East Lindsey St., Tuesday

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Jami Joann Rose, 35, 3499 West Main St., Tuesday Elizabeth Ann Hedrick, 41, 900 North Flood Ave., Tuesday

Nijim Dabbour, managing editor dailynews@ou.edu phone: 325-3666 fax: 325-6051 For more, go to oudaily.com.

News

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009

3

Sooner stargazers celebrate University observes International Year of Astronomy 2009 ASHLEIGH WOODALL The Oklahoma Daily

Amy Frost/The Daily

Nick Lazzaro, host and amateur astronomer with Ten Acre Observatory, stands outside the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History with a telescope pointed at the Orion Nebula Wednesday night. An event was held inside of the museum and afterward guests were invited to look through the telescopes.

OU is joining hands with communities around the world for an international celebration of the stars. OU is one of many international organizations celebrating International Year of Astronomy 2009.

IYA2009 observes the 400th anniversary of modern astronomy, which began when Galilei recorded his first observations of space, the celebration’s Web site, astronomy2009.org, states. Approximately 900 astronomers gathered on Jan. 15 in Paris, France for the official opening of the celebration.

The goal of IYA2009 is to celebrate the achievements and discoveries made by astronomers, and organizers hope to promote the contributions astronomy has made to society,

the Web site states. IYA2009 can also be seen as a way to unify the world, bringing together astronomers to celebrate their common passions, said Richard Henry, astronomy professor.

Henry said he thinks it’s important to recognize astronomy globally in order to raise awareness of the subject and to help people to recognize their place in the universe.

OU is celebrating the historical year with a series of astronomy lectures at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. There will also be telescopes for public viewing after the lectures.

Henry said he thinks it’s important for students to participate in the events to learn about the topics discussed, and then apply what they learn by using the telescopes.

The History of Science Collections in Bizzell Memorial Library contains translated copies of Galileo’s first and second books, “The Compass”, and “The Defense.” These copies include his personal written notes and corrections.

The first lecture in the series was Wednesday night with Kerry Magruder, history of science professor.

IYA 2009 LECTURES AT THE SAM NOBLE OKLAHOMA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY Feb. 5 “GLOBE at Night” – Dr. Constance Walker, National Optical Astronomy Observatory March 5 “Suited for Space” – Lindsay Aitchison, NASA April 2 “Water on Mars: An Environment for Life?” - Dr. Megan Elwood-Madden, OU Department of Geology and Geophysics May 7 “Black Holes!” - Dr. Karen Leighly, OU Department of Physics and Astronomy There is no cost for admission or viewing

OU enters national recycling competition Campus group sets goal of 100 tons in 10 weeks MELISSA MORGAN The Oklahoma Daily Members of the OU community have teamed up with RecycleMania, a college recycling initiative and competition, to encourage students, faculty and staff to make more eco-friendly life choices.

OU is competing against other universities from across the nation over a 10-week period by reporting recycling and trash data. The data is ranked according to the largest amount of recycled material and trash per capita, and the highest recycling rate, the program’s Web site, recyclemania.

RECYCLEMANIA GOALS • Have fair and friendly recycling competition.

• Increase recycling participation by students and staff.

• Heighten awareness of schools’ waste management and recycling programs.

• Expand economic opportunities while addressing environmental issues in a positive way.

• Lower waste generated on campuses by reducing, reusing and recycling.

• Organize this event successfully, so it can be repeated and possibly expanded to other campuses in the future.

SOURCE: RecycleMania.org

org, states. Universities can track their progress every week, the Web site states.

The OU group hopes to recycle 100 tons, said Amanda Hearn, OU’s RecycleMania spokesperson, in an e-mail.

“Our total campus goal is to recycle 200,000 pounds of paper, plastic and aluminum during the next 10 weeks,” Hearn said.

“There will be large display gaug

es on campus measuring the total pounds recycled thus far.”

There is a set goal for measurement purposes, but Hearn said she hopes the program has a more lasting effect.

Hearn said she hopes students, faculty and staff will make a lasting improvement in their personal recycling habits after the program ends. “[We] want to challenge the

OU community to increase their individual recycling efforts and minimize waste,” she said.

Campus groups like OUr Earth will also be involved in helping OU reach its goal.

“These passionate students will assist in educating the OU community about the impact of recycling and waste minimization,” Hearn said.

Danny Terlip, electrical engineering senior and member of OUr Earth, said RecycleMania is a good way to raise awareness and is an investment in OU’s future.

“OU’s participation in RecycleMania is an excellent sign that the University is heading in the right direction in terms of securing a better world for future generations,” Terlip said.

The program also shows the rest of the nation OU’s desire to conserve, Hearn said. “[RecycleMania] represents

SOURCE: RecycleMania.org

the University’s commitment to sustainable initiatives and social responsibility,” Hearn said.

RecycleMania is a part of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, Hearn said. Norman was one of the charter signatories in the commitment, she said.

Students, faculty and staff also have the opportunity to win a mo-ped or $500 in Sooner Sense, Hearn said.

Members of the OU community can register for the drawing by completing an educational survey.

Details can be found at ou.edu/ recyclemania.

THIS WEEKEND AT YOUR UNIVERSITY T hursday, Jan. 22

Campus Activities Council Winter Welcome Week | Activities all week!

Visit http://cac.ou.edu/ for the full schedule of activities.

FREE Hot Chocolate & Donuts | 8-10:30 a.m. on the South Oval.

Presented by Campus Activities Council Winter Welcome Week.

FREE Lunch | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on the South Oval. Presented by Campus Activities Council Winter Welcome Week.

Decorate a Picture Frame | 11:30 a.m. in the first floor lobby of the Oklahoma Memorial Union. Presented by the Union Programming Board.

Night at the Couch | 5-7:30 p.m. at Couch Restaurants. Come see the new renovations to Couch Restaurants!

Game Night at Cate Center | 9-11 p.m. in the Cate Center Social Lounge.

Intramural Update | Pre season and regular season basketball entries begin today! For more information visit recservices.ou.edu or call Gary Armstrong, (405) 325-3053.

Highlights from the Adkins Collection Exhibition | On display now at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. One of the most important private collections in the nation featuring the Taos artists as well as Native American art is now open to the public through Jan. 31, at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Don’t forget that museum admission is always FREE for OU students with a valid student ID and only $2 for OU faculty/ staff. To learn more about the Adkins Collection, other exhibitions, permanent collections and general information, visit www.ou.edu/fjjma.

Friday., Jan. 23 FREE Hot Chocolate & Donuts | 8-10:30 a.m. on the South Oval.

Presented by Campus Activities Council Winter Welcome Week.

FREE Lunch | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on the South Oval. Presented by Campus Activities Council Winter Welcome Week.

FREE Hot Chocolate & Decorate a Card | 11:30 a.m. in the first floor lobby of the Oklahoma Memorial Union. Presented by the Union Programming Board.

FREE Film: “Zack & Miri Make a Porno” | 4, 10 p.m. & 12:30 a.m. in Meacham Auditorium, Oklahoma Memorial Union. Presented by the Union Programming Board and Campus Activities Council Film Series.

Nite @ the Union | 7-11 p.m. in the Oklahoma Memorial Union. Jazz band an Casino from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the food court and FREE interactive hypnotist show from 9:30-11 p.m. in Molly Shi Boren Ballroom.

Presented by ampus Activities Council Winter Welcome Week, the Union Programming Board and the OU Student Alumni Association.

OU Hockey vs. Texas Tech | 7:30 p.m. at the Blazers Ice Center. Visit http://soonersports.com for ticket information.

Saturday, Jan. 24 OU Men’s Basketball vs. Baylor | 3 p.m. at the Lloyd Noble Center. Visit http://soonersports.com for ticket information.

OU Hockey vs. Texas Tech | 6:30 p.m. at the Blazers Ice Center. Visit http://soonersports.com for ticket information.

Sunday, Jan. 25 OU Women’s Basketball vs. Texas | noon at the Lloyd Noble Center.

Visit http://soonersports.com for ticket information.

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art Family Day | 1-4 p.m. in the Dee Dee and Jon R. Stuart Classroom, Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Explore American art in the museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, then enjoy a variety of art activities for the entire family.

Admission to the museum is free on Family Days.

This University in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services. For accommodations on the basis of disability, please contact the sponsoring department of any program or event.

4

Opinion

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009

OUR VIEW

Ray Martin, opinion editor dailyopinion@ou.edu phone: 325-7630, fax: 325-6051 For more, go to oudaily.com.

STAFF COLUMN

Regents’ stat doesn’t matter Economic woes The State Regents for Higher Education tell us OU has some of the most affordable tuition in the region, comparing college costs in Oklahoma to those in surrounding states.

They’re lovely statistics.

But state-to-state comparisons don’t really matter.

A press release from the State Regents for Higher Education cites the “2008-2009 Tuition Impact Analysis Report” to show that Oklahoma residents pay an average of $740 less for undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees than those in surrounding states.

If the regents want to boast about affordability, it would be best if they did so in a

context that compares col- State’s colleges offer tuition lege tuition rates in Oklahoma rates cheaper than those in to the wages of Oklahomans. Missouri, higher education here Lower prices than Texas aren’t is still unaffordable for many. necessarily more affordable for The same report showed Oklahomans. that the median Especially with OUR VIEW household income in Oklahoma’s high povOklahoma is nearly is an editorial selected and debated erty levels and low $10,000 below the by the editorial board annual incomes per national average, and and written after a capita. that Oklahoma ranks majority opinion is formed and approved A report released 43rd in the nation in by the editor. Our View by the U.S. Census the category. is The Daily’s official bureau fewer than Furthermore, a opinion. report released in five months ago December by the revealed Oklahoma’s poverty level, though down National Center for Public from the previous two years, Policy revealed that poor is still above the national aver- and working class families in Oklahoma must devote up to 37 age.

Even though the Sooner percent of their income to pay-

ing tuition and fees at a public, four-year university – even with financial aid – making our state’s universities some of the least affordable in the country.

These reports cast a certain light on the regents’ claim that they are making Oklahoma universities affordable.

To OU’s credit, there is an 80 percent retention rate and $135 million in new scholarship money. But most of the state’s students aren’t educated here, and college should be affordable for everyone if the state is to prosper.

Lawmakers, don’t be fooled by the regents’ statistics.

Oklahoma’s universities aren’t that affordable, after all.

not going away he first advice the politicians gave to Americans following the 9/11 attacks was to go shopping.

“Come here and spend money,” New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani said. “Go to a restaurant, a play.”

President George W. Bush was more imaginative: “They ought to take their kids on vacation…go to ball games.” The heart of the American economy was attacked, and we were told we could fight back with consumer spending.

In the midst of a crisis of another sort, we hear the same advice today: don’t be timid – buy more, invest more and borrow more. The one thing our economy depends on is unfettered growth and as we are told, it can be easily purchased with higher KYLE consumer spending, even if the consequence is more debt. Judging by the unpopularity of the WILLIAMS recent bailouts, the irony of our situation is not lost on the American people: the politicians expect the very debt that got us into this mess to be our salvation.

T

STAFF COLUMN

An ideology of limitlessness

Regents lack student input

An ideology of limitlessness has helped mold our economic policies and even the structure of the American way of life. This ideology says that more is always better – more goods and services, bigger homes and newer cars, more belongings – and this will lead us into a more prosperous economy and purchase a higher standard of living.

There has always been an opposite tendency in American thought, however – one of restraint. It’s based on the notion that the good life can neither be bought nor quantified by income brackets.

The ideology of limitless growth rules Washington, D.C. Any suggestion that conspicuous consumption may be at the heart of our ills is quickly dismissed. As George H. W. Bush said in response to international agreements that favored carbon emission limits, “The American way of life is non-negotiable.”

Jimmy Carter proposed that our way of life should be questioned.

In a speech that has been strongly criticized ever since, he called on Americans to consider the real crisis they faced was a “crisis of confidence.” He urged them to hold fast to the belief that true fulfillment could be found in more than just the accumulation of belongings.

That summer evening in 1979, he said that all the problems of the decade paled in comparison to the crisis of values, to our “worship [of] self-indulgence and consumption.”

It is good advice for all decades, especially ours, but it did not bode well for Carter’s career. He was thoroughly trounced by Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election, under whose “conservative” governance deficits soared and the national debt quadrupled. When faced with the option of restraint and fiscal responsibility, America chose the borrowing and spending that has characterized our economy ever since.

n 1988, the Oklahoma Legislature created a student advisory board to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Seven students are elected to serve on this board by delegates of the Oklahoma Student Government Association. The board meets once a month to address current issues facing students, then makes recommendations to the state board of Regents.

Yet even with this board, students are poorly represented to the Board of Regents. The advisory board aims to represent the three tiers of higher educaELISE tion institutions, research JOHNSTON universities, regional universities, community colleges and private schools.

Although the tiers of Oklahoma higher education are represented, the individual schools are not. There are currently two of the seven members from the same school, a school much smaller than the comprehensive research universities.

Additionally, the representatives themselves are not necessarily an accurate representation of each institution. The OU representative is not an elected representative of the entire student body, but rather a member of the Graduate Student Senate.

It is not well known publicly that the State Board of Regents even has a student advisory committee. It doesn’t appear that the student advisory board has a very big influence on the Board of Regents at all.

The board has a miniscule time slot on

I

the Regents’ meeting agendas, if it has a time slot at all. In the minutes of the advisory board’s meetings, it shows that communication between the advisory board and the Board of Regents is limited and difficult. This does not allow for proper representation.

In 2009, the Oklahoma State Board of Regents, Oklahoma legislature and the student advisory board need to look at doing something different. Our nations president calls for change, and millions of people around the world echo his call. Let’s start with a smart change for higher education right here in Oklahoma.

First and foremost, accurately represent all higher education institutions. Give all the schools equal treatment by giving each institution a representative. Let the student body elect a president from each school to serve as a liaison to the Board of Regents.

Rather than have monthly meetings to make a report to the State Board of Regents, meet directly with a more personal board.

Each institution of higher education has a board of regents that makes recommendations regarding that specific school to the Oklahoma State Board of Regents. Student liaisons should meet directly with these regents to represent their schools’ unique perspective and needs.

There are numerous benefits that can come from this change in representation.

On the individual institution level, this gives students something more to be invested in. Rather than voting for the person who chalks the best or hands out the most T-shirts, students would be voting for the person who will make smart decisions and recommendations to the Board of Regents.

This increase in investment can lead to

more involvement not only with UOSA and its election process, but with the entire political process, too. The college student age group has a very low voter turnout in political elections.

By getting students interested and involved in the college level of elections, they are more likely to remain interested and involved in elections throughout their life.

Involvement and influence on our higher education is not limited to those already elected to a UOSA position. It affects all students, and therefore all students should be involved with the process. By getting students involved with Oklahoma higher education, they have an opportunity to open many doors.

They have the chance not only to open lines of communication between the Regents and students, but also to find a passion in education.

With increased interest, representation and communication, we can create new programs to benefit current students and the future of our state.

We can create internships with the State Regents and other higher education officials.

We can start a mentoring program between higher education officials and students interested in employment in higher education.

We can get more students connected to Oklahoma, which could keep more college graduates in our state.

Better student representation on the Board of Regents gives students the opportunity to benefit themselves, future students and the state of Oklahoma.

Elise Johnston is a psychology junior.

Her column appears every other Thursday.

STAFF COLUMN

There’s no excuse for the War in Iraq W

I N D E P E N D E N T

to prove that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. And, lo and behold, they found the Iraqi National Congress and its leader Ahmed Chalabi. Chalabi was the one who informed us that Saddam had giant trucks driving aimlessly around the country that were being used as mobile weapons production facilities.

He also explained just how simple it would be to topple Saddam, that we would be greeted as liberators, that Iraq’s oil would pay for the war, that WMD stockpiles would be found, that looting wouldn’t be an issue, that sectarian religious violence wouldn’t plunge the whole country into a civil war and that the Iraqi National Congress could easily take power.

This would have been great intelligence if Chalabi hadn’t been a hustler who had defrauded his own bank out of hundreds of millions of dollars in Jordan, and had actually set foot in Iraq since he and his parents left when he was 13. It’s not like someone of such strong morals would lie for millions of dollars.

Chemical and biological weapons are scary. But nothing compares to the fear that the image of a nuclear mushroom cloud inspires in the public mind. In

S T U D E N T

V O I C E

NEWSROOM DIRECTORY Meredith Simons Nijim Dabbour Jamie Hughes Mack Burke Ray Martin Zach Butler Dane Beavers

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Assistant Managing Editor Night Editor Opinion Editor Photo Editor Senior Online Editor

Whitney Bryen Steven Jones Luke Atkinson Judy Gibbs Robinson R.T. Conwell

Multimedia Editor Sports Editor L&A Editor Editorial Adviser Advertising Manager

the State of the Union address in 2003, Bush cited a document that showed Saddam had attempted to purchase 500 tons of uranium from Niger. It was imperative that the American people know that a nuclear jihad was looming just over the horizon unless Saddam was stopped. The fact that the International Atomic Energy Agency determined the document to be a fake back in 2001 wasn’t important.

So we invaded Iraq, possibly at the direct cost of capturing bin Laden at Tora Bora in Afghanistan, and plunged the Iraqis into the flaming inferno of a nightmare most of us can scarcely comprehend.

Members of the Bush Administration have insisted that historians many years from now will judge the Bush presidency as a great success in retrospect. I fail to see how any presidency can be looked upon as “great” when the families of more than 4,200 Americans who have been killed in Iraq are unable to explain why their loved ones are no longer with us.

Travis Grogan is a political science junior. His column usually appears every other Wednesday.

O F

160 Copeland Hall 860 Van Vleet Oval Norman, Okla.

73019-0270 phone: (405) 325-3666 e-mail: dailynews@ou.edu

T H E The Fine Print:

T H E

describe friendly contacts…but to date we have seen no evidence that these…ever developed into a collaborative operational relationship.

Nor have we seen evidence indicating that Iraq cooperated with al Qaeda in developing or carrying out TRAVIS any attacks GROGAN against the United States.”

Unless you happen to have an overwhelming faith in Czech intelligence, never equate Iraq with Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda ever again.

Another popular assertion is that Iraq had a stockpile of weapons of mass destruction, including chemical and biological weapons.

Most administrations would have given up on this line when career analysts in the American intelligence services were submitting reports that revealed, “there is no reliable information on whether Iraq is producing and stockpiling chemical weapons.”

But not the Bush administration. Donald Rumsfeld was kind enough to set up a civilian intelligence office at the Pentagon

Contact Us:

hy did the U.S. invade Iraq?

It is truly staggering that, after almost six years, the American people are still unable to answer this question.

It is the single greatest failure of the American media since JFK was assassinated. Even more astounding is that most people do not really seem to care.

There are a number of people who believe they know exactly why we went to Iraq. More often than not, these nimrods will rationalize the current conflict based on one of three claims: Iraq was allied with al-Qaeda, Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and/ or Iraq was close to producing or acquiring a nuclear weapon.

If you defend this current fiasco using one of these claims, please have yourself sterilized immediately.

Iraq was not working with alQaeda. That claim was based on a single unconfirmed report from a Czech interior minister that one of the 9/11 masterminds met with an Iraqi intelligence officer in Prague five months before the attacks on the World Trade Center. The 9/11 Commission’s Final Report, which was authored by a bipartisan panel, stated that “reports

Maybe Carter was right Now our myopia has caught up with us and there is little doubt what has happened. There are complicated explanations about how this crisis has overcome us, but they are all predicated on our expectation that debt – national debt and private debt – is sustainable. The bottom has fallen out of our private debt in the form of the subprime mortgage crisis as well as the ensuing credit crisis, and we expect to solve these problems while ignoring the underlying ideology that has driven us here. We embrace the ideology of limitless consumption to our peril, but just ask Jimmy Carter if this can be honestly addressed from Washington. The official story is found in the summary of the proposed economic stimulus package released last week: “Since 2001…96 percent of the income growth in this country went to the wealthiest 10 percent of society [and]…90 percent of Americans were struggling to sustain their standard of living. They sustained it by borrowing . . . and borrowing . . . and borrowing, and when they couldn’t borrow anymore, the bottom fell out.”

It’s a tidy explanation because everything interesting has been swept into this phrase, “standard of living.” It makes one think that the Americans who were barely hanging on fell into debt and caused this disaster. Although many Americans do fall into debt in order to hold on to the basic necessities of life, those people don’t account for the spendthrift mortgage crisis. The question is, how do Americans envision their “standard of living,” and is it underwritten by greed?

It was those who continued to buy what they could not afford who ushered in the real estate bubble. They foolishly expected to be true what was easily understood as too good to be true – that prices will always rise. It was a mirage that betrayed our true avarice.

As Americans bought into the sales pitches thrown at them from lending institutions, they truly believed that borrowing and spending was a sustainable way of life.

The politicians lay the blame on investors, on lax regulations, on the Bush administration – on anything – to avoid admitting the selfevident truth that all of us are complicit. We’re complicit not just in playing games with the fantasy investments of overpriced real estate, but also in our common practice to spend more than we earn.

A fear of acting responsibly These practices are perhaps related to our continued confidence that we can consume limited resources like fossil fuels without restraint, and even without consequence. They are symptoms of a general illusion that our way of life is unassailable – perhaps, “nonnegotiable” – even though it’s built on the assumption that debt can be limitless, whether it’s economic or ecological debt.

But none of this can be honestly addressed. There is a fear that Americans might begin to act responsibly once again – to save, to pay off debt, and invest more wisely.

Indeed, this is treated as a problem. The quandary politicians and economists now face is how to avert the possibility of more prudent spending practices.

They tease us with stimulus checks and bailout industry after industry with debt that must eventually be paid off. They’re sanctioning the antithesis of restraint: that redemption can be found in consumption, that debt can paid off with debt and that greed is an appropriate ethic for ordering life.

Thus, we are now faced with the distinct possibility that the biggest problem is not that our economic crisis will radically alter of our way of life but instead that the politicians will be successful and nothing will change.

Kyle Williams is a history and letters sophomore. His column appears every other Thursday.

U N I V E R S I T Y

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

O F

O K L A H O M A

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 in 160 Copeland Hall.

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

News

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009

5

New rules to restrict gifts from lobbyists

SOONERS BLEED RED

Michelle Gray/The Daily

Kalli Wolf, University College freshman, donates blood at the American Red Cross blood drive which was held in the Cate Center on Wednesday afternoon.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Gifts from lobbyists to Oklahoma lawmakers have dropped by more than 90 percent in the six months since new limits were enacted.

Reports filed with the state Ethics Commission this week showed lobbyists spent only $7,100 on state lawmakers over the past six months, compared to the $80,000 spent in the same period a year earlier.

The new limits, which took effect July 1, allow lobbyists to spend only $100 on gifts for state lawmakers and elected officials in a calendar year. The old limit was three times as much.

It also requires all gifts of $10 or more to be reported, instead of only gifts that cost at least $50.

The main difference between lobbyists’ gifts in the final six months of 2008 and those from the last half of 2007 was a vast drop in the amount of college football tickets given to lawmakers.

Season tickets to University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University football games accounted for about $52,000 of the $80,000 in gifts in late 2007, but now those packages would be too expensive for a gift. Legislators could receive a $100 discount on the season tickets, but would have to pay the balance out of their own pockets.

Of the state’s 149 lawmakers, 81 received discounted tickets to Sooners football games last year, but were able to get them before the law went into effect because the university sent out its seasonticket invitations early. Oklahoma State’s season tickets were not available prior to the July 1 cutoff.

Most of the $7,100 given to lawmakers in the second half of 2008 was for meals, according to the Ethics Commission records.

The figures are still subject to change if more lobbyists file paperwork after the Tuesday deadline. There is no fine for lobbyists who file their reports late.

Even after the dramatic drop, lobbyists could be giving even less to lawmakers in the near future.

Next week, the Ethics Commission will consider a “zero amendment” that would prohibit lobbyists from giving anything of value to state officials or employees.

— AP

Judge dismisses portion of DHS suit TULSA, Okla. — A federal judge has dismissed portions of a civil rights lawsuit brought by a national child advocacy group accusing Oklahoma of victimizing its foster children.

In a ruling entered Monday, U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell tossed two causes of action brought

by Children’s Rights, the New York-based group that filed the lawsuit last year against the Oklahoma Department of Human Services on behalf of nine foster children.

The two actions dealt with alleged violations of the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 and third-party beneficiary rights stemming from that federal law.

Earlier this month, however, Frizzell refused to dismiss the bulk of the suit dealing with the civil rights of the children, and gave the plaintiffs until early March to spell out exactly what type of relief they were seeking from the court.

Paul DeMuro, an attorney for Children’s Rights, said Wednesday that despite those dismissals, “the core constitutional claims that are the centerpiece of this lawsuit are going forward.”

“This is a ... lawsuit saying the state’s care is so bad

that you have violated the civil rights of these children,” said DeMuro, who added that the two dismissed causes were “peripheral” to the larger suit. “We’re not looking back for a moment. It’s full steam ahead.”

Robert Skeith, an attorney representing DHS, welcomed the ruling and said the defendants are confident the claims alleged in the complaint don’t “have any legal basis.”

“We know when the evidence comes out, they’re not going to be able to prove their case,” Skeith said.

“Anybody can put what they want in a federal complaint.”

The 2008 lawsuit accuses the state of victimizing its foster children by not finding “safe and adequate” homes for them and inadequately monitoring their safety “due to an overburdened and mismanaged work force.”

It seeks a complete overhaul of the state’s child welfare system and alleges DHS has failed to provide for the basic safety of foster children in ways that “threaten their ability to live normal childhoods, to grow and develop and, in many instances, to even survive.”

The suit also seeks designation as a civil rights class action on behalf of thousands of foster children who

are in DHS custody because of reports or suspicions that they have been abused or neglected. A separate hearing will be held on the class-action designation.

The suit named Gov. Brad Henry, the nine members of the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services and DHS Director Howard Hendrick as defendants and asked that the state stop violating the constitutional rights of its foster children and meet its legal obligations to them. Henry recently was dismissed as a defendant from the case.

In a hearing earlier this month, attorneys for Children’s Rights argued that kids were being harmed while in DHS care and, some children in that system had been subjected to six or more placements, with the district court often not knowing that a child had been moved.

Marcia Robinson Lowry, executive director of Children’s Rights, said Wednesday that “children are being harmed in the state of Oklahoma by state government.”

Attorneys for the state agency maintained that each one of the children in DHS custody appears before “perfectly equipped” district court judges, and cautioned that a federal injunction could interfere with

ongoing cases at the state level.

The nine foster children named in the lawsuit are identified only by their initials and range in age from five months to 16 years. The lawsuit says they share a history of suffering in DHS placements.

One child, an 11-month-old girl, has been in foster care since shortly after birth and has been placed in 17 different homes and shelters, according to the lawsuit.

“While in foster care, she has suffered a fractured skull as a result of physical abuse in an unsafe foster home; she has suffered severe dehydration and seizures as a result of neglect in an unsafe group facility; and she has suffered a severe illness as a result of neglect in another unsafe foster home,” the lawsuit alleges.

Another child, a 5-year-old boy who has been in DHS custody for 12 months, has been placed in foster facilities nine times, including four emergency shelters in four different counties, it says.

Also, a 13-year-old girl who entered foster care after she was sexually abused, suffered further sexual assaults in a DHS facility and has been denied treatment for the psychological trauma she experiences, the suit alleges.

— AP

6

Sports

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009

Steven Jones, sports editor dailysports@ou.edu phone: 325-7630, fax: 325-6051 For more, go to oudaily.com.

Sooners push past ‘Huskers late, 72-61 ERIC DAMA The Oklahoma Daily

James Cornwell/The Daily

Sophomore forward Blake Griffin looks to put up a shot against Nebraska’s Ryan Anderson (44) in Wednesday night’s 72-61 win over Nebraska at Lloyd Noble Center.

Players to watch update See how The Daily’s players to watch fared

They shot the ball well,” head coach Jeff Capel said. “The way we were trying to guard them didn’t work. They drove us, got good looks, they spread us Despite being harassed by double-teams virtually out. We had no movement, no sense of purpose, but every time he touched the ball, Blake Griffin still we did a better job of that in the second half.”

It was more of the same as the second half began. managed to net a game-high 27 points to help push A three by senior guard Omar Leary at the 13:44 mark OU past Nebraska, 72-61.

With the win the Sooners improved to 18-1 overall, gave the Sooners a 47-46 advantage. OU didn’t give becoming the first team in the NCAA to reach 18 up the lead after that.

Johnson said it took a while for the Sooners to wins this season.

The coaches told us that’s going to be the hardest adjust to the Cornhuskers’ style of play.

“They kind of just scatter around, and they’re good team all year,” senior guard Austin Johnson said.

“They’re going to work the hardest and pressure at it. They work on that,” Johnson said. “We adjusted at halftime and kind of the hardest. We knew that got used to it and settled when they play defense, down.” and Blake is trapped out Want More? Head to OUdaily.

Sparked by a threethere and he kicks it out, com for highlights of Wednesday pointer from Johnson, the guys are going to be running Sooners went on a 16-6 run out there after you. We just night’s game. over the final five minutes had to use shot fakes to get to close out the victory. open.”

Johnson said that he Because of their lack of likes to be the one to take big men, the Cornhuskers big shots. were forced to put an extra “I’ve kind of been in that defender on Griffin nearly situation before,” Johnson every time he went near said. “Last year [vs. West the paint. The preseason Virginia] and Baylor. I’m Big 12 Player of the Year just kind of used to taking didn’t seem to mind as he the big shot. I like taking the big shot. So I don’t shy recorded 18 rebounds on top of his 27 points.

“They’re very good at what they do, offensively down when I get the chance to.”

Junior Tony Crocker finished with 12 points, five and defensively,” Griffin said. “What’s tough is that when you double or triple team somebody you leave assists and four rebounds.

Nebraska guard Ryan Anderson, a non-starter a guy open.”

The persistent double-teams provided the OU who averages only four points per game, was the guards with plenty of opportunities to get open. main reason the Cornhuskers were able to keep the Johnson continued on his hot streak as he scored game within reach. Anderson scored a career-high 15 points to go along with five assists and three 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds in 28 minutes of action. rebounds.

OU will take on Baylor at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Dating back to the start of last season, the Sooners are now 20-1 when Austin Johnson scores in double Lloyd Noble Center. Griffin said the Sooners can look forward to an equally physical match this weekend. figures.

“They’re a tough team and they can score in The first half was a relative ping-pong match as the lead bounced back and forth between both teams bunches,” Griffin said. “We’re going to have to do a and the Cornhuskers used a late push to take a 38-32 good job defensively and come out better in the first half than we did today.” lead into the half.

Loud, full crowd answers Capel’s call against Nebraska JONO GRECO The Oklahoma Daily

BLAKE GRIFFIN

STEVE HARLEY

Minutes: 32

Minutes: 37

Field Goals: 5-14

Field Goals: 11-16

Points: 11

Points: 27

Rebounds: 5

Rebounds: 18

Assists: 1

Assists: 2

Turnovers: 0

Turnovers: 4

Blocks: 0

Blocks: 3

Free Throws: 0-4

Free Throws: 5-10

Women roll over Colorado 72-58 The women’s basketball team crushed Colorado in Boulder, Co. Wednesday night, 72-58. Senior center Courtney Paris had a big game scoring 19 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in 29 minutes for the Sooners, who improved their record to 15-2.

OU continued to struggle with turnovers, turning the ball over 17 times.

However, the Sooners killed the Buffaloes on the boards, grabbing 42 rebounds to Colorado’s 20. OU snagged 14 offensive rebounds alone.

The Sooners also saw a significant edge in assists, dishing out 17 dimes to the Buffs 10.

The Sooners will be in action next this Sunday as they host Texas at Lloyd Noble Center at noon.

-DAILY STAFF

Need...

Tickets? Books? An apartment? A job?

Checkout OUDaily.com’s online marketplace at OUDaily.com/campusave

Player of the Game

COURTNEY PARIS

Field Goals: 9-10 Points: 19 Rebounds: 14 Blocks: 4

After head coach Jeff Capel mentioned that he’s often been disappointed with the turnout at Lloyd Noble Center for men’s basketball games, the crowd on Wednesday night left little to be desired.

The stands were loud and nearly full as Capel walked out of the south tunnel about a minute prior to the match up against conference opponent Nebraska.

Capel had been had in the past — most notably during an interview on the Sports Animal with Al Eshbach — said the fan support wasn’t necessarily up to par and his team wasn’t receiving the respect he felt it earned after starting off 17-1, OU’s best start in 23 years.

There were scattered chunks of empty seats in Lloyd Noble Center at tip-off, but those gaps quickly filled as the minutes wound off the clock.

The student section was up and on its feet and was only silenced and seated during a tight first half by the occasional TV time out.

Every made shot and block was welcomed with roars of jubilation and nearly every controversial call by the referees was quickly followed by jeers of disgust. Capel had noted earlier in the season that the student section had been very active this season.

This is likely due in part to a new initiative started this season intended to garner more attendance for games. Students who bought season tickets for the men’s basketball team will be offered a full refund if they attend all of the basketball games this season.

Capel also recognized the crowd support his team received against Texas on Jan. 12. The game was sold out.

Following a three-pointer by freshman guard Willie Warren in the first half, everyone in the nearly packed arena was on his or her feet causing a ruckus

which led to the Cornhuskers taking a time out.

Even though Capel did not get the same reaction as OU football head coach Bob Stoops did after he called the fans prior to the week leading up to the Texas Tech game, he will likely have no complaints with the nearly sold out arena and the support fans gave the Sooners.

Zach Butler/The Daily

Head basketball coach Jeff Capel (center) looks on when the Sooners played Colorado in the 2008 Big 12 tournament.

Sports

Sports Briefs

STAFF COLUMN

Barkley, Garrido’s actions unacceptable DWI Enforcement team smelled alcohol in the car, and they performed a field sobriety test on Garrido.

He failed the test, and refused to provide a breath test, according to a police spokesman.

Now he must suffer the consequences.

Garrido has since been suspended indefinitely with pay until further information about the AP incident comes out, said Former NBA player and Texas athletic director analyst for TNT Charles DeLoss Dodds.

“This is a difficult and Barkley was arrested regrettable situation that for suspicion of drunken we are taking very seri- driving on Dec. 31. ously,” Dodds said. “I spoke with coach Garrido, and he’s devastated and realizes he made a serious mistake. He deeply regrets putting the university in this position and will act quickly to do what’s right.”

He may try to act quickly to do what’s right, but he’s likely already lost control of his team.

As a college coach, you’re supposed to set a good example for your student athletes so that they might act in an appropriate manner.

A drunken driving arrest is not setting a good example.

With so many college athletes getting in trouble by themselves, what happens when their mentors, like Garrido, and their heroes, like Barkley, are setting examples like this.

How many UT baseball player’s mind sets will now be ‘Well, Coach drives when he’s drunk, so I can drive when I’m drunk.’?

Making a mistake is one thing, but these are fatal ones.

Barkley is one of only four players in NBA history to score at least 20,000 points, rack up 10,000 rebounds and toss 4,000 assists.

Garrido is the all-time winningest coach in college baseball history with 1,668 wins in 39 seasons.

He has won five national championships, including two at Texas and three at Cal State Fullerton.

Unfortunately, a DWI is a great way to tarnish those legacies.

Flickr/callipygian2005 As public figures, they need to act Texas head baseball coach Augie Garrido was suspended by athletic in a manner that represents the higher Director DeLoss Dodds after Garrido was pulled over in Austin on suspicion standard you’re held to.

Public figures are held to high standards.

Consequently, public figures need to act in a manner that represents that high standard.

On Dec. 31, Charles Barkley, former Phoenix Suns star forward and current NBA commentator for TNT, was arrested on suspicion of JOEY drunken driving.

HELMER He was cited for driving while impaired, and later released, according to the report.

That, to me, isn’t acting in a manner that represents the high standards celebrities or public figures are held to.

Now, for an example that may hit a little closer to home for college sports fans: Texas baseball coach Augie Garrido.

Last Saturday, Garrido was pulled over for driving without his headlights on around 1 a.m. in downtown Austin, Tx. Are you kidding me? That’s just stupid.

But it gets worse.

Upon investigation, one of the officers with the

of DWI.

7

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009

Baseball ranked No. 16 in preseason poll The OU baseball team is ranked No. 16 in Baseball America’s top 25 preseason poll, released on Tuesday. The ranking is the highest for the team since it was slotted at No. 14 prior to the 2006 season.

The Sooners have made the NCAA Regional Finals three out of the past four seasons, and made it to the Super Regional Baseball Tournament in 2006.

Last season, OU finished at 36-26-1 before losing to No. 4 Arizona State in the Regional final.

Four other Big 12 schools found themselves in the top 25 including Texas A&M at No. 1 and Texas at No. 4.

Women’s gymnast named Conference Event Specialist of the Week Junior Hollie Vise, an All-Big 12 selection from last season, earned her first weekly honor this season after taking two individual titles at the women’s meet on Saturday at Texas Woman’s University. Last season, Vise won three weekly honors.

Vise won the title on bars by scoring a 9.875, and scored a career high 9.925 on beam to give her a share of the title on beam. Her score was matched by two of her teammates, senior Haley DeProspero and freshman Megan Ferguson.

The Sooners posted a score of 49.525 on the beam, which is the highest score by any team so far this season. The individual titles were Vise’s first of the year.

HOLLIE The No. 5 women return to action when they face off against Arkansas in Norman at 6 p.m. on Monday.

VISE The Sooners squeaked by Arkansas 1 96.750-196.625 last season in Fayetteville.

Men’s Gymnast receives honor, too Sophomore Steven Legendre was named the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Gymnast of the week on Wednesday.

Legendre earned the honor twice last season, and this is his first of the year. Legendre won four events – floor, vault, parallel bars and high bar – at the Rocky Mountain Open on Jan. 10.

He also claimed the vault and still rings against Nebraska on Sunday, giving him a total of five individual titles throughout the season. Legendre also finished second in the all-around against the Cornhuskers.

The No. 1 Sooners are in action next in their home opener against Texas at 7 p.m. on Jan. 31. The Sooners will celebrate their 2008 National Championship at the meet and fans will have a chance to get autographs and see the national championship trophy.

STEVEN LEGENDRE

Tennis, Track, Hockey all in action this weekend The OU Hockey team plays Texas Tech at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. Both games will take place at the Blazers Ice Centre in Oklahoma City and Friday night is OU Student Night.

Men’s and Women’s tennis will be hitting the courts for their first team play of the semester as they take on Texas-Pan American on Saturday at the 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively. The women’s match will take place at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club.

Track and field will continue their spring stretch as they head to Arkansas over the weekend. The Sooners will compete on Friday and Saturday at the Tyler Metcalfe/The Daily Arkansas Razorback Invitational in Sooners forward Mark Tylka skates away from a North Dakota State forward during Fayetteville. the hockey team’s game last season at the Blazers Ice Centre.

- DAILY STAFF

JOEY HELMER IS A JOURNALISM SENIOR.

NEED MORE HOURS? 3 hours credit, 5 days in class Darwin’s Ideas Class meets February 11-15, 2009

The Mounting Competition for Fresh Water Class meets February 25-March 1

The Impact of International Politics & Economics on Latin America Class meets March 11-15

Win $10,000 to help spread peace!

The Davis United World College Scholars is offering $10,000 awards to 100 undergraduate students or groups of students, at participating colleges and universities, to design and implement a project to promote peace.

Projects must be done during the summer of 2009. They can be anywhere in the world, as long as they promote peace.

Special permission & application required 3 hours upper division/graduate credit

The possibilities are endless. Judging is based on projects that are most promising and can be completed.

For additional information: www.oslep.org 325-4309.

All undergraduates at OU are eligible to apply.

Deadline for applications is Jan. 30, 2009.

For more information email: davispeaceprojects@ou.edu

8

Sports

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009

Dismissed OU quarterback looking to NFL • Bomar plays with four Sooner seniors in Senior Bowl JOHN ZENOR AP Sports Writer MOBILE, Ala. — Rhett Bomar didn’t spend much time tracking the rise of Sam Bradford and the rest of his former Oklahoma teammates or watching them play for a national championship.

Too painful, too strange, too unproductive.

“I didn’t really follow them. I didn’t watch,” said Bomar, once the Sooners’ starting quarterback.

“It was just kind of awkward and weird.”

Bomar was busy salvaging his career at Sam Houston State, where he headed after he and two teammates were dismissed from Oklahoma for getting paid for work they didn’t do at a car dealership in 2005. Now, it’s possible that Bomar will be drawing paychecks in the NFL soon.

Bomar is a quarterback for the North team in Saturday’s Senior Bowl, trying to bolster his stock for the NFL draft. He’s back throwing passes to former Sooner wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias behind

Dave Martin/AP

Senior Bowl quarterback Rhett Bomar of Sam Houston State talks with reporters following Senior Bowl football practice in Mobile, Ala. on Wednesday.

Bomar said he didn’t spend much time tracking the rise of Sam Bradford and his former Oklahoma teammates or watching them play for a national championship.

the blocks of ex-Oklahoma line- Southland Conference.

“It doesn’t matter where you man Phil Loadholt.

Bomar is also fielding questions play,” Bomar said. “If you’re good enough they’ll from NFL find you. teams about “My situathe actions tion was differthat led to ent. It wasn’t his exile from like I wasn’t the Sooners playing at a and cleared big school,” the way for he added. “I Bradford to knew if I just take over the worked hard starting job. and played He doesn’t hard, then I shy away could get this from the subopportunity.” ject.

Bomar and “They’re Iglesias have gonna ask. both been It’s not that big a deal to — Wide receiver Juaquin working out at Competitive them,” Bomar Iglesias Edge Sports said. “They’re in Atlanta going to ask just to clear the air, just to hear leading up to the draft.

Iglesias said there were no from me. Once you get past that at the beginning, it’s just the straight hard feelings from Bomar’s situation. The NCAA initially stripped football stuff that matters.”

Bradford won a Heisman Oklahoma of its eight victories Trophy while Bomar, one of the in 2005, but reinstated them last highest-rated quarterbacks in year. Bomar was a redshirt freshthe country coming out of high man that season.

The school also lost two scholschool, was putting up strong numbers with far less attention at arships for the 2008-09 and 2009Sam Houston State. The Sooners 10 school years.

“It shows you that whatever lost to Florida in the BCS national happens, you’ve just got to roll championship game.

Bomar said he didn’t spend with it,” Iglesias said. “You’ve got much time thinking it could have to live with the moment. All that stuff is in the past. It was unfortubeen him out there.

“You can’t do it. Of course, you nate but we’re both here now. So know it should and it would but that’s what matters.

“He was cool when he was you can’t do that,” he said. “You’d just get mad. It’d just drive you with us, and he’s a cool dude now.

He’s just the same guy. He might crazy. You can’t think about it.”

Instead, he thought about his have matured, but he’s just cool to me and he’s just my friend.” future.

He also isn’t counting out the The 6-foot-2, 224-pound Bomar will be eligible the NFL draft, possibility that the Sooners could while Bradford is returning for have had just as much success his junior season. Bomar finished with Bomar taking snaps instead as the school’s career leader in of Bradford.

“The success would have been passing and total offense.

As a junior, Bomar became one the same, if not better,” Iglesias of 11 FCS players to pass for said. “I really believe in Rhett’s 300 yards and rush for 100 yards talent and what he can do on the in a game against North Dakota field. They’re both good quarterbacks, so I don’t think it would State.

NFL scouts noticed even if he have mattered who would have wasn’t playing on national tele- been in.” vision — even if he was in the — AP

“You’ve got to live with the moment.

All that stuff is in the past. It was unfortunate but we’re both here now. So that’s what matters.”

Former OU assistant lands Jets head coaching job DENNIS WASZAK AP Sports Writer FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Making one bold declaration after another, Rex Ryan gave his vision for the New York Jets: a Super Bowl trophy and a White House visit.

“With all the cameras and all that, I was looking for our new president back there,” Ryan said with a big, bright smile Wednesday, moments Mike Derver/AP after being introduced as the Jets coach Rex Ryan gestures during team’s head coach.

“You know,” he added, “I a news conference at t to introduce think we’ll get to meet him Ryan as the new Jets coach, on in the next couple years anyWednesday in Florham Park, N.J. way.”

Talk about putting presing him the job. sure on yourself. After all, this Ryan, a former Southwestern is a franchise that hasn’t been Oklahoma State player and the to a Super Bowl since his father, twin brother of Cleveland defenBuddy, was an assistant on the sive coordinator Rob Ryan, has 1969 champions. no head coaching experience, Ryan, Baltimore’s defensive but has been an assistant at the coordinator the last four sea- pro and college levels for more sons, said all the right things than 20 years. That includes a in meeting with the media for stint as the defensive coordinathe first time since being hired tor at Oklahoma.

Monday to replace the fired Nicknamed ‘The Mad Eric Mangini.

Scientist’ by players for his “We want to be known as the aggressive and unpredictable most physical football team in game plans, Ryan spent the past the NFL,” Ryan said. “The play- 10 seasons with the Ravens. ers will have each other’s backs, “The message to the rest of and if you take a swipe at one of the league,” he said, “is, ‘Hey, ours, we’ll take a swipe at two the Jets are coming, and we’re of yours.” going to give you everything we Several players attended got. And I think that’s going to Ryan’s press conference, includ- be more than you can handle.’” ing cornerback Darrelle Revis Ryan’s Baltimore defense has and wide receiver Jerricho been ranked in the top six in Cotchery, who wanted to get a total yardage allowed the past first look at their new coach. four years and led the NFL this “He’s relaxed and he’s not season with 34 takeaways. Ryan tense,” Revis said when asked prefers a 3-4 defensive scheme, to compare Ryan with Mangini. which the Jets already have in “He’s exciting and you can just place. tell he’s going to bring a lot of “I’m not a one-hit wonder,” stuff over here that we’ll like.”

Ryan said. “When you look at It became apparent Ryan my background, I think I’ve was at the top of the Jets’ list of been successful at all stops candidates when several other along the way. I know the kind teams filled coaching vacancies of responsibility it takes to be a and New York’s remained open. head football coach. Again, you The Jets needed Baltimore’s got the right guy — and I plan season to end — which hap- on proving that each and every pened Sunday with a 23-14 loss week. to the Steelers — before offer— AP

Luke Atkinson, L&A editor dailyent@ou.edu phone: 325-5189, fax: 325-6051 For more, go to oudaily.com.

9 Life & Arts Taking a look back: best games of 2008 Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009

Nuclear war, rock ‘n’ roll, force powers and football are awesome, but they aren’t in this year’s top picks.

2008 has come and gone, but shouldn’t be forgotten. Last year brought a list of incredible titles, ranging from post-apocalyptic survival thrillers to headbanging rock gigs. Players engaged in battles online spent many a sleepless night running down the sidelines to win the Super Bowl or crushing the evil Empire in epic lightsaber duels. They’ll never forget the hundreds of thousands of fans their bands accrued or the number of monsters they slew.

Last year rocked. Both platforms saw amazing games all year long, but only three can make into the list. Whether gamers are hardcore devotees or just casual, 2008 gave a promising selection that will forever remain in their hearts and libraries. Not since the days of “Super Mario”, “Donkey Kong” and “Star Fox” has the community ever seen a more productive year. We can only hope that 2009 will be as promising.

– KYLE WANZER /THE DAILY

BEST OVERALL GAME BEST XBOX 360 GAME

BEST PLAYSTATION 3 GAME

GEARS OF WAR 2

METAL GEAR SOLID 4

Epic Games brings players backto the planet Sera in one of the most popular titles for the Xbox. In “Gears of War 2,” it’s time to take the offensive and defeat the enemy. Amazing graphics and plot are a huge part of this video game blockbuster and the online mode is equally awesome. The third-person shooter brings all the gore and fun a gamer could ask for. With newer villians, cooler weapons and a deeper storyline than the original, “GoW2” is simply the best for the Xbox 360.

Prepare to be wrapped up in the amazing story of Metal Gear Solid like never before with breathtaking graphics and gameplay.

More than twenty years after the original “Metal Gear Solid” game was released, Konami brought back one of the toughest soldiers known to gaming. It is the seventh in its series and has and won “Game Of The Year” from Gamespot. Indeed, “Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots” surpasses all expectation, becoming a cinematic and gaming standard that future games will be judged by.

GRAND THEFT AUTO IV Rock Star Games has created Liberty City, a place where everything is possible. Selling more than 500 million copies and breaking industry records, there’s a reason why this game was the most anticipated of 2008. Work hard and you can enjoy the benefits of being Liberty City’s head thug. Boasting a great story line and new online multiplayer version, this is the game to own.

WANT MORE GAMES? CHECK OUT OUDAILY.COM

Alpha Gamma Delta Spring Recruitment

Surrounded by Sisterhood

Night at the Union Monday January 26 7-9 in the Heritage Room at the Union Tuesday January 27 6:30 Philanthropy Night Wednesday January 28 7:00 House Tour 930 Chautauqua Ave. Thursday January 29 7:00 Dinner at Hideaway with Alpha Gam! (on campus corner)

Alpha Gamma Delta is an organization of women dedicated to academic excellence, leadership development, high ideals, and sisterhood.

Experience Convenience...

Gain an opportunity for professional networking and add to your resume!

work on campus!

Student Food Services Positions beginning

at $7.25/hr Applicants must apply for all available positions online at

https://jobs.ou.edu Make EXTRA spending money with flexible hours!

housing&food

Computers and personal assistance are available at the Office of Human Resources, 905 Asp Avenue, Room 205, Norman, OK 73019.

Refer to the appropriate job requisition no. 06799 on all correspondences. Deadlines subject to change with or without notice. For further information on these or other OU job opportunities, please call (405) 3251826, or access our Web site at www.hr.ou.edu/. The University of Oklahoma is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and encourages diversity in the workplace.

CAMPUS DINING

Housing and Food Services is a department in OU’s division of Student Affairs. The University of Oklahoma is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and encourages diversity in the workplace.

10

Life & Arts

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009

‘What was your New Year’s resolution?’ • Ridiculous, fun or thoughtful, New Year’s resolutions are a holiday tradition we can all take a part in... or not.

SARAH DORN The Oklahoma Daily New Year’s resolutions come in all varieties.

There are the painfully generic, like losing weight or being a better person. As much as these things mean nothing, they tend to result in nothing too.

Some seem manageable, if only in their simplicity. These include hanging out with friends more often and becoming more awesome at Rock Band. Then there are those so bizarre that they

just might work. Some Twitter searching reveals that this year, people promised to do everything from eating raw yak meat to making no prepositional statements. One person even promised to remind himself to “suck less on a daily basis.�

Despite their inherent flaws, turn-of-the-year resolutions remain a popular tradition, or bad habit, in the United States.

Most statistics say that about half of Americans make resolutions at the turn of a new year. Few report more than a 20 percent success rate.

This tradition of failure has become so popular that a quick Google search for “New Year’s resolution statistics� turned up

“I kind of did, to be more active around campus. Last semester, I laid back and didn’t really get involved. I’m hoping to follow through.�

more Web sites selling advice on how to stick to a resolution than it did reportable numbers. Crazy? Yes. Instead of trying to be good people all of the time, we tend to just focus on trying for the first few days of the year.

In honor of this madness, reporters wandered campus to see what OU students had to say about their resolutions and the tradition in general. Most said they didn’t make resolutions, and of those who had, few were still on a successful path. Still, a few were working to keep up with their goals. Here are the best of the campus:

“Nah, not really. Just couldn’t think of anything.�

John Driskill, business freshman

Mellisa Morales, political science junior

“No, I normally don’t because I don’t follow through with them.�

“I think if you have a good, what do you call it, resolution? You can do it anytime.

You don’t have to wait for New Year’s.�

Carissa Simon, international and area studies junior

Talisa Devriesère, communication foreign exchange student

“Not really, kinda doing the same things: study harder and being a better friend to my bros.�

“My resolution was to conquer the world, but it’s taking awhile. It’s slow going.�

Anthony Nagid, music composition junior

J.R. Rey, anthropology sophomore

“No, I never keep them anyway.�

“Run every day or work out or read more.

Those resolutions I always make.�

Taylor Anglemyer, Math Education freshman

Paul Stuart, drama junior

“I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. I tried too much in the past. If you fail, they say you’ll get down on yourself and not do it.�

Jonathan Hooks, drama sophomore

Check out more resolutions online!

CHINESE RESTAURANT 364-2100 • 722 Asp Ave. CAMPUS CORNER

Daily Lunch Buet

All You Can Eat

$4.88 • 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. • Sunday-Friday

SANDY BEACHES “EAST�

IS NOW OPEN !!!

8IZ i800%w JU XIFO ZPV DBO i45&&-w JU

Unlimited Tanning for the Semester!

Low Speed Premium

$74.95 $94.95 $119.95

Dorms 364-7344 • East 321-7344 Dorm

Christians on Campus Welcome Dinner Thurs. & Sat. @ 6:30pm 704 W. Lindsey (Chautauqua & Lindsey) Come join us for dinner and a time to learn about “Christ our life� (Col. 3:4).

'" 60 #.+.01

&$

'" 60 #.+.01

&$

'" "+4"+3,%

Indaco Engineered 0VS 3JHJE 'SBNF &YQSFTT Truss Buildings #VJMEJOHT DBO CF SFBEZ

&$

JO XFFLT

'" "11.02%$ #.+.01

* *

* *

&$

* *

* *

*OEBDP .FUBMT QSPWJEFT 7 -')-%%0%$ )')$ 0",% 3)+$)-'1 7 -')-%%0%$ 0311 %2"+ 3)+$)-'1 7 "0/.021 7 %2"+ .31% ..& 612%,1 7 312., 2.#* 0), 7 32 2. +%-'2( (%%21 7 #0%51 7 %2"+ 0311%1 7 30+)-1 7 %2"+ 3)+$)-' ##%11.0)%1 #)%##! #(%& .-$"6 0)$"6 " , / ,

,%0)#"- !"6 7 ("5-%%

"++ .++ 0%%

))) " # ' & #! 7 1"+%1 )-$"#.,%2"+1 #.,

News

11

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009

Possible bird remains found in downed jet’s engine WASHINGTON — Investigators said Wednesday they have found the remains of what may be a bird in the engine of the US Airways jet that made a dramatic landing in New York’s Hudson River.

The National Transportation Safety Board said an examination of the Airbus 320’s right engine revealed evidence of “soft body damage” and that “organic material” was found in the engine and on the wings and fuselage. Samples of the material have gone to the Agriculture Department for a complete DNA analysis, the board said.

A single feather was found attached to a flap track on the wing and will be examined by experts at the Smithsonian Institution.

The pilot of Flight 1549, Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, reported a “double bird strike” and a loss of power in both engines before gliding the plane to an emergency river landing last week. All 155 people on board the flight to Charlotte, N.C., survived.

The board also reported Wednesday that divers located the airliner’s left engine in about 50 feet of water near the area of the river where the aircraft ditched. The board predicted the engine would be recovered Thursday.

The board also reported that on Jan. 13, two days before the accident, the aircraft’s right engine experi-

enced a power surge. Subsequent maintenance work included the replacement of a temperature probe.

“Investigators from the NTSB’s maintenance records group are researching this report by examining applicable maintenance records and procedures,” the board said in a statement.

New York Police Department and New Jersey State Police harbor officers working with a sonar expert from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration got a reading Tuesday of an object 16 feet long and 8 feet wide near the spot where Flight 1549 made its emergency landing.

Divers went into the icy, murky water and located the left engine in about 10 minutes, NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said.

Investigators want to inspect the engine to better understand how it stopped running after the plane hit a flock of birds shortly after taking off from LaGuardia Airport. Most of the Airbus A320 is at a New Jersey marina, where investigators will study it.

Police already located several pieces of debris from the flight, including 35 flotation seat cushions, 12 life AP Photo jackets, 15 pieces of luggage, two briefcases, 11 purses, Passengers and crew aboard US Airways Flight 1549 await rescue by a New York City Fire Department boat and a group 15 suit jackets and shirts, four shoes and two hats, of private ferries after the aircraft made and emergency landing Jan. 15 on the Hudson River off the coast of New York.

Browne said.

— AP Investigators said Wednesday they have found the remains of what may be a bird in the engine of the US Airways jet

Abortion debate altered by president DAVID CRARY Associated Press NEW YORK — The advent of the Obama administration is rousing enthusiasm among abortion-rights supporters and deep anxiety among opponents as both sides mark Thursday’s anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

Abortion-rights groups view President Barack Obama — and the Democratic leadership in Congress — as allies who are likely to ease restrictions on federal funding, broaden family-planning programs, and install federal judges who support the Supreme Court’s landmark 1973 decision that legalized abortion.

Anti-abortion activists fear multiple political setbacks and are urging the Republican minority in the Senate to filibuster if necessary.

“The alignment of a hard-core pro-abortion president with proabortion Democratic majorities in Congress means that many existing pro-life policies are now in great jeopardy,” Douglas Johnson of the National Right to Life Committee wrote in a memo this month.

“Some damage is inevitable,” Johnson added. “But the extent to which the Obama abortion agenda will be achieved will depend on the perception of elected policy-makers as to how the public is responding to the proposed changes.”

Obama can take some steps without Congress. Abortion-rights supporters hope he will quickly

repeal the so-called “global gag rule,” which bans overseas family planning groups that receive U.S. funds from providing any abortion-related services or information.

“He could move right away,” said Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America.

“It would make a big, big difference in the lives of poor women abroad.”

The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Cardinal Francis George, wrote Obama last week urging him to keep the funding ban, arguing that “a shift toward promoting abortion in developing nations would also increase distrust of the United States.”

In the U.S., abortion-rights groups are backing what they call a “common-ground, commonsense” agenda in Congress aimed at reducing the number of unintended pregnancies. The Prevention First Act, already endorsed by Obama, would increase federal funding for family planning, promote comprehensive sex education, and expand women’s access to contraceptives.

Other proposals, supported by moderates and conservatives, would provide incentives for pregnant women to carry their fetuses to term. But there would likely be bitter debate, largely along partisan lines, if Democrats try to repeal the 33-year-old Hyde Amendment and other laws that ban federal funding for abortions under almost all circumstances.

Abortion-rights activists would

like these bans lifted so that poor women could access abortion through Medicaid and servicewomen could get abortions through military health programs.

Conservatives have mounted a petition drive aimed at pressuring House Appropriations Chairman David Obey, D-Wis., to preserve the bans.

Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., a lead sponsor of the Prevention First Act, says she opposes the Hyde Amendment but would not make it a priority to repeal it this year.

“Our efforts should be focused on finding common ground to prevent unwanted pregnancies so you won’t have to worry about abortions in the first place,” she said in a telephone interview Wednesday.

While on the defensive in Washington, anti-abortion groups are on the attack against the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, which provides familyplanning and reproductive-health services — including abortions — at its nationwide network of clinics.

Planned Parenthood receives extensive public funding for its non-abortion services, and antiabortion activists contend this amounts to an indirect subsidy of abortion that should be halted, especially during an economic crisis.

Last fall, several anti-abortion groups formed a coalition to hinder the opening of new Planned Parenthood clinics and reducing the funding it receives from corporate and government sources.

Norman Jazzercise - 12th Ave Rec Cntr 1701 12th Ave NE Norman, OK 73071 tel: (405)821-0220 jazzerciseofnorman@yahoo.com Register for class on Monday, January 26, 2009 at 9 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.

Pay Nothing Until March with your EFT sign-up!

Texas oil country sees downturn on horizon as gas prices drop MIDLAND, Texas — In the West Texas oil patch, they can see the downturn coming at them from miles away like a pickup truck kicking up a dust cloud on the horizon.

With crude dropping below $40 a barrel from a high of around $150 over the summer, oil and gas companies in the Lone Star State are cutting back on drilling, the layoffs are beginning, and the boom of the past few years appears to be drawing to a close.

The boom may not necessarily give way to a bust. But the days of plentiful jobs, big paychecks and shiny new pickups and SUVS seem to be numbered.

“It’s been a good ride up, but we’re bracing ourselves for the ride down,” said Midland City Manager Courtney Sharp, who expects a drop in tax revenue next month because of slumping sales in the city of about 98,000.

Kevon Horst, 19, landed his first job over the summer in the booming West Texas oilfields when crude was selling for about

$140 a barrel. Horst and about 20 others working a rig near Canadian, about 40 miles from the Oklahoma line, were laid off recently. Gone are his $2,000-aweek job and his apartment.

He and his girlfriend moved in with her mother, and he is struggling to keep up with the $500-a-month payments on his new truck.

“I’m in a bind with it,” Horst said. “No one’s hiring now.”

Others in the Texas Panhandle and across the Permian Basin to the south, which produces 20 percent of the nation’s oil, are finding themselves in similar straits.

While overall unemployment is still low in Texas oil towns — 3.1 percent in Midland and 3.7 percent in Odessa, or about half the national average — that could change if oil prices don’t bounce back sometime soon.

Earlier this month, two of the nation’s biggest oilfield service providers, Schlumberger Ltd. and Halliburton Co., both of Houston, said they would cut hundreds of

jobs because oil and gas companies have scrapped many exploration and production projects.

“Everybody is feeling anxious about the future,” said Ben Shepperd, executive vice president of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association.

Since the end of August, the number of active oil and gas rigs in the U.S. has dropped more than 20 percent, from 2,031 to 1,589 as of Jan. 9. No place has been hit harder during that span than Texas, which had 958 active rigs before prices tumbled but only 713 earlier this month, a 25 percent decline.

In Texas, independent operators account for 90 percent of the drilling.

“These are companies, whether privately held or publicly held, that do not have the deep pockets that the major companies have,” said Alex Mills, president of the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers. “What they’re doing is taking a very hard, second look at their prospects.”

—AP

12

Classifieds

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009

PLACE AN AD Phone 405.325.2521

E-Mail classifieds@ou.edu

Fax 405.325.7517

Office Copeland Hall 149A

Mail The Oklahoma Daily 860 Van Vleet Oval, 149A Norman OK 73019-2052

DEADLINES Line Ad. . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 a.m.

Place your classified line ad by 9 a.m., Monday-Friday to run in the next issue.

Announcements ENTERTAINMENT FEMALE SINGER NEEDED Local Recording/Publishing/Production Company seeking fresh, sound to develop into possible solo/collaborative projects. Song writing and live performance skills important. Please call 405945-1959 or e-mail us studio115norman@yahoo. com.

SPECIAL SERVICES I will keep your house dog at my house while you’re away. Call 308-1868.

C Transportation

PAYMENT s r

r

TM

Payment Payment is required at the time the ad is placed. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express; cash, money orders or local checks accepted.

Credit Accounts Businesses may be eligible for credit in a limited, local billing area. Please inquire with Business Office at 405.325.2521.

RATES Line Ads Rates are determined by the price per line, per day. There is a two line minimum charge; approximately 40 characters per line, including spaces and punctuation.

1 day ............. $4.25/line 2 days ........... $2.50/line 3-4 days........ $2.00/line 5-9 days........ $1.50/line 10-14 days.... $1.15/line 15-19 days.... $1.00/line 20-29 days.... $ .90/line 30+ days ..... $ .85/line

HELP WANTED

AUTO INSURANCE

Auto Insurance Quotations Anytime Foreign Students Welcomed Jim Holmes Insurance, 321-4664

HELP WANTED TUTORS WANTED!!!

Available positions in the OU Athletics Department!!! Junior, Senior, Graduate, and Post Graduate applicants only!! All Subjects! Hiring for Spring 2009. Call 325-8453, for more info!!

Now hiring lifeguard, swim instructors, and AM pool managers. Apply at the Cleveland County Family YMCA, 1350 Lexington Ave. EOE. Make up to $75 per online survey, student opinions needed www.cashtospend.com.

Wanted: Enthusiastic, Motivated Individuals.

As a leader in community banking, Republic Bank & Trust is committed to providing a unique, quality experience to our customers, community, and bankers. We currently have the following positions available: PT Courier, M-F 2:00-8:00pm; must be 21 years of age and have a clean driving record for insurance purposes. Applicants are encouraged to apply in person at 401 W. Main, Norman, Ok. Republic is an EOE. Deputy Marshal (Part Time) Municipal Court High School diploma and additional education at a college or technical school level req. Law school student preferred. Valid OK drivers license & satisfactory motor vehicle record. Knowledge of courtroom proceedings and practices. $7.75/ hr. Work Period: 15 hours per week maximum.

Approximately 10 hours in the courtroom Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoons and 5 hours serving processes. Selected applicants must pass a background investigation and drug screen. Application deadline: Open recruitment.

Obtain application at: 201-C West Gray, Human Resources Dept., City of Norman, 3665482, Web: www.normanok.gov. EOE/AA.

HELP WANTED Local Nonprofit Seeks Oklahoma Serves Members

Must be at least 16 years of age. Experience working with youths in a recreational atmosphere. $9.70/ hr. Work period: May vary. Must be able to work a minimum of 15 to 20 hours per week.

35 hours during the summer. Monday - Friday 2:30-6:00 pm during the school year. Application deadline : Open recruitment. Obtain application at: 201-C West Gray, Human Resources Dept., City of Norman. 366-5482, Web: www.normanok.gov. EOE/AA

The Community After School Program is seeking half-time AmeriCorps Oklahoma Serves Member to work in our school-age after school programs in Norman, Oklahoma. Member will assist the AmeriCorps team with the implementation of a tutoring and homework assistance program including volunteer recruitment. Member will have the opportunity to build a personal network while adding marketable job skills to his/her personal resume in a supportive work environment.

Norman Zoo Tour Guides needed, flexible with

ENGLISH TUTORS/ WRITING CONSULTANTS WANTED!!!

Available positions in the OU Athletics Department! Junior, Senior, Graduate,and Post Graduate applicants only!! Hiring for Spring 2009. Call 325-8376, for more info!

Bartending! Up to $250/day. No exp nec. Train-

Employment

Employment

Recreation Leader (PPT) Parks and Recreation 12th Ave Recreation Center

your class schedule. For info call 366-7229.

Display Ad. . . . .3 days prior Classified Display or Classified Card Ad are due 3 days prior to publication date.

Employment

ing provided. 1-800-965-6520, x133.

NOW HIRING! CHEDDAR’S RESTAURANT! Need energetic, motivated individuals to work in high paced environment, hiring all positions, great pay and benefits! Accepting applications NOW, apply within, 1300 24th Ave NW, Norman, intersection of Robinson & 24th (just south of the Super Target.)

Community After School Program is seeking staff to work at our school-age childcare programs.

Apply now and interview to begin working immediately. Work schedule is M-F 2:20-6 p.m. Competitive wages, higher salaries for college students with education or related class work. Complete an application at 1023 N. Flood Ave. or online at www.caspinc.org and email to info@caspinc.org.

Please submit your spring class schedule and current transcript when applying.

Mystery shoppers wanted for easy tanning salon assignments! National market research company seeks individuals to complete assignments for a local tanning salon chain and other retailers. tanning session reimbursed for completion of online survey. Please apply at www.bestmark.com Innovative Court Solutions seeks P/T Male Drug Tester. Flexible hours. Contact 329-9100 for more information.

Gymnastics Instructors for pre-school girls and boys classes, tumbling and cheerleading, P/T, flex sched. Bart Conner Gymnastics, 447-7500.

Help Wanted Mon-Sat ,11a-5p or 5p-9p. Apply in person at the Greek House, 768 Jenkins Norman, 364-6300

•Commitment: 9-12 months – 900 hours •Position: Tutoring Program Coordinator •Salary: $7,200 Living Stipend - payable bi-weekly •Award: $2,362.50 Educational Award upon successfull completion of hours •Other: Student loan deferment/forbearance •Hours: 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm M-F program hours; flex office hours

Have the summer of your life at a prestigious 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 1/28/2009. Apply online at www. islandlake.com. Call 800-869-6083 between 9 & 5 eastern time on weekdays for more information. info@islandlake.com.

J Housing Rentals APTS. FURNISHED $400, bills paid, efficiency LOFT apartments, downtown over Mister Robert Furniture, 109 E Main, fire sprinkler, no pets, smoke-free. Inquire store office.

APTS. UNFURNISHED 1 BLK FROM OU, very nice 4 room apt. 800 sf, wood floors, 1016 S College, Apt 1, $300/mo.

Call 360-2873 or 306-1970.

1 week only 2 bd/2bth 1000 sq. ft. includes FREE covered parking. Rate was $610 NOW $569. Offer exp 1/25/09. Call today before they are gone 366-0999.

1/2 OFF 1st MONTHS RENT* Immediate Move-Ins Only / Prices Reduced! $99 DEPOSIT! PETS WELCOME! Models open 8a-8p Everyday!

1 & 2 Bedrooms Available!

Elite Properties 360-6624 or www.elite2900.com

ROOMS FURNISHED NEAR OU, privacy, $260, bills paid includes cable, neat, clean, parking. Prefer male student.

Call 329-0143.

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

3 Bdrm $1200-1800 2 Bdrm $700-$900 1 Bdrm $420-$460 MISTER ROBERT FURNITURE 9-4 pm, Mon-Sat, 321-1818

Sell your stuff. classifieds@ou.edu

4

Previous Solution

8 9 7 6 4 1 6 3

3 4

2 6

9 5

2 8

9

1 3 3

4 9 5 9 2

6

1 5 3 6 8 9 7 4 2

4 9 8 7 3 2 6 5 1

2 6 7 5 1 4 3 8 9

5 8 4 3 9 6 2 1 7

6 7 1 4 2 5 9 3 8

9 3 2 8 7 1 5 6 4

3 1 6 9 4 7 8 2 5

8 2 9 1 5 3 4 7 6

7 4 5 2 6 8 1 9 3

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 January 22, 2009

ACROSS 1 Junior’s ammunition 5 In good ___ 10 Small annoyance 14 Injured 15 Masonry, for one 16 Irritate 17 Soprano’s song, sometimes 18 Fabled moralist 19 Distinctive flair 20 Popular lullaby 23 Place for putting balls 24 Printing mistake 28 A cricket has one below each front leg joint 29 Irish historical site 33 Bull foe 34 Maryland’s state bird 36 Therefore 37 Inexpensive missile 41 Instrument with 46 strings 42 Predatory insect 43 Greek who got too much sun 46 Official emblem 47 It could be sprayed in the kitchen 50 Pianolike percussion instrument

Game Sponsorships Classified Display Ads located directly above the following games/puzzles. Limited spaces available – only one space per game.

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 405.325.2521 before the deadline for cancellation in the next issue. Refunds will not be issued for early cancellation.

Errors not the fault of the advertiser will be adjusted.

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.

Help Wanted ads in The Oklahoma Daily are not classified as to gender.

Advertisers understand that they may not discriminate in employment on the basis of 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.

HOUSES UNFURNISHED 3 room efficiency, 413 Elm,$395/mo, bills paid, one year lease, smoke-free no pets. Call 3603850.

3 bd LOFT downtown Norman above Mister Robert Funiture, 109 E Main, $1200/mo, water & gas paid. BOB at Mister Robert Furniture, 321-1818.

CLASS MONITORS WANTED!!!!

Available positions in the OU Athletic Department!! Junior, Senior, Graduate,and Post Graduate applicants only! Hiring for Spring 2009. Call 325-8453.

Classified Card Ads are $170 per column inch with a minimum of 2 column inchs and run 20 consecutive issues. Ad copy may change every five issues.

POLICY

APTS. UNFURNISHED

PAID. EGG DONORS for up to 9 donations, + Exps, non-smokers, Ages 19-29, SAT>1100/ACT>24/GPA>3.00 Contact: info@eggdonorcenter.com

Classified Card Ads

(located just below the puzzle)

J Housing Rentals

$5,000-$45,000

Rates are $16.00 per column inch, per day with a minimum of 2 column inches.

1 col (1.833 in) x 2.25 inches Crossword .....$515/month

J Housing Rentals

Please contact the Community After School Program at 366-5970 or email us at brenda@caspinc. org for more information.

Classified Display Ads

2 col (3.792 in) x 2 inches Sudoku ...........$760/month Boggle............$760/month Jumble ...........$760/month Horoscope .....$760/month

R.T. Conwell, advertising manager classifieds@ou.edu phone: 325-2521, fax: 325-7517 For more, go to oudaily.com.

DIFFERENT STUDENTS NEED 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

TMEN

ALIFY U QU IF YO

ENLIS

DOWN 1 Accusation 2 Goddess of the dawn 3 Department store employee 4 Amount bet 5 Impale 6 Deuce taker 7 Adroitness 8 Clay brick 9 Split, so to speak 10 Fuzzy topics 11 Zippo 12 In the manner of 13 End of a ring count 21 Cavern 22 Hip male friend 25 Graceful

seabird 26 Sudden desire 27 Barnyard bellow 30 One of the four elements, in alchemy 31 Annoying word to a cell phone user 32 Alternate identity 34 The mighty to the meek, historically 35 Another graceful seabird 37 Rate of movement 38 Kazakhstan sea 39 Link between home and school 40 Cheerful ditties

41 Sound following a shot?

44 NCAA powerhouse 45 Sign of disgrace 47 Place to find pen pals?

48 Upward movement 49 Gilbert and Sullivan emperor 51 More than pale 53 Giraffelike beast 55 Indian woman’s garment 56 A good deal of binary code 57 Tear down, in Dover 58 They’re checked at the door 59 Tierra-Fuego bridge 60 Ratite bird

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

© 2009 Universal Press Syndicate www.upuzzles.com

“DECIDING THE EASY WAY” by Spencer Colby

1-800-GO-GUARD www.1-800-GO-GUARD.com

Pre-Leasing for January www.oig.biz

One Bedroom

$ 415 per month

Office Hours: M-F 9-6, Sat 10-3 1149 E. Brooks • 364-5622

52 Many human sculptures 54 Part of a swimming stroke 58 When Brutus struck 61 British Gold Coast, today 62 Out where the air is salty 63 Car for test-driving 64 Montmartre matriarchs 65 Small fishing hole 66 Curved line connecting musical notes 67 Licorice-flavored seed 68 Antonym for “out of”

Previous Answers

National News

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009

13

Economy, war play prominently in Obama’s first day • Obama to sign executive order closing Guantanamo Bay WASHINGTON — In a first-day whirlwind, President Barack Obama showcased efforts to revive the economy on Wednesday, summoned top military officials to the White House to chart a new course in Iraq and eased into the daunting thicket of Middle East diplomacy.

“What an opportunity we have to change this country,” said the 47-year-old chief executive, who also issued new ethics rules for his administration and hosted a reception at the presidential mansion for 200 inauguration volunteers and guests selected by an Internet lottery.

After dancing at inaugural balls with first lady Michelle Obama past midnight, Obama entered the Oval Office for the first time as president in early morning. He read a good luck note left behind by President George W. Bush, then began breaking cleanly with his predecessor’s policies.

Aides circulated a draft of an executive order that would close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, within a year, and halt all war crimes trials in the meantime.

Closing the site “would further the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States and the interests of justice,” read the draft prepared for the new president’s signature. A copy was obtained by The Associated Press, and an aide said privately that Obama would sign a formal order on Thursday.

Some of the 245 detainees currently held at Guantanamo would be released, while others would be transferred elsewhere and later put on trial under terms to be determined.

Obama’s Cabinet was moving closer to completion.

At the Capitol, the Senate confirmed Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of state after a one-day delay forced by Republicans. The vote was 94-2, and spectators seated in the galleries erupted in applause when it was announced.

Treasury-designate Timothy Geithner emerged unscathed from his confirmation hearing, apologizing for having failed to pay $34,000 in taxes earlier in the decade.

To the evident anger of Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Republicans on the panel invoked longstanding rules to postpone a vote on Eric Holder’s appointment as attorney general.

Counting Clinton, seven Cabinet members have been confirmed so far, as have the two top officials at the Office of Management and Budget.

Obama’s schedule for the day included separate sessions on the economy and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The new president has pledged to take bold steps to revive the economy, which is struggling through the worst recession since the Great Depression. Last week, he won approval to use $350 billion in leftover financial industry bailout funds.

He presided over the White House meeting on the economy, as the House Appropriations Committee moved toward approval of $358 billion in new spending, part of the economic stimulus package making its way to his desk.

The new commander in chief held his first meeting in the Situation Room, where he, Vice President Joe Biden and senior military and foreign policy officials discussed the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Obama campaigned on a pledge to withdraw U.S. combat forces from Iraq within 16 months, and to beef up the commitment in Afghanistan.

The new White House press secretary, Robert Gibbs, said Obama’s phone calls to leaders in the Middle East were meant to convey his “commitment to active engagement in pursuit of Arab-Israeli peace from the beginning of his term.”

Gibbs also said that in conversations with Israeli,

Palestinian, Egyptian and Jordanian leaders, the president emphasized he would work to consolidate the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Obama intends to name former Senate Majority leader George Mitchell as a special envoy to the region.

Not everything was new at the White House.

In the Oval Office, Obama worked at a desk built from the timbers of a British naval vessel, the HMS Resolute, and used off-and-on by presidents since the 1870s, including Bush. It also appeared that the carpet that Bush used in his second term, a yellow sunbeam design, was still in place.

If some of the furnishings remained in place, there was no doubt that the new president meant to fulfill his campaign promise of change.

“As of today, lobbyists will be subject to stricter limits than under any ... other administration in history,” Obama told reporters as he signed the new rules. The restrictions included a ban on gifts by lobbyists to anyone serving in the administration.

He also imposed a pay freeze for about 100 White House aides who earn $100,000 or more. Its implementation was unclear, since none of them were on the payroll before Tuesday’s noontime inauguration.

On Tuesday, within hours of Obama’s inauguration, his administration froze last-minute Bush administration regulations before they could take effect.

Among them was an Interior Department proposal to remove gray wolves from Endangered Species protections in much of the northern Rocky Mountains, and a Labor Department recommendation that would allow companies that manage employee retirement plans to market investment products to plan participants.

Obama and his wife began their day at a prayer service that is traditional for the first business day of AP Photo/Ron Edmonds a new administration. They were joined in front-pew Vice President Joe Biden looks on as President Barack Obama signs seats by Biden and his wife, Jill, as well as former President Bill Clinton and his wife, hours away from executive orders Wednesday in the Eisenhower Executive Office confirmation as the nation’s top diplomat.

Building in Washington.

Unions, wolves, others may benefit as rules freeze Other proposals now under review would: • Allow mining deposits to be dumped within 100 feet of flowing streams, according to the environmental group Earthjustice.

• Increase financial reporting requirements for labor unions.

The Bush administration said the change would discourage embezzlement of union funds, but labor groups say it would impose unnecessary burdens.

• Limit overtime pay for some groups of workers.

• Allow employers not to disclose some pension plan expenses.

• Create a “roadless rule” for Colorado that critics said would do too little to protect affected lands.

WASHINGTON — Gray wolves might benefit and sellers of investment products might not under President Barack Obama’s freezing of all proposed federal rules changes left unfinished by George W. Bush’s administration.

Obama’s order, which took effect as soon as he was sworn in Tuesday, gives his administration a chance to review numerous pending actions affecting the environment, labor relations and other fields, and to decide whether to block them.

For example, the Interior Department under Bush had announced plans to remove gray wolves from Endangered Species protections in much of the northern Rocky Mountains. And the Labor Department was in the process of letting companies that manage employee retirement plans to promote additional investment products to plan

participants.

Those proposals, and many others, will be reviewed by Obama appointees who were still finding their desks, computers and light switches Wednesday.

Obama didn’t stop with Tuesday’s order.

On Wednesday, he imposed new limits on lobbyists in the White House and froze the salaries of about 100 aides who make more than $100,000. Obama also said he would change the way the federal government interprets the Freedom of Information Act, in hopes of making the government more transparent. He also ordered limits on the ability of former presidents to block the release of sensitive records of their time in the White House.

Obama aides on Wednesday also circulated a draft of an executive order that

would close the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, within a year and halt all war crimes trials in the meantime.

Liberal groups hailed the order to freeze proposed federal rules changes as an action that was similar to those announced by Bush and other presidents as soon as they took office.

“This is a stay of execution” for gray wolves, said Andrew Wetzler of the Natural Resources Defense Council. He urged conservation groups to lobby the new administration to keep wolves on the protected list.

The pending regulation on investment products cited “an increasing recognition of the importance of investment

Not on our campus.

Report incidents at:

325-5000

All calls are anonymous.

OU ICE HOCKEY

The University of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

HOROSCOPE

By Bernice Bede Osol

Copyright 2008, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.

5 OFF

$

100TH EDITION OF TRADITION: DON’T MISS YOURS

Hazing?

advice” to workers who decide how to invest their retirement money, as they do in widely used 401(k) plans.

But Rep. George Miller, a California Democrat who chairs the House Education and Labor Committee, says the rule would invite conflicts of interest by allowing companies that administer 401(k) and individual retirement accounts to recommend products with higher fees.

Miller praised Obama for “this immediate action to stop consideration of rules that will roll back vital protections for consumers, workers and the environment.”

Haven’t purchased your yearbook yet? Do so now and save $5.

Bring this coupon to Copeland Hall Room 122 or call 405-325-3668 and mention this ad to receive $5 off your order.

From student life to athletics and academics, Sooner, one of the nation’s top yearbooks, has got you covered.

Don’t miss your opportunity to own the special 100th edition.

Offer expires Feb. 16.

100

THH

SOONER yearbook

Sooner is a publication of OU Student Media, a department in the Division of Student Affairs.

OU vs.

Texas Tech

Friday, Jan. 23 @ 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 24 @ 6:30 p.m.

*Students free with OU ID

For tickets, Call (405)631-3307 Blazers Ice Centre 8000 S. I-35 Oklahoma City, OK

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009 AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- A twist of fate might turn conditions around, and you’ll be able to take the helm instead of merely taking orders. You could derive substantial benefits in the process.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Your plans that include several close friends will turn out to be more fun than anyone thought.

The buddy system is likely to kick in and produce a great time for all.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Work on that closely guarded personal ambition -- there is a good chance you’ll be able to bring it much further along than you thought possible. The progress you make will be most satisfying.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- A foundation exists for developing a close relationship with a recent acquaintance. You’ll discover that you have much more in common than you both realized.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- You might realize that a solo project you’ve been working on will have a much better chance of success if you bring in another whom you know would be well suited to the task. Do so.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -You’re better at making accurate spur-of-the-moment assessments than you realize, so don’t hesitate to make a snap judgment when the situation calls for it.

You’ll be right on the money.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Although you don’t like having your plans disrupted, one that occurs might turn out to be an exception; it’ll turn out to be a break that you can use to your advantage.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Dan Cupid is inclined to favor you when it comes to matters of the heart. You won’t necessarily have to go shooting any arrows to pierce someone’s heart -- Dan will do it for you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -Instinctively, you know how to improvise when you meet opposition, but you won’t realize just how resourceful you are until it actually happens. Today’s events might show how clever you really are.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Don’t be surprised if others turn to you when things aren’t functioning properly. You won’t have to be personally involved in the endeavor to know how to reorganize it and get it moving again.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- If an opportunity presents itself that appears to be rewarding, act immediately. Chances are it’ll offer unique possibilities for personal gain that you wouldn’t normally receive.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- When in the presence of someone you respect, listen attentively to what he or she has to say. This individual is likely to provide an idea that can be reshaped to fit your circumstances very nicely.

14

Life & Arts

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009

WEEKEND UPDATE The Daily brings you a breakdown of what is happening this weekend on campus, in Norman and in the state.

▼

no strings attached

The Kevin Smith flick “Zack & Miri Make A Porno” plays Friday at 4 p.m., 10 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. in the Oklahoma Memorial Union’s Meacham Auditorium.

▼

business time

chips & hip(nosis)

▼

The School of Music presents violinist Martha Walvoord at 8 p.m.

Friday in Sharp Concert Hall in Catlett Music Center.

Friday’s Night at the Union sees casino night and a live jazz band from 7:30-9:30 p.m. A hypnotist will perform in the Molly Shi Boren Ballroom from 9:30-11:30 p.m.

▼

othello’s

The restaurant (434 Buchanan St.) will host open mic night with Annatova tonight at 9.

Adam Ledbetter will play jazz piano 6:30 p.m. Friday.

▼

bluegrass

Ryan Welton will play jazz piano 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

Bluegrass player Sam Bush will play at Cain’s Ballroom 8:30 p.m.

Friday in Tulsa. For tickets, call (866) 443-8849.

0 0 0 , 2 scholarship

$

t s e t n o c o e d vi

at

the norm

.com

: t i t u o b a s u Tell e” k a t s i M y e n “My Mo out,

st starting ju e ’r u o y n e We know wh the wrong in s p e t s w e f ke a it’s easy to ta in a while. e c n o y r e v e direction your story, r a e h o t t n a We w ou learned – y t a h w d n a ed what happen yourself. e k a m u o y o in a vide

larship

00 scho ,0 2 $ : e z i r P Grand ok. and a Macbo contest rules. theNorm.com for complete

Visit Buck

Deadline to enter is Jan.

30th!

l l a r o f t n e m r e w financial empo l Credit Union Powered by Tinker Federa Federally insured by NCUA