Issuu

CAMPUS NEWS, PAGE 3

got civic illiteracy? 71 percent of 2,500 Americans surveyed fail basic test THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA’S I NDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE

VOL. 93, NO. 74 FREE — Additional Copies 25¢

Voters decide today on sales tax for new county jail • One-fourth penny sales tax could solve overcrowding CAITLIN HARRISON The Oklahoma Daily

Amy Frost/The Daily

The current Cleveland County Detention Center is located on Jones Avenue in Norman. Voters will decide today whether to implement a sales tax to build a new county jail.

Cleveland County citizens will vote today for a county-wide sales tax that plans to build a new jail in Norman. The one-fourth penny sales tax would fund a new facility located at Franklin Road and 24th Avenue N.W. Cleveland County is one of only three counties in the state that does not have a county sales tax, which has the least impact on individual taxpayers, according to a report from Cleveland County’s Web site. Funds from the new tax would replace the current jail, which has been overcrowded and is in violation of state jail standards, said Rusty Sullivan, Cleveland County District 3 commissioner. The coun-

ty’s population has increased from about 160,000 to a little more than 236,000 since the current jail was built 14 years ago, he said. Sullivan said he is confident most voters have realized the need for a new jail, and he has not talked to anyone who thinks otherwise. “I believe everyone realizes we’ve simply reached a saturation point in the jail,” he said. “I’m very hopeful that the people will pass that.” If the vote passes, the facility is slated to open in November 2011, and construction will begin next March, according to the report. A new jail would be safer for both inmates and detention officers, Sullivan said. He said the current jail was built up, requiring more guards for each floor, whereas the new facility would be built out instead. “It’s designed to use a lot less detention officers, which will make it a lot more economical to operate,” he said. The current jail does not have enough space to segregate male and female prisoners, or prisoners of different security

“Everyone realizes we’ve simply reached a saturation point in the jail.” Rusty Sullivan, Cleveland County District 3 commissioner risks, despite the fact it is required by law, the report stated. The new facility will cost slightly more than $40 million, according to the report. It will also include more high-tech equipment, including video visitation and video arraignment, Sullivan said. There will also be more land surrounding the new jail, so the county can costeffectively expand it in 20 or 30 years if necessary, Sullivan said. By the facility’s

JAIL Continues on page 2

United Way struggles to meet goal

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Daily picks the top album releases of 2008. The list includes Kanye West, Cold War Kids, The Killers and more. Page 7.

• Uncertain economy causes greater need LEIGHANNE MANWARREN The Oklahoma Daily

SPORTS The Sooners have reached the end of their regular season, so it’s time for The Daily to hand some hardware. In today’s issue, we recognize the oﬀense’s best players. Page 5. Photo provided

Shown in an artist’s rendition, Two Partners Place will provide 50,000 square feet of social and physical science research space and space for private sector companies.

CAMPUS BRIEFS Piano teacher grabs prize Professor Barbara Fast, a piano teacher and educator for more than 30 years, has been named the 2008 Irene and Julian J. Rothbaum Presidential Professor of Excellence for the Weitzenhoffer Family college of Fine Arts. “[She is] a remarkable, master teacher, whose passion for sharing her knowledge and wisdom with her students is unequalled,” said Rich Taylor, Weitzenhoffer College of Fine Arts dean. The Irene and Julian J. Rothbaum Presidential Professor of Excellence Award has been presented annually since 1995 in order to recognize the exemplary leadership in the fine arts and fine arts education programs at OU.

TODAY’S INDEX A&E Campus News Campus Notes Classiﬁeds Crossword

7 3 2 6 7

Horoscope Opinion Police Reports Sports Sudoku

7 4 2 5 6

WEATHER FORECAST

TODAY LOW 45° HIGH 46°

40%

WEDNESDAY LOW 23° HIGH 38° Source: Oklahoma Weather Lab

Research campus nearly ready • Two new buildings slated to open in 2009, 2010 MEREDITH MORIAK The Oklahoma Daily dream from the early 1990s has become a reality during the past eight years on OU’s research campus. The campus, located on 271 acres of land north of State Highway 9 on Jenkins Avenue, is home to four state-of-the-art buildings. Additionally, construction has begun on two new buildings: Three Partners Place and the Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center. The buildings are the fifth and sixth to be constructed since the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education first approved breaking ground for the Stephenson Research and Technology Center in 2001, said Lee Williams, vice president of research and graduate school dean. The goal of the research campus is to create a place where researchers from various disciplines work together trading ideas about different projects, Williams said. “We wanted to bring different disciplines together and have them interact and recreate the classic university,” Williams said.

Bringing it all together The research campus coins itself as the place to bring together the academics of the university, government programming and the private sector, said Melany Dickens, director of research campus operations. Williams said he feels the National Weather Center is the center of the research campus and is a good example of how the university and government can collaborate. “[The research campus] is designed to promote the scholarly, intellectual interaction that should happen at a university,” Williams said. “It reaffirms the core values of what a university should be.” The research campus is important to the university because it creates a community where scholars from different disciplines including science and math to come together and solve research problems, said Paul Risser, chair of the university research cabinet. Additionally, it allows for the university to engage and support the private sector that occupies some buildings. “It is one of the largest engines of economic progress for our state by creating more jobs based on new research discoveries and patents,” OU President David L. Boren said in an e-mail. “Ultimately, these new discoveries launch new businesses allowing more outstanding Oklahomans to stay and continue to live and work in

RESEARCH Continues on page 2

Research Campus buildings National Weather Center • Completed in July 2006 • 244,000 sq. ft. housing academic and research meteorology programs and NOAA research Stephenson Research Technology Center • Completed in 2004 • 94,000 sq. ft. of research space for interdisciplinary programs Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center • Opening in summer 2010 • 165,000 sq. ft interdisciplinary facility housing advanced graduate and undergraduate student research laboratories One Partners Place • Completed in fall 2004 • 50,000 sq. ft. of research space for private sectors and OU researchers Two Partners Place • Completed in Spring 2007 • 50,000 sq. ft. of research space for private sectors and OU researchers Three Partners Place • Opening in summer 2009 • 75,000 sq. ft. of space for OU administrative areas, OU researchers and private sectors

The holiday season is traditionally the season of giving, but with the economic crisis, nonprofit organizations in the area are suffering a steep shortfall. The United Way of Norman’s Live United Annual Drive, which supports 29 other local nonprofit agencies, is falling short of its $2.1 million goal. “The drive is still going on but if the projected numbers stay as they are, we will be $400,000 short of our intended goal,” said Joe Siano,

UNITED Continues on page 2

CAMPUS SAFETY

Report requests $16M for state campus security JAMES LOVETT The Oklahoma Daily More than half of Oklahoma’s higher education campuses have developed strategies to react to bomb threats and shooters, according to a survey from the Campus Life and Safety and Security Task Force. The task force, created in April 2007 by Gov. Brad Henry after the Virginia Tech shooting, discussed the survey at its meeting Monday in Oklahoma City. The survey also states that institutions now have more ways to notify students about campus emergencies, and 86 percent of campuses review their emergency plans annually. This year’s survey included information from more than 70 schools and universities across Oklahoma and will be included in the committee’s annual report. The report, which will be released

SECURITY Continues on page 2

News

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008

Police use grant to fund more DUI checkpoints

Jail Continued from page 1

• Money to be used for more checkpoints, increased patrol WILL HOLLAND The Oklahoma Daily The Norman Police Department is using funding from a recent grant to increase its efforts to stop alcohol related crimes during the holiday season, according to a department press release. The increased efforts will include alcohol checkpoints and increased patrols, the release stated. “Numerous checkpoints scheduled for various locations around the city of Norman are intended as a highly visible program to discourage people who have been drinking from getting behind the wheel, and to deal with those who do make the poor decision to drive intoxicated,” the release stated.

The department received the grant in October, which is more than $100,000, as part of the statewide 2Much2Lose program from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office. 2Much2Lose was designed to deter people from committing alcohol related crimes. The program is aimed at deterring people, especially young people, from abusing alcohol. According to the program’s Web site, people younger than 25 years old account for more than 50 percent of alcoholics in the U.S. The increased efforts are related to the holiday season, when many people are traveling and celebrating. “With the holiday season closing in, we must pay even closer attention to our motoring public and our friends in Norman,” Norman Police Department Lt. Todd Gibson said in the release. Gibson coordinates the department’s 2Much2Lose program. During the last two weeks of August, the department conducted sobriety checkpoints because more people were traveling and partying close to Labor Day weekend. Those checkpoints were a part of a national cam-

paign called “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit, Under Arrest.” “The deadly risks and costly consequences of driving while impaired are far too serious,” Gibson said in the release. “We want the great citizens of Norman and the State of Oklahoma to have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. No one wants to have holidays marked by the tragedy of losing a loved one to a drinking and driving incident.” The funding from the grant for the 2Much2Lose program will last through September. Part of the money from the grant was set aside for funding compliance checks designed to ensure that Norman businesses are not selling alcohol to people younger than 21. According to police reports, seven people were cited for furnishing alcohol on Thursday. It is unclear whether this relatively high number of furnishing alcohol citations was related to the program. “Officers involved in the increased enforcement efforts will have zero tolerance for those found driving while intoxicated, the release stated.

Research

A work release program that also allows some prisoners to go home at night has also helped with overcrowding. “The judges have done everything to hold our numbers down,” he said. Don Garrison, director of jail inspections for the Oklahoma State Department of Health, said despite overcrowding, the county has been able to sustain its numbers fairly well lately. He said the decision of a new jail however, is up to the voters to decide. Sullivan said although not everyone may want a new sales tax, it is necessary to fix the current jail situation. “I don’t think anybody likes taxes,” he said. “[But] I think we’ve got to address our jail issue.”

United

Continued from page 1

our state.” The National Weather Center was completed in July 2006 through state, federal and university funds, Williams said.

Partnered construction Three Partners Place, which is currently under construction, will be similar to One and Two Partners Place on the research campus. It will house OU researchers and private companies, including the Oklahoma Climatologically Survey and Norman Economic Development Coalition, Dickens said. Allowing private sectors to occupy parts of the buildings ensures the curriculum being taught will be valuable and relevant to the private sector, and preparing students for a career after graduation, Risser said. “We help businesses, but the businesses help the university,” Risser said. “They are so important and part of why [the research campus] has been so successful.” The OU researchers who occupy the building are from various departments, including chemistry, botany and microbiology; they also pay rent with grant money, Williams said. Three Partners Place is already full, and tenants will move in when the building is complete, Williams said. “As long as we have research groups, we can build more buildings and we don’t have to shoe hole them into existing buildings,”

completion date, the county’s population is projected to be 250,000. Cleveland County’s current jail has 177 beds, which is about 0.75 beds per 1,000 prisoners. However, the National Institute of Corrections recommends jails have three, according to the report. Upon completion of the project, the county will have about 2.3 beds per 1,000 prisoners. “We’re just severely underbed on what we need for our population,” Sullivan said. Cleveland County has found other measures to sustain the currently overcrowded jail in the meantime, Sullivan said. He said the county has a contract that allows it to keep up to 20 prisoners in the Pottawattamie County jail.

Photo provided

The Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, opening in summer 2010, a 165,0000-square-foot facility will house student research laboratories. Williams said. Williams said the Stephenson Life Sciences Research Center, which is scheduled to open in summer 2010, includes a number of large laboratories that allow researchers from multiple disciplines to work together in open workspaces. “It is a spectacular building on an open plan to encourage collaboration between different research groups,” Williams said. Aside from new buildings, a weather radar called OU PRIME is being installed next to Highway 9. The research and teaching radar is the most sophisticated and powerful radar at any university in the world, Williams said. The research campus is meant to provide fresh space where faculty can perform research they might not have thought possible

CAMPUS NOTES The Daily draws all entries for Campus Notes from OUDaily.com’s comprehensive, campus-wide calendar. To get your event noticed, visit OUDaily.com and fill out our user-friendly form under the calendar link.

POLICE REPORTS Names are compiled from the Norman Police Department or the OU Department of Public Safety. The report serves as a public record of arrests or citations, not convictions. The people here are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE-LIQUOR OR DRUGS/ ACTUAL PHYSICAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE Robert Wayne Byers, 30, College Avenue, Sunday Charles Randal Hays, 38, Porter Avenue, Sunday

ASSAULT AND BATTERY Vanessa Marie Campbell, 26, 1800 block Twisted Oak Drive, Sunday

PUBLIC INTOXICATION Michael Chad Dawkins, 22, 300 block E. Boyd Street, Sunday, also outraging public decency

in older research buildings on the main campus, he said. “There is really a feeling here that anything is possible and the people are not cynical,” Risser said. “We can do anything and good ideas are not discounted.”

Research future A positive aspect of the campus is its close proximity to main campus, Dickens said. She said it is an advantage that other universities do not have. “We hold classes at the research campus that would never be possible if it were located somewhere else,” Dickens said. Williams said there are plans and conceptual drawings for a Four Partners Place that can be built

when there is a necessity for the space. He said he enjoys seeing the campus grow steadily and observing the academic, government and private sectors working together. Risser said the research campus is alive with things he doesn’t see in other academic areas, like energy, excitement and researchers who are hungry for knowledge. The research campus that started from scratch eight years ago currently houses 890,00 sq. ft. of space and cost close to $240 million to build, Williams said. The money for the research campus and its future projects is gathered from various places including bond funds, gifts, grants, state, federal and university funds. All of the Partners Place buildings are funded entirely through the rent of the tenants, Williams said.

SCHOOL OF MUSIC • A concert will be at 4:30 in Sharp Concert Hall. • A OU Civic Orchestra concert will be at 8 p.m. in Sharp Concert Hall.

Scott Lee Ford, 31, Porter Avenue, Sunday, also possession of controlled dangerous substances and municipal warrant

OBSTRUCTING OFFICER Chad Aaron Harper, 23, 1100 block Brandywine Lane, Sunday, also driving with License Canceled/Suspended/ Revoked, operating motor vehicle in an accident without insurance, possession of controlled dangerous substances, leaving scene of accident involving damage and failure to stop at red

DOMESTIC ABUSE Noah Liberty Knight, 27, 2100 block Melrose Court, Sunday

UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF PARAPHERNALIA

Way in Oklahoma City and Tulsa reached their goals and are successfully wrapping up their drives. Siano said he hopes Norman can follow suit. “We hope that during this time the Norman community can look at our needs and step up like they have in the past,” Siano said. With the drive hitting a slow donation period, the drive is scheduled to continue until March 31 and officials from the OU Volunteer Office said they are meeting Wednesday to discuss what the university can do to raise money for the drive. “Norman is a community that steps up in times of need and the university is always a huge supporter of the United Way,” Siano said. He said people can donate either through their businesses, or directly to the United Way of Norman on its Web site or by telephone. “I still have confidence that we can meet our goal if we communicate to those who are hesitant to give that we need their support,” Siano said.

Security Continued from page 1

TODAY

ASSAULT AND/OR BATTERY WITH DANGEROUS WEAPON

Norman Public School superintendent and United Way Fund Drive chairman. Siano said the drive likely is seeing a slight shortfall because past donors are more cautious in a recession. “With everyday economic news changing, most people who donate to the United Way view it as a commitment over a period time,” he said. Siano said the current economic crisis means these 29 agencies under the United Way umbrella are in a higher demand and more dependent on the United Way’s funds. “These agencies will be required on a higher level, but without the money, they will not be able to help those in the community that need it,” Siano said. “Our highest focus with the drive is the urgency on behalf of the United Way, but even more so on behalf of the community outreach organizations.” While the United Way of Norman is projected to be short of its goal, the United

Jeremy Dwayne Lavorchek, 20, 3200 block W. Lindsey Street, Sunday, also trafficking controlled dangerous substances, acquire proceeds from drug activity, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of controlled dangerous substances with intent

PETTY LARCENY Aaron Jay Sullivan, 19, 600 block 12th Avenue N.E., Sunday, also municipal warrant and county warrant

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE Royce Clifford Bowers, 24, 100 block W. Boyd Street, Saturday Scott Clifford Downard, 25, Boyd Street, Sunday, also No Insurance

UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA Zachary Adam Ellis, 19, 1400 block Asp Avenue, Friday, also unlawful possession of controlled dangerous substances and unlawful possession of paraphernalia

at a press conference on Jan. 15, will also include a request of $16 million from the Department of Homeland Security for campus security measures. Task force member Roger Webb, president of the University of Central Oklahoma, said recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India demonstrate the importance of identifying emergency plans and security measures. “I think that someday there will be an event on a school or college campus, and we’ll be saying we knew it would happen,” Webb said. “It brings to light what many people have been saying for some time. Students have to be the eyes and ears.” Webb said his university experienced a bomb threat last May, and he thinks the university responded well because of work done by the task force to

instill more extensive security plans. Thomas McKeon, Tulsa Community College president, said emergency situations, like the one at UCO, need to be included in the committee’s January report. “I think that really brings to life the issues more than just surveys,” McKeon 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

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

Campus News

Tuesday, Dec. 9,. 2008

Most Americans suffer from civic illiteracy, study finds • Elected officials score 6 points below average RYAN BRYANT The Oklahoma Daily Americans get a failing grade when it comes to basic knowledge of history, economics and government, according to a recent study released by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. The study states 71 percent of 2,500 Americans sur-

veyed failed a basic test on civic literacy. The average score was 49 percent. Surprisingly, elected officials had lower scores than most Americans, with an average of only 44 percent. According to the study’s results, 43 percent of elected officials do not know what the Electoral College does. In addition, more than twice as many Americans know that Paula Abdul was a judge on American Idol than the phrase “government of the people, by the people, and for the people” is from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address. Americans with college degrees also failed to do well in the survey. Richard Brake, the ISI’s Director of University

Stewardship, said that Americans’ lack of civic knowledge is a detriment to the formation of an informed and responsible citizenship. “People may be listening to television experts talk about economic bailouts and the platforms of political candidates, but they apparently have little idea what our basic economic and political institutions are,” he said. The ISI’s National Civic Literacy Board argued that this study demonstrates that a college education plays a minimal role in the advancement of civic literacy. According to the study’s findings, civic knowledge is mostly gained from a combination of engaging in frequent conversations about public affairs, reading about

How do OU students stack up? • The Daily asked a group of randomly selected students to answer three questions from the study.

current events, and participating in civic activities, such as working for a political campaign. The study calls for a reevaluation of college curricula and accountability standards, and advocates that universities assess civic learning of college graduates. Josiah Bunting, the chairman of the ISI’s National Civic Literacy Board, said that colleges should play a role in curing national civic illiteracy. “It is disturbing enough that the general public failed ISI’s civic literacy test, but when you consider the even more dismal scores of elected officials, you have to be concerned,” he said. “How can political leaders make informed decisions if they don’t understand the American experience?”

1. What are the three branches of the federal government? 2. What is the Constitutional role of the Electoral College? 3. What is the definition of a progressive tax?

✔ Right ✔ 1. “That’s the executive, legislative and judicial branches.”

Abir Hines, nursing senior

It does something with the presidency, and it adds all the numbers together and you have to get like 270.”

✘ 3. “Is it a tax that can

✘ Wrong

increase? I don’t know.”

✘ 1. “Legislative, executive, and I don’t know the third one. But I’m in government now and I’m making an A.”

✔ 1. “The executive branch, the legislative branch and the judicial branch.

Grant Miller, aviation sophomore

✘ 2. “I don’t know.

✔ 1. “The judicial, legislative and executive branches.”

✘ 2. “I don’t know. Pass.

✔ 2. “The role of the electoral college is to help pick a president, and let smaller states feel like they have a voice.”

✔ 2. “Well, I guess for the population of a state, they’re given a number of electoral representatives. They basically vote for the president.”

✔ 3. “That’s where wealthier people are taxed more heavily.”

Susanne Nix, letters sophomore

✘ 3. “I don’t even know what you’re talking about.”

✔ 3. “That would be the idea that you tax the rich more than the poor; the more money you make, the more you’re charged.”

Daniel Wolter, geography junior Photos by Ryan Bryant/ The Daily

Answers: 1. The executive, legislative, and judicial branches. 2. The Electoral College formally elects the President and Vice President based on their pledge to vote for the candidates as selected by their state’s voters. 3. A progressive tax is a tax that requires those with higher incomes to pay a higher ratio of taxes to income.

Opinion

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008

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

OUR VIEW

Small tax hike would make big difference Cleveland County voters have a chance today Cleveland County voters should turn out and to help Oklahoma’s over-crowded jail vote in support of more jail space. The problems. A proposed one-fourth penny detention center houses more OUR VIEW current sales tax, which Cleveland County votthan 200 inmates but was designed to is an editorial ers can vote on today from 7 a.m. to house 177. This is problematic for numerselected and debated 7 p.m., would fund a new detention ous reasons, including health risks that by the editorial board and written after a center. See page 1 for details. fall short of state jail standards. majority opinion is The center, which would cost more Adding space to Oklahoma jails isn’t formed and approved than $40 million to build and operate, by the editor. Our View the only solution. It isn’t even the ideal is The Daily’s oﬃcial would be built at 24th Avenue NW and one. Oklahoma legislators need to reform opinion. Franklin Road in Norman. The tax sentencing, which has forced the number period is 20 years, unless the bond debt of inmates over the age of 50 to skyrocket expires first. in recent years. That, though, is unlikely to happen

anytime soon, especially with a Republican-led House and Senate, as conservatives are historically less likely to decrease sentences. The proposed tax will almost immediately help alleviate the overcrowding problem, which goes far beyond Cleveland County. Oklahoma imprisons more females per capita than any other state. It has the fourth-highest percentage of citizens behind bars in the U.S. But it lacks sufficient space. While new facilities for criminals are warranted, we understand they are hardly a long-term solution to the underlying problem. Decreasing the amount

of convicts and mentally ill patients should be the ultimate goal. An article in The Daily a year ago revealed that only 5 percent of Oklahomans suffering from mental health receive the treatment they need. Many spend their lives in jail after committing crimes that could have possibly been prevented had they received adequate attention. Education reform and a decline in the poverty level would likely result in fewer convicted criminals. Mental health care and sentencing reform would help, too. But in the meantime, this Cleveland County sales tax is a step in the right direction.

STAFF COLUMN

College experience full of life lessons

AP Photo

In this Nov. 18, 2008 file photo, General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner, from right, Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli, and Ford CEO Alan Mulally, testify at a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs hearing on the automotive industry bailout on Capitol Hill in Washington.

STAFF COLUMN

Big Three bailout a bad idea

A bailout... will do nothing but reward poor management by corporate bureaucrats and incompetent union bosses... ages that the companies’ could barely afford during good times, and now that the domestic auto industry is on the verge of collapse, they refuse to offer further benefit concessions. Libertarians recognize some of the delicious irony that is playing out on Capitol Hill right now. In the lead up to the Iraq War, congressional Democrats accused Republicans of using fear tactics to push the nation toward war. I don’t deny that President Bush and some members of his cabinet are guilty of this transgression, but now the shoe is on the other foot. Now Democrats, led by their fearless Messiah, President-elect Obama, are trying to scare the American people into thinking the auto industry is too important to fail, and thus deserves a handout. It’s rather amusing. Instead of championing American intervention in another country’s affairs, our leaders in Washington are advocating further government intervention in the market. So exactly what is it going to take to turn the domestic auto industry around? It’s going

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to take real, drastic change. I’ve come to hate that word in 2008. The solution I offer is unpopular, but proven effective: chapter 11 bankruptcy. Now try to understand something. Chapter 11 bankruptcy does not mean total liquidation. Auto industry executives and politicians in Washington refuse to consider that bankruptcy might provide the best opportunity for the industry to recover. I won’t pretend that bankruptcy will be painless. On the contrary, bankruptcy proceedings will lead to more job loss in the auto industry, with thousands of workers getting pink slips. Chapter 11 bankruptcies will allow the Big Three to completely throw out existing union contracts and cease paying burdensome health care and pension plans. If the unions want to remain viable players in the labor field, they must temper their demands and work out reasonable wage and benefit packages. Don’t think corporate executives that led the Big Three toward financial ruin will get off easy. Under chapter 11 bankruptcy, automakers would fire those leaders responsible for this mess, and streamline their corporate leadership. Jack Welch, the former chairman and CEO of General Electric and a master at corporate streamlining, suggests that in addition to chapter 11 bankruptcy, a merger between GM and Chrysler could cut annual costs by $15 billion. I recognize that my solution will bring further economic pain. I recognize thousands of jobs will disappear, shareholders will witness investments vanish, wages will go down, health and pension benefits will be greatly reduced and many of you will think that I’m just another heartless libertarian with no concern for the men and women who will lose if these companies file for bankruptcy. Before you do that, consider two points: first, the airline industry faced the same struggle recently, and major players like United and US Airways have emerged from chapter 11 proceedings leaner and more competitive. The auto industry can do the same. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, a bailout is a temporary solution to a long-term problem. The auto industry experienced a “one-time bailout” in the 1970’s. That clearly didn’t fix the problem, and now they’re back for seconds. Sometimes we heartless libertarians know what we’re talking about. Hopefully politicians in Washington will listen this time, and leave the Big Three to fend for themselves.

He claimed that without immediate assistance, one or more of the Big Three could collapse in less than a year. Part of the blame sits on your shoulders, Ron. According to the UAW, the average base salary at the Big Three topped $39 per hour. When one tacks on the additional $33 per hour in health care, pension and other benefits the unions have successfully wrangled out of the companies, the total cost for these workers comes to a staggering $72 per hour. Line workers aren’t the only ones amassing large paychecks, either. A forklift operator for GM that belongs to the UAW reported making $103,000 in 2007. It doesn’t take a genius, or a congressman for that matter, to determine that paying inflated wages and providing benefits a company can’t afford are bad ideas. Union leaders advocated for benefits pack-

A popular saying claims there are no atheists in foxholes. Perhaps you have heard the political hacks on television claim that there are no libertarians in a recession, either. I would disagree with that last sentiment, because I think libertarians have better solutions for our current economic crisis than both Democrats and Republicans. A couple weeks ago, executives of the big- three automakers – JOE General Motors, Ford and Chrysler – showed up in HUNT Washington begging lawmakers for a handout. They flew there in private jets to ask for money. Maybe you haven’t enjoyed this spectacle as much as I have – the one where corporations in America privatize profits and attempt to socialize losses by demanding bailouts, forgetting that in a free market stocks go down as well as up – but let me be clear: the American automobile industry neither deserves nor needs a financial bailout. A bailout is the worst possible option on the table for the Big Three automakers. It will do nothing but reward poor management by corporate bureaucrats and incompetent union bosses that pushed for inflexible contractual commitments. As of writing this column, congressional Democrats are attempting to cobble together a $15 to $25 billion bailout of the auto industry. According to his testimony on Capitol Hill, General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner indicated that GM blows $2 billion a month. At the rate the Big Three are burning through cash, this gargantuan sum of money will only last four months, five tops. It’s impossible, not unlikely, for Detroit to turn it around and become profitable in that time span. Then they’ll be back asking for another handout from taxpayers. A government bailout of the Big Three automakers does not help the automakers at all. A bailout will, in essence, allow the Big Three to continue operating as sluggish behemoths and delay any real cost cutting streamlining. One of the biggest obstacles to the future of the Big Three is the United Auto Workers union and their inflexible and increasingly burdensome contractual demands. Ron Gettelfinger, current president of the UAW, was in Washington with the corporate cronies he normally opposes begging for a handout.

About four years ago, I set foot in a Walker Center 10th floor dorm room with a wealth of questions on my mind. Why does this room look like a jail cell? Where would I put my Playstation 2? After I figured out the important stuff, I wondered, what is about to happen to me now that I’m in college? I sit here now with most of those questions answered. Thankfully, none of those answered involved me making any visits to the Cleveland County Detention Center. Many of my friends weren’t so lucky. But I can say that these last four years have been quite the educational experience. And while my knowledge of American history is a bit ERIC spotty and most of the time I lack basic mathCOMBS ematical skills, the things I learned in Norman will stick with me for a long, long time. The following are a few quick flashbacks to some of the memorable lessons and experiences that have cultivated the learning environment around me over the past four years. The BCS is really, really awesome. I always enjoy hearing OU fans gripe and moan about how unfair the Bowl Championship Series is. That’s the best part about it if you’re an Oklahoma fan. This year will mark the fourth time those little football-omniscient computers have controversially placed OU in the national championship game. The last two times didn’t work out so well. I have a sneaking suspicion that this one will be different. It’s been said that even Chuck Norris wears Tim Tebow pajamas to bed. No one knows for sure. What I do know is that by the end of the day on Jan. 8, 2009, that immeasurable pansy Tebow will be asking Sam Bradford for an autograph. The South Oval preacher people are real, and they are out for blood. I had heard a number of horror stories about these lunatics before I arrived, but my freshman year at OU was a markedly prominent year for these super-religious vigilantes. I’ll never forget the phone call that came after a female friend of mine, a devout Christian and innocent young woman, was pushed to tears when one of these guys called her a “slut” solely because she attended college. Some impeccable reasoning on his part, and I can only imagine how intelligent his response would have been had she mentioned she was also in a – gasp – sorority. I’ll also never forget the guy who knocked one of these maniacs to his hind quarters by riding by on a bicycle and taking a pretty mean swat at the preacher’s massive sign. I never got a chance to thank that guy. People watching on campus is most fun on icy days. As a freshman, a few malicious friends and I sat on a bench outside the library as moron after moron slipped on the same icy spot roughly 50 yards from the south door to Bizzell Library. After about three hours, the humor remained. Next time it freezes in Norman, I suggest you join the fun. You’ll feel much better about yourself afterward. Don’t stand close to the street when walking to class on rainy days. One would think this is self-explanatory. It’s not. Next time a monsoon hits Norman, try driving around campus and hug the curbs to see how many suckers you can drench. I understand it’s crude, cold-hearted and wholly unnecessary. But don’t knock it until you try it. College isn’t all that hard. This may anger a few deans and professors around campus, but I’ve found over the years that maintaining presentable grades is startlingly easy. Perhaps I would have a different opinion if I were an accounting major. But I will forever maintain that the key to collegiate success is two-fold: go to class and stay semi-conscious. My attention span is relatively similar to that of a two-year old, as is my maturity level. I may have absorbed most of the class material by osmosis as opposed to actually paying attention, but the information got there. I’ve never pulled an all-nighter for school purposes. A wise man once said, “if the wagon ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Fair enough. College is a lot like Disney World. The thought of having a job in which I’m actually at work for nine hours at a time scares me. Why can’t I work for an hour in the morning, a good nap, and then another hour later in the afternoon? The college schedule is hard to beat. Add in a gaudy amount of people, organizations and activities all around you and it’s a surefire good time. Considering the most stressful part of your day is trying to avoid failing a test you won’t even remember taking 10 years from now, I appreciate my time here. One of these days, I’ll be worrying about feeding and supporting my family. That’s when the important stuff really starts. But until then I get to enjoy countless happy hours, football game days, food from Fat Sandwich Company and other things of grand unimportance. Soon I’ll be worried about my finances, my career and other mundane topics. The University of Oklahoma will soon release me into the wild in search of a living. Watch out world, my name is Eric Combs and I was born to raise hell.

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

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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 1 p.m. Sundays in 160 Copeland Hall. Columnists’ and cartoonists’ opinions are not necessarily the opinions of The Daily Editorial Board.

Corey DeMoss, sports editor dailysports@ou.edu phone: 325-7630, fax: 325-6051

Tuesday, Dec. 9. 2008

2008 OU football awards: Offense Editor’s Note: This is the ﬁrst of a four-part series on the college football postseason. The ﬁrst two days will feature OU awards, while the last two days will feature BCS breakdowns and a look at this year’s Heisman Trophy candidates

For the most productive first-year player

THE JACOB GUTIERREZ AWARD

Stats: 42 receptions, 661 yards, 6 TDs

THE FRESHMAN PHENOM AWARD

Wide receiver Ryan Broyles

For a consistent performer who doesn’t receive adequate recognition

Fullback Matt Clapp Stats: 7 rushes, 21 yards; 9 receptions, 92 yards, 3 TDs

MATT CLAPP

Clapp played in every game this season, and his value to the team cannot be shown by statistics. His most important role has been as a run and pass blocker, skills he learned from undervalued tight end Brody Eldridge. Clapp’s position may not be the sexiest on the field and fans may not be aware of his contributions, but he was selected as the All-Big 12 First Team fullback.

THE MR. CONSISTENCY AWARD

RYAN BROYLES

BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE AWARD For the team’s most exciting player

Running back DeMarco Murray Stats: 179 carries, 1,002 yards, 14 TDs

For the most reliable player

Running back Chris Brown Stats: 195 rushes, 1,110 yards, 20 TDs

CHRIS BROWN

Fellow running back DeMarco Murray tends to draw a lot of attention because of his speed and athleticism, but Brown leads the team in rushing yardage and touchdowns. Brown failed to reach the end zone in only two games, against Texas and TCU, the two toughest defenses OU has played. He has rushed for an average of 5.7 yards per carry and reached 100 yards in five of the 12 games this season.

THE BRUCE LEE AWARD For the player (or group of players) most likely to cause legitimate bodily harm

The entire offensive line The Sooners have put up ridiculous offensive numbers all season, primarily because defenders have been pancaked and embarrassed by the wall the offensive line created. The group of seniors that led the team gave Sam Bradford a world of time to make his passes, while creJON ating gaping holes for the tandem of running backs to run through. COOPER The 11 total sacks they have allowed this season ranks fourth in the nation, and the top three teams have played one less game.

THE RISING STAR AWARD For the player who showed the most improvement from last year to this year

Wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias Stats: 69 receptions, 1,092 yards, 10 TDs

JUAQUIN IGLESIAS

Iglesias put up good numbers last year, but lacked in the touchdown department while playing in Malcolm Kelly’s shadow. Iglesias’ stats last year were a respectable 68 receptions, 907 yards and five touchdowns. This year, as the team’s go-to receiver, he has already surpassed his reception total by one and has doubled his touchdowns.

People knew Broyles’ name before this season, but for all the wrong reasons. He was sidelined for the 2007-2008 season after he was caught stealing gas from a local convenience store, but he has redeemed himself as a dangerous outside threat. He ranks fourth on the team in receptions and touchdowns, and has the longest play of the year for the Sooners, a 77-yard touchdown reception against Washington.

RYAN BROYLES

Murray has battled back from a knee injury he sustained last year in an onside kick against Texas Tech. He has progressively gotten stronger throughout the year and peaked in recent weeks. He can break into the open on any play, particularly after regaining his usual acceleration. He also is a dangerous kick returner, and his one return against Missouri brought him to 2,171 allpurpose yards in his career, the most in OU history.

THE ALLSTATE AWARD For the team’s surest hands

Wide receiver Manuel Johnson

For the player who can always be counted on to get open

Tight end Jermaine Gresham Stats: 58 receptions, 888 yards, 12 TDs

JERMAINE GRESHAM

Gresham provides the biggest mismatch for opposing defenses because he is too fast for linebackers to cover and too big and strong for cornerbacks. He has struggled with dropped passes at times, but in situations where OU needed a first down or a timely reception, Gresham was there. Against Oklahoma State he pulled in nine receptions, including four consecutive catches and a touchdown on one drive.

The Academy Awards of football he college football regular season is over, and the marathon of bowl games that runs from mid-December to Jan. 8 is still a couple weeks away. College football’s most prestigious award, the Heisman Trophy, will be announced Saturday, followed soon after by others such as the Davey O’Brien and Walter Payton awards. And as usual during this time of year, these come on the heels of Hollywood’s Golden Globe Nominations, which are to be announced Thursday. Sports fans and movie buffs alike will tell you this year’s college football season provided as much drama as The Dark Knight and stirred up more controversy than Brokeback Mountain. If this season had been a movie, I’d definitely buy the DVD. Or at least RedBox it. With that in mind, here are a few awards of my own, presented Oscar-style, to tide you over until, well, the real things. Best Actor: Sam Bradford This was a tight race, but the sophomore quarterback’s additional screen time Saturday night against Missouri sealed the deal. Bradford turned in the best performance of the season, leading the Sooners to Miami while along the way putting up numbers you’d only expect to see in a video game. The Heisman-hopeful accounted for 53 total touchdowns and 4,464 passing yards, finishing with a record 186.28 passer efficiency rating. All three are higher than the numbers any of the previous 10 Heisman-winning quarterbacks recorded. Best Director: Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly Injuries plagued the quarterback position at Cincinnati this year, as five different quarterbacks started at least one game for the Bearcats. Apparently someone forgot to tell Kelly. All he did was win a school record 11 games en route to this year’s Big East title. Thanks to Kelly’s masterful direction, Cincinnati is playing in its first BCS game in school history.

Best Picture: Texas Tech 39, Texas 33. By far the best game of the year, and not just for what it meant to OU fans. This game was great theatre in itself, but throw in all the national title implications that were surrounding it, and there is no other game even close. The Longhorns’ second half comeback. Tech’s game-winning drive capped by Michael Crabtree’s touchdown catch with one second remaining. The sea of red and black that descended upon the field following the Red Raider victory. This all combined to produce the most exciting game of the regular season. Best Documentary: The Utah Utes This award essentially goes to the best ERIC of the non-BCS schools. DAMA The Utes, champions of the Mountain West conference, finished the season with a perfect 12-0 record and are headed to New Orleans to play Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Utah also turned in an undefeated season back in 2004, ending the season with a 35-7 win over Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl. Two BCS victories in as many tries is exactly what Utah needs if it wants to remain in the same sentence as the traditional powers from the six major conferences. Best Editing: The Florida Gators Following their home loss to Ole Miss in late September, the Gators returned to the drawing board and made the biggest change of the season. Since that game Florida has embarked on a nine-game winning streak that has been nothing short of mind-boggling, outscoring opponents by a combined total of 445-117. Five of those nine victories have come against teams that either are currently ranked or were ranked at the time. The most important came Saturday against then-No. 1 Alabama in the SEC championship game. — ERIC DAMA IS A JOURNALISM SOPHOMORE.

Stats: 38 receptions, 685 yards, 9 TDs All the Sooners have made some sensational grabs, but it’s hard not to give this award to Johnson. Johnson was a bit of an enigma coming into the season because he didn’t see the field as much last year, but he has proven capable of a starting spot. His defining moment this season was a one-handed, 66-yard DEMARCO touchdown reception against MURRAY Texas Tech that he made seem almost effortless. He is especially worthy after battling back from an elbow injury and preserving catches that many average receivers would drop.

THE 12TH MAN AWARD For the best player off the bench

Running back Mossis Madu Stats: 111 carries, 463 yards, 6 TDs Madu made his statement for this award last weekend when he stepped up and took over after Murray bruised his knee on the opening kickoff. Madu rushed 15 times for 114 yards and three touchdowns in the contest. His 37-yard touchdown just less than four minutes MANUEL with to go in the game was the longest JOHNSON rushing touchdown of the season for the Sooners. With 37 more yards for Madu, the Sooners would have two 1,000-yard rushers and a 500-yard rusher in the same season.

THE JASON WHITE AWARD THE SAFETY VALVE AWARD

STAFF COLUMN

For the team’s — and possibly the nation’s — best player

Quarterback Sam Bradford

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

Stats: 302-for-442, 4,464 yards, 48 TDs, 6 INTs Was there really any doubt about this one? Bradford has been incredible all year, staying poised at all times and completing passes in the pocket consistently as well as scrambling and staying accurate when throwing on the run. He has completed nearly 70 percent of his passes, and leads the SAM nation with a passing efficiency of 186.3. BRADFORD He has already started shattering OU records, and by the end of his career he should have plenty of national records and perhaps a Heisman Trophy.

All undergraduates at OU are eligible to apply. Deadline for applications is Jan. 19, 2009. For more information email: davispeaceprojects@ou.edu

Classifieds

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008

PLACE AN AD Phone 405.325.2521

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Announcements ENTERTAINMENT 2009 spring break taste of Ireland, 6 days, air, lodging, private bus, meals, and certified Irish guides, room for 50 people on special rate, 1st deposit due mid Jan. 2009. for more info call 3308068 or www.scissortailtravel.com

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FURNITURE Solid Oak Table, Six Chairs, and Server $575. Chaise Lounge $150. Queen Sleeper Sofa $275. Call 405-722-4480.

MISC. FOR SALE FOR SALE pool table $300, FOR SALE 14’ Aluminum boat, 15hp electric start motor, and trailer $1250. 100cc pocket crotch rocket bike $225. Call 360-1937

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

Employment HELP WANTED We pay up to $75.00 per online survey! www.cashtospend.com. Male needed to work with male individual with developmental disabilities. &7.50/hr to start. Paid training. Please call Panhandle Opportunities at 942-4822 or fax resume to 942-4993. Financial institution has immediate opening for an experienced teller. Previous banking experience or experience in retail is preferred. Strong customer service skills req. Earn monthly performance incentives in addition to salary. Part time positions available. Apply in person at First Bank & Trust Co., 2330 36th Ave NW, Norman or send resume to Human Resources, PO Box 580, Duncan,OK 73534. EOE, M/F/D/V.

J Housing Rentals APTS. FURNISHED 2 bedrms starting at $299 lease today, move in tomorrow! Call 366-0999. Walk to Campus -3 bdrm. apt $600 a month -1 bdrm. apt $350 a month -1 bdrm. all bills paid $475 a month (duplex) Call Sharon 397-3200 at Metro Brokers $400, bills paid, efficiency LOFT apartments, downtown over Mister Robert Furniture, 109 E Main, fire sprinkler, no pets, smoke-free. Inquire store office.

J Housing Rentals

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

small step no. 34

DUPLEXES UNFURNISHED NEAR OU, nice 2 bd, 1 bth Duplex, carpet, CH/A, w/d hkup, $425/mo, $300/dep, no pets. Ref req. 329-5568 or 496-3993, lv msg.

HOUSES UNFURNISHED

FETCH THIS PAPER YOURSELF

NOW LEASING FOR MAY 2009, nice 3 bed brick houses 1 & 2 blks west of OU on College or Chautauqua Ave. call BOB Mister Robert Furniture 109 E. Main 321-1818, or stop by to apply for other sizes.

TAKE A SMALL STEP TO GET HEALTHY

Nice, large 3-4 bd, 826 Jona Kay, 3/2/2/2 living, fp, 2000sf, $950/mo; 2326 Lindenwood, 4/2.5/2/3 living, 2400sf, $995/mo. 360-2873 or 306-1970.

www.smallstep.gov

2 bdrm house, 4 blks to OU, wood floors, CH/A, stove, refrig, w/d, no pets, $600/mo. Call BOB, MISTER ROBERT FURNITURE, 321-1818. 2709 Deer Chase Cir., 4bd, 21/2 bth, loft overlooks family room, 3 car garage 329-2310.

TOWNHOUSES UNFURNISHED Taylor Ridge Townhomes 2 Bdrm, 2.5 Bath, Fully Renovated Townhomes near OU! Pets Welcome! • Call for current rates and Move-in Specials!!! Taylor Ridge Townhomes (405) 310-6599 Griffin Park Townhouse, 2 bdrm, 1.5 bath, combined living and dining room, all appliances, furnished/unfurnished, neutral colors. 329-2310.

Employment

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HELP WANTED High energy waitstaff wanted! Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar. Apply in person: I-40 & Rockwell. Make up to $75 per online survey www.cashtospend.com. Now hiring lifeguard, swim instructors, and AM pool managers. Apply at the Cleveland County Family YMCA, 1350 Lexington Ave. EOE. SOONERSNEEDJOBS.COM Paid survey takers needed in Norman 100% FREE to join. Click on Surveys.

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APTS. UNFURNISHED Walk to Campus! Efficiency $375/MO. + 1/2 OFF 1st MO. RENT. Water/Sewage/Trash Paid. Corner of Boyd and College. For more info contact Elite Properties at 360-6624. Downtown Norman 3 bdrm loft apt or 1,000 sq ft office with kitch & bath over Mister Robert Furniture, 109 E. Main. $990/mo. Water & gas paid. See BOB, Mr. Robert Furniture. 1/2 OFF 1ST MONTHS RENT Dec. & Jan. Move-ins only! $99 DEPOSIT! PETS WELCOME! Models open 8a-8p Everyday! 1&2 bedrooms available! Elite Properties 360-6624 or www.elite2900.com

ROOMMATES WANTED One roommate needed for spring semester, 5 min walk to campus, room has private bathroom, $290/mo + utilities. Call (972) 533-7429.

2 bdrm, 1.5 bath, 928 sf, upstairs with brand new carpet and tile, 1 mile to OU, $39,000. Holly Van Auken, Dillard Group, 326-1999.

1 3 6 3 4

CONDOS UNFURNISHED 1,2,3,&4 bedrooms, starting at $350/mo. 1/2 OFF FIRST MONTHS RENT! Available immediately. The Edge at Norman. Call (303) 550-5554 or email: iris_macintosh@msn.com.

Previous Solution

9 4 4 9 1 5

HOUSES Available Now

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CONDOS

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Bartending! Up to $250/day. No exp nec. Training provided. 1-800-965-6520, x133.

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Difficulty Schedule: Monday - Very Easy Tuesday - Easy Wednesday - Easy Thursday - Medium Friday - Hard

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Universal Crossword

Community Service Coordinator (Contract) Legal

Edited by Timothy E. Parker December 09, 2008

Some college or experience with social service agency and/or grant administration preferred. Knowledge of business administration practices associated with community services programs and juveniles. Valid Oklahoma Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record, $10.00 - $11.00 per hour. Obtain applications at 201-C West Gray, Human Resources Dept, City of Norman (405) 366-5482 or www.NormanOK. gov. EOE/AA

ACROSS 1 Made a harsh birdcall 6 Beauty’s admirer 11 Wooed successfully 14 Culpability 15 Leading male in a pack 16 “Be there ___ minute” 17 Cause one to sink or swim? 19 Styron’s Turner 20 Actor’s ambition 21 Be apprehensive 23 Cuddly TV alien 26 Small amounts 28 Animator Tex 29 Part of SWAK 31 Where many get a tattoo 34 Adventurer’s stock 35 Sports show feature 38 Bali or Elba 39 Place to get some bucks? 40 “The Sopranos” actress de Matteo 41 Emulated a well-trained dog 43 Looks through the keyhole 44 Stand in the way

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Housing Sales

45 Academy attendees 46 Farmer’s measures 48 Fitzgerald’s forte 50 Angus refusal 51 Ponce de Leon’s discovery 54 Whale of an attraction 56 Sigma follower 57 Gazebo 62 One dyne per centimeter measure 63 Emulated a horse whisperer 64 To a specified time 65 Pep rally shout 66 Some produce lemons and cherries 67 Ladies and gentlemen of the jury DOWN 1 Semi conductor’s devices? 2 Swiss eminence 3 All’s fair in it 4 Qatari leader 5 What de stenographer takes? 6 Spoke sheepishly? 7 90-degree bend 8 Barbary beasts 9 “Arms and

10 11 12 13 18 22 23 24 25 27 30 32 33 35 36 37

the Man” playwright A winner might do this Lozenge flavor Kind of personality, in the media Like a smart dresser “___ to help!” Shunned Up and buzzing about Item in a flat file? Fizzle, as a deal Web masters More suspicious Like fine wine Letter after pi Raised, as an anchor Penta plus two French cup

39 Roulette option 42 Won’t take “no” for an answer 43 Fix hastily and temporarily 45 Singer Vikki 46 Prefix with “shock” 47 Bow or Barton 49 Sorority members 52 Twofold 53 Contents of some barrels 55 Highly-rated 58 Chanced upon 59 Sport ___ (all-purpose vehicle) 60 Alfred Hitchcock title? 61 1997 U.S. Open winner Ernie

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

“ADD SEASONING” by June Mayweather

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

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Arts & Entertainment

Adam Kohut, A&E editor dailyent@ou.edu phone: 325-5189, fax: 325-6051 For more, go to oudaily.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008

Sound off: the year in musical releases •The Daily’s Tyler Branson picks the ten best album releases of 2008, from Kanye West to The Killers.

Photo provided

ATMOSPHERE

Photo provided

KANYE WEST

NAS

“When Life Gives you Lemons” Rhymesayer Records

“Untitled” Def Jam Records

Rapper Slug and DJ Ant really bring on the heat in “When Life Gives You Lemons.” The beats are incredibly original, as Atmosphere incorporated a live band in addition to the samples. The electronic thumping sample in “Should’ve Known” and the storytelling verses throughout make this a groundbreaking album that makes a statement about the evolution of hip-hop to come.

Regarded as one of the best rappers alive, Nas released his album this year amid controversy, mostly over his protests about the Fox News Network. Whatever your political opinions, you cannot deny that Nas still has the newest and most intriguing hip-hop sounds to date. “Sly Fox,” “Hero” and “Black President” (in which he actually samples a speech by Barack Obama) are standout tracks on the album that solidify its place as one of the best of 2008.

Photo provided

T.I.

“808s and Heartbreak” Roc-A-Fella Records I decided that I liked this album after a few listens. West, despite his arrogance, continually puts out innovative, intriguing and diverse albums. “808s” is more mature and musically different than any of his previous work. His experimentation with electronic sounds and tribal drums makes this one of the best albums of the year.

“Papertrail” Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records I was stunned that I liked T.I.’s new album, considering the cheesiness of most commercial rappers these days. But “Papertrail” is a surprisingly quality record, incorporating some pretty neat beats and samples and hosting a slew of famous guest appearances. “Swagger Like Us,” which uses a contagious sample of M.I.A., is a good example (with guest verses by Kanye West, Lil’ Wayne and the illustrious Jay Z) and the single “Whatever You Like” is now a staple of the club and bar scenes.

WANT MORE A&E? Visit oudaily.com for more Arts & Entertainment content, including this week’s New Music Tuesday.

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SANTOGOLD “Santogold” Downtown Records Santogold reminds me of a combination of ‘80s hip-hop, dub music and electronic all in one. Her high voice and interesting vocal patterns create a dynamic sound that complements the infectious beats and synth-like guitars. The single “L.E.S. Artistes” reminds me of Blondie and warrants a purchase of the album in itself.

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GIRL TALK “Feed the Animals” Illegal Art

“Feed the Animals,” released exclusively as an MP3 album, exhibits this DJ’s extraordinary mashup skills. You won’t believe the way he smoothly incorporates a diverse range of samples — everything from Metallica to Twisted Sister to Three Six Mafia to Lil’ Wayne — into incredible dance-party songs.

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MGMT

COLD WAR KIDS

“Oracular Spectacular” Sony Records

“Loyalty to Loyalty” Downtown Records

MGMT’s new album has some irregular and intriguing sounds that set them apart from other indie bands in 2008. The vocals are funky, the music is heavily synth and keyboard oriented and each track has a unique and innovative sound. The best tracks are “Time to Pretend,” “Weekend Wars” and, of course, by far the best dance single of the year, “Electric Feel.”

This is a pretty solid album from one of the best indie bands around right now. It’s bluesy and raw, and frontman Nathan Willett’s haunting voice highlights the music, especially in the slower “Every Man I Fall For.”

The new solo album from Conor Oberst is much different than his work with Bright Eyes, but it truly showcases his prolific songPhoto provided writing abilities. Oberst recorded the album with the Mystic Valley Band in Mexico, which explains some of “Conor Oberst” the more optimistic as well as the Merge Records songs overall folk-country sound.

CONOR OBERST

The Killers retain their signature synth-heavy, ‘80s throwback sound in “Day Age.” Photo provided and Vocals have improved and the songs are livelier. “Day and “Day & Age” Age” is very ‘80s, but it works

THE KILLERS

Island Records

—TYLER BRANSON IS AN ENGLISH AND HISTORY SENIOR.

HOROSCOPE By Bernice Bede Osol

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008 SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Even though you may be in an easygoing mood, you will go all out if you see a way to use your efforts to gain a material advantage over your competition at work. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Some kind of calculated risk may be required to advance a self-interest that’s important to you. You will instinctively know whether the odds warrant what you need to do. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Outstanding results can be achieved, especially if you are tenacious and persistent about going after your objective. Once you decide what you want, don’t let distractions throw you off course. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -Friends and acquaintances aren’t likely to resist your pleasant personality. Your congeniality, charm and enthusiasm will work like a one-two-three punch.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- The trends are running in your favor concerning your personal and private interests. Capitalize on getting your affairs in order and setting your mind at ease. CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Some kind of benefits can be derived through partnership arrangements or group involvements, so it behooves you to be a joiner. Be friendly to everyone, and watch things develop. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Those very pieces that wouldn’t fit together previously could find their places. Develop your plans, and make your moves when you see things coming together. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -Past frustrations could be robbed of their power if you treat life philosophically. Simply hang loose and watch things work out to your satisfaction in ways you couldn’t do on your own.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- If ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- A you believe an adjustment can number of expected opportunities be made to improve conditions in will be there with regard to your your dealings with others, don’t material interests. However, one just sit there waiting for things to channel in particular could be a happen. Take measures in your complete surprise. own hands, and make life work.

Hazing?

Not on our campus. Report incidents at:

325-5000

All calls are anonymous. The University of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -Things might not run as smoothly as you would like, but you will, nevertheless, deal with any irregularities in an effective manner and keep everything under control.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Those with whom you’ll be involved will want to be your ally. They’ll sense in you those qualities that indicate that you’re a cooperative spirit who is easy to get along with.

News

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008

STATE BRIEF

ARMED AND FABULOUS

Transportation officials ramp up project list

AP Photo

A squad of female Pakistani police officers patrols the street, as people shop in a market before the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha Monday in Multan, Pakistan.

Chamber opposes ban on lobbyist spending OKLAHOMA CITY — The State Chamber is fighting a proposal to prohibit lobbyists from buying dinner, expensive gifts and sporting tickets for state officials. The chamber, an association of business and industry in Oklahoma, has asked its members to e-mail their opposition to the state Ethics Commission, which is considering the proposal. Chamber vice president Ron Cupp says the issue is a matter of free speech and access to lawmakers. “When you meet with legislators for breakfast or lunch ... you’re getting them out of the hubbub of the Capitol where they have committee meetings and floor votes and constituents come calling,” Cupp said. “It’s a matter of access and free speech.” The author of the proposal, John Wood, a member of the board of Common Cause Oklahoma, said the chamber is overreacting: Legislators and elected officials still may go to lunch with lobbyists, they just would pay for their own meals, he said. The chamber-sponsored legislative breakfasts and lunches are exempt from

being considered a thing of value and would continue to be exempt if the proposal becomes law, he said. The state constitution forbids corporations from giving campaign contributions to legislators and elected officials, and it’s troublesome that lobbyists, who can be considered middle men for corporations, are able to provide gifts for them, Wood said. Wood, a political science professor at Rose State College, said Oklahoma legislators are paid well and don’t need lobbyists to buy them meals. Cupp said the meals bought by lobbyists don’t give them an advantage when legislators later consider voting on issues. “Do you really think that a legislator is going to base his vote on a $15 lunch?” Cupp asked. Commissioners will hear comments on the plan at a meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday at the state Capitol. Commissioners will vote in January on which proposals to pass on to legislators.

— AP

OKLAHOMA CITY — Anticipating an influx of cash as part of a federal economic stimulus proposal, Oklahoma transportation officials on Monday moved forward with planning for nearly 100 road and bridge projects across the state. Although an agreement hasn’t been reached on any type of economic stimulus program for the states, Oklahoma Department of Transportation Director Gary Ridley said the agency must be ready to move forward quickly with projects if funding becomes available. “We really don’t know how much money will be included in an economic stimulus package or when that package will be passed by Congress, but we want to be ready so we can hit the ground running,” Ridley said. “This is a golden opportunity to restore Oklahoma highways and bridges to a better condition and put people to work.” The Transportation Commission approved spending up to $9 million to conduct engineering studies and prepare final construction plans. The projects all are part of the transportation department’s eight-year construction work plan and total about $850 million. Ridley said the department selected projects that could be started within 30 days and included jobs that require no major environmental studies, right-of-way acquisition or other obstacles that could slow projects from moving forward. Among the most expensive items in the plan are paving rehabilitation projects on Interstate 40 in Beckham, Canadian, Custer, McIntosh and Muskogee counties. Also included are about $48 million in transit infrastructure improvements in Lawton, Norman, Tulsa, Oklahoma City and several rural transit projects.

NATIONAL BRIEFS Major newspaper company files for bankruptcy NEW YORK — Tribune Co. — owner of the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun and other dailies — filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Monday, the first major newspaper publisher to take such a step since the Internet plunged the industry into a desperate struggle for survival. The media conglomerate was smothered by a drop-off in advertising and a crushing $13 billion in debt from the company’s takeover a year ago by Chicago real estate mogul Sam Zell. Chapter 11 would buy the Tribune Co. time to put its finances in order. Analysts said the company will almost certainly have to sell off some of its major holdings — and that could prove extremely difficult because of the bad economy and the poor outlook for newspapers. “When you look at the near term, prospects for the company and the industry are certainly not very bright,” said Dave Novosel, an analyst with the Gimme Credit research firm. Tribune Co. employees, who received an ownership stake in the company when Zell came in, could also see the value of their holdings wiped out. Tribune Co., which has 20,000 employees, owns baseball’s Chicago Cubs as well as 10 daily newspapers, including The Hartford (Conn.) Courant and The Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel, cable channels and 23 TV stations. Its papers’ total circulation of more than 2 million puts the Tribune Co. among the top three most-read newspaper groups nationwide.

Malaria vaccine shows promise in Africa tests NEW YORK — A vaccine that may become the world’s first to prevent malaria shows promise in protecting African children, researchers said Monday, calling the results a “major milestone.” In early tests, the experimental vaccine was more than 50 percent effective in preventing the deadly disease in infants and toddlers in two countries in Africa, the scientists said. A larger and longer test is expected to begin early next year,

the latest effort at slowing a disease that kills nearly 1 million people annually. It is the first malaria vaccine to make it this far, and if further studies are successful, marketing approval could be sought as early as 2011. The vaccine was developed by the British-based GlaxoSmithKline PLC. The results “add to our confidence that we are closer than ever before” to a malaria vaccine for African children, Dr. Christian Loucq, director of the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative, said during a teleconference from New Orleans. The nonprofit group was started with a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to help develop malaria vaccines and make sure they’re available where needed. The group teamed up with GlaxoSmithKline, and both paid for the vaccine studies.

McDonald’s same-store sales jump in November NEW YORK — Consumers hungry for cheap meals boosted worldwide sales at McDonald’s Corp.’s established locations by 7.7 percent in November, more proof of how the fast-food leader is thriving in a downturn that has eaten into sales at its competitors. Even recession-weary consumers in the U.S. were enticed by the Golden Arches during the month. U.S. same-store sales — or sales at locations open at least a year — rose 4.5 percent from the same month a year earlier, the company said Monday.

Military jet crash in San Diego kills 3 on ground SAN DIEGO — A fighter jet returning to a Marine base after a training exercise crashed in flames in a San Diego neighborhood Monday, killing three people on the ground, leaving one missing and destroying two homes. The pilot of the F/A-18D Hornet jet ejected safely just before the crash around noon at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Explosions rocked a neighborhood of half-milliondollar homes, sending flames and plumes of smoke skyward. “The house shook; the ground shook. It was like I was frozen in my place,” said Steve Krasner, who lives a few blocks from the crash. “It was bigger than any earthquake I ever felt.” Three people were killed in a house where two children, a mother and a grandmother were believed to be at the time of the crash, but fire officials did not immediately know who died. Another person remained missing. “We just know that four people were inside, and three of them have been accounted for,” Fire Department spokesman Maurice Luque said.

WORLD BRIEF Pakistan arrests suspected attack plotter ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Troops raided a militant camp and arrested a suspected mastermind of the Mumbai attacks, Pakistan’s first reported response to U.S. and Indian demands for action against alleged plotters on its soil, officials said Monday. The arrest in Pakistani Kashmir of Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi could signal the beginning of a wider crackdown aimed at reducing tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors and satisfying Washington. Lakhvi is allegedly a member of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a banned group blamed for other attacks on its soil. Analysts say it was created in the 1980s by Pakistan’s intelligence agencies to act as a proxy fighting force in Indian Kashmir. Many analysts suspect elements within Pakistan’s intelligence agencies keep some links with Lashkar and other militants, either to use against India or in neighboring Afghanistan, but U.S. counterterrorism officials say there is no evidence linking Pakistan state agencies to the Mumbai attacks. The United States says Lashkar is linked to al-Qaida. In May, the U.S. blocked the assets of Lakhvi and three other alleged members of the group, including its leader, Hafiz Mohammed Saeed. Indian officials in New Delhi and Islamabad were not available for comment.

— AP