The Oklahoma Daily

THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA’S I NDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE

VOL. 94, NO. 107 FREE — Additional Copies 25¢

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2009 © 2009 OU Publications Board

Student organizations gifted with renovated center

CAMPUS BRIEFS Gaylord chosen for more scholarship money Gaylord College of Journalism & Mass Communication was chosen as a Scripps Howard Foundation partner.

The partnership will allow Gaylord to nominate students for internship grants from the foundation. The grant will give two Gaylord students a $3,000 stipend during the internship and a $1,000 follow-up scholarship.

Gaylord is one of 39 colleges nationwide chosen for the partnership.

State GOP congressmen vote against spending bill Oklahoma’s four Republican U.S. representatives voted against a $410 billion spending bill Monday.

The bill contained $66 million in requested earmarks from Oklahoma Republicans, including money that could be headed for Norman.

Rep. Tom Cole, R-Norman, asked for funding for biofuels research and refining engineering work at OU and an electronic records initiative at Norman Regional Health System, but ended up voting against the bill.

Rep. Dan Boren, D-Muskogee, was the only Oklahoma representative to vote for the bill.

—DAILY STAFF REPORTS

WHAT’S INSIDE Tax season is coming up. Do you know how to do yours? Learn how in today’s edition of How-to-Tuesday. Page 3.

• Five groups to enjoy modernized home ASHLEY BODY The Oklahoma Daily The Jim Thorpe Multicultural Center is getting a face-lift and a new location. The Old Commons building on Asp Avenue, south of the dormitories, is undergoing a $4.4 million renovation to become the center’s new home.

It will house the American Indian Student Life group, Asian American Student Life group, Latino Student Life group, International Students Association and

Association for Disabled Students, said Clark Stroud, vice president for Student Affairs.

Construction began in August and is scheduled to be completed this fall. The building will include a conference room for each major group, multipurpose areas, a workroom, storage, and a second story lounge.

The multipurpose rooms will have soundproofed dividing walls with thick foam lining. Each multipurpose space also will be equipped with a sound system

CENTER Continues on page 2 Image provided

Thise blueprint shows the layout for the new Jim Thorpe Multicultural Center scheduled for completion in the fall. Visit OUDaily.com to see the full blueprint.

OU Goes Green

contract with Johnson Controls Inc. to make OU more energy efficient.

The upgrades might have a big price tag, but will save OU money in the long run by supplying reductions in energy emissions and operating costs, Amanda Hearn, OU Physical Plant spokeswoman, said in an e-mail.

To ensure energy effectiveness, Johnson Controls, Inc. tests energy emission levels before the upgrades and again after the ASHLEY BODY upgrades are complete to verify OU’s savings.

The Oklahoma Daily OU’s annual energy reductions will be equal to more than OU has set a $21 million budget to make campus buildings 1,800 fewer cars in Norman, Hearn said.

Upgrades began in November with energy-efficient exit signs more eco-friendly.

OU entered into a $21 million guaranteed performance in most buildings and will be completed in two years.

• Reduction in campus energy consumption may save money, environment in the long run

Two bikes stolen from Traditions West were found in pawn shops in the area. Check out what you can do to keep your bike safe. Page 3.

WHAT’S CHANGING ON CAMPUS Exit Signs

LIFE & ARTS It’s New Music Tuesday! Check out thrashers Lamb of God and local band Jonbear Fourtet.

Page 8.

Most electric powered exit signs across campus have been removed and replaced with photo luminescent exit signs. The signs glow in the dark because no electricity is used. This project started in November and was completed in February.

The Hope Theatre presented the musical “Aida” last weekend. Read the review on page 7.

Exterior Lighting

SPORTS The Sooner baseball team starts off an eight-game homestand at 1 p.m. today against Arkansas-Little Rock. For details, see page 5.

News Opinion Police Reports Sports Sudoku

WESTBORO Continues on page 2

RIDE Continues on page 2

The overhead fixtures’ power resistors, which push electricity into the light bulbs, are being replaced with more energy-effecient bulbs to reduce wattage use. The light bulbs also are being replaced with lower wattage bulbs. The project began in February and is still in progress.

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WEATHER FORECAST

TODAY

LOW 37° HIGH 58°

WEDNESDAY LOW 43° HIGH 70° Source: Oklahoma Weather Lab

Sensored Lights Many offices and classrooms are receiving sensors to distinguish when electricity is needed. If a room is no longer in use, the lights will turn off automatically. The project began in February and is still in progress.

Vending Machines Some buildings’ vending machines will receive motion detectors to eliminate constant lighting of the interior and exterior. When someone approaches the machine, it will turn on automatically instead of using electricity 24 hours a day. The vending machine upgrades are in progress.

Toilets Low-water-flow toilets will be installed in select restrooms, which will reduce water use from about six gallons per minute to 1.6 gallons per minute. Many bathrooms also will receive new fixtures to reduce the total water output. Low water-flow toilets have yet to be installed.

Source: Amanda Hearn, OU Physical Plant spokeswoman. Photos by Amy Frost/The Daily

Westboro church accuses State Legislature of being too gay-friendly • Controversial church calls Rep. Sally Kern pro-gay RICKY MARANON The Oklahoma Daily The Westboro Baptist Church protested outside the Oklahoma State Capitol Monday, claiming the Oklahoma Legislature was too friendly to gays and lesbians.

The state Legislature caused controversy last month when the House of Representatives invited Scott Jones, an openly gay minister, to lead the morning prayer. The Legislature recorded Jones’ remarks about gay rights made before the prayer into records alongside his prayer.

This decision caught the attention of the anti-gay activist church and prompted them to pay the state capitol a visit.

The church said the state Legislature contradicted itself in its actions.

“They claim to be for the family and God, and then they let a fag lead them in prayer,” said Shirley Phelps-Roper, leader of the Westboro Baptist Church protestors.

She said the state Legislature should be less accepting of gays, which did not make sense to some counterprotestors.

“I’m very confused when it comes to why they came here,” said Angela Wood, a counter-protestor. “Oklahoma isn’t exactly gay-rights friendly.”

Wood said she attended the counter-protest to defend the memory of a friend who died while serving in Iraq and whose funeral was interrupted by a Westboro Baptist Church protest.

AMANDA BLISS The Oklahoma Daily

Phelps-Roper said the Legislature’s decision with Jones showed it is friendly to homosexuals.

“They say they are for the Lord, pass a few laws here and there, and then they open the doors to the same people who make a mockery of his word,” she said.

Phelps-Roper said it doesn’t matter where a government is located or how it votes, because all governments endorse sin. She also said God will judge the leaders heavily.

Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, a noted anti-gay legislator, is too pro-gay, Phelps-Roper said.

“She is just anti-gay to get power and money,” she said.

“Sally Kern was in the chamber and enabled the man to say the prayer. She says one thing and does another. The woman is focused on self-righteousness.”

The light bulbs previously used by OU contained 50 percent more wattage than the new, energy efficient bulbs. The change will not affect the design of the exterior lighting or reduce the outdoor lamp posts’ amount of light. The project began in February and is still in progress.

TODAY’S INDEX Campus Notes 2 Classifieds 6 6 Crossword Horoscope 7 L&A 7, 8

• Student promotes awareness of OU’s SafeRide program Students partying on Campus Corner can expect more than a free cab ride if one OU student’s idea gets off the ground.

Ross Becker, geology senior, wants to promote the use of SafeRide by taking charge of a cab and turning it into “Cash Ride,” an OU-only version of the Discovery Channel series “Cash Cab.” Cash Ride would allow students to win small cash prizes in exchange for answering trivia and school-related questions correctly. It would also provide content for TV4OU, where Becker would like to air the video segments that he would film as a Cash Ride driver and game show host.

But he said the main purpose of the program wouldn’t be to dole out cash or fill the airwaves.

“I want to raise awareness about SafeRide so students can make smarter choices when they drink,” Becker said.

He said his idea grew out of poor choices of his own. Last year, he was arrested for driving under the influence, an event that left him with thousands of dollars in fines, court costs, lawyer fees and the regret that he hadn’t made better decisions.

He hopes that a program like Cash Ride would encourage more students to take advantage of SafeRide’s free weekend cab rides.

“SafeRide is a really great program. I want people to know they can make a smarter choice by calling them,” Becker said.

But the Cash Ride concept will have to clear some administrative hurdles before Becker gets behind the wheel of a Campus Corner cab.

The proposal has to be cleared by the president and vice president of Student Affairs, as well as Yellow Cab, before it will be considered for implementation, said Brynn Daves, assistant to the vice president of Student Affairs.

But some are concerned aspects of Becker’s idea could undermine the purpose of SafeRide.

“One of the more important aspects of SafeRide is that students remain anonymous when choosing to use the service,” Daves said. “Any other factor that compromises a student’s decision to use SafeRide is unacceptable to the university.”

Becker said that in order to comply with SafeRide’s privacy guarantees, he would have every student participating in Cash Ride sign a video consent form the night of the ride. The following morning, the student would receive a follow-up call to remind them of the event and ask for final consent.

If Becker gets the permissions he needs to launch Cash Ride, he’s prepared with a plan for the game and its questions.

Cash Ride, like Cash Cab, will begin with relatively easy questions and progress to harder ones. Participants can earn prizes by answering every question correctly.

“I’ve thought about using cash. You

Indoor Lighting

The Oklahoma City Thunder lost its star forward Kevin Durant earlier this week to a sprained ankle, but The Daily’s MJ Casiano writes that the injury is not necessarily a bad thing. Page 5.

OU’s own Cash Cab may take off soon

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News

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

CAMPUS NOTES TODAY CAREER SERVICES

Career Services will host a telephone interviewing session at 9:30 a.m. in the Oklahoma Memorial Union.

CHRISTIANS ON CAMPUS

Christians on Campus will host a Bible study at noon in the union.

Ride

Continued from page 1 start out with penny questions and at the end double or nothing with a really difficult question similar to Cash Cab,” said Becker. “I’ll have to use money out of my own pocket until I get sponsors.”

In an attempt to recruit sponsors, Becker intends to ask questions that advertise sponsors’ companies or program names, such as, “How much does a pint of Bud Light cost at O’Connell’s?”

SAFERIDE Offers free rides for students within the Norman city limits for any reason.

Thursday – Saturday 10 p.m. – 3 a.m.

Call 325-RIDE

WOMEN’S OUTREACH CENTER

The Women’s Outreach Center will present an informational teach-in and film screening at 7 p.m. in the union.

WEDNESDAY Ricky Maranon/The Daily

Shirley Phelps-Roper (right), leader of the Westboro protestors, talks with the press while her relatives and other members of the Westboro Baptist Church gather outside the State Capitol Monday afternoon to protest. Protestors claimed the state Legislature was too gay-friendly.

Westboro Continued from page 1

Kern is a pro-gay legislator because she was in the chamber and took part in the prayer, Phelps-Roper said.

“Anyone who listened to the prayer enabled the man to desecrate the sacred ritual of prayer,” she said.

Phelps-Roper said the only

prayer God hears from a homosexual is one of repentance and salvation, which makes the minister’s prayer useless.

Kern said she enjoyed the prayer and thinks it pleased God, but does not support gays.

“I think God loves everyone,”

Norman Chamber of Commerce elects new members Two OU community members were among the 10 newly elected members of the Norman Chamber of Commerce board announced Monday.

Ken Carson, program administrator of the aviation department, and Kelvin Droegemeier, meteorology professor, were announced as newly elected representatives by AnnaMary Suggs, executive director of the Norman Chamber of Commerce, in a press release.

The new board members will serve three-year terms beginning May 1, accounting to 41 board members representing the Chamber’s 1,400 members.

she said. “I was in the chamber and I heard the prayer, and prayed along with Rev. Jones.”

Kern said she does not endorse what the Westboro Baptist Church says or does, and her voting record will show she stands for traditional values. She voted against includ-

ing into the record the pro-gay remarks made by the minister.

“The only reason I focus on homosexuality is because God focuses on homosexuality,” Kern said. “But I don’t hate anyone. God tells me to love everyone, and I try my best to do so.”

Other newly elected board members include Jill Brown, Copelin’s Office Center; Sean Crandall, Arvest Bank; Jack Ferrell, Oklahoma Electric Cooperative; Debra Krittenbrink, Bridges; William Murray, The Montford Inn; Jim Rickards, Embassy Suites Norman Hotel and Convention Center; David Stringer, The Norman Transcript and Joceyln Wall, The International Pantrywere.

Kyla McMoran, Chamber of Commerce communications director, said being defeated in an election shouldn’t deter people from the position.

“We are excited about our new members, and we encourage those who were not elected to not give up and to run again,” McMoran 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

CAREER SERVICES

Career Services will host a lunch discussing how to find internships at noon and an information session discussing how to prepare for a second interview at 2 p.m. in the union.

CHRISTIANS ON CAMPUS

Christians on Campus will host a Bible study at 12:30 p.m. in Oklahoma Memorial Union.

L&A CORRECTION

Due to an editor’s error, in Monday’s story, “Festival Ballet pliés into Rupel J. Jones Theatre,” The Daily incorrectly attributed the design of the Firebird costume. It was designed by Lloyd Cracknell, not Mike Buchwald.

Source: SafeRide’s Web site

Center Continued from page 1

to improve microphones or music.

The second story lounge is modeled after Beaird Lounge in the Oklahoma Memorial Union, Stroud said, with an open environment overlooking the multipurpose areas.

The layout of the building is dynamic, with mobile walls which can partition off specific parts of the building during events, while leaving bathrooms and the kitchen accessible.

President David Boren toured the new location with leaders from the five student groups and got their feedback before construction started, Stroud said.

“These groups that were seen as a minority on campus now have a place to grow and prosper,” UOSA president Amanda Holloway said. “For students as a whole [the new center] will be a place where you can learn about cultures, work with, and for each other. It is a great way to develop our student body and Student Life’s involvement.”

The interior decorating was done to fit the student lifestyle. All of the fixtures will be streamlined and modern to match the building’s outward appearance and overall character, Stroud said.

—LEIGHANNE MANWARREN/THE OKLAHOMA DAILY

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

Campus News

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

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There’s no trick to tackling taxes • Filing online one of many options JAMIE BIRDWELL The Oklahoma Daily Photo Illustration by Lilly Chapa/The Daily

Although many college students pass off their tax forms to their parents, students who do their own have options to make filing taxes simpler and more efficient.

The first option is the old-fashioned way: pen and paper. All the forms are available online on the IRS Web site. The 1040-A federal income tax form is most applicable to college students and includes instructions.

Use your W-2 forms provided by your employer to enter all income earned over the previous year. As you work down the lines, it will ask for deductions. Deductions are items that can be subtracted from the amount you owe the government, such as donations to a charity.

The standard deduction for a single person is $5,450. Other deductions could be given for charitable donations or student loan interest. Though student loan interest is technically a form of income because it makes interest, the government gives students a break and doesn’t tax it. If you are not claimed as a dependent by parents or guardians, you can receive an extra $3,500 deduction from the government.

There will be a diagram on the 1040-A instruction sheet specifying the different income levels. Once you figure out what tax bracket you fit into, multiply the percentage on the chart by the amount of taxable income (which is the total annual income minus all the deductions).

This number is the amount you owe the government.

If the number you owe is lower than your taxable income, then you will receive a refund from the IRS. If the number is larger, then you owe the government money.

Use these numbers for the 1040-A and either mail the forms to the IRS or file it online. If completed online, the refund can be directly deposited within two to three weeks. The process of filling out tax forms should not take long for a typical college student who would only

HOW

Some bikes may appear across campus later on, while others are sold to local pawn shops.

Registering bikes with OUPD helpful to owners Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Nalewajk/The Daily

Tax time is here. Piled in with homework and classes, students must also file their taxes. Options include going to a tax professional, do-it-yourself, e-filing or the old-fashioned way of sending in a paper tax return.

Tuesday

CLARK FOY The Oklahoma Daily

1040, GOOD BUDDY TURBO TAX Turbo Tax is a computer program designed to make filing taxes easier. Instead of physically filling out the forms, the software simplifies the process by asking a series of simple questions and estimates the deductions for which you are eligible. The software is available online or in stores and costs about $50 for federal and state tax help.

Source: Alli Taylor, accounting graduate student and intern for Edie Bailly accounting firm

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance VITA is a volunteer group of OU law students who help Norman citizens with their taxes Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Norman Public Library.

To receive help, bring last year’s tax information, W-2

have one or two jobs and, therefore, one or two W-2 forms.

While being accurate is important, if you miscalculate and the IRS catches it, it will send you a corrected version.

• Tracking number helps police track stolen property

forms and some form of identification. Taxpayers can visit VITA until April 13, and assistance is first come, first serve.

Source: Nelson Dent, reference librarian for the Norman Public Library

H&R Block H&R Block assists taxpayers with federal and state tax forms. You can meet with a tax professional in person or file taxes online. A tax professional will guide you through every step, but will charge a fee for the services.

In 2008, the average fee was $172. When you come to the office, be sure to bring all tax-related documents.

There are 4 H&R Block locations in Norman: 686 Ed Noble Parkway; 1000 E. Alameda, Ste 130; 333 Interstate Drive and 1264 N. Interstate Drive.

Source: H&R Block Web site

Sources: Alli Taylor, accounting graduate student and intern for Eide Bailly accounting firm, and Chase Schnebel, law student and student representative for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).

Authorities located two bicycles at a pawn shop outside of town after they were stolen from Traditions West Apartments two weeks ago.

Matt Schlegel, industrial engineering sophomore, said his bicycle was found in Del City with another student’s bicycle which had been stolen the same day.

Schlegel contacted OUPD, and heard another student from a different building in Traditions was already talking to an officer about the theft. He said his bicycle was locked to the rack when it was stolen.

OUPD Lt. Bruce Chan said using a bicycle lock is the best way to prevent theft, but other precautions can help get stolen bicycles back to their owners.

Registering a bicycle with the OUPD helps authorities track stolen bicycles, he said.

“Registering your bike does two things,” Chan said.

“One, it acts as a deterrent as thieves will think twice about stealing a registered bike, and two, the registration number will help us track the bike.”

Registering a bicycle online or in person with the OUPD takes about a few minutes, he said.

Registering is just like putting a license plate on a car, except it’s free, Chan said. Only the bicycle’s serial number is needed.

After registering, the owner gets a decal to place on a visible part of the bicycle. The decal lets would-be thieves know the bicycle is in the records and can be tracked by the police department.

Graduation

GEAR-UP

Everything you need to make the transition from student to graduate 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday, March 2 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday, March 3 through Thursday, March 5 Beaird Lounge Second floor, Oklahoma Memorial Union ou.edu/commencement The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.

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Opinion

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

OUR VIEW

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

John Daxon — broadcast and electronic media senior

STAFF CARTOON

Social work school deserves attention Many OU departments have national average of 0.32 percent. taken financial hits this year An article in The Daily last year because of the national economic revealed a national nonprofit orgadownturn. OU has issued a hir- nization sued the state after rapid ing freeze, increased some of its turnover, lack of social workers course-specific student fees and and inadequate monitoring of chilput several projects on hold. dren in state custody made the We think one of those projects organization one of the worst in – funding to improve the quality the nation. of the School of Social Ultimately, most of Work – should continue. this is it’s own fault, but OUR VIEW we think OU can go a Sure, building a new School of Social Work, long way in helping it get is an editorial selected and debated or even remodeling the back on the right track. by the editorial board current one, is probably It’s not a given that and written after a not a reasonable request OU social work gradumajority opinion is in these times of ecoates will stick around formed and approved nomic turmoil. But we work for the by the editor. Our View and is The Daily’s official think much can be done Department of Human opinion. to improve the number Services, which is why of quality faculty memsome of OU’s efforts bers and to attract more should be directed students who will graduate and toward programs that place stuwork to improve the state’s social dents in jobs directly after graduaprograms. tion and give them incentive to stay The Oklahoma Department of in state. Programs could reward Human Services is understaffed, students who commit to staying in and its reputation is less than favor- Oklahoma with scholarship money, able. A recent performance audit financial aid and other incentives. showed during two-and-a-half During tough times, the univeryears, about 1.2 percent of chil- sity should not cut what matters dren in the Department of Human most to the well being of the state.

Services’ care were being abused The School of Social Work should and neglected, compared with a remain a priority.

STAFF COLUMN

Tornado safety should be a high priority in the U.S. lost their lives as a result of tornadoes. Statistics show people who live in mobile homes are the most endangered during tornado season, and state lawmakers should take action to ensure these people are safe.

The same National Weather Service records also split the tornado death figures into those killed in mobile homes, permanent structures and elsewhere, such as outdoors and in cars. In the last 10 years, more than half of those killed by tornadoes were in mobile homes. While contemplating this, keep in mind only 7 percent of the U.S. population lives in mobile homes.

Even F1 tornadoes that may only cause slight damage to permanent structures can do significant damage to mobile homes.

Clearly, mobile home residents are far more vulnerable to injury in severe storms than those of us who live in apartment blocks or houses.

The National Severe Storms Laboratory, housed right here in Norman, states on its Web site “the problem of warning and sheltering mobile home residents has become the biggest obstacle to continuing to reduce death tolls from tornadoes.” So, what can be done about this?

Some states, like Iowa, have laws allowing counties to adopt ordinances requiring any mobile home park to contain a storm shelter large enough to accommodate the maximum residential capacity of the park.

It is about time Oklahoma followed suit.

After touring two mobile home parks dev-

Help save our final frontier orbit.

This situation might be OK for now, but if we don’t act soon, it will get much worse.

According to NASA’s Web site, while a lot of the lower altitude debris will burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere in a few years, many will last decades and even centuries in higher orbits.

Each one of these tiny pieces of orbital debris has the potential to create a thousand more in a single instant, and in theory, one or two misplaced satellites could double the amount of space debris currently orbiting Earth.

Space debris will not biodegrade, and other than waiting for it to burn up in the atmosphere, there is no way to get rid of it.

NASA and other space agencies from around the world should start providing in-depth information on orbiting debris to anyone who is planning to launch a satellite, from big name to companies, to out of the way countries.

While NASA does provide some suggested guidelines to U.S. companies that wish to launch satellites, it is up to the company whether or not they follow them. NASA, therefore, needs the authority to enforce safe launching practices and approved orbits.

We must realize the space around our planet is too great a resource to lose. Rather than let it become a giant space landfill, let’s take proactive steps toward securing its future.

Our modern world depends on free and clear orbits to function and, unless we take the necessary steps to protect them, we are sure to lose the modern age’s most precious asset.

Carson Painter is an international business and finance sophomore.

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

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Space is man’s final frontier. Save for the depths of Earth’s oceans, it is the last great unknown, the final void to be explored.

Unfortunately, our path to this new and mysterious expanse is slowly being choked off and, if left unchecked, will cause major setbacks in space exploration for the years to come.

According to NASA’s Orbital Debris Program Office there are more than 17,000 pieces of space debris floating around in Earth’s orbit.

This agency classifies space debris as any object in earth’s orbit greater than 10 centimeters and, as such, debris is everything from chips of paint to a lost glove.

Each one of these tiny pieces of space trash might seem CARSON insignificant, but in space, PAINTER where even the smallest pieces can reach speeds of 7 to 8 kilometers per second, they become dangerous and destructive bullets that, by simply making contact with a satellite, have the potential to destroy it.

But what are we doing about all this space junk? The current policy is to track and observe.

NASA’s offices in Houston track, map and analyze all pieces of space debris more than 10 centimeters. Without them, launching any sort of space born craft would be extremely dangerous.

But this is all they currently have the authority to do. There is no international treaty on space debris, and anyone with a rocket has relatively free reign to launch a satellite into

T H E

astated by the Lone Grove tornado, Rep. Pat Ownbey, R-Ardmore, said he would like to see a bill “requiring mobile home parks to actually be responsible, maybe through tax credits, to put in some tornado shelters so they could have safety.”

It wasn’t until recently I realized legislation for this was not already in place. I was astounded by this discovery and I applaud Ownbey for bringing this issue to light.

I hope appropriate legislation will be passed before any more Oklahomans lose their lives.

Of course, building storm shelters in mobile home parks across the state would cost money, but there are sources of funding available. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Web site, community development block grant funds

can be used to construct tornado shelters in manufactured home parks containing at least 20 units. Even in these tough economic times, this is a necessity for which funding should always be available.

The occurrence of severe weather here is a fact of life. We have no power to change that. What we can change is what we do to prepare for severe weather when it strikes, and offer protective measures to our friends and neighbors.

Nobody should be put at risk by severe storms by the type of housing in which they choose to live. This spring, it is time we made the safety of all Oklahomans during severe weather a priority.

Charlotte Wainwright is a meteorology graduate student.

YOUR VIEWS

STAFF COLUMN

Filing deadline should not be extended for several reasons Publicity was organized for the (presidential) election in many forms, including advertisements in multiple issues of the OU Daily. The OU Daily also produced an article containing information about the filing deadline. Though this information was incorrect, and the Daily failed to make the appropriate correction after notification, this allowed more publicity for the election. Information was also available at the UOSA Web site and was communicated to all registered student organizations at the recent Council of Student Organizations meeting. If any student was interested in student government, they should have been exposed to this information. A student who would file during an extended deadline, with no previous interest in this particular office may not be fully knowledgeable of the position and may not be prepared for the responsibilities it entails.

The candidate who was most interested in running for the position of UOSA president is not a National Merit Scholar or a member of a Greek house, and neither of

these factors has been proven as a large influence on the 2008 election. The candidate is extremely qualified for the position and has been actively involved in the executive branch of student government. If no other student felt that he or she would be better qualified for the position, then there is no rational reason to enter the race. Thus, instead of an undemocratic system, the outcome will produce the individual most deserving of the position.

Students have had many opportunities to learn about UOSA and the branches of student government. The current branches of UOSA have worked together to be as effective as possible, and each branch has achieved goals set at the beginning of the school year, most recently including an increase in funding allocated for student organizations. Each branch works to serve students in the most effective way, and students must also take advantage of the opportunity to voice their opinions. I would hope that in the future, the Daily would conduct adequate research before publishing an opinion that might be founded on incorrect information.

- AMANDA HOLLOWAY, UOSA PRESIDENT

COMMENTS OF THE DAY In response to Monday’s news story about sex in the stacks

or need. Everyone has different standards, and it is not the responsibility of any media publication to poke fun at those whose standards deviate from the norm.

I am shocked, but not surprised, I suppose.

- POSTED BY LASERCATS AT OUDAILY.COM

-POSTED BY LINDSAYJHODGES AT OUDAILY.COM

While I appreciate The Daily’s efforts to warn us about the legal and physical risks of having anonymous sex, it is inappropriate to exploit the fact that Craigslist serves as many individuals’ means of finding what they want

O F

160 Copeland Hall 860 Van Vleet Oval Norman, OK 73019-0270 phone: (405) 325-3666 e-mail: dailynews@ou.edu

T H E The Fine Print

It’s beginning to look a lot like spring, and for OU students, this means several things: spring break and the associated two-week cake hiatus to fit into that new bikini, people wearing flip flops again and the start of the severe weather season.

It’s the third one with which I am concerned.

Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are serious business in CHARLOTTE Oklahoma. The memory WAINWRIGHT of the violent F4 tornado that hit Lone Grove and killed eight residents is still fresh. From 1999-2008, National Weather Service records show 630 people

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

O F

O K L A H O M A

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

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

Editorial Board members are The Daily’s editorial staff.

The board meets Sunday through Thursday in 160 Copeland Hall.

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

Sports

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

Baseball

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

5

OU begins eight-game homestand today PROJECTED STARTERS

• Sooners start against ArkansasLittle Rock at 1 p.m.

JONO GRECO The Oklahoma Daily No. 16 OU (7-3) hosts the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (4-4) Tuesday in a 1 and 4:30 p.m. double-header to start an eight-game homestand.

The Sooners also will play UCLA during the home stretch this Friday Saturday and Sunday.

After that, the Sooners will play California on Monday.

To finish up the eightgame home strech, the Sooners will play Houston Baptist on Tuesday and March 11.

CASEY JOHNSON

• The Sooners are 4-0 at home, sweeping their only series against the Western Illinois Leathernecks. • Hitting: .432 avg., 15 doubles, four triples, eight homers and 52 RBIs.

• .714 avg. • three doubles • two triples • one home run • four RBIs

KALEB HERREN

• Pitching: 4.24 ERA, .263 opponents batting average, 34 innings, 35 hits, 16 runs (all earned) and 33 strikeouts. • OU has committed ďŹ ve errors and has a team ďŹ elding percentage of .968 at home. •.500 avg. • one double • one triple • one home run • 10 RBIs

JAMIE JOHNSON

MATT HARUGHTY

• .364 avg. • one triple • 1.000 ďŹ elding percentage

• Opposing teams have been shut out in 26 of the 34 innings at L. Dale Mitchell Park. • The Sooners are 4-0 overall and 2-0 in Norman in double headers.

UALR FACTS

• .333 avg. • one double • one home run • ďŹ ve RBIs

• 643 avg. • 1.214 slugging percentage • two doubles • two home runs • six RBIs

• (0-0) in two relief innings • 286 opponent batting average • three strikeouts

BRYANT HERNANDEZ

• .385 avg. • two doubles • three RBIs

AARON BAKER

• Road Hitting: .231 average, three home runs, 16 RBI, 20 Left on Base and 17 strikeouts.

J.T. WISE

Graphic by Zach Butler/The Daily

GARRETT BUECHELE

• Road Pitching: .280 opponent batting average, one home run, 14 strikeouts, 18 walks and 24 runs (12 earned)

Football

STAFF COLUMN

Injury to Durant could be blessing in disguise for OKC

T

• The Trojans post a 1-1 road record. Their only road victory came on Feb. 25, against the McNeese State Cowboys in a 10-9 extra-inning aair.

• .308 avg. • two doubles • one home run • four RBIs

MICHAEL ROCHA

All statistics represent Sooners’ play in home games.

he Thunder got some news this week.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant will miss around two weeks with a Grade II right ankle sprain, according to The Oklahoman.

Maybe the basketball gods put a curse on Durant for the MJ University of Texas retiring his CASIANO jersey number after only one season and no appearances in the Sweet 16. If UT is going to pull something like that, the Hy-Vee grocery store where Kurt Warner bagged groceries for might as well retire his bagger number.

But it seems the basketball gods didn’t curse the Thunder.

Obviously the playoffs are out of the question, but with Durant now out, the chances of the Thunder drafting OU sophomore forward Blake Griffin is not.

Let me clear up a few things.

The Thunder losing Durant is not terrible news. Perhaps it’s terrible for fantasy owners, but not for Thunder fans. In fact, it’s a very good thing.

Sure, the Thunder didn’t seem like it missed him in the win against the Memphis Grizzlies the day following his injury, but it’s the Grizzlies. They’re 15-43.

SOONER HOME FACTS

• .571 avg. • one double • one RBI

In the seven games Durant may miss, five are against teams that are .500 or well above.

Obviously those games should result in losses.

Then, the Thunder may be right back in the race for the worst team in the league.

It’s not easy to replace someone who scores 26 points per game. The Thunder lack a player who can step in and be the leader. Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green are not quite there yet.

Anyone who claims themselves a Thunder fan should undoubtedly be crossing their fingers each game for a loss in hopes of winning the Griffin lottery.

Currently the Thunder sit fourth in the draft projections; taking Arizona junior forward Jordan Hill, according nbadraft.net.

Who wants that? You shouldn’t, especially when Griffin is so close.

It should come as no surprise that the Thunder could upgrade in the paint. Nick Collison and Nenad Krstic are OK, but they only average 12 rebounds and 16 points per game — combined.

Griffin could immediately impact that.

And now, because of a random injury to Durant, Griffin very well may be that impact player next season in the same state he’s been doing it in all his life.

Thank you, basketball gods.

“It’s not easy to replace someone who scores 26 points per game.�

Sooners visit State Capitol Monday RICKY MARANON The Oklahoma Daily Members of the football team and head coach Bob Stoops were recognized at the State Capitol Monday for their achievements made during last fall’s season, particularly Sam Bradford’s Heisman Trophy win.

The team followed the legislation from the Senate to the House which officially declared March 2, 2009 “Sam Bradford Day� across the state of Oklahoma. “Its an honor to receive this kind of recognition,� Bradford said in front of both legislative chambers.

Stoops said the team was

honored to be invited to the Capitol. “We truly appreciate being here,� Stoops said. “We have great support from the university’s administrators and the student body.�

Before the House recognized the team, the chamber said a prayer for critically injured redshirt freshman wide receiver Corey Wilson.

Wilson was injured in a car accident Friday.

The team visited Wilson at OU Medical Center after the festivities in the capitol.

The Sooners start spring practices today. Spring footZach Butler/The Daily ball runs through April 11 Sam Bradford attempts a pass during when OU plays its annual the Big 12 Championship Game Dec. 6. spring game.

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MJ CASIANO IS A BROADCAST AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA SOPHOMORE.

MORE SPORTS ONLINE For more sports content, head online to OUDaily.com. Today on OUDaily.com, check out the sports desk blog.

I]Z 8ZciZg ;dg 9^hejiZ GZhdaji^dc 6cY 8dc[a^Xi BVcV\ZbZci 6i HBJŸh AdXVi^dc >c EaVcd >begdkZ ndjg bVg`ZiVW^a^in VcY deZc je cZl XVgZZg edhh^W^a^i^Zh l^i] V BVhiZg d[ 6gih 9Z\gZZ ^c 9^hejiZ GZhdaji^dc ¡ šdcZ d[ (& 7Zhi 8VgZZgh d[ '%%-º VXXdgY^c\ id J#H# CZlh LdgaY GZedgi# 214.768.9032 or www.smu.edu/resolution

SMU will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status. SMU’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

6

Classifieds

Tuesday, March. 3, 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.

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

PAYMENT s r

r

TM

Payment

For Sale

HELP WANTED

PETS 2 YORKIE PUPPIES Male & female need rehoming.

For more info, paul_white2009@yahoo.com.

C Transportation

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

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

Classified Card Ads 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.

University College is seeking current students to work with the Summer Enrollment Program for entering freshman. Positions are FT temporary, May 18-July 31, $8/hr with weekends and holidays off. Apply online at uc.ou.edu, for questions contact Brian Nossaman at bnoss@ou.edu or 325-3521.

$5,000-$45,000

AUTO INSURANCE

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

Services PROFESSIONAL SERVICES We solve DUI problems affordably.

Call O’Quinn & Nelson Law Office, 290-1441

Employment HELP WANTED Here is your chance!

Blu Fine Wine and Food is now accepting applications for waitstaff and experienced cooks.

Must be 21. Apply in person between 2-4 pm M-F, at 201 S Crawford. 360-4258.

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 SUMMER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Instructor/Lifeguards $8.50-$9.50 per hr Lifeguards (Water Slide) $7.25-$8.25 per hr Pool Maintenance Workers $7.25-$8.25 per hr Pool Cashier (AM or PM) $7.25-$9.50 per hr Baseball Supervisor $8.50-$9.50 per hr Little League Umpires $10.00-$15.00 per game If you are interested in any of these positions, please call our job line or access our website to find out the minimum qualifications. Selected applicant must pass physical exam, drug screen, and background investigation.

Obtain application at: 201-C W Gray, Human Resources Department CITY OF NORMAN (405) 366-5482 JOB LINE (405) 366-5321 Web: cityofnorman.com EOE/AA

J Housing Rentals

J Housing Rentals

CONDOS UNFURNISHED Summer Rent Slashed in 1/2!

Leasing 1-4 bdrms, amenities galore, The Edge Call Iris, 303-550-5554

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

322 S Lahoma, 2/3 bdrms, 1 bth, CH/A, w/d, dw, no pets, $700/mo + security dep. 573-2944.

FOR RENT 915 W Lindsey, NEAR OU, 1/2 bd, 1 ba, NO PETS, $500 per mo.

1104 Grover Ln, NEAR OU, 2 bd, car garage, CHA, W/D, stove, refrigerator, microwave, compactor, NO PETS, $800 per mo.

Contact: 329-1933 or 550-7069 Clean 3bd/1bth near campus, big yard, fireplace, basement, $800/mo. 447-8313.

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

Call 329-0143.

APTS. FURNISHED

BILL’S RESTAURANT

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

Employment

Now hiring part time kitchen positions. Apply in person. 1101 Elm St. 364-2530.

Now hiring lifeguard, swim instructors, and AM pool managers. Apply at the Cleveland County Family YMCA, 1350 Lexington Ave. EOE. St. Mark’s Mother’s Day Out hiring P/T teachers.

Early childhood experience preferred. Apply in person M-Th 8:30 am-2 pm. 3939 W. Tecumseh Rd. 366-8102.

Make up to $75 per online survey, student opinions needed www.cashtospend.com.

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

Telemarketer. P/T. Norman Co. $8 + bonuses. resume to yumi@newlookmedia.com or 202-8745 Childcare provider need for a 7 & 9 year old Central Norman. Hours vary with some overnights.

360-9996.

STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in Norman 100% FREE to join. Click on Surveys.

1 bdrm near OU, $340/mo + all util, $200/dep, others at $425/mo + electric, no pets. 886-6709. $400, bills paid, efficiency LOFT apartments, downtown over Mister Robert Furniture, 109 E Main, fire sprinkler, no pets, smoke-free. Inquire store office.

6 2 8 3 2

APTS. UNFURNISHED $99 1st MONTH/$99 DEPOSIT* Immediate Move-Ins Only Prices Reduced / 1&2 beds Available!

Pets Welcome! Large Floor Plans!

Models open 8a-8p Everyday!

Elite Properties 360-6624 or www.elite2900.com

4

P/L Now for Summer & Fall! $99 Deposit! No Application Fee! Models open 8a-8p Everyday!

7 Locations to Choose from!

Elite Properties 360-6624 or www.elite2900.com 1 BLK FROM OU, very nice 4 room apt, 800 sf, wood floors, 1016 S College, Apt 1, $295/mo.

Call 360-2873 or 306-1970.

3 6

1 3 9

1 7 4 9 1

www.3MonthsFreeRent.info Brand New Apartments. Limited Availability.

4 5 6 9

8

7

1 5 7 9 8 2 6 1 2 8

Previous Solution 7 2 6 5 4 3 9 1 8

1 9 5 6 8 2 7 3 4

True Sooners Don’t Haze.

4 1 7 9 2 8 3 5 6

2 6 8 4 3 5 1 7 9

5 3 9 1 6 7 4 8 2

3 8 1 2 5 9 6 4 7

9 7 4 8 1 6 5 2 3

6 5 2 3 7 4 8 9 1

Monday- Very Easy Tuesday-Easy Wednesday- Easy Thursday- Medium Friday - Hard

Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker March 03, 2009

Report Hazing.

ACROSS 1 Course activity 5 Wranglers, e.g.

10 A file that can’t be opened 14 “Hard ___!” (helm command) 15 Inuit domicile 16 With the bow, in music 17 Is in session 18 Tips 20 Freed group of ’81 22 Piglet’s progenitor 23 Cinches or clinches 24 Offered resistance 26 Harvard and MIT, e.g.

30 First course, generally 31 Streamlet 32 Square dance participant 35 Pickler’s herb 36 Delete 38 Irritate 39 Capone and Pacino 40 Novel necessity 41 Conestoga, for one 42 Greek organizations 45 Generally 48 Steinbeck’s “___ of Eden”

325-5000 All calls are anonymous.

The University of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

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

2 col (3.792 in) x 2 inches Sudoku ...........$760/month Boggle............$760/month Jumble ...........$760/month Horoscope .....$760/month 1 col (1.833 in) x 2.25 inches Crossword .....$515/month (located just below the puzzle)

POLICY

49 Father-in-law of Jacob 50 Regulations against Sunday drinking 54 Monopoly possessions 57 Eye part 58 Instrument for a Marx 59 Actress Dunne 60 Aerie 61 Feed the pot 62 One of Columbus’ trio 63 Empty spaces DOWN 1 Bad cut 2 A little of this, a little of that 3 Gives the green light 4 Film event 5 Cocktail recipe measure 6 Barnum’s exit 7 “Unfortunately …”

8 Word with “waste” and “want” 9 Five-centime piece of old 10 Sine, cosine and tangent 11 Botanical coverings 12 Tantrum, e.g.

13 Acted (as) 19 Drive forward 21 Served perfectly

24 Elevator guy 25 Good amount of money 26 Meatinspecting org.

27 Tooth’s partner 28 Troubles 29 Livid 32 Movie musical based on a Colette novel 33 Shaving cream additive 34 Optician’s creation 36 Carrier to Tel Aviv 37 Mechanical learning method 38 Shaking, saber-style 40 Plum form 41 Sagacious

Millions of Americans expose themselves to noise levels above 85 decibels for hours at a time – the level audiologists identify as the danger zone. Lawn mowers, sporting events, live or recorded music, power tools, even traffic and crowded restaurants can sustain these levels. If you’re around noises like these for prolonged periods, you’re risking permanent hearing loss. For more on the 85 dB threshold, and ways to protect your hearing health, visit ASHA.org.

Previous Answers

42 Frozen, fruity dessert 43 Yield 44 Queasiness 45 Homer’s first letter 46 Plastic wrap brand 47 Scrub, at Cape Canaveral 50 Muy ___ 51 Neighborhood 52 Smoke trace 53 Sleek jets 55 Legendary sleeper 56 “State” starter

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

© 2009 Universal Press Syndicate www.upuzzles.com

“TIES THAT BIND” by Alice Walker

1-800-638-8255

8 4 3 7 9 1 2 6 5

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.

Game Sponsorships

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.

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

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

Life & Arts

Kinks hinder new theater’s musical best shot, to mixed results.

Smith and Goble achieved a nice sense of chemistry as the forbidden lovers, but the lack of anything resembling harmonization during their duets undermined the romance the dialogue suggested.

Joyner displayed the only apparent sense of comic timing among the cast in the rather thankless role of Amneris, but couldn’t transfer that energy into her songs.

A bigger issue was the ensemble, however, whose dancing was rarely in sync, despite the simplified choreography. From the guy who looked like he missed a few too many rehearsals to the guy who needed to be told his ostentatious manner was stealing the show, and not in a good way, the backup cast was generally an photo provided unfortunate distraction.

Still, the majority of the blame Brittany Joyner poses as her character, Amneris, in the play “Aida,” written by Elton John and Tim Rice. “Aida” is being doesn’t belong on the cast members performed at Hope Theatre, a new community theater in Oklahoma City, which opened in July.

– much more problematic were the f curiosity is what killed the cat, odds times. She is enslaved, and becomes a glitch-plagued technical elements are good that an abundant dose of mis- handmaiden for the Pharaoh’s daughter, of the show. Microphone issues, questionplaced ambition got him of the way Amneris. But she soon falls able set design and poorly in love with the captain there. planned costuming were As discomforting as it might be to see that of the Egyptian army, and frequent predicaments. proverbial feline bite off more than it can her mistress’s betrothed, Despite that, I look forchew, it’s way worse when an entire group Radames. ward to Hope’s next proof people attempts something that’s just The ensuing love triduction. Community theangle played out against nowhere near its league. ater takes time to develop, This brings me to Friday’s the backdrop of impendand “Aida” will certainly opening night performance ing war is an utterly familprovide a wealth of learnof Hope Theatre Company’s iar fare – there’s a reason ing experiences for Barrett well intentioned, but wildly “Aida” isn’t that popular of and company as they get overreaching production of a musical, despite its John this valuable addition to Elton John and Tim Rice’s and Rice pedigree.

Oklahoma theater off the The trite story line “Aida.” ground.

Hope Theatre is a recent requires a spectacular “AIDA” But success starts long DUSTY upstart in Oklahoma City’s song-and-dance repertoire before day one of audiSOMERS theater community – a to make up for it, and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday tions – more manageable non-profit youth and col- this was the biggest stumproduction choices in Hope Theatre Company lege company founded by bling block. The young the future will go a long 123 Robert S. Kerr Ave Angela Barrett in July. I can’t help but cast simply wasn’t up to way toward making Hope admire Barrett for providing a place for the task most of the numOklahoma City, OK 73102 Theatre Company’s perforaspiring amateurs to hone their talents, but bers demanded, vocally or For tickets, call 405-343-7403 mances something to talk I simply can’t give a pass to Friday’s fre- physically. about.

The leads – Deidra quently cringe-worthy performance.

I

“Aida” tells the story of a Nubian princess captured by Egyptian soldiers in ancient

Smith as Aida, Brent Goble as Radames and Brittany Joyner as Amneris – gave it their

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE/APCV

Aaron Ricardo Reed, 40, 917 E. Alameda St., Saturday

Names are compiled from the Norman Police Department and OUPD. The reports serve as a record of arrests, not convictions. Those listed are innocent until proven guilty.

Catherine Marie Herrin, 18, First Street, Sunday, also transporting an open container Daniel Timothy McMahon, 21, West 3rd Street, Saturday

TRANSPORTING AN OPEN CONTAINER

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

DOMESTIC ABUSE

Steven Joseph Norman, 43, Boyd and University, Sunday Stephanie Badaroux Van-anh, 20, 100 W. Boyd St., Sunday

Robin Wendel Smith, 43, 308 Chalmette Dr., Sunday, also assault and battery with a deadly weapon and county warrant

AGGRAVATED DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

PUBLIC INTOXICATION

Stephen James Strawn, 37, 2401 E Imhoff Rd., Sunday, also possession of marijuana

Jeremy Lee Harbison, 27, Oklahoma Memorial Union, Sunday

HIGHLIGHTING OR COLOR

116 S. Main, Noble 127 N. Porter 872-1661 360-4247

MUNICIPAL WARRANT Matthew Lee Williams, 19, 225 N. Webster Ave., Sunday

Daily Lunch Buffet

Open 7 Days A Week!

Must present this coupon

Jeffery Michael Crouch, 21, Lindsey and Van Vleet Oval, Thursday

CAMPUS CORNER

Non-Requested Stylist Only

129 N.W. Ave. 1215 W. Lindsey 360-4422 364-1325

Norman Public Schools

Teacher Job Fair March 5, 2009 - 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Nancy O’Brian Center 1809 Stubbeman (405) 364-1339

Ousted Illinois governor to write book A publicist for Rod Blagojevich says the former Illinois governor plans to write a book "exposing the dark side of politics."

Glenn Selig says Blagojevich signed a six-figure deal Monday.

Selig says the book will detail how Blagojevich selected President Barack Obama's successor in the U.S. Senate.

Blagojevich was impeached and removed from office following his arrest on federal charges that include allegations he tried to sell the Senate seat. He denies any wrongdoing.

Selig says Blagojevich's book will tell the truth and will reveal information "that will at times be embarrassing to himself as well as to others."

Selig says Blagojevich's book will be published by Phoenix Books and released in October.

Prince to release new album through Target Prince is coming to a Target near you.

The superstar is releasing a three-disc CD set through the retailer at the end of this month. The set will include two new albums — “LOtUSFLOW3R” and “MPLSoUND” — as well as a third by his new artist, Bria Valente, for $11.98.

Prince is the latest music legend to release new music exclusively through a major retailer. AC/DC and the Eagles were among the acts who sold millions of CDs through their partnership with Wal-Mart.

Prince has released his recent CDs through major labels, but they were one-album deals that gave him the flexibility to go elsewhere when the project was done. Last fall, he released a coffee-table book of photos titled “21 Nights” documenting his record-breaking, 21-night run at London’s 02 Arena in 2007. The book also included a CD of live performances.

“Prince has long been renowned as one of the world’s most original and iconic musical artists,” said Mark Schindele, Target’s senior vice president of merchandising. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share his most recent work with our Target guests.”

The CD set will be on sale at Target and its Web site on March 29.

Sean Penn to lobby for ‘Harvey Milk Day’ Fresh from his best actor Oscar for his performance as Harvey Milk, Sean Penn is pushing California to officially recognize the late gay politician’s birthday.

State Senator Mark Leno plans to reintroduce a bill Tuesday with Penn by his side designating Milk’s birthday a “day of significance.”

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed the same bill last year.

In his veto message, the governor said Milk should be honored in San Francisco but not statewide.

Leno says Penn’s award shows that Schwarzenegger’s argument about Milk being only of provincial interest no longer holds up.

–AP

HOROSCOPE

By Bernice Bede Osol

Copyright 2008, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009 PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Domestic activities could prove to be extremely satisfying.

Puttering around the house or garden and accomplishing things that make your place nicer will provide great joy.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -Once you overcome your feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt, a goal that has previously evaded you can be reached. Fear and mistrust of your abilities are the culprits, not your abilities or know-how.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -This could be a better-than-usual day for catching up on all your correspondence. Clean up your email, and contact all those people to whom you’ve owed messages for a long time.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Do not discount your intuition with regard to an important endeavor you have been hoping to achieve.

It could help you perceive that which your logic finds confusing or unclear.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -There are excellent possibilities to make more than a few business deals that could yield a tidy profit. It won’t be anything you do differently; it’s merely that the timing is right.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Others are trying to get you to join a promising partnership, but only if you are the one who plays the leading role. The situation needs a strong and gutsy person at the helm.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- It’s nice to be easygoing, but make sure that you don’t let the control slip from your hands in matters personally important to you.

Manage your own affairs.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- This is one of those days when two heads will be better than one. If you have to make a major decision, don’t do so without consulting a partner who has a stake in it.

SUSPENDED LICENSE

364-2100 • 722 Asp Ave.

HAIRCUT • $10.99

The Works $15.99 Shampoo/ Cut/Blowdry

Dominique Lavele Baker, 21, Brooks and Jenkins, Friday, also failure to present a driver’s license

CHINESE RESTAURANT

WITH HAIRCUT • $49.99 WEAVE OR FOIL ADD $10.00

L&A BRIEFS

– DUSTY SOMERS IS A JOURNALISM JUNIOR.

POLICE REPORTS

All You Can Eat

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

7

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Some difficult people can be managed rather nicely if you let the solutions appear to come from them rather than from you.

It’s a small price to pay for their support.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- When an opportunity arises to get involved with a friend with whom you’ve never done business before, tread slowly. It could have hidden disadvantages attached that neither party will like.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Think about getting some exercise. Getting off your duff and moving your muscles will make your entire being feel better than it has in a long time. When you breathe better, you feel better.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- You don’t have to be brash or foolish in order to take a calculated risk. Think it through thoroughly, and if it makes sense, even if it takes guts to accomplish, it’ll be the right move to make.

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Life & Arts

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

CD Reviews: ‘Cold’, ‘Wrath’ and ‘Troubadour’ orman-based Jonbear Fourtet presents an tive. After a great start, the end of the album slows interesting, fresh take on modern jazz/pop down considerably. Although it isn’t an unpleasant in its new album, “Melt That Cold.� Diverse result, it’s simply that a few of its songs seem to and full of surprises, “Melt That Cold� is a spirited be relying on the same formula. album from a promising The production of band. Is it jazz? Blues? the album is impresPop? Swing? All of the sive, especially considabove and more. ering it was produced At first, I was slightby members of the band ly nervous it might not out of their house. Full be any more than gloriof elements that seem fied elevator music, but sporadic a pop-like riff Jonbear Fourtet reveals here, a perky trumpet a surprising amount of there “Melt That Cold� soul. Let’s just say you seems to do just that; wouldn’t expect a band it is impossible to liswith song titles like ten to this album and “Peaches and Puppies� not feel a little better or “Bumble Bees� to be than you did before you this sleek. For the most started. Obviously mainpart, the album is pretty ly influenced by music mellow, but not at all borof past decades, Jonbear Jonbear Fourtet ing or predictable. Lead Fourtet does a fantastic vocalist Jon Barnoskie “Melt That Cold� job creating a sound that has a smooth, bluesy is original and completevoice that perfectly comly its own. pliments their genreJonbear Fourtet will bending sound. perform Saturday at the Opolis. You can check Highlights off the record include “Bumble Bee,� out more at their MySpace page, http://www. “Let’s Get Into Trouble� and “Mr. Spring� and myspace.com/thejonbearfourtet. although the album does hit a few rocky patches, – CLAIRE DOUTHITT IS AN ENGLISH JUNIOR. for the most part it is an easy and enjoyable listen. While there is no doubt that the members of Jonbear Fourtet definitely have a good thing going for them, a few of its songs are somewhat repeti-

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n Mogadishu, Somalia, a place considered to be one of the most dangerous places in the world, a young K’naan grew up amidst a brutal 1991 Somali civil war that gutted the city and, to this day, has rendered Somalia unable to recover — the nation is plagued with brutal regime changes, gun-fighting and a pirate problem. To K’naan, violence was the rule, not the exception. He described Somalia as a place filled with destruction, a place where “the city code was lock and load.�

In his new album “Troubadour,� released last month on A&M records, K’naan describes his miraculous journey from war-torn Africa to American hip-hop success. In the song “People Like Me,� a tragic tale about his cousin who was left behind when K’naan’s family immigrated to the U.S., he writes about how he and his cousin became interested in American rap among the brutal realities of Somalia: “He and I grew up where the sun shines/ And we both partook with the gun crimes/And we both liked American rap rhymes/Even though we didn't understand one line.�

When he was 13, his mother was granted a visa

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Flaming Lips takes state rock song prize “Do You Realize?â€? by The Flaming Lips, an alternative rock band from Oklahoma City, has been named Oklahoma's oďŹƒcial state rock song.

The announcement was made Monday in the Oklahoma Senate. “Do You Realize?� won out over more famous songs written or recorded by Oklahomans such as “Heartbreak Hotel,� co-written by former Oklahoma school teacher Mae Boren Axton, and recorded by Elvis Presley.

Others nominated included “After Midnight,� by Oklahoman J.J. Cale, which was rereleased by Eric Clapton, and “Never Been to Spain,� written by Hoyt Axon and recorded

by Three Dog Night.

More than 21,000 voted online from a list of 10 songs selected by a panel of experts. “I never gave it that much thought,� Wayne Coyne, the lead singer of The Flaming Lips, said of winning the competition in what many considered an upset.

He said it was an honor to have been picked in the top 10 “and everything else is just extra. We’re in this just to have fun and we wind up winning.â€? “We have an oďŹƒcial state folk song and a state country song.

With as many outstanding rock artists as we have in Oklahoma, it was time to recognize this music as well,� said Sen. Mike Schulz, R-Altus.

hrash metal has always been sort of a niche songs don’t sound particularly distinct. While they are performed quite well, the similarity of genre.

With the exception of major com- the tracks and the lack of change in pace makes mercial successes like Metallica and Pantera, parts of the album repetitive.

There are some gems thrash has never been on this album, though. entirely pervasive in the “Grace� features a quick, mainstream rock media. if somewhat typical, guiOne thing that can be tar solo that fits the song said about thrash metal well, and the last two is that there has always tracks, “Choke Sermon� been a demand for songs and “Reclamation� offer to break stuff to, which a nice close — specifiis what Lamb of God’s cally “Reclamation� with latest album accomplisha slower pace and more es well. of a throwback to some Lamb of God, a of the slower metal of thrash metal quintet the 1990s. from Richmond, Va., In short, “Wrath� is a has modeled its style good example of what after Pantera’s to some most thrash metal is degree, with guttural these days. vocals, pounding drum It brings nothing new beats and guitar riffs. to the table, but it takes “Wrath,� its new album Lamb of God nothing away, either. It that came out Feb. 24, “Wrath� has some tracks that has very minimal differstand apart from the rest ences from most of its of the album, but it can other works, but they get repetitive. execute this album as If you’re a fan of Lamb of God, you’ll like the well as the previous.

The album opens with “The Passing,� a two- album. If you like metal in general, this may be minute, somewhat slow-paced instrumental worth picking up or downloading. piece showcasing the band’s instrumental capa– AJ LANSDALE IS A PROFESSIONAL WRITING SOPHOMORE. bility and setting the stage for what is to come. “In Your Words� and “Set To Fail� create a rapid tempo that most of the rest of the album follows.

The only real flaw with “Wrath� is many of the

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style and a flow that sounded and they immigrated to North oddly like Eminem. The subAmerica on the last commerject matter was dark and forecial flight out of Somalia. Here boding, lacking confidence, K’naan continued to learn almost as if his struggle was English through school and continuing, and his success rap records. story had yet to be written.

When K’naan began purHis newest effort, suing a career in music, he “Troubadour,� could be congained notoriety with his sidered his victory speech. His 2006 release, “The Dusty Foot songs are more upbeat, the lyrPhilosopher,� where he wrote ics are more uplifting and styrather boldly, “If I were to write about my life and get listically, K’naan finally sounds descriptive/I’d make 50 Cent like he’s come into his own. look like Limp Bizkit.� K’naan’s His themes are still distinctly K’naan incredible story, as well as African: “This is K’naan, and his unique flow and Africanstill repin’ the S/Comin’ out of “Troubadour� influenced beats and samples, Mogadishu and still draped in put him on many publications’ the mess.� His message is poslists as an artist to look out for itive: “I take inspiration from in the future. the most heinous of situations/Creating medication His earlier recordings were very unlike main- out of my own tribulations.� But now instead of stream hip-hop, injecting politics with a worldly uncertainty, his lyrics can finally boast of confi-

dence and pride: “Do you see why it’s amazing/ When someone comes out of such a dire situation/ And learns the English language/Just to share his observation!/And probably get a Grammy without a grammar education.�

The music is more radio-friendly than his previous work, which, in this case, is a good thing.

The beats are still African-oriented, but they’re catchier, and his delivery is more approachable and fluid than before. Also, with a slew of famous guests (also absent from his earlier work) including Mos Def, Damien Marley, Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine and Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett — “Troubadour� is diverse and very impressive. It’s the kind of rap political science professors would appreciate, the kind that NPR might cover, and this time around, the kind that also will score radio hits and nightclub spins. It covers all the bases, establishing itself as one of the more notable hip-hop releases of 2009.

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