The Oklahoma Daily

JOEY HELMER

The Oklahoma Daily

The Sooners are headed back to the beach.

OU moved to No. 1 in the BCS rankings Sunday night, a day after pummeling Big 12 North champion Missouri in the Big 12 Championship in Kansas City. The Sooners will be back in sunny South Beach for the BCS National Championship on Jan. 8, the third time in a row OU has been in the championship game when it has taken place in Miami.

OU’s win in Kansas City was its third straight Big 12 Championship. No other program has won two in a row in the Big 12 conference.

“I’m just happy for our program,” head coach Bob Stoops said. “Again, I thanked everybody in the locker room that’s associated with our pro-gram.”

When the Sooners lost the Red River Rivalry game to Texas in October, few would have thought it possible OU would conclude its sea-son with a national championship game appearance.

“You have to earn it every time, and this team has persevered through a lot,” Stoops said. “We’ve fought through a lot of injuries. Again, like I said, today we fought through anoth-er one.”

On the opening kickoff of Saturday’s game, sophomore running back DeMarco Murray was undercut, and missed the rest of the game with a bruised knee.

For the first 13 minutes of the game, it looked like a defensive strug-gle, as the Sooners only put up a field goal from redshirt freshman Jimmy Stevens.

But late in the first quarter, the Sooners got their offense rolling when junior running back Chris Brown

No. 1 Sooners advance to January national title matchup against Florida in Miami

THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE

MONDAY, DEC. 8, 2008© 2008 OU Publications Board

FREE — Additional Copies 25¢

VOL. 93, NO. 73

BEACH BOUNDSOONERS MAUL TIGERS AT BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP

2162

702points scored this season

The Sooners scored 62 points Saturday, making OU the

highest-scoring team in NCAA history.

60+points in five

straight gamesWith their win Saturday, the

Sooners became the first team to score 60 or more points in

five consecutive games.

6Big 12

conference titlesOU has now won nearly half of the championships in the history of the Big 12 Conference, with six of 13.

3consecutive Big12 titles

The Sooners have won three straight Big 12 Championships, and four titles in the past five

years.

1,000yards rushing

by two players The 2008 squad is the first OU team since the 1970s with two

1,000-yard rushers — Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray.

84passing

touchdowns Sam Bradford threw two

touchdowns Saturday, bring-ing his career total to 84 — an OU record set in just two years.

Photo by Zach Butler/The Daily

Sooner senior defensive back Nic Harris (5) and senior offensive lineman Branndon Braxton (76) hoist the Big 12 Championship trophy after OU defeated Missouri for the conference title Saturday night in Kansas City. OU moved to No. 1 in the BCS

rankings on Sunday and will play Florida for the BCS National Championship Jan. 8 in Miami.

Photos by Zach Butler/The Daily

ABOVE: Sooner sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford embraces head coach Bob

Stoops following OU’s victory at the Big 12 Championship game Saturday. Bradford

threw two touchdown passes as OU won 61-21.

LEFT: Senior wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias (9) jumps into the air as he celebrates one

of his two touchdown receptions in Kansas City.FOOTBALL Continues on page 2

NewsMonday, Dec. 8, 20082

Continued from page 1

Xxxxxx

Continued from page 1

Football

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e-mail: [email protected]: 325-3666

• OU guaranteed $1.4M from BCS title game

RAY MARTIN

The Oklahoma Daily

With OU’s 62-21 rout of Missouri on Saturday, the Sooners earned more than their sixth Big 12 title and a shot at an eighth national championship.

OU secured a spot in the Bowl Championship Series National Championship game Jan. 8 against the University of Florida Gators, an appearance which will pay significantly more than the Holiday or Cotton Bowl, possible bowl destinations for the Sooners had they lost to Missouri.

According to the BCS Web site, the 3-year-old champion-ship game is expected to pay each school close to $17 mil-lion, which will be divided among each team in the Big 12 and Florida’s Southeastern Conference.

That means OU is guaranteed more than $1.4 million from the title game alone. Texas’ Fiesta Bowl appearance will pay about $15 million, which means OU and the other Big 12 schools each will receive an additional $1 million.

The funds don’t stop there. OU also will receive funds from a member participation subsidy, which last year paid BCS-bound teams close to $2 million. The amount of the member partici-pation subsidies varies depend-ing on the prestige of the bowl, the distance required to travel to the site and the number of tickets the school is able to sell for the game.

If a school sells less than half its allotment of tickets, the con-ference is required to pick up the tab. If more than half of the allotment is sold, however, the participating school can retain half of the revenue made from the remaining ticket sales.

BCS brings big bucks to Big 12, Sooners

capped off an eight-play, 90-yard drive with a 4-yard touchdown run.

“I’m the biggest Chris Brown fan there is,” Stoops said. “That guy is a great player.”

Missouri fired back when senior quar-terback Chase Daniel found star soph-omore wide-out Jeremy Maclin for a 27-yard touchdown.

But that was all the scoring the Tigers could muster for most of the game.

In fact, that was the only time Maclin would find the end zone.

The Sooner defense held him in check throughout the contest, limiting him to 46 yards and one touchdown.

“You’ve got to give credit to the front seven,” junior cornerback Brian Jackson said. “We can’t get anything without them. We worked all week basically on just focusing on making plays. I think Maclin’s a great receiver, and everybody has their day, and I’m just glad that we came out and performed well.”

The Sooners scored 34 unanswered points after Maclin scored early in the second quarter.

A pair of touchdown passes from sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford to Iglesias, a 12-yard touchdown run by junior running back Mossis Madu and another touchdown run by Brown, this time for 6 yards, made it 38-7 at the half.

“We have so many different weapons on offense that I think it’s really hard for a defense to double cover one guy, because if they do that they’re going to leave one-on-one matches with other guys,” Bradford said. “So, I think tonight we just did a great job of getting open and taking advantage of it.”

The Sooners tacked on a field goal to make it 41-7 before Daniel finally found another receiver for the Tigers’ second touchdown.

Junior wide receiver Tommy Saunders caught the 9-yard touchdown pass

from Daniel.But the Sooners weren’t done scoring

yet. In fact, they had a little ways to go.Madu sprinted in for his second score

of the day, a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 48-14.

After Missouri’s Daniel found senior tight end Chase Coffman for an 8-yard touchdown pass, the Sooners prepared to make history.

Brown ran in for the score from 6 yards out, and Madu officially made OU the first team in college football history to score 60 points in five consecutive games when he broke a 37-yard touch-down run with under four minutes left.

“It’s pretty amazing,” Stoops said. “Again, I credit Kevin Wilson, our offen-sive coordinator, and all our offensive coaches, and these players. Coaches have done a great job of using all of them, spreading them out and making people

defend all of them. And if you try and take one of them away, there’s two or three or four others that can equally hurt you.”

Brown and Madu each finished with more than 100 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. Brown had 122 — put-ting him above the 1,000-yard mark on the season — and Madu had 114.

The Sooners dominated all offensive categories, outgaining the Tigers 627 to 354 yards and managing 39 first downs to Missouri’s 20, while converting all nine of their red zone chances to points on the board — seven for touchdowns.

Bradford was 34-for-49 for 384 yards and two touchdowns.

When OU takes the field in Miami against Florida, it will try to avenge its last two national championship losses — to LSU in the 2004 Sugar Bowl and to USC in the 2005 Orange Bowl.

Photo by Zach Butler/The Daily

Junior running back Chris Brown (29) darts past a Missouri defender (15) during the Big 12 Championship game Saturday in Kansas City. Brown scored three touchdowns as the Sooners crushed the

Tigers 61-21 for their third consecutive Big 12 title.

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Ellis Goodwin, managing [email protected]: 325-3666fax: 325-6051For more, go to oudaily.com. Monday, Dec. 8, 2008 3

• Federal protection props up loan system in crisis

LEIGHANNE MANWARREN

The Oklahoma Daily

Despite an economic recession, Oklahoma loan officials say college will still be affordable and within reach for students.

Officials with the Oklahoma Guaranteed Student Loan Program say loan funds will continue to be available for college bound students and their families through the Federal Family Education Loan program.

“The FFEL program community remains dedicated to providing low-cost federal education loans during these chal-lenging economic times,” said Glen D. Johnson, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Chancellor in a press release. “To our knowledge, not a single student has been unable to get a federal student loan due to the current market conditions.”

As part of a U.S. Department of Education initiative, the FFEL program is the largest financial aid program in the nation and the only federal education loan

program that offers students and schools a choice in lenders, which results in com-petitive rates for students and has a stu-dent repayment rate of more than 94 per-cent, said Angela Caddell, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Director for Communication, Financial Education and Outreach.

“Usually with students who apply for a FFEL student loan, it is their first loan ever with no credit history and to get such high pay back rate, it is extraordinary,” Caddell said. “I think that reflects well on the FFEL community. It teaches students about financial literacy, not just with stu-dent loans but with all parts of their finan-cial life for the rest of their lives.”

Students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at the beginning of the year to be eligible for federal financial aid.

“It is the perfect time to start getting ready to fill out a FAFSA application for the next school year,” Caddell said. “Every student going into college for the 2009 fall semester should fill one out, even if a student feels like they do not qualify. Only through a FAFSA application do students know that they can qualify for federal aid, work study and grants. It is critically important to get it in as soon as possible after Jan. 1.”

For current borrowers facing economic hardships, they should contact their lend-

ers to see if they qualify for a deferment, which temporarily suspends the required payments, Caddell said. Depending on the situation, borrowers may also qualify for a forbearance or modified repayment schedule to save them from delinquency and potential bankruptcy, she said.

“With a federal student loan, student borrowers have the options of going to their lenders if they can not make pay-ment to see if they qualify for any of these benefits, but they are not automatic,” Caddell said. “Students have to request them and it has to be the right option for the situation.”

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education is continuing to make student loans available and OU is working closely with them to help guarantee all OU stu-dents who need financial aid receive the benefits.

“Some lenders have decided to focus on other functions and have left this mar-ket,” said OU Registrar and Associate Vice President Matt Hamilton. “But at this point it appears that there are adequate choices for Oklahoma students. Needless to say, we are monitoring these issues, and we are evaluating all options neces-sary to serve our students.”

The federal government has announced additional plans to help educational lend-ers with lines of credit, he said. The lending situation has improved over the

last few weeks, but OU will continue to keep an eye on the activities to make sure OU students can afford college, Hamilton said.

Students should always consider filing for federal aid before seeking out a private loan, Caddell said.

“It is really important for students to

exhaust all federal loan options before turning to private loans,” Caddell said. “Federal loans have a lower interest rate, are more flexible repayment plans and include deferment, forbearance and loan forgiveness benefits which is good for stu-dents especially in this financial unstable time.”

Students loans insulated from recession

• International airfare rates on the rise

WHITNEY ORTEGA

The Oklahoma Daily

Cheaper gas might have come just in time for Sooners driving home for break, but not everyone’s holiday travel will be cheap, especially for those who will have to travel more than fifteen hundred miles to be home for the holidays.

Plane tickets can be more than $3,000 for inter-national students and some are deciding to stay in the country over break rather than pay steep airfare prices.

Piyamas “Ann” Saengsuri, Industrial Engineering

Master student and international student from Thailand said she will spend her birthday, without her family, in Los Angeles during the break to save money on a plane ticket. She lived in Los Angeles while she was a student at the University of California, Los Angeles and said it is like her second home, but noth-ing can compare to Chumpon, Thailand.

“I went back to Thailand in December 2006 when I studied at UCLA,” Saengsuri said. “I won’t go back home to Thailand during this winter holiday because I have only three weeks to be over there; it’s not enough for me. And I might have to spend a lot of money to go back home this time.”

Saengsuri has only been able to return home once in the four years she has been in the United States and said she’s getting used to missing home, but she can’t wait to experience home again.

“I want to jump into the oceans warm and clear

water and lay down on the beach,” she said. “And I miss Thai food, its authentic taste. I checked a couple of airline Web sites and the tickets are pretty high, probably because of Christmas and the New Year holiday. The cheapest ticket I found for round trip is $3,665. This made me decide to stay in the states for this holiday.”

Yahya Uyanik, an international student from Istanbul Turkey, said to him airfare is relatively rea-sonable this holiday season.

“Ticket’s aren’t that expensive if you compare them to other European countries,” he said. “It’s about the same.”

Americans traveling this season have it quite lucky, Uyanik said.

“I like the United States,” he said. “I like traveling here, it’s cheap.”

Uyanik will return home for the holidays because

he is an exchange student at OU, only here for one semester.

He enjoyed his stay, he said, but homesickness has taken a toll on the Turk.

“I miss Turkey, my family and friends,” Uyanik said. “I miss the friendships, it was different there. I miss foods especially, I want to go back and eat tradi-tional foods, not hamburgers.”

Times can get rough and home isn’t exactly close by, but Saengsuri said she can’t wait to share her new knowledge with loved ones and is glad she has the opportunity.

“I think I have great opportunities in the U.S. I want to learn as much as I can about everything not just school,” said Saengsuri. “Only two more years and I will be done with graduate school. I can’t wait for that time to go back home and share my experiences and what I’ve learned with my family and friends.”

International students may not be home for the holidays

Merrill Jones/The Daily

Students can still find loans in the current economic crisis. Most students loans are guaranteed by

the government and do not face the same credit crunch hitting other sectors.

JENKINS

LINDSEY

FOOTB

ALL

STADIUM

OU ITSTORE

Campus NewsCampus News

Discrimination in the work place is always inexcusable, no matter what the rea-son. But one type of discrimination that is not as blatant as racism and sexism may be on the rise in Oklahoma. It is dis-crimination against pregnant women and women with children.

The number of com-plaints filed with the Equal Opportunity Commission

regarding pregnancy discrimina-tion in Oklahoma more than dou-

bled between the years 1998 and 2007. (See page 8 for details.)

This type of dis-crimination is difficult to identify because finding it is not as easy as looking at an employee roster for the appropriate pro-portions of minorities and men and women.

It is unfair to women who are

pregnant, who are planning to get pregnant or who have chil-dren already that they have to worry about losing their jobs for the “crime” of getting pregnant.

With a child on the way, the added stress of planning to pro-vide for a family despite a loss of income can be unhealthy for the mother and the child.

It also is unfair for employers to assume women will not be productive, loyal employees sim-ply because they become preg-nant or because they are raising

children.There are plenty of lazy, childless workers and plenty of dedicated employees with full houses.

Not only is this form of dis-crimination unfair, but it also is illegal. When interviewing poten-tial employees for jobs, employ-ers cannot ask if a woman is pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

And, just like it is illegal for employers to fire their employ-ees based on the color of their skin, their gender or their age,

it is illegal for them to fire a woman because she is pregnant or because she has children at home.

Pregnancy and motherhood do not automatically make a woman a bad employee. Women have been juggling the respon-sibilities of work and family for thousands of years — and they’ve been doing it well.

Men are not fired when their wives become pregnant or because they have children at home. Women should not be

either. Terminations should be based

on job performance only. If a woman cannot juggle her

family and career and the qual-ity of her work suffers, then she should be fired.

But that decision should only be based on what she does in the work place, not what an employ-er imagines she is coping with at home.

OUR VIEW is an editorial selected and debated by the editorial board and written after a majority opinion is formed and approved by the editor. Our View is Th e Daily’s offi cial opinion.

This year has been oddly Dickensian for me.

It’s been the best of times — and the worst of times.

I feel like my life this year has been the epitome of these famous lines.

And I know I’m not alone.

We’re seeing many historic changes that

are interesting to experience, though they also can be over-whelming.

We’re facing a change in the presidency, a changing glob-al role and a recession that doesn’t seem to be going any-where soon.

And we’re facing finals on top of everything else.

In the midst of the turmoil of life and the ever-increasing reality of adulthood, I think

everyone should pause to think about what’s most important in life: having fun.

And I don’t mean having fun in a hedonistic, irresponsible way.

I mean that, after or while people are being responsible and seeing to their duties, they should take time out to enjoy the life they’re living.

One of the best pieces of advice I received this year was from a friend who told me, “If you’re not having a good time, you’re wasting your time.”

If you’re stressed out and freaking out, you’re doing a disservice to yourself and oth-ers.

You’re also wasting valuable time and energy that you could be spending doing something else.

There’s nothing worse than when you’re calm and some-one starts freaking out about how stressful finals are, as if he or she is the only one who

has ever taken finals. That negativity is not good.

There’s way too much of it in the world already. Just pick up a newspaper or book, and there it is.

It’s important to understand the severity of the situations we will be forced to face in the months and possibly years to come, but it’s also important to remember to chill out and spread a little happiness.

A key to surviving the crazy times we’re probably bound for is resilience.

One definition of resilience is the ability to adjust easily to misfortune or change — and the times indeed are changing.

It’s important to find balance in the crazy times in which we live.

Reading the news each morning can be a downer, but it’s necessary. Going to class, preparing for and taking finals can be stressful, but doing so is necessary.

However, it is also neces-sary to enjoy the simple and not so simple joys that life can bring, even in the midst of high stress.

The average American woman will only live about 78 years. If you’re a man, you have closer to 75. Those years of your life will go by much quicker than you think.

Do you want to remember how stressed you were during those decades of your life, or do you want to remember how you lived a happy life even in the midst of the craziest times?

You have even more of a responsibility to have fun because of recent British stud-

ies that have shown that happi-ness can be contagious within three degrees of separation.

Weigh that figure in your head with the fact that the adult suicide rate is up and morale is down, and you’ll know what you need to do: Go have fun.

It will help you, and it will probably help others because you will be happy.

When possible, say yes when your friends ask you to go out.

Say yes to the countless holiday parties that will prob-ably fill your next week and a half.

They may keep you busy, but they’ll definitely cheer you up in the midst of studying for

those pesky finals. Say yes to the new friend

who insists on toasting to hav-ing fun.

It’s important to take life seriously, but don’t take it so seriously that it prevents you from living well.

Think about this advice from author Victor’s Hugo: “Have courage for the great sorrows in life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily tasks, go to sleep in peace.”

Kayle Barnes is a profes-sional writing senior. Her col-umn usually appeared every other Tuesday.

Most people in the United States do not accept the validity of evolution.

A study published in 2005 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science

surveyed the frequency of acceptance of evolution across the United States, Japan and 32 European nations.

In this study, the U.S. ranked second to last in acceptance of evolution, above Turkey but below Cyprus.

It is my observation that most of those who reject evolution and accept cre-ationism usually hold fun-

damental misconceptions about the nature of evolution. All too often, these misconcep-tions are deliberately propagated by those who stand to profit from the creationist cause.

If creationists would trouble themselves to learn the basic facts of evolution from a credible source, much of the acrimonious debate that has surrounded the creation/evolution controversy would disappear.

Briefly, evolution refers to the change in frequencies of different versions of genes in populations over time. These changes in frequency are most notably caused by envi-ronmental pressures.

For example, a shortage of food is rela-tively unlikely to cause an elimination of those who possess a gene that allows them to smell out food more effectively. A short-age of females unlikely to cause an elimina-tion of those males who possess a gene that allows them to produce more eye-catching mating displays.

The possessors of these genes are more likely to reproduce and to pass these genes on to their offspring. Assuming the environ-ment does not change, these genes are likely to spread further with the next generation.

The theory of evolution by natural selec-tion, as proposed by Charles Darwin and redefined by modern scientists to include genetic mutations is a framework of ideas used to explain the observed fact of change over time. Thus, evolution is not just a theo-ry; it is both a theory and a fact.

One might liken it to the germ theory of disease. The germ theory of disease is a theory, but the occurrence of disease is an observed fact.

The theory of evolution does not touch on the origin of life (abiogenesis), the beginning of the universe or anything outside of chang-es in the frequencies of different versions of genes in populations over time.

It’s also worth noting that the theory of evolution is descriptive, not prescriptive. That is, it is a record of the way things are, not a commentary on the way things should be.

Some creationists promote the idea that evolution somehow dictates that we should eliminate those who are “unfit,” and go on to associate acceptance of evolution with eugenics. However, anyone with a strong understanding of science should be able to tell that the theory of evolution no more prescribes that we exterminate the disabled than the theory of gravity prescribes that we be attracted to massive people.

There also seems to be widespread misun-derstanding about the theory of evolution’s status within the scientific community. While there are many debates over various details of the workings of evolution, there is no con-troversy within the scientific establishment regarding evolution’s overall validity

While young-earth creationism may be virtually mainstream in the American public, it is a fringe perspective among biologists.

A 1991 Gallup poll showed that, among American scientists working in fields rel-evant to evolutionary biology, less than .15 percent are creationists or believe that cre-ationism has any scientific validity. I would expect this number to be even lower in most other industrialized nations.

The reason for this far-reaching certainty is simple: Evolution is supported by over-whelming amounts of virtually incontrovert-ible evidence. Moreover, no credible evi-dence refutes it. Unfortunately, the common misconceptions regarding the evidence for

evolution are too numerous to be addressed here. However, there are a few points which deserve special mention.

One claim frequently made by prominent creationist mouthpieces such as Answers in Genesis is that there are no transitional fos-sils which illustrate the gradual speciation. Though it’s an objection I hear often, it’s sim-ply not true. Smooth continua of intermedi-ate species can be demonstrated between fish and tetrapods, reptiles and mammals, and chimps and Homo sapiens.

Of particular interest to creationists should be the Tiktaalik, a fossilized animal which might be roughly described as a fish with feet.

It’s fairly illustrative of the many transi-tional fossils which you’ll never see men-tioned by Answers in Genesis.

Another particularly clinching proof of evolution can be found with retroviruses. Retroviruses, upon infection, splice their DNA into their host’s genome.

Sometimes this chunk of DNA is passed down from the host to its descendants.

Many instances of retrogenes common to both chimpanzees and humans, for example, provide compelling evidence for descent.

On the other hand, had God simultane-ously poofed everything into existence 6,012 years ago, the presence of this retroviral DNA which seemingly allows us to view evo-lution would be incomprehensible.

There’s much more I wish I could cover, but, unfortunately, evolution is too complex a topic to be fully addressed via a column.

With any luck, acquaintance with the facts will eventually persuade America’s non-evo-lutionist majority to reexamine its position.

Zac Smith is a University College soph-omore. His column appeared every other

Monday.

Hailey Branson, opinion [email protected]

phone: 325-7630, fax: 325-6051For more, go to oudaily.com.OpinionOpinion

ZACSMITH

OUR VIEW

STAFF COLUMNYOUR VIEWS

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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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Monday, Dec. 8, 20084

If creationists would trouble themselves to learn the basic facts of evolution from a credible source, much of the acrimonious debate that has surrounded the creation/evolution controversy would disappear.

Evolution credibility marred by lack of factsEric Combs’ column ‘Don’t be tacky when breaking a

heart’ was really great, One of my friends recommended I pick up the paper

to read the column because I seem to have been a recent victim of the first brutal break-up method: the cold shoul-der.

Friends had tried to counsel me, saying it was probably a misunderstanding.

At first, they said, “Oh, his phone is probably broken,” then, “He’s probably with family for the holidays,” and now, finally, “Perhaps he’s dead.”

Well, either way, he’s definitely not been calling or tex-ting me back.

Combs’ column has confirmed for me that I should probably give up hope of hearing from this guy ever again. Is it truly tragic that I am hoping to UPGRADE to brutal break-up method three: the break-up text message.

Yes, being both foolish and female, I decided it was a good idea to text him and ask if he did want to see me again. I didn’t even get a reply to that, though.

I handed him a golden opportunity to reply with a simple “No” or perhaps a nice “Screw you,” and even that wasn’t deemed worthy of a reply.

I met the guy in question at a costume party. An inspired and rockin’ costume apparently does not guarantee a fifth date. At least I know for next time.

By sharing my sad story, I am making an impassioned plea to all of the OU guys out there: Please, be a man when ditching your date.

Telling her you don’t want to see her anymore might be awkward, but it’s undoubtedly a lot less awkward than the ensuing round of texts and voicemails from a hopeful young lady asking if you’re free at the weekend, dwindling gradually into ‘So...what happened to you?’

Thank you, Eric Combs, for waking me up to the sad truth. I have been dumped.

Charlotte WainrightMeteorology graduate student

Column confirms cold shoulder break-up

Pregnancy discrimination intolerable

Want more opinion?Visit www.oudaily.com to read and post com-ments to columns, Our Views, cartoons and let-

ters to the editor.

No matter the circumstances, a bit of fun importantSTAFF COLUMN

It is...necessary to enjoy the simple and not so simple joys that life can bring, even in the midst of high stress.

Corey DeMoss, sports [email protected]: 325-7630, fax: 325-6051For more, go to oudaily.com. SportsSports 5Monday, Dec. 8, 2008

For the first time in a long time, I found myself somewhat speechless after an OU game. With the Sooners on the brink of playing for their eighth national title, I’m not sure what

to discuss.But I don’t think it is because of the lack of

good topics; it may actually be due to a surplus. Heading into an OU-Florida national champion-ship game, the storylines are endless.

Will Sam Bradford win the Heisman? Will his surgery go as smoothly as planned? Is he the best OU quarterback ever?

Is this the best offense ever? They’ve scored 702 points in 13 games. Bradford is going to set a record for pass efficiency. Could anyone predict those kind of numbers?

Bradford has 48 touchdowns to six intercep-tions (several of which bounced off his receivers’

hands). And then there are the two 1000-yard rushers in the back-field. And Mossis Madu looked darn good Saturday.

What about the injuries? That’s a storyline too. Let’s count the guys who have missed significant time: Auston English, Frank Alexander, Ryan Reynolds, Austin Box, DeMarcus Granger, DeMarco Murray, Manuel Johnson and Brody Eldridge.

That’s some pretty decent resiliency.Then there’s the game that will be played in January. Two prolific

offenses that could potentially be lead by two Heisman Trophy win-ners. Tim Tebow said at one point that he’d like to play against the Big 12’s defenses. That sounds like bulletin board material.

And OU needs bulletin board material now more than ever. This defense has given up more points than any OU defense under Stoops. This defense plays great in some games, and inexplicably poor in others.

Still, they play hard. Make big hits. Force turnovers. Was that a great performance against Missouri — with no Austin Box, mind you — or what? Nic Harris playing like Roy Williams. Quentin Carter filling in and putting big hits on people. And when Mike Balogun was in there, I didn’t really notice. That’s a good thing.

What about Travis Lewis? He came out of nowhere and had an incredible freshman season. But shouldn’t we expect this by now? Every year there’s a new linebacker putting up huge numbers.

But back to the title game. How about this irony: at the end of this season, OU will have played three neutral field games: against Texas in Dallas, Missouri in Kansas City and against Florida in Miami. Bad luck, huh?

And what is Bob Stoops going to do to prepare for this game? He said after last year’s Fiesta Bowl that the staff would look into changing how they prepare for the bowl games because of their well-documented BCS bowl struggles. We’ll see.

Although it seems like waiting until Jan. 8 is just too long, at least it will give us plenty of time to discuss all these stories. I hope.

— STEVEN JONES IS A LANGUAGE ARTS EDUCATION JUNIOR.

STAFF COLUMN

OU has too many storylines to count

STEVENJONES

Sooners defeat TulsaThe OU men’s basketball team

traveled to Tulsa Sunday and defeated

the Golden Hurricane 69-44 behind

sophomore Blake Griffi n’s 29 points

and nine rebounds.

Women rollCourtney Paris extended her

double-double streak to 100 games

with 24 points and 10 rebounds

Sunday during OU’s 87-57 road victory

over Arkansas State.

Wrestling edges OSUThe No. 20 OU wrestling team

defeated No. 9 Oklahoma State 18-15

Sunday in Norman, marking the fi rst

time since 1993 the Sooners have won

back-to-back bouts with OSU.For more coverage, visit oudaily.com

Stoops ready for challenge• OU and Florida prepare to play each other for first time

COREY DEMOSS

The Oklahoma Daily

OU’s trip to Miami for the BCS Championship will feature two of the most electric offenses in the nation, two previous championship-winning coaches and two leading Heisman Trophy candidates.

And head coach Bob Stoops said Sunday that he is excited for the Jan. 8 contest to arrive, particularly because the Sooners are on such a hot streak.

“It’s a great opportunity, and I’ve loved the way our team has really played the last three or four weeks,” Stoops said. “It’s peaked at the right time, and I know they’re anxious and excited at the opportunity.”

OU is the only team this season to average 50 points per game and the only team in NCAA history to score more than 700 points in a season. Only one other school — Tulsa — has scored more than 600 points this season.

Florida has also put up outstanding offen-sive numbers, ranking third in the nation with 45.15 points per game. Stoops said he is aware of how effective the Gators can be, but said he hasn’t had enough time to fully analyze them.

“[The BCS Championship selection] just happened today,” Stoops said. “We haven’t seen them yet. I haven’t gotten a chance to really see many of their games at all, all year. I know they’re talented, I know they’re fast, I see enough highlights to see all of their skill and speed.”

Florida is coming off a 31-20 victory over then-No. 1 Alabama in the SEC championship.

For much of the year, the Big 12 and SEC have proven to be the nation’s two dominant conferences, but Stoops said he doesn’t think that automatically makes their champions the nation’s two best teams.

“It depends on what their records are. You’re going to have some [conference] champions a lot of times that have a couple losses,” he said. “There are some other really good football teams out there — Penn State, USC — it’s hard to deny how well those guys have played too.”

Before last season’s Fiesta Bowl against West Virginia, Stoops used receiver Ryan Broyles in practice to mirror the speed and athleticism of West Virginia’s Pat White.

This year, Stoops jokingly said he will use fullback Matt Clapp to reflect the power of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow.

“We need a big, physical guy,” Stoops said. “I don’t know that Matt can throw like [Tebow]. In fact, I know he can’t.”

When gameday finally does arrive, Stoops will be playing against the team for which he

coached for three years. Stoops was defensive coordinater for the Gators from 1996-98.

“I have a lot of close associations there, everyone knows that,” Stoops said. “But the good thing, and I’ve said this before, the good thing if you were playing your brother or someone you knew really well in this situation, the positive is one of you has to win.”

The OU and Florida programs have played a combined 2,193 games, but they have never played each other.

Regardless of which team wins, a head coach will make history. Stoops and Florida’s Urban Meyer have each won a BCS Championship, but no coach has ever won two.

“It’s been obvious for quite a while, just the parity and how difficult it is,” Stoops said. “There are a lot of good teams and good play-ers, and it’s not easy to do it.”

Michelle Gray/The Daily

Head coach Bob Stoops addresses the media during a press conference Sunday. Stoops said his team is

excited and ready to take on Florida in the national title.

Games available during this pick up will be Coppin State, Maryland Eastern Shore, Texas, and Nebraska. The Men’s Basketball Student Season Ticket distribution for these games will end on Wednesday, December 10 at 3 p.m. online and 5 p.m. at the Athletics Ticket Offi ce.

The second pick up for men’s basketball will begin online at on

Sunday, December 7 at 5 p.m.

Please visit for more information.

men’sbasketball2008-2009

men’s basketball student season ticket holders,

Jan. 3Coppin State12:30 p.m.

Jan. 5Maryland Eastern Shore7:00 p.m.

Jan. 12Texas8:00 p.m.

Jan. 21Nebraska8:00 p.m.

Win $10,000 Win $10,000 to help to help

spread peace!spread peace!The Davis United World College Scholars is The Davis United World College Scholars is

offering $10,000 awards to 100 undergraduate offering $10,000 awards to 100 undergraduate students or groups of students, at participating students or groups of students, at participating

colleges and universities, to design and colleges and universities, to design and implement a project to promote peace.implement a project to promote peace.

Projects must be done during the summer Projects must be done during the summer of 2009. They can be anywhere in the world, of 2009. They can be anywhere in the world,

as long as they promote peace.as long as they promote peace.

The possibilities are endless. Judging is based The possibilities are endless. Judging is based on projects that are most promising on projects that are most promising

and can be completed.and can be completed.

All undergraduates at OU are eligible to apply.All undergraduates at OU are eligible to apply.Deadline for applications is Jan. 19, 2009.Deadline for applications is Jan. 19, 2009.

For more information email:For more information email:[email protected]@ou.edu

R.T. Conwell, advertising managerclassifi [email protected]

phone: 325-2521, fax: 325-7517For more, go to oudaily.com.ClassifiedsClassifiedsMonday, Dec. 8, 20086

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call 405.325.2521 before the

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Card Ad are due 3 days prior to

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RATESLine AdsRates 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.

Classifi ed Display AdsRates are $16.00 per column

inch, per day with a minimum of

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Classifi ed Card AdsClassifi ed Card Ads are $170 per

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of 2 column inchs and run 20

consecutive issues. Ad copy

may change every fi ve issues.

Game SponsorshipsClassifi ed Display Ads located

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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

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1 col (1.833 in) x 2.25 inches

Crossword .....$515/month(located just below the puzzle)

PaymentPayment is required at the

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Announcements

ENTERTAINMENT2009 spring break taste of Ireland, 6 days, air, lodging, private bus, meals, and certifi ed Irish guides, room for 50 people on special rate, 1st deposit due mid Jan. 2009. for more info call 330-8068 or www.scissortailtravel.com

For Sale

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

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

TransportationC

AUTO INSURANCE

Auto InsuranceQuotations Anytime

Foreign Students WelcomedJim Holmes Insurance, 321-4664

Employment

HELP WANTEDNow hiring lifeguard, swim instructors, and AM pool managers. Apply at the Cleveland County Family YMCA, 1350 Lexington Ave. EOE.

DEVELOPMENTAL MATH LAB INSTRUCTOR needed at Oklahoma City Community College www.occcjobs.com/hr

Seeking part time and full time employees visit boomerbooks.com to apply.

Financial institution has immediate opening for an experienced teller. Previous banking experi-ence or experience in retail is preferred. Strong customer service skills req. Earn monthly per-formance 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.

Make up to $75 per online survey www.cashto-spend.com.

America’s FAST LANE is now hiring lube techs, car wash attendants, service advisors, cashiers, and management trainees. Full and part-time positions are available with no experience neces-sary. Fast Lanes offers competitive pay, fl exible schedules, and opportunity for advancement. Ap-ply in person at 1235 West Main Street, Norman OK or call 321-5260.

SOONERSNEEDJOBS.COMPaid survey takers needed in Norman100% FREE to join. Click on Surveys.

$5,000-$45,000PAID. EGG DONORS for up to 9 donations,

+ Exps, non-smokers, Ages 19-29,SAT>1100/ACT>24/GPA>3.00

Contact: [email protected]

Housekeeper needed $9/hr. fl exible hrs NW Nor-man 310-6125 or [email protected]. Can call wknds.

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.

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

High energy waitstaff wanted! Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar. Apply in person: I-40 & Rockwell.

We pay up to $75.00 per online survey! www.cashtospend.com.

Housing RentalsJ

APTS. FURNISHEDWalk 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

2 bedrms starting at $299 lease today, move in tomorrow! Call 366-0999.

$400, bills paid, effi ciency LOFT apartments, downtown over Mister Robert Furniture, 109 E Main, fi re sprinkler, no pets, smoke-free. Inquire store offi ce.

APTS. UNFURNISHEDVERY NICE!!!, 800 sf, 1 bdrm, living room, kitch-en, bth, wood fl oors, 1 block OU, 1018 S Col-lege, $275/mo. Call 306-1970 or 360-2873.

1/2 OFF 1ST MONTHS RENTDec. & 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

Walk to Campus!Effi ciency $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.

CONDOS UNFURNISHED1,2,3,&4 bedrooms, starting at $350/mo. 1/2 OFF FIRST MONTHS RENT! Available immediately. The Edge at Norman. Call (303) 550-5554 or e-mail: [email protected].

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 FURNISHEDAvailable Now

Restored 5 bedroom bungalow with hardwood fl oors & central heat and air. $1000 a month. Sharon at Metro Brokers 397-3200.

HOUSES UNFURNISHEDNice, 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.

2 bdrm house, 4 blks to OU, wood fl oors, 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 over-looks family room, 3 car garage 329-2310.

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 Fur-niture 109 E. Main 321-1818, or stop by to apply for other sizes.

TOWNHOUSES UNFURNISHEDGriffi n Park Townhouse, 2 bdrm, 1.5 bath, com-bined living and dining room, all appliances, fur-nished/unfurnished, neutral colors. 329-2310.

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

Housing SalesJ

CONDOS2 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.

HOUSESFIRE YOUR LANDLORD!OWN YOUR OWN HOME!

GET A DOG!

One bed home, totally new throughout including kitchen and bath. Payments cheaper than rent. $58900 sales price. Gwen @ Metro Brokers of OK 820-5454 (B/O)

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oudaily.com

Hazing?Not on our campus.

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Previous Answers

3 4 1 75 1 9 87 2 5 3

6 2 39 5 8 2 6 1

1 2 97 5 6 3

6 7 4 92 9 4 8Instructions: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.

Previous Solution

Diffi culty Schedule:Monday - Very EasyTuesday - EasyWednesday - EasyThursday - MediumFriday - Hard

1 6 7 8 5 9 4 2 34 8 5 1 2 3 9 7 63 2 9 7 4 6 1 8 55 1 8 6 7 4 3 9 26 4 2 9 3 1 7 5 89 7 3 2 8 5 6 1 42 9 1 4 6 8 5 3 78 3 4 5 1 7 2 6 97 5 6 3 9 2 8 4 1

Universal Crossword

“FARE GAME” by Henry Quarters

ACROSS 1 Cakes with

kicks 6 Vending

machine reject

10 Moniker 14 Rocky

prominence 15 Uruguay

currency 16 Horse track

shape 17 Stock market

offering? 18 It often

comes before many words

19 Muddy the waters

20 Fluctuating fortunes

23 Phencycli-dine, on the street

25 Gloomy fellow

26 Bearing a heavy load

27 Delphi prophet

29 Diner order (with “the”)

32 Cultural dish? 33 Formicary

denizens 34 Fourth notes

in a scale 37 Gloater’s

remark 41 “Reach for

the ___!” (oater phrase)

42 Toss with a spatula

43 Blood vessel that begins at the heart

44 ___ it up (celebrate

noisily) 46 Sundial’s

shadow caster

47 Not docked 50 Air traffic

agcy. 51 “___ not

what your country …”

52 Prepare for unpleasant-ness

57 Not yet risen 58 There’s love

lost between them

59 That’s just like ewe

62 Thorough-bred’s poppa

63 Creatures studied by Goodall and Fossey

64 “Not on your life!”

65 Horse height unit

66 Like Santa’s cheeks

67 Famous Garbo

DOWN 1 ___-relief

(sculpture style)

2 Class with models

3 It has a high rate of turnover

4 To___(pre-cisely)

5 Harem 6 Roasting

rods 7 Letterman

rival 8 SALT

participant

9 Silly goose 10 Common 11 Sidestep 12 Stephen King

writes here 13 Barkin or

Zwilich 21 Look for

damages 22 Cookbook

phrase 23 They’re

elected in conclaves

24 Old floor-board sound

28 Rend the air 29 Not cool 30 Porch

adjunct 31 NAFTA

signer 33 Woody

Guthrie’s heir 34 Develop-

mental (as years)

35 Rush hour accumulation

36 Performed awfully

38 Strange sighting in the night sky

39 Skedaddled 40 Likewise 44 Tended

one’s garden 45 Part of

a Santa costume

46 One in pigtails

47 Destroy one’s self-confidence

48 Fibula’s companion

49 Iron-fisted 50 Fastidious 53 Catch wind

of 54 Industry

showcase 55 Flower

fanciers 56 Incessantly 60 Aquarium

implement 61 Reagan or

Christian

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

Edited by Timothy E. Parker December 08, 2008

© 2008 Universal Press Syndicatewww.upuzzles.com

www.oig.biz

Pre-Leasing for January

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TAKE A SMALL STEP TO GET HEALTHY

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FETCH THIS PAPER YOURSELF

•The Daily’s Luke Atkinson participated in a conference call interview with Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly and Jon Hamm, the stars of the remake of “The Day the Earth Stood Still.”

“The Day the Earth Stood Still” follows Klaatu (Reeves), the representative of an alien race who comes to Earth to assess whether humanity can prevent further environmental damage to their planet. Klaatu already has a negative opinion of humans, and when barred from addressing the United Nations, decides they shall be exterminated so the planet — with its rare ability to sustain complex life — can survive. It is up to Dr. Helen Benson (Connelly) and her stepson Jacob (Jaden Smith) to convince Klaatu that humans are worth saving. “The Day the Earth Stood Still” hits theaters Friday.

The original version of this film was a big hit. Had any of you seen the original film prior to reading the script?

Jennifer Connelly: I hadn’t seen it but soon after reading the script, I watched it. I am a big fan of it. Really great film.

Keanu Reeves: When I was nine or ten years old, I saw it in black and white. How about that? The score of the film was very striking. I saw it again before production and the political issues, irony and humor really stood out.

The original film had themes of impending nuclear war during the Cold War. Is the remake modernized to fit with new societal problems?

KR: Yeah, there is still a military aspect to it. In the film, it has the aspect of the American military: shoot first, then ask questions later.

Were there any difficulties during production?

JC: No, I had a great time. There’s always pressure and expectations in making a film, but it was nice. I thought the film went well; the cast did well. Weirdly pleasant.

Jon Hamm: I’m surprised at how pleasant it was, since I’ve done more

TV. Everybody was incredibly cool and respectful.

KR: Yeah. In terms of challenges, there is a lot of pressure on director [Scott Derrickson.] He had to remake an American classic. Even though we sweated our roles, he probably had a cold sweat at night.

Jon, you’ve done more work in television than in film. Is your career shifting into Hollywood blockbusters?

JH: I don’t know, it’s not truly up to me. I just like to do things that are interesting and challenging on TV and film.

This film contains a lot of big special effects. How does that differ from your TV projects?

JH: It’s a matter of scale, really, in terms of budget, crew and such. The approach is the same: make it believable, much like on TV. Fundamentally, not much changes.

Jennifer, lately you have played a lot of roles with an element of

independence. Do you like the strong female character?

JC: Well, I’ve played a few characters that were a mess, too. I think it is interesting, personally, and just as fun if they are well put together or falling apart. I like this woman; she has a lot of merit.

Do you believe in life on other planets?

JH: I think the numbers are such that there has to be! I hope they are nice.

JC: I’m the same way. The film didn’t affect my line of thought. It makes good sense to me.

— LUKE ATKINSON IS A IS A BROADCAST AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA JUNIOR.

Adam Kohut, A&E [email protected]: 325-5189, fax: 325-6051For more, go to oudaily.com. 7Monday, Dec. 8, 2008

Arts Entertainment&

Q&A with the cast of ‘The Day the Earth Stood Still’

WANT MORE A&E?Visit oudaily.com for more Arts & Entertainment content, including this

week’s “What to Watch” and The Daily’s profi le of Chris Lockwood, an OU Ph.D.

student recently appointed as Editor-in-Chief of “Muscle & Fitness” and “Muscle

& Fitness HERS” magazines.

Photo provided

Jennifer Connelly and Keanu Reeves star in the remake of the 1951 science fiction film “The Day the Earth Stood Still.” The film hits theaters Friday.

Photo provided

Monday, Dec. 8, 2008

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- When it comes to managing things for others, there’s no doubt that you’ll be extremely competent; yet in handling your own resources, you’re likely to be careless -- or even a complete failure.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Although your common sense will handle a tricky development, you might ignore your insight and do the wrong thing -- all because you think it makes you look good in the eyes of friends.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Be careful not to exaggerate the potential of a venture in which you’re trying to interest others. Overselling could lose them, while underplaying things could get their attention.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Be optimistic and positive about your hopes, but not to the point of exaggerating your possibilities. You’ll be disappointed if events don’t live up to your false expectations.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Although you might feel things are going your way, don’t depend on luck and chance as a substitute for common sense and hard work. Fate could be fi ckle.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Do not make changes in a matter that is presently running smoothly just because it’s beginning to bore you. You could fi nd yourself hitting a dead end instead of an open road.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- A friend might unintentionally draw you into what he or she thinks is a small matter only to discover later that things are more com-plicated. It could be left to you to straighten things out.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Should a well-intentioned friend take it upon himself or herself to make a commitment on your behalf without your approval, don’t hesitate to nip it in the bud.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Be extra careful when working on something that demands close scrutiny, because your atten-tion span might not be up to its usual focus. If you catch yourself drifting off course, shelve the job until another day.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Expect to come out on the short end of the stick when the rewards are being passed out, especially if you’ve been indifferent in your participation throughout the entire project. You’ll get what you gave.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Do not agree to make a commitment with another if you don’t have a calendar handy. You’ll place yourself in an awkward position if you’ve forgotten another appointment that’s impossible to break.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Strangely, you’re likely to be alert to small fi nancial or career gains, but when it comes to larger opportunities, you could be asleep at the switch. Be on your toes with both pounds and pennies.

HOROSCOPE By Bernice Bede Osol

Copyright 2008, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.





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Pregnancy discrimination in the work place up statewideOKLAHOMA CITY — Complaints fi led with the Equal

Employment Opportunity Commission regarding

pregnancy discrimination have more than doubled in

Oklahoma from 1998 to 2007.

Oklahoma is one of 13 states who have seen

increases at that rate, according to a report from the

National Partnership for Women and Families.

“I think it could have something to do with the

economy,” said Jack Vasquez Jr., the acting director

of the Oklahoma Area EEOC Offi ce. “Obviously a lot

of employees are being laid off and less and less

employees are being hired. Could that be because

employers are being discriminatory? ... Yeah.

Obama: Economy to get worse before it gets any better WASHINGTON — President-elect Barack Obama

says the economy is going to get worse before it gets

better.

There are about six weeks before his inauguration

and Obama says his top priority is to have an econom-

ic recovery plan that is equal to the task ahead.

Obama also wants to make sure the domestic auto

industry doesn’t disappear. But he says that if tax-

payer money is at stake in a rescue plan, there must

be some guarantee of a viable industry that emerges.

Congress and the Bush administration are working

on legislation to give the Big 3 automakers roughly

$15 billion in loans. Legislation could pass as early as

this week.

Obama made the comments in an interview with

NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

Trucks torched at Pakistan terminal en rout to Afghanistan NATO forcesPESHAWAR, Pakistan — Pakistani police say sus-

pected militants have killed a policeman and torched

62 trucks at a terminal used to supply NATO and U.S.

troops in Afghanistan.

Police offi cial Kashif Alam says about 30 assailants

attacked the terminal near the northwestern city of

Peshawar with rockets and guns early Sunday.

Alam says fi re engulfed 62 trucks and containers

likely carrying supplies to foreign forces in Afghani-

stan.

A series of similar attacks in recent weeks have

raised concern that Taliban militants are seeking to

disrupt what is a vital supply line for NATO and U.S.

forces through the Khyber Pass.

Riots break out in 2 Greek cities after teen killed by policeATHENS, Greece — Hundreds of youths angered by

the fatal police shooting of a teenager rampaged

through Greece’s two largest cities for a second day

Sunday in some of the worst rioting the country has

seen in years.

Gangs smashed stores, torched cars and erected

burning barricades in the streets of Athens and Thes-

saloniki. Riot police clashed with groups of mostly

self-styled anarchists throwing Molotov cocktails,

rocks and bottles. Clouds of tear gas hung in the air,

sending passers-by scurrying for cover.

Rioting in several cities, including Hania in Crete

and cities in northern Greece, began within hours

of the death Saturday night of a 15-year-old shot

by police in Exarchia. The downtown Athens district

of bars, music clubs and restaurants is seen as the

anarchists’ home base.

Indian official denies threatening call to Pakistani presidentNEW DELHI — India’s foreign minister has denied

making a phone call to Pakistan’s president at the

height of the Mumbai attacks that led to Pakistan

putting its air force on alert.

Pakistan says President Asif Ali Zardari received a

“threatening” call during the crisis, apparently from

Indian External aff air minister Pranab Mukherjee.

Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper says the call was a

hoax.

Reacting for the fi rst time to the report, Mukherjee

says in a statement Sunday that “I had made no such

telephone call.”

— AP

News BriefsMonday, Dec. 8, 20088

STATE BRIEF

NATIONAL BRIEF

WORLD BRIEFS

AP Photo

Mario Neria stands in the doorway at the Republic Windows and Doors

factory Saturday in Chicago. Workers laid off from their jobs at the factory

have occupied the building since Friday and are demanding assurances

they’ll get severance and vacation pay that they say they are owed.

BAILOUT BLUES

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