Oklahoma Liquor Laws Facing Possible Modification

 Oklahoma lawmakers are in debate on whether or not they should change the liquor laws to allow consumers to purchase high point beer and wine in grocery stores. 

If the proposed liquor law passed, there would be a great impact on small businesses across Oklahoma. 

"It would be disastrous for all local retailers," Matthew Sterr, Owner of Spirit Shop said. 

Spirit Shop is a family owned and operated business which has been providing jobs for Norman, Okla. residents for 35 years. Moreover, Oklahoma liquor stores provide about 800 full-time jobs

"I would assume if Wal-Mart would start to sell wine and beer, over half of those businesses you would see would go bankrupt," Sterr said.  

On the other hand, Gene Clifton, owner and operator of Canadian River Winery in Slaughterville, Okla., would profit from the proposed changes. 

Clifton's wine is sold in 110 liquor stores across Oklahoma, including Spirit Shop.

"We of course are not opposed to wine in grocery stores, that's one of the things we want because it would be new market," Clifton said.  

According to the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission, there are 61 winemakers in Oklahoma. The passage of the proposed liquor laws would allow these wineries to reach a wider consumer base. 

"A lot of people won't go into a liquor store, because it's the bible belt, but they shop in grocery stores, and they pick up wine in grocery stores," Clifton said.

With wine sold in grocery stores, a new convenience factor would be added to everyday grocery consumers. 

"It's just like a sack of flour, people just pick it up because it's there. They don't have to go to a liquor store," Clifton said.

According to the ABLE Commission, there are 645 liquor stores in Oklahoma. 

Under current Oklahoma law, retailers may not sell beer and wine above 3.2 percent alcohol concentration in grocery stores. Furthermore, liquor stores in Oklahoma are only allowed to sell liquor, wine, and warm beer. 

With wine and strong beer in grocery stores, minors have more accessibility to these products through juvenile employees and customers. 

"It would basically be a complete deregulation. You might as well throw out the 21 rule for retail because it would become extremely easy for minors to get ahold of strong alcohol," Sterr said.

Oklahoma lawmakers have created a task force to further research the effects of the proposed liquor law changes. 

"I think its a complete politicization of the issue, they knew they couldn't get the bill through, they knew they didn't have the votes. You really don't need a task force to study that," Sterr said.  

The current Oklahoma liquor laws will stay in effect until the task force completes the necessary research next year. 

Osama bin Laden's Death Received Different Reactions From Around the Globe.

Large celebrations were witnessed around the United States once Pres. Barack Obama announced the death of Osama bin Laden; however, there were different reactions around the globe. 

Pres. Barack Obama announces
the death of Osama Bin Laden.
PHOTO: Courtesy youtube.com

"There isn't a lot of talk here...all I hear is that everyone is wondering why there arn't pictures," Feras Villanueva, external relations manager at Carnegie Melon University at Qatar, said.

The U.S. had been looking for bin Laden extensively since the September 11th attacks on the New York City World Trade Centers and the Pentagon. However, bin Laden had been the mastermind behind terrorist attacks against the U.S. since the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. 

bin Laden was the founder of the terrorist organization al-Qaeda, which has launched terrorist attacks on several countries since the 1980s. 

It was believed that bin Laden was hiding in the mountains around Afghanistan for several years; nevertheless, it was only within the last month that Pres. Obama learned of bin Laden's luxurious living within Abbottabad, Pakistan. 

Pres. Obama announced bin Laden's death May 1 after a successful intricate operation completed by U.S. Navy Seals. 

"The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date against al-Qaeda," Pres. Obama said in his address to the public on May 1. 

Celebrations occurred
 outside the White House.
PHOTO: Courtesy Al Jazeera Newspaper, Qatar

On the streets in New York City, at the front gates of the White House, and in many other cities around the world; celebrations could be found that resembled the look of New Years Eve.  However, these celebrations were not found around the globe.  

"The overall feeling here is of thankfulness...there is still a lot of doubt," Villanueva said. 

While the majority of reactions were in a positive manner, the intense celebrations were not witnessed. 

"The killing of bin Laden is very important news... The Taliban must learn a lesson from this. The Taliban should refrain from fighting," Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan president, said according to Al Jazeera newspaper in Qatar. 

Pres. Obama has announced that his administration will not release photos of bin Laden as he does not want them used as propaganda or to strike up additional violence.

 "We are absolute certain this was him, we've done DNA testing...There is no doubt we killed Osama bin Laden," Pres. Obama said. 

Jeanine L'Ecuyer Gives Insight to University of Oklahoma Journalism Students

Jeanine L'Ecuyer visited the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communications Tuesday, offering an insiders perspective into the public relations career field to journalism students.  

Jeanine L'Ecuyer talks to future
jouranlism professionals at the
University of Oklahoma Tuesday.
PHOTO: AJ Graffeo

L'Ecuyer is currently the director of communications at Ziemba Waid Public Affairs and works for Girl Scouts of America at Arizona Cactus- Pine Council in public relations and communications, according to Linkedin.com. 

Before entering into the public relations field, L'Ecuyer had an extensive career in the broadcast media industry beginning in 1978 at KOOL-FM in Arizona. Next, she worked for eleven years at KPNX-TV in Arizona in various positions including reporter, investigative reporter, assistant news director, and news director.

L'Ecuyer began her work in the public relations field in 1999 once she created her own company, L'Ecuyer & Associates, for public relations and communications. 

In describing the work of a public relations practitioner, she stressed the importance of writing and communication skills. 

"Know how to write," L'Ecuyer said, "If you can't write a clear concise idea...you got a problem." 

The main focus of the public relations field is to preserve the image of a company to the public. 

While working as press secretary for the office of Gov. Janet Napolitano for the State of Arizona, L'Ecuyer had the opportunity to cover the longest hostage situation in U.S. history and the only one to end without the loss of life. 

"...the only time in my career I dealt with a life and death situation," L'Ecuyer said. She worked to preserve the states image and the governors political image. 

Lastly, she offered her personal advice to the steps of the public relations process. The three steps to the process include: What are you trying to say?, Who are you trying to say it to?, and how are you going to say it?.

"You are not going to find this in any textbook," L'Ecuyer said. 

She stressed if the students were to take nothing else away from the lecture that they should remember that verbal and writing skills are extremely important. 

"I've said it once, I'll say it again...clarity," L'Ecuyer said. 

Beyond the public relations insight, L'Ecuyer offered advice to the future journalism professionals. 

Despite her extensive resume in the journalism and public relations fields, L'Ecuyer never completed her bachelors degree even after attending Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, and the University of Kansas, according to Linkedin.com.

In revealing this personal information, she discussed how tempting it is to quit college near the end as jobs become more available and seem more promising. 

She also stressed the importance of acquiring as many internships in as many disciplines as possible. 

"Pick what you want and stick with it," L'Ecuyer said. 

Four Concerts Take Over Oklahoma Stages This Week

Oklahoma residents were far from silence after four different artists made a stop in either Tulsa or Norman this week.

Lady Gaga on Monday and Kings of Leon on Friday brought crowds to the Bank of Oklahoma Event Center in Tulsa. Miranda Lambert on Thursday and Jason Castro on Friday entertained crowds on the University of Oklahoma Campus. 

Lady Gaga brought swarms of monster loving fans out to the BOK Center in Tulsa, many decorated with fancy costumes and eager to see the much anticipated Monster Ball tour. 

"I was definitely not going to miss Lady Gaga...I skipped my Monday night class to drive to Tulsa," Erick Moham OU sociology senior said. 

Before the Lady Gaga and Kings of Leon shows, the ONEOK Outdoor Concert Series provided free concerts to audiences. 

The concert series originally started in 2008 as a way to promote local musicians and enliven Downtown Tulsa, according to www.bokcenter.com.  

The group Admiral Twin played before the Lady Gaga show and the group Radio Radio played before the Kings of Leon show.

"I got my tickets the day they went on sale," Katie Schoelen said, "I've been a huge fan for a long time."

Lady Gaga's Monster Ball tour stopped in Tulsa Monday. PHOTO: Courtesy amplifyyourvoice.org

In Norman, Miranda Lambert packed the Lloyd Noble Center Thursday with her country hits. 

"[Lambert] was amazing...a perfect way to end my stressful week," Lauren Henderson said. 

The Miranda Lambert was actually the first time alcohol was allowed inside the Lloyd Noble Center. 

"I hardly noticed the alcohol, I guess it kind of just fit the concert scene," Henderson said.

Lastly, American Idol's Jason Castro was brought to the OU Walker-Adams Mall Friday night as part of the Brothers Under Christ Fraternity 11th annual Island Party. 

The Brothers Under Christ Fraternity hosts the free annual Island Party concert each year as a fundraising event.  

This year the funds were raised for the Haiti Rising Fund. 

Miranda Lambert brings fans and alcohol into the Lloyd Noble Center Thursday. PHOTO: Courtesy Soonersports.com

For music fans that did not get their concert fix this week, the BOK center is hosting Bob Seger April 28, the Foo Fighters May 17, and Josh Groban May 20. 

Tickets can be purchased for all BOK Center events at www.bokcenter.com or by phone at 1-866-7-BOK-CTR. 

Medieval Fair Brings a Timeless Escape to Norman

The scene looked as if it were a University of Oklahoma football game day this weekend as large crowds gather at Reaves Park in Norman to relive the medieval times. 

People stretched for miles away from Reaves park; however, replace the sea of crimson and cream and tailgaters with a sea of medieval costumes and vendors, as it was a different crowd at this time of year. 

"I love when [the medieval fair] comes to town...it offers an escape from the daily grind of classes and homework," Emily Blasdel, Studio Arts junior said. 

The faire offered thirty-five vendors and six stages to keep the journey back to the medieval times alive. 

"There were fox tails and rabbit ears, turkey legs and fried pickles, music and medieval dancing, and of course elephant riding," Elliot Hale, Geography senior said.

Performers play songs from the Medieval times. 
PHOTO: Courtesy medievalfair.org

The highlights of the fair included jousting knights on horseback and the intense human chess games that occurred on a daily basis. 

The Medieval fair has been an annual event in Norman since 1977 and boasts to be the state's largest weekend event and the third largest event in Oklahoma, according to www.medievalfair.org. 

The fair offers fun for all ages as there is a large variety of food and drink, games, face painting, and several performances throughout the weekend.

"This would have been really fun to go to when I was a kid, I would bring my family with me if it were in my hometown," Blasdel said. 

Crowds gather around the human chess game. 

PHOTO: courtesy Kyle Phillips, Norman Transcript

The fair ran three consecutive days, living the timeless classic between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. It also offered free parking in all areas around Reaves park. 

"This was my first time to attend, and it definitely will not be my last," Gianna Barolin, International Area Studies junior said. 

Midterm Interesting Person Profile

The Race for Summer Lifeguard Jobs is Underway

Students seek lifeguard certification in hopes to gain summer employment in hard economic times. 

A high number of students have recently enrolled in lifeguard certification classes at the University of Oklahoma Murray Case Sells Swim Complex. 

"Students are looking for summer jobs with good pay and that still get to enjoy the summer weather," Kim Bramblett Head Lifeguard at the OU Swim Complex said. 

With the ever-present hard economic times, students are beginning to get creative in searching for new summer jobs; however, some students still seek out lifeguard jobs even with the high volume of applicants. 

View from the lifeguard stand at the OU Swim 
Complex. PHOTO: AJ Graffeo

"I'm a little nervous with the times being how they are...less people are paying to swim at public pools, which I think means pools will hire less lifeguards," Amber (last name withheld) prospective lifeguard said. 

Bramblett said last summer the OU Swim Complex had about 40 applicants for lifeguard positions, and only about 20 were hired throughout the summer. 

The applications for this summer are posted at www.jobs.ou.edu in early April. The OU Swim Complex is estimating to have about 45 to 50 applicants for this summer based on their inquiry volume, Bramblett explained. 

"Experience and leadership set the quality lifeguards apart from the other applicants," Bramblett said. 

Every year the OU Swim Complex provides various lifeguard certification classes that begin in January and run two consecutive weekends. 

"For the current class in session ten students are enrolled, and the numbers have increased for each class as the Summer gets closer," Rhiannon Windsor Lifeguard Certification Instructor at the OU Swim Complex said.  

Windsor explained how lifeguard certification students will learn surveillance and rescue techniques, CPR, and basic first aid. 

"[The lifeguard certification] will prepare the students adequately and give them the confidence to respond correctly in an emergency situation," Windsor said. 

Lifeguarding can be a high-stress job especially in the middle of the summer as the temperatures climb and more pool patrons come to swim. This does not scare away most applicants, however. 

"I think I'll be able to handle the stressful emergency situations, I've known how to swim well since I was little," Amber said. 

The OU Swim Complex offers one more lifeguard certification class in late April through early May. The classes cost $150, which includes all materials necessary. For more information on classes and employment, call the OU Swim Complex at 405-325-4837.

The necessary safety equipment used by lifeguards. PHOTO: AJ Graffeo

Art Students Fight Against Faulty Equipment

Students within the University of Oklahoma Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts petition against faulty equipment Monday.

"I'm a bit upset at the moment," Tyson Manning Photography Senior said. Manning started this discussion Monday after he sent out a mass e-mail to his classmates with the subject line: "YOU pay student fees - WHY does nothing work?."

Students pay class fees each semester according to their specific college and also general university fees. OU School of Art students pay nearly $300 in fine arts supply fees and arts and sciences technology fees according to a summary of fees for the OU School of Art students.

"I am paying labs fees and the school pays the IT department to take care of technology...Yet why does nothing work?," Manning said.

Many students were conscious of what their fees were applied to and equally frustrated; however, some students were not as concerned.

"Who really looks at that [bursar bill]? Either you have financial aid pay for it or your parents pay for it." Byron Towles Visual Communications Senior said.

Looking past the fees, both Manning and Towles agreed that there are printers and other lab equipment that have not worked all semester long within the OU School of Art, and feel it is impeding on their educational opportunities.

Within the Visual Communications lab there are printers that are "unbelievably unreliable," Towles said. He explained there is a lot of work to be done when the printer is working. "I know no one enjoys doing that, but at the same time, we have to do what is necessary to use a machine that requires a lot of annoying and tedious work," he said.

Manning explained, "I am in a screen printing class and I can't ever log into any of the computers...and the paper printer has been broken since the start of the semester." He went on to explain how for his photography classes, the water temperature in the basement isn't at the correct temperature for developing film properly.

Manning is collecting information on all the faulty equipment within the whole OU School of Art from his classmates and other art majors, then plans to compile the common problems into a petition.

In speaking out to his fellow art students Manning said: "I'm mad and you should be also. You're paying for broken crap."

Andrew Strout, professor of photography, explained that the OU Facilities Management is working on the problems.

Strout said the OU School of Art dark room should have cold water sometime in the near future. He explained that the school's water supply is being connected to the new plant being built by the Huston Huffman Fitness and Recreation Center.

Towles said the printers in the visual communications labs are working; however, they are more complicated than before to operate.

Nevertheless, Manning is still planning on petitioning for the remaining faulty equipment within the college.

"Come Monday, the petition will be ready," Manning said.

Audio Slideshow Assignment

This is an audio slideshow assignment I completed for class.

Burglary Tops University of Oklahoma Campus Crime Reports.

Annual crime report shows burglary to be the top crime on the University of Oklahoma Norman Campus. 

According to the 2010 Sooner Safety and Fire Report  burglary outnumbers all other crimes ranging from liquor law violations to murder. Additionally, in recent reports theft related occurrences were reported Wednesday and Thursday. 

Burglary numbers have risen slightly since the oldest report in 2007. 43 burglary occurrences were reported in 2007, 41 in 2008, and 45 in 2009. On average, 40 of these reports occurred on campus. 

  Recently, theft was reported in Dale Hall Thursday morning. "Someone left a wallet and car keys in the restroom of Dale Hall and they were gone when he came back," Tim Sieger University of Oklahoma Police Department Records Manager explained. Additionally, items were reported stolen from the eighth floor of Walker Tower Residence Hall Thursday night. 

Furthermore, another theft related incident was reported on Wednesday. The University of Oklahoma Police Department (OUPD) was dispatched to the OU Information Technology store when the burglary intrusion alarm was triggered. The alarm was "just an alarm," Sieger said. 

Sieger mentioned that when most alarms are triggered they are false activations. "Many are triggered by weather, electrical interference, or an employee not turning the alarm off in time upon entering...there's really too many reasons for me to list," Sieger said. 

The OUPD serves as the central alarm and monitoring station for the Norman Campus. All the electronic security systems triggered on campus report back to the dispatcher's position, according to the Sooner Safety and Fire Report.

Though burglary numbers are highest in the crime reports, one should not be alarmed. Burglary numbers are not always an actual theft crime, Sieger mentioned. "Anytime someone thinks they lost something they report it as theft even if it is not," he said. Sieger said he does not know for sure if burglary is actually the top crime on campus in numbers due to the wide range of "burglary" reports.

The OUPD are actively working to reduce the number of crimes on campus in many different ways. The department offers self-defense classes, alcohol classes, SafeRide/SafeWalk programs, and online theft reduction tips. 

"Always lock car doors and roll up windows. Keep valuables out of sight or in the trunk," "Never leave personal items unattended or unlocked," and always "take keys with you, even when steping out 'just for a second,'" the Sooner Safety and Fire Report lists. 

The OUPD recommends the OU community follow the crime prevention tips listed on their website, www.ou.edu/oupd/. Nevertheless, to report a non-emergency criminal incident, call the OUPD at 405-325-2864. For emergency incidents dial 911.  

Investigative Journalists in Murder of Daniel Pearl Scheduled to Visit University of Oklahoma

  Authors of "The Truth Left Behind," an extensive investigation into the murder of Daniel Pearl, are set to visit the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication Monday. 

Asra Q. Nomani, former Wall Street Journal reporter and friend of Pearl, and Barbara Feinman Todd, Georgetown University Journalism Director, are two leaders of The Pearl Project. Georgetown University students researched extensively alongside Nomani and Todd for three years in the case of the kidnapping and murder or Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, 'The Oklahoman' reported. 

Nomani and Todd will be talking to various classes about the recent findings in the murder of Pearl. The results of their research have been released as conclusive evidence into the events leading up to Pearl's murder and the people involved. 

Pearl was in Pakistan investigating "shoe bomber" Richard Reid and his alleged connections between a Pakistani cleric. Reid had attempted to detonate a bomb on a transatlantic flight in December 2001, according to 'Right Vision News'. 

In order to get the most recent and complex information, Pearl set up an interview through Omar Sheikh with an extremist Muslim leader, Sheik Mubarak Ali Shah Gilani. However, this introduction through Sheikh was a trap. On January 23, 2002, Pearl was kidnapped and taken to a safe-house where he was chained to an old car engine within a small building, according to "The Truth Left Behind". 

"Pearl stumbled into his kidnappers' hands through his effort to find the identity of the man who gave instruction to Reid in Pakistan," "The Truth Left Behind" said.

After extensive vascular technology, FBI matched the veins in Khalid Sheik Mohammed's hand with the hand in the video of Pearl's beheading, Right Vision News reported. Mohammed, a self-proclaimed mastermind behind the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, was named the murderer of Pearl. 

"I decapitated with my blessed right hand the head of the American Jew Daniel Pearl in the city of Karachi," Mohammed declared at a military hearing in 2007. 

It is reported that the high-profile execution actually angered al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, according to the 'Washington Times'.

Mohammed is being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where he has been water-boarded 183 times by the CIA, according to 'Right Vision News'. Mohammed has not been charged with Pearl's murder, as the CIA feels Mohammed's treatment while in custody would negatively hinder the case. Additionally, Sheik is in prison for Pearl's kidnapping and murder, 'Right Vision News' reports. 

Furthermore, The Pearl Project research by Nomani, Todd, and the Georgetown University students has extensively accelerated the case against the murder of Pearl. The project is sponsored by the Center for Public Integrity and funded by the Oklahoma City-based Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation, according to 'The Oklahoman'. 

The project has discovered 27 men that were involved in Pearl's kidnapping and murder; however, four have been convicted or are missing, five are dead, and fourteen remain free in Pakistan, according to "The Truth Left Behind". 

Nomani and Todd will be speaking to future generation journalists about the details behind the investigative journalism used in The Pearl Project to uncover Pearl's murderer. This inside look at the death of a journalist stationed inside Pakistan, is a realistic look at the reality behind journalism in the field and the risks that accompany it. 

"Reporters can no longer assume they possess a special immunity to the violence," "The Truth Left Behind" said. 

Students at the University of Oklahoma will have three opportunities to hear the lectures by Nomani and Todd. Beginning at 9 a.m., the guests will be in the Gaylord Hall of Fame room. Then at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., they will be in the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Auditorium. Space at the lectures is reserved for the classes they are scheduled to visit; however, any additional space is open to visitors on a first come basis.