Nov. 10-16, 2020

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SOONERS COMMIT TO ‘BE A VOICE’

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The Sooners celebrate after redshirt junior defensive lineman Isaiah Thomas gets a sack during the game against Kansas on Nov. 7.

Head coach Lincoln Riley and former Sooner J.C. Watts praise team’s commitment to civic engagement without losing focus on football CHANDLER ENGELBRECHT @ctengelbrecht

Three hours before No. 19 Oklahoma took the field Saturday for its eventual 62-9 victory over Kansas, the Sooners sat together for their traditional pregame feast. While the team dined, the results of the 2020 presidential election became public. As parts of the country erupted into praise and others fell into disbelief, the team remained quiet. In fact, Sooners head coach Lincoln Riley said he wasn’t sure he would have been able to tell if the election was over if he didn’t have the news in front of him. “At that point, our guys were pretty locked into getting ready for the game,” said Riley, who has championed the idea that the young men on his team are more than athletes. “Like the whole nation, everybody’s going to have their opinions on it. To me, who won (the presidency) for our guys was not the story. … Maybe it was someone they did vote for, maybe it was somebody they didn’t, (but) just how our team has handled it and become educated on it (is) what stands out still to me right now.” Another prominent Sooner, former U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts, was

proud of how his alma mater held itself this week. “At the end of the day it’s really about exercising (and) participating in the process to be a voice,” said Watts, who grew up in Eufaula and played quarterback for Oklahoma from 1976-80. “It’s easy to think (an individual vote) doesn’t count. That’s like saying a cashier at a grocery store cheated (you) out of a dime. Well, a dime’s not a lot of money, but what if the cashier does that a thousand times a day? That would amount to quite a bit of money. “When you vote, you’re casting your dime and you’re saying that my vote matters. And it surely matters when millions of other people join with (you) to exercise that right.” Riley praised his team’s passion for embracing their civic duties and doing just that on Election Day, when OU players — like all OU students — had the day off to vote. Many on Oklahoma’s roster viewed casting their ballots as the Sooners’ first challenge of the week, and the second being ensuring the Jayhawks didn’t derail Oklahoma’s hopes at a shot for a six-straight Big 12 title. “It was pretty much all about football once we were inside the facilities,” defensive lineman Ronnie Perkins said. “On the

field, it was all football. We really weren’t focused about the election or nothing (else).” Center Creed Humphrey, who announced in August the entire team had registered to vote, and defensive back Chanse Sylvie, who in June built a coalition for criminal justice reform, both took to Twitter on Tuesday to encourage others to exercise their constitutional right. “This week was about (the election and our game), really,” linebacker Nik Bonitto said. “(Our coaches) did a really good job of letting us get our time away on Election Day and making an emphasis that we go out and vote. When we had to do football, we had to lock in (and) know our opponent. “I feel like we were prepared for Election Day. (But) when it was time to play football, we got down to business.” It could have been easy for the Sooners to have become distracted by the state of the country and trip up to a winless opponent during their first home game in over a month. Yet, they kept things in perspective and didn’t stumble. “Whether we’re an 18- or 19-year-old college freshman, a 21-year-old college senior or we’re a 62-year-old businessman

(like) the way I am, politics impact us all,” Watts said. “And I think there were many things that happened over the last nine months that registered with student-athletes (and) raised their conscience level about the importance of sounding their voice. “And that voice was their vote.” Watts relates to stress current student-athletes might be dealing with. In his final year with the Sooners, Watts captained his team during the 1980 presidential election, which saw Republican nominee Ronald Reagan defeat incumbent President Jimmy Carter. “I’m not going to say that I was the most conscientious student-athlete, but I was a pretty conscientious student athlete,” Watts said. “One thing that really encouraged me to cast my vote and participate was that I was conscious of the sacrifice that my parents, my uncle (and) Black people had made during the Jim Crow era and beyond. … They gave me the right to go in there and cast my ballot as I see fit. I never took that for granted. “When I talk to players and coaches (and) they ask me ‘What can we do to be involved?’ I (tell them), ‘I can suggest a lot of things — but first of all, you need to make sure you’re registered to vote.’”

Watts’ sentiment echoed what Riley told his team before Election Day. “And it’s never, for us, been a deal of wanting one person to win over the others — there’s never been one bit of talk of that within this team,” Riley said. “It has simply been let’s understand it’s your right (to vote). Let’s educate ourselves so that we can be a good, productive member of society and be able to voice our opinions. “That’s all we’ve ever wanted to be and that, as a team, is all we’ve ever talked about.” In a presidential election that broke numerous voter turn-out records all over the United States, Watts hopes the country’s youngest voters will continue to show up in future elections. “In this election cycle, we saw a picture of how it should work,” Watts said. “For those of us who believe you should be registered to vote and participate in the process, (that proved) you don’t solve problems through militias (or) by looting and rioting (and) trying to intimidate people. “You solve problems by going and getting people registered to vote.” Chandler Engelbrecht

chandler.engelbrecht@ou.edu

Days-long election sees Biden victory

GRAPHIC BY JORDAN MILLER/THE DAILY

2

NEWS

• Nov. 10-16, 2020

Backlog spikes county cases NEW OU, NORMAN AND COUNTY CASES

Source: OU Data: OU Dashboard, Housing, Athletics and press releases. NORMAN AND COUNTY DATA: Oklahoma State Department of Health.

TOTAL CASES/POSITIVES IN OU, NORMAN AND CLEVELAND COUNTY Numbers are grand totals since OSDH and OU started reporting. Updated 11/09. AREA

Source: OU Data: OU Dashboard, Housing, Athletics and press releases. NORMAN AND COUNTY DATA: Oklahoma State Department of Health.

The 3D printer used by OU researchers to make masks.

IMAGE PROVIDED BY OU RESEARCH

OU Sophomore Victor Zamudio-Nunez from Boise City, OK

OU professors create N95 mask alternative Researchers develop 3D printed masks amid PPE shortage CHRISTIAN HANS @ChristianHansOU

Three OU researchers have developed 3D printable face masks with hopes to counteract a shortage of PPE equipment for healthcare workers. According to a press release from OU Research, Ken Marold, assistant professor in the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture; Evan Floyd, assistant professor at the Hudson College of Public Health; and Bobby Reed, emerging technologies librarian at OU Libraries, were awarded funding for COVID19 research by the OU vice president for research and partnerships. “The funding allowed our team to develop a direct response to the COVID-19 crisis and the severe shortage of N95 masks required to protect health care workers and other

essential service providers,” Marold said in the release. Marold said in the release they also discovered issues with homemade masks after initial community research, and that they want to be able to create a mask that is homemade, yet effective. “This ‘maker’ movement highlighted three key challenges with homemade masks and current 3D-printed designs that we aimed to rectify,” Marold said in the release. “Specifically, how to attain proper fit of the mask to the wearer’s face, attaining adequate filtration efficiency with home-sourced material, and achieving proper inhale and exhale airflow rates.” Marold said in the release that through their hard work, there was a payoff in the end. “Our team ultimately developed two mask designs that met or exceeded regulatory standards and fit requirements for N95 respirators by performing respirator fit tests using OSHA approved methods,” Floyd said in the release.

“This level of pre-vetting was essential in obtaining FDA emergency use authorization and for ensuring reliable upscaled production by the ‘maker’ community during this and future outbreaks.” Reed said in the release the first mask design that was validated through the successful fit testing has been provisionally patented and has received FDA emergency use authorization. “The design information for that mask is publicly available through the ‘For Oklahoma — OU Pandemic Response’ website for all 3D-printing ‘makers’ using common (polyactic acid)-based filament materials to manufacture the design at home,” Reed said in the release. The three researchers announced the second validated mask design has completed its first round of validation tests and has exceeded the performance of the previous version. Christian Hans

christian.j.hans-1@ou.edu

“We at TFCU are so proud to award Victor this $3,000 scholarship,” said Nancy Ward, TFCU VP/Marketing Director. Victor is a full-time student putting himself through college and serving in the Army National Guard. He also joined the Multicultural Community Council at OU to help with service projects in the community.

we get it. TinkerFCU.org TM

NEWS

Nov. 10-16, 2020 •

3

Proud Boys interrupt protest

Coulter speaking event requires increased security ALEXIA ASTON @alexiaaston

Republican political pundit Ann Coulter came to OU Thursday night, and the Proud Boys followed. In response to the media pundit’s discussion hosted by the OU student chapter of Turning Point USA at the Oklahoma Memorial Union, a protest formed by Student Advocates Against Governmental Injustice was met by a group including individuals wearing Proud Boys shirts and masks. After students protested peacefully for an hour outside and inside the Union, a group including self-identified Proud Boys entered the building and attempted to enter the Molly Shi Boren Ballroom where Coulter was speaking. Due to the ballroom being at capacity, the group of an estimated 10-15 members were denied access by event staff and began to move back outside. A Daily reporter witnessing the moment saw the words “Proud Boys” displayed on the T-shirts of an estimated four to five members of the group, captured by footage from an OU Nightly videographer. According to Southern Poverty Law Center, the Proud Boys are self-described “Western chauvinists” and a fraternal group spreading an “anti-political correctness” and “anti-white guilt” agenda. Recent actions of the Proud Boys have gained national attention, including clashes at Black Lives Matter protests in Seattle and Portland. Along with these instances, the group received a shoutout from President Donald Trump during the first presidential debate in October. When asked to condemn white supremacists by moderator Chris Wallace, Trump called to “Proud Boys” and

ordered them to “stand back.” “The Proud Boys, stand back and stand by,” Trump said. While the group was reportedly labeled by the FBI as “an extremist group with ties to white nationalism,” according to a report by Michael McCabe, an official with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office in Washington, the statement was later clarified by a Portland FBI official. Renn Cannon, the special agent in charge of the Portland Division of the FBI, said FBI agents provided a background briefing to county officials on “domestically inspired acts of violence,” according to an article from Oregon Public Broadcasting, which included acts committed by members of the Proud Boys. Coulter appeared at OU despite a history of “misogynistic, racist, xenophobic and ableist rhetoric” two days after Election Day, according to Student Advocates Against Governmental Injustice member and microbiology senior Susie Kerr. The Daily reached out to OU Director of Media Relations Kesha Keith for comment at 8:21 p.m. Nov. 5, and received a statement at 11 a.m. Nov. 6. “At OU, we believe the values of inclusion and diversity are essential to making our university a place of excellence, openness, and learning. These values certainly include diversity of thought and ideas. We also believe in the right to free expression, preserved in the Constitution,” the statement read. “These beliefs are fundamental to who we are and what we aspire to be, though at times they are in tension with each other. In no way does that tension inhibit or compromise our commitment to either principle.” The statement acknowledged the Proud Boys’ presence and highlighted the security measures the university deemed appropriate for the event. “In preparation for the event, (the OU Police

Protesters against Ann Coulter stand outside the Oklahoma Memorial Union on Nov. 5.

Department) determined to supply additional security made up of six high-ranking OUPD officers and four extra (Contemporary Services Corporation security) staff. Additionally, 12 OU staff were on site to help manage the event,” the statement read. “A group of the Proud Boys was briefly present in the Oklahoma Memorial Union, and throughout that time, security and staff worked diligently to achieve a safe and orderly event.” Emily Wilkerson, president of the OU TPUSA chapter, asked The Daily to publish a text message exchange between herself and The Daily’s news managing editor as a statement from TPUSA on the Proud Boys members’ presence at the event. “Hey Emily, this is Blake from The Daily — thanks for hosting us this evening. I was reaching out specifically regarding the report that a group including members of the Proud Boys showing up

outside the event,” The Daily editor said in a text message to Wilkerson. “Didn’t know if TPUSA was wanting to offer any statement on this or disavow their presence, or any other general media statement from the evening.” “Did they beat anyone up? Did they break any laws?” Wilkerson asked at 9:53 p.m. after being asked for comment. “No violence, jeering with protesters — though offering comment nonetheless,” The Daily editor replied. “Then why are you talking to me about this?” Wilkerson replied. “Both the Southern Poverty Law Center and the FBI have acknowledge(d) the group as an extremist group engaging in political violence, so their presence is fairly notable at any event,” The Daily editor replied. “SPLC is America’s lea(d) ing hate group,” Wilkerson replied. “I can’t believe you’re citing them.”

“So no official statement,” The Daily editor replied. “No,” Wilkerson said at 9:56 p.m. At 9:58 p.m., Wilkerson sent another message to The Daily’s editor. “Please print everything I responded to about the Proud Boys. That is my official statement,” Wilkerson replied. “Print in full with your questions. Do not edit. That’s the official statement.” The student protest began 30 minutes before Coulter’s speech on the east side of the Union’s front lawn. It was then moved into the building’s bottom floor after being denied access to the ballroom. On their way out of the union, the protesters and the group including Proud Boys intersected at the east entrance briefly and exchanged insults including “fascists” and “racists.” After leaving the building, OUPD instructed protesters as well as a reporter from The Daily to “stay away” from the group including the

WILL CONOVER/THE DAILY

Proud Boys. Student Advocates Against Governmental Injustice COVID-19 Officer and OU biology junior Logan Pesina said she saw the official Proud Boys logo printed on the group’s T-shirts and masks “clear as day.” Fearful for protesters’ safety, Pesina instructed them to leave the event in groups in order to avoid potential conflict with the Proud Boys. “Ann Coulter and Turning (Point) USA nationals took advantage of OU’s Turning Point chapter and the university’s protection of free speech as the least expensive means of getting onto (a) public campus and bringing hateful ideologies with them,” OU Student Government Association President Justin Norris tweeted at 8:46 p.m., roughly 45 minutes after the event’s conclusion. “This event benefited them, not one student.” Alexia Aston

alexiaaston@ou.edu

Oklahoma caseload spikes before holidays Experts stress importance of PPE, social distancing GABRIELA TUMANI @GabrielaTumani

OU Chief COVID Officer Dr. Dale Bratzler and Dr. Philip C. Mantor, professor of surgery and vice chair of operations at OU Medicine, said in a Friday update Oklahoma is experiencing its highest positive testing rate since the pandemic began. Bratzler said this week has been a “real peak” in the pandemic, with 10,256 new cases being confirmed this week, and 103 Oklahomans dying from COVID-19. “(One thing) that really jumped out at me was that we did see a reduction in testing last week, there were about 12,000 less tests done last week than there had been for the previous several weeks,” Bratzler said. “But the important thing I’ve noticed in the first four days of the week is that 12.6 percent of all of the tests that have been done have been positive, which is the highest positive rate I’ve seen since the start of the pandemic. “ He said this reduction can be explained by the ice storm and the lack of power that caused testing sites to close. The number of hospitalizations has also increased, according to Bratzler. He said Oklahoma had more than 1,000 patients in the hospital in the past three days. “We know the mortality rate from COVID-19 — particularly when you’re sick enough to be hospitalized and in an ICU — is very high. And we’re going to see more deaths in our state,” Bratzler said. “Several weeks ago, (the Institute for Health Metrics

and Evaluation) had predicted that Oklahoma would have up to 1,400 (cases) and 50 deaths by Thanksgiving. We’re going to have that many deaths by next week. So clearly, the pandemic continues, we’re not out of the woods by any means. We’re seeing substantial community spread of the virus.” Asked about the impacts of Tier 3 rules — which ban people from socializing with anyone outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting — Mantor said it is now recognized that the spread of COVID-19 is not happening in hospitals. “It’s not happening in doctor’s offices, it’s happening out in the communities,” Mantor said. “And so it depends on what the public does to try to protect themselves and us to prevent the spread of disease. That’s the telling point of (if) our numbers (are) going up or not.” Bratzler said it is quite likely the Tulsa region will see the same type of growth in cases as Oklahoma City and the metroplex. Bratzler also commented on the exemption to normal state rules — which now allows public city council boards and commissions to meet virtually due to the pandemic — and its expiration which, according to the Tulsa World, will be either when Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s state of emergency ends or Nov. 15, whichever comes first. “Any time you bring people together, indoors in a closed setting, you increase the risk of transmission of the virus,” Bratzler said. “So I’m hoping that, if we don’t see an extension of that exemption, the city council will do everything they can to promote physical distancing (and) require masks in those meetings. I

OU Chief COVID Officer Dr. Dale Bratzler in his office Oct. 12.

know I’ve talked to a number of city councils that are looking at ways to spread out the (council members) and others so that they’re not close to others.” The doctors also talked about how rural counties have higher incidence rates than most urban counties in the state. “There’s no question that as cases go up in the communities, the percent positives in the rural areas are higher,” Mantor said. “Those patients that can’t be taken care of in their local community hospital are looking for higher levels of care. So that will include both the surrounding areas (which) are Oklahoma City as well as Tulsa.” Mantor said this will affect the Oklahoma community greatly as it impacts doctors’ ability to care for patients who have the virus and also their ability to care for Oklahoma patients who have cancer, have had bad accidents, need trauma care or have heart disease.

Bratzler also talked about the relation between the flu and COVID-19. He said there is satisfactory research from the southern hemisphere that has shown in countries that have broad mask mandates and have heavily promoted the influenza vaccination, the flu season was less severe because of many of the interventions being implemented against spreading COVID-19. “Remember both the virus that causes COVID-19 and the influenza are both respiratory viruses that spread via droplets from one mouth to another,” Bratzler said. “So wearing a mask, physical distancing, enhanced sanitation, hand hygiene will prevent both diseases.” Bratzler also said he thinks it is likely that some people are reinfected with COVID-19. “The cases I know about had different sets of symptoms. Some have had less severe disease, and some have had more severe disease with the second episodes,” Bratzler

TREY YOUNG/THE DAILY

said. “One thing that we know is that your antibody levels against COVID-19 tend to drop off relatively rapidly. So we don’t know how long immunity may last.” The doctors also said those in the health care and public health system are concerned about the upcoming holiday season and how people will follow safety measures. “If you bring people who don’t live with you into your home, you increase your chance of getting the infection. Studies have shown that if you’re in a household with somebody who’s infected, you have a 40 to 60 percent chance of getting the infection yourself,” Braztler said. “Just remember that in households, most people don’t wear masks. If the weather is nice — and sometimes it is in Oklahoma — do those activities outdoors if possible; separate, wear a mask when you’re not eating, and you can reduce some of the risk of transmission.” Mantor also talked about

the stress impact on mental health professionals during the pandemic. “I think those (who) are currently the nurses and physicians, respiratory therapists and all of those that are in ICU taking care of large numbers of critically ill patients (all) have a heightened level of concern,” Mantor said. “I think it’s made more stressful by what’s happening in the community. So it’s the idea that we don’t see an end — we only see an increase.” Mantor said local hospitals, chief medical officers, CEOs and infectious disease specialists are all working together to provide the best care to patients. “But being successful requires resources, and our resources are finite,” Mantor said. “We are trying to be creative and create new beds with our new bed tower, for example. So there are certainly things that we’re doing as a medical community. But at some point, we’ve reached our limit, there’s nothing else we could do. We can’t create new beds, there’s no other therapy that’s come up, and until we have a vaccine that we know works, we are in a situation where it’s a problem. So my message is that hospitals can’t fix the pandemic, hospitals and doctors are not going to make the pandemic go away.” The doctors said that, while a vaccine is not yet released, safety measures such as wearing a mask, social distancing and hand-washing will help stop the pandemic. “So, I will just implore you, we have to be a big part of the solution,” Mantor said. “Hospitals aren’t fixing this pandemic, the community is who has to fix it.” Gabriel Tumani

gabrielatumani@ou.edu

4

CULTURE

• Nov. 10-16, 2020

Norman debuts lockdown art

Pandemic provides fresh perspective for artists SAM TONKINS

@samanthatonkins

At the beginning of the pandemic, photographer Cody Giles couldn’t bear the thought of being trapped in his house. Before COVID-19, Giles was never home, attending events across Norman. “Every single event Norman had, at every fundraiser, gala, ball, festival, you name it, I’m there, either taking photos or just attending,� Giles said. When the pandemic began, these events ended overnight, and Giles said the lack of things to do was jarring. “I went from going 100 miles an hour to zero, spending very little time at my home to every waking minute at my home,� Giles said. He said the lockdown began to affect him mentally, so he started looking for creative ways to keep himself busy. Giles’ projects and the p ro j e c t s o f t h re e o t h e r No r ma n a r t i s t s w i l l b e f e a t u re d i n M A I N S I T E Contemporary Art’s upcoming exhibit “Between Art and Quarantine.� Erinn Gavaghan is the executive director of the Norman Arts Council, which operates MAINSITE Contemporary Art Gallery, and said the exhibit is a way to keep art galleries relevant and keep art at the forefront of people’s minds. Gavaghan said the idea for the exhibit came from an Instagram challenge started by the Getty Museum in Los Angeles called “Between Art and Quarantine,� where people recreated famous works of art with household items. After seeing the creativity inspired by this challenge, Gavaghan said she realized Norman had several local artists who were also being creative while in quarantine and practicing art in new and different ways. Gavaghan began reaching out to these artists to create an exhibit and ended up with four artists who are

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closely tied to the Norman Arts Council: Joshua B o y d s t o n , C o d y G i l e s, Brad Andrew Stevens and Shevaun Williams. When planning the exhibit in early June, Gavaghan said she was worried that by November, the exhibit wouldn’t be timely. “I was afraid that by this time, we would be tired of talking about it, and that we would be past it and onto other things, and that it wouldn’t be relevant anymore,� Gavaghan said. However, as the opening of the exhibit approaches, she said she feels that the exhibit is even more relevant now. Giles’ project, the pandemic family portraits, makes up the core of the exhibit, Gavaghan said. Giles said he was inspired by a social media post of a family picture during the pandemic and wanted to capture more photos of family life during lockdown. He created a Google Form and posted it on Facebook, inviting families to sign up and have a photo taken outside their home at a scheduled time. Giles would then drive up and take the photo, remaining socially distant. Giles said he wasn’t expecting the idea to be as popular as it was.

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Cody Giles’ pandemic photographs will be featured in the “Between Art and Quarantine� gallery at MAINSITE Contemporary Art.

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“I thought 20, 30 people of my inner circle — my close circle — would do it, and by the end of it, I had nearly 200,� Giles said. Giles said he mapped out the locations and spent several days driving around, going from location to location and taking photos of families. He said this process helped him explore more of Norman and see the city’s sense of community. “Norman is not a small place. Land-wise, it’s a very big city, so I got to know just about every inch of it and shot families from all walks of life,� Giles said. “Single families, big families, small families, single people, more affluent, less affluent, just across the board. If you signed up, I showed up and shot it.� “Between Art and Quarantine� will also feature Giles’ other quarantine project: redesigned logos of Norman businesses. Giles wanted to remind people to support local businesses during the pandemic. He said he started with Mitchell’s Jewelry and ended up making 127 new logos. “I just started writing down local businesses that I enjoyed going to before this, and ones that I know the community has historically

wrapped around and supported,� Giles said. Around 40 of these logos will be included in the exhibit, printed on metal sheets. Giles said that sales of the logos will go toward the local business they represent. Brad Andrew Stevens, the chief preparator and exhibition designer at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, is also featured in MAINSITE’s exhibit. While he is a painter, Stevens said he used his time in quarantine to build his skills using digital platforms like Photoshop and experimented with digital painting. Stevens said he was inspired by pet portraits he saw on social media where pets were edited into classical style paintings. He said it was a fun idea and thought it was something he could do himself. “I started playing with it and started creating a few of our own animals, and it kind of took off after I started showing people on Facebook what I was doing,� Stevens said. Friends and family began asking for portraits of their own pets, Stevens said. Eight of these works will be included in the exhibit. In addition to the pet portraits, Stevens also created

HOROSCOPE By Eugenia Last

Copyright 2020, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020 ASTROGRAPH by Eugenia Last Pace yourself, consider your objective and be secretive regarding your intentions. Share with likeminded people and those who can contribute to your journey. Change is in the air, but it’s up to you to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Choose a unique path that encourages creativity, spirituality and peace of mind. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Don’t sit back when you need to take action. Harness your energy and get moving. Don’t count on others when it’s up to you to effect change. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- An emotional situation will surface if you let someone meddle or interfere with your plans. Personal improvements will boost your morale. Don’t rely on someone’s promises. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- You’ll face opposition if you pressure others to do things your way. Go about your business and finish what you start. An unusual offer will entice you. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Resolve money matters. How you delegate responsibilities will determine if you can move forward peacefully. Don’t get involved in matters that don’t concern you. Personal improvement is favored. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Share your ideas and look for equality in every personal or professional interaction you encounter. An unexpected change will work in your favor. ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- You

may crave change, but before you make a move, consider your motives and your options. Patience will be required if you intend to reach your goal. Settling for less will lead to dissatisfaction. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Take the plunge. Stand up for your rights, go after your goals and engage in conversations that address sensitive issues. A partnership will encourage personal growth and professional gains. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Do something that requires energy, agility and a competitive mindset. A physical challenge will bring out the best in you. Aggressive action will deter anyone from taking you for granted. CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Moderation is favored. Speak up if you don’t like what someone is doing. You may not relish making a change, but consider the alternative, and do what’s necessary to improve your situation. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Take care of matters that require physical exertion. A change will encourage you to strive for a better future. Distance yourself from a movement that doesn’t share your point of view. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Your emotions will push you in a positive direction. An unusual partnership will encourage you to try something new and incorporate what you learn into your everyday routine. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Don’t expect to get along or agree with the people you encounter today. Consider your options and put your energy into something that will bring you closer to your goal.

digital collage works that address current political events. “In grad school, I kind of focused on a lot of political stuff, and I wanted to move away from that,â€? Stevens said. “But, with the pandemic and the election and all the other stuff going on in 2020, I started doing these reaction paintings to the news.â€? He said the four works that will be shown express his feelings toward topics like reopening schools as well as the social justice movements that have happened this year. “That’s hard to do as a Caucasian male, to talk about social injustice and Black Lives Matter ‌ because I am so far on the outside of that, but I can be an advocate for those types of things as well and still deal with it in a way that I see, that I can understand,â€? Stevens said. His piece “Piaâ€? features the face of “The Ecstasy of Saint Teresaâ€? sculpture with brown skin, surrounded by flowers. He said this piece aims to examine the importance of individuality, which he compares to a garden. “Just because someone is of a different color or a different background, when you put them all together and we create this society of just a mix-mash of cultures. In a way, we are kind of like

a garden where when you look at the whole garden, it’s beautiful,â€? Stevens said. “And as you start going in and looking at the individual flower or the individual plant, it also has its own beauty that needs to be upheld and behold and viewed as important.â€? Stevens said he hopes the exhibit shows the necessity of creativity during times of deep concern. “Some things are going to be a little bit difficult ‌ to look at; some things are going to be more lighthearted,â€? Stevens said. “But I think in general, it’s just going to show that the creative process didn’t die with the pandemic and that nothing can keep that creative spirit from doing its thing.â€? Shevaun Williams has been involved in the Norman arts scene for years, using her studio on Main Street to host galleries and art openings. “We were the germ for the Norman Art Walk,â€? Williams said. Williams said she feels that art was vital to getting through the pandemic. “Everyone used different forms of art to get through it,â€? Williams said. “Anything as simple as a puzzle is a form of art. Books, music, drawing, painting, writing. Most people I know got through it by consuming or creating some sort of art.â€? As restrictions began to lift, Williams wanted to create a meaningful project connected to the pandemic. She decided to focus on the importance of wearing masks and took photos of several members of the Norman community in fashionable masks. “It was designed as a creative outlet, as a way to highlight real people ‌ and to encourage people to wear masks, to make masks fashionable, to have fun with your masks and, in some way, encourage people to wear them,â€? Williams said. The pieces were a team effort, with makeup done by Sharon Tabb and Alex Ford and styling done by Elizabeth Wheat. Williams was the art director. Wheat also made most of the masks featured in the photos, Williams said. Williams said she tried to reflect the personality of the see ART page 5

Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg November 10, 2020 ACROSS 1 8.5� x 14� paper size 6 Idle of Monty Python 10 Pasture sound 13 Came to light 14 Jubilant cry at a roulette table 16 App with #tbt pics 17 Not yet finished 18 Tear into, as a gift 20 “Superman� journalist Lane 21 “I told you so!� 22 UFO navigators 24 TV monitor? 27 Slender and tall 30 Popular cookie 32 “My Pregnant Husband� network 34 Opening words 36 “Well, obviously!� 37 Tokyo-based watchmaker 39 More achy 40 Hairy, tailless animal 41 It balances a debit 42 March composer whose name’s last three letters are apt 43 Airport scanning org.

11/10

44 The things over there 45 Insect that eats termites 46 Jacob’s brother 48 A Swiss Army knife has many 49 Circle or square 51 Pay-___-view 53 Nest egg choice 56 Many profs’ degrees 58 Very concerned 61 Places for movie accessories 65 Ran leisurely 66 Manitoba lies on its southwestern shore 67 Heartbeat 68 Number that’s also a pronoun 69 Indian bread 70 Equine ride DOWN 1 Wild animals’ hideouts 2 Bert’s buddy 3 *Absolute fact (see letters 10 to 5) 4 Concerning 5 Big jump 6 CPR pro 7 Make muddy 8 Smitten 9 *Pets with multicolored coats (9 to 6) 10 Spam generator 11 “Rumble in the Jungle� boxer

12 Key near the space bar 14 “This ___ my day!� 15 Dermatologist’s concern 19 “A rat!� 23 Adds horsepower to, and a hint to the starred answers’ hidden words 25 *“Child’s play!� (8 to 5) 26 Toilet paper layers 28 Greek god of war 29 *“Julie & Julia� director (6 to 4) 31 Perlman of “Cheers� 33 Pigeon coop 34 Rae of “The Photograph� 35 Common lunchtimes

36 Items in a spreadsheet 38 Tennis great Arthur 47 Arizona city known for its red rocks 48 One may end with .org 50 Programs on iPhones 52 “Child’s play!� 54 Actress Witherspoon 55 Threw into the mix 57 Japanese noodle 59 Hannibal and his elephants crossed them 60 12-0 baseball victory, say 61 Vietnam’s national dish 62 Snag in a stocking 63 Praiseful poem 64 “I’m a ___ of my word�

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11/9 11/3

Š 2020 Andrews McMeel Universal Š 2020www.upuzzles.com Andrews McMeel Universal www.upuzzles.com

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CULTURE/SPORTS

Nov. 10-16, 2020 •

5

The Fix fundraises for survivor Local nutrition lounge donates profits to Stephens JACINDA HEMEON @jacindarae4

When the co-owners of The Fix Energy and Nutrition Lounge in Norman heard about the domestic violence story of a pregnant OU freshman, they knew they had to jump into action. A f t e r l e a r n i ng o f d o mestic violence survivor Ally Stephens’ story, The Fix’s owner Trevor Hubble said he and co-owner Paul Gayanich started a fundraising initiative to raise money for Stephens. One of Gayanich’s college friends was killed by a domestic abuser, so Hubble said Stephens’ story was particularly moving. In response, Hubble and Gayanich — with the help of the other co-owners Leo Roberts, Bri Lovely, Skyler Bates and Hannah Gleason — set up a special

donated to Stephens. In addition to the Nov. 1 fundraiser, The Fix is also currently selling shirts t h a t re a d “ R e a l St ro n g Women #IStandWithAlly.� Hubble said all proceeds f ro m t h e s h i r t s w i l l b e donated to Stephens to help her on her recovery journey. “It’s been pretty awesome to see the interaction we’ve had with everyone coming in,� Hubble said. “The response was awesome.� Those interested in purchasing a shirt can contact The Fix on Instagram or Facebook, or donate in person at The Fix 2100 W. Lindsey St. “What happened to (Stephens) was unacceptable. It’s hard to wrap your head around how someone could do that,� Hubble VIA THE FIX INSTAGRAM PAGE said. “Sometimes people The ocean water tea and the cheesecake shake are known as the Ally Combo at The Fix Energy and Nutrition Lounge. have bad things happen to them and you have to be f u n d ra i s e r i n h o n o r o f said he called Stephens to s ha k e — a d o r n e d w i t h water tea are known as there for them.� Stephens. While brain- ask her what her favorite purple sprinkles for do- the Ally Combo. Hubble storming what to do for drink was. mestic violence aware- said all proceeds from the Jacinda Hemeon the fundrais er, Hubble Now, the che es e cake n e s s — a n d t h e o c e a n business on Nov. 1 were jacinda.r.hemeon@ou.edu

Former coach Tubbs dies Soccer suffers loss to Bears Former Sooner star Stacey King remembers mentor

Sooners face sixth season loss in OT road game

CALEB MCCOURRY

PRESS JOHNSON

Looking back on his relationship with former OU head coach Billy Tubbs, Stacey King respects how Tubbs always had a plan for his players. But before he realized this, King, whose jersey now hangs in the rafters of the Lloyd Noble Center, wanted to transfer from the Sooners. After losing to Iowa in the 1987 Sweet Sixteen, 93-91, King wasn’t happy with the minutes he got in the game. By the time the team was on the plane from Seattle, he was ready to go to a new school. King was so ready to make the decision to leave, he started talking with his academic adviser, who was also on the plane. Hearing of King’s feelings, Tubbs went to sit with King to console him, asking the Lawton, Oklahoma, native to think about it for a few days. He wanted to get one point across: He understood King was frustrated with not playing but that his time would come. “(Tubbs) says, ‘Your future’s bright, Stacey King. Just make sure you’re wearing your sunglasses,’� King said. “And then he got up and left. “Having a coach to have the foresight and the ability to see things that an 18-yearold, 19-year-old kid can’t see is amazing.� King, who later won three NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls, chose to stay, and his life hasn’t been the same since. Tu b b s, w h o c o a c h e d the Sooners from 1980–94, died Nov. 1 in his home in Norman after a five-year battle with leukemia. He was 85. King said it was that story and Tubbs’ devotion to his players that stand out to him the most. “The loyalty to his players had no end,� King said. “Even though he knew guys were better than the guys in front of them, he was loyal to those guys. And that’s one thing I later on appreciated as I got older and understood where he was coming from, and why he did what he did. He was loyal to his players.� King, who has done color commentary for the Bulls since 2006, remembers Tubbs as a country music-loving, quick-witted mentor who created modern OU basketball. Tubbs led

Oklahoma (0-6-1) fell to Baylor (3-3-3) Friday night, 1-0, in a hard-fought match in Waco, Texas. The Sooners were seeking their first win of the season in an effort that was led by great performances by OU senior goalkeeper Nikki Panas and freshman midfielder Abby Mitchell. The first half was dominated by defense. Both teams combined for just six total shots and one shot on goal apiece. The highlights of the half were two saves, the first being OU’s Panas saving what looked like a sure goal in the 29th minute, and the second being Baylor goalkeeper Jennifer Wandt stopping a nice shot from Mitchell in the 43rd. The Sooners came out firing in the second half, with

@pressjohnson2

@CalebMac21

PAXSON HAWS/THE DAILY

Billy Tubbs, former OU basketball head coach, stands as he is recognized during the Oklahoma Basketball Tip In Club Banquet Aug. 25, 2017.

the program to four Big Eight regular season titles, two Big Eight Tournament championships and its second and last NCAA national championship appearance in 1988. Tu b b s c re at e d l i g htning-fast, physical teams that broke NCAA scoring records. The 1987–88 squad still holds the record for most points in a single season with 4,012, scoring over 100 points 20 times that season, twice eclipsing 150. Tubbs amassed 333 wins with the Sooners, the most in program history. Behind the success came Tubbs’ no-nonsense intensity. In King’s catalogue of favorite memories of his former coach, he recalled a game against Georgia State on Dec. 19, 1987. King couldn’t remember the score, but the Sooners were up by at least 30, and Tubbs was getting ready to take the starters out, before a Georgia State player came over, asking Tubbs to “call off the dogs.� “Tubbs turns over to each one of the starters who were still in the game,� said King, who averaged 24 points per game in his last two seasons with the Sooners. “He says, ‘They think you’re a bunch of dogs. Let’s show them what greyhounds do. Let’s run them into the ground. And if we don’t beat them by 50, we’re gonna be practicing this weekend.’� The Sooners won, 124-81. “He was brash, he was in your face, he didn’t care if he hurt your feelings,� Kings said. “He didn’t care if he embarrassed you. He wanted to destroy you. And he recruited players with the same mentality.� Such wins were plentiful in the Tubbs era and eventually revived Oklahoma basketball fandom, prompting constant sell-outs at the Lloyd Noble Center and on the road. It also led to OU producing some of its

greatest recruiting classes, with names such as Wayman Tisdale, Mookie Blaylock and Harvey Grant. Outside of basketball, Tubbs’ family kept in touch with King often. When the Bulls were in Oklahoma City, King would call Tubbs to make sure he was at the game every year, and he’d call his former coach often for advice. King stayed in contact with Tubbs’ family when he heard his former coach went into hospice care the week before his death. Throughout his relationship with Tubbs that spanned over three decades, King always noticed Tubbs’ devotion to his wife and family. Tubbs is survived by his wife, Pat, and his daughter and son, Taylor McDaniel and Tommy. “My heart goes out right now to his family, especially Mrs. Tubbs. They’ve been married a long time. They’re soulmates,â€? King said. “I know how much he loves Mrs. Tubbs and his family. He was a tremendous family man. It was all about family.â€? After OU, Tubbs went on to become head coach at TCU (1994–2002) and Lamar (2003–06), where he was also athletic director. Tubbs tallied a 641-340 career head coaching record, which is No. 43 all-time in the NCAA men’s basketball. Through it all, King considered Tubbs a dear friend and a mentor. “He’s a great man. It’s awesome that I was able to have him touch my life and be part of my life,â€? King said, “even as an adult.â€? “Billy Tubbs built Lloyd Noble,â€? King said. “He didn’t physically build it, but it was a house that Billy Tubbs built. His name should be on the court. It should be the Billy Tubbs Court. ‌ He’s a hall-of-famer in my book.â€? Caleb McCourry

caleb.a.mccourry-1@ou.edu

ART:

continued from page 4

person pictured in the photos. In one photo, Norman musician Jahruba Lambeth poses with his fists out. In another, Marilyn Artus, creator of the Her Flag project that celebrates the ratification of the 19th amendment, wears a mask that says “Vote.� Williams said she hopes the photos make it cool to wear a mask because masking is so important to the community. “That’s the way we get out of it,� Williams said. “That’s the way we get our businesses fully open, that we get art back.� In addition to local artists, the exhibit will also feature photos from three of Norman’s sister cities: Seika, Japan; Arezzo, Italy; and Colima, Mexico. Gavaghan

TREY YOUNG/THE DAILY

Senior midfielder Yuuka Kurosaki kicks a penalty kick during the game against Texas Tech on Oct. 2.

OU senior Yuuka Kurosaki narrowly missing the goahead goal in the 58th minute. Baylor responded several minutes later, with senior Ally Henderson and freshman Chloe Brown missing back to back shots in the 75th and 77th minute. The final ten minutes of regulation consisted of a plethora of shots from both teams, but neither were able to net the go-ahead goal. In overtime, the Sooners almost won the game twice in the same minute, with junior Lauren Tovy taking two

shots on goal in the 92nd minute, but both were denied by Baylor’s Wandt. The Bears responded a few minutes later, netting the game winning goal off the leg of freshman Olivia Mack in the 96th minute. The Sooners will look to rebound next Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. CT as they play their final home game of the season against Oklahoma State (5-2-1) in Norman at John Crain Field.

said these photos showcase what life looks like in other communities around the world during the pandemic. “There’s humor in the exhibit. There’s poignancy,� Gavaghan said. “There’s a lot in the exhibit that I think people can relate to.� Gavag ha n sa i d t h e re won’t be a public opening of “Between Art and Quarantine,� but it will be featured in November’s virtual Second Friday Norman Art Walk, which will begin at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 on the Norman Arts Council’s Facebook page. The exhibit will run from Nov. 13 through Dec. 19. The gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Visitors are required to wear masks. Giles said he is unsure what the impact of the exhibit will be but that he thinks this exhibit showcases the sense of community that exists. “I’ve been quoted saying

this a lot, and it’s absolutely true: ‘Nothing loves Norman that way Norman loves Norman,’â€? Giles said. “And I think that’s been put to the test this year, especially with Unite Norman coming into play ‌ and it’s really pushed people to search for that sense of community between politics and pandemic.â€? Giles said he enjoyed watching the community come together to allow him to create this project and hopes that putting it on display will remind everyone that art will always have a place in Norman. “I think that arts have played a large role in Norman’s character, in its development, in the way it has fostered a sense of community both in the past, and I think that it will in the future,â€? Giles said.

Press Johnson

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Sam Tonkins

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SPORTS

• Nov. 10-16, 2020

Stevenson plucks Jayhawks again Sooners’ ground game bests Big 12’s worst-run defense MASON YOUNG @Mason_Young_0

Rhamondre Stevenson trotted out the back of the end zone and waved to the crowd in a moment of deja vu. This time, there was no shirt that said “I’m back,” or any extraordinary fanfare behind the running back’s celebration, but it was still a familiar scene Saturday as he bounced around the north end zone at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. After galloping 29 yards, Stevenson had more than his second consecutive game with multiple touchdowns since returning from a sixgame drug suspension Oct. 31. Saturday’s game marked the second consecutive year in which he fueled Oklahoma’s ground game in a blowout win over the lowly Jayhawks. In the stead of injured backfield-mate Kennedy Brooks, Stevenson carried five times for 109 yards and a score at Kansas in 2019, while ripping off a 61-yard run and averaging 21.8 yards per carry. However, after this year’s game, Stevenson said he didn’t take the field dwelling on the past. “It’s a new season, a new team, and anything can happen on any given Saturday w i t h c o l l e g e f o o t b a l l ,” Stevenson said. “I try to just go in focused and play my game.” He did just that, putting his brute strength on display again as he bullied the Jayhawks for 104 yards, two scores and an average of 9.5 yards per carry, helping OU (5-2, 4-2 Big 12) run over Kansas (0-6, 0-7 Big 12), 62-9. Following his domination of the Big 12’s worst-run defense, Stevenson’s impact on OU’s previously floundering rushing attack is undeniable. Through its first five games in 2020, the Sooners were averaging 148.4 rushing yards per game and 3.6 yards per carry.

In two games since Stevenson’s return, Oklahoma is racking up 206.5 rushing yards per game on 8.7 yards per carry. The Sooner offense already ranks No. 10 in the country and can only get better after Saturday’s drubbing. The highlight reel began to roll late in the first quarter as Stevenson gave a stiff arm to the face of opposing team captain Kenny Logan Jr., shoving his way to the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown. “He’s a bulldozer. Just like when he was on scout team for those couple of weeks, not to call my teammates out, but sometimes we would just be like, ‘Man, we gotta go tackle this guy,’” OU redshirt sophomore linebawcker Nik Bonitto said. “He’s just been a huge addition back to our team … and now I’m just happy to see that all the work is paying off for him with him coming back, so I’m really happy for (Stevenson).” After his first touchdown, Stevenson got into the passing game, making a crazy one-handed catch that went for 13-yards and a first down. He ended up finishing the contest as OU’s second-leading receiver behind sophomore H-back Austin Stogner with four catches for 60 yards. Later in the second quarter, Stevenson also flashed his agility to complement his tough-nosed running style, spinning through defenders for big gains. Then his second score in the third quarter came on his final carry of the evening, topping a performance in which he proved to be the complete package. “When you get a guy that’s tough to tackle and has some breakaway and catches the ball pretty good and is able to jump-cut right and left and (has) great feet, it’s a good combination,” OU head coach Lincoln Riley said after the game. “And I think, too, it’s his experience showing. I think playing the way he did playing behind that O-line — that very similar O-line last year — you can tell he’s played some ball and has improved and has a good understanding of what

we’re doing.” On a night where redshirt freshman Spencer Rattler was hobbled by a hip ailment and playing at “50 percent,” the quarterback leaned on the sturdy rusher accompanying him in the backfield. “Just having him on those first downs where we hand it off, and it’s a short second down … third-and-short, third-and-five, he’s gonna for sure get ‘em,” Rattler said. “He’s never losing yards. He’s always a positive runner so it’s great having him and it makes my job a lot a lot easier.” The Sooners have had several considerable rushing performances in recent years against Kansas outside of Stevenson’s consecutive breakouts. In 2018, Brooks ran for 171 yards and two scores while averaging 6.8 yards per carry against Kansas. In 2017, Rodney Anderson accounted for 77 yards and caught a touchdown pass. And in 2016 Abdul Adams and Joe Mixon combined for 165 yards and 7.5 yards per carry, with long carries of 57 and 52, respectively. But with Stevenson’s combination of physical dominance, agility and pass catching skills, Riley likened him to former Sooner Samaje Perine. Currently with the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals, Perine is OU’s all-time leading rusher with 4,122 yards, and he ran for 90 yards and two scores against Kansas in 2015 while posting 8.2 yards per tote. He also ran for an NCAA single-game record 427 yards along with five touchdowns against the Jayhawks in 2014. “He’s probably most similar to (Perine),” Riley said. “I mean that very similar build. Kind of a low, stocky, low center of gravity, very difficult to tackle and wrap up, and then has some big play ability to go with that. (He) catches the ball pretty well. So he’s a good player. I mean, he is and he’s a talented kid. I think his best ball’s certainly ahead of him.” Mason Young

mason.e.young-1@ou.edu

‘Playing at 50 percent’: Rattler bests pain, KU QB’s physical play leaves bruise, Bedlam worries CALEB MCCOURRY @CalebMac21

Spencer Rattler led with his left side, plowing into the end zone, to make arguably the most physical play of his college career. In the second quarter of No. 19 Oklahoma’s 62-9 win over Kansas Saturday, the redshirt freshman scampered to the right from the 2-yard line and ran full speed into a Kansas defender to put the Sooners (5-2, 4-2 Big 12) up 21-0 with 8:13 left until halftime. The contact left the Sooners’ quarterback hobbled. Rattler had to come off the field after two plays into OU’s next drive, putting the ball into the hands of redshirt sophomore Tanner Mordecai. Rattler, unable to run fullspeed and fighting through the pain, came back in the next drive. He played into the third quarter, not exiting until the Sooners were up 41-3. “I just know he’s gonna lay it on the line for us every time no matter the situation,” said senior running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who ran for 104 yards and two touchdowns Saturday, “so I really applaud him for that.” Luckily for the Sooners,

just two weeks before a pivotal Bedlam game, Rattler said he was sporting just a bruise on his hip. The No. 14 Pokes (5-1, 4-1 Big 12) completed a comeback Saturday win over Kansas State (4-3, 4-2). The Wildcats, one of OU’s two conference losses, need to lose against either Texas or Iowa State for the Sooners to make the Big 12 Championship game, where they hope to compete for their sixth consecutive conference title. With their Big 12 hopes slowly coming back in view, Rattler and the Sooners will need the bye week to recover. Rattler’s athletic play in a Kansas game that, on a yearly basis, doesn’t matter seems like a not-so-smart thing to do late in the season, especially when you’re up by three scores in the first half. But Rattler showed throughout the season he’s willing to put his body on the line. On Saturday, leading a young team that follows his lead, Rattler played with pain as if he had to be on the field. Rattler finished Saturday with 212 yards, two touchdowns (one throwing and the other running) and an interception. He completed 15 of his 27 pass attempts as his hip kept him planting his leg to make the explosive throws and breaking loose on the slithery runs OU fans have

seen from him in the past three weeks as the redshirt freshman has found more consistency. Rattler’s interception — his fifth of the season — came in the Sooners’ second offensive drive. While on the run, Rattler threw the ball right to a Jayhawk defender on 2nd and 5 instead of throwing it away. “We just weren’t on the same page. I should have (thrown) it away,” Rattler said. “I’ve had two games with no turnovers and that was my goal. It ended the streak.” Now, all thoughts turn to Bedlam on Nov. 21, especially since OU isn’t running the Big 12 table for the first time in years. Of course, the Sooners need to win out as well, and they look to be in better shape than they have at any point in the season, especially if Rattler comes back healthy in two weeks. “He was just a little sore,” OU head coach Lincoln Riley said. “He was trying to get through and finish on his throws. You could tell it affected him a little bit.” “You could tell I didn’t have power in the second half and after,” Rattler said. “I was probably playing at 50 percent. “I have to keep pushing and sharpening my game up.” Caleb McCourry

caleb.a.mccourry-1@ou.edu