Week in review
Another week has passed, and here is your chance to catch up with what you may have missed.
- Ammunition is getting more expensive and tougher to find for both gun enthusiasts and police. Some say the wars are depleting stockpiles; others blame the rising price of bullets on increasing costs and shortages of raw materials.
- President Bush, on a visit to Iraq, told troops there some of them might get to go home if security across Iraq improves.
- Iraq’s embattled prime minister defended his government against American critics, saying they underestimate the problems facing his country.
- Panama has begun an expansion of the Panama Canal that is expected to double its capacity by 2015.
- North Korea agreed to account for and shut down all its nuclear programs by the end of the year. It was the first time the communist country had offered a timeline to end its atomic program.
- A 13-year-old girl died after falling into a brush-covered mine shaft about 17 miles north of Kingman, Ariz. Rikki Howard was riding an all-terrain vehicle when she fell into the shaft.
- British soldiers began withdrawing from their base in the southern Iraqi port city of Basra.
- Planes evacuated tourists from the islands of Roatan, Honduras, and Belize to low-lying areas as Hurricane Felix neared the coast.
- A Palestinian rocket landed next to a crowded day care center in Sderot, Israel, sending panicked mothers scrambling to take their toddlers to safety.
- New rules requiring U.S. citizens to show driver’s licenses, passports or other forms of photo IDs, have led to long lines at Mexican and Canadian border crossings.
- A decline in natural gas prices prompted Chesapeake Energy Corp. to reduce its daily production and cut back on drilling new wells.
- Congress approved a redesign of the gold-colored dollar coin, which will still feature Sacagawea and her child on the front but will get a new scene each year on the back commemorating achievements of other American Indians.
- Suspended University of Oklahoma freshman football player Ryan Broyles was charged with an unspecified criminal misdemeanor after his arrest on suspicion of attempting to steal gasoline from a Norman convenience store.
- A weeklong federal sting operation targeting Hispanic gangs that was assisted by the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office arrested more than 60 people who now face deportation.
- After their arrests in Arizona, Deborah J. Hobson and Robert E. Tyson III were charged with first-degree murder in the Aug. 26 death of Matthew Powell, 19, who met the woman in an Internet chat room and invited her to his Oklahoma City home.
- A medical study funded by Sanofi-Aventis found heart attack patients who received drug-coated stents were five times more likely to die after two years than those who received bare metal stents to open clogged arteries.
- There was good news and by bad news for former state Sen. Gene Stipe. The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver reversed itself and ordered Stipe to report Monday to a federal medical prison for a mental competency examination. Earlier, the same court had granted Stipe’s bid for a temporary stay in his request to remain free.
- Officials cheered Sinclair Tulsa Refinery’s decision to file for an air-quality construction permit. The action would allow the plant to increase production by more than 60 percent while reducing total emissions. The $1 billion project is expected to create jobs in Tulsa and supply more gasoline and diesel fuel in Oklahoma.
- In a case of pedestrian road rage, a Rogers County man became angry that a car was speeding up and down his street in a rural area and flagged down the driver, Undersheriff Barry Lamb said. The car’s driver was shot twice, and the homeowner is behind bars.
- The former principal of Southeast High School has been accused of embezzling nearly $32,000 in a civil lawsuit filed by Oklahoma City Public Schools.
- Daniel Imperato, an independent candidate for president, brought his campaign to Oklahoma City on Thursday in his quest to get endorsements from third parties in the state. Imperato, a businessman from West Palm Beach, Fla., is seeking support from the Libertarian, Green and Constitution parties.
- Apple Inc. Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs apologized and offered $100 credits to customers who paid $599 for the iPhone when it debuted. The credit came after Apple cut the iPhone price by $200.
KOCB is back
For eight days, Oklahoma City television station KOCB-34 was off the air in many households. But that streak — or rather snowy screen — has ended.
As of 5:23 p.m. Friday, KOCB’s signal was back on the air for those who receive TV broadcasts via antenna. A transmission line problem knocked the station off the air Aug. 30 at 9:58 p.m. A tower crew worked through Labor Day weekend and beyond to remedy the problem.
Luckily, not everyone was without KOCB programming this past week, as subscribers to Dish Network, Direct TV and some cable systems were not affected by the outage.
And thankfully, the CW-affiliate is back for everyone for the beginning of the new fall TV season. “Beauty and the Geek” begins its third season Sept. 18, while the series premiere for “Gossip Girl” is Sept. 19.
–Penny Soldan, TV Editor
Are you ready to fly?
It was nice of the Department of Homeland Security to allow passengers to travel with the proof they applied for a passport instead of actually having to have one — well, I don’t know if nice is the word, considering the reason passengers didn’t have passports was because of DHS.
Either way, those “nice” days are coming to an end. Sept. 30 is the last day passengers can travel with their passport application receipt. Effective Oct. 1 U.S. Citizens traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda must present a passport — a real one.
This may present a problem for people who have been waiting for their passports for months now. Are you one of these people? How long have you been waiting for your passport?
Ja’Rena Lunsford
Business Writer
Stop, in the name of the law?
Apparently readers do not approve of how police handle speeding neighborhood drivers.
A story I wrote in today’s edition of The Oklahoman contains a story about a man arrested after police say he became frustrated with a speeding driver in his neighborhood. He ended up in jail after police say he critically shot the driver.
I walked into the office this morning with a message from a man who wants to contribute to the jailed man’s defense fund. “He ought not be in jail, he ought to be given a trophy,” the caller said.
The message board under the story on newsok.com has been flooded with readers who say police do not respond correctly to speeding drivers. Police say, however, leave up to them because you don’t know who you’re encountering if you try to intervene.
Chad Previch, Staff Writer
Cops on shops
Some law enforcement officers will be at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts beginning at 7 a.m. Friday, Sept. 7.
But don’t worry. They won’t be goofing off. This time, they’ll be there for a good cause.
The fifth annual Cops on Doughnut Shops sponsored by Krispy Kreme and the Law Enforcement Torch Run aims to raise awareness and money for Special Olympics Oklahoma. The event has raised more than $107,000 during the previous 4 years, organizers said.
In Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers will camp out atop the store at 1024 SW 74 and Oklahoma City officers will be atop the store at 13500 N Pennsylvania. Tulsa officers will be atop the store at 10128 E 71 in Tulsa.
Officers on the ground will accept donations at all three locations. Free donuts, coffee and T-shirts will be given to those that donate.
Each site will have free children’s activities and Law Enforcement Torch Run shirts and hats will be sold for $10.
Troopers will hand out coloring books, crayons, and “Junior Trooper” stickers. Radio station KKNG-FM 93.3 will broadcast live from the SW 74 location.
Brian Sargent
Staff Writer
Tobacco smoke affects pets, too
There’s a strong correlation between secondhand tobacco smoke and certain forms of cancer in cats, according to a recent study conducted at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in North Grafton, Mass.
The number of cats with mouth cancer (known as squamous cell carcinoma) was higher for animals living in tobacco-smoking environments versus felines living in a smoke-free home. The study also reported that cats living with smokers for five or more years had a higher incidence of this type of oral cancer. Additionally, secondhand smoke has been associated with oral cancer and lymphoma in cats, lung and nasal cancer in dogs and lung cancer in birds.
Malignant lymphoma is another type of cancer that cats that live with smokers have a higher risk of getting. This cancer occurs in the lymph nodes and cats are twice as likely to have this type of cancer compared to cats living in a non-smoking home. This form of cancer is fatal to three out of four cats within 12 months of developing the cancer.
Dr. Carolynn MacAllister, a veterinarian for Oklahoma State University’s Cooperative Extension Service, said it makes sense that secondhand smoke would be harmful to pets that live in the homes of smokers.
“One reason cats are so susceptible to secondhand smoke is because of their grooming habits. Cats constantly lick themselves while grooming, therefore they lick up the cancer causing carcinogens that accumulate on their fur. This grooming behavior exposes the mucous membrane of their mouth to the cancer-causing carcinogens,” she said.
Secondhand smoke is not the only danger faced by pets that live in smoke filled environments. Poisoning is another risk they face.
“Curious pets can eat cigarettes and other tobacco products if the products aren’t stored properly,” MacAllister said. “When ingested, this can cause nicotine poisoning, which can be fatal.”
It’s important for the health of pets and humans that smokers have a designated area that is separated from a house. Don’t forget to put out of reach cigarettes, cigarette butts and other tobacco products, MacAllister said.
Brian Sargent
Staff Writer
A singing zoologist?
This morning, myself and two of my colleagues were serenaded by a man singing about migrating butterflies. This is no ordinary day. Any day that involves a singing zoologist serenading you is not ordinary. Then again, my colleagues and I host a weekly Pet Show podcast, so we’re not exactly ordinary.
Lucas Miller, the world-renowned (especially to those in the elementary crowd) Singing Zoologist, is spending the next couple days in Oklahoma City. Miller will be performing at metro area libraries tonight and tomorrow, entertaining and educating young people with his Zoology Rocks show.
So how does one become a Singing Zoologist? Miller studied zoology in college, but quickly realized he wasn’t interested in becoming a veterinarian. Combining his love for animals and music, he performs in schools, libraries and other venues nearly every day, teaching children the importance of our environment and caring for animals. For more information about Miller, visit http://lucasmiller.net/.
-Lindsay Goodier
NewsOK.com Editor
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Gained a little summer weight?
If summer led to weight gained instead of weight lost, the New York-based Sadkhin Complex Weight Loss Program recommends these particular dietary and fitness steps:
– Adopt an “eating schedule” with the ideal time for meals between noon and 6 p.m.
– Try to eat one less meal a day.
– Dedicate one day a week, preferably Thursday, for a milk-only ”fast.” Milk acts as a fat burner, and a source of calcium and protein.
– Eat fruits and vegetables raw; have three fruits or vegetables per meal.
– Use honey as a substitute for sugars and sweeteners. Honey has antioxidants and vitamins, and it takes longer to absorb into the bloodstream, which results in a more gradual and efficient digestion process.
– Walk at least 20-30 minutes a day to burn calories.
– Get at least eight hours of sleep nightly. In the fall, go to bed early and get up early to best balance your circadian rhythm. Recent studies of obesity have shown that people who are deprived of sleep suffer from hormonal imbalances that increase hunger, while decreasing levels of a hormone that suppresses appetite.
-Jim Killackey, Staff Writer
Please Read the Fine Print
My friend Hershel and I were seated across from Gate 18 at the Will Rogers World Airport last week enjoying a soft drink and waiting for our flight to Houston.
The flight was to depart from Gate 16 at 6:15 p.m. and it was approaching 6. I was watching a growing line at Gate 18, but had no idea where that flight was headed.
My cellphone chimed, indicating a text message arrived. It was sent by a service used by Will Rogers to send flight information to people who request it at the airport’s Web site.
The message said our flight was “boarding from Gate 18.” Whoa! The line we were watching grow was our flight. We hadn’t realized the gate had changed.
“Well, this is mighty convenient for us,” Hershel said as we picked up our carry-on luggage and walked the 15 feet across the terminal to take our place in the line. Two minutes later we were walking down the jetway and onto the plane.
Welcome to 21st century flight information. I signed up for the text messaging service earlier in the day because I saw that weather in Houston was causing delays of up to an hour and a half for departing flights.
Immediately I received a text confirming I had registered for the service and that the status of my 6:15 p.m. flight was “on time” from Gate 16. Yeah, right.
Anyway, another text arrived as I was on my way to the airport about an hour or so before departure time that said the status was still on time, but also noted the gate change. I missed the part about the gate change.
I’m not sure if the text messaging service actually saved me from missing my flight, but it sure saved from last-minute scrambling.
We settled into our seats and enjoyed the hour-long flight to Houston. As the plane pulled up to the arrival gate at Houston Hobby airport, I turned my cellphone back on and immediately received another text message.
This one said that Southwest flight 226 — our flight — had “departed.” Thanks for the update.
Jim Stafford
Business News Reporter
The news quiz
It’s time to see how much attention you’ve been paying to the news in the past week or so. From The Oklahoman’s news copy editors and designers, here’s a quiz:
1. Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama said he would reach out to Republicans if elected, and named what Republican senator as someone he’s formed a friendship with.
a) Sen. Wayne Allard
b) Sen. Tom Coburn
c) Sen. Richard Durbin
d) Sen. Daniel Webster
2. The Iraqi prime minister lashed out at U.S. critics who say he’s not doing enough to get his country’s government in order and stabilized. What is his name?
a) Ayad Allawi
b) Ehud Barak
c) Hamid Karzai
d) Nouri al-Maliki
3. What country vowed to use a “smart bomb” against its enemies, if needed, while unveiling production of the weapon?
a) Albania
b) China
c) Iran
d) United States
4. Five Oklahoma musicians were nominated for Country Music Association Awards, which will be given out in November. Who was not among the artists to be nominated?
a) Garth Brooks
b) Carrie Underwood
c) Reba McEntire
d) Vince Gill
5. University of Georgia athletic director Vince Dooley once almost coached where?
a) Oklahoma State
b) East Central University
c) Oklahoma Christian
d) University of Oklahoma
6. Gasoline prices could be found cheaper in several nearby states. How much cheaper could it be found?
a) Up to $1 cheaper
b) 60 cents
c) Up to 30 cents per gallon
d) Oklahoma was the cheapest
7. On July 1, what will be prohibited at Oklahoma State University?
a) Tobacco products
b) Fraternities and sororities
c) Bicycles
d) Anything crimson and cream
8. What defense strategy will former astronaut Lisa Nowak pursue against assault and kidnapping charges?
a) High-flying
b) Temporary insanity
c) Lovestruck
d) Twinkie
9. Broken Arrow police are hot on the trail of thieves who are stealing what item?
a) Automobiles
b) Beer
c) Catalytic converters
d) Doughnuts
10. Oklahoma City is negotiating a new contract so what can be recycled?
a) Plants
b) Plasma TVs
c) Prom dresses
d) Plastics
11. The Western Heights School District will build its fifth elementary school on land donated by what company?
a) Wal-Mart
b) Bridgestone Firestone
c) Procor Ltd.
d) Chesapeake Energy
12. Former state Sen. Gene Stipe, 80, has been ordered to a federal prison hospital for a mental competency examination. Where will he be sent?
a) The U.S. Medical Center for Prisoners in Springfield, Mo.
b) The U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan.
c) The Federal Correctional Institution in El Reno
d) The Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas
13. The NCAA granted the University of Oklahoma’s request to do what?
a) Reinstate Rhett Bomar
b) Raise money for a slain recruit’s funeral
c) Sell merchandise with an upside-down Texas Longhorns logo
d) Give Jason White another year of eligibility
14. A panel that investigated the April 16 massacre on the Virginia Tech campus released a report criticizing officials there, saying they should have:
a) Issued an immediate warning to students and staff after the first of the two shootings
b) Locked all the doors on campus buildings until the police arrived
c) Called in the National Guard to work campus security
d) Searched student records to determine who the shooter might have been
15. Why was a bronze statue of 1952 OU Heisman Trophy winner Billy Vessels placed in front of the Event Center in Cleveland, OK, instead of in OU’s Heisman Park?
a) It was made out of the wrong materials
b) It was paid for by the people of Cleveland
c) It was only two-thirds the size of the second statue in the Heisman Park
d) It was one-third larger than the second statue in Heisman Park
16. How was Sen. Inhofe’s life and those of three other politicians saved when three rocket-propelled grenades were fired at them shortly after their airplane took off from Baghdad airport?
a) The insurgents were bad shots and missed
b) The crew of the C-130 diverted the grenades with flares
c) The crew shot the grenades down with small-arms fire
d) A ground-based radar and rocket battery shot down the grenades
17. Oklahomans’ personalized auto license tags will be delivered faster starting early next year. Why?
a) Because there are many more inmates in the prisons, the number making license plates will be doubled
b) A hydraulic press will be added at the license plate workshop
c) Plates will be sent to their buyers by FedEx instead of by regular mail
d) The 40-year-old presses will be replaced by a nearly $1 million digital system
18. Wal-Mart Stores said last week it is considering new store sizes and types in the U.S. market. Which of the following is NOT one of the four current Wal-Mart store concepts?
a) Neighborhood Market
b) Sam’s Club
c) Supercenter
d) Grand Bazaar
19. What piece of movie memorabilia will fly on space shuttle Discovery when it launches in October?
a) The original prop lightsaber used by Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in the 1977 film “Star Wars”
b) The original statuette handled by Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade in the 1941 film “The Maltese Falcon”
c) The reins John Wayne clenched between his teeth as Rooster Cogburn in a shoot-out scene in the 1969 film “True Grit”
d) A dress made from drapes, as worn by Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara in the 1939 film “Gone With the Wind”
20. Which football team did the Sooners stomp on Saturday with a 79-10 score?
a) North Texas
b) Oklahoma State
c) Georgia
d) Baylor
How did you do on the quiz? Here are the correct answers:
1-B, 2-D, 3-C, 4-A, 5-D, 6-C, 7-A, 8-B, 9-C, 10-D, 11-B, 12-A, 13-B, 14-A, 15-C, 16-B, 17-D, 18-D, 19-A, 20-A
