T U E S D A Y , J U L Y 1 9 , 2 0 1 1

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black

LOOKING AHEAD

3-Day Forecast

FridayMostly sunny andhot, with a highnear 101.

WednesdaySunny and hot, witha high near 104.Heat index values as high as 107.

INSIDE TODAY’S DURANTDAILY DEMOCRAT

OBITUARIES................................................. 2

ANNIE’S MAILBOX........................................ 3

OPINION........................................................4

SPORTS........................................................ 5

COMICS........................................................6

CLASSIFIED...............................................7-9

STATE NEWS...............................................10

DurantDailyDemocrat

DAILY BIBLE VERSE

50 cents

INSIDE NEWS

Today In History

ThursdayMostly sunny andhot, with a high near103. South wind between 3 and10 mph.

Voice your opinion in the comments section online

The “Comments Section” can beaccessed at www.durantdemocrat.com,logging in with your user name, andclicking “post a comment”at the end ofan article.

On July 19, 1961 TWA became the first

airline to begin showingregularly scheduled in-

flight movies as it present-ed "By Love Possessed,"starring Lana Turner, to

its first-class passengers.

“So do not fear, for I am withyou; do not be dismayed, for Iam your God. I will strengthenyou and help you; I will uphold

you with my righteous righthand.”

-Isaiah 41:10

Calera United Methodist Churchwill have its vacation Bible

school July 20-22 from 5:30 to8 p.m. in the Family Life Center.

Pre-registration night will befrom 5:30-7 in combination

with the free hot dog communi-ty meal. Registration is limited

to the first 40 children whohave completed Kindergarten

up through fifth grade.

Calera United MethodistChurch

Effect of newOklahoma

boating lawuncertain

Oklahoma already has seenits two biggest lake weekends— Memorial Day and Fourthof July — come and go, but

it's too early to tell the effectof a new law lowering the

legal blood alcohol level forboaters, authorities said.

See page 10

Study: Safety system canprevent many low-speed

crashesTechnology may be providing acure for that bane of commut-ing drivers, the rear-end colli-sion in bumper-to-bumper traf-fic, according to an auto insur-ance industry-funded studyreleased Tuesday.The study by the Highway...

See page 9

Calera Fire and Rescuewas dispatched to GreerStreet in the Sand Point areaof Bryan County onSaturday at the request ofWest Bryan County.

West Bryan County alsorequested Silo for assis-tance. Upon arrival, fire-fighters found smoke show-ing from the eaves of thehome. The fire was locatedin the southeast corner ofthe house. The family dog

was inside. Firefightersfound the dog and thenstarted CPR and oxygen.

The fire was broughtunder control and there wasan extensive overhaul in theattic. High heat mixed withnormal firefighter dutiesand equipment caused fivefiremen to need evaluationby BCEMS for heat injury.Emergency Managementset up a rehab for firefight-ers.

The fire was contained tothe southeast bedroom, butthe house had significantsmoke damage. State fireMarshall investigated.

West Bryan County wasin charge of the fire. Silo,Calera, BCEMS, and BCEmergency Managementwere all present. It took 16firefighters approximatelyten minutes to contain theblaze and two hours to over-haul.

BCRWD No. 2 bansall outside watering

Since July 4, BryanCounty Rural WaterDistrict No. 2 has beenstruggling to keep up withthe water demand in itsdistrict, which is locatednorthwest and west ofDurant.

The district has askedtheir customers to limit alloutside watering, but due

to the high temperaturesand no rainfall, RuralWater No. 2 is now facedto place a ban on all out-side watering.

By placing this ban, thedistrict should be able tokeep its water towers fulland provide adequatewater pressure for fire pro-tection and personal

needs. At this time, the district

is asking its customers tovoluntarily comply withthis water ban. ReginaClinton, Manager of RuralWater District No. 2, saidthat if the need arises,fines will be establishedfor those who refuse tocomply.

The ban will remain inplace until a substantialamount of rain is receivedin the district. ManagerClinton said that water is alimited natural resourceand needs to be conserved.She also said that theyappreciate everyone’scooperation and under-standing in this matter.

City urgesDurant residents

to conservewater

City officials continue tourge Durant residents andwater users who live in RuralWater Districts 2 and 5, tovoluntarily comply and limitwatering and any unneces-sary water usage to the 10PM – 7 AM time period.

“By voluntary limitingwater usage, it will help usmeet demands and keep ourwater towers full to assure

See WATER, page 2

Dance moves and pom-poms at SE’s cheerleaders camp

PHOTO BY GLEN BURKE

CHEERLEADERS PRACTICE at the Southeastern Bloomer Sullivan Arena during a cheerleading campheld last week.

Coburnproposes$9 trilliondeficit cutmeasure

BY ANDREW TAYLORASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON (AP)— One of the Senate'sstaunchest budget-cut-ters unveiled Monday amassive plan to cut thenation's deficit by $9trillion over the comingdecade, including $1trillion in tax increasesopposed by most of hisfellow Republicans.

The plan by Sen. TomCoburn, R-Okla., islaced with politicallyperilous proposals likeraising to 70 the age at

Firefighters save dog’s lifeSee CUTS, page 2

Three businesses burglarized over weekend

On Monday, theDurant PoliceDepartment receivedreports of three busi-nesses that were bur-glarized over the week-end.

The businesses werePrice’s Printing, Dr.John Sills’ office, andSunday’s Cafe.

Price’s Printing andDr. John Sills’ office arenear each other onNorth Third Avenue.

Entry was made byprying open the backdoors of the businesses.

All three businesseshad minimal losses,according to police.

The burglaries arebeing actively investi-gated by the DurantPolice Department.

Anyone with infor-mation on this is askedto please contact theDurant Crime Stoppersat 580-924-8845.

DIS is enrolling studentsThe Durant

Independent SchoolDistrict is currentlyenrolling students for the2011-2012 school yearfor all students in the dis-trict. Parents may com-plete the enrollment pack-ets and enroll at the ele-mentary school in theirhome attendance zonefrom 8:30 a.m. to 3:00pm. beginning July 20. Tocomplete the enrollmentprocess, parents mustprovide a proof of resi-dency to the school dis-

trict The parent/legalguardian must attach autility bill that shows theparent's/legal guardian'sname and physicaladdress. Electric, water,gas and cable bills andrental agreements areacceptable forms of docu-mentation of residency.Forms will be time anddate stamped when theyare completed. Currentstudents who have notenrolled for the upcomingschool year should enrollat their attendance site.

Midwest heat wave expected to persist this weekBY JUAN CARLOS LLORCA

ASSOCIATED PRESS

HORIZON CITY, Texas(AP) — The high tempera-tures gripping much of theMidwest are nearly certainto persist through the week,and forecasters say theextreme discomfort willsoon spread to the EastCoast.

The misery was wide-spread Monday, with theworst conditions blanketinga broad band from Texas toMinnesota and Dakotas.Seventeen states issued heatwatches, warnings or advi-

sories.The heat index easily sur-

passed 100 degrees in manyplaces, including 126 inNewton, Iowa, and 119 inMadison, Minn.

But few people are hit ashard as the poor.

In Oklahoma, for exam-ple, applications from elder-ly and low-income residentsare pouring in for help to payutility bills. And Chicagoofficials have opened sixcooling centers, many ofthem in lower-incomeneighborhoods, along withhundreds of air-conditionedpublic buildings.

Vol. 110, No. 229Entire contents copyrighted 2011

www.durantdemocrat.com

22 THE DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT Obituaries TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2011

William T. RiddleTahlequah, OK – Services for Dr. William T.

Riddle were held at 3 p.m.Tuesday July 19, 2011, at theHart Funeral Chapel withRev. Deron Spoo officiat-ed. Interment was in theTahlequah CityCemetery. In lieu offlowers donations maybe made to the SpecialOlympics of Oklahoma.Services were entrusted toHart Funeral Home inTahlequah, OK.

Dr. William T. Riddle, the son of Marion G. andNannie Ethel (Smith) Riddle, was born December 18,1927, in Banty, Oklahoma, and departed this life onJuly 16, 2011, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 83years, 6 months and 28 days.

Bill was an adventurer and an entrepreneur, hetook full advantage of life and spent every momentworking hard to be the best he could be while alwayshelping others throughout his journey. Dr. Riddle wascapable of anything, and he did most everything andeverything he did, he did with excellence. Afterreceiving his Doctorate of Education from TexasTech, Dr. Riddle taught at Northeastern StateUniversity for more than 30 years and served as theDirector of Special Education, where he worked eachday to improve the quality of life for others. Thiswork continued as he became the Head of Researchand Development for Effective Teaching LearningInstitute. Not only was he an educated and accom-plished man within the academic world, but also Dr.Riddle enjoyed soaring through the sky as a pilot forboth business and pleasure. However, no matter howmuch Dr. Riddle enjoyed all of his other business ven-tures, there was one that drove his ambitions. Ownerof Will-R-Co Oil Company, Dr. Riddle was happiestoutside and working with his oil wells, and he did soevery day. The only thing that would not even beginto compare with his love for the outdoors and oil,would be his family. Dr. Riddle was the head of abeautiful and loving family who enjoyed family gath-erings almost weekly. Bill has been an inspirationand a hero to all who have met him. There has neverbeen a man alive like Bill Riddle. He will be dearlymissed by all who knew and loved him, and they willmake sure that his stories and adventures will nevercease to be shared throughout the generations. We arethankful that Bill Riddle left this world a better placethan the one into which he was born.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothersJesse Randell Riddle and Watson Riddle and sisterEvadna Marshall. He is survived by a loving familywhich includes his wife of more than 55 years JoanRiddle of the home in Coweta, OK; children: Dr.John Riddle of Lake Tahoe, CA, Dr. Julie Riddle andhusband Dr. David Miller of Tulsa, OK, Jane Elkinsand husband Rev. Jeff Elkins of Tulsa, OK, JoanMiller-Henderson and husband Dr. Brent Hendersonof Broken Arrow, and John Dyson of Fayetteville,AR; sisters Juliene Quinn of Pleasant Hill, CA andEthel Nickles of Cedar Hill, TX; and 11 grandchil-dren. Many nieces, nephews, friends and other rela-tives also survive him. Services are under the directionof Hart Funeral Home 1506 N. Grand Ave. Tahlequah,OK., 74464 Phone: 918-456-8823 Fax: 918-456-8824email: hartfuneralhome@yahoo.com

Frank William HolderFrank William Holder, age 66, of Colbert,

Oklahoma, passed away atTexoma Medical Center,Denison, Texas, onSunday, July 17, 2011.Frank was born onApril 21, 1945, inCartwright, Oklahoma,to Walter & GladysTurpen Holder. Frankmarried Carol Jones onMarch 7, 1964, inSherman,Texas and to thisunion three children were born.He was a life time resident of Bryan County. Frankenjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and all outdoor activities. He graduated from Colbert HighSchool in 1963. He worked at Levi Strauss andlater at Sonoco Company which he retired from in2003. He was a member of Southside BaptistChurch in Denison, Texas. Frank’s family was thelove of his life, and that love was returned to himby his family.

He is survived by his wife, Carol of the home,two daughters, Tammy Dillard and husband Gregof Purcell, Ok, Tana Jewel and husband Robert ofColbert, Ok, son, Tommy Holder and wife Melissaof Colbert, Ok., grandchildren, Aaron and AlyssaDillard, H.R. and Carlee Jewel, Jordan, Madison,Tate, and Marissa Holder, sister, Lena Doris (Sally)Westberry and husband Al of Colbert, Ok., a hostof nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parent. W.T andGladys Holder, brother, Charlie Holder, sisters,Mitzi Stanglin, June Ham, Joyce Noack and LoisReese Wall.

Family will receive friends Tuesday, July 19,2011, 6 – 8 p.m at Denison, Texas, SouthsideBaptist Church. Funeral service will be held onWednesday, July 20, 2011, 10 a.m. at SouthsideBaptist Church, Denison, Texas. Brother KeithTaylor will officiate. Pallbearers will be SteveReese, Rickie Reese, Wayne Westberry, RonnieWestberry, Chuck Holder, Mike Wright, TobyTurpen.

Arrangements are under the direction ofAmerican Funeral Service, 107 N Burney,Colbert,Oklahoma. You may sign the guest bookat www.americanfuneralservice-fh.com

Eulis Carl “Rod” WilliamsEulis Carl “Rod” Williams, 88, of Bennington

passed away Friday, July 15, 2011 in Durant. Rodwas born on March 22, 1923 in Clayton, OK toIsaac Ellis Williams and Ada (Scroggins)Williams. Rod has lived most of his life in theBryan and Atoka County area. He was a restaurantowner and manager. He also managed the SizzlerSteak House in Dallas. Rod served in the UnitedStates Navy where he was honorably discharged.He enjoyed working on lawn mowers, fishing andcooking.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one sonChristopher Dwight Williams, four brothers, twosisters, one granddaughter, one grandson and onegreat grandson.

Rod is survived by three sons; ClarenceWilliams and wife Janie of North Richland Hills,TX, Leon Williams and wife Brenda of Caddo,OK, Gary Williams and wife Lisa of Bennington,six daughters; Kathryn Ray of Blue, OK, Paula St.Clair and husband David of Durant, Rita Arzolaand husband Juan of Grand Prairie, TX, SheilaBuchanan and husband Larry of Coalgate, KarenFarrell of Coleman and Lisa Russell of Durant andnumerous grandchildren, great grandchildren andgreat-great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held 10:00 AM, Tuesday,July 19, 2011 at Brown’s Funeral Service Chapelwith Rev. Leon Crites officiating. Family hour was6-8PM, Monday, July 18, 2011. Interment fol-lowed the service at Bennington Cemetery withPhillip Williams, Robert Buchanan, BrandonWilliams, Tyler Williams, Clayton Williams andJoshua Harbert serving as pallbearers. LaneJensen, Tracy Williams and Andy Williams will behonorary pallbearers. Condolences may be sent tothe family online atwww.brownsfuneralservice.com. Services areunder the direction of Brown’s Funeral ServiceDurant.

Lorene Marie PatyLorene Marie Paty, 93, of Durant passed away

Saturday, July 16, 2011, in Sherman. Graveside serviceswere held 10AM, Monday, July 18, 2011, at HighlandCemetery. Funeral services were under the direction ofBrown’s Funeral Service Durant.

Robert Lyman McCrawRobert Lyman McCraw passed away Friday,

July 16th, 2011. Robert wasborn July 11, 1929, inGaffney, SC to JamesPaul and Connie B.McCraw.

Robert is survivedby his wife Patsy CarolDamron whom he mar-ried in Dallas, TX onJune 3rd, 1967. Patsyand Robert lived in Dallasuntil they retired in 2000 andmoved to Durant, OK.

His parents, one brother Rayford McCraw, astepdaughter Carol Burgess and a brother-in-lawEd Duncan, preceded him in death.

Robert is survived by a son Mike McCraw ofEast Texas, a step-son Stanley White of Durant, asister Vermell Duncan of Gaffney, SC, Robert’sspecial “little boy” Alex Burgess of Durant, grand-children: Melandy Brown, Misty McCraw, andMichael McCraw, all of Athens, TX also grand-children Daniel Burgess of Durant, OK, AngelaBurgess of Arlington, TX and Terry Burgess of SanFrancisco, CA. and numerous great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m.Wednesday, July 20th, 2011, at the Pleasant HillCemetery with Pastor Tim Cox of Abundant LifeTemple officiating.

Family Hour will be held tonight from 6 p.m.until 8 p.m. in the Brown’s Funeral Service Chapelin Durant, OK.

Online condolences may be sent to the family atwww.brownsfuneralservice.com.

In lieu of flowers or plants the family requestthat you make a donation to the church or charityof your choice.

Services are under the direction of Brown’sFuneral Service, Durant.

adequate water pressure forboth personal and emer-gency needs,” said JamesDalton, director ofDurant/Bryan CountyEmergency Management.“Nights and early morningwatering will also help keepyour water pressure maxi-mized.

“This water issue is due torecord high temperatures andless than normal rainfall in

our area. Blue River, whichis the main source of waterfor the City of Durant is cur-rently at 5’6", which is 2 feetand 2 inches below normal.With the continued summerheat and little or no rainfallinsight, now is the time toconserve. Hopefully by vol-untarily limiting our waterusage now, we can avoid anymandatory restrictions later.”

The city will continue tomonitor the situation on adaily basis and have updatesas to the ongoing situation.

WATERContinued from Page 1

which people can claimtheir full Social Securitybenefits. It would cutfarm subsidies,Medicare, student aid,housing subsidies for thepoor, and funding forcommunity developmentgrants. Coburn eventakes on the powerfulveterans' lobby by pro-posing that some veter-ans pay more for med-ical care and prescrip-tion drugs.

Coburn would alsoeliminate $1 trillion intax breaks over the com-ing decade, earning himan immediate rebukefrom Americans for TaxReform, an anti-taxorganization with whichCoburn has had a run-ning feud. He wouldblock taxpayers fromclaiming the mortgageinterest deduction onsecond homes and limitit to homes worth$500,000. He would alsoease taxpayers into high-er tax brackets morequickly by using asmaller measure ofinflation to adjust thebrackets.

Coburn was a memberof President BarackObama's fiscal commis-sion and voted for itsplan to cut the budget byabout $4 trillion over adecade. He recentlydropped out of the close-ly watched "Gang ofSix" senators seeking abipartisan agreement torein in deficits and breakthrough the partisanshipengulfing officialWashington over thedeficit.

His re-entry into thedeficit debate comes asObama and lawmakersstruggle over increasingthe so-called debt limitand avoid a first-everdefault on U.S. obliga-tions.

Coburn's $9 trillionsavings figure doesn'tinclude another $2.4 tril-lion in cuts to SocialSecurity that are fun-neled back into the pro-gram. In addition to rais-ing the retirement agegradually, he would pegfuture benefits to a less-generous measure ofinflation and curb bene-fit increases even morefor the top 40 percent ofearners.

Cuts to the Medicareprogram for the elderlyand the Medicaid healthplan for the poor anddisabled would total$2.6 trillion over 10years, far more than pro-posed by the fiscal com-mission or HouseRepublicans. He propos-es raising the Medicareretirement age to 67 by2027 and then graduallyincreasing it until theretirement age hits 69 in2080. It would also raiseMedicare premiums fordoctor visits so that pre-miums pay 35 percent ofsuch costs instead of the25 percent currentlycovered.

Coburn would cut $1trillion from thePentagon budget over adecade. He would blockmilitary retirees fromthe Tricare Prime healthcare plan, the optionwith the lowest out-of-pocket cost, saving $115billion, and he wouldraise the prescriptiondrug copayment underthe program, as well asrequire higher out-of-pocket fees. He alsowould reduce the fleet ofaircraft carriers from 11to 10 and Navy air wingsfrom 10 to nine.

"I have no doubt thatboth parties will criticizeportions of this plan, andI welcome that debate,"Coburn told reporters."But it's not a legitimatecriticism until you havea plan of your own."

CUTSContinued from Page 1

Now onlineWedding announcements,

engagementsand anniversaries

are now on our Web siteunder announcements

Visit us online at

www.durantdemocrat.comNow online

Wedding announcements,engagements

and anniversariesare now on our Web siteunder announcements

Visit us online at

www.durantdemocrat.com

Dear Annie: I havenever met my biologicalfather. My parents havenever lied to me abouthim. They told me thetruth about where I camefrom and have alwaysadded that they love me.

I received presentsfrom this man from thetime I was 6 until I was13, and then I didn’t hearfrom him anymore. Onmy 17th birthday, I got arandom e-mail from him.We corresponded brieflybefore he started to chewout my mother and blameHER for everything. ButI know the truth. He hadvisitation rights until Iwas 5 years old, but hedidn’t want to pay childsupport, so he signedover his parental rights tomy adoptive father. I toldmy mother about the e-mails, and then I deletedthem.

I am now 19 and don’tknow whether to be hurtor angry. I don’t know if Iwant this man to be a partof my life, but I definitelydo not want him bashingmy mother. He’s neverpaid a dime to help sup-port me. However, Ilearned I have a half-brother, and I would liketo meet him. Should I tryto reach out to my biofather, even if it’s only tofind out more about thisbrother?

I want to talk to myparents about this, butevery time I bring up thesubject, they bothbecome visibly upset.They have told me in thepast that it is ultimatelymy choice, but in private,my mom has said she’drather I didn’t. She isestranged from her ownfather and was quite hurtwhen she tried reachingout to him. I don’t knowwhat to do. -- Stuck in theMiddle

Dear Stuck: It is caringof you to take your par-ents’ feelings into consid-eration, but you are anadult now, and contactingyour biological father isentirely your choice. Itsounds as if you havesome unfinished busi-ness, so we suggest try-ing to contact him again.But prepare for the possi-bility that you will be dis-appointed, and set bound-aries. Tell him you’d likea chance to know him(and your half-brother),but you will not tolerateany verbal trashing ofyour mother.

Dear Annie: I am upsetabout something my hus-band did the other day.We were saying goodbyeto a friend, and she men-tioned something aboutdessert being served at aparty she would beattending. My husbandreplied, “If they were

serving you as dessert, Iwould eat that anytime.”He did not know I heardhim, and it made me veryuncomfortable.

Should I tell him Ioverheard his remark andthat it was inappropriate?What should I say if hedoes it again? --Perturbed in Ontario

Dear Ontario: Thesethings are best dealt withimmediately. Somewomen can make a jokeout of such lasciviousremarks, rolling theireyes while giving theimpression that the guyhas the manners of aNeanderthal. If you can-not manage that, howev-er, it’s perfectly fine totell him his words wereinappropriate and hurtful.The point is that he does-n’t get away with it.

Dear Annie: The letterfrom “Wedding GiftNightmare” sent me intoorbit. So her brother-in-law decided a three-piecechina serving set from anantique shop wasn’t suit-able? Does this manknow what those piecescost?

I married in 1957. Afew days after wereturned from our honey-moon, my mother-in-lawbrought over a poorlywrapped gift from an eld-erly neighbor. When Iopened it, my mother-in-law’s faced dropped. Itwas a large Pyrex bowlthat must have been usedin this woman’s kitchenfor years. I thanked herand then washed it in hotsoapy water and feltblessed that this darlingneighbor was kindenough to give us a pres-ent. That was 57 yearsago, and I still have thatbowl. It was the mostuseful gift I received. Iplan to give it to mydaughter after I die.

Shame on that fatherfor being so materialisticand not having a clue asto the real meaning of thegift. -- Stunned

–––––––––––––––

Annie’s Mailbox iswritten by Kathy Mitchelland Marcy Sugar, long-time editors of the AnnLanders column. Pleasee-mail your questions toanniesmailbox@com-cast.net, or write to:Annie’s Mailbox, c/oCreators Syndicate, 5777W. Century Blvd., Ste.700, Los Angeles, CA90045. To find out moreabout Annie’s Mailboxand read features byother Creators Syndicatewriters and cartoonists,visit the CreatorsSyndicate Web page atwww.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2011CREATORS.COM

THE DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT 33LifestylesTUESDAY,JULY 19, 2011

Annie’s Mailbox

By Kathy Mitchell &Marcy Sugar

HOLLYWOOD--Godbless America, and how’severybody?

New York Yankeessuperstar Derek Jeterskipped the All-Star Gamein Phoenix Tuesday inorder to relax with his girl-friend in Miami Beach.She insisted on the vaca-tion together. When all theplayers took steroids andwere impotent, they didn’tcare if their girlfriendswalked out.

Rupert Murdoch testi-fies in Parliament todayabout phone hacking byhis tabloids. They are fullof sex scandals, crime,scantily-clad women, andconservative editorials.Nobody ever realized thata combination of Reagan’sphilosophy and Clinton’smorals could save journal-ism.

President Obama traileda generic Republican byeight points in the GallupPoll Thursday in the presi-dential race. A genericcandidate would be some-one with an unknownname and from no specificplace of origin. Every fouryears we get a presidentwe never heard of before.

Coors had to halt deliv-ery to every bar inMinnesota Friday becausethe distributor didn’t gethis license renewed intime before the budgetimpasse shut down all

state services. They canget along without Coors.They don’t need a beercan to tell them when it’scold in Minnesota.

Bill Clinton leveledcharges of racism againstFlorida’s Republican law-makers Wednesday afterthey voted to place condi-tions on the voting rightsof convicted felons. Theyhave to have some kind ofrules. It makes no sense ifPee Wee Herman can’tvote and Casey Anthonycan.

The Arab Leaguebacked a plan Thursdayfor the U.N. to recognizePalestinian statehood inSeptember by circumvent-ing a U.S. veto with a floorvote. That won’t be thelast word. On the openingepisode of The Apprenticethis fall, Donald Trumpwill fire the U.N. and turnit into condos.

Casey Anthony’slawyer negotiated withNBC Thursday as TV net-works scrambled to landthe first interview offeringher millions. She’s consid-ering changing her nameand having plastic surgery.

She reasons it could saveher life if she looksenough like like MicheleBachmann.

Miller Beer paid off thestudent loans of ChristianLopez who caught DerekJeter’s three thousandth hitand gave it to Derek forfree. The young man gaveup a ball that was worthhalf a million dollars. InNew York that’s aboutenough money to get yourhopes up, but that’s all.

President Obamareportedly stormed out ofbudget talks Wednesdaybecause RepublicanHouse Leaders kept refus-ing to raise any taxes at all.The options for raisingfederal revenue are limit-ed. The president is think-ing of ordering the TSA tosell all the naked pictureson eBay.

President Obamawalked out of budgetnegotiations withRepublicans Wednesday.This is why we were sonice to Prince William andKate last week. If theydon’t reach a deal, theU.S. will be completelybroke and forced to moveback in with England untilwe get back on our feet.

German security forceswere placed on alertMonday when al-Qaedathreatened to attackGermany. They must becareful not to go over-

board. The Germans arethe only people in theworld who can disrupt anal-Qaeda attack and endup being the defendants ina war crimes trial.

The Italian economyteetered on the verge ofcollapse last week as thegovernment faced a majordebt crisis. The country’sin a real pickle. All theItalians who could forcethe Italian government topay back the money theyborrowed moved to NewYork one hundred yearsago.

John Edwards’s moneylaundering trial was slot-ted for October. He tookdonations from an elderlylady and used the moneyto cover up his mistressand love child. She offeredto pay for his four-hun-dred-dollar haircuts and hejust assumed that meantanything that made himlook better.

––––––––––––––––

Argus Hamilton is thehost comedian at TheComedy Store inHollywood. He can bereached for speakingengagements by e-mail ata rgus@argushamilton.com

© Copyright2011Argus Hamilton. AllRights Reserved.

ArgusHAMILTON

Italian economy teeters on the verge of collapseas the government faces a major debt crisis

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‘Potter’ takes down Batman with $168.6M weekendBY DAVID GERMAIN

AP MOVIE WRITER

LOS ANGELES (AP)— The boy wizard hasvanquished the darkknight and a band ofpirates with a record-set-ting magic act at both thedomestic and internation-al box office.

Warner Bros. estimatesthat “Harry Potter and theDeathly Hallows: Part 2”took in $168.6 milliondomestically from Fridayto Sunday. That beats theprevious best openingweekend of $158.4 mil-lion, also held by WarnerBros. for 2008’s Batmanblockbuster “The DarkKnight.”

Overseas, the filmadded $307 million in 59countries since it beganrolling out Wednesday,topping the previous bestinternational debut of$260.4 million set in Mayby Disney’s “Pirates ofthe Caribbean: OnStranger Tides.”

International results for“Deathly Hallows: Part2” included record open-ings in Great Britain at$36.6 million andAustralia at $26.7 mil-lion, according to WarnerBros.

Worldwide, “DeathlyHallows: Part 2” topped$475 million in a matterof days, putting it oncourse to become thefranchise’s first billion-dollar worldwide hit.

“This will be thebiggest ‘Harry Potter’ byfar,” said Dan Fellman,head of domestic distribu-tion at Warner Bros. “Abillion dollars is definite-ly going to happen.”

The current franchisehigh is $974.8 millionworldwide for the firstfilm, “Harry Potter andthe Sorcerer’s Stone” 10years ago.

“Deathly Hallows: Part2” does have the advan-tage of 3-D screenings,which cost a few dollarsmore than 2-D shows.Because of the higher 3-D price, plus regularinflation, “DeathlyHallows: Part 2” soldfewer tickets but took inmore money than “TheDark Knight” over open-ing weekend.

Overall domestic rev-enue for the weekendtotaled $263 million, arecord for a non-holidayweekend, according tobox-office trackerHollywood.com.

The “Harry Potter”

finale also set a record forbest opening day domes-tically Friday with $92.1million, nearly $20 mil-lion ahead of the previoushigh for “The TwilightSaga: New Moon” twoyears ago.

Other records for“Deathly Hallows: Part2”: best domestic grossfor debut midnight showsat $43.5 million, toppingthe $30 million for lastyear’s “The TwilightSaga: Eclipse”; bestdomestic opening inhuge-screen IMAX the-aters with $15.5 million,surpassing the $12.2 mil-lion for last year’s “Alicein Wonderland”; and bestworldwide IMAX debutwith $23.5 million, beat-ing the $20.4 million for“Transformers: Dark ofthe Moon” two weeksago.

“This is just really amonumental event,” saidHollywood.com analystPaul Dergarabedian. “The3-D component, plus theIMAX, plus it being thelast ‘Harry Potter,’ it wasjust this convergence ofthings that created thisincredible record.”

Paramount’s third“Transformers” block-buster, which had been

No. 1 the previous twoweekends, slipped to sec-ond-place with $21.3million domestically. Itremains the year’s topdomestic hit with $302.8million.

The latest“Transformers” added$39 million overseas,bringing its internationalhaul to $460 million andworldwide total to $762.8million. Among thisyear’s releases, that’s sec-ond only to “Pirates ofthe Caribbean: OnStranger Tides” at $1.03billion.

The weekend’s othernew wide release,Disney’s animated familyflick “Winnie the Pooh,”got swamped by “HarryPotter” mania. A return tothe hand-drawn anima-tion style of earlier adap-tations of A.A. Milne’sbeloved storybook char-acters, “Winnie thePooh” pulled in just $8million domestically, fin-ishing at No. 6.

“Deathly Hallows:Part 2” is the eighth andfinal film adapted fromJ.K. Rowling’s sevennovels about the youngwizard’s indoctrinationinto a secret world of sor-cery and his epic battles

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OPINIONLife has many good

things. The problem is thatmost of these good thingscan be gotten only by sacri-ficing other good things. Weall recognize this in ourdaily lives. It is only in poli-tics that this simple, com-mon sense fact is routinelyignored.

In politics, there are notsimply good things butsome special Good Things -- with a capital G and capitalT -- which are consideredalways better to have moreof.

Many of the things advo-cated by environmentalextremists, for example, arethings that most of us mightthink of as good things. But,in politics, they becomeGood Things whose reper-cussions and costs arebrushed aside as unworthyconsiderations.

Nobody wants to breathedirty air or drink dirty water.But, if either becomes 98percent pure, 99 percentpure or 99.9 percent pure,there is some point beyondwhich the costs skyrocketand the benefits becomemeager or non-existent.

If the slightest trace ofany impurity were fatal, thehuman race would havebecome extinct thousands ofyears ago.

Not only does the bodyhave defenses to neutralizesmall amounts of someimpurities, some things thatare dangerous, or even fatal,in substantial amounts canbecome harmless or evenbeneficial in extremelyminute amounts, arsenicbeing one example. As anold adage put it: "It is thedose that makes the poison."

In other words, removingarsenic from our drinkingwater should obviously be avery high priority -- but notafter we have gotten it downto some extremely minutetrace. There is never goingto be 100 percent cleanwater or air and, the closerwe get to that, the more cost-ly it is to remove extremelyminute traces of anything.But none of this matters tothose who see ever higherstandards of "clean water"or "clean air" as a GoodThing.

One of the things thathave ruined our economy isthe notion that bothDemocrats and Republicansin Washington pushed foryears, that a higher rate ofhome ownership is a GoodThing.

There is no question thatthere are benefits to homeownership. And thereshould be no question thatthere are costs as well. Butcosts get lost in the shuffle.

Among the things thatWashington politicians ofboth parties did for yearswas come up with more andmore laws, rules and pres-sures on private lenders tolower the qualificationsstandards required for peo-ple to get a mortgage to buya home.

It was a full-court pressfrom Congressional legisla-tion to regulations and poli-

cies created by theDepartment of Housing andUrban Development and theFederal Reserve, not tomention the buying of theresulting risky mortgages byFannie Mae and FreddieMac from the originallenders -- and even threats ofprosecution by theDepartment of Justice if theracial mixture of peoplewho were approved formortgages didn't match theirexpectations.

The media chimed inwith expressions of outragewhen data showed thatblack applicants for mort-gage loans were turneddown more often than whiteapplicants. Seldom was iteven mentioned that whiteapplicants were turneddown more often than AsianAmerican applicants.

Nor was it mentioned thatwhite applicants averagedhigher credit ratings thanblack applicants, and AsianAmerican applicants aver-aged higher credit ratingsthan white applicants -- orthat black applicants wereturned down at least as oftenby black-owned banks as bywhite-owned banks.

Such distracting detailswould have spoiled the storythat racial discriminationwas the reason why somepeople did not get the GoodThing of home ownership asoften as others.

Even after the risky mort-gages that were made undergovernment pressure led tohuge bankruptcies andbailouts, as well as disastersfor home owners in generaland black home owners inparticular, home ownershipremains a Good Thing. TheJustice Department is againthreatening lenders whodon't lower their standards tolet more minority applicantsget mortgage loans.

Higher miles per gallonfor cars is a Good Thing inpolitics, even if it leads tocars too lightly built to pro-tect occupants when there isa crash. More studentsgoing to college is anotherGood Thing, even if lower-ing standards to get themadmitted results in lowereducational quality for oth-ers.

Too much of a GoodThing is bad.

To find out more aboutThomas Sowell and readfeatures by other CreatorsSyndicate columnists and

cartoonists, visit theCreators Syndicate Web

page at www.creators.com.Thomas Sowell is a senior

fellow at the HooverInstitution, Stanford

University, Stanford, CA94305. His website is

www.tsowell.com.COPYRIGHT 2011

CREATORS.COM

Most would agree thatone would have to stooppretty low to question thestory of the death of aman’s mother.

But what if thatdeathbed story were thelocus of a far-reaching pol-icy that encompassed ahuge slice of a nation’seconomy?

And what if the individ-ual who told the story werethe president of the world’smost powerful nation?

On the same day thatPresident Obama peevish-ly walked out of debt ceil-ing negotiations with con-gressional leaders, the NewYork Times reported thatthe White House haddeclined to challenge anaccount in a new bookabout Obama’s most com-pelling argument for healthcare reform — the tale ofthe final days of his moth-er, Ann Dunham, fightingwith insurance companiesabout coverage for her can-cer treatment.

No one who followedthe 2008 presidential racecould have missed thestory, which Obama toldmore than once, ofDunham’s death from uter-ine and ovarian cancer atage 52. As told by Obama,his mother was fightinguntil her last breath with anuncaring insurance compa-ny about payments for hertreatment. The companywouldn’t pay, Obamareported, because hismother’s cancer was con-sidered a preexisting con-dition. Eliminating preex-isting conditions as an

obstacle to insurance cov-erage was a central tenet ofhealth-care reform and theAffordable Care Act thathas resulted.

“I will never forget myown mother, as she foughtcancer in her final months,having to worry aboutwhether her insurancewould refuse to pay for hertreatment,” Obama told asympathetic nation.

The story touched heartsand swayed judgments.How awful. How could acompassionate country tol-erate such cruelty? Life is apreexisting condition, afterall. And besides, onewouldn’t dare challenge aman’s memory of hismamma. We all have amom, and it’s staggering toconsider having to watchher suffer through theindignity of death and theindifference of facelesscorporations. Meanwhile,of all the things that areoff-limits to scrutiny orskepticism, Cancer andMother top the list.Combine the two in a per-sonal story and you areuntouchable.

Thus, the story ofObama, Ann Dunham andcorporate America’s inhu-manity toward preexistingconditions became an invi-olate holy trinity ofimmense political power.

If only it had been true.It is too much to say that

Obama told an intentional-ly tall tale to mislead thepublic. But it is also incor-rect to say that he told atrue story. According toJanny Scott, a New YorkTimes writer and author ofthe book “A SingularWoman: The Untold Storyof Barack Obama’sMother,” Dunham’s cancertreatments were coveredby her employer’s insur-ance policy. She wasdenied disability insur-ance, which would havehelped Dunham pay herdeductible or unreim-bursed medical costs.These apparently ran intothe hundreds per month.

A distinction without adifference? This is a ques-tion for Americans todecide. Yes, it’s true thatDunham’s disability claimwas denied and that shehired her son, whom sheidentified as her lawyer, topursue legal recourse. Butit is false that she wasdenied coverage of hertreatment, as Obama clear-ly said.

On Wednesday, theWhite House did not dis-pute Scott’s rendering ofevents, which she gleanedfrom correspondencebetween Dunham andCigna, the company thatheld Dunham’s disabilityinsurance policy.Presidential spokesmanNicholas Papas said, “Thepresident has told this storybased on his recollection ofevents that took place morethan 15 years ago.”

We can all understandmemories dimmed by thepassage of time, thoughsome memories demandgreater accountability.Obama might havechecked his facts morecarefully. Not only did herepresent his mother’sinterests at the time and,presumably, have legalnotes and correspondencein his own files, but heknew he would use theanecdote to make his argu-ment for health-carereform. Surely he mighthave expected that some-one eventually would fact-check his account.

Papas maintains that thepresident’s story, if notexactly as Americans mayhave understood it, stillstands as commentary on“the impact of pre-existingcondition limits on insur-ance protection fromhealth-care costs.” Thiswould be a reasonableargument except that dis-ability insurance, which isusually intended to coverwages lost to illness andnot treatment, was neverpart of the debate in thehealth-care reform act.

It’s likely that the presi-dent will be forgiven thisexaggeration in the serviceof a greater truth. But itwas never, in fact, quitetrue.

Kathleen Parker’s e-mail address is kathleen-parker@washpost.com.(c) Copyright 2011, The

Washington Post WritersGroup

924-4388

Durant Daily Democrat

4 THE DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2011

CORRECTIONSAs a matter of policy, The Durant Daily Democrat will pub-lish corrections of errors in fact that have been print-ed in the newspaper. The corrections will be made assoon as possible after the error has been brought tothe attention of the newspaper’s editor at (580) 924-4388.

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FederalU.S. Sen. James

Inhofe, 453 RussellSenate Office Bldg.,Washington, DC 20510-3603, (202) 224-4721;(202)224-5754.

U.S. Senator TomCoburn, 133 HartBuilding, Washington,DC 20510, (202) 224-5754.

U.S. CongressmanDan Boren, 112 N. 12thAve., Durant, (580) 931-0333

StateGovernor Mary Fallin,

State Capitol, OklahomaCity, OK 73105, (405)521-2342.

State Rep. DustinRoberts, 2300 N. LincolnBlvd. Oklahoma City,OK 73105, (405) 557-7366.

State Sen. JoshBrecheen, 2300 N.Lincoln Blvd.,

Oklahoma City, OK73105, (405) 521-5586.

CountyDistrict 1 County

Commissioner MontyMontgomery, 924-5814;District 2 CountyCommissioner TonySimmons, (580) 283-3711; District 3 CountyCommissioner, JayPerry (580) 295-3737.They may be reached at402 W. Evergreen,Durant, OK 74701

CityMayor Jerry L.

Tomlinson, Vice-MayorTom Marcum,Councilperson BobbyStory, CouncilpersonLeon Sherrer,Councilperson Dr. JerryPolson. All may bereached at P.O. Box 578,Durant, OK 74702, 924-7222, or contact councilmembers by e-mail atcityaction@durant.org

CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES

Obama’s not-quite-true story

Good ThingsThomasSOWELL

kathleenPARKER

SPORTSTHE DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT 5TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2011

Leslie BoydSports Writer924-4388ddsports@durantdemocrat.com

Durant Daily Democrat

Men’s tennis hosts 2011 youth campDURANT, Okla. -

Southeastern Men’sTennis coach ShawnHamil opened histenure at the helm ofthe program by host-ing a two-day youthtennis camp, teach-ing the tennis basicsto kids between the

ages of six and 14.“The 2011 SOSU

youth tennis campwas a success,” saidHamil.

The event wel-comed 18 kids andwith the assistanceof three SavageStorm tennis players,

the group ranthrough tennis drillsfor three differentage groupings.

Hamil also hadthe help of six othervolunteers for thecamp.

Walmart andSoutheastern helped

with supporting theevent, which aimedto teach the kids ten-nis fundamentals

“The camp alsopresented some onthe court tennisgames that will helpwith coordination,”said Hamil, “And

hopefully createawareness of tennisand a love for thegame.”

“We are veryexcited about contin-uing the event,” heconcluded, “Andlook forward to nextyear.”

Durant Middle Schoolconditioning camp set

Durant MiddleSchool will be hold-ing a football condi-tioning camp Monday,July 25 throughThursday, July 28 andMonday, August 1through Thursday,

August 4 from 8:30a.m. to 10 a.m. Thecamp will be held atthe old Durant MiddleSchool Practice Field.Parental consentforms are availablenow.

Retired players join NFLtalks today in New York

BY BARRY WILNER AND HOWARD FENDRICH

AP PRO FOOTBALL WRITERS

Hall of Fame defen-sive end Carl Eller andlawyers for retired NFLplayers are meeting withrepresentatives of own-ers and current playersat a New York law firmfor talks aimed at endingthe lockout.

The court-appointedmediator, U.S.Magistrate Judge ArthurBoylan, is also atTuesday’s session, as thesides attempt to close adeal to resolve the NFL’sfirst work stoppage since

1987.Owners are set to be

in Atlanta on Thursday,when they could ratify anew agreement — ifthere is one in place.Executives from all 32teams then would bebriefed there Thursdayand Friday on how theterms would affectleague business.

Any tentative agree-ment also must beapproved by players,including Tom Bradyand other plaintiffs in apending antitrust suitagainst the NFL. Playersare meeting inWashington.

BY DENNIS PASSAAP SPORTS WRITER

SHANGHAI (AP) —Yao Ming is likely to makeit official on Wednesday,announcing what isexpected to be his retire-ment from the NBA and asport that made him ahousehold name in China.

The 7-foot-6 center forthe Houston Rocketsplayed eight seasons in theNBA, but has missed 250regular-season games overthe past six years.

His career, includingfrequent appearances forthe Chinese national teamat Olympics and worldchampionships, hasincluded leg and footinjuries.

On Wednesday, a large

r e c e p t i o nhall at ahotel in thePudong sec-tion ofShanghai —Yao’s home-town — hasb e e nbooked forwhat willlikely be thec o u n t r y ’smedia eventof the year.

Hundredsof mediahave beenaccredited to attend therestricted event and areexpected to arrive hoursearly to go through securi-ty checks. It is expected tobe broadcast live in Chinaand in many countries

around theworld.

Reportshave beencirculatingfor nearlytwo weeksthat the30-yea r-old starw o u l dretire, butt h eR o c k e t shave notcomment-ed due tothe NBA

lockout and his manage-ment refused to confirmthe reports. The NBA saidit has not received officialretirement paperwork fromYao.

Yao’s contract expired

after last season, and theRockets said they wereinterested in re-signinghim if he came backhealthy. Yao said in Aprilin China that his profes-sional future depended onhis recovery from a stressfracture in his left ankle.

Selected to the NBAAll-Star team eight timesafter being the top overallpick in the 2002 draft, Yaoaveraged 19 points and 9.2rebounds. More important-ly, his impact expanded theNBA’s influence in Asiainto lucrative merchandisesales and TV ratings.

Yao had played sixyears with the Chinesenational team before join-ing the Rockets, and wasalready a star in his homecountry.

Yao set to retire from basketball Wednesday

PHOTO COURTESY OF AP

Seattle’s offense on paceto be among worst

BY TIM BOOTHAP SPORTS WRITER

SEATTLE (AP) —Manger Eric Wedge’sdaily briefings have turnedinto a psychologicalexamination about theSeattle Mariners’ offensewoes.

The brief optimism of amonth ago when Seattlewas a half-game out in theAL West race has beenreplaced by the reality ofanother rebuilding season.The anemic Marinersscored just two runs indropping four straight inTexas after the All-Starbreak and have lost nine ina row to fall 11? gamesbehind the first-placeRangers.

If the Mariners don’timprove soon, they couldturn out to be one of theworst offensive teamssince the designated hitterwas added to theAmerican League in1973.

After being swept bythe Rangers, Seattle is hit-ting just .221, eight pointslower than anyone else inbaseball and 15 points

worse than any other teamin the AL. Only fivemembers of Seattle’s cur-rent roster are hittingabove .240. Rookie GregHalman is the best at .279and he has only 68 plateappearances.

Even the normally con-sistent Ichiro Suzuki isslumping through theworst year of his career.Suzuki ended Sunday hit-ting .262, an astounding65 points below his careeraverage of .327. Hisstreak of 200 hits in everyseason since arriving inthe majors in 2001 is atrisk, with just 102 hitsthrough 94 games.

Meanwhile, veteranssuch as Chone Figgins,Miguel Olivo, JackWilson and Jack Cust areall hitting below .230.

“Everybody goesthrough stuff like this,through slumps and stufflike that,” Wilson saidSunday after getting hisfourth start in the lastmonth. “... You don’twant to stand on this lasthomestand and what wedid offensively, so yougather yourself together

in Toronto and say ‘it’sgoing to be a goodseries.’”

Beyond just a lack ofhitting, the Mariners sim-ply aren’t getting on base,and at a record pace.They are the only team inthe American Leaguewith an on-base percent-age below .300 at just.286 nearly 100 gamesinto the season. Since theaddition of the designatedhitter, only two AL teams— the 1981 Toronto BlueJays and 1981 MinnesotaTwins — have finished aseason with an on-basepercentage below .300and both those came in astrike-shortened season.

Additionally, theMariners are on pace forjust 94 home runs, whichwould be fewest in a fullseason and is severelybringing down theMariners OPS — on-base plus slugging per-centage. Seattle currentlystands at .611, headedtoward the worst total inbaseball in nearly fourdecades since the 1972Texas Rangers had anOPS of .581.

Japan savors women’s World Cup winBY ERIC TALMADGE

ASSOCIATED PRESS

TOKYO (AP) — If everthere was one, this was a vic-tory to be savored.

After a year that will godown in history as one ofJapan’s hardest, a periodscarred by the horrors of adeadly earthquake and tsuna-mi and the world’s worstnuclear disaster sinceChernobyl, the Women’sWorld Cup finally broughtthe nation something it des-perately needed.

Heroes. And smiles.Offering a potent symbol

that, despite the odds and thehardships, there is a light atthe end of the tunnel, Japan’striumphant women’s footballteam returned home Tuesdaywith the World Cup trophy.

“I never felt this day wouldcome,” team captain HomareSawa told a news conference,a golden medal around herneck and her Most ValuablePlayer award displayed infront of her.

“It’s just now setting in,”she beamed. “We playedhard as a team. We didn’tgive up.”

Thousands of joyous, flag-waving fans turned out togreet the team as they arrivedhome, and two fire trucksshot out celebratory arches of

water over the team’s aircraftas it approached the terminalat Tokyo’s Narita Airport.

Goalkeeper AyumiKaihori was the first to comethrough the terminal. The restof the team, also wearingtheir gold medals, followedas cameras flashed and fansshouted “omedeto gozaima-su”— congratulations.

“This is a chance to forgetthe nuclear disaster andeverything else, to just uniteand celebrate,” said 22-year-old Toru Komatsu.

But the difficulties facedby Japan were never far fromthe minds of the team.

Before boarding the flightfrom Germany, Sawa said: “Ihave to dedicate this win tothe people who suffered thedisaster.”

On March 11, more than20,000 people were left deador missing by a massiveearthquake and tsunami thatdevastated much of thecountry’s northeast coastand touched off the worstnuclear disaster sinceChernobyl in 1986, a crisisthat still dominates the dailynews.

The calamity has thrownthe nation’s economic recov-ery into question, forced tensof thousands of people tolive in temporary shelters,made ghost towns of radia-

tion-tainted villages thatmay never be habitatedagain.

Then, seemingly out ofnowhere, came Sawa —who has represented Japanfor 18 years — and herteammates.

As they progressedthrough the tournament,Japan watched with guardeddreams, not wanting to getits hopes up too high so soonafter the terrible disaster.Even as the team made thefinal, the buildup was cau-tious — this was the UnitedStates, after all, a two-timeWorld Cup champion. NoAsian team had ever won thecup.

But Japan, which went inat No. 4 in the rankings, justwould not give up.

They truly had the aspira-tions of a nation on theirshoulders.

“On the field, we alwaysfelt the support of the nationbehind us,” said coach NorioSasaki. “We wanted to givesomething back.”

Down once, then twice,they came back. In thepenalty shootout following a2-2 draw, goalkeeper AyumiKaihori seemed unable tofail — though she missedwith her hands, she blockeda key shot away with herright shin.

World sports at a glance tTHE ASSOCIATED PRESS

FFOOOOTTBBAALLLL

The NFL told club exec-utives they could beschooled in the ins and outsof the new labor contract asearly as Thursday, and theplayers’ association sum-moned its leadership for apotential vote — thestrongest signs yet the lock-out might be nearing an end.

Lawyers for both sidesmet 8 hours in New York,including 3 with a court-appointed mediator, to try toclose a deal to resolve thesport’s first work stoppagesince 1987. Talks werescheduled to continueTuesday.

“Making progress,” saidNFL Players Associationoutside counsel JeffreyKessler, who also representslocked-out NBA players.Commissioner RogerGoodell and NFLPA headDeMaurice Smith spoke toeach other on the telephoneand planned to stay in regu-lar contact.

Owners are set to hold aspecial meeting in Atlantaon Thursday, when theycould ratify a new agree-ment — if there is one.Executives from all 32teams then would be briefedthere Thursday and Fridayon how the terms wouldaffect league business, twopeople familiar with theplan told The AssociatedPress.

The people said the clubswere told Monday that top-ics would include the 2011NFL calendar, rookie salarysystem and guidelines forplayer transactions. Theyspoke to the AP on condi-tion of anonymity becausethe process is supposed toremain confidential.

RENO, Nev. (AP) —Former NFL quarterbackJim McMahon and two oth-ers were injured when a lim-ousine crashed through afence south of Reno, theNevada Highway Patrolsaid.

The limo, owned by BellLimousine of Reno, washeading north when it left

the four-lane highway,crashed through a wirefence, over a culvert andinto a pasture. Trooper MikeEdgell said alcohol wasn’tinvolved and the cause ofthe accident was underinvestigation.

Edgell described the 51-year-old McMahon’sinjuries as “non-incapacitat-ing.” Lori Navon also wasinjured and being treated fornon-life threatening injuries.The driver, Robert McCoy,also was injured and takento the Renown RegionalMedical Center.

SAN DIEGO (AP) —Reggie Bush’s family hastaken back a copy of his2005 Heisman Trophy froma museum.

The San Diego Hall ofChampions said it returnedthe trophy to the familyFriday. The museumreceived the trophy from thefamily in March but neverdisplayed it.

Bush relinquished histitle as Heisman winner lastyear after an NCAA probeconcluded that he and his

family accepted improperbenefits from would-besports agents while Bushwas still playing forSouthern California. TheHeisman Trust, which wasconsidering stripping Bushof the award, decided tovacate the title for that sea-son.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —Southern California tailbackMarc Tyler has been sus-pended from all team activi-ties and the Trojans’ seasonopener for comments hemade to TMZ that impliedhe gets paid to play forUSC.

When asked by TMZwhether he could makemore money at USC or inthe NFL, Tyler said, “USC,they breaking bread,” mak-ing a gesture indicating alarge stack of money. USCcoach Lane Kiffin suspend-ed his leading rusher for theSept. 3 opener againstMinnesota and possiblylonger. The fifth-year senioris facing potential disciplinefrom the school after whathe said were two alcohol-

related problems in April.

BBAASSEEBBAALLLL

HOUSTON (AP) —Tests done on TexasRangers President NolanRyan showed no new heartproblems for the Hall ofFame pitcher, who was hos-pitalized after experiencingdiscomfort over the week-end.

The 64-year-old Ryan“continues to improve,” theRangers said in a statement.He’s expected to be releasedfrom a Houston hospital in aday or two.

BALTIMORE (AP) —Shortstop J.J. Hardy signeda three-year extension withthe Baltimore Orioles thatguarantees him $22.25 mil-lion through 2014.

CCYYCCLLIINNGG

NEW YORK (AP) —Lance Armstrong’s attor-neys say illegal governmentleaks of grand jury informa-tion have sullied the

cyclist’s reputation, andhave asked a court to orderfederal agents to discusstheir contacts with themedia.

In a 20-page notice ofalleged violations filedWednesday in U.S. DistrictCourt in Los Angeles,lawyers for the seven-timeTour de France winner citedmore than a dozen articlesin many media outlets fromMay 2010 through lastmonth about an ongoinggrand jury investigation intowhether Armstrong usedperformance-enhancingdrugs in violation of U.S.law.

TTEENNNNIISS

NORCROSS, Ga. (AP)— James Blake rallied tobeat Ernests Gulbis 5-7, 7-6(5), 6-2 in the first round ofthe Atlanta TennisChampionships. GillesMuller topped seventh-seeded Alex Bogomolov Jr.6-3, 7-6 (6), and eighth-seeded Somdev Devvarmanheld off Ryan Sweeting 6-4,3-6, 6-4.

66 THE DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2011

TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2011 THE DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT 77

88 THE DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT Classifieds TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2011

Today's Highlight inHistory:

On July 19, 1961,TWA became the first

airline to begin showingregularly scheduled in-flight movies as it pre-

sented "By LovePossessed," starring

Lana Turner, to its first-class passengers.

On this date:

IInn 11555533, King HenryVIII's daughter Marywas proclaimed Queenof England after pre-tender Lady Jane Greywas deposed.

IInn 11884488, a pioneerwomen's rights conven-tion convened in SenecaFalls, N.Y.

IInn 11887700, the Franco-Prussian war began.

IInn 11994433, allied airforces raided Rome dur-ing World War II.

IInn 11996699, Apollo 11and its astronauts, NeilArmstrong, Edwin"Buzz" Aldrin andMichael Collins, wentinto orbit around themoon.

IInn 11997799, theNicaraguan capital ofManagua fell toSandinista guerrillas,two days after PresidentAnastasio Somoza fledthe country.

IInn 11998800, the Moscow

Summer Olympicsbegan, minus dozens ofnations that were boy-cotting the gamesbecause of the Sovietmilitary intervention inAfghanistan.

IInn 11998866, CarolineKennedy, daughter ofPresident John F.Kennedy, marriedEdwin A. Schlossberg inCenterville, Mass.

IInn 11998899, 111 peoplewere killed when aUnited Air Lines DC-10crashed while makingan emergency landing atSioux City, Iowa; 185other people survived.

IInn 11999900, PresidentGeorge H.W. Bushjoined former presidentsRonald Reagan, GeraldR. Ford and Richard M.Nixon at ceremoniesdedicating the NixonLibrary and Birthplace(since redesignated theRichard NixonPresidential Library andMuseum) in YorbaLinda, Calif.

Ten years ago: Japanese prosecutors

charged a U.S. airmanwith rape in an allegedattack on a woman inOkinawa. (Air ForceStaff Sgt. TimothyWoodland was later con-victed and sentenced tonearly three years inprison.) Circus animaltrainer Gunther Gebel-

Williams died in Venice,Fla., at age 66.

Five years ago:President George W.

Bush issued his firstpresidential veto, reject-ing a bill that could havemultiplied federalmoney for embryonicstem cell research. ActorJack Warden died inNew York at age 85.

One year ago: The Agriculture

Department pressuredShirley Sherrod, anadministrator inGeorgia, to resign aftera conservative websiteposted edited video itclaimed showed hermaking racist remarks.(After reviewing theentire video, the WhiteHouse ended up apolo-gizing to Sherrod.) Atrain slammed intoanother at a stationnorth of Calcutta, India,killing 63 people.Australian DavidWarren, who'd inventedthe "black box" flightdata recorder, died inMelbourne at age 85.

Today's Birthdays: Former Sen. George

McGovern is 89. ActressHelen Gallagher is 85.Country singer SueThompson is 85.Country singer GeorgeHamilton IV is 74.

Singer Vikki Carr is 71.Country singer-musi-cian Commander Codyis 67. Actor GeorgeDzundza is 66. Rocksinger-musician AlanGorrie (Average WhiteBand) is 65. Rock musi-cian Brian May is 64.Rock musician BernieLeadon is 64. ActressBeverly Archer is 63.Movie director AbelFerrara is 60. ActorPeter Barton is 55. Rockmusician Kevin Haskins(Love and Rockets;Bauhaus) is 51. Moviedirector Atom Egoyan is51. Actor CampbellScott is 50. ActorAnthony Edwards is 49.Country singer KellyShiver is 48. ActressClea Lewis is 46.Country musicianJeremy Patterson is 41.Classical singer UrsBuhler (Il Divo) is 40.Actor Andrew Kavovitis 40. Rock musicianJason McGerr (DeathCab for Cutie) is 37.Actor Jared Padalecki is29. Actor StevenAnthony Lawrence is21.

Thought for Today: "An optimist will tell

you the glass is half-full; the pessimist, half-empty; and the engineerwill tell you the glass istwice the size it needsto be." — Anonymous.

TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2011 Classifieds THE DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT 99

House to vote tea party-backeddebt plan that's doomed in

Democratic-controlled SenateWASHINGTON (AP) — House Republican lead-

ers are giving the tea party a chance to do things itsway in the latest chapter in the saga over increasingthe government's borrowing limit and avoiding a first-ever default.

The chamber will vote Tuesday on a "cut, cap andbalance" plan to let the government borrow another$2.4 trillion — but only after big and immediatespending cuts and adoption by Congress of a constitu-tional amendment requiring a balanced federal budg-et.

The plan is doomed in the Democratic-controlledSenate, and the White House has promised a veto.

The cut, cap and balance measure — and the vetothreat issued Monday — sparked the latest in pre-dictable tit-for-tat exchanges between combatants ofCapitol Hill and in the White House, even as it wasrevealed that President Barack Obama hosted HouseSpeaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Majority LeaderEric Cantor, R-Va., at the White House on Sunday.

"We're making progress," Obama reported.

Study: Safety system can preventmany low-speed crashes

WASHINGTON (AP) — Technology may be pro-viding a cure for that bane of commuting drivers, therear-end collision in bumper-to-bumper traffic, accord-ing to an auto insurance industry-funded study releasedTuesday.

The study by the Highway Loss Data Institute foundthat 2010 Volvo XC60s outfitted with a standard colli-sion avoidance feature called City Safety are far lesslikely to be involved in low-speed, front-to-rear crash-es than other mid-sized SUVs without the system.

Insurance claims that pay for damage to vehicles hitby an at-fault driver were filed 27 percent less often forthe XC60 than comparable vehicles, the study said.Bodily injury claims were 51 percent less frequent, itsaid.

Volvo and other automakers have been offeringsafety systems aimed at preventing collisions at highspeeds for several years.

Today In History

BY MATT PATTERSONTHE OKLAHOMAN

OKLAHOMA CITY(AP) — Oklahomaalready has seen its twobiggest lake weekends —Memorial Day and Fourthof July — come and go,but it's too early to tell theeffect of a new law lower-ing the legal blood alcohollevel for boaters, authori-ties said.

The law lowers thelegal limit for boat opera-tors from 0.10 percent to0.08 percent, matching thestandard for drivers onroads. Penalties for oper-ating under the influenceconvictions include a fineup to $1,000. A secondconviction includes a fineof up to $2,500.

But the new operatingunder the influence stan-dard hasn't necessarilyresulted in an increase ofarrests or citations on thestate's lakes.

"Memorial Day was awash because we had somuch high water," Capt.Mike Mize of theOklahoma HighwayPatrol MarineEnforcement Divisionsaid. "Then we had theblue green algae. It's hardto get a good read on itbecause lake traffic isdown."

Mize said the new thenew standard has notaffected the way trooperspatrol lakes.

"We're not doing any-thing different," he said."There's really no data that

I've seen that we've mademore arrests. It's going totake some time to see whatthe impact will be. But ithasn't changed the way welook for unsafe operatorson the lakes."

Edmond police havenot seen a jump in arrestsor citations at ArcadiaLake, spokeswomanGlynda Chu said. Sheattributes that to thedepartment's visible pres-ence at the lake. In thesummer, school resourceofficers often are used toenhance patrols.

"Fortunately when peo-ple come out to Arcadiathey're pretty wellbehaved," Chu said. "Asfar as patrols, the area isvery well covered and Ithink people appreciatethat."

American BoatingAssociation Director MikeAnderson said more stateshave lowered the bloodalcohol level standards onlakes and rivers. The ABAhas 40,000 membersnationally and makesboater safety informationavailable on its website,americanboating.org.

"The fundamentals arechanging in a way thatthey changed when drunk-en driving became a majorissue 30 or 40 years ago,"he said. "The fact is alco-hol and boating doesn'tmix very well."

Oklahoma Departmentof Public Safety statisticsback that up. During thepast eight years therehave been more than 100alcohol or drug relatedboating accidents in

Oklahoma, and thosehave caused 40 deaths.

"For a long time head-ing out to fish with a cool-er of beer was what peo-ple did," he said. "Thatneeds to change. Boatshave become bigger andfaster, and that makesthem even more danger-ous if someone is intoxi-cated."

Anderson said it's notjust the boat driver who isin danger, it's also anypassengers.

"People are standing onwhat is basically a mov-ing platform that is shift-ing in the water," he said.

Anderson said somestates have linked drivingrecords with boatingrecords. He said if some-one is arrested for drivinga boat under the influ-ence, it is linked to theirregular driving record.

That hasn't happenedin Oklahoma yet, Mizesaid.

"The state isn't goingto flag a person's drivingrecord, and one of thereasons is boating inOklahoma is more aboutrecreation than it is trans-portation," Mize said. "Insome states that's differ-ent."

1100 THE DURANT DAILY DEMOCRAT Local TUESDAY, JULY 19 2011

Monday’s High 102Monday’s Low 80Precipitation 0.00Precip. This Month 0.12Precip. This Year 11.89

Monday’s ReadingsStation Hi Low PcpnAntlers 100 78 0.00Hugo 100 79 0.00Lane 101 79 0.00Madill 101 81 0.00Tishomingo102 80 0.00

Regional

Durant Readings

Elevation 613.79Normal Elevation 618.78Water Temp. 86

Lake Texoma

Weather

Up-To-The-Minute Forecast Atwww.durantdemocrat.com

24-Hr. Forecast

TODAY:Isolated showers and thunder-

storms after 1pm. Sunny andhot, with a high near 101. Heatindex 106.TONIGHT:Mostly clear, with a low around79. South southeast windbetween 6 and 14 mph.

Upcoming events tOOnnggooiinngg

Patchwork Angels AdultDay Care Center, 1420 E.Hwy, 70, is forming adomino club for seniors 60and over. For more infor-mation, call 931-0444.Free in-town transportationmay also be provided.

Patchwork Angels AdultDay Care Center, 1420 E.Hwy, 70, is hosting a freelunch every Wednesday inJune for the first 20 quali-fying seniors 60 and overwho call and make reserva-tions. Free in-town trans-portation may also be pro-vided. For more informa-tion, call 931-0444.

The Hands of Hope isparticipating in theSummer Food ServiceProgram. Meals will beprovided to all childrenaged 18 and younger with-out charge. Meals will beprovided until July 22 atVictory Life Church, 3412W. University Blvd., from11:30-1 p.m. Monday-Friday.

It's time to register forthe free Bryan CountySummer Series. This is aseries of fun activities forkids from ages 4-12. Allactivities begin at 8:00 a.m.and are on the followingSaturday:

August 6 (ObstacleCourse at Carl Albert Park)

Each child must have aregistration/waiver formsigned by aparent/guardian. Thesemay be obtained by calling920-1575. All participantswill receive a free T-shirt.Start training now.

Choctaw Nation HeadStart in Bennington isaccepting applications fornew students for the 2011-2012 school year. Familieswith children who will beat least three years old bySeptember 1, and who willnot be five years old by thesame date are age eligible.Families of children withspecial needs are stronglyencouraged to apply. HeadStart services include, earlychildhood education,social/emotional skills,good nutrition, health,mental well-being, andfamily services.Transportation services areavailable to families whoqualify. Applications can

be found online atchoctawnation.com, or bycalling 1-800-522-6170 orin the Durant area at 580-924-8280, extension 2353

There will be a FamiliesReading Fiesta on the sec-ond Thursday of eachmonth at 6 p.m. in theTheater Room of theDonald W. ReynoldsCommunity Center &Library. They will be serv-ing food, stories, fun andmusic. They will also begiving tours of the newlibrary and show casingmore than 1,200 Spanishbooks recently added to thelibrary as well as the"Mango" electronic lan-guages database with morethan 45 foreign languages.Mango is offered free to allof the library patrons whocan access the languagedatabase with their librarycard number.

Big Five Head Start isnow taking applications forthree and four-year-oldchildren to participate inthe program, which is afree child developmentprogram designed to meetthe needs of the children.Eligibility is determined bythe child’s age and familyincome based on the 2011Family Income Guidelines.Ten percent of enrollmentmust be made available tochildren with disabilities.Parents must bring immu-nization record, birth cer-tificate, medical insurancecard, all family member’ssocial security cards andfamily proof of income.For more informationplease call 924-7404 orcome by 3725 WestArkansas Street in Durant.

Choctaw Nation HeadStart, a free child develop-ment program, is now tak-ing applications. Childrenmust be at least 3 years old,and not 5 years old, bySeptember 1, 2011. Theyserve all nationalities, how-ever, we do have a NativeAmerican preference poli-cy. Families of childrenwith special needs arestrongly encouraged toapply. Our program assiststhese families in obtainingservices that may be need-ed. In addition, the pro-gram also gives preferredconsideration to familieswho are classified as being

homeless, in accordancewith the definitions setforth by the McKinney-Vento Act. Contact thestaff at your local HeadStart to determine your eli-gibility. Your family mayqualify for transportationservices to and fromschool, as well. ContactCenter Supervisor, JuneDobbins at 580-847-2767,or 1-800-522-6170, exten-sion 2353, for an applica-tion or more information.

Silo Public Schooloffers comprehensive spe-cial education services toeligible students ages 3through 21 who have orsuspect having a disability,regardless of the severity.All referrals are consideredconfidential, and servicesare provided at no cost.You don’t have to beenrolled in school. Theymay be in day care, headstart, attending a privateschool, advancing fromone grade to another, stateinstitution, or in a treat-ment facility. Silo PublicSchool services includescreening and evaluationsin areas of the suspecteddisabilities, such as visionand/or hearing loss, motorskills, general develop-ment, learning disability,speech and language devel-opment, physical impair-ments, mental retardation,emotional disturbance,autism/ pervasive develop-mental disorders, healthimpairments and traumaticbrain injury. Free, appro-priate, public educationswith a full continuum ofservices are available forall children, including onesthat are eligible to receivethe Lindsey Nicole HenryScholarship. To help usprovide these services toany child with a disabilityin need of an educationand/or related services,please contact BillCaruthers 924-700 Ext.227, Karyn Pierce 924-700Ext. 256, Jan Richardson924-700 Ext. 234, or mailto: Silo Public School,Special EducationServices, 122 West BourneSt., Durant, OK, 74701.

Colbert Primary Schoolwill be taking enrollmentapplications for the 2011-2012 4-Year-Old and HeadStart classes. Your childmust be four years of age

on or before Sept. 1, 2011,to qualify. Parents willneed to supply the schoolwith the child’s birth cer-tificate, an on-scheduleimmunization record andSocial Security number.Head Start applicants youwill also need to provideproof of income. You mayapply in the Primary officebetween 8- 3 p.m.

Gospel Meetings, foranyone who is interested inlearning and following thebible as is, no additions, nodeletions will be held thenext four Wednesdaysstarting Wednesday June22 at Glenn and WandaTrapps home on 5108 val-ley view Drive from 7:30p.m. to 8:30 p.m.. For moreinformation call Suzie at360-623-5657.

JJuullyy 2200The Durant Independent

School District is currentlyenrolling students for the2011-2012 school year forall students in the district.Parents may complete theenrollment packets andenroll at the elementaryschool in their home atten-dance zone from 8:30 a.m.to 3:00 pm. beginning July20. To complete the enroll-ment process, parents mustprovide a proof of residen-cy to the school district Theparent/legal guardian mustattach a utility bill thatshows the parent's/legalguardian's name and physi-cal address. Electric, water,gas and cable bills andrental agreements areacceptable forms of docu-mentation of residency.Forms will be time anddate stamped when theyare completed. Current stu-dents who have notenrolled for the upcomingschool year should enroll attheir attendance site.

JJuullyy 2200--2222Calera United Methodist

Church will have its vaca-tion Bible school July 20-22 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. inthe Family Life Center.Pre-registration night willbe from 5:30-7 in combi-nation with the free hot dogcommunity meal.Registration is limited tothe first 40 children whohave completedKindergarten up throughfifth grade.

JJuullyy 2233A first-ever Christmas in

July toy and benefit run forFamilies Feeding Familieswill be held at 10 a.m. July23 at the old GeorgeWashington School on thecorner of East Main andNortheast Third Avenue.Bikes will roll out at noonand there will be food atthe end of the ride atHaggard Hall, BryanCounty Fairgrounds. T-shirts will be available withproceeds going to FFF.They are accepting dona-tions of new, unwrappedtoys and non-perishablefood items, plus donationsof at least $10.

Durant Elks Lodge pres-ents its Hawaiian Luau2011 on July 23, Buffetwill begin at 6:30 p.m. andthe dance will be at 8 p.m.,featuring Larry Stilwell as“Elvis.” Members and theirguests are invited. Cost is$25 per couple or $12.50per person.

There will be a familyreunion from 10 a.m. until2 p.m. July 23 at theHousing Authority of theChoctaw Nation, 1005 S.Fifth St. in Hugo. This willbe for the family of EmmaMarie Cameron (Frazier),who is from Bennington.Her known relatives areWilma and Nancy Wesley,Idabel, the Cameron fami-ly from Haworth, theFraziers, Polks, EmmaDyer (grandmother) andgreat-grandfather SamDyer, Bennington. Anyonewho is related and wants toattend should call JackieBess, 580-212-3062 orPaula Allen, 580-372-3881.

JJuullyy 2255The Choctaw Nation

will be holding GEDclasses for the BryanCounty area begining July25. The classes will beheld from 1-5 p.m.Mondays and Wednesdaysat the Choctaw NationTribal Complex, 16th andLocust (south building,downstairs). The classeswill meet for approximat-ley three months. Formore information, call924-8280, extensions2319 or 2122. Participantsmay register the first dayof class. A certificate ofDegree of Indian Blood is

required.

JJuullyy 3300The Caddo Buffalo

Trail Barbecue lunch andSilent Auction will beafter the rodeo parade,July 30, in the RockCommunity Building. Themeal and drink will cost$6 and there will be carry-out trays available. If youhave garage-sale-typeitems to donate for theauction place them onWanda Tidwell's porch byJuly 27 or call Craighead'sif you would like thempicked up.

AAuugg.. 11--33Abundant Life Temple,

1307 N. Washington Ave.,is having a “kid’s crusade”from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 1-3.There will be three nightsof adventure-filled, beach-themed services for chil-dren ages 4-12. Childrenshould bring swimsuitsand towels Aug. 3. Formore information, call924-5646.

Effect of new Oklahoma boating law uncertain Visit us on the web at

www.durantdemocrat.com