OU iPHONE APP FEATURES GIRLS IN REVEALING OUTFITS

Not only does the new OU fitness iPhone application help users build an improved workout plan, but also features girls in sports bras and hot shorts showing users how to do exercise routines, according to screenshots on iTunes.

“The girls’ outfits are unnecessary for what the app is trying to accomplish,” said freshman finance major Anthony Luo. “However, it does make it more appealing."

Crimson Fitness is described on iTunes as a “state-of-the-art mobile video-based personal fitness trainer and tracking tool." Videos on the app include instructions on how to accurately do exercises like the barbell floor press, incline dumbbell bench press, standing preacher curls and more.

The app was created by College Fitness, LLC., who sells their “College Fitness” app for $9.99.

FRIES HELP STUDENTS FUNDRAISE

The women of Alpha Phi sold french fries on Thursday, Feb. 25, to benefit their foundation, which supports women's cardiac health, according to their national website.

"It's fun to invite students into our house for a late-night snack," said sophomore Alpha Phi Danielle Davis, "It's even better knowing that the proceeds go to a great cause."

For the fourth consecutive year, Fries With Phi fed students from 8-midnight for a five dollar fee at their campus home on College Avenue. The house was flooded with colorful lights, decorative balloons and upbeat music from a DJ.

For more information on greek philanthropy events, contact the OU Panhellenic office at 405-325-6350.

PINK & BLACK BALL INCLUDES OU STUDENTS FROM ALL AREAS

The Pink & Black Ball, hosted by the OU Women’s Outreach Center, brought students from all aspects of university life together on Saturday, Feb. 20, to raise funds for the Susan G. Komen foundation.

“As a member of a sorority, it’s a rare occasion when I have the opportunity to be at an event with [OU] students who aren’t a part of the Greek system,” said freshman business major, Kristen Miller. “[The Pink & Black Ball] is one of few events that encourages students from all areas to attend.”

Most campus events, like Dance Marathon, University Sing and Sooner Scandals, organized through Campus Activities Council, are predominately attended by members of fraternities and sororities, according to personal research into campus event attendance. The Pink & Black Ball, while having the support of various fraternities and sororities, was consumed with students from other aspects of student life, as indicated by attendees.

The Pink & Black Ball is an annual event for students, alumni and faculty that typically incorporates casino games, raffles, hors d’oeuvres and dancing into the event.

TEXT 'NORMAN' FOR FREE FOOD

Coupons for restaurants and local businesses are being distributed via text message to OU students through a new initiative called Tattle Texts.

“So far [through Tattle Texts] I have gotten deals to Café Plaid, Pita Pit and Take Five Salon,” said sophomore public relations major, Michelle Stephenson.

The texting plan will not share personal information and applies standard text message rates, according to the Tattle Texts flyer. Texting ‘Norman’ to ‘313131’ will allow you to receive the plan for free. Show the texts to business employees when using the coupons to receive deals.

There is no schedule as to when texts are sent and which businesses will be featured.

STUDENTS TAKE SPRING BREAK VOLUNTEER TRIP TO D.C.

Sophomore finance major Ann Dexter checks her sorority's

involvement board to discover philanthropic options for spring break.

Students Today Leaders Forever is a new OU student organization that is introducing itself with an innovative idea for spring break – a “Pay It Forward Tour” through six cities, ending in Washington D.C.

“It’s refreshing to see that there are things to do for spring break aside from going to the beach for crazy parties,” said Jared Paris, sophomore business major. “The trip is very cost effective – a great option for students.”

According to the “Tour Overview” flyer, the trip allows participants to complete 18 hours of community service in six days for the small, all-inclusive price of $450. Students will travel to Little Rock, Nashville, Newport, Raleigh and Williamsburg before reaching Washington D.C.

To register for the trip, go to stlf.net, click on “Find a Chapter” then “University of Oklahoma” and click “Register Now” under “Upcoming Events”.

DANCE MARATHON RAISES $65,000 FOR CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK

Members of the DM sponsorship committee feel alleviated upon

announcing their fundraising success.

While the Huff was packed with students dancing to save lives, the Dance Marathon 2010 sponsorship committee anxiously counted funds, hoping to have raised enough to significantly benefit Children’s Miracle Network.

“When the total [$65,000] was announced, I felt a sense of relief,” said sophomore Sarah Rainey, DM sponsorship director. “We struggled a little bit, trying to raise money in this economic state, but we pulled it off.”

Although DM 2009 raised $100,000, a difference of $35,000 in comparison, the funds raised this year will still be momentous. The success of DM 2010 will reach local CMN patients who have diseases like cancer, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, pediatric AIDS or are in need of a heart or lung transplant, according to the DM national website.

To donate to a local CMN hospital, or the CMN foundation, visit childrensmiraclenetwork.org. To get involved with DM in the future, contact Campus Activities Council at Student Life in the Union.

STUDENTS LOBBY LEGISLATORS FOR ACADEMIC RESOURCES

On February 16, OU student representatives will lobby to state legislators for support to improve academic endeavors at the university as a part of Higher Education Day coordinated through UOSA, according to UOSA delegates.

“We are trying to impress the importance of different things [like study abroad, research programs and academic rankings] that distinguish OU as one of the best universities in the nation,” said Niekia Franklin, a sophomore UOSA organizer of HED. “[We hope] that legislators realize the importance of the dollars that they give to higher education – particularly this year when everything faces a risk of being cut.”

HED is an annual initiative that is student-led and motivated. Students from all areas of the university are encouraged to participate – particularly students who are concerned about the upcoming years at OU in terms of financial aid, class availability and tuition raises, according to Franklin.

Applications to be a participant will be available at a meeting on Thursday, Feb. 11 at Henderson Tolson Cultural Center Room B at 7-9 p.m. Speakers involved in higher education will discuss issues at the meeting that delegates contributing to HED will want to be able to talk fluently about, according to Franklin.

SNOW POSTPONES HEARTS FOR HAITI WALK

Last week’s snowstorm halted many campus events, including the Hearts for Haiti walk planned by OU students who are concerned that there will be less participation due to the rescheduling.

“One of my biggest fears for the event has come true,” said Jourdan Selim-Guyton, an OU senior and founder of Haiti Helpers. “I just hope and pray that everyone comes.”

The walk, benefitting the American Red Cross International Response Fund for Haiti, was originally planned for January 30, but is postponed to February 6 at Crossroads Mall at 8:30-10 a.m. The event has gotten the attention of local news media, including News 9, according to Selim-Guyton.

Student contributors remain optimistic, hoping to raise funds and awareness amidst the unfortunate weather. Donations may be made to the American Red Cross.