t h e o f f i c i a l s t u d e n t n e w s pa p e r o f t h e u n i v e r s i t y o f h o u s to n s i n c e 1 9 3 4
THE DAILY COUGAR
®
GET SOME DAILY
thedailycougar.com
80 LO 53 Wednesday HI
Cougars tie for seventh at Royal Oak Intercollegiate
Making happy hour a healthier hour
RESEARCH
November 2, 2011 Issue 42, Volume 77
LECTURE
Prof pioneers receptor based drugs Speaker
Estrogen hormone used to target cells, treating multiple diseases Love Patel
THE DAILY COUGAR A research team that includes a professor at UH’s Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling is endorsing a new approach to producing drugs that treat cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. CNRCS director Dr. Jan-Åke Gustafsson’s efforts focus on the study of nuclear receptor transcription factors. These are proteins found within cells that regulate and control the flow
of genetic information. “What makes these receptors particularly interesting is that their activities are regulated by compounds that we can administer to the cell,” Gustafsson said. Gustafsson said this attribute makes receptors “drugable,” which attracts the drug industry to target these receptors. “They are actually acting through the receptors,” Gustafsson said. Estrogen receptors are where Gustafsson’s interest primarily resides. He was involved in the discovery of estrogen receptor beta in 1996 at Karolinska Institute in Sweden, squashing the notion that only one estrogen receptor type — estrogen receptor
alpha — existed. “It turns out that these two receptors have a very interesting relationship that could be described as yin and yang,” Gustafsson said. One of the main qualities of estrogen receptor alpha is that it stimulates proliferation, an increase in cell number by division. This can lead to early stages of cancer if over expressed. However, estrogen receptor beta is “anti-proliferative,” acting as an inhibitor. This is being investigated as a possibility to treat breast, prostate and colon cancer. He said treatment of diseases quite different from cancer is possible. The activation of RESEARCH continues on page 3
Cougars seek out careers
talks US, Turkey politics Event critiques American government by citing similarities, differences Michelle Casas
THE DAILY COUGAR In their struggle for a more democratic nation, Turkey has made numerous advancements throughout the last two decades. The country has been gaining power in multiple areas of international relations, James Harrington said during a Gulen Institute lecture Tuesday at the Conrad Hilton College. “In the last 10 years, maybe 15, progress in Turkey has been just astronomical, both in terms of democracy and as an economic world power,” Harrington said. “And, as we are seeing, in terms of a foreign policy leader in the Middle East.” Harrington, a University of Texas Law School professor and founder of the Texas Civil Rights Project, presented his lecture, “Turkey’s Struggle for Greater Democracy: The Role of Its Legal System, the 2010 Constitutional Referendum, and Individual Rights,”
S
tudents crowded the University Center’s Houston Room armed with resumes as they networked with numerous company representatives from companies such as Wells Fargo, Liberty Mutual Group and Mattress Firm at the “Experience Excellence” career fair Tuesday that was hosted by C.T. Bauer Business School. | Robert Z. Easely/The Daily Cougar
TURKEY continues on page 3
UNIVERSITY
Corporation donates money to business, natural sciences Exxon Mobil has made a donation of $86,000 to the University in conjunction with their Departmental Grants Program. The Cullen College of Engineering, C.T. Bauer College of Business and College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics will split the grant, and it will be used to improve the school’s math and science programs as well as offering scholarships.
Exxon Mobil’s grant program has donated more than $112 million to 80 universities nationwide in the last two years — Jennifer Postel
FACULTY
Former football coach to enter Hall of Champions The Fellowship of Christian Athletes has announced that former Cougars head football coach Bill Yeoman will be one of three inductees into the FCA Hall of Champions During his 25-year tenure at
UH, Yeoman led the Cougars to four Southwest Conference championships and helped UH transition from an obscure independent program to a regional powerhouse. Yeoman, who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001, has been a member of FCA, the world’s largest sports ministry, for 50 years. Former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy as well as Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach and head coach Tom Landry are all members of the FCA Hall of Champions. — Jennifer Postel
GRAD SCHOOL
School of social work to host graduate school fair UH’s Graduate School of Social Work will be hosting the Houston Idealist Grad Fair at 5 p.m. on Thursday in the Rockwell Pavilion Room at the M.D. Anderson Library. The fair is open to any student considering graduate school. Representatives from local and national graduate schools will be available to answer questions as well as offer information concerning their programs.
Beginning at 6 p.m., an admissions and financial aid question-andanswer session will be held to offer insight into admission requirements and deadlines. The fair is free and open to the public. To RSVP, visit www.idealit.org or e-mail gradfairs@idealist.org. — Jennifer Postel
CORRECTION In Oct. 31’s issue of The Daily Cougar, an article had the headline “History haunts UH parking lot,” it should have read, “History haunts UH-D parking lot.”
NEWS
2 ! Wednesday, November 2, 2011
2011 STUDENT FEES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
PRESENTATION SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2011, BLUEBONNET ROOM, UC 8:45 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 11:15 a.m. 11:45 a.m. Noon 1:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:45 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 4:15 p.m.
Committee Business Frontier Fiesta Activities Funding Board New UC Project Break Student Program Board Coog Radio Public Comment Lunch Student Government Association Homecoming Board Metropolitan Volunteer Program Break Intercollegiate Athletics Counseling and Psychological Services Adjournment OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
If you require disability accommodations, please call the Dean of Students Office at 713.743.5470 to make arrangements.
The Daily Cougar
This Week in History This weekly article aims to show that historical events are comparable with events transpiring today; however, there will be interesting events and fun facts as well. In addition, I will be delving into the historical goings on at the University of Houston. I hope you enjoy it — If you have any suggestions or events that you would like to share, don’t hesitate to contact me at news@thedailycougar.com. — Zach Boudreaux
WORLD
Important Events.
Fun Facts
BIRTHDAYS
DEATHS
Nov. 3, 1793 Stephen F. Austin Nov. 4, 1961 Ralph Macchio Nov. 5, 1931 Ike Turner Nov. 5, 1941 Art Garfunkel Nov. 6, 1940 Johnny Giles
Nov. 3, 1793 Stephen F. Austin Nov. 4, 1961 Ralph Macchio Nov. 5, 1931 Ike Turner Nov. 5, 1941 Art Garfunkel Nov. 6, 1940 Johnny Giles
On Nov. 2, 1983, Ronald Reagan signed a bill declaring Martin Luther King Day. On Nov. 2, 1851, Louis Napoleon took control in France. On Nov. 2, 1962, JFK announced the dismantling of Cuban missiles. On Nov. 3, 1992, Bill Clinton was elected as president of the United States. On Nov. 5, 2006, Saddam Hussein was sentenced to death by hanging. On Oct. 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95th theses. On Nov. 1, 1512, the Sistine Chapel opened. On Nov. 2, 1947, the Spruce Goose flew for its first and last flight. Howard Hughes built and designed the aircraft.
On Nov. 5, 1935, Monopoly was launched. On Nov. 4, 1924, California legalizes professional boxing. On Nov. 6, 1923, the first electric razor was patented. On Nov. 6, 1917, the Bolsheviks captured the Winter Palace, starting the Russian revolution. On Nov. 7, 1665, The London Gazette is founded On Nov. 2, 2003, V. Gene Robinson was consecrated by the U.S. Episcopal Church, becoming the first openly gay bishop in the church. On Nov. 5, 1994, George Foreman became the oldest heavyweight champ, defeating 26-yearold Michael Moorer.
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON On Oct. 30, 1989, students from several campus organizations and the Students’ Association protested The Daily Cougar’s unfair coverage of minorities. The rally was in response to then Editor in Chief Georgeann Shepard’s decision to not run a story announcing the Homecoming Queen, Shannon Hills, who at the time was one of
four black women to ever win the title at UH. Other students said they were angry because even if the omission was not racially charged, Homecoming was a tradition that needed to be recognized by the Cougar. The newspaper ran a photo of the king and queen the next day with a story about the protest.
CONTACT US Newsroom
Advertising
Editor in Chief
ads@thedailycougar.com
(713) 743-5360 Jack Wehman (713) 743-5362 editor@thedailycougar.com
OPEN EVERYDAY
Managing Editor
11AM - 2AM TUESDAY Y
WEDNESDAY
$10 STEAK NIGHT $7 DOMESTIC PITCHERS MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
$1 TACOS $2.50 DOMESTIC DRAFT PINTS
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
$7 CHEESEBURGER & FRIES HAPPY HOUR TILL 7P
CATCH ALL THE COLLEGE GAMES $7 DOMESTIC PITCHERS TILL 7
COLLEGE NIGHT 1/2 PRICE WRAPS. $1 DOMESTICS DRAFTS & 4 DOLLAR U CALL ITS ALL NITE. LIVE ACOUSTIC SHOW WITH DREW AND JEREMY OF FROM GUTS TO GLORY
SUNDAY NFL SUNDAY TICKET ESTIC DOM $7 PITCHERS
502 ELGIN STREET, HOUSTON, TX 77006
713.807.7040
THURSDAY .25 WINGS $3 WELLS & BOTTLES
Student Ad Manager
!"
Victoria Gbenoba (713) 743-5340
vgbenoba@thedailycougar.com Classifieds
John Brannen (713) 743-5360 me@thedailycougar.com
!"
Chief Copy Editor
Business Office
Natasha Faircloth copychief@thedailycougar.com
MONDAY
(713) 743-5340
News Editors
Julian Jimenez Taylor McGilvray (713) 743-5314 news@thedailycougar.com Sports Editor
Josh Siegel (713) 743-5303 sports@thedailycougar.com Life & Arts Editor
Mary Baak (713) 743-5302 arts@thedailycougar.com Opinion Editor
Daniel Renfrow opinion@thedailycougar.com
(713) 743-5356
classifieds@thedailycougar.com
(713) 743-5350 !
Fax (713) 743-5384 Mailing address
!"
Room 7, UC Satellite Student Publications University of Houston Houston, TX 77204-4015
Issue Staff Copy editing
!"
David Haydon Gregory Miller
Production
!"
Issac Wilcher
Closing editor
!"
Joshua Siegel
Photo/Video Editors
Brianna Leigh Morrison Emily Chambers (713) 743-5361 photo@thedailycougar.com Web Editor
Joshua Siegel web@thedailycougar.com
THE DAILY COUGAR IS A MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS.
ABOUT THE COUGAR The Daily Cougar is published Monday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters, and Wednesdays during the summer, at the University of Houston Printing Plant and online at http://thedailycougar.com. The University seeks to provide equal educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability or veteran status, or sexual orientation. The Daily Cougar is supported in part by Student Service Fees. The first copy of the Cougar is free; each additional copy is 25 cents. SUBSCRIPTIONS Rates are $70 per year or $40 per semester. Mail subscription requests to: Mail Subscriptions, The Daily Cougar, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204-4015. NEWS TIPS Send news tips and story ideas to the News Desk. Call (713) 743-5314, e-mail news@ thedailycougar.com or fax (713) 743-5384. A “Submit news item” form is also available online at thedailycougar.com. COPYRIGHT No part of the newspaper in print or online may be reproduced without the written consent of the director of the Student Publications Department.
NEWS
The Daily Cougar
RESEARCH continued from page 1
estrogen receptor beta can limit the buildup of amyloid, a protein that plays a role in Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. It can also stimulate oligodendrocytes — cells that are responsible for creating a fatty layer to help neurons carry electrical signals — which are lacking in multiple sclerosis patients. The process for developing these drugs includes clinical trials and addressing potential side effects, which makes it lengthy. “After an original discovery of a
TURKEY continued from page 1
which focused on the constitutional changes made by Turkey in the 2010 Constitutional Referendum. The referendum is meant to further facilitate a bid for European Union membership and to reform individual rights and the legal system in Turkey. Compliance with the standards of the EU is essential to the membership process; Harrington said membership supporters hope the referendum, which is equivalent to the U.S. Bill of Rights, will bring them closer to securing a spot. Harrington said he is interested in seeing what we can learn from the Turkish referendum, since the democracy in Turkey has progressed about 10-times faster than it did in the U.S. Although the 1791 Bill of Rights was an “amazing accomplishment, we have sort of kept ourselves as Americans in 1791 and forgot that the idea of human rights expands, expands and expands,” he said. Turkey’s original constitution was drafted in 1982 following a history of military coups, which Harrington said were always bloody and awful. “It’s against that background that you have this phenomenal movement developing in Turkey, in a move to becoming a much more democratic country,” he said. The amendments to the Turkish constitution exemplify the adaptation of government to modern society by revising the rights of their people, which Harrington said Americans take for granted. He said it is “pretty pathetic” that Americans take so much for granted that they generally don’t even vote anymore. When the referendum passed, 74 percent of people in Turkey voted, many of whom had returned from the pilgrimage in Mecca to take part in the election, according to Harrington. “That’s phenomenal,” he said. “We’re lucky in a presidential election if we have 50 percent turnout to vote.” Harrington said the 58-42 percent vote was a “pretty significant margin for something like this.” The Turkish referendum included some key aspects that address significant issues in the country’s government, including an amendment granting the right to privacy, which is
new drugable target, it takes about 20 years before it is on the market for patients to buy,” Gustafsson said. Progress is also being made on the research of another transcription factor, liver x receptor beta. This receptor is activated by cholesterol. Gustafsson said he believes liver x receptor beta is also involved with certain diseases in the central nervous system. However, he said it seems they are further along in their estrogen receptor research. Gustafsson collaborates with other scientists at UH as well as scientists at the Methodist Hospital Research Institute. news@thedailycougar.com
not a right in the U.S. “A lot of people are surprised we do not have a right of privacy in our constitution,” Harrington said. “Not only is there a right to privacy (in Turkey), but you get to go to court to vindicate it if the government violates it.” He said he is skeptical about the success of the granted right to petition, a process to handle complaints against the government, but said it does show something else. “What it does represent is the people getting more involved and wanting more transparency in the operation of the country,” Harrington said. In addition to the reform of individual rights, the referendum confronts the issues regarding the justice system. Harrington shared an anecdote from a meeting with a judge in Turkey, who provided a different perspective on the workings of the justice system in other countries. “In a trial in Turkey, the prosecutor sits up next to the judge,” he said. “It’s hard to imagine that’s fair and impartial.” When addressing the interactions with the prosecutor during a trial, Harrington said the judge told him they just lean over and ask them what they think. “What’s even worse is that when the judges go back to deliberate, the prosecutor gets to go -- not the defense attorney,” Harrington said. Even though things differ between governments, the communication between countries is important, especially with Turkey, which Harrington said is a large part of world and human rights scenes these days. “I think in developing human rights and developing our idea of democracy in a fairer and more just world, this interaction is really helpful,” he said. Freshman political science major Sarah Rush, who did not know much about Turkish politics but aspires to be a lawyer, admires Harrington and his views on justice and civil rights. “I feel inspired by Mr. Harrington’s words,” she said. “He has really opened my eyes to a whole new world of politics. “When you fight for justice and civil rights like Harrington has been doing, it’s so admirable and you can really change things in many different ways.” news@thedailycougar.com
Point. Click. Promote your event. Use the Campus Calendar at thedailycougar.com
Wednesday, November 2, 2011 ! 3
LECTURE
Energy expert discusses latest book Best-seller challenges ideas on resource scarcity Juliana Olarte
THE DAILY COUGAR For Pulitzer Prize-winning author Daniel Yergin, the hardest part of writing his most recent book was figuring out how to finish it he said on Monday during a lecture at Michael J. Cemo Hall. “Professors of the audience, you all know that the hardest part of writing a book is writing the conclusion because you have to say what this all means,” Yergin said. Yergin, an energy expert and chairman of the IHS Cambridge Energy Research Association, visited UH to discuss his recent New York Times best seller, “The Quest: Energy, Security and the Remaking of the Modern World,” which according to the book’s website, presents “a story that spans the energies on which our society has been built and the new resources that are competing to replace them.” Yergin said that he knew how
to start it but as the times kept changing, so did his book, making it difficult to come to a concrete conclusion, but he refers to “The Quest” as an “optimistic book.” “The Quest” picks up the energy story where Yergin’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “The Prize” left off in the early 90s, with everything “hunky dory,” as Yergin said in a a recent interview with KUHF’s Andrew Schneider. Both of Yergin’s books address the ways that energy will be the future engine of global economic and political change. “Eventually we’ll be gone and you will be here forever,” said Yergin referring to the energy. Facing Stephen Colbert During the event, Yergin described his experience promoting his book on “The Colbert Report.” He said he was a little nervous when going on camera with Stephen Colbert and that their conversation before going on calmed him down. “Probably the single most important experience I had is when I went on the Colbert show — that was a big deal,” Yergin
Daniel Yergin is the founder and chairperson of the Information Handling Services Energy Resource Association. | Emily Chambers/The Daily Cougar said. “Stephen Colbert came up to me when I was a little nervous and said ‘the whole point of this exercise is to make a fool out of you, you got to understand that my TV character is an idiot’ so that relaxed me” news@thedailycougar.com
Consider yourself poked.
Become our fan at facebook.com/thedailycougar
GET SOME DAILY In print. Online. On the go.
4 ! Wednesday, November 2, 2011
The Daily Cougar
OPINION THE DAILY COUGAR EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR IN CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR NEWS EDITORS SPORTS EDITOR LIFE & ARTS EDITOR OPINION EDITOR CHIEF COPY EDITOR
Jack Wehman John Brannen Taylor McGilvray, Julian Jimenez Joshua Siegel Mary Baak Daniel Renfrow Natasha Faircloth
STAFF EDITORIAL
Parking nightmare comes to UH this Thursday
O
n Thursday, UH student and faculty will be inconvenienced again when the campus parking lots are overrun by fans coming for the Houston Dynamo’s playoff match against the Philadelphia Union. To many students this might not seem like a big deal — it’s not like the Texans are coming. But the Dynamo have drawn an average of more than 17,000 fans this season for home games. Since this is a playoff match, it’s safe to assume that even more fans with Dynamo fever will show up. When there are Dynamo games at Robertson on Sunday nights, the campus becomes unnavigable — and that’s when the campus is usually free of students. Parking and Transportation Services has tried to assuage this by allowing student to still park in most of the parking lots, but now they will have to compete with over 17,000 fans for spots that are already hard enough to get. The entire stadium lot will be closed to students and faculty at 2 p.m. The bulk of lots that students use will be fair game after 4 p.m. as well. This is a terrible time for the parking lots to transition from UH students to soccer crazies. The roads on campus are congested enough at that hour, and I-45 is always a mess. When parking lots were made available to fans for the UH-Rice game last week, it was different. It was much more defensible. That was for a UH event featuring UH student-athletes that attracted a large number of UH students. How will UH students, faculty and staff benefit from the inconvenience of allowing Dynamo fans to park in their spaces? Is knowing the Houston Dynamo graced the pitch of Robertson Stadium enough of a reward? No. How much is the University benefiting financially from this? What is their incentive to make a bad situation worse — even if it is just for an afternoon? Parking and Transportation Services should think a little more about the University’s students and less about whatever financial benefit this silly game will net them.
E D I TO R I A L P O L I C I E S STAFF EDITORIAL The Staff Editorial reflects the opinions of The Daily Cougar Editorial Board (the members of which are listed above the editorial). All other opinions, commentaries and cartoons reflect only the opinion of the author. Opinions expressed in The Daily Cougar do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Houston or the students as a whole. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Daily Cougar welcomes letters to the editor from any member of the UH community. Letters should be no more than 250 words and signed, including the author’s full name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Anonymous letters will not be published. Deliver letters to Room 7, University Center Satellite; e-mail them to letters@thedailycougar.com; send them via campus mail to STP 4015; or fax them to (713) 743-5384. Letters are subject to editing. ADVERTISEMENTS Advertisements published in The Daily Cougar do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the University or the students as a whole. GUEST COMMENTARY Submissions are accepted from any member of the UH community and must be signed with the author’s name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Commentary should be kept to less than 500 words. Guest commentaries should not be written as replies to material already printed in the Cougar, but rather should present independent points of view. Rebuttals should be sent as letters. Deliver submissions to Room 7, University Center Satellite; e-mail them to letters@thedailycougar.com; or fax them to (713) 743-5384. All submissions are subject to editing.
EDITOR Daniel Renfrow E-MAIL opinion@thedailycougar.com ONLINE thedailycougar.com/opinion
Living the American debt Obama plan will reduce student loan woes, but it may not be enough
A
s the nation slips ever deeper into the Great Recession, the Occupy movement continutes to spread across the country. The protester ranks are filled with the unemployed, underemployed and a growing group that combines the two together but stands on Aaron its own — student loan Manuel debtors. There is a growing roar both on Wall Street and in Washington for student loan debt relief, as many who have lost jobs or are working part time have to sacrifice paying their loans to put food on the table, gas in their cars and pay the bills. Debt continues to grow for many of these people as compounding interest is piled onto their original debt. This places many of these people in a hole so deep that it seems like there is no way out. As public outcry over the economy grows, action appears to be on the horizon, both from Washington and from the Occupiers. Last Wednesday, in an effort to bring some relief to the Occupiers and students all over the country, President Obama announced plans to speed up a piece of legislation passed by Congress last year. According to MSNBC.com, this piece of legislation, “reduces the maximum required payment on student loans from 15 percent of discretionary income annually to 10 percent.” It also reduces the number of years one must wait before reaching debt forgiveness from 25 to 20 and will allow individuals who receive money from the Federal Family Education Loan Program to consolidate that loan with their direct government loans into one lump loan at a lower interest rate. The legislation, originally schedule to take effect in 2014, would take effect in 2012 under Obama’s plan. Despite his best efforts, however, both proponents and opponents of relief are not happy.
New York University professor Andrew Ross, for example, has proposed his own more extreme solution: just say no. He believes students should make a “Pledge of Refusal,” and stop paying their student loans altogether. In their anger and despair, many Americans would rather destroy their credit even further by refusing to pay their loans. They consider it an act of rebellion, but they are really just
It was during the hard times of old that great leaders rose up to guide the nation and steer us to calmer waters — that is not the case anymore. While Obama and the Democrats recognize the need to give indebted college graduates a break, Republicans say we cannot afford to.” making a bad situation worse. However, many people who have large amounts of student debt are in need instant, more drastic relief. This could come in the form of partial, or, preferably, total debt forgiveness. Such drastic relief would improve the credit ratings of affected borrowers, improving their chances of buying a home and taking out loans for other ventures, such as buying a car or setting up a small business. This relief would improve the overall spending power of these people. However, opponents charge that such measures will and have already had profound consequences. These opponents, primarily Republicans, say the changes already put forward by Obama have resulted in poor customer service for borrowers and that thousands of workers
from student loan lenders have already been laid off. In addition to the lay offs and poor customer service is the staggering amount of debt. The total amount of student loan debt in the US varies from the Federal Reserve’s number of $429 billion to FinAid.org’s number of $829 billion. A refusal to pay any of this debt would force the government to pick up the tab. “These are the times that try men’s souls,” wrote Thomas Paine nearly 235 years ago. These words have as much meaning now as they had when they were written. They were true during the Great Depression, during two world wars and every other point of American hardship. It has been decades since Americans have suffered as much as they are suffering now. It was during the hard times of old that great leaders rose up to guide the nation and steer us to calmer waters — that is not the case anymore. While Obama and the Democrats recognize the need to give indebted college graduates a break, Republicans say we cannot afford to. With the national debt the way it is, and the downgrading of the national credit rating, the point has to be conceded to the Republicans. Perhaps, at least for a few months, the government can issue a freeze on student loan payments and interest while the president and Congress hammer out a compromise that can create jobs, provide relief and create a plan to help students and graduates pay their debts at the same time. Then again, given the track record of the 112th Congress and our president, we may have to tighten our belts a little more and soldier on as best we can without their help. Aaron Manuel is a broadcast journalism senior and may be reached at opinion@ thedailycougar.com.
Many non-trendy reasons to go green
G
oing green has become a fad as a pretentious tree-hugger. on your electricity and gas bills. in the US. And it seems many Likewise, there are some who resist the Then there is the issue of recycling. individuals, college campuses green movement because they fear going Wherever there is a garbage can on camand businesses are making attempts to green may be more expensive. pus, there is likely a recycling bin not too become a part of this fad. “Going green” You shouldn’t avoid making rational, far away. It takes very little effort to recycle essentially means doing environmentally-friendly choices simply your trash while on campus. When off things that are environout of fear of being seen as pretentious. campus, students can recycle their paper mentally friendly such There are far more pragmatic and rational at the Houston Public Library. as recycling, using less reasons to go green other than to be seen Recycling is easy and profitable. electricAluminum cans, that ity, using would have You shouldn’t avoid making rational, environmentally normally James canvas ended up in a dump, can friendly choices simply out of fear of being seen as Johnson shopping be sold to a recycling bags center. And, a piece of pretentious. There are more pragmatic and rational and driving a fuel efficient paper intended for a reasons to go green other than to be seen as cool.” car. The environmental garbage bin can easily movement has existed for be placed in one of the decades, but only recently has it become as cool. library’s recycling bins where it can be so trendy to go green. For instance, canvas shopping bags are used to help fund the library’s effort to Many people feel compelled to go green not only more durable than paper or plastic buy books. simply because it is fashionable and they bags, but they negate the need of retailers Going green, therefore, is not neceswant to do it for social recognition. In some to continuously buy paper and plastic bags, sarily a costly measure — it can actually social circles it is uncool to not go green, thereby reducing costs. They are also less save and create money. Someone’s priand often times some people who decide likely to become the urban tumbleweeds mary motivation for going green should to go green may feel superior to those who that plastic shopping bags have become. be because it is responsible, reasonable don’t. This sense of superiority breeds conReducing your energy consumption and profitable — not because it is trendy. tempt and a sense of pretentiousness that is not only environmentally friendly compels some people to make the decision because of reduces the emission of greenJames Johnson is a psychology senior and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com. to not go green — they don’t want to be seen house gases, it also can save you money
SPORTS
The Daily Cougar
COMMENTARY
Wednesday, November 2, 2011 ! 5
FOOTBALL
Dirty hit taken Context is key in evaluating D care of properly Cougars defense stacks up with others at the top of BCS rankings
When punt returners wave an arm in the air to signal for a fair catch, it is a means of selfprotection. Yet the gesture does not John always guarantee Brannen a clean, safe result. On Oct. 30 Southeastern Conference foes Arkansas and Vanderbilt matched up. The Razorbacks edged the Commodores 31-28 in Nashville, Tenn., but it wasn’t the Razorbacks come-from-behind victory that sparked a national debate. Instead it was Arkansas freshman Marquel Wade’s punishing hit on Vanderbilt punt returner Jonathan Krause. With the Razorbacks’ special teams unit fast approaching after a punt, Krause opted for the fair catch. Wade couldn’t slow down and continued to accelerate to Krause at full-speed. Arkansas was penalized and Wade was ejected. But what drew the ire of fans was Wade’s initial reaction. He celebrated the collision, and once he was thrown out of the game he was fuming. He issued an apology through the media Monday, and said he mistakenly thought Krause had possession of the punt. “I was just going out there doing 100 percent, trying to play my game and I messed up,” Wade said. “I take all the responsibility for everything I did. “I really want to just apologize for any embarrassment I did for the fans, also for the organization.
Any situation that I get into, whatever they say goes. I got to just take what I did and go with it, just to the future.” The incident was a reminder of how brutal the contact in football can be. As devastating a tackle as Wade delivered, Krause was luckily able to continue playing. Wade drew some harsh criticisms, but his act should be chalked up as a freshman mistake. Only if this becomes a pattern should Wade receive the unwanted label of a dirty player. His response on the field was immature, but his apology was sincere and the SEC has suspended him for one game. People who have limited athletic experiences have no way of understanding how emotional specific situations can get in the heat of competition. It may never be known if Wade definitely saw Krause wave for a fair catch. Either way, the situation could set the precedent for this sort of flagrance in football. Wade missing a game is a suitable punishment, and it should be enough for him to learn his lesson. His No. 8-ranked Razorbacks are set to take on No. 10 South Carolina on Saturday — Wade probably won’t enjoy participating as a spectator. The SEC deserves credit for making a decisive, timely action. For once, the powers that be of college football dealt with something appropriately and quickly. sports@thedailycougar.com
GOLF
After finishing tied for fourth at the Lone Star Invitational, freshman Roman Robledo finished tied for 63rd at the Royal Oaks Intercollegiate. | Courtesy of UH Athletics
After slow start, Cougars finish strong in Dallas Sophomores Curtis Reed and Bryn Flanagan led the way for UH in the final round of play at the Royal Oaks Intercollegiate in Dallas. The pair each shot 71s in the final round to help UH jump up a spot to tie for seventh in the 14-school field.
Junior James Ross, who was tied for second heading into the final round, shot a 74 to finish tied for ninth. After a slow start, Ross finished the final nine holes with six pars, a birdie and two bogeys. — Joshua Siegel
Rk
Golfer
Rd 1
Rd 2
Rd 3
Tot
Score
T9
James Ross
71
64
74
209
-4
T30
Curtis Reed
73
72
71
216
+3
T40
Bryn Flanagan
73
73
71
217
+4
T63
Roman Robledo
75
72
77
224
+11
T68
Jesse Droemer
78
74
73
225
+12
The No. 13 Cougars rank 96th in the NCAA in yards allowed per game. UH has been singled out Joshua as an all-offense, Siegel no-defense team, but are they any worse than their contemporaries in the BCS standings? When taking into account the number of plays and amount of time that the Cougars’ defense spends on the field, they’re actually not doing too bad. They’re not Alabama — no one is, and it’s not even close. But they stack up well with the other top schools with big offenses that score quickly and often.
BCS School
UH leads the nation in scoring at 52.3 points per game, and spends the second least amount of time on the field. That means that their defense spends the second most time on the field in the NCAA. When compared to the defenses of other comparable high-ranking, high-scoring schools, UH holds up. Of the schools ranking higher than UH, whose defenses spend 30 or more minutes on the field, only Oklahoma is significantly better. The Cougars don’t lead the pack, but their defense allows fewer yards per minute than Oklahoma State and Arkansas, and as many
as Clemson. The Tigers and Cowboys also give up first downs more frequently than the Cougars, with Oregon and Arkansas on par with UH in that regard. Another strength of the Cougars’ defense is that they are opportunistic. UH ranks 19th in the NCAA in takeways per game, and because of their nearly flawless offense, rank 11th in turnover margin. It is obvious that the Cougars’ offense is one of the nation’s best, and while the defense can’t be called elite, at least they can play with the big boys. sports@thedailycougar.com
Plays/gm Yds/play Opp. TOP Yds/gm**
Yds/min
1d/play
1
LSU
66.1
4.1
25.8
293.0
10.5
4.2
2
Alabama
59.1
3.1
27.3
221.5
6.7
6.0
3
Oklahoma St
85.2
5.3
32.8
378.7
13.8
3.4
4
Stanford
67.6
4.9
27.5
350.1
12.0
4.5
5
Boise State
63.6
4.7
27.3
335.8
11.0
4.3
6
Oklahoma
76.4
4.4
31.0
314.4
10.8
4.4
7
Arkansas
75.6
5.7
32.0
407.3
13.5
3.7
8
Oregon
85.7
4.8
35.7
343.0
11.5
3.7
9
S. Carolina
67.6
3.9
28.0
278.7
9.4
4.5
10
Nebraska
66.4
5.3
31.3
378.7
11.2
4.6
11
Clemson
69.4
5.5
30.5
393.0
12.5
3.6
12
Virginia Tech
65.6
4.6
25.7
328.7
11.7
4.2
13
Houston
80.6
5.5
35.5
393.0
12.5
3.7
**Yards per game based on team’s yards per play multiplied by the average number of plays per game of the No. 1-13 teams (71.45) | Bolded schools’ defenses are on the field for at least 30 minutes
LIFE+ARTS
6 ! Wednesday, November 2, 2011
The Daily Cougar
VIDEO GAMES
Latest Batman installment best yet
Replace your high-calorie cocktails with wine, light beer or pre-mixed margaritas. Try to limit snacking on finger food during happy hour as well — just because it’s free doesn’t mean it’s good for you. | Rick Audet/Wikimedia Commons
HEALTH CHECK
Make a toast to a healthier happy hour Find alternatives to highcalorie drinks, snacks Jennifer Adair
THE DAILY COUGAR After a stressful week and with a few exams under your belt, happy hour is most likely calling your name. Getting together with friends and having a few drinks and snacks
after a stressful week is a great way to relax and have some fun, but it is also a great way to take in thousands of extra calories. Once high-calorie alcoholic beverages are in, our inhibition goes down, cravings go up and we overload on the finger food ordered along with that second (or third) drink. With just a few simple twists, you can reduce the calories and not the fun. All it takes are some healthy choices during happy hour.
Drink to your health For a healthier happy hour, try wine. This has fewer calories per ounce than liquor. A glass of red or white wine has about 120 calories and light beer has about 95 calories. There are also many low calorie drink mixes on the market, like Skinny Girl margarita and sangria. Good quality vodka mixed with club soda and a twist of lemon or lime has only 65 calories, while TOAST continues on page 8
CLASSIFIEDS TRAVEL
TRAVEL
HELP WANTED
It took only two days after its release for “Batman: Arkham City” to be argued and crowned by gamers, game publishers and video game websites as the best game of 2011, and it should be. Bryan The game, Dupont-Gray which is a sequel to “Batman: Arkham Asylum,” was developed by Rocksteady Studios and delivers one of the best DC Comics games ever made, bar none. From the moment the disk loads, players are immediately immersed in a world where chaos is an understatement. After protesting against the idea of Mayor Sharp allowing Arkham City to be turned into an enormous prison for criminals and political leaders who opposed the agenda, Bruce Wayne finds himself captured and thrown into the city, as ordered by Hugo Strange who oversees the operation of the entire city. After finding out that Strange is in the know about the Dark Knight’s dirty little secret, Wayne has a pretty simple plan to carry out: Find Strange, defeat Strange, and save Gotham.
He’ll have to find his way through the mean streets filled with foes on every corner and go through handful of his archenemies, new and old. Visually, “Arkham City” is a strikingly beautiful game from top to bottom. The gothic and dark visuals compliment the closed off, criminal infested wasteland that players will be thrown into. The buildings, alleyways, subway stations, underground sewers and dozens of other locations in the city are all brilliantly constructed and mesh well with the entire theme of the game’s setting. Rocksteady nails the added details when it comes to the wearand-tear of the Dark Knights suit when he has to get rough with the bad guys. Several villains take a giant overhaul in terms of the way they are designed, but they are still recognizable and don’t stray far away from what Batman fans are used to seeing. “Arkham City” is an open-world game in comparison to its predecessor, “Arkham Asylum”, so players will be able to reach and glide BATMAN continues on page 8
JOBS, HOUSING, SERVICES + MORE
713-743-5356 classifieds@thedailycougar.com thedailycougar.com/classifieds HELP WANTED
Project Chance is an online study that examines
worship directory
gambling behavior among UH students. You do not have to gamble to participate. We are recruiting UH students to participate in a 10 minute online screening survey in exchange for a $5 Walmart Gift Card and if you are eligible to continue, the potential to earn an additional $45 in Walmart Gift Cards. Look for an email invitation from ProjectChanceStudy@gmail.com to participate!
Wh Wheeler Avenue Ba Baptist Church 3826 Wheeler Avenue Ho Houston, Texas 77004-2604 713.748.5240
Worship W hi Services 7:15a.m.,9:00a.m., 10:30a.m. & 12:30a.m. Wednesday, Bible Study: 12 noon & 7 p.m. Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, Pastor Rev. William A. Lawson, Pastor Emeritus Sunday Services via webcast: www.wheeleravebc.org
Westbury
KNOWING BULLETIN BOARD
HELP WANTED
RECEPTIONIST NEEDED SPANISH SPEAKING Monday- Friday/Part Time 4615 Southwest Freeway Suite # 520 Houston, TX 77027
Fertility Resources of Houston
Egg Donors Needed! Compensation $5,000-$7,000. Must be: non-smoker, healthy, BMI within normal ranges, and between 19-30 years old. Visit www.fertilityresourceshouston.com or call 713 783 7044 for more information and to fill out a preliminary application.
Egg Donors Needed. Ages 21-32. Earn $5,000+, High demand for Asians.
Surrogate Mothers Needed. Earn $25,000+, Ages 21-39.
(713) 771-9771
www.cooperinstitutearm.com email : ivf@cooperinstitutearm.com TELL ’EM YOU SAW IT in The Daily Cougar Classifieds!
* Please Email or Fax your Resumes *
Fax: 713- 661- 5302 Email: gpmonks@monkslaw.com
GOD INTIMATELY 10355 Mills Road, Houston,TX 77070 832-237-2400
Wednesday Bible Study
Subway Sandwich store now Hiring honest, loyal and hard working person, please call 281-935-4392 or email your resume @
SPA COORDINATOR: 20-35hrs/wk. $9-11/hr.
GRADUATE STUDENT seeking proof reader $20 per hour and typist. Salary negotiable. Tony 713-987-4990.
713-426-6245
sean786786@yahoo.com
Multi-tasking skills and excellent customer service a must. Email resume to: rhinailspa@gmail.com.
*STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM* PAID survey takers needed in Houston. 100 percent FREE to join! Click on Surveys. Earn $1000-$3200 a month to drive our brand new cars with ads. www.AdDriveClub.com THANKS for reading The Daily Cougar!
713-729-7880
www.westburycocc.com
Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m. Bible Class 10:30 a.m. Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
Time of Celebration Ministries Church
www.timeofcelebration.org
Now Hiring Near Downtown Houston
Church of Christ 1024 Hillcroft
7:30 P.M.
Bering Memorial United Methodist Church A Reconciling Congregation GLBT Friendly 10:50 AM Service 1440 Harold Street Houston, Texas 77006
(713) 526-1017 CATHOLIC MASS ON CAMPUS 35.$!93 !- 2ELIGION #ENTER 0- #ATHOLIC #ENTER 7%%+$!93 - 4 7 4H .OON CATHOLIC NEWMAN CENTER #ONFESSION "EFORE OR !FTER -ASSES Ofce # (713) 748-2529
Off campus?
Online. thedailycougar.com/ Ó
classifieds
COMICS & MORE
The Daily Cougar
Wednesday, November 2, 2011 ! 7
comics
crossword
There Must Be Something in the Water by Brandon Alexander
ACROSS 1 One on the fast track? 6 Meander 10 Warm greetings 14 Humorous literary technique 15 Razor’s cutter 16 Yet another time 17 Canapes and tea sandwiches, e.g. 19 Notion 20 Game of pursuit 21 First word in the Lord’s Prayer 22 Mensa aspirant’s hurdle 24 Practice piece 27 Needling literary works 28 Some McDonald’s fare 31 Skin moistener 32 Crackerjack 33 “Get out of here!” 37 Winner of four gold medals at the Berlin Olympics 38 Banned insecticide letters 39 Ripped off 40 Money rolls 41 Inconclusive result 42 Made from a fleece 43 Mr. Chips’ chips 45 Marching to a different drummer 49 Time-honored practices 50 Freedom from pain 51 One that goes to school regularly 52 Windy City trains 55 Bittersweet coating 56 Healthy serving 60 Bulletin board affixer 61 Serious about 62 Use it to prevent running on 63 City in northern Nevada 64 Matter of grammar 65 Labor leader Chavez
The Fishbowl by Thomas Hernandez
sudoku How to play Each row must contain the
numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3-by-3 boxes must also contain the numbers 1 to 9.
Previous puzzle solved
DOWN 1 Fissure 2 Diva’s operatic ditty 3 Like a cold sufferer 4 A famous conjoined twin 5 “... a pocket full of ___” 6 Gas up for the next leg, e.g.
You’re not the only one pulling an all-nighter. Get news, opinion, arts, sports and comics when you want them — because sometimes you really, really need a break from your physics homework.
www.thedailycougar.com
LATEST
ONLINE ADS HOUSING
JOBS
Striking 3-Bedroom home in the Medical Center - $239000
Looking for a Part Time Nanny/Babysitter (Spring/I-45)
Parkside Point Apartments - $768
Part Time, Bilingual Activity Coordinator for Multi-Family Community Center - $14
Browse jobs, housing and more at
Óthedailycougar.com/ classifieds
© 2011 UNIVERSAL UCLICK WWW.UPUZZLES.COM
7 Ammonia attribute 8 Word with “many moons” 9 Propose a compromise 10 Part of Hispaniola 11 Beneath 12 Canadian migrants 13 Belts, as a homer 18 Balzac’s sculptor 23 Oil amts. 25 Adds water, as to soup 26 Strange sky lights 27 Splinter group 28 Type of chart 29 The 29th state 30 Weighed down 33 Mall occupant 34 Certain sports venues 35 Sheltered from the wind 36 Double-digit bills 38 Atkins regimen 39 Tender-hearted 41 Rush-hour certainty 42 Curtain-in-the-breeze sound 43 Agent’s charge
44 “Thank God, it’s Friday” declarer? 45 Address Congress, e.g. 46 Born in the wild 47 Film, familiarly 48 Sergeant once played by Phil Silvers 51 Vegas ventures
53 Pizarro founded it 54 The sun, for one 57 Cell messenger 58 TV regulators 59 Fish spawn
Previous puzzle solved
8 ! Wednesday, November 2, 2011
LIFE+ARTS
The Daily Cougar
TOAST
SPRING 2012 NEW COURSE OPEN TO BUSINESS & NON-BUSINESS MAJORS
continued from page 6
a Bloody Mary has about 100 calories. If you really want something a bit more exotic, try a mojito. If it’s made with light rum, a bit of sugar and topped off with cold club soda, it could only be about 160 calories and 15 grams of sugar.
PERSONAL FINANCE:
Free food: Is it low calorie or fat free? Just because the food is there and it’s free doesn’t mean you have to eat it. Bars love to supply their guests with salty treats like beer nuts, peanuts, and pretzels that make you
(no prerequisites—open to all majors)
BATMAN
GENB 4397 # 24750 (hybrid format) Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30 am, Instructor John Lopez
continued from page 6
t Learn How to Manage Your Money t Manage cash flow and use credit t Create and maintain a spending plan t Make intelligent purchasing decisions t Manage your student loans t Learn the basics of investing t Learn the basics about taxes t Learn to graduate on time
Register this November Questions? bba@uh.edu
CALLING ALL
COUGARS!
The University of Houston is looking for talented students to serve as New Student Orientation Leaders to welcome the class of 2016. Applications Open from: November 1st - November 8th at the Welcome Center
Do you think you have what it takes to be an O-Team Leader? For More information Visit us at: www.uh.edu/oteam or facebook.com/oteam
through all aspects of the entire city rather than being stuck in one place throughout the whole game. With the exception of Lucious Fox and Scarecrow, every character that has ever been in the Batman comics or movies is in Arkham City’s Campaign mode. From the allies to the antagonists, hard-core Batman fans and casual players alike will rejoice when many of the main characters, such as The Joker, Penguin, Alfred, Robin, and Harley Quinn, take center stage and make appearances in the game. There are also characters taken from Arkham Asylum and smaller characters from the comics that make their way into this dazzling masterpiece, a decision on Rocksteady’s part that’s sure to make everyone happy. The voice acting is spot on. Actors such as Mark Hamil (Joker), Kevin Conroy (Batman) and others have all played a part in adding that extra flair — a sharp voicing performance that connects with the design and animation of their characters in the game. Even the voice acting of the street thugs is interesting; therefore none of the characters in the game come off as a nuisance or flat out boring. Many of the characters in the game don’t get much attention in terms of how often you’re able to interact with them. While the main antagonists and allies are recurring throughout, some players might find other characters that they like, and wish they’d be given a little more spotlight. The game offers a “new game plus” feature, which gives you a second go around in the game and a chance to go back and see what you missed. Batman can even track certain parts of the game by marking them so they appear on the map, which makes landmarks easier to find. This is a concept seen in most role-playing and action games, but the replay value here is always rewarding, especially for a game that offers so much that it will literally take weeks, even months, of play time to see everything. Other than that, most of side quests don’t stray too far from the main story. Players will find themselves killing two birds with one stone as they complete certain side quests and the main parts of the story at the same time. Once the game starts, players will be thrown into this world of chaos and you, being Batman, are forced to adjust to the environment and find out what’s going on with little to no help.
drink more — good for them, bad for you. Instead of thinking “why not, they’re free,” keep in mind that they’re not calorie or fat-free. If you want something to nibble on, don’t be tempted by what’s free. Instead, buy finger foods like edamame, which gives you that hit of salt without the calories and fat. With low calories cocktails coupled with low calorie and fat free snacks, there is no doubt that you will have a more fun, healthier happy hour. Cheers to making healthy choices you won’t regret the next morning. arts@thedailycougar.com
Players will be able to level up Batman’s suit armor, upgrade his move-set used in combat and enhance his gadgets, all of which can make the Dark Knight much more powerful. Throughout the entire game, playing as the masked vigilante feels authentic and true to form. Who else but the Dark Knight could glide through an entire city latching and pulling up onto skyscraper buildings, hack-locked doors, scan crime scenes using infrared detective vision and beat thugs, villains and psychopaths to within an inch of their lives? In addition to all the abilities that have been tweaked or carried over from “Arkham Asylum”, there are also an assortment of gadgets that makes a triumphant return to Batman’s arsenal, ranging from the bat claw to an explosive gel which can be used to spray on breakable walls and objects in order to blow them up. Batman’s library of tools grows larger as you collect them through various tasks along the way. Each time you engage in hand-to-hand combat with several street thugs at one time, the shakedown will always feel like a different fight scene. There is one button to attack and one to dodge and counter, plus the ability to use your grapple claw to disarm and trip enemies is a nice touch. This was present in “Arkham Asylum”, but the feel of it seems more fluid and less frustrating this time around. As players utilize these buttons correctly and keep a smooth pace, Batman can deliver three blows to one thug, jump over to kick the next, snatch away the weapon from another and pull him over for a powerful, finishing lariat blow to the neck. Boss battles are very entertaining, but some feel short and not so sweet. Most of them are long and fun enough to savor the action, as Batman is forced to use several tactics as well as utilize his gadgets to take down archenemies, big and small. For other boss battles, they just feel too easy and dull. Running around in circles, dodging projectiles from the enemy and striking when the time is right is a template we see too often in other games, and in those battles, it really does disconnect from the atmospheric grace that Rocksteady has already put it’s players in. Overall, “Arkham City” comes through with flying colors, and with a bunch of other highly anticipated games set to release in time for the holidays, it’s safe to say that this game will be very hard to top. There are no perfect games and there probably never will be, however, be assured that “Batman: Arkham City” comes dangerously close. arts@thedailycougar.com