@thedailycougar www.thedailycougar.com Wednesday, October 18, 2023
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Issue 4, Volume 89
BOOGIE’S NIGHT
A LOOK AT STEPHON “BOOGIE” JOHNSON’S HISTORIC LASTSECOND CATCH.| PG. 4
Housing Edition | PG 6-9
2 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023
NEWS
ROBERT DE LA GARZA, EDITOR
THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/NEWS
@THEDAILYCOUGAR
CAMPUS
CoogsCARE: Digital platform to support mental health needs EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR IN CHIEF
John Lomax
MANAGING EDITOR
Cindy Rivas Alfaro WEB EDITOR
Rin Christensen NEWS EDITOR
Robert De La Garza
PHOTO EDITOR
Anh Le
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Jose GonzalezCampelo
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Atirikta Kumar Logan Linder Regan Grant Riley Moquin
SPORTS EDITOR
Starns Leland OPINION EDITOR
Malachi Key
STAFF EDITORIAL The Staff Editorial reflects the opinions of The 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 Cougar do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Houston or the students as a whole.
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ALAN VU
STAFF WRITER @LLUKID39
In response to the two students who lost their lives to suicide last year, the University has unveiled a revamped digital portal meant to assist students in managing their mental health. Called CoogsCARE, the website consists of mental health resources for students and faculty. The site offers easy access to suicide prevention training, digital support chats and quick links to other auxiliary services. For those who need guidance in real time, the site also includes hotlines for both UH health professionals and the National Suicide and Crisis Lifelines. “CoogsCARE is a philosophical approach of how we want to support each other on this campus,” said Assistant Vice
President of Student Affairs, Chris Dawe. “In mental health, but also our well being in a larger sense as well.” Created in response to directives from UH’s Task Force for Mental Health Promotion and Suicide — a group formed last year to advise administrators on matters relating to mental health — CoogsCARE aims to be a one-stop shop for students’ psychological needs. “We got those recommendations in May, and we already have the JED strategic plan,” Dawe said. “Part of our work was to put all of those things together in one big plan.” Other departments and services across UH have come together to offer their support through CoogsCARE. The A.D Bruce Religion Center is one
of the supporting providers through the portal, and offers students spiritual counseling and mentorship. “The A.D Bruce Religion Center offers a place for both quiet meditation and spiritual growth,” said Cheyenne Peer, events and administrative coordinator for the A.D Bruce Religion Center. “While the A.D Bruce Religion Center is non-denominational, the staff and spiritual leaders are happy to connect the community with those that need guidance or someone to speak to.” In addition to counseling services, CoogsCARE also offers a variety of programs meant to help students identify when their peers may be in crisis. You Can Help a Coog teaches students to recognize and respond to concerning behavior and how to refer others to the
appropriate resources. For students, however, the issue of mental health on campus remains divisive. Some, like biomedical engineering sophomore Amen Khan, see CoogsCARE as too little, too late. “I think this CoogsCARE program came a little late,” Khan said. “It would have been helpful if we had something like this when the problems first started.” While Khan said she remains optimistic, she criticized the University for what she saw as a delayed response to last year’s tragic events. “I feel like there was not enough done because it happened again, and it wasn’t addressed at first,” Khan said. “It did take UH a long time to respond to the fact that it happened, and I think that was harmful.” Though the program has its skeptics, others see it as a step in the right direction. “I think that’s a very positive thing to do for students,” said Junior Engineering student Bruno Iniguez Arredondo. “I’m happy to hear about that.” The program, while still somewhat divisive among students, is still evolving. Shawn Lindsay, associate vice president for media relations at UH, said CoogsCARE, and the University’s approach to mental health, is constantly improving. As the site continues to expand, staff will keep the community updated with a monthly newsletter. “The University of Houston is actively working to improve mental health and wellness on campus, emphasizing both individual self-care and a broader community care culture,” Lindsay said. news@thedailycougar.com
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 | 3 ROBERT DE LA GARZA, EDITOR
THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/NEWS
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NEWS
STATE
Proposition 5, TUF to allocate $3.9B to UH, four Texas university systems
ROBERT DE LA GARZA
NEWS EDITOR @REALNEWSROBERT
This November, Texas voters will decide on Proposition 5, also referred to as the Texas University Fund, a constitutional amendment that would allocate $3.9 billion in funding for UH and three other state university systems. Proposition 5, is a bi-partisan effort to advance the national ranking of the UH, Texas Tech, Texas State and North Texas university systems by supporting research, faculty and post-grad study. “Proposition 5 will provide the University of Houston and other Texas universities critical funding to attract top faculty, increase research and development, and enhance graduate programs to drive the state economy and our national rankings forward,” said Chancellor Renu Khator. UH is set to receive $1.3 billion to support its research plans moving forward making it one of the most heavily funded universities in the country, according to a report by the Houston Chronicle.
Texas industries have seen a greater need for higher education labor in the state. These efforts hope to attract more business to Texas and fill more jobs with Texas graduates, and at no extra cost for voters. “In order to continue to build our economy, we need to have top universities that keep our students in our state and grow the economy through our own folks who are growing up in Texas,” UH system Vice Chancellor Jason Smith told Houston Public Media. The state has only two Top 50 public universities – the University of Texas and Texas A&M University. Texas higher education is down compared to other states, according to Smith. California has nine schools among the Top 50 public universities. New York, Virginia and Florida each have three. As a result, Texas is losing approximately 20,000 students each year who wish to be part of a prominent university outside the state, Smith said. These efforts are to advance the status of UH and the four other university systems to help their schools make the leap into
Top 50 recognition with hopes of retaining more Texas graduates and top-tier faculty. The four university systems – UH, Texas Tech, Texas State and North Texas are the four schools to be granted access to the TUF. The Texas Legislature considers these universities to be emerging research facilities that have invested in research over the years and have been successful in building their research capacities, Smith said. UT and A&M have had access to their own permanent endowment fund since 1876 which is funded by leasing revenue from state-owned oilrich land in West Texas. UT has an endowment fund of over $42 billion making it the second largest in the world, only behind Harvard. House Bill 1595, renamed the National Research University Fund, provided funds to emerging research institutions, to TUF and House Joint Resolution 3 allocated $3 billion to the fund, according to the Austin American-Statesman. Simply put, the proposition would rename the NRUF to TUF and allocate money to the
Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar
already existing fund, Smith said. The funds came from a $33 billion revenue surplus that accumulated the past two years. The Legislature took a portion of that, $3 billion, and combined it with the National Research Fund, he said. Rohit Shajan is the UH community/campus coordinator for the campaign. His responsibility is to spread awareness of Proposition 5 on campus and across the Greater Houston area. “We had legislators from both sides of the aisle that were
working passionately to get this along and we finally did it and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the only way that we’re going to get the fund is if people vote,” Shajan said. Shajan hopes voters see the importance of the bill and make the right decision when it comes to Election Day. Texas voters will have the opportunity to determine the fate of Proposition 5 in the November elections. Early voting will take place from Oct. 23 - Nov. 3, and election day is Nov. 7. news@thedailycougar.com
4 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023
SPORTS NEWS
STARNS LELAND, EDITOR
THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/SPORTS
@THECOUGARSPORTS
FOOTBALL
Inside Houston’s historic game-winning Hail Mary RILEY MOQUIN
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @RILESMOQUIN
The football gods work in mysterious ways. In one moment, it was a celebration. West Virginia had a 4th & 10, down by a field goal and beyond field goal range. Less than 30 seconds remained until the Cougars walked away with a historic first Big 12 win. The next, it was dread. West Virginia’s Garrett Greene steps back and tosses a ball down the middle. Complete to Hudson Clement. Then the run after the catch. All the way to the endzone. West Virginia leads, twelve seconds remain. The squib kick is next and seven seconds remain. Junior quarterback Donovan Smith connects with freshman wide receiver Dalton Carnes and he goes out of bounds. Three seconds. One final play: Hail Mary. Smith snaps the ball. Under pressure, He rolls left, twists his body around, and heaves the ball towards the endzone. “It’s not always ideal when you have to step up,” Smith said. “I just saw my guys down there so I tried to put enough air on it.” “He’s (Smith) running left and he has to flip his hips at midfield and throw that thing to get it there,” UH head coach Dana Holgorsen said. At the end of the Hail Mary heave is sophomore wide receiver Joseph Manjack IV, but he is not the one to catch the ball. “As soon as I turned around I saw Manjack make a great move on the ball to tip it,” said
sophomore wide receiver Stephon Johnson. “I was just like ‘I got to grab it.’” Johnson is the man of the moment. The tipped ball never hits the ground, but it does find Johnson’s hands amidst the scramble of Cougars and Mountaineers alike in the endzone. Jubilee ensues. Johnson runs ahead. Sophomore wide receiver Samuel Brown picks him up from behind. The rest of the team follows. Fans arrive next, hopping down onto the field with the clock at zero and the Cougars ahead. Though it looked improvised, the Cougars insist what unfolded on Thursday evening was rehearsed well in advance. “We practice this play,” Johnson said. “It wasn’t really planned to be tipped to me, but it just happened like that.” Johnson said the play — a Hail Mary gamewinner — was a first in his career. Holgorsen described the walk-off Hail Mary as a first in his coaching career, as well. From moments away from victory to seconds away from a loss and back to victory in less than 20 seconds of game time, Holgorsen said the moment was among the happiest in his coaching career. “I don’t think I could’ve been more mad and more happy in the space of one minute,” Holgorsen said. Thursday’s win marked Holgorsen’s first against a Big 12 team as Houston’s head coach and second against any Power 5 team. But the win is made all the more sweet coming against West Virginia, the program
Sophomore wide receivers Stephon Johnson, Samuel Brown, and Joseph Manjack IV celebrate UH’s 41-39 victory over West Virginia. | Anh Le/The Cougar
Holgorsen left after eight seasons in charge to take the helm at UH. “I went up to coach and he had a big smile on his face,” Johnson said. “He looked like he was about to cry.” Before celebrating with his teammates and his coaches, Johnson’s first thought was to find his mom. “She just said she was so proud of me,” Johnson said. “I almost started crying because it has been an up and down season for me honestly. She always told me to stay focused and keep doing what I’m doing.” Holgorsen and Johnson both tipped their hats to Smith, who had his best four-quarter performance in a UH uniform to date
on Thursday night. Smith went 21 for 27, throwing for 253 yards and four touchdowns. Smith completed 16 consecutive passes to end the game, capping off his streak with the Hail Mary game-winner. Coming off two losses to Big 12 opponents that both included scoreless second halves from the offense, the team viewed Thursday as a critical game to show something more. “We definitely felt like this was a must-win,” Smith said. “Were we supposed to win it? I don’t know,” said Holgorsen. “But we did.” sports@thedailycougar.com
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Wednesday, October 18, 2023 | 5 STARNS LELAND, EDITOR
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SPORTS NEWS
FOOTBALL
Bitterness from Big 12 snub lines UH’s matchup vs. Texas
As rivals in the Southwest Conference, Houston went 7-12-1 against the Longhorns, including a historic 30-0 win in the teams’ first matchup as conference foes. | The Houstonian 1979
STARNS LELAND
SPORTS EDITOR @STARNSLELAND
In February 1994, the Big Eight Conference invited four schools from the crumbling Southwest Conference to form the new Big 12 Conference. It was a life-saver thrown out for teams in a historic yet deceitful conference that had torn itself apart with NCAA rules violations and general pettiness. It was assumed that the four remaining public schools in the SWC — Texas, Texas Tech, Texas A&M and Houston — would be the ones to move on to a more stable home for the foreseeable future. However, one devastating, mind-boggling substitution was made. Baylor, not Houston, was invited into the Big 12 along with the other three previously stated public schools in the SWC. The Cougars were left by the wayside with private schools TCU, Rice and SMU. It was a near-death sentence for UH football, one that took 27 long years to get out of. Now, midway through the school’s first Big 12 season, the Cougars are days away from facing who many UH alumni feel is the main culprit for the school’s decades-long banishment from big-time sports: Texas. “They didn’t want us in,” said Ted Pardee, son of former head coach Jack Pardee and former UH linebacker. “I couldn’t believe that Tech, and A&M and Texas let it happen. Now, fast forward to today, we know what happened. We know that Texas was in on it with Baylor.” Due to pressure from the Baylor-graduate Texas governor and lieutenant governor at the time, NCAA-probation-ravaged seasons (UH went 4-28-1 in the final three years in the SWC), and perhaps a lack of respect for “Cougar High” from A&M and Texas, the two schools opted not to include Houston in the new Big 12. Many others around UH, including former star quarterback David Klingler, who went 3-1 against UT, believe Texas ensured the UH was left out because they were unable to have enough success against Houston in athletics. After all, aside from the dark ages of the 1990s, Klingler pointed out that UH was dominant in stretches during the ‘70s and ‘80s. In football, coaches Bill Yeoman and Jack
Pardee were taking the lead meanwhile the basketball team was soaring in the days of Phi Slama Jama under Guy V. Lewis. Legendary track and field coach Tom Tellez tutored the likes of Olympic great Carl Lewis among many other title-winning athletes, and Dave Williams, the “father of college golf ”, led the Cougar golf team to 16 national championships and nine SWC titles. “Texas decided they wanted to kind of take their ball and go home,” Klingler said. “It left probably UH more than any other school out in the cold, and I think it was in some ways done vindictively because they couldn’t meet up to the sports.” Whatever role Texas played in keeping Houston out of the Big 12, former UH football players from the SWC era take special delight in recounting stories of beating the Longhorns over the years. Pardee and Klingler were teammates during a stretch where the Cougars beat Texas four times in five years from 1987-91, many of which were blowouts courtesy of the Run and Shoot offense. “We used to beat the brakes off Texas,” Klingler remembered. “The question was just how bad were we going to beat them this year.” There was a special chip on the Cougars’ shoulder against Texas during the Pardee era since Jack was an alumnus of the Longhorns’ arch-rival, Texas A&M. Also, UH’s Heismanwinning quarterback Andre Ware never forgot Texas’ recruiting snub back when he was in high school. “Their head coach, Fred Akers, comes down to Dickinson to recruit Andre and says ‘We’ll offer your scholarship but you’re not gonna play quarterback,’” Pardee said. “’You’re gonna play defensive back.’” Those feelings of hatred towards the Longhorns made the Cougars’ 66-15 rout in Austin in 1988 that much sweeter. 69,000 fans showed up to Memorial Stadium to celebrate ‘Parents Weekend’, but by the time Andre Ware threw his fourth touchdown at the end of the second quarter, the Texas crowd turned into a skeleton of what it was at kickoff. “You could hear the voice of the quarterback echoing in the stands,” Klingler said. “They were all going back home by halftime.”
“Typical Texas,” Pardee said. That 1988 drubbing of the Longhorns wasn’t even the first time that the Cougars spoiled a day dedicated to parents in Austin. In 1976, the No. 19 Cougars entered Memorial Stadium looking for their first-ever win over No. 20 Texas in the middle of the team’s first season in the SWC. This time on ‘Dad’s Day’, UH found itself in front of a thenrecord 77,000 Texas fans facing a Longhorns team that hadn’t lost at home in 42 games. Entering the game, many of the players, including guard Chuck Brown, were receiving all sorts of talk from Texas fans who believed the Cougars weren’t fit for SWC football. “They were giving you all sorts of riff-raff and things like that,” Brown said. “Saying we won’t do any good.” By the Cougars’ second drive, however, Texas fans were once again silenced. After intercepting a Longhorns pass deep in Cougar territory, UH embarked on an astonishing 17-play, 79-yard drive capped off by a toss to running back Alois Blackwell. “I went in the end zone standing up,” Blackwell said. “I’ll never forget I said, ‘Wow, this is going to be a long day for Texas.’” Texas never sniffed the end zone for the rest of the game, turning the ball over four more times in the game en route to getting shut out and logging just 121 yards of total offense. Superstar defensive tackle Wilson Whitley led a ferocious UH defense against the Longhorns’ wishbone offense, recording eight tackles and a fumble recovery.
When all was said and done, the Cougars left Austin with a dominant 30-0 win, which is to this day the last time Texas was shut out on its home turf. “I think that if we still were playing today,” Blackwell said. “They’d still be at zero.” After the game, Brown was set to meet up with some of those trash-talking friends from Texas who attended the game to share a beer. “I had a lot of friends that went to Texas, and I told them just to meet me after the game,” Brown said. “Ain’t one of them showed up.” Fast forward to today, and those two wins over Texas are a few weeks away from being 35 and 47 years old respectively. It’s been 32 years since UH last beat Texas and 21 years since the two teams last met. The Longhorns are again headed for greener pastures to play in the SEC, leaving Houston just one chance to get what it feels is revenge on Texas for that Big 12 omission almost three decades ago. But regardless of Saturday’s result, now that UH is finally back in a power conference with its Texas counterparts, Cougars like Ted Pardee are confident that Houston will finally find itself on the right side of college football dominance in the state. “They’re going to have to hear it from me when the tables turn,” Pardee said. “The tables absolutely will turn, and I know it makes them cringe.” sports@thedailycougar.com
6 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023
HOUSING NEWS
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HALLOWEEN
Tips for decorating your dorm room this Halloween GAURAANGI GUPTA
STAFF WRITER @GAURAANGIG
Maybe this fall, you aren’t going to be home for Halloween but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy the spooky decorations. Here are a few budget-friendly ideas to make your dorm rooms Halloween-ready.
‘Spookify’ your door Decorating your dorm room door can be an easy way to start. You can make your door look spooktacular with battery-operated lights. They can be found in all kinds of different shapes and sizes ranging from orange pumpkins to purple bats. You can either make Halloweenthemed signs yourself or buy them. They can easily be found at Walmart or on Amazon. There are many options to choose so go with whatever fits your tastes best. Don’t be afraid to add in a few spiders to finish the look!
Pumpkin carving: dorm version Carving a big pumpkin in your dorm room might not be a practical option. Imagine the smell in the garbage as the pumpkin starts to rot.
However, pumpkins are a classic Halloween decoration. You can go with mini pumpkins instead. They are less expensive and adorable. You can decorate them with paints, sharpies or even nail polish!
Spooky room transformation You can begin with buying tapestry wall hangings, which can be found on Amazon for as low as $9. It’s a good way to utilize your wall space and have a photoshoot on Halloween. You can also make spider webs on your ceilings, bed headboards and window panes using cotton balls. Add in a few fake spiders to give it a more realistic look. You can also add flameless candles and cute, little Halloween light trees with pumpkin ornaments. Keep it on your desk with a bunch of tiny skeletons and enjoy the vibe. Adding Stick-on-wall art is another budget-friendly way to create a Halloween vibe. They are not messy and easy to work with. They work on mirrors and glass surfaces and you can find them online.
HALLOWEEN DECOR
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Decorating your dorm room door can be an easy way to start. Don’t be afraid to add in a few spiders to finish the look! | Anh Le/The Cougar
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 | 7 THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM
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HOUSING NEWS
DORMS
Student-run businesses compete in dorm black market REGAN GRANT
SGA ASSISTANT EDITOR @LOGANL_WRITES
Editor’s note: Several years ago, The Cougar published a similar article titled “Dorm Hustlers.” After the piece was published, UH Housing and Facilities shut down all the businesses mentioned in the article for violation of dorm policies. To avoid a similar situation, The Cougar has redacted the names and identities of the individuals in this article.
After one student built a successful following by selling baked goods, competition naturally followed. | Anh Le/The Cougar
Behind the plaster walls and rowed windows of UH’s dorms, a bustling black market has emerged. Students are selling hot plates, baked items and a plethora of other goods and services. “There’s no better person to work for than yourself,” said an anonymous student. After one student built a successful following by selling baked goods, competition naturally followed. Now, a plethora of students have started to sell food out of their dorms. “It got really competitive because other people started doing it too, but I was the first,” an anonymous source said. “My business stands out more because we are the original and I add extra things that make my food taste unique.” One resident was inspired by the State Fair of Texas and wished to bring a piece of it back to Houston. She started by making fried Oreos but has now expanded her menu to include classic fair foods like funnel cake and fried cinnamon rolls. Another resident was inspired by her family’s catering business and hoped to share her African culture by making traditional dishes such as jollof rice, plantains and grilled chicken. Students selling food in the dorms mainly promote their business through
social media, where most of their clientele is based. Specifically, students posted on a public Snapchat story and because of the hundreds of views the story received, friendly competition quickly followed. “It got controversial when people started posting on Snapchat that it was Cougar Village I versus Cougar Village II, and we started to get a lot of attention on Snapchat,” an anonymous student said. The two sides of the dorms went headto-head, and as promotion boomed on Snapchat, these student-run businesses gained large amounts of customers. One student’s business gained so much popularity that she enlisted another student to work for her business since she could not keep up with the demand alone. The businesses allow them to make extra money while living on campus, according to the students. “On-campus jobs are getting really competitive, and I’m not work-study, so I feel like my employment wasn’t prioritized by the university,” an anonymous student said. Other students said that being able to make money on campus is a convenient way for them to have a side hustle without the extra toll of transportation. “Nobody else is going to be able to pay you what you’re worth, besides yourself,” an anonymous student said. “I’ve always had a business mindset and getting to do this helps me practice for the future.” Despite the dedication and entrepreneurial spirit shown in these student’s businesses, UH Housing and Facilities advised The Cougar that operating a business out of a dorm is still prohibited. While they could not point to a specific policy, they stated that there is a “blanket ban” on the operation of any business from within campus housing. news@thedailycougar.com
HALLOWEEN DECOR
Continued from previous page
If you are willing to spend a little more money, you can also buy Halloweenthemed bedding. You can find some ghost cushions, pumpkin fluffy and big spiders, among other options. If you want to add a spooky layer to your bathrooms, you can put up a bloody shower curtain with fake palm prints!
Candy bowls While many college students are beyond the appropriate age to trick or treat, a simple candy bowl with some inexpensive treats can go a long way in personalizing your dorm room. Stores like Party City, Walmart and Target offer cute candy bowls — oftentimes for $10 or less. Battery-powered versions that light up or even grab people’s hands are also available.
DIY Ghosts Ghost-themed decorations are an essential part of celebrating Halloween.
You can easily make your own tiny ghost friends. All you need is white tissue paper and foam spheres. Wrap the foam spheres with the tissue paper and tie them with the help of a thread. Do not forget to put some eyes on your ghost friend!
Be yourself! There are endless possibilities to create a ghoulishly good time. Embrace the Halloween spirit, get creative and enjoy the spooky transformation of your living space. Halloween is about expressing yourself. There are a million different ways you can celebrate spooky season, but only a few will truly appeal to you. Don’t be afraid to get a little out there with your decor choices. The little details can make a big difference in celebrating this spooktacular holiday. news@thedailycougar.com
8 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023
HOUSING NEWS
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LIFESTYLE
Tips for keeping a clean, sustainable cooking area Brita Pitcher Save the planet by reducing plastic water bottle usage and opting for tap water straight from the kitchen faucet filtered by a standard Brita pitcher. This pitcher is BPA-free, can hold up to six cups of water and removes toxins from tap water. You can get a standard Brita filter from Amazon or Target with prices ranging up to $19.89. Keep in mind that the filter would have to be replaced every two months. A longer-lasting but more expensive alternative would be the Longlast Brita filter, which you will only need to change every six months.
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Food is a basic need for growing college minds, so it’s crucial to have what you need in your dorm kitchen for easy food prep and storage. More importantly, it’s important to purchase sustainable kitchen products. A healthy diet and environment sustainability ultimately go hand in hand. An eco-friendly mindset can do wonders for your mental health, just as a proper diet positively impacts your physical health. Here are some budget-friendly ecoconscious kitchen essentials to keep you clean and green in the kitchen.
Reusable Shopping Bags Eco-friendly grocery shopping 101 is having reusable bags in your pantry. Collect free tote bags from student events over the semester and use those as reusable grocery bags. H-E-B MacGregor, which is only six minutes away from campus, also sells stylish and durable shopping bags for just $1.50.
BPA-Free Storage Containers Biphenol A, also known as BPA, is a chemical commonly found in plastic products. Research has shown it can be harmful to humans and the environment, so BPA-free storage containers, like glass and stainless steel, are better options. These can be purchased from Target, Five Below and pOpshelf for about $10.
Being green in the kitchen means reducing food waste. BluApple, reusable produce savers, which look like TERRO fruit fly traps and are shaped like apples, are just what you need to ensure your fruits and veggies stay fresh week after week. Just put the BluApples in your produce fridge drawers and the packets inside will absorb all the gas that causes produce to spoil. A two-pack can be purchased on thebluapple.com for just $14.99. Non-Toxic Liquid Vegetable Cleaner Clean your vegetables and fruits with a non-toxic vegetable wash formula. Retailers like pOpshelf carry well-known eco-friendly brands like Ecos. These are chlorine-free and plant-based, so they won’t leave residue or give your veggies a bad taste. Arm & Hammer’s Fruit & Vegetable Wash is a good option as it is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Non-Harmful Cleaning Supplies Keeping the kitchen clean can be quick and easy using simple and readily available resources like those lemons you got from Cougar Cupboard, baking soda and Hill Country Fare distilled white vinegar from H-E-B MacGregor. Speaking of H-E-B, your local store has a newly established eco-friendly line called Field & Future that carries relatively affordable biodegradable and toxin-free household cleaning products. You can also opt for more well-known brands like Seventh Generation, Ecos or Mrs. Meyers.
Looking forward While it may seem minor, everything we do as humans has a significant impact on our surroundings. Whether it’s using reusable bags, avoiding plastic containers or even just generally making an effort to stay sustainable, every little bit counts. What you do or use in the kitchen should be good for you, your community and the environment. Be clean and green and consider purchasing these affordable and sustainable kitchen essentials — it could be the difference between saving the earth and condemning it. news@thedailycougar.com
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 | 9 THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/SPORTS
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HOUSING NEWS
UH dorm life: A look at what campus has to offer ATIRIKTA KUMAR
COMMUNITY ASSISTANT EDITOR @ATIRIKTAKUMAR
An important part of your college experience at UH could mean choosing the right residence hall to live on campus. Here is a comparative list of the on-campus housing options offered by the university. The Cougar breaks down different dorm options and the differences between them.
Moody Towers Any student regardless of age or classification enrolled at UH is eligible to reside at Moody Towers. Students are able to enjoy amenities such as free laundry, a fitness center and a computer room. Additionally, residents living at the Towers have to purchase a meal plan. One drawback of living at Moody Towers is the dorm’s shared-shower setup. Each floor is equipped with just a few showers that everyone must share. So, if you’re the type to get squeamish around public bathrooms, you may want to consider living elsewhere. For the 2023-24 school year, a double (shared) room is priced at $2,940 per term. A single room is priced at $4,019 per term for this school year.
Cougar Place Students with at least a sophomore standing or who are 20 years old by Sept. 1 are eligible to reside at Cougar Place. Students at the place can enjoy amenities such as free laundry, a fitness center, a private bedroom and a computer room to name a few. While there is a community kitchen for students to use, the residents at Cougar Place are required to purchase a meal plan. A four-bedroom, one-bathroom is priced at $4,288. A two-bedroom, onebath is priced at $4,677 and finally, a one-bedroom and bathroom are priced at $4,808 for this school year per semester, for each person.
The Quad Residents who are at least a sophomore standing or who are 20 years old by Sept. 1 are eligible to reside at The Quad. This suite-style residence hall is the latest addition to housing options offered at UH and has similar amenities as other residence halls on campus. Students are required to purchase a meal plan while living at the quads. A four-bedroom, one-bathroom dorm is priced at $4,509 per term, per resident for the school year.
University Lofts Students with at least a junior standing or are 21 years old by Sept. 1 are eligible to live at the University Lofts. The apartment-style residence hall has a private bedroom for all of its residents. The residents at the Lofts have similar amenities as other residence halls. In addition, residents can also enjoy a
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theater room and market store while living there. Students are not required to purchase a meal plan at the lofts, since they have a kitchen in each of their apartments. A furnished efficiency is priced at $5,523, a one-bed-one bath is listed for $6,619 and a two-bed-one bath is priced at $4,795 per resident each semester. While the price is not listened for the current school year, the unfurnished efficiency was priced at $5,362, one bedone bath at $6,619 and a two bed-one bath at $4,795 during the 2022-23 school year.
Bayou Oaks Enrolled UH students with a sophomore standing or are 21 years old by Sept. 1 are eligible to choose Bayou Oaks as their residence. In addition to the standard amenities offered, there is a shuttle service for students to use. Students are not required to have a meal plan. There are multiple floor plans available for students to choose from. A four bedroom-two bathroom is priced at $4,110 per term per student for the 20232024 school year. A two bed-one bath is priced at $4,497 and a three-bed two-bath (shared) is priced at $4,227. A townhouse at Bayou Oaks costs $3,700 and a single townhouse costs $4,866, per resident each term. Residents at all on-campus housing options are able to enjoy pool tables, vending machines, study and social lounges at their residence halls. news@thedailycougar.com
10 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023
OPINION NEWS
MALACHI KEY, EDITOR
THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/OPINION
@THEDAILYCOUGAR
HOBBIES
Batman rules, Iron Man drools: Why DC Comics deserve a chance ALENA THOMAS
STAFF WRITER @THEDAILYCOUGAR
Marvel’s multi-film cinematic universe has risen over the years to become an immensely popular franchise. But not all students are die-hard Marvel fans. Some argue that Marvel’s characters are “flat” in comparison to the heroes associated with DC comics. Many DC fans have fond childhood memories of being exposed to its world through the universe’s many animated shows. DC has an impressive collection of high quality content including shows like Justice League Unlimited, Static Shock, Green Lantern, Young Justice, Teen Titans and many more. But while many students nowadays have grown up loving Marvel films, they might just change their minds after being exposed to the multiple compelling characters DC has to offer. For just one example, consider the Joker. Known as the “clown prince of crime,” his chilling smile and cheerful yet sinister persona are enough to give even DC’s greatest heroes nightmares. The Joker has been a well-known villain for decades and has received multiple adaptations, but villains from the Marvel Universe have had more trouble becoming well known until recently. For example, Iron Man has had three
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major movies in recent years, but many fans would likely struggle to name his biggest antagonist. Some might say Thanos, but despite becoming more iconic in recent years, he’s more well known as an Avengers villain. Not only do DC characters have more depth, but many of them actually provided inspiration for their Marvel counterparts. For example, Superman was created in 1938 while Captain America didn’t come to life until 1941. Captain America is not a complete carbon copy of Superman, but they
definitely have similar roles and personalities. In the same way, one can easily draw comparisons between each universe’s emotionally detached, non-powered billionaire crime-fighters — Iron Man and Batman. This is not to say that there haven’t been good storylines revolving around Black Widow, Captain America and Iron Man, but DC comics have particularly unique stories. Their stories tackle difficult topics and can be especially relatable for those who are struggling with addiction, anxiety and relationship issues. One example would be the character
Arsenal from DC’s “Justice League” show. He got addicted to painkillers as a young superhero, which led to him being kicked out of the league. This sudden shock forced him to venture out on his own, creating a heartwarming journey about him eventually getting clean. DC’s animated films are also full of surprisingly relatable stories, such as the tale of Jessica Cruz, the first female Green Lantern from Earth. After she witnessed a murder and the death of her friends, Jessica was given power through an extraterrestrial ring. But unlike other heroes, she struggles with severe anxiety and even spends a good portion of the film regularly attending therapy. DC’s characters inspire audiences with their heroic feats, but they also provide compelling stories of overcoming struggles that any of their viewers could relate to. Part of their journey to become a hero is about discovering their own inner power and showing the audience how they can too. Even though Marvel is great, many are missing out by ignoring the greatness that is the DC Universe. So if you’re looking for a change of pace from Marvel’s narratives, consider trying out some new heroes for a change. opinion@thedailycougar.com
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 | 11 MALACHI KEY, EDITOR
THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/LIFE-ARTS
LIFE ANDNEWS ARTS
@THEDAILYCOUGAR
HOLIDAYS
Four spooktacular Halloween events to get into the season
i The Cougar
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ABOUT THE COUGAR The Cougar is published biweekly on Wednesdays during the fall and spring semesters, on Wednesdays during the summer and online daily at thedailycougar.com. The Cougar is supported in part by Student Service Fees. Copies of The Cougar are free.
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MALACHI KEY
OPINION EDITOR @MALACHISKEY
It’s spooky season at last! There’s a chill in the air and ghastly winds bringing ominous omens to all. As you start putting together your Halloween costume and hanging fake cobwebs all over your dorm, consider taking this season to the next level with The Cougar’s round-up of 2023 Houston Halloween events.
CLOSING EDITORS
has been voted the scariest haunted house in Texas) and the musical whimsy that is Houston Scream Fest are all great options. And for a bonus, keep an eye on the Student Program Board’s social media, since they frequently have a haunted house or maze on campus that’s completely free for students!
is hosting scary movie nights every Monday, with one family friendly option at 7:00 and a more mature feature starting at 9:00.
Dig into some devilish delights
Halloween’s nothing without a couple good scares, and what better way to test the boundaries of your closest relationships than by braving a haunted house together? Houston’s got a whole selection of great options you can try, including Phobia’s five themed attractions, Creepy Hollow (which
Speaking of holding your loved ones close, the cold weather is a great chance to cower under some blankets with your roommates, family or significant other. Consider hosting a fun little movie night at your dorm or in the movie room at Cougar Place. Or, you could take the scares outside at one of several fun show screenings around town. Axelrad
Halloween is the best time of year to enjoy some tasty treats! Check out local pumpkin patches for tasty pumpkin snacks and the added bonus of fun photo opportunities. Or check out one of many food-related events such as the Lebanese Student Association’s Hafla Halloween Party. If you’re feeling crafty, consider making some sweet treats yourself ! Themed cookies with fun Halloween shapes and some frosted googly eyes or fun drinks in decorated cups can be a great way to spice up any party. Or you could stick with the classics and try some candy apples!
Bide your time, take care of details, and refuse to let emotions or outside interference cloud your vision or disrupt your plans. Embrace domestic changes that help stabilize your financial situation and give you breathing space. Your security depends on making intelligent decisions, avoiding unnecessary expenses and taking advantage of financial opportunities. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Monitor situations before engaging in talks that prompt changes you aren’t ready to accept. Take time to digest what’s available and devise a way to get the most out of what you’ve got. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Follow the money, evaluate every expense and sell what you no longer need. A tight budget and solid game plan will put you in a good position. Discipline will
create opportunities. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Don’t share personal information. Hide your true feelings from anyone who might take advantage of your vulnerability. Listen carefully to what people are telling you and act accordingly. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Pay attention to contract negotiations and medical issues. Ask questions and look for alternatives that suit your lifestyle. An opportunity to gain financial ground is apparent. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Concentrate on what’s at stake and do whatever it takes to live up to your promises. A simple lifestyle will help you save money and encourage stability. Don’t take on additional debt. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Don’t believe everything you
hear or get involved in someone else’s dream. Focus on what brings you the highest return. Put your emotions aside and get to work. ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Search for the information you need. Knowledge will be vital when it comes to getting what you want. Don’t forgo what’s necessary; attending to the fine print will save you time and money. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Don’t give up on your dreams. Having a plan ready to go when opportunity knocks will encourage success. Be sure to think things through before making a big decision. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Review every detail before presenting your offer. Someone will look for any reason to take advantage of you. Attend a seminar, talk to experts and devise
Get your spook on at a haunted Halloween house
Watch a frightful feature with your Halloween homies
Party ‘til the dead rise There’s lots of fun haunts to check out around Halloween weekend, including events at Numbers, a themed seance bar at Pop Fancy and even a spooky circus themed bar at Shoeshine Charlie’s Big Top Lounge. While the Cougar firmly advocates for drinking legally and responsibly, there’s lots of ways to turn up safely on Halloween weekend even if you’re not the drinking type. Consider going to on campus events like Anime no Kai’s Halloween party, which will feature a costume contest, or the Animation Club’s Spooky Painting Social for a more lowkey vibe! Whatever you choose to do, make sure you stay safe, stay spooky and make the best of the season. arts@thedailycougar.com
a solid plan to avoid unnecessary setbacks. CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Don’t start something without getting the go-ahead from anyone who may object. Having the proper documents or a blessing from a neighbor, colleague or loved one will determine your success. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Put on blinders and focus on what you are trying to achieve. Don’t let anyone redirect or tempt you. Invest your time and money in yourself, your skills and your long-term plans. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -Look to experts, institutions and yourself for answers, and make changes that will help you make something you enjoy doing or excel at into a lucrative pursuit. - Eugenia Last
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12 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023