Cooglife Issue 55//August 2022 - Welcome to Houston

Issue 55 // August 2022

August 2022

13-14 15-16

17-19 20-21

A snapshot of H-Town Welcome to Houston

10 free things to do in Houston Desi culture in the city 8 places to eat in houston on a $10 budget Advice from an elder Coog to a baby Coog Budget-friendly date spots around town Giveaway!

Alexis Pye; Uplifting others within the Houston art scene

A love letter to the Menil Collection Shasta’s unofficial guide to M. D. Anderson

Editorial

Cynthia Isabel Zelaya Ordoñez cooglife@thedailycougar.com

Cover

Kevin Aguierre

Writers

Kevin Aguierre

Atirikta Kumar Rachel E. Coleman

Isha Merchant

Binh Tang Rey Mattes Logan Linder

Cynthia Isabel Zelaya Ordoñez

Daniela Maureira Toni Ramos

A letter from the editor

Greetings, bienvenidos.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Cynthia, and I’ll be your new executive editor. I am a graduate student studying mass communication, born and raised in Orlando, Florida and a proud first generation Salvadoran American. Yes, I like long walks on the beach, but not as much as a good mosh pit.

Previously, I obtained my bachelor’s degree from UH in broadcast journalism while still finding time to join CoogTV and Coog Radio. I’ve done a lot at this university. I hosted a radio show, traveled

as a music journalist, created wrote a ton of research papers, familiarized myself with both ends of a camera and even became Coog Radio’s first female station director. However, you probably only know me as the middle-face plastered on every campus newspaper stand. Figures.

Cooglife, and The Cougar as a whole, only crossed my mind halfway through grad school, when I became the assistant editor as a way to make some money and keep my editing skills sharp. Was it my vibe? No. Did I make it my vibe? Absolutely.

I spent my year as assistant editor writing crochet tutorials, satire, concert reviews and spotlighting campus events.

By the time I was invited to apply for this position, I was in love with Cooglife.

This magazine has POTENTIAL. Do you know how rare it is for a university to have a student-run magazine?

Many have a newspaper, and those are wonderful and essential in their own way. However, students running a newspaper have a huge responsibility to their readers to be perfect, timely and hardhitting. At Cooglife, we are free. We enjoy the same first amendment rights as everyone else, but we can have a lot more creative fun with our content.

This issue is all about H-Town. Space City. Home. You will see a small glimpse of the food, art, culture and diversity the city has to offer. Plus, you’ll get some advice from fellow Coogs. We’re going to hve a blast all accross town and within these pages this year. Consider this your formal invitation to join me. Welcome to Houston.

Cynthia Isabel Zelaya Ordoñez Executive Editor

A Snapshot of H-Town

By Kevin Aguirre @kev-agui

Saint Arnold Brewery is on the edge of Downtown to satisfy in craft beer, craft food, games, vibrant art, and fantastic city views.

The space is located next door to the Brewery and Beer Hall. Guests are able to explore the biergarten-inspired space, sample brew in the tasting room, get a peek at the tank farm, and even host private

Local photographer, digital marketer and founder of artist collectives Kevin Aguirre is no stranger to photographing the city. When asked about what stands out most to him about Houston, he zeroed in on its businesses. Glimpse a piece at RED Labs, hosted by UH alumn-owned Saint Arnold’s Brewery.

Photo by Kevin Aguirre

The showcase features 24 companies from four accelerators; RED Labs, OwlSpark, RED Launch, and BlueLaunch.

RED Labs Summer Accelerator Program is a 12-week program designed to support teams of UH students, faculty, and recent alumni who have a startup idea.

The teams spend the summer attending startup-focused curriculum sessions, getting advice from startup founders and community mentors, and working on their startups.

RED Labs’ Ninth Annual Bayou Startup Showcase took place August 3 at Saint Arnold Brewing Company.

This annual event is a celebration of entrepreneurship, the newest startups and small businesses from the University of Houston accelerators, Rice University and the community that champions them.

The showcase allows you to engage with these businesses, sign up for pre-orders, and buy products at their booths. Teams have recorded their pitches for you to learn about them in advance, watch during the event, or review afterward.

Photo by Kevin Aguirre

Photo by Kevin Aguirre

Photo by Kevin Aguirre

Photos by Jacob Kitchens

A breif history of Houston and it’s Third Ward

By Atirikta Kumar @atiriktawrites

Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States as well as the most ethnically and culturally diverse. Often referred to as H-Town or Space City, the city is home to millions. Houston is a city that has much to offer.

Founded in 1836 by brothers Augustus Chapman and John Kirby Allen (later incorporated into a city on June 5, 1837), the city was named after General Sam Houston, who had won Texas’ independence from Mexico in the Battle of San Jacinto.

General Houston was the first and third president of the Republic of Texas and one of the first two people who represented Texas in the U.S. He was also the only person to serve as Governor of two states, as he was the seventh Governor of Texas and the sixth of Tennessee.

After the city was founded, it was divided into political

geographical districts, known as the six wards. Today, the wards are not in legal use. However, they are a part of everyday lingo by Houstonians and are used to refer to many places in the city.

One of the wards in the greater Houston area is the third ward, where the University of Houston is located.

The third ward historically is a culturally rich African-American neighborhood. The ward houses Texas Southern University in addition to UH. It is also home to the oldest park in Texas, Emancipation Park, an homage to

the end of slavery in the United States.

Located on the southeast corner of the third ward is Downtown Houston. The geographical

proximity makes for a variety of different activities to explore and cultures to experience.

Maid Park and the Rockets at Maid Park and the Rockets at the Toyota Center, the city is a mainstay in sports.

The city is also home to well-known actors and singers such as Hilary Duff, Machine Gun Kelly, Mellisa Besonet and of course, Beyonce.

So whether you are a native Houstonian or new to the city, there is something new to discover every day. Welcome to Houston, it’s been waiting for you!

10 free things to do in Houston

By Rachel E. Coleman @rachel_elizacole

Growing up outside of the city, I was excited to have the opportunity to go out and do things in the loop. Unfortunately, with all that fun came an empty bank account. After a year in Houston, I discovered not every Saturday out has to leave me without a coffee budget for the week. Here are 10 fun things to do for free while in town.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

The Miller Outdoor Theatre, open from March to November, is an always-entertaining space great for a picnic (and a show) with friends. Everything they host is ALWAYS free, including all seating and parking.

They host an event almost every

day of the week during their eight-month season, including plays, “Summer Mixtapes,” opera and more with an easy-toaccess schedule found on their website. They have both covered and hillside seating, and while both are free, you must reserve tickets for covered seating. Parking is also not an issue, as they are a part of the Hermann Park complex, where extensive parking can be found.

Movies at Market Square Park

With a helpful schedule found on their website, Market Square Park hosts a wide array of movies in the park for, of course, free! A great opportunity for a date night, a fun outing with friends, or a step away from school stress. They also have a handy parking guide online.

The Houston Zoo

While The Houston Zoo is not free for everyone, it is for students at the University of Houston! All a Coog would have to do is make a reservation through their website. Simply select discount tickets under the purchase tickets tab, and select the college student type. When you show up at the zoo at your reserved time, be ready to show the attendant your cougar card, and you will be welcomed in at no charge. Make sure every member of your party has their own reservation. While you

are there, say hi to our beloved mascot Shasta!

Discovery Green

A beautiful park that holds over 600 free events a year, Discovery Green is a great place to go to read, draw, work out, and do a photoshoot. They offer many free workout classes, art events for all ages, and markets like FLEA by Night. FLEA is a collection of vendors selling vintage pieces, delicious bites and more. A full event schedule can be found on their website.

The Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts Houston is a unique collection of beautiful art from many periods, consisting of three buildings full of a wide array of art styles. While not free every day, it is free for everyone on Thursdays. You may have to make several trips to get through all the artwork, but make a point to see the light tunnels on your first visit. Pictured above is “Sometimes an underground movement is an illuminated bridge” by Ólafur Elíasson, a light installation housed at The Nancy and Rich Kinder Building Eliasson Tunnel that has a magnificent effect on all colors it hits. You’ll just have to see for yourself to understand it works.

University Events

The events held at the student center on campus and the Lynn Eusan Park may seem a bit out of

Photo by Rachel E. Coleman

Photo by Rachel E. Coleman

place on this list, but I wish I had gone to more my freshman year of college. The student center plays free movies often, and holds fun events like drag shows and special guest speakers. Lynn

Eusan holds carnivals, festivals and more. Not only is it free to go, but you will often come out with both a meal and some free merch. Student events are a great way to make new friends, and to get the most of that not-so-free college tuition and fees. Lines can get pretty long, so I recommend showing up 45-60 minutes before the event. It’ll be worth the wait, I promise.

The Japanese Garden in Hermann Park

Located just beyond the Hermann Park Fountains, the Japanese Garden is a beautiful hide-away perfect for a serene evening, or a fun photoshoot. Don’t feed the ducks bread, it isn’t good for them! The park is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March

though October and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. November through February.

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Possessing five miles of nature trails free and open to the public, the Houston Artbetoerm and Nature Center acts as both a community connection to nature and a sanctuary for local wildlife. Learn about native plant and animal species, go for a hike, or just exist in nature. Parking is free on Thursdays.

Sam Houston Boat Tour

This completely free boat tour is a relaxing 90-minute trip around the Houston Ship Channel. Reservations must be made on their website for that month on the first of every 30-day period. On the day of, parking is free, and each guest

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will receive one free beverage on the boat ride, but due to Houston heat, it is highly recommended to bring some extra food and drink, don’t pay for the free ride with dehydration!

The Art Car Museum

An inventive, exciting display of fun art, the Art Car Museum is a must-see place in Houston.

Taking automobiles and turning them into challenging, emotional, cultural (and sometimes just fun art) the collections housed there are completely unique. While the museum is currently closed for the installation of a new exhibit, it will be back up and running (unlike their cars) Aug. 19.

Desi culture in the city

By Isha Merchant @ishamerchant4

“This is the land of your people.”

“No, this is Glendale.''

My for you page echos with the infamous TikTok as I look through videos displaying my hometown, Sugar Land. These videos often contain 2-3 South

Asian kids showing off places like Voss Road, which is home to multiple Desi boutiques and restaurants, or Clements High School, which is notorious for its South Asian population. In fact, you could probably use this sound in my neighborhood, which contains at least three

Indian grocery stores.

For many South Asians in the Houston area, Sugar Land can be seen as a cultural hotspot. Many of my friends travel from neighborhoods across Houston to Anjali Dance Studio or Naach Houston to take dance classes

Photo by Rachel E. Coleman

from some of the best teachers in the area. Similarly on Friday nights, many Desis head to Aga Juice for some falooda, a South Asian desert. Juice for some falooda, a South Asian desert.

Growing up, my parents and I would visit Voss Road for countless hours, meticulously picking out the perfect Eid outfit. We would search through whatever boutique was open. When we ran out of options, we would head to Hilcroft, another South Asian hotspot. However, before leaving, my dad and I would go to the corner store in the plaza. He would let me and my siblings pick out 2-3 mithai, various South Asian sweets, and let us have it as a treat. I remember spending what felt like hours combing through each section of the corner store. Each time I went, I felt like I had learned something new about my culture. I learned what a carrom board was (an Indian board game), and about tadkas and what they’re for (they’re a dishware item used to heat up spices).

I didn't grow up with a strong sense of my culture like I feel like others did. My parents immigrated to the United States over 40 years ago, and they have lost many parts of their culture through their adulthood.

Photo by Isha Merchant

For example, when the rest of my mothers family moved to the United States, my mother had to relearn Urdu, her mother tongue, when she realized she no longer could speak or write it. In fact, my family has only recently gone to Pakistan, over 20 years after leaving their home country.

Because of this, I have never had the opportunity to fully immerse myself in my culture. As an adult, I find this difficult to grapple with. Over the past two years, I have put effort into reconciling with my culture and putting in

effort to appreciate and love parts of it. While I do not fully understand Urdu, I have consistently been challenging myself to read it and speak it, and the best places to start are places like Sugar Land.

For many years, I felt lost in my own culture and I didn’t feel like I could appreciate the South Asian community around me. However, I think places like Sugar Land and Voss Road are some of the best places to reconcile with our culture. Even though it can sometimes feel jam-packed and uncomfortable, it is the best place to find a thriving South Asian community in Houston.

Photo by Isha Merchant

8 places to eat in Houston for $10

By Binh Tang @fitz.1995

Amid the pandemic, life can be very difficult. College students with limited budgets often find it difficult to find good places to eat that aren't going to hurt their bank accounts, which is one of the biggest struggles of their lives. However, Houston can be a pocket-friendly area if you know where to go. UH students can find themselves overwhelmed by hundreds of options, from food trucks to restroomequipped bistros. Many easily end up being at a fast-food's drive-through. This is where Cooglife's guide to dining on a budget comes into play, featuring easy take-out and a comfortable dining experience.

staff-tested cash-only

El Rey Del Tacorriendo

2509 Oakcliff St Houston, TX 77023

This orange-painted truck located across from Queen of Peace Church, a five-minute drive from the university to Gulf Freeway, is a hidden gem. For an affordable $1.25 per taco, a plethora of madeto-order tacos will satisfy a roaring stomach. Barbacoa and beef fajita are must-tries. They come with grilled onion, lime, jalapeño and salsa. Another good thing about El Rey Del Tacorriend is that they open very late on the weekend, so the night owls now have a place to tuck into.

Banh Mi Bon

10555 Westheimer Rd G, Houston, TX

No one comes across the cheapeat landscape without admitting that bánh mì is one of the most filling and tasty options for those running low on cash. The combination of vegetables and protein sandwiched between a crispy French baguette with a dash of soy sauce would make a great lunch. If the sandwich alone isn’t enough, add a sunnyside-up egg. Banh Mi Bon is definitely a student favorite under $10. those running low on cash. The combination of vegetables and protein sandwiched between a crispy French baguette with a dash of soy sauce would make a great lunch. If the sandwich alone isn’t enough, add a sunny-side-up egg. Banh Mi Bon is definitely a student favorite under $10.

Star Snow Ice and Teriyaki

9889 Bellaire Blvd Ste 113, Houston, TX 77036

In Bellaire Chinatown’s busiest strip, this place has been a favorite Taiwanese restaurant for ages. People love this place for its fast service, huge portions and cheap drinks. With a rice combo of nearly 20 choices of delicious toppings and 20 types of hot noodle bowls - all of which are under $10, you are guaranteed to have a tasty meal without feeling broke.

Photo by Bank Mi Bon

Photo by Long T.

Taqueria Cancun

2227 Gessner Rd, Houston, TX 77080

One of the best Mexican restaurants in Spring Branch that isn’t overpriced. The staff is extremely friendly and attentive. Throughout the years, Taqueria Cancun has established itself as a favorite eatery for its consistent quality of food. You should definitely try their fajitas and shrimp tacos if you’re in the area. Besides the enchilada and quesadillas, they also have an al pastor super burrito for $10.95 that is popular with customers.

New York Deli And Coffee Shop

9720 Hillcroft St Houston, TX 77096

This family-owned shop has

been making and serving fresh New York-style bagels to its customers since 1981. The residents of the Houston area who regularly eat bagels at NY Deli claim that there is no difference in taste between the bagels that are produced in their store and the ones that are produced by the stores in the northeast. The establishment offers a breakfast special serving Monday through Friday for under $10, which draws a lot of people to the establishment.

Frank’s Pizza

417 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002

Since 1980, Frank’s has been offering hand-tossed pizzas that won’t disappoint your taste buds. It’s one of the must-go places for anyone new to Houston as well as a favorite pizzeria for many locals. Among the best pizzerias in Downtown Houston, this establishment stands out for its high-quality products served at a reasonable price, making it one of the top pizzerias in the city. The price per slice is only $3.50. If you’re wandering downtown and craving some American pizza, Frank’s is the place for you.

Oh My Gogi

2504 Amherst St, Houston, TX 77005

If you are thinking about trying Korean Mexican fusion cuisine in the Rice Village area, this food truck is an excellent choice. It was a common sight for people to queue up in throngs before the outbreak of the pandemic to taste their OMG fries or tacos. There is no doubt that the funky and creative combination will define its new eaters. “Korean taco”, or “kimchi quesadilla”? Do those names register with your energy? If yes, then give it a try. They may not be the best tacos in town, but they are a good choice when it comes to graband-go and hanging out with your friends that won’t put you Oishii

3764 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX

During the happy hoursMonday through Friday, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (with the exception of Saturday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.), you are eligible for buy-one-get-onefree promotion on their select appetizers, including a variety of sushi rolls. There is a price range of $1 to $2.5 per piece of fresh sashimi (raw fish on rice) and sushi available for those who enjoy those dishes. Although Oishii is perfect when it comes to food, there is one downside to it; it often gets crowded during lunch and it can be difficult to find parking spaces.

Advice from an Elder Coog to a Baby Coog

By Rey Mattes @reyputati0n

As a rising senior, I have had a variety of experiences with dozens of tales to tell about life at the University of Houston.

As a student who arrived just before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, I would say my previous statement is a lie.

For many present and future Coogs, the “the best years of our lives” were stolen from us by the global pandemic, not to mention the grief and trauma that potential was replaced with. Now, as we are somewhat on an upswing, I’m going to take a look back upon my undergraduate college experience and give my

give my advice to incoming freshmen, and other prospective students starting their journey as a Coog.

Take advantage of every event that interests you

The UH website is incredibly detailed, and I would definitely advise all students, no matter their year, to bookmark that page. There are an endless amount of helpful links, and a detailed calendar with nearly every event you can think of. Some colleges and even specific majors have their own page with a calendar of events that they recommend attending. However the UH Calendar has events listed

for every single day from now through next year with times locations and a short blurb to give a little more insight into what you may experience there. And if by some possibility you do not find something that interests you, let any friends, classmates, or even professors drag you along to events they recommend! You never know who you may meet and what you may discover. Worst case scenario: You learn something new!

Party (with reasonable caution)

You probably don’t need me to tell you twice. Freshmen are likely going to find some way

Photo by Rey Mattes

to party, and it won’t always be safe. As a freshman, this wasn’t my scene, but I have heard too many horror stories from underclassmen who have partied and ended up in dangerous situations. So do not hesitate to bring friends, charge your phone, call an Uber, Sharpie your roommate’s phone number on your arm, and take all the precautions necessary to help you from being a victim of dangerous circumstances, especially if you are of a minority group that could potentially be targeted.

Take some time to selfreflect. There is so much you won’t learn in your classes, and most of it is about you

It’s not a joke when I say that most people I know struggle with something relating to their mental health, and most say that their mental health has only worsened since the start of COVID-19. Thankfully, UH offers psychiatry services though CAPS, so your mental health is best preserved through the difficult transition from high school senior to college freshman, from college freshman to college sophomore, or any transition that you may find yourself experiencing. Sometimes running on auto-pilot can stop you from realizing how burnt out you are. So for your own sake, be sure to do mental health check-ins. You may discover something about yourself that you have always needed help with or something that has been stopping you from doing your best, and the professionals at CAPS and the

psychiatry clinic are always willing to help those in need, and they make it as affordable as possible for college students.

Free Stuff? Run!

As an incoming senior, I know firsthand that there are plenty of occasions all semester long in which organizations give out free, yes FREE, t-shirts, food, memorabilia and even ice cream! On my first day of school freshman year, my second class was canceled. Then, when walking back to my dorm to change before lunch, I stumbled upon a UH booth giving out free ice cream! And I was done before noon! Now where can you find out information about these events? My first recommendation would be to download the UH app and turn on notifications. That will be helpful for emergency drills and situations, but they may also notify you of fun events happening on campus! My second recommendation would be simply walking around. There are a plethora of UH tents that are put up in a variety of places throughout the semester, and they are known for handing out free stuff. Plus, you get to explore more of our beautiful campus, so it’s a double win.

Recreation and Wellness Center (better known as the Rec) is free to all Coogs who wish to work out and sweat off a difficult day of classes. Secondly, CoogsCare is a service on campus that provides a variety of necessities, one of which is CougarCupboard. CougarCupboard gives shelf stable and fresh produce to Coogs no matter their income or need. CoogsCare also provides emergency loans for books or courses, and Crisis Aid to LGBTQ+ people who may find themselves suddenly on their own. The LGBTQ+ Resource Center offers almost anything an LGBTQ+ Coog could need, such as Gender Inclusive Housing, the locations of single stall restrooms on campus, transgender health services, and condoms and dental dams in their office. The Women’s Resource Center offers confidential Sexual Misconduct Support Services for anyone who has been sexually assaulted. COOG$ave is a program that helps Coogs save money on things you may frequent in the area, like the Houston Zoo and the Houston Ballet. Take a look and find what you need that could help you succeed in your time here.

This last point is most near and dear to me. Ahough I was sold on UH by a lot of what they offer, I didn’t even know half of it until about two years in. There are a plethora of programs for UH students that can help you live your best life. Firstly, the Campus

The best piece of advice I can give you is to enjoy the time you have here, because going forward you may find that you will miss the excitement of walking to class 5 minutes late, or sitting in Moody dining hall studying for a test you have at CASA. Being a senior and looking back on my time here at UH, I wish that I had taken every opportunity to experience new things. It’s not too late for me, but it’s also not too late for you, incoming Coogs. Get out there and relish in the excitement and buzz of a new opportunity!

Make sure you know what resources are at your disposal

Budget-friendly date spots

By Logan Linder @ench4ntedl0gan

In between the fast-paced college environment and maintaining a social life, you might find someone you want to get to know on a more personal level. While there are few spots on campus considered dateworthy, the large city of Houston is home to numerous spots perfect for romantic gestures.

Listed from cheapest to most expensive (yet still in a college student’s budget), here are five spots in Houston to bring your date to.

James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace

Although located in Rice University, The Skyspace is free and open to all, with light sequences occurring during sunrises and sunsets. Food and drinks are not allowed, so no picnics, unfortunately. But the area accommodates 120 people between two levels, making this a quiet and serene first date spot.

The LED light sequences last for approximately 40 minutes and the area is acoustically engineered to host musical performances, if you feel like serenading someone.

Discovery Green

If wanting to impress your date, stay within budget and without taking too much time away from classes, check out Discovery Green’s special events or bring a blanket and some snacks for a picnic. Their events vary, but some upcoming ones include Art in the Park, Tejas Got Soul and a variety of socially-distanced movie nights. For the perfect picnic, you can easily snag a blanket from your dorm and snacks from the dining hall. However if you want to stray away from Moody’s food, you can stop by The Market, any convenience store, Target and any other place you can grab food. I’d recommend

Coffee Shops

Cougar Grounds and Nook Cafe

make for easy spots if you don’t want to

trek into Houston, but the city has tons of small cafes and coffee shops filled with items for coffee and noncoffee lovers alike.

Tout Suite has coffee, macarons, brownies, non-caffeinated drinks and plenty of savory options as well. Retrospect Coffee Bar has outdoor seating with locally roasted coffee, a variety of crepes and alcoholic beverages for those of age.

Those suggestions aside, try making an adventure out of this and pick a few cafes and coffee shops to test out, making your own “coffee crawl.”

The Museum District

A staple in Houston’s culture, the Museum District consists of nearly 20 museums, with notable ones including Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural Science. Due to your student status, both of these museums are discounted when you present your student ID.

Also part of the Museum District, the Houston Zoo allows free daytime admission for all students with their Cougar Card.

Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown

If wanting to do something less adventurous, the Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown shows movies each night, with tickets starting at $18.50. Once checking out, you’re able to use the code “UptownStudent2022” for 10% off of your purchase.

With two movie showings a night and a full concession stand, you and your date are sure to stay full and entertained.

Alexis Pye

Uplifting others within the Houston art scene

By Cynthia Isabel Zelaya Ordoñez @cynthia_zelaya_

Alexis Pye sits on the floor next to her kittens, back resting against a door frame.

“I’m more comfortable here, really.”

She helps a kitten pry its claws free of a blanket, then sets it free only for it to get caught again.

Alexis Pye is an artist, painter and educator based in Houston, specializing in abstract oils depicting the African American experience interlaced with fiber arts. She marries rugs, knitting, and free-form yarns into her paintings to add even more texture to her already pronounced strokes.

At the time of this interview, Pye was weeks away from hosting an art gallery/artist showcase, using her residency with MythoFutuRiddim to platform other artists.

MythoFutuRiddim, curated by Brooklyn artist Tony Evans, is a cultural arts festival that explores mythology, Afrofuturism and riddim/music.

Pye’s art gallery, Now! With Pink Plankton, was born of a desire to

Photo by Cynthia Isabel Zelaya Ordoñez

emulate a broadcaster she’d grown up with.

“Now! With Pink Plankton it is based off of a television show I used to watch when I was a kid on fuse Fuse TV, called Later with Jools

Holland. It was one of my favorite television shows, I would wait for it to come on. I remember because we had satellite, this is when Fuse was very fresh and new. So they will get international television shows like

so then like you would not see now. It's so unfortunate. You know, like, yeah, the kids are a part of the internet but it's also so limited too because like, you get to choose everything. You would turn on Fuse you just kind of didn't know what you was gonna get. And so you got hooked onto something that you're like, dang, I would have never thought. That's how I learned about Arctic Monkeys. That's like British people in the early 2000s. I guess I'm taking the place of like Jools Holland by telling you what is now in Houston. But Pink Plankton is a name that I would just

say… I always told people if I was ever a musician, I would call myself Pink Plankton.”

True to her word, she collected a handful of fellow artists and musicians to showcase. The gallery took place from Aug. 9 to Aug. 11 at Winter Street Studios. The space was easy to find on the second story of a multi-room art studio, not because it was clearly labeled, but because of the lively sound luring visitors in.

“I was adamant about this being something that was for the community, by the community,”

said Pye when asked how she set out to select the featured artists. True to her word, both the musical lineup and the artists’ list were littered with friends old and new, followings big and small.

She notes that the experience wouldn’t be possible without the practice she had running the Red Block Bash while an art student at UH or the connections she made through Coog Radio.

Hung alongside Pye's work are pieces by Rico Edwards, Oluwaht Akinyemi, Tony Evans, Quietstorm, Samira Percival and Beau ye Roc. The center of the gallery was dedicated to music

Day one was dedicated to local DJs. Gravedigging, DJ Archaic and DOUBLEDUTCH kept the patrons entertained as they roamed the room. Food was provided by Glazed and Confused, fellow UH and Coog Radio alumn Jose Soto.

Day 2 spotlighted solo acts with fanbases ranging from 1,400 to 6,900 (based on Instagram). Musical styles varied from crooners to rappers, featuring Jordon McKinnley, Jacob Hutto and Pyjama Sam.

The final day was the most packed, giving the stage to bands. The lineup varied from Houston mainstays like Rina’s and April Company to newer acts like Riot No. 3 and Worldwide Black Inturnet Radio.

“This is my love letter to like Houston, to thank Houston for accepting me. And also for the opportunities and e these artists, these musicians who've basically supported me and helped me. Thank you,” Pye concluded.

Photo by Anthony Torres

Photo by Anthony Torres

A love letter to the Menil Collection

By Daniela Maureira @danielaimaureira

Growing up in a suburb of Houston made a trip to the city a hassle. But anytime I’d find myself there, it would most likely be to enjoy a museum day trip with my friends. If you're from Houston, you know how beautiful the museum district is, and how nostalgic yet comforting it can feel to be there. There's a similar theme throughout all of the museum’s within the district; the desire to inspire, celebrate art, and feel connected to something.

If you aren’t familiar with Houston’s museum district, it’s a designated

area in the inner loop that offers 19 different museums to the general public. Growing up, my favorite one to visit was the Contemporary Museum, which sits directly across the street from the more famous Fine Arts Museum.

The Contemporary Museum was founded in 1948 and has quickly become a cultural center in Houston, giving a variety of regional and international artists the platform to tell a story and illustrate how we consume modern art in the 21st century. It’s interesting to continuously come

back and see how each revolving artist interprets the given space in their own way by completely altering the setup of the layout design. These changes could be several things; painting the walls different colors, adding sculptures, projectors, pieces of furniture, fabrics, stage equipment, abstract patterns, and even performance art.

The Menil Collection began operating in 1987, featuring extensive collections of different periods of international art ranging from the ancient world

to various forms of contemporary modern art. One of the founders, Dominique De Menil, hired architect Renzo Piano to design the building within the neighborhood to instill a feeling of comfort and security. The building's design is meant to be simple and minimalist. It has a rectangular form, open floor plan, tall roof system and white washed exterior that is illuminated at night.

Recently, I have spent a lot more of my time at The Menil Collection. I had the pleasure of having a creative photoshoot on the lawn directly in front of the building through the Fashion and Business Organization at UH. I wanted to try using physical objects as makeup, which resulted in me turning 3 models into mythical creatures that I wanted to try and blend into

the environment using dried up pressed flowers.

I decided to do the photoshoot at Menil because I think it offers something for everyone. Even within a crowd of people, the patio area gives off a peaceful essence that makes it feel like a meditative space. I’ve seen a lot of individuals do different activities like yoga, play with their dogs, paint with their friends, journal or lay out in the sun and enjoy someone else’s company.

Along the lawn, there’s an archway of enormous

Photo by Kayla Simone dark green oak trees that extend their long branches alongside the ground making them the perfect setup for a fairy photoshoot. The photographer I worked with, Kayla Simone, had the models sit on the branches, placing different colored fabrics alongside them to contrast with their delicate, lightly colored dresses.

I felt very comfortable at Menil. It was a place where I felt like I could reflect and feel at peace as to where life has brought me. Also, I probably should have mentioned earlier that it’s always free to the general public. So, if you’ve made it this far and have never been to The Menil Collection, grab a friend and go right now! Or even better, go by yourself. You never know, you just might fall in love with it.

Photo by Kayla Simone

Shasta’s unofficial guide to M. D. Anderson

By Toni Ramos @oatmilkavocado

The M.D. Anderson

library, located near the Student Center, has been a sanctuary for thousands of cougars, serving as a space for learning and memorable experiences. Before adopting this space as a resource, you should familiarize yourself with the plethora of assets and spaces in the library.

The Basics

The operating times are as follows;

• Mon.-Thurs. 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.

• Fri. 7 a.m.to 10 p.m.

• Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sun. 10 a.m.to 12 a.m..

The lounge at the library entrance is open 24 hours a day. It has some group tables, vending machines and wheelchairaccessible bathrooms. To enter the main portion of the library, a valid Cougar ID must be presented. The service desk, manned by friendly fellow coogs, is bound to assist you. Whether you find yourself needing to rent a group study room or borrow an iPhone charger, the front desk on the first floor can help! Some commonly used amenities ready for rent are calculators, laptops, dry erase markers, umbrellas or even projectors!

The front desk is also available to assist you in printing, locating a book, or if you ever find yourself needing a pencil or a pen- just don’t forget to ask how their day is!

Studying

A concrete study method is critical to guarantee your success in class, whether that be joining a group to cram before a midterm or finding an intimate space to study on your own. The options are limitless in the library. The Brown Wing, extending from the second floor to the fifth, is a quiet space for coogs wanting to study. There are two options for solo

study; glass door study carrels or cubicles. The only difference is that the cubicle is slightly less compact and the carrel can be closed off for added privacy. The availability of the Brown Wing is based on first-come-first-serve. The Blue Wing can be found from the second floor through the sixth. These carrels are also first-come-first-serve. However, some floors require a reservation online to reserve your spot. If you prefer studying in groups, consider reserving a room for a party of five or more. This can be done online. The rooms on the first and second floors are solely available with a prior reservation while the rooms on the third, fourth and fifth floors are firstcome-first-serve. There is a large demand for these rooms, so plan accordingly. The majority of group study rooms are equipped with PC-connected screens along with a whiteboard. The walls are not soundproof, so remember there are others nearby trying to utilize the library too.

Social

Do not expect to be productive on the third floor. Close the laptop, turn off the iPad and consider finding a new space to study. The third floor is notorious for its relaxed, lively environment. This space is perfect for decompressing or catching up with friends after a lecture. Grab an iced coffee and pull up a chair, because you deserve some time to collect your thoughts and enjoy yourself. Additionally, the seventh and eighth floors have similar ambiances albeit slightly quieter

Technology

On the first floor, are two wings known as the North and South Wing. These are computer labs available to the public and UH students. They are equipped with both colored and black-andwhite printers. Every semester, UH students are provided with $7.50 in printing credits. Printing in the library is a pretty simple process.

• Send documents to a printer. Determine whether it will be forwarded to a colored printer or a black-and-white printer.

• Release the print job. Locate a printer, then enter your Cougarnet and password. Swipe a valid Cougar Card and select the job you would like to print.

If you are still having trouble, feel free to ask someone part of the staff for assistance.

STAMP CARD