Issue 84, Volume 74 by The Cougar

THE DAILY COUGAR E!

INSID

Sophomore guard is the Nixon Cougars can believe in /SPORTS

Artists collaborate to make over Houston /LIFE & ARTS Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Issue 84, Volume 74

TODAY’S WEATHER

3-day forecast, Page 2

Hi 70 Lo 41 www.thedailycougar.com

Liana Lopez The Daily Cougar

Faculty gathered in Room 232, Phillip Guthrie Hoffman Hall to discuss energy initiatives that will factor into the UH’s push to gain flagship status as a research university as well as projects to be submitted for federal stimulus funding.

UH to seek corporate sponsors Administration stresses research relations with energy, health industries in meeting By Allison P. Smith The Daily Cougar UH is in a good position to benefit from the changes in the energy and health industries, UH Vice President of Research Donald Birx said to several hundred faculty members at the UH energy meeting Monday. Several researchers and experts in wind and solar energy will draw more research dollars to the University, Birx said. “There is a lot of competition in this field, but there are also more funding opportunities since the ’80s,”

Birx said. The faculty meeting addressed University of Houston’s place as a flagship energy research university. “We have this one chance, and we cannot do this alone,” UH President and chancellor of UH System Renu Khator said. The University is working to involve industry in its research objectives, but if UH can’t prove that it can achieve flagship status, then the people and resources will not come back 10 years from now, Khator said. Corporate partnerships should not

mean compromising the University’s goals and agendas, she said. “We have goals and resources. We will not change our goals, but our resources will remain flexible.” Khator said in regards to the University’s obligation its industry partners. Birx said that UH has strategic strengths, being in the energy capital of the world and having a super research cluster in energy and renewable resources. “We have a lot of strengths, but we just don’t know how to tie that in with industries,” Birx said. He called this one of the major reasons UH doesn’t get the research funding that it should. UH needs to bring the researchers

UH to remember prof in memorial By Josh Malone The Daily Cougar Gregory Cahill, former associate professor of biology and biochemistry at the University of Houston whose collogues describe him as being gifted in both research and with his students, will have a memorial service held in his honor on Feb. 13 after his death last month. “He was one of the most energetic and professional researchers I’ve known, and a great teacher who held a natural affinity with students,” said Stuart Dryer, John and Rebecca Moores Professor and chair of the Department of Biology and Biochemistry. “I was proud to work with him.” Described as an avid

outdoorsman with a strong interest in rafting and hiking, Cahill was at Bush Intercontinental Airport on Dec. 23 waiting to catch a flight to visit family in Minnesota when he passed away. Cahill had been previously struggling with his health and the cause of death has not been released. He was 50 years old. Credited as being an invaluable contributor to the field of biological clock cycles, Cahill used genetically altered zebra fish that glowed in the dark, research that is used in the study of human sleep disorders and mental illnesses. Cahill, whom Dryer described as “meticulous and a perfectionist” in his research, was said to have had a similar ability in the classroom, as well. “He was extremely personable

and industries together where there are mutual benefits and innovations in nanomaterial, finding ways to use waste gasses and building models that employs solar energy during the day and wind energy at night, he said. “We need to start developing UH energy and make it a reality by next year,” Birx said. The UH-led Lone Star Wind Alliance is a cooperative partnership between corporations, such as the Houston Advanced Research Center, British Petroleum, Huntsman and Shell Wind, and several universities, including the University of TexasAustin, Texas A&M and Texas Tech. The goal of this partnership is to

research wind energy, train faculty and develop undergraduate research, Birx said. Another major step was the purchase of an industrial research facility. Schlumberger Complex, a 550-acre complex, will serve as the future site of the UH Energy Research Park, Provost John Antel said. “We are going to extend (Schlumberger) buildings 4 and 7, both about 500,000 square feet, and extending Wheeler (from Schlumberger) to the campus to meet the Energy Park,” Antel said. The Energy Research Park will add more facilities and space for the see ENERGY, page 3

UC holds tournament for Madden NFL ’09 By Bill Barajas The Daily Cougar

Photo courtesy of the Department of Biology and Biochemistry

Gregory Cahill was born July 17, 1958, in Mankato, Minn. A memorial will be held Feb. 13 at A.D. Bruce Religion Center. and quick with a smile. With his students, he had the ability to push his students hard but in the kindest possible way,” Dryer said. see CAHILL, page 3

Super Sunday delivered one of the most memorable finishes in Super Bowl history when Ben Roethlisberger threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes for the go-ahead score. After such a climactic finish, NFL fans will spend the next seven months wallowing in a depression sure to accompany the long offseason that lies ahead. The University Center has cooked something up to help with those NFL blues. On Wednesday, the UC will host an EA Sports Madden NFL ’09 tournament that is free for all UH students who would like to participate. “The tournament will be held in the UC Chili’s Too on the ground floor at 6 p.m. Students may sign up when

they show up to the event or go to the game room at anytime leading up to the tournament,” said Scott Godley, director of events and traditional programming for the UC. Godley said he picked Madden NFL ’09 because of its far-reaching fan base. “The game has somewhat of a cult following. It has a legacy,” Godley said. The game will be played on the Xbox 360 console to avoid any excuses from gamers claiming “the game does not run well” Godley said. The tournament will begin with only one console, but depending on turnout, the UC will rent another if needed. UH teamed up with the Association of College Union International (ACUI) to bring the tournament on campus, and it will mark the first time “Madden see MADDEN, page 3

2 n Tuesday, February 3, 2009

The Daily Cougar

CAMPUS BEAT FORECAST Wednesday

63˚52˚

CALENDAR

Thursday

68˚52˚

Friday

74˚57˚

» Send event information to

calendar@thedailycougar.com

Today Commuter Breakfast: 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at University Center Satellite’s patio. Commuter students are invited to join Commuter Services and Dance On for free breakfast. Call (713) 743-7546 or visit www.uh.edu/commuter. UH Pre-medical Chapter of AMSA meeting: 4 to 6 p.m. at Atlantic Room, University Center Underground. UNICEF at UH meeting: 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Rodeo Room, University Center. Food will be served. UNICEF is guided by its mission to save the lives of children worldwide. Visit www. unicefatuh.org. Student Program Board meeting: 6 to 8 p.m. at Pacific Room, University Center. Learn about coming events and suggest what you want to see on campus. Want to be a part of the Student Program Board? Apply for a chair or executive position. Applications are due on Feb. 23 and can be found at www.uh.edu/spb. Health Professional Banquet: 6 to 10 p.m. at Waldorf Astoria Room, University Hilton. Students may speak with admissions deans from prominent Texas medical programs. Tickets are $10 at the Mu Delta Office in Room 103 of the Engineering Education Resource Center, Building 594. Visit www.uh.edu/mudelta/MuDelta/Home.html.

FIVE MINUTES

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Sophomore plans events, business Sarah Krusleski: So you’re ready to make money, huh? Omar Mirza: I’m ready to make money, but I’d make more if I was a little bit more proactive. Krusleski: What would you do if you were more proactive? Mirza: I’d fund my own business, but I don’t have time right now. I’m president of the Pakistani Students Association. Krusleski: What do you do for that? Mirza: I’m planning a picnic next Sunday at Bear Creek, a baseball tournament and a blood drive later this month. Krusleski: What kind of business would you start? Mirza: Something with event coordinating. Krusleski: Why? Mirza: I like planning out events and executing them and finally seeing the f ruits of your labor. Krusleski: What have you planned in the past? Mirza: Last year, we had a basketball tournament. We also brought a singer from Pakistan for an event. Krusleski: How’d you do that? Mirza: We knew someone at this radio program that we’d worked with before and they helped us out. I also had an

CO R R E C T I O N S

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Omar Mirza, business sophomore

all-girls’ dance tournament. Krusleski: Do you have any advice for people who are getting started on event coordinating? Mirza: You’ve got to get used to dealing with people, planning things out and executing them. Learn how to delegate. Put together a good group of officers — I have a good group of officers — and put them to work. Mirza: I’m not very photogenic. Don’t take the photo straight on. Krusleski: Aw. What would you say is a good angle? Mirza: Maybe the side angle. Krusleski: It shows off your manly chin! Photo by David Shih

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NEWS

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ENERGY continued from page 1

researchers to make innovations or improve on different ideas. Space is a real problem at UH, and even if researchers get funding to build out, there is nowhere to build out to, Khator said. “The Energy Research Center gives academia, industry and community a chance to come together,” Khator said. Khator and Birx have planned

CAHILL continued from page 1

Cahill, who also taught courses in physiology and behavioral biology, joined the University of Houston in 1994 as an assistant professor before being promoted to associate professor in 2001. Cahill regularly spoke in international meetings in his field and was awarded the University of Houston Research Excellence Award for assistant professors in 1998. Cahill’s papers have been published 37 times and he received continuous federal funding for his research at UH. Prior to his work at UH, Cahill graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota before earning his doctorate in biology and neuroscience at the University of Oregon. Cahill continued his postdoctoral work at Emory University before becoming a research assistant professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, where he studied with now University of Virginia professor of biology Carla Green. Green described Cahill as a “kind, gracious person,” and said Cahill exhibited several positive characteristics both in the lab and with others. “Myself and most who knew him would describe him as gentle, patient but incredibly smart. Most knew him to be scary smart,” Green said with a laugh. “He made many major contributions and several very important studies to the field of biological clocks, but was always willing to share his knowledge,” Green said. “I want everyone to know how much he’s going to be missed.” Cahill is survived by his sister and his four brothers. The Department of Biology and Biochemistry will hold Cahill’s memorial service at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at A.D. Bruce Religion Center. news@thedailycougar.com

Covering UH’s quest for greatness since 1934. Watch UH’s story unfold at thedailycougar.com

trips to Washington D.C. to see how UH can use the stimulus package effectively and make a difference in the local and national economy. “We need political support or we will fail. We are not an elite university,” Khator said. “We are the university for the working man and woman — we are here so the working man and woman can get the highest degree that they can earn.” With the economy the way it is, UH has to work harder to get funding, Khator said. The trip to Washington is

We ♥

Tuesday, February 3, 2009 n 3

important to Birx as well. There needs to be more partnerships with industries if the university is going to move forward. “We have to train people that the industries need tomorrow and five years from now,” Birx said, “not what (industries) needed yesterday.” Khator and Birx will address the impact that UH can make in biomedical research and partnerships with health industries in a meeting later this week. news@thedailycougar.com

MADDEN continued from page 1

Nation” will get a chance to showcase their skills at UH. “I wouldn’t miss it, count me in,” electrical engineering freshman Jason Adlakha said. Students can pick up a flier at the Moody Towers, the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center and the UC. At the tournament’s conclusion, the top two competitors will win an

all-expense-paid trip to Corpus Christi to compete in a regional competition on Feb. 28. At the regional tournament, UH students will play against students from Texas, Texas Tech, and Texas A&M, and what better game to have bragging rights to then Madden. “Any chance I have to beat somebody from a rival Texas school is an opportunity I take seriously,” architecture sophomore Ricky Salinas said. news@thedailycougar.com

We need participants! (And we’ll give you $40 for your time, too)

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Click on “Write a letter” at thedailycougar.com

HHP researcher is recruiting male and females (18-35 y) to participate in a study examining mechanisms linking obesity, inflammation, and disease risk. Participation in the study requires that you allow us to collect a small blood sample. Your involvement will be spread over two days (4 h total) and you will be paid $40 for your time. If you are interested in enrolling in the study, please contact: Kelley Strohacker (kstrohacker@mail.coe.uh.edu) or Dr. McFarlin (bmcfarlin@uh.edu) The project has been reviewed by the University of Houston Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects (713) 743-9204

4 n Tuesday, February 3, 2009

The Daily Cougar

OPINION

COMING WEDNESDAY: Point/Counterpoint The ethics of military funding education. ONLINE POLL: How effective is SGA at addressing issues important to you?

EDITOR Shaista Mohammed E-MAIL opinion@thedailycougar.com ONLINE www.thedailycougar.com/opinion

EDITORIAL CARTOON

THE DAILY COUGAR editorial B oard Zaneta Loh, editor in chief Signe Cluiss, managing editor James Rincon, News editor Matt Miller, Sports editor Sarah Tucker, Life & Arts editor Shaista Mohammed, Opinion editor

STAFF EDITORIAL

Method of protest does little toward true cause

BISSAN RAFE The Daily Cougar

GUEST COMMENTARY

Examples needed amidst crisis On Thursday, President Obama took Wall Street executives to task for issuing huge bonuses while the economy tanked. On the campaign trail, Obama often railed about corporate executive Timothy excess as millions of O’Brien Americans are not getting fat bonuses, but instead are losing their jobs. Obama put his money where his mouth was by addressing the salaries of his staff on his first full day in office and freezing the pay of all White House staffers who make over $100,000. His action was a strong signal it was time to sacrifice, especially for those blessed with more resources than others. In this day of massive layoffs, highlypaid executives should give up some of their compensation packages instead of making workers take all the pain. The need for executives to limit their pay has also been recognized in academia. After the Chronicle of Higher Education released its survey on university presidents’ salaries in

November, the New York Times reported many presidents were voluntarily taking pay cuts, including the president of Washington State University, who took a voluntary $100,000 reduction in pay. The presidents of Rutgers and the University of Connecticut also turned down bonuses in light of the failing economy, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. Apparently these academic executives realize the innate injustice of taking hefty salaries and bonuses when many students and their families struggle with paying tuition and staying afloat during challenging economic times. So how does our president, Dr. Renu Khator, stack up among her peers when it comes to fiscal responsibility during a time of global financial meltdown? According to the Wall Street Journal, the median salary of university presidents for the 2007-08 academic year was $427,000. Khator’s salary, including an annual mandatory cash payment to her retirement account,

is $525,000. On top of that, she gets a $50,000 annual bonus, bringing her total take to $575,000. Those figures do not include the free residence the university provides or other fringe benefits such as a car, insurance, travel and more. Did Khator follow the lead of her concerned peers and forsake her bonus or take a pay cut? The answer is no. Executives should be justly compensated for their work. However, in times of fiscal crisis, taxpayers and students should not be asked to bear the entire burden with higher tuition and fees. Since Khator came aboard, tuition has risen almost 6 percent. As the head of a public university, she should be sympathetic to the fiscal plight of students, especially considering the dire economic downturn. By taking a little less pay, she would set an example of being frugal with public resources. She could at least trim her expenses, which are unnecessarily extravagant in light of the economic crises. see O’BRIEN, page 5

Security on campus a pressing issue You’re securing your bicycle before entering a building, walking down the dorms to say hello to a friend, or simply walking from one class to another without thinking — you have maybe two Lihue or three minutes to Rearte make a choice. How do you go about deciding which place is safer to walk to or closer to an emergency box when you are running late to class and all you want is a parking spot? These activities are normal among students studying, living or just visiting the University, but recent thefts, assaults, and trespassing on campus should make students question their habits. There is no way to prevent every

crime, as UH Police Department officials recognize. Campus police have considered safety measures such as installing more security cameras and increasing the number of blue light emergency phones, but shouldn’t these services be expanded? There are still places where there is not much lightning, and some students don’t know about the security escorts and that they are available at any time of day or night. Recent incidents of robberies have students, especially women, uncertain about how safe they really are on this campus. While students should keep their guard up at all times, campus police and University administrators need to prove to students and staff that the campus is safe.

The antagonists of these incidents are mostly people who have nothing to do with the school. There is no mystery here — people come and go as they please from the library or bookstore, and nobody seems to notice. Campus officials will occasionally send security alerts and encourage faculty, staff and students to be alert, use the emergency call boxes, and call a security escort. But are these measures enough? Student safety should be a pressing concern, and campus officials are welcome to start more patrols at night instead of just telling students how to be cautious of their surroundings. Lihue Rearte is a print journalism senior and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar. com.

A protestor threw his shoe at China’s prime minister Monday, sparking global interest in the increasingly popular form of protesting. Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, who is in the U.K. to meet with officials over trade agreements, was at Cambridge University to give a speech on the global economy when the shoe was thrown. “How can this university prostitute itself with this dictator here, how can you listen ... to him unchallenged,” the protestor said, according to Associated Press writer Martin Throwing a Benedyk. During his U.K. visit, shoe at a Wen has been met by much world power criticism concerning alleged human rights abuses and the may be a Chinese control of Tibet. symbolic Shoe-throwing as protest first received global media catharsis attention in December when for the Iraqi journalist Muntader alprotestor in Zaidi threw his shoes at former President George W. Bush question, during a press conference but it can be given in Baghdad with Prime interpreted Minister Nuri al-Maliki. Alwho used his time in the as absurd by Zaidi, international spotlight to draw attention to the deaths of Iraqi media and civilians by American soldiers, onlookers. remains in prison while awaiting trial, according to AP. While the Cambridge University protestor has attempted to draw more media coverage to his beliefs with a copycat performance, more attention has been paid to the method of protest than the content. And in the meantime, the message was lost on his global audience. Throwing a shoe at a world power may be a symbolic catharsis for the protestor in question, but it can be interpreted as absurd by media and onlookers. Let’s hope a more appropriate and less archaic gesture can be employed by protestors of the 21st century.

E D I TO R I A L polic y 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 151, Communication Building; 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 151, Communication Building; e-mail them to letters@thedailycougar.com; or fax them to (713) 743-5384. All submissions are subject to editing.

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Copy editing Wilson Chang Production Colby Kibbe

NEWS | OPINION

The Daily Cougar

CRIME LOG Theft – Jan. 23, 9:25 a.m. – Cambridge Oaks Apartments – A student reported the theft of two secured bicycles, stolen by persons unknown. There are no suspects or witnesses at this time. The incident occurred between 2 p.m. Jan. 22 and 8:50 a.m. Jan. 23. Traffic Offense – Jan. 23, 12:07 p.m. – Lot 12A – A student reported that some struck and damaged his unattended and secured vehicle while it was parked in lot 12A. The driver of the striking vehicle did not leave any information as required by state law. There are no suspects or witnesses. The incident occurred between 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21. Theft – Jan. 23, 12:40 p.m. – Cambridge Oaks Apartments – A student reported that someone stole her bicycle from the stairway area of building 11 at Cambridge Oaks Apartments. There are no suspects. The incident occurred between 3 p.m. Jan. 22 and 10:45 a.m. Jan. 23. Credit/Debit Card Abuse – Jan. 23, 2:09 p.m. – UH System at Sugar Land – A staff member reported the theft of her wallet and its contents from her unattended and unsecured Sugar Land campus office. Someone made several unauthorized purchases on the stolen credit cards. An investigation is underway. The incident occurred between 10:15

O’BRIEN continued from page 4

Khator’s investiture event cost more than $60,000, according to receipts received from a public information request, but the tab may be revealed to be even higher, as University lawyers are fighting to conceal all the expenses. Items included were $18,500 for an “event management fee” and $3,500 for an event logo design for the onetime event. Why did she even need to have a costly celebration of herself? Khator has acknowledged the challenge of affordable access to education, yet nowhere does she state keeping UH affordable is a priority. Meanwhile, right up the road at Texas A&M, one of president Dr. Elsa A. Murano’s five main priorities is ensuring students can afford to study. She

a.m. and 10:25 a.m. Jan. 23. Unauthorized Use of Alcoholic Beverage – Jan. 24, 12:01 a.m. – Lot 1E – A DPS officer observed four males drinking alcohol in lot 1E. A student received a Student Life Referral for Unauthorized Use of Alcoholic Beverage. The incident occurred at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 24. Traffic Offense/Driving While Intoxicated - Jan. 24, 12:57 a.m. – Lot 4A – A visitor backed into a secured and unattended vehicle that was parked across from him in lot 4A. The visitor failed to leave contact information. Through an investigation, he was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and transported to Harris County Jail. The incident occurred between 12:57 a.m. and 2 a.m. Jan. 24. Robbery – Jan. 24, 12:08 p.m. – Agnes Arnold Hall – A student reported that two men, wearing hoodies, robbed her of a computer as she walked near the east side of Agnes Arnold Hall. Video surveillance identified two suspects. The incident occurred at 12:08 p.m. Jan. 24. Theft – Jan. 24, 4:22 p.m. – Taub Residence Hall – A student advised that someone stole his unattended and secured bicycle from the rack near Taub Residence Hall. There are no suspects or witnesses. The incident occurred between 11 p.m. Jan. 23, and 3 p.m. Jan. 24. Theft – Jan. 24, 7:23 p.m. – Lot 1A – Officers stopped a

backed that up by extending the tuition waiver to families making up to $60,000 and having the smallest tuition increase at the school since 1999. Khator, on the other hand, does not show much concern about students’ financial hardships. When questioned about graduate student funding at a student government meeting last semester Khator said, “We don’t have the resources … students have to take the burden.” Next time Khator complains about a lack of resources, perhaps she should take a look at her paycheck or take a look around her $6 million, 6,700 square foot gated mansion and ask herself if that is the best use of university resources. Timothy J. O’Brien is a history PhD candidate and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com.

visitor fro a traffic violation and subsequently arrested the visitor for the theft of a bicycle. The visitor was also arrested for an outstanding warrant out of Harris County Sheriff ’s Department. The visitor also received a criminal trespass warning. The incident occurred between 7:03 p.m. and 7:23 p.m. Jan. 24.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009 n 5

Theft – Jan. 24, 8:42 p.m. – M.D. Anderson Library – A visitor reported that someone stole his personal property from M.D. Anderson Library. There are no suspects or witnesses. The incident occurred between noon and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24.

reported that someone stole her unattended and secured vehicle from the Cullen Oaks residential lot. There are no witnesses or suspects. The incident occurred between 1:30 p.m. Jan. 25, and 3:33 p.m. Jan. 25. Theft – Reported: Jan. 26, 4:05 p.m. – Campus Recreation and Wellness Center – Two students reported that someone entered an unattended and secured temporary locker at the CRWC and removed their property without their consent and then changed the combination of the locker. The incident occurred between 3:15 p.m. and 3:35 p.m. Jan. 26.

Theft – Jan. 24, 11:33 p.m. – Parking Garage 1 – A student reported that someone stole their unattended and secured bicycle from the exterior of the UH Parking Garage. There are no witnesses or suspect. The incident occurred between 22 p.m. Jan. 23, and 10:30 p.m. Jan. 24.

Burglary of a Motor Vehicle – Reported: Jan. 26, 7:46 p.m. – Lot 15D East – A student reported to UH DPS the burglary of her secured and unattended motor vehicle while parked in lot 15D. There are no suspects or witnesses. The incident occurred between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26.

Criminal Mi s c h i e f – Jan. 25, 2:41 a.m. – Cullen Oaks Apartments – security officer working at Cullen Oaks Apartments, reported that someone set off a fire extinguisher in the 2nd floor student lounge of building 3. There were no signs of smoke, fire or evacuations. There were no witnesses. The incident occurred between 2:39 a.m. and 2:41 a.m. Jan. 25.

Theft – Reported: Jan. 26, 7:49 p.m. – Hofheinz Pavilion – A witness observed a contractor employee stealing money from a cash register while working as a cashier on campus. The suspect was arrested and released to Harris County jail for processing. The incident occurred between 7:10 p.m. and 7:49 p.m. Jan. 28.

Motor Vehicle Theft – Jan. 25, 4:07 p.m. – Cullen Oaks Apartments – A student

Theft – Reported: Jan. 27, 12:39 p.m. – Moody Towers – A student reported that someone stole her secured and unattended bicycle from a dorm. The suspect was in custody and pled guilty to this

Have you been misquoted? Though The Daily Cougar strives for accuracy and fairness in its reporting, mistakes happen. Please report any errors you see in the paper to the editorial staff. Corrections will run on Page 2 as needed to amend the record. To report a correction, e-mail editor@thedailycougar.com or call (713) 743-5362.

Traffic Offense – Reported: Jan. 27, 2:54 p.m. – Lot 19E – A student reported that someone struck his unattended and secured vehicle and failed to leave contact information. There are no suspects or witnesses. The incident occurred between 8:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Jan. 27. Theft – Reported: Jan. 27, 4:56 p.m. – Graduate School of Social Work – A student reported that someone took her purse from an unsecured auditorium in the Graduate School of Social Work. There are no suspects or witnesses at this time. The incident occurred between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Jan. 26. Traffic Offense – Reported: Jan. 27, 6:09 p.m. – Lot 13A – A faculty member reported that someone struck and damaged his legally parked, unattended vehicle. The driver of the striking vehicle did not leave the information required by Texas state law. There are no /suspects. The incident occurred between 9:30 a.m. and 4:05 p.m. Jan. 27. Criminal Mischief – Reported: Jan. 28, 6:24 p.m. – Lot 16C – A faculty member reported that someone let the air out of two of the tires on her unattended vehicle causing substantial inconvenience. There are no suspects. The incident occurred between 12:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Jan. 28.

HAVE GAME?

2009

Want To Represent Your University? Join one of our ACUI Campus Qualifying Tournaments! Campus WINNERS and RUNNER-UPS will be awarded TROPHIES, T-SHIRTS and the OPPORTUNITY to represent The University of Houston at the ACUI Region 12 Recreation Tournament (part of the ACUI Region 12’s Tournament Weekend includes Games Tournaments, College Bowl and Poetry Slam). This year’s ACUI Region 12 Tournament Weekend will be hosted by the Texas A & M- Corpus Christi, the weekend of February 27th & 28th, 2009 (expenses paid.) Some regional champions (billiards & table tennis) may advance to international competition to be held at a site and date to be announced later in the semester. For additional information and registration, drop by the UC or the UC Satellite Games Rooms or phone the UC Games Room office at (713) 743–5321. Open to ALL STUDENTS currently enrolled in a miniumum of three semester hours and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.

CHAMPION’S MEETING

Friday, February 20 th 3:00 PM UC Underground Tejas Room

Men’s & Women’s 9-ball January 28th (WED), 6:30 PM BILLIARDS UC Games Room Entry Fee: $3.00

Because your words matter.

incident. The report was cleared by exception. The incident occurred between noon Jan. 22 and 8:15 a.m. Jan. 27.

Campus winners and runner-ups are requested to attend a meeting where Regional Tournament information will be shared and campus awards distributed.

TABLE TENNIS

Men’s & Women’s Singles February 3rd (TUES), 6:30 PM UC Games Room Entry Fee: $3.00

Individuals/Open Division Only February 11th (WED), 6:30 PM Chili’s Too Wii GUITAR Entry Fee: FREE HERO

Individuals/Open Division Only February 4 th (WED), 6:30 PM Chili’s Too

XBOX 360 MADDEN Entry Fee: FREE FOOTBALL ‘09

SPADES

Individuals/Open Division Only February 10 (TUES), 3:30 PM th

DOMINOES

Partially funded by SFAC and your UC fee.

UC Satellite Games Room Entry Fee: $2.00

CHESS

2 Person Team February 17th (TUES), 3:30 PM UC Satellite Games Room Entry Fee: $4.00/2 person team Individuals/Open Division Only February 19th (Thursday), 6:30 PM UC Underground Caspian Room Entry Fee: $2.00

Return completed form with payment to the UC Games Room (lower level University Center). Phone 713/743-5321 Copies of event rules/format available at the UC and UC Satellite Games Room Service Counters.

Hours enrolled for Spring 2009 (A separate entry form must be completed for each event entered. Entry fee must accompany this form or the entry will not be accepted. NO REFUNDS WIL BE ISSUED.)

6 n Tuesday, February 3, 2009

The Daily Cougar

SPORTS

COMING WEDNESDAY: Find out how the men’s basketball team plans to end its losing streak. SPORTS BLOG: Check out the debut of our new blog, “Super Mario Sports.”

EDITOR Matt Miller E-MAIL sports@thedailycougar.com ONLINE www.thedailycougar.com/sports

PROFILE

Nixon enjoys playing for UH By Zaneta Loh The Daily Cougar

GREGORY BOHUSLAV THE DAILY COUGAR

Sophomore guard Zamal Nixon, pictured above, got his first start of the season Saturday against Memphis.

FIGHTINGWORDS

Zamal Nixon always knew he wanted to play basketball for a college far from his home state of New York. “It gives you the opportunity to go on and see different things. I lived in New York 18 years of my life. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen everything there is to see,” the sophomore guard said. “So in college I wanted to be able to go off somewhere where I can see new things, meet new people — things like that.” Being at UH for two years has given him a chance to do just that, and Nixon said he has developed close relationships with his teammates at Houston. “Everybody enjoys being around each other. It’s like one big family. We all laugh together, joke around together. I think that’s something special. I don’t think you get that at a lot of different schools,” Nixon said. “When you think about it, everybody’s coming from somewhere else. If you look at our team, you got a couple of Houston kids, kids from Baltimore, people coming from everywhere. I think that’s one of the things that’s special. Even though everybody’s different, we’re still able to get along.” Nixon was exposed to basketball at a young age

because his father coached youth basketball teams in Brooklyn. “A lot of kids grow up with a Fisher Price rim or something like that, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to wind up taking it seriously,” he said. “When I was around 7 years old, (my dad) was coaching a team my age and I wanted to play. I wasn’t as good as the other kids at that age, but I was on the team.” Nixon said he didn’t start developing as a player until he got to high school. “Toward my sophomore year, that’s when I really started to take it a little more serious because I wanted to be able to put myself in a position to go to college,” he said. “I know my parents probably would’ve found a way (to send me to college) if I didn’t play basketball, but it wouldn’t have been easy for them financially, college being as expensive as it is.” In his senior year at Boys and Girls High School, Nixon led his team, which was ranked No. 75 in the nation, to a 30-4 record. Nixon’s averages (16.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game) were enough to get him noticed by scouts at UH. “I visited the campus, I met a lot of people (and) I felt real comfortable here. It was a place where I could see me being here see PROFILE, page 7

At issue: Who is the best center in the NBA?

‘Superman’ the best in 2009, Shaq the best of all-time

Howard’s strength shows he’s the best in the league

Head-to-head says it all, Yao is still the best

Shaq-attack is no match for laser eyes

With all due respect to Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets, Dwight Howard is the best center in the NBA. Howard is nicknamed “Superman” and his numbers this year for the first place 36-10 Orlando Magic are off the charts. Howard, who once again was selected to Keith the All-Star game as Cordero Jr. a starter, is averaging 20.3 points, 13.9 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game. Howard is younger, more athletic and more durable than Yao. Howard is also a game-changer and shoots a solid 56.5 percent from the field. Yao is injury-prone and softer than Kleenex. Howard, on the other hand, is a shot-blocking machine who can win Slam Dunk Contest titles. Howard is only 23-years-old and seemingly has a lot of prime years left. Shaquille O’Neal might be the best center of all-time. Give me Howard.

For once, I’m going to agree with Keith. Dwight Howard is hand-downs the best center in the NBA, and he has yet to reach his full potential. Yao Ming might have a better midrange shot and is probably the better passer, but Howard is a much better Ronnie rebounder and shot Turner blocker and he’s stronger in the post. Should Howard ever develop a quality mid-range shot, he’ll be even more difficult to defend. Keith, however, lost a lot of credibility with his claim that Shaquille O’Neal might be the best center of all-time. Sorry, Mr. ESPN.com. Shaq doesn’t even crack the top five. Wilt Chamberlain (career averages of 30.1 points and 22.9 rebounds, fourtime MVP), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (sixtime MVP), Bill Russell (five-time MVP), Hakeem Olajuwon (12-time All-Star) and Moses Malone (three-time MVP) were all better than Shaq. Look it up.

This debate is easily solved by looking at the head-to-head numbers between Yao Ming and Dwight Howard. The answer? Yao owns Howard. Howard averages more points, rebounds and blocks per game, against the rest of the league, and he is the superior defender. But Matt Howard’s offensive Miller game is a joke. Most of his points come from dunks and layups. Yao actually has skill and finesse in his offensive repertoire. He can hit a midrange jumper, whereas Howard rarely goes outside his comfort zone of 8 feet. Yao has a variety of post moves that Howard cannot even defend. Yao brings his A-game to his matchups with Howard. Howard, on the other hand, usually stinks up the joint against Houston, resulting in an Orlando loss (most of the time). Might this be because Yao is the more versatile player? I will give Howard credit for doing what he does extremely well. Howard is the best center in the NBA…when Yao is injured.

What the hell Keith? You freaking had this one wrapped up. Judge Dredd would have easily given you the victory if you had not messed everything up with that, “Shaq is the greatest center of all time,” crap. Seriously. Howard forces the double team, like Yao. He forces defenses to plan around him, like Yao. Yao may have a better Judge post-game now, but Howard Dredd has so much freakish athleticism that he can score at will within eight feet of the basket. Not to mention Howard doesn’t turn in four and five rebound nights as Yao has a tendency to do. As for Matt’s, “He usually stinks up the joint, resulting in an Orlando loss (most of the time),” argument. Judge Dredd isn’t buying it. The Magic have the fourth best record in the NBA.

FAC E T I M E

The Cardinals played a great game. Holmes made the most clutch catch in Super Bowl history.

Verdict: Keith wins, because frankly Judge Dredd is tired of watching Ronnie beating the crap out of the competition. Judge Dredd did this on a whim, so next time be sure to bring you’re A-game Keith.

Fighting Words is a sports forum among Daily Cougar columnists. A question is posed to the group and anything goes. Their answers are evaluated by Judge Dredd based on which one is the best at beating down the other two.

SPORTS

The Daily Cougar

Tuesday, February 3, 2009 n 7

RESERVATIONS FOR SIX

Arizona comes up short in Super Bowl In an incredible and exciting fashion, the Pittsburgh Steelers captured their sixth NFL Championship Sunday night with a 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Pittsburgh proved winning Keith is just what its franchise Cordero Jr. does, winning two Super Bowls in the past four seasons with Ben Roethlisberger under center. In the fourth quarter, viewers thought the Cardinals had pulled off an incredible comeback after Larry Fitzgerald’s 64-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Kurt Warner silenced the heavily Steelers-supportive crowd. The Steelers trailed for the first time, 23-20, with more than two minutes left, but they knew Big Ben would lead them into scoring

PROFILE continued from page 6

for four years. The weather’s nice all year round … and I’m getting a good education here on top of all of that,” Nixon said. UH head coach Tom Penders’ reputation also drew Nixon to UH. “A lot of people back home know Coach Penders (and) know about what he’s done. They know how good he was as far as developing guards for their future,” he said. “I thought his system would be pretty good for me.” As a freshman in Penders’ system in 2007-08, Nixon played

position. Roethlisburger did just that, leading his team down the field into field goal range, but decided to go for the win. On first down, Roethlisburger’s pass to the back corner of the endzone on the left side of the field to wide receiver Santonio Holmes fell incomplete. The same play worked perfectly on second down, only this time it was in the back corner of the endzone on the right side of the field over three Cardinals defenders. The play gave the Steelers a 27-23 lead and secured another Super Bowl victory for the Rooney family. Holmes, in his second year out of Ohio State University, proved that speed kills. He had nine receptions for 131 yards and the game-winning touchdown reception with 35 seconds left on the clock. The touchdown catch was a shoestring grab, as Holmes managed to keep both of his feet in 31 games, averaging 5.9 points a contest. He finished the season third on the team with 37 assists and shot 31.7 percent from behind the arc. Nixon has played in 16 games off the bench for the Cougars this season. He said the team is united in its aim to reach the NCAA tournament this year. “One of our goals is to get to the tournament. We’ve got a 10-game stretch left before (the) conference (tournament) starts. We could be one of those teams talked about when you go into selection Sunday,” he said. sports@thedailycougar.com

in bounds. This may have been the greatest play in Super Bowl history. Holmes deserved the Super Bowl’s Most Valuable Player award. He also had remarkable performances in the playoffs, grabbing a touchdown in every game. Holmes, Pittsburgh’s No. 2 receiver, had 13 receptions for two touchdowns and returned a punt for a touchdown against San Diego in the divisional round, proving Holmes was a better pick than former Buckeye teammate Ted Ginn Jr. in the 2007 NFL draft. Holmes joins former Steelers wide receiver Lynn Swann and teammate Hines Ward as Super Bowl MVPs. After falling behind 20-7, the Cardinals scored 16 unanswered points off two Fitzgerald touchdowns and a Steelers safety. Despite this huge shift in momentum, the Steelers proved the Cardinals left them with too much time.

The game started slow, but became quite exciting when the longest play in Super Bowl History occurred. The Cardinals were on the doorstep of taking the lead at the end of the second quarter when Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison made the play of his career. The linebacker picked off a Warner pass intended for wide receiver Anquan Boldin on the goal line and took it 100 yards in the other direction for a touchdown, giving the Steelers a 17-7 cushion at halftime. Give the Cardinals and veteran Warner credit for fighting hard and never giving up after proving everyone wrong this season and reaching the Super Bowl despite winning only nine games in the regular season. Warner had another great Super Bowl, passing for 377 yards and three touchdowns. In Warner’s three appearances, he has delivered the top three individual

Hey Holmes Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes became the third Pittsburgh player to win the Super Bowl MVP on Sunday. Here’s how his performance stacks up against Lynn Swann and Hines Ward. Super Bowl X: Lynn Swann – 4 receptions, 161 yards, 1 TD Super Bowl XL: Hines Ward - 5 receptions, 123 yards, 1 TD Super Bowl XLIII: Santonio Holmes – 9 receptions, 131 yards, 1 TD gg

passing yard performances in Super Bowl history. Boldin and wide receiver Steve Breaston combined for 14 receptions and 155 yards in the defeat. Congratulations to Pittsburgh on its sixth Super Bowl championship, the most ever by a team in NFL history. sports@thedailycougar.com

Daily Cougar file photo

Sophomore guard Zamal Nixon, seen here against Memphis, scored a career-high 24 points against Arizona last season.

TRACK AND FIELD

Cougars set national marks By Mario Trinidad the daily cougar Several members of the UH track and field team performed at the national level at the Houston Indoor Invitational this weekend at Yeoman Fieldhouse. Sophomore Christi Jones had a time of 7.4 seconds in the women’s 60-meter dash, giving her first place in the event. Her time is one of the 10 best in the nation this year. Jones was able to hold off TCU junior Jessica Young, who also had a NCAA provisional mark. Senior Seun Adigun’s time of 8.33 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles preliminary round is the ninth-best time in the NCAA this season and the second best in Conference USA. Adigun chose to not participate in the finals because the race was not scored. The Cougar track and field team’s new additions proved they were a valuable part of the team as UH underclassmen gained top finishes in the meet. Sophomore Kiara Pulliam’s 14.18 meter toss (48 feet, 6.67 inches) in the shot put competition gave her a victory. Freshman Starla Garcia set a season-best in the 5,000-meter race, finishing the competition in 18:04.88

to grab third place. In the men’s division, UH finished first in the 4-by-400-meter relay with a time of 3:18. Freshman Isaiah Sweeney completed the 60-meter preliminaries in 6.85 seconds, setting a personal record and a conferenceleading time. In the finals, Sweeny struggled to a seventh-place finish. Sweeney came in 18th place in the 200-meter competition with a time of 23 seconds. Freshman Kevin Hobson ran the race in 22.05 seconds to finish second overall and first among collegiate runners. Freshman Jesse Rodriguez grabbed sixth place with a time of 1:57.28 in the 800-meter dash. Freshman Andres Santaolalla’s time of 16:33.01 in the men’s 5000-meter race allowed him to nab a tenth place finish. Freshman Matt Dudley’s throw of 15.8 meters (51 feet, 10 inches) in the shot-put competition snagged him the number six spot. Freshman Stephanie Aldea’s season-best time of 10:19.52 in the 3,000-meter race bumped her into seventh place. Senior Grant Hightower grabbed the No. 9 spot in the men’s long jump competition with a leap of 6.77 meters (22 feet, 2.5 inches). The Cougars will head to the New

David shih THE DAILY COUGAR

Senior Grant Hightower, pictured above, finished ninth in the men’s long jump competition Saturday at the Houston Indoor Invitational. Balance Invitational in New York City on Friday and Saturday. sports@thedailycougar.com

8 n Tuesday, February 3, 2009

The Daily Cougar

LIFE+ARTS EDITOR

COMING WEDNESDAY: A preview of the new movie, ‘Fanboys’. ONLINE: Check the new Cougar Food Blog on Thursday.

Sarah Tucker E-MAIL arts@thedailycougar.com ONLINE www.thedailycougar.com/life_arts

Houston to see city art installations By Doosen Tachia The Daily Cougar Houston’s art scene gets a new look this year as the Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) commissions eight new art pieces that will be installed around the city for the 2009 season of The Civic Art + Design program. The artists were selected through a stringent process to create permanent works that are relative to certain areas of the city and have been chosen from all over the country. Houston Arts Alliance will host the first part of the two-part exhibit Civic Duty: Building Art, Building Houston, as a further exploration of this collaboration, until March 6 at the space 125gallery located at 3201 Allen Parkway. The exhibit highlights the details of the complex procedure undergone to create a new commission for a city department from nine of the contracted artists. One of the featured artists includes art legend Donald Lipski of Philadelphia. His piece Tubbs, a pun and dedication to country music pioneer Ernest Tubb, is a fountain made up of seven clawfoot bathtubs on stainless steel stems to be installed in front of the Houston WaterWorks: Water Museum and Education Center,

a new building that will open in August. Also included in the collection is an art piece by Matthew Geller of New York City, another renowned artist who has had his work displayed in the Whitney Museum of American Art and The Museum of Modern Art in New York. His creation, an outdoor interactive sculpture called Open Channel Flow, contains a drinking water pipe, a showerhead and plumbing connections that will sit behind the Sabine Water Pump Station and will also be viewed from the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark. Artist Gordon Huether of Napa, Calif. contributes his work Over Houston, an arrangement of 24 conjoined, double-paned glass panels created from six aerial photographs of Houston to be showcased on the connector bridge of the Hobby Airport. Jim Hirschfield and Sonya Ishii of North Carolina will create Beads by veiling two Terminal E columns at George Bush Intercontinental Airport with “beads” of spun steel spheres to complete the existent commission of four “beaded” columns. At the entrance of the Mounted see CIVIC ART, page 9

‘Chorus!’ draws Wortham crowd By Sara Ali The Daily Cougar The matinee was jam-packed Sunday at the Wortham Center when the Houston Grand Opera Chorus and Orchestra featured one of its much praised performances, Chorus!. “Chorus! is a fast-moving sequence of more than 20 eclectic choral selections from opera, operetta, musical theater and oratorio,” according to a HGO press release. This musical drama is performed in two acts in several languages with English supertitles. In Act I, music from Sergei Prokofiev’s War and Peace sets the scene as the stage opens with a crowd of men and women walking around, dressed in black suits and dresses. The people try to combat an outsider who is one of their own, Peter Grimes. Although some women try to hide Grimes, rebels with flashlights soon appear and try to overpower the women. The rebels fail at their attempt as they are lured by the whispers of quiet spirits to rest and sleep during the night, which is also a time for sensual pleasures. In the end of Act I, the people realize that their sensual pleasures must be governed by the police, but that the police can also be corrupted. “O Fortuna” from Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana brings the act to a close,

as the people realize they have no choice but to surrender to the power of fickle fortune. As the trumpets blow in Richard Wagner’s opera Tannhauser, Act II opens with a red carpet on stage as men and women enter the scene in suits and evening dresses with white gloves and hats. Celebrities make their way in the scene as they walk down the red carpet, and the people idolize their glamour and fame. Music is played from Arthur Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance, and it alerts the audience to the pirates lurking among the guests. The ones who are righteous do not notice the less respectable among them, and these characters attend church to music from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music. Drunken policemen disturb the peace in the streets, and Act II comes to a close when a messenger informs the policemen warning them of Tsar Peter’s regime. Enveloped by their own fear, the policemen appeal to their leader, Prince Khovansky, who realizes that resistance is ineffective. The people realize they face impending death to music from Modest Musorgsky’s Khovanshchina, and are left with nothing else to do but to lament. With 600 costumes, 90 singers and the empowering music of the HGO orchestra, this upscale performance see CHORUS, page 9

Credit: Houston Arts Alliance

Doughty Do, by Houston artist Sharon Engelstein, will be installed winter 2009 at the entrance of the Mounted Police/Animal Services Facility at 5005 Little York Road.

sound check

Grammy anticipation “Think I give a damn about a Grammy? Half you critics can’t stomach me, let alone stand me.”Eminem. The Grammy Awards represent what most award shows are to me — nothing but industry hype and the promotion of style over substance. When Wayne Brady (yes, THAT Wayne Brady) is nominated for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance and Metallica’s Death Magnetic is up for Best Metal Performance, you know Mike Damante something is wrong. I would rather hear a Tom Brady album — at least we can hear about his exploits with super models. If M.I.A’s “Paper Planes” wins Record of the Year over Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida”, then we have another major problem. “Paper Planes” has to be one the most earplug-inducing annoying singles to hit the radio in years. The song, which only became popular by being in the film Pineapple Express, features M.I.A’s signature whine over a sample of The Clash classic, “Straight To Hell.” Not a worthy sample by any means, “Straight To Hell” is a vivid tale of going to Vietnam, while M.I.A butchers the beat with her horrible flow. Other annoyances on the Grammy list are Pink’s “So What” and individual nominations to acts such as Disturbed, Beyoncé and the Jonas Brothers. Best Rap Performance by a Group or Duo should go to T.I.’s “Swagga Like Us”, which features Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Jay-Z. “Best Rap Song” is a toss up between “Swagga Like Us” and Lupe Fiasco’s “Superstar” — it’s simply too close to call. Keep a Grammy away from Lil Wayne for his overrated album Tha Carter III. No awards can justify that album’s hype or his coming foray into rock music. Indie bands are well represented with My Morning Jacket, Kenna and Radiohead all getting different alternative rock nods. If these bands keep a Grammy away from Kid Rock or Beck, hey, that is OK.

Let’s sidestep the fact that the Grammys, along with every other award show, are just about as set up as possible. The winners are almost always obvious. Above all, it’s a reason for the stars to wear the suits and dresses you’ll never afford but love to watch anyway. I’m personally predicting a huge sweep for Coldplay, as if it wasn’t obvious. They had a huge year with 2008 album, Viva La Vida, an album with a title track that has been played to death. Although unlikely, I’d love to see Nas take home Best Rap Album Roshan Bhatt for Untitled, my personal favorite album of 2008. Nas might be a little too controversial for the Grammys, and Untitled was no stranger to that aspect, but the album was very underrated in the hip-hop community. Aside from Nas, I’d love to see Lupe Fiasco and Jay-Z take a few awards home to add to their shelves. Another big winner will be Lil Wayne, who has eight nominations for his nearly triple-platinum album, Tha Carter III. Love him or hate him, he’s had an incredible year and is a probably shoe-in for Album of the Year. He’s also promised a career-defining performance, but we know how that goes. Let’s hope he stays off the lean long enough to give us a coherent performance first, then we’ll talk career defining. Other artists slated to perform include Radiohead and Justin Timberlake, two of my most anticipated. Timberlake has been known to entertain (see Super Bowl XXXVIII) and Radiohead will undoubtedly put on a good show. Also, we have a Katy Perry performance to look forward to. Let’s hope she trips and falls on a cake again. If anything, watching the Grammys will be worth it for the performances alone. Last year’s most memorable performance was Kanye West’s on stage collaboration with Daft Punk. This year’s star-studded collaboration with the “Swagga Like Us” crew will prove no different. Be sure to tune in at 7 p.m. Sunday on CBS. arts@thedailycougar.com

LIFE & ARTS

The Daily Cougar

Tuesday, February 3, 2009 n 9

CIVIC ART continued from page 8

Police/Animal Service Facility in North Houston, Houston artist Sharon Engelstein will unravel Doughty Do, a line of 38 cast aluminum carousel horses and two dogs this winter. Houston-based Reginald Adams will produce a tiled mosaic titled Kashmere Blossoms for the Kashmere Multi-Service Center and Seattle artist Koryn Rolstad plans to produce Sheltering Arms, a piece incorporating sculpture, wall panels and themes of trees for the Northeast Multi-Service Center.

CHORUS Credit: D Nice

Hip-hop artist B.o.B., signed to T.I.’s record label Grand Hustle in 2007, is working on his new album, The Adventures of B.o.B., scheduled to be released this summer.

B.o.B. not typical hip-hop By Roshan Bhatt The Daily Cougar Atlanta has provided the hip-hop community with countless acts that have come through and flipped the music industry, including artists such as T.I., Young Jeezy, Usher and Ludacris. In 2007, T.I. signed Bobby Ray “B.o.B.” Simmons to his imprint record label, Grand Hustle, seemingly to provide his label with something different that the hiphop industry hasn’t seen since the legendary duo Outkast blew up the scene. B.o.B. has had a hard time because he is quite misunderstood as far as being represented by a genre goes. He even has a hard time labeling himself, but feels as though his music breaks down barriers and allows for different types of listeners. “I feel like my music is free and liberal because I live that way,” B.o.B.

said. “I think it’s safe to say a large part of this new, fresh generation is just anxious and itching to be free. The awareness is really spreading in music and culture.” B.o.B. is busy in the studio working on his coming album, tentatively titled The Adventures of B.o.B., which is slated for release this summer. “I’m really trying to get (the album) to where it’s obvious to me that it’s an album, and it’s not obvious to me yet,” B.o.B. said. “I feel like I have excellent songs, but I want it to be a movie. I want people to put it in and I want their world to become widescreen when they’re listening. I want it to be cinematic.” B.o.B.’s music is a bit different from what you’d hear on a typical hip-hop record label. His music is an amalgam of various genres, from pop to soul to electro. He’s maintained that T.I. and the rest of Grand Hustle have remained supportive of his

individuality, and B.o.B. seems like he’s content with the fact that he’s a genre meddler. “I’m going to be as experimental as I can possibly be,” B.o.B. said. “It’s not so much I’m just doing it to be different, but I do it because it’s my passion and I’m inspired to see and do as I wish and feel.” Seeing the acronym B.o.B. so many times insinuates that it stands for something. However, B.o.B. has a self-named “rolodex of B.o.B.s” in which he stores different meanings for the acronym and adds new meanings as he comes across them in his everyday life. “For me, B.o.B. stands for me just ‘blasting outta barriers,’ putting ‘brains over bullets’ and ‘battling our brothers,’” B.o.B. said. “And in the meanwhile, I’m staying in a ‘bubble of bliss,’ because you know, there’s a lot of hate out there.”

continued from page 8

is one of the most unique stage performances brought to Houston. “The repertoire of Chorus! spans more than 300 years, from the baroque music of Purcell and Handel to that of the 20th century composer Leonard Bernstein,” HGO Director and CEO Anthony Freud said. It is the second performance the

Finally, a glass-art installation designed by Minneapolis-based artists Amy Baur and Brian Boldon will adorn the inside of the Southeast Division Police Station. Of the coming 2009 art display, Jonathon Glus, CEO of the Houston Arts Alliance, said he proposes that Houston is poised to have the country’s next great civic art program. The space125gallery is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about The Civic Art + Design program or the Civic Duty exhibit, visit http:// www.haatx.com. arts@thedailycougar.com

HGO has seen of Australian director David Pountney, who has directed for the Vienna State Opera, Bavarian State Opera and the prestigious English National Opera. “It’s important to note that this (is) far from a choir performance,” Pountney said. “Chorus! is a fully costumed and staged production.” The production opened Friday and will continue to run until Feb. 13. arts@thedailycougar.com

arts@thedailycougar.com

BOOK REVIEW

Sassy Web star cooks up fun By Sarah Tucker THE DAILY COUGAR Nadia G’s Bitchin’ Kitchen Cookbook looks and reads so much like a magazine, one might forget the purpose of the book is to learn how to cook. The book tackles important issues its readers might face, and for which each chapter is named. Alone and hungry? The book’s first chapter, “The Single Life,” will explain how to cook and cope with that. Hungover? Chapter 19’s “Rehab Recipes” are worth a shot. Trying to find a way to tell your significant other they need to lose some weight? Chapter 13, “Deflate Your Mate,” suggests a few tasty and low-fat recipes. Sprinkled throughout the text are sarcastic comments and tidbits of “Nadvice,” offering helpful ingredients, serving and relationship tips. Recipe and chapter introductions aren’t serious at all, but this isn’t a Martha Stewart cookbook, as Nadia so often loves to point out. Bitchin’ Kitchen also contains lots of pictures — and not just of the food. Half-naked men and images of Nadia herself in various costumes are

liberally spread throughout the entire book. Some might find ait distracting, but the purpose of this cookbook is to educate in a very entertaining way and these do the job. Besides containing humorous chapter titles and crazy pictures, the Bitchin’ Kitchen Cookbook also has a few recipes worth trying. Take for example the Crispy Salmon with Leek Sauce or the Spicy Beef Kebabs with Mint — definitely two things worth learning how to cook. Or how about a Blue Cheese Burger with Caramelized Onions and Truffle Aioli? Wow. And who can refuse brussel sprouts when they’re garlic roasted? Each recipe comes complete with both a grocery and gear list. Directions are simple and to the point, with very little of Nadia G’s sassy quips. The cookbook also contains a brief introduction to various ingredients, as well as a glossary to understand Nadia’s slang and a complete list of kitchen gear (for the “real newbies”). Based on the hit Web cooking show of the same name, this cookbook is sure to delight all but the most traditional of cooks. arts@thedailycougar.com

Sound like you? Credit: Globe Pequot Press

Nadia G’s creative Bitchin’ Kitchen Cookbook reads less like a cookbook and more like a magazine — perfect for today’s generation that craves to be entertained at all times.

IN REVIEW Nadia Giosia

Bitchin’ Kitchen Cookbook

224 pages Published by Skirt! Books $19.95, paperback Verdict: It may look colorful and punkrock, but this chef knows her stuff

These symptoms could be more than just PMS — they can also describe PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). Baylor College of Medicine is conducting a clinical study of FDA-approved drugs ,YAZ and YASMIN, to determine if they are effective in relieving PMDD stress in women ages 13 to 20. Participants will complete a diary in addition to receiving medication in this study. Females between 13 and 20 experiencing these symptoms and comfortable with tampon use may be able to participate. Parental consent is required under age 18.

Call 713-798-5295 volunteer@bcm.edu

10 n Tuesday, February 3, 2009

The Daily Cougar

CLASSIFIEDS E-MAIL classifieds@thedailycougar.com

CLASSIFED RATES & INFORMATION

HELP WANTED

For the locations: West/North/SW Houston

Per line per day for 20 or more consecutive insertions

Ad material and payment is due two business days prior to publication.

ERRORS The Daily Cougar will be responsible only for the first incorrect insertion.

BULLETIN BOARD ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION WITH AMERICAN ACCENT CLASSES

HELP WANTED

$16 base /appointment. Flex Schedule. Great Resume Experience. Customer Sales/Service. Ages 17+/Conditions Apply. Scholarships and Internships Available.

Per line (3 lines minimum)

DEADLINE

HELP WANTED

ATTN STUDENTS!

per inch per day

$1.43

(713) 743-5356

ONLINE www.thedailycougar.com/classifieds

DISPLAY ADS $12.77 For 1 insertion, per inch 2 or more $9.62 For insertions, LINE ADS $1.60

PLACE AN AD TODAY

THE GREATEST SUMMER OF YOUR LIFE

CAMP PONTIAC

Is coming to the University of Houston! Located in NY State Camp Pontiac, a premier co-ed overnight camp in New York, is looking for fun, enthusiastic and mature individuals who can teach and assist in all areas of athletics, aquatics, the arts, or as general bunk counselor. Please view our website at www.camppontiac.com Interviews will be held on Wednesday, February 11th, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM University Career Services 106 Student Service Center 1

Please e-mail: stefanie@camppontiac.com or call Stefanie at 516-626-7668 to set up an interview

Contact 713-339-4171 281-463-4600 or 281-480-0434 www.workforstudents.com Current job postings Current companies hiring include: through UCS: •Desktop/Hardware Tech •Medical Receptionist •Public Relations Intern •1000’s more

Learn to speak English like an American in the NEW YEAR! PRONOUNCE correctly and REDUCE foreign accent. Understand FAST speech & be CLEARER and more SUCCESSFUL in JOB, EDUCATION & SOCIAL situations! Classes begin in February, so call today!

WE ARE SEEKING:

a full-time or part-time Web Designer in the 610 Loop & Richmond area, with knowledge of PHP and e-commerce, and experience in Dream Weaver. Please contact

713-527-9912

Summer jobS available

Direct sales. Very good pay. Call Nick 281-498-3232

HIRING

Certified lifeguards, desk staff,

swim instructors and water aerobics/fitness instructors. Great pay & flexible hours! Call 713-662-5892 or 713-662-5387 for information.

Monday - Thursday 8-12 pm. $10/hr. Clark McDowell and Kic Realtors

(713) 528-5311

Manufacturing/ industrial/ Mechanical engineer Part-time internship position. Assist in the day-today Production Operations, Time Studies & Costing. 4-6 hours per day/$12 per hour.

HINGE Tuesdays @ 6:30pm Worship & Spiritual Discussionbsmhouston.org. !BARTENDING! up to $300 a day, no exp necessary, training provided. 18+ ok. 800-965-6520 ext.145

Submit resume to susie.palacios@emerson.com

HELP WANTED MAKE UP TO 75 DOLLARS per online survey, www.cashtospend.com

ADVERTISE! 713-743-5356

713-527-9912

OFFICE COORDINATOR

713-974-3515

HELP WANTED!!! Montessori preschool in the Heights. Afternoon caregiver 3 to 6 pm. Contact : 713-861-4112.

WE ARE SEEKING a full-time or part-time International Purchasing Assistant in the 610 Loop & Richmond area, with strong organization, verbal, and written communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. This is a good opportunity for those majoring in International Business. Please contact

Coordinate work w/ office, outside vendors & agents for a Real Estate Mgmt. Co.

www.AccentLoss.com Hillcroft/59 Area

FLEXIBLE PT MEDICAL SALES OPPORTUNITY within the aesthetic field. Please call at 281-773-9551

•Leaps and Bounds Tutorial •Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation •Days Inn & Suites •100’s more

HELP WANTED

*STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM* PAID survey takers needed in Houston. 100 percent FREE to join! Click on Surveys. MONTESSORI school near Museum dist. Looking for PT/FT. Infant to EC teacher assistants. Call Tara 713-520-0738 FIND A QUALIFIED employee fast! Call 713-743-5356.

CARS FROM $500! Hondas/Chevys/ Jeeps etc! Police Impounds! For listings 1-800-544-1092 ext. 3551 ADVERTISE! 713-743-5356

RENTALS

PSY CLINIC taking app from enthusiastic individuals with some college credit who are interested in applied exp working with children. Hourly paid range $8-$16 depending on exp & qualifications. Email resume to: resume@drharris.org or call: 832-875-8927

STUDENT/STAFF SPECIAL: U of H AREA-$99. 1st mo rent. Minutes from campus. 1bdrm $429. & 2bdrm $529. with a 1 YEAR LEASE. 3629 MacGregor Way-Office 713-523-0225.

HAVE A PLACE for rent? Need to get the word out? Call 713-743-5356 TODAY!

A Mile From UH, Furnished $400 mnth. Call Rene 713-928-5370 from 9am9pm.

RENTALS 1 BDRM GARAGE APT cross street from UH. Fully furnished. All utilities paid. Please call 713-418-0987 3BD 2BA $199/MO 5%dn, 30yrs @8% Start Saving Money! For Listings 800544-6258 ext T594 FEW BLOCKS from UH ,a big studio $300;1 bdrm $360; 3- 11/2 $800 with utilities. No pets. Call 713-834-4209. HOUSTON HEIGHTS. 30 minutes from the UH campus. 1 bedroom and 1 bath - $750; 2 bedroom and 1 bath - $950. CALL 713-682-7142.

ROOMS FOR RENT FIVE MIN FROM CAMPUS. Share 3bdrm apt w/2 arch students. $170/mo rent+shared utilities. 810-241-7969 or quiltdad2@hotmail.com

GET A JOB. We’ve done most of the work for you. Check out The Daily Cougar Classfieds every day!

THE DAILY COUGAR

Off campus? Online.

Download Classifieds daily at thedailycougar.com/classifieds

The Daily Cougar

COUGAR COMICS The Waves by Bissan Rafe

Dim Sum by Ho Yi Lau

Man Law by Chris Jacobs

COMICS & MORE Online at thedailycougar.com/comics

today’s crossword ACROSS 1 5 10 14 15 6 1 17 18 20 22 23 25 26 27 28 32 33 35 36 37 38 39 41 43 44 45 46 48 50 51 54 55 57 61 62 63 64 65 66

— pro quo Red-ink entry Ancient story Is, to Pedro Protein-building acid Molokai neighbor Pizazz Meadow blossom Dipper Sausage herb By and large Very, informally Find Retainer Laid off Eyebrow shapes Metes out Willowy Fem. saint Ill-mannered one Dallas cager Lemony taste — kebab Drew near Baja Ms. Part of mpg Bulova rivals Animal fat Catches Make a big effort Vowed Dream Martial — Chills Radio part Water-ski locale Oz pooch Stitched Laundry problem

DOWN

At the Hot Dog Stand by Mishele Lamshing

Tuesday, February 3, 2009 n 11

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Theorem ender UN member — a deal! Showy blooms Wasted time A Bronte sister Digestive juice Wabash loc. Chewy candies Visible at night Gape open

Answers online at thedailycougar.com/puzzles 3

18 20 23

22 25 27

37 40

44 48 52

43 47

66 ©

2 Quaker pronoun 1 13 Throw 19 Actress — Thompson 21 Social insect 23 Cement for bricks 24 Put stress on 25 Navigation hazards 26 Persists 27 Natural talent 29 Harm 30 Alpaca cousins 31 Goblins 34 — and aahed 40 Early astronomer 41 Coverlets 42 Threw a party for 43 Breakfast foods 47 Impair 49 Dow Jones fig.

today’s sudoku (Difficulty: 2/5)

50 Dane’s neighbor 1 Clobber 5 52 Pizza order, often (2 wds.) 53 Chase away 54 Prove 56 Shirt accessory 58 Break-dance music 59 Sugar Ray stat 60 Collection

2009 United Feature Syndicate INC.

Previous puzzle solved MB A R E AM A S I A T A L L G P E T A T R AM AM I H A L O V E F F E S OR R T R E E E T T A R E S T

E T C Y H E E L S P S T A I T C T E L I N G

P E R O N V E G A S O O N

S OM MP O U E T C H A B S T A A I L R N L U A L C E A R F I T A S I S E A T S

WH EW H E I R I N D Y A N N E L L E A R Y I R S A S S Y WHO A L L OW R E S T S N S S S I ON E DG E N E RO S S E

Answers online at thedailycougar.com/puzzles

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

Limbo by Paulo Aninag

In the time it takes you to update your

Facebook you could get in the yearbook.

Here’s how:

HOUSTONIAN YEARBOOK PHOTO WEEK • 9 a.m.–7 p.m. February 16–19 • 9 a.m.–3 p.m. February 20 Claudette Room, UC Satellite Shoots available by appointment. Walk-ins welcome. No sitting fees!

Visit uh.edu/sp/houstonian or call (713) 743-5350 for registration info.

ADVERTISING

12 n Tuesday, February 3, 2009

The Daily Cougar

R E P U $ TUE$DAY $AVING$ CHINESE STAR RESTAUR

CHINESE STAR RESTAUR

serving the university of houston community since 1990

Regular Hours: Mon. – Wed. 8AM – 11:45 PM Thursday 8AM – 12:45 AM Friday 8AM – 1:45 AM Saturday 10AM – 1:45 AM Sunday 1PM – 11:45 PM

serving the university of houston community since 1990

Come and see our new

UNIV

IN S

ITY D

EEL

Expires 2/28/09

Valid only at the UC Games Room. Not valid Fridays & Saturdays after 6PM. Not valid with any other offer. One coupon per person, per day.

RIVE

EET

SPUR 5 UNIV

ERS

ITY D

EEL

ROAD

University of Houston

STR

TRE

Hofheinz Pavillion

Robertson Stadium

ERS

• dishes prepared hot, fresh & just the way you like it!

I-45

ELG

University of Houston Robertson Stadium

* with 1/2 hour of a paid game

ur UC fee.

CALHOUN

TRE

ROAD

IN S

Hofheinz Pavillion

1/2 HOUR OF FREE POOL

AC and yo ed by the SF

location at the old Pizza Hut. I-45

ELG

CALHOUN

1 FREE GAME OF BOWLING * with 1 or more paid games

• conveniently located across from campus • take-out•&conveniently dine-in located across from campus • lunches•&take-out dinners&$4.55 dine-inand up • over 60 •different dishes lunches & dinners $4.55 and up • vegetarian menu available • over 60 different dishes • vegetarian • dishes prepared hot,menu freshavailable & just the way you like it!

STR

RIVE

EET

$4.55$4.55 DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS

Enjoy a FREE TEA $2.50 BUBBLE TEAS & SMOOTHIES $2.50 BUBBLE TEAS & SMOOTHIES with the purchase of a try our refreshing fruit smoothies try our refreshing tapioca tapioca bubblebubble teas &teas fruit &smoothies meal with this coupon. (2) chef entrées-of-the-day, an eggroll & a side of fried rice (2) chef entrées-of-the-day, an eggroll & a side of fried rice available everyday from 11AM available everyday from- 2PM 11AM - 2PM

SPUR 5

4725 CALHOUN ROAD

713.741.0702

4711 calhounROAD road 4725 CALHOUN 713.741.0702 (across from melcher hall) www.chinesestarrestaurant.com mon. - sat. 11AM - 9:30PM

nd Partially fu

(opposite texas 77004 713.741.0702 mon. 11am - 9:30pm (across from calhoun melcherlofts) hall)houston, www.chinesestarrestaurant.com mon.- sat. - sat. 11AM - 9:30PM

Cash in these coupons

& save today!

$5 OFF! Get Your Dance On!

“ Salsa Lessons”

Saturdays @ Cougar Den 3:00 - 4:00 Beg/Int, 4:00 - 5:00 pm Adv Classes start: Now- May 3rd, 2009 Contact us at salsa1@mail.uh.edu • 832-419-3818 www.uh.edu/cougarsalseros www.danceclaudia.com

UC Arbor, Room 32D 713/743-2777 www.uh.edu/ucaf

Try our new boneless wings 8326 broadway st. broadway belfort Cntr Houston, TX 77061 (713) 847-94-64 2/28/09

712 gulfgate Center Mall • Gulfgate shopping Cntr Houston, TX 77087 (713) 643-9464

HOURS OF OPERATION Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

AC ed by the SF

nd Partially fu

C fee. and your U

Sunday 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Cash, Checks, and Credit cards accepted.

Your coupon ad can be on this page.

2/28/09

Call (713) 743-5340