Issue 90, Volume 74 by The Cougar

THE DAILY COUGAR

TODAY’S WEATHER

Love Story: Students explore relationships /FEATUREs

Ride ‘em cowboy: UH takes on C-USA foe SMU /SPORTS

3-day forecast, Page 2

Hi 75 Lo 46

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Issue 90, Volume 74

www.thedailycougar.com

Vets lack PTSD help By Signe Cluiss The Daily Cougar The UH Veteran’s Services Organization is preparing to recruit returning veterans to UH. The VSO requested a bonus from the Student Fees Advisory Committee Tuesday to assist with marketing materials. The campus can expect more veterans in the fall, after a new bill takes effect on Aug. 1. The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 will make higher education and living costs affordable for veterans. “According to Texas Veterans Commission and the federal statistics, about 25 percent more veterans will be entering college,” VSO program manager Allen Grundy said. The VSO requested an extra $4,500 for marketing materials to assist its estimated $95,000 budget. Absent from the budget proposal was a position request for a psychological counselor trained in military

trauma. Grundy told The Daily Cougar on Thursday that he planned to add the position request as an addendum to the VSO budget proposal. Grundy said he ultimately decided counseling services for the UH veteran community was not VSO’s top priority. The decision came a week after U.S. Army officials announced in a press conference that reported suicides of military personnel outnumbered combat deaths in January. “I didn’t even ask for (a counselor) at SFAC. I wish I did,” Grundy said Tuesday. “You can’t hit (SFAC) with everything at one time, but the marketing needs to be done right away.” The VSO’s next opportunity to request funding for a position from SFAC is spring 2009, a semester after the expected large influx of returning veterans. “My contention was to see how many new (veterans see VETERANS, page 3

Valentine’s event to aid teens

Photo Courtesy oF UHPD

Slain victim identified Daily Cougar News Staff UH Police Department identified the man killed on campus Saturday. The victim’s name was Joe Tall. Houston Police Department contacted Tall’s family before releasing a mug shot of Tall the department had on file from a previous booking. HPD investigator Todd Miller said Tall was from the north side of Houston and homeless at the time of his death. He suffered one shot to the back of the head with a large caliber weapon. The shooter likely fired from a car,

Many milestones await college students nearing graduation — getting the cap and gown, sending out invitations and planning the after-graduation party. But with the economic downturn, this excitement can turn into a time of apprehension, anxiety and fear of the future. “(My company) isn’t getting much work, so I am not getting much work. Now I am worried about how I am going to pay for school next semester. I paid off my school for this semester, but I don’t know about my job anymore. I am worried about my future and what is going to happen to me next May (when I graduate),”

By Amina Rivera The Daily Cougar

Miller said, since forensics showed Tall did not suffer contact wounds or powder burns that indicate the shot was from a closer range. Police are looking for anyone who may have witnessed the shooting, heard a shot in the area or saw a car speeding from the scene. UHPD Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and charging of any felony suspect in the case. Those with information can contact Crime Stoppers by calling (713)-222-TIPS and Miller at (713)-308-3670.

Covenant House Texas and Do1Thing are working together to encourage communities to do one thing for homeless teenagers this Valentine’s Day. CHT is accepting donations of clothing, toiletries, bus cards, baby items, gift cards and monetary donations at its shelter on 1111 Lovett Blvd. see ONE THING, page 7

Grant joins research, treatment

news@thedailycougar.com

Jobs harder to find, but available By Allison Smith The Daily Cougar

Clothing, bus cards to support homeless

Sanket Shah, a health and human performance junior, said. Other students echo his concerns and are wondering how they will pay for the next term, make rent and find full-employment when even getting an after-school job poses a challenge. “The economy has hit college students hard. Anyone who isn’t currently working is going to be extremely hard pressed to find a job right now, and rising tuition rates have forced a lot of people to take a semester or two off to pay for the rising cost of living,” history junior Clint Marchand said. While students can’t control what happens in Washington, D.C. or on the New York Stock Exchange, there are things they can do to reduce the see ECONOMY, page 3

All Photos BY DAVID SHIH The Daily CougaR

BRAUMS AWAY

lumna soprano Melissa Givens and guest mezzosoprano Sonja Bruzauskas sang pieces including poems by Maya Angelou, Emily Dickinson and Jane Kenyon. Affiliate artist in viola Wayne Brooks was joined by guests violinist Sophia Silivos, cellist Kevin Dvorak and pianist Rodney Waters to play selections from Bolcom, Braums, Kodály and Schumann.

UH professor hopes to garner collaboration, increased productivity through center By Marc Anderson The Daily Cougar The $5.5 million Emerging Technology Fund grant UH received Thursday is already being put to use. The grant funds the newlyfounded Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling. Professor Jan-Åke Gustafsson, renowned scientist in the field of hormone receptors, heads the center. Gustafsson said the center is still in the early stages of development, but hopes to have it fully staffed see GRANT, page 7

2 n Wednesday, February 11, 2009

The Daily Cougar

CAMPUS BEAT FORECAST THURSDAY

FRIDAY

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CALENDAR

SATURDAY

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» Send event information to

calendar@thedailycougar.com

today Baked goods and mace sale: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Phillip Guthrie Hoffman Hall Breezeway and Women’s Resource Center. Combat campus crime by buying your loved one mace for Valentine’s Day. Sponsored by the American Medical Students Association at UH. Wii Wednedays: 6 to 8 p.m. at UC Chili’s Too. Come play Wii Sports and Mario Kart. Sponsored by the Student Program Board. Movie Night — 50 First Dates: 7 to 9 p.m. at the Houston Room, University Center. Free admission. Sponsored by the Student Program Board.

C LU B 101

» Get the word out about your group. Contact features@thedailycougar.com

Group shares love for performing Mission: The Lyric Players provides an outlet for all who love musical theater through performances and viewings of the art. Who’s in charge: Co-producers Jennifer Agbu and Andy Chang, in addition to a team of creative officers. Founded: February 2008 Save the date: Come to Lyric Players’ newest show “Seasons of Love” from Feb. 18-19 and 21 at 8 p.m. in the Oberholtzer Ballroom. Jennifer Aglou “Seasons of Love” portrays a class Some text identifying the people in the photograph. discussion on love using quirky tunes about platonic and romantic love from musicals “I enjoy being in the Lyric Players and “Scrubs”. The Lyric Players hosts off-season movie because I get to hang out with nights in the FYRE resource center at Moody friends and perform songs I might Towers every week. Join the Facebook group for dates on movie nights. not perform elsewhere.” Sign me up! : Anyone is welcome to join – Alicia Whitmire, psychology senior the Lyric Players. To perform in the show, performers must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0. “My favorite thing about Lyric To obtain a solo students must first Players is my friends discovering audition for the officers. Meetings: Rehearsals changes every that they can sing, act and dance semester depending on performers’ when they didn’t believe they could schedules. do it before.” Contact: E-mail thelyricplayers@yahoo. com – Hillary Sotello, anthropology

and political science senior

Thursday Pratham at UH bake sale: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Phillip Guthrie Hoffman Hall Breezeway. Help underprivileged Indian children afford educational supplies and basic necessities. Visit www.uh.edu/ Pratham. Business Career Fair: 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the University Hilton. Contact Kori Gould at kgould@uh.edu. Technology Grill Fest: 4 to 8 p.m. at College of Technology Breezeway. Come enjoy food and beverages. Network with industry sponsors, student organizations and fellow students.

CO R R E C T I O N S

» Accuracy matters. Report errors to editor@thedailycougar.com

In the article ‘UH reacts to violence’ (News, Tuesday) The Daily Cougar mistakenly stated the number of officers on duty at UH. The force consists of 48 officers with 33 on patrol at all times and the others as remaining support and assist patrol. About the Cougar The Daily Cougar is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters, and Tuesday and Thursday during the summer, at the University of Houston Printing Plant and online at www. thedailycougar.com. The University seeks to provide equal educational opportunities

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NEWS

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VETERANS continued from page 1

will attend UH) and then ask for (a counselor). I think that’s usually the way the school looks at things. They need viable proof,” Grundy said. However, Grundy also said three staff members reported to the VSO that violent threats were made to them by a UH student veteran. VSO’s official policy is to refer student veterans seeking help to the Justin Dart Jr. Center for Students with Disabilities, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center or UH Counseling and Psychological Services, but Grundy said usually referrals aren’t made without request. “We really don’t do much referral,” he said. “Because a lot of veterans don’t think that they have a problem.” Veterans account for 5 percent of patients treated at CAPS, according to a fall 2008 survey of patient’s intake paperwork. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) accounts for erratic, depressed and suicidal behavior among some veterans. Sufferers experience reoccurring, intrusive and distressing recollections of traumatic events, CAPS interim director Dr. Norma Ngo said. “(Soldiers are) not supposed to acknowledge feelings, yet they keep coming up,” Ngo said. “They

ECONOMY continued from page 1

stress of a down economy. “The first thing students can do is limit the amount of time they spend listening to bad economical news,” said Janet Civitelli, associate director for Career Counseling at University Career Services. Overloaded with negative information will stop taking action, and this is the worst position to take. “Students should channel energy into actions that they can control, like staying clear on career goals, keeping in touch with employers that are hiring, get feedback on resumes and get more job-related experience through internships, part-time jobs and volunteer work,” Civitelli said. Many resources are available to students on campus. At UH Career Services, students can get help with resume writing, attend workshops and campus recruitment events, practice interviewing skills and receive one-on-one counseling.

feel like they’re not supposed to feel depressed or anxious, although it’s very normal and that’s what we’re trying to educate the population on — that it’s normal for you to feel that way and you need to get help. Otherwise, it’s going to get worse.” CAPS and VSO have collaborated on Veterans, Troops and Family Support Group, but Ngo said UH needs a full-time counselor trained in military trauma. Ngo said she plans to request a new hire during CAPS’s meeting with SFAC. “We do not have a PTSD specialist. We all are generalists, so we know how to work with someone who has trauma, but we don’t say that we’re experts in (PTSD),”Ngo said. SFAC will review the CAPS budget proposal at 10:15 a.m. Friday at the University Center, Bluebonnet Room. If SFAC approves a new hire, CAPS could employ a counselor to address student veterans’ mental-health needs as early as August. “It’s probably not a good (economic) time to ask for a position, but we also can’t ignore the fact that these students are returning,” Ngo said. “We want to be prepared for them. And there is a lot of work to do ahead of time. Letting them know we’re here — that takes place much earlier to when they’re actually here.”

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 n 3

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“During a down economy, people can still get jobs,” Civitelli said. “It might take longer and it might take multiple steps to land the ideal job, but it can be done.” Civitelli said down economies mean job seekers might have to compromise when looking for a job. A compromise is a strategic move made by the seeker to take a job that might lead to a better position in the future. “Job seekers shouldn’t settle. Jobs should be taken to make opportunities for you,” Civitelli said. Civitelli said students who are not graduating this May or December should get more experience and build their resumes through internships and part time work. “The best action you can take is to create a plan for when you are a freshman, sophomore, junior and senior,” Civitelli said. “And don’t worry if you feel like you are behind. Now is the best time to start.” news@thedailycougar.com

4 n Wednesday, February 11, 2009

The Daily Cougar

OPINION

COMING THURSDAY: Should students be licensed to carry guns on campus? ONLINE POLL: How do you engage in free speech?

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

EDITORIAL CARTOON

THE DAILY COUGAR edi t o rial B o ard 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 Sarah Krusleski, Features editor

STAFF EDITORIAL

Students need to be aware of what their money supports

Bissan Rafe The Daily Cougar

Porn should not be condemned Pornography gets a pretty bad rap. It is seen as degrading, to mostly women. But pornography includes men, women, homosexuals, heterosexuals and different races as well. To say its influence ends with women is an unfair, sexist misconception. Pornography is Matthew a healthy response Keever to the current state of Americans’ understanding of sexuality. People have questions about their bodies and are interested in discovering more about what is sexually pleasing to themselves and their partners. Pornography’s fatal flaw is no fault of its own, but rather our society’s fault. No one of any standing in the community will discuss it. Pornography is the elephant in the room that everyone sees but ignores. Those who do discuss it usually brush it off as garbage, but never state what exactly is wrong with it. We’re comfortable with advertisements picturing half-naked models, television shows and movies depicting sex acts and

making sexual jokes, but when genitalia is seen and penetration occurs, a line is apparently crossed. In the 1990 Supreme Court case of United States v. Eichman, Chief Justice William Brennan discussed controversial free speech during his defense of Shawn Eichman, a flag burner. “If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable,” Brennan said. Similarly, the general public may frown upon pornography, but regardless, it is defended. Although porn may possess redeeming qualities, the general consensus is its audience does not. The viewers of pornography are seen as sexually deviant and no one of any standing in the community wants to admit to watching pornography. To say women are the only ones affected by the adult entertainment industry is to sell short men’s feelings on the subject. Perhaps we should look at porn from

a more objective perspective without partiality. Laura Kipnis conducted a survey dealing with pornography for her book “Bound and Gagged: Pornography and the Politics of Fantasy in America”. Her findings showed the inability to connect with the actresses in pornography, both physically and in their standards (or lack thereof ) in men, as the reason many women do not enjoy watching pornography. But men may be put off by pornography as well. They too are objectified in the media, from Abercrombie & Fitch advertisements to male-enhancement products seen on television at all hours of the day. Though it may sound cliché, it is imperative America protects things even the general public does not approve of. Pornography is not a proven detriment to society. To those who do not wish to watch others engage in sex acts, no one is forcing it down their throats. Matthew Keever is a communication junior and may be reached at opinion@ thedailycougar.com.

Readers’ reactions misguided I was reading Monday’s edition of our local little newspaper and my English teacher noticed the picture on the front cover — you know the one. She asked to see the paper and after I handed it to Joshua her, said the picture Brown of the homicide victim was something my editor should never let reach the paper. My teacher was shocked the picture actually showed the victim’s body. I never even gave the picture a second glance. I did not think that showing a body in a newspaper would be a big deal. I just assumed since we see worse on TV every day, that kind of imagery is not taboo anymore. Apparently I was wrong. The comments on this story at thedailycougar.com attack the newspaper with uncanny force. They range from,

“This should have been handled better” to “You guys are trash.” It is safe to assume most of the commentators are students at UH. So, The Daily Cougar seemingly offended most of the student body. Well, thank you for the input. Newspapers would not exist at the level they do now without that kind of reaction and input from the public. If not for the unalienable right to free speech and freedom of expression, it is possible we never would have even heard of the murder. So, in correlation with free speech, here is a reaction to your reaction. We are adults now. Mommy cannot hold our hands for the rest of our lives. We will all eventually have to face the real world, and the unfortunate truth is the real world is harsh and can be obscene. When the paper printed a picture

of a dead man, it printed news. Many commentors are horrified by the photo of a slain man, yet a large majority watch shows like Law and Order and play “Grand Thft Auto”. If you are truly disgusted by this or any other graphic event, I suggest you stay away from the news and the media as a whole. This world is not getting any nicer, and the media reflects the world. I was just as shocked and horrified by this event as anyone else. However, it is the event that was horrible, not the reporting itself. The comments, while I obviously disagree with them, are exactly what this paper and this country still need. Joshua Brown is an undecided freshman and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar. com.

hen it comes time to pay tuition, many students notice the majority of their bill is dedicated to fees other than the cost of their classes. These fees subsidize various departments, programs and organizations within UH in order for them to continue providing free services to students. Each spring student fee-funded organizations present recommendations for annual funds to the Student Fees Advisory Committee. Comprised of seven students, two faculty and one non-voting adviser, SFAC determines which programs will continue to receive funds and how much will be allocated to each. These requests are later submitted to the UH president for final approval. Some of the programs and organizations which rely on student fees are the Blaffer Gallery, Student Publications, the University Center and UC Satellite, Student Program Board, Counseling and Psychological Services, the Metropolitan Volunteer Program, the Frontier Fiesta Association and the Child Care Center, to name a few. SFAC has been meeting this entire week to determine how to dispense these precious funds. Many organizations are petitioning for more money to continue serving students. Some of the organizations and programs requesting the continuation of or an increase in funds truly deserve it. They have done all they can do with their budgets, and in order to expand and continue their services, more money is needed. Other organizations’ requests are questionable. Have they fulfilled their mission in the past year? Are they successfully reaching out to all students? And if they haven’t, where are previously allocated funds going? Students have the right to know who is doing what with their money. All SFAC meetings are open to the public. They next meet at 9 a.m. Friday and again at 8:45 a.m. Monday in the Bluebonnet Room, University Center. A list of all programs and organizations that receive student fees as well as their fiscal year 2010 requests can be found online at http://uh.edu/sfac/.

E D I TO R I A L p o lic 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.

Issue credits n n

Copy editing Angela Hoang, Ruth Rodriguez Production Mario Trinidad

OPINION

The Daily Cougar

LETTERS

AR TO: ILY COUG THE DA

TO: THE DAILY COUGAR

»»Increase of police patrol a necessity

I would like to comment on the recent upswing in crime around our campus. I see the all too frequently e-mails informing us about incidents that have plagued our school as of late. After an observation I made on my way home at 7:00 p.m. Monday I am fully convinced that the latest promise of increased security by the administration is as likely to be filled as the hope of the frugality of our president. While driving along Wheeler Avenue and the economy parking lot, I noticed students walking alone and headed to a parking lot that had not one light working. I was not aware of the fact that in being able to afford only an economy parking tag you would also have to forgo safety and security in the process. After the unfortunate homicide on our campus by hoodlums who prey on the innocent, we can ill afford to take chances by leaving areas unlit and unpatrolled. The constant e-mails warning us to be aware of our surroundings would be more effective if we could actually see our surroundings. Speaking of patrols, in the three years I have been here I have rarely, if ever, seen a uniformed officer patrolling the campus on foot on a bike or by golf cart doing regular rounds. We cannot stop all crime, but the administration should put its money where its mouth is and address these problems with the utmost haste. Hugo Acevedo, engineering technology senior

»»Daily Cougar homicide coverage too brutal

As a graduate of the University of Houston and now an employee, I felt compelled to write a letter of disgust to The Daily Cougar staff in response to the article entitled ‘Man shot to death on campus’(News, Monday). Not only am I appalled at the fact that you decided to put the story of a homicide on the front page of The Daily Cougar, I am shocked you also found it necessary to include a picture of the homicide with the man lying on the ground dead and surrounded by blood. Although this man has not been identified, this man should still be treated with dignity and respect. Plastering his picture on the front page of The Daily Cougar is definitely not the way to report such a tragic incident. Rachel Cheney, Sales Excellence Institute events manager

»»Campus safety a joint effort

A few issues ago, in an article about driving to campus called ‘UH holds commuter fair’ (News, Jan. 29), some suggested said students should seek other forms of transportation, like the bus, or park in an outlying lot. This shocked me. It is easy for men to say these things. What about the women who attend UH? I am not going to ride the bus or park in an outlying lot unless I know I will be safe. The University of Houston is a

great place to attend college and the opportunities for this school to become even better are endless. As a woman, when deciding which college to attend, safety was on the top of my list of deciding factors. If the University wishes to expand and improve on-campus living, then the issue of safety must be addressed seriously. Personally, I would not mind walking through a metal detector or getting my bag searched to know that I am a bit safer at my home away from home. We all need to work together as Houstonians and as Cougars to keep UH a wonderful and safe place to get a quality education. Christian Vaughn, communication sophomore

»»Homicide photo fails to achieve purpose

As a former staff writer for The Daily Cougar, I was deeply disturbed by the choice to run a picture of the dead body with the article ‘Man Shot to Death on Campus’ (News, Monday) on the front page or any other page, for that matter. It is absolutely distasteful to the man who was robbed of his life, and serves no purpose except to sensationalize the story further. It is a tragedy that this took place, and the campus population should be informed about the incident, but the picture The Daily Cougar chose to run is simply in bad taste and accomplishes no real journalistic purpose.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 n 5

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Malak Chabkoun, political science Ph.D. candidate

»»Gun carriers should be placed in better light

I was thoroughly disappointed in the way the recent article ‘Campus Considers Gun Laws’ (News, Firday) was handled. There was not a shred of actual research done in regards to this topic other than the fact that the University is looking at the issue. The Texas DPS Web site provides several years’ worth of data in regards to conviction rates of all types of crime. It is obvious even at first glance that individuals who own concealed carry licenses by and large commit no crimes at all. Individuals who have a concealed handgun license respect the law and their fellow citizens. In fact, they respect the law enough to spend $250 in fees and hours of coursework in order to obtain their license and then sit and wait for several months while their paperwork is processed. Individuals who lawfully carry a gun are not a threat and are not a problem. The gun that I carry does not prevent anyone from interacting with me via reason and rationality; it only prevents those who would interact with me through force. Law-abiding gun owners have enough to worry about without uninformed individuals stirring up trouble. Ash Carter, mechanical engineering junior

L E TT E R S p o licY Letters to the editor are welcome from any member of the UH community. They should focus on issues and not be personal attacks. They must be signed with the writer’s name and affiliation with the University, if any. Please include a phone number. Letters are subject to editing and must be no more than 250 words. Deliver letters to Room 151, Communication Building; via campus mail to STP 4015; by fax to (713) 743-5384; or by e-mail to editor@thedailycougar.com.

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6 n Wednesday, February 11, 2009

OPINION

Have you been to thedailycougar.com lately? We know you’re off campus more often than not and you’ve got a busy life to worry about. That’s why thedailycougar.com puts the campus at your fingertips, connecting you to UH in a way no other Web site can. It makes it even easier to share your group’s news and events with the campus, take part in discussions and follow UH news, sports and entertainment. So, whether you’re on campus or off, you’re always in touch.

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The Daily Cougar

City Council veteran catalyst for change Upon waking up and reading the morning newspaper, many Houstonians discovered Eleanor Tinsley, the first woman elected to an at-large City Council seat, died early Tuesday morning of natural causes. Funeral Alana arrangements MousaviDin have not yet been released. She was an eight-term veteran of the City Council and only left office in 1995 because of the city’s new term limit laws. Tinsley was elected in 1979 as the first female in citywide office. Tinsley was known as an honest, hardworking woman. She pioneered the SPARK School Park program, which made use of already available school grounds around Houston and added features such as benches and trails for public use. The program also included local artistry. Leonard Rejcek, the President and Chief Operations Officer of Manhattan Construction, remembers meeting Tinsley in the early 1980s when he worked with the company she contracted to install the park benches and trails that the SPARK program had put in local low-income schools around Houston. “She was a high-energy individual who had a lot of progressive ideas,” Rejcek said. “Her SPARK program was innovative, economical and practical.”

Eleanor Tinsley researched tirelessly to understand and address Houston issues during her tenure on City Council and until her death. Indeed, she was well ahead of her time when it comes to utilizing available space. She was known to be a pistol when it came to going after what she wanted. Aside from SPARK, Tinsley fought against the abundance of billboards in our city. She felt they negated the visual beauty of Houston. As a 16-year City Council veteran, she remained true to the people of Houston by working to better their environment and was an active voice for them. “She enjoyed getting out there and meeting all of the people,” Rejcek said. Tinsley made her mark on Houston and has set a tough path to follow. She will be missed for her passion and dedication; our condolences are extended to her family. Alana MousaviDin is a political science senior and may be reached at opinion@ thedailycougar.com.

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UH alumnus Shaun Light said CHT and projects similar to Do1Thing helped him get his life back on track. “I don’t think I would have been able to go back to college and finish my degree if CHT had not helped me when they did,” he said. Light went to CHT when he was 19 years old, after his brother and his ailing mother moved to New Jersey. Light had a job but didn’t make enough money to support himself or to buy a car to get to work. He said he had no relatives or friends he could count on either. “My options were severely limited. I knew that if I didn’t act quickly, I would be homeless or living in a bad situation,” Light said. He turned to CHT for help. “CHT gave me the thing I needed

GRANT continued from page 1

within two years. “Eventually, the center will contain 12 full time faculty members. We have four and are recruiting eight more,” he said. Gustafsson said he envisions a center that will inspire others to work together to increase the productivity of all research institutions involved. “I would hope that we can stimulate the other departments to form novel associations by conveying our enthusiasm for working together and demonstrating our success as a team,” he said. Gustafsson will help lead a collaborative effort between UH scientists and researchers working at Methodist Hospital. “This is really going to stimulate the life sciences at UH, and the longterm goal is to have this be a worldclass center,” Gustafsson said. “I hope to aid in sharpening UH’s profile as part of Khator’s Health Initiative.” The research will focus on a class of molecules regulated by hormones. The molecules are known as nuclear receptors. Nuclear receptors help regulate gene activity and are involved in the development of cancers and other diseases. Gustafsson has more than 30 years experience in this field, including a history finding commercial applications for his research — something he said he hopes to continue here. “I have always been interested in applying discoveries towards medical treatments. This is one of the goals of the center,” Gustafsson said. “We want to translate the basic science research to things of more practical use.”

most — a safe place to stop, breathe of the kids under the care of its staff. and take stock of my situation,” Ronda G. Robinson, executive Light said. “It provided me with director and CEO of CHT, said each my basic necessities, guidance and person is important and deserves a friendship while I tried to figure out future with hope. what my next “The “ I don’t think I would have steps should Do1Thing project be.” on (Saturday) is a been able to go back to Light great opportunity college and finish my degree for people to graduated in 2007 with a if Covenant House Texas had show they care bachelor’s degree about young not helped me when they in political people who are science and is homeless and did.” now working in need a little help,” — Shaun Light UH alumnus the office of City Robinson said. Council member The project Melissa Noriega. was organized He was one of the thousands of in response to the number of kids people who reaped the benefits of living on the streets and in shelters. CHT and the outpouring of help from Journalist and photographers the community. The shelter provides nationwide wanted to highlight the food, clothing, health care, guidance plight of homeless youth by calling counseling, continued education individuals and communities to classes and vocational training to all action. Gustafsson said some of the targets of the research are cancers of the breast, prostate and ovaries. “All of these are hormonally regulated, and many other common diseases have a hormone component,” he said. “Ultimately, I would like the outcome of our research to be efficient drugs to treats these diseases.” Gustafsson said many of the longterm plans of the center depend on collaborative efforts between UH and Methodist Hospital. “UH is well-known for its excellence in technology. It is very good at chemistry, very good at physics, the computer sciences and other areas. All of these are strongly needed by the life sciences and give UH a strong competitive advantage,” he said. “However, we simply cannot do the clinical trials that Methodist can.” Dr. Michael Lieberman, director of the Methodist Hospital Research Institute, agrees both UH and Methodist are fortified by the alliance. “The thing to remember is that each institution brings a different skill set,” Lieberman said. “Obviously you need a hospital for clinical trials, but they aren’t always suited for the basic research.” Lieberman said the partnership has benefitted from the two institutions working together so collegially. “Interpersonal chemistry is as important as the biochemistry. If the researchers don’t like and trust each other, they won’t work together,” Lieberman said. “UH and Methodist really form a team built on genuine respect.” news@thedailycougar.com

“ those who profess to favor

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 n 7

freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want rain without thunder and lightninG.”

Frederick Douglass

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Photographers, videographers and journalists will document and share the stories on the Do1Thing Web site, www.do1thing.org. The pictures and videos will be updated throughout the day, and good-deed doers can upload their footage as well. “Homeless youth are easy targets for predators of all kinds, and too often they end up in extremely bad,

life-changing situations that they may not be able to escape (from),” Light said. “CHT and shelters like it are vital in keeping kids from getting sucked into drugs, prostitution, human trafficking and crime.” For a complete list of items needed or for more information, visit www. covenanthousetx.org. news@thedailycougar.com

For more information, visit: www.uh.edu/commuter

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8 n Wednesday, February 11, 2009

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FEATURES

Happy heart day: Cougars take time to value relationships.

EDITOR Sarah Krusleski E-MAIL features@thedailycougar.com ONLINE www.thedailycougar.com/features

Expert, students share advice By Sylvia Saumell-Baston THE DAILY COUGAR Expensive and inventive ways of expressing love may have turned Valentine’s Day into a debacle of pressure and stress, but many students have discovered it takes more than fancy dinners and boxes of chocolate to keep two people together. UH students navigate through healthy, long-lasting relationships using methods they have acquired through trial and error. Students find their commitment techniques are working and are making more of the right moves in the right direction. “The three C’s,” said pharmaceutical sciences junior Katherine Tom, referring to what she believes to be the keys to a successful relationship. “Communication, compatibility and compromise.” Linda Acitelli, associate professor and director of the social psychology program at UH, said having good communication skills is a major factor in the development of a healthy relationship. “Partners need to be open about their expectations and their needs,” Acitelli said. “At some point early in the relationship the couple needs to communicate about their level of commitment; that way partners know what the other expects and needs.” Tom said understanding your partners’ needs is key.

“Reach a middle ground,” he said. English freshman Elizabeth Brignac said her communication style is extremely different from her boyfriend’s. In their relationship, she is the one who has trouble communicating while her other half is more open. “We’ve gotten better at communicating,” Brignac said. Brignac’s assessment of having different communication styles is echoed in the book You Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation. Published in 1990 by Georgetown University professor Deborah Tannen, the book explores the differences in communication styles between men and women and concludes that the majority of women, in stark contrast to men, use communication to create closeness. Acitelli echoes Tannen’s premise. “In general, women like to talk about relationships and men like to do things together,” Acitelli said. “To women, talking connects people together. To men, talking is instrumental and needs to have a purpose. Keep in mind that these are generalizations.” For Blaine Self, a marketing and management senoir, the generalizations were correct regarding his last relationship, which lasted more than three years. “She was definitely more talkative,” self said, “I’m more quiet and reserved, but it was nice to have an opposite.” Along with communication,

Gregory Bohuslav THE DAILY COUGAR

Political science sophomore Andrew Hall and communications freshman Joehan Garcia love teasing each other. “We hated each other so much we decided to torment each other for the rest of our lives,” Hall said of their two-year relationship. Acitelli said partners need to know how to fight fairly and learn to compromise. She also said allowing time apart is also necessary to maintain an independent identity. Karah Lawshe, a psychology junior, has been in a relationship with her fiance for three years and

said when it comes to resolving differences, they do not waste time. “We fight about it for five minutes and get over it,” she said. “There’s no point in harping on it.” Couples are also finding that with their full schedules, carving out time for one another is important.

Lawshe said both her and her fiance’s schedules are so hectic they have to set aside evenings only for each other and to enjoy movies together. Acitelli said research has shown that feelings of closeness can be increased by doing new and exciting things together. see RELATIONSHIPS, page 13

Local sweethearts vie for dream wedding By Sylvia Saumell-Baston the daily cougar

David Shih THE DAILY COUGAR

Rashad Sanders, program coordinator for the Youth and Sports Club at the Recreation and Wellness Center, proposed to fiance Andrea Hill through a letter. The couple are competing in an Essence magazine contest in which the grand prize is a dream wedding.

Cougar votes could win Miss Black Texas Andrea Hill her dream wedding, courtesy of Essence magazine. “Until the end of my days, I vow to give you my undying love,” Rashad Sanders said in the proposal note to Hill. Sanders said he would like to start off his marriage by giving Hill the wedding of her dreams. Hill, program coordinator for the youth and sports club at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, and Sanders are one of five couples who are participants in Essence magazine’s Will You Marry Me? contest. The couple with the most votes will win $50,000 toward their wedding costs. “It’s time for some joy and excitement,” Sanders said, who believes he and Hill deserve to win after struggling through difficult times and emerging stronger than ever. “Drea” and “Shoddy,” as they call one another, were introduced through a client of Sanders, and because of jobs in different locations they got to know each other through phone calls and

e-mails. Sanders said their relationship grew as they realized they shared many of the same goals and beliefs. For their first date, they went to an Atlanta Braves baseball game. Sanders, a fitness enthusiast, also planned a hiking trip to Red Top Mountain, only to find out Hill didn’t bring any tennis shoes. Their second date ended up a tennis shoe expedition. Sanders said Hill’s “girlie-girl” ways are one of the things he loves about her along with her eyes and her smile. Sanders realized he wanted to marry Hill when, following the death of his father, she rearranged her schedule and flew over to be with him. “She supported me like no one had ever before,” he said. Tragedy struck the couple again when they faced the death of Hill’s father. Sanders said he is sad his future father-in-law will not be present to witness the wedding, but made sure he would play an integral part in it. Hours before his father-inlaw’s brain surgery, Sanders spoke to Hill and asked for his daughter’s hand in marriage. “I thanked him for being a great father and told him I wanted

to emulate the love that he’s shown to his daughter,” Sanders said. “He was happy and excited.” Four days later Hill passed away. Sanders said he would not have gone through with the proposal had he not gotten the blessing of his father-in-law. Sanders said he chose to participate in the contest in hopes of not only giving his fiancee a beautiful wedding, but also for the memorable experience and a for a great story to tell their children and grandchildren about. Hill’s acceptance note read, “Not only was your proposal heartfelt, it was also truly phenomenal. I am the happiest woman in the world and with every fiber of my being, I say yes. Yes, I will marry you!” “Whatever she wants, she gets,” Sanders said, adding that he has set the bar high for himself because of the proposal and will have to work hard and be creative when it comes to Valentine’s Day and future celebrations. Thanks to his co-workers, Sanders said he has some pretty exciting plans for Valentine’s weekend and is forever grateful for the support they have shown see PROPOSAL, page 13

FEATURES

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Wednesday, February 11, 2009 n 9

Cougars and Condoms Free condoms can be found on campus inside the Women’s Resource Center, which is located at room 7 in the University Center Satellite. The Wellness Center also provides free condoms in room 35 at the UC. Wellness staff refills the jar every morning with 50 new condoms. Several Cougars dished out on condoms and their brands of choice:

Brand: Trojan Supra “It’s thin and allows for lots of feeling.” Chris Webb, political science senior gg

Brand: Anything at Walmart or Walgreens. “Those are the places nearby.” David Shih THE DAILY COUGAR

Top left: Psychology senior Lauren Baker and political science senior Michael Blunk. Top right: Architecture freshman Joshua Allen Hanks and political science junior Lee Arnold. Bottom left: Architecture junior Nick Jackson and political science junior Veronika Evans. Bottom right: Biology senior Tayab Pasha and education senior Julie Ha.

Student group vows to secure equal rights By Solange Inzillo THE DAILY COUGAR Student couples aren’t waiting any longer to say “I do” during National Freedom to Marry Week. On Thursday Feb. 12 at 11:30 a.m. at Butler Plaza, GLOBAL, UH’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) student group, will host its first on-campus Freedom to Marry event, “1+1, A Celebration of Equality and Marriage.” GLBT and straight couples alike will either renew their vows or declare them for the first time amidst a festive throng of balloons, cakes, singers and onlookers. Melanie Pang, communications senior and GLOBAL’s president for the past four semesters, is looking forward to seeing students’ reactions at the ceremonies. “I think since the ‘90s, GLOBAL hasn’t done anything on a grand enough scale to where the student body’s stance on the issue could be gauged. I look forward to seeing how much our campus can come together,” Pang said. The event aims to show UH what GLOBAL is all about since most of the group’s previous events have been off-campus. “This is a celebration of the bond between two people willing to commit to one another forever,” Pang said, “and I hope that these displays of love will finally convince the world that we undeniably are deserving of the same rights to be seen as equals in the eyes of the government which we elect, our maker — whoever that may be — and, most of all, to our fellow man.” Hotel and restaurant management sophomore Dennis Ha didn’t know about GLOBAL until his second year, but felt right at home when he joined last semester. “Honestly, before GLOBAL, I never really participated in any GLBT things. I didn’t really have that many GLBT friends either. And now I’m treasurer of GLOBAL, which makes no sense,” Ha said. “We need to find more ways to get people to know what GLOBAL’s

about.” A reception will be held for the newlyweds at 12:30 p.m. at Butler Plaza before the shift to discussion panel at 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the Bayou City Room of the University Center. Students are welcome to join GLOBAL along with various religious leaders to discuss marriage rights and equality. “Hopefully, we can talk about how it’s OK to be gay. Hopefully, we can discuss how every person either gay or straight or transgendered should all have the same rights. What if we don’t call it ‘marriage?’ What if we call it a civil union, with the same exact rights?” Ha said. Stephen Bowers is a

communications senior and GLOBAL member who echoes similar views about same-sex marriage. “Most of the reasons given against (same-sex marriage) are based in religion. Our country has a separation between church and state, so there should be no religious-based legislation. I do not agree with the government getting involved in bedroom issues,” Bowers said. GLOBAL joined a diverse crowd of individuals and organizations in a peaceful protest outside Houston City Hall on Nov. 15 after California’s implementation of Proposition 8, which banned samesex marriage. Similar protests in

numerous cities across the US that day united in a collective cry of outrage and disappointment. “It was big, big, big. A lot of people turned up. We were standing there with our posters and stuff, and we look up and it’s Mayor Bill White at the window! We made our statement there and we made our presence known,” Ha said. In addition to making their presence known, Pang says that GLOBAL’s goals are to inform and educate students, to form relationships that help members grow and learn about their identities, to help members become more comfortable with

Dexter Smiley, university studies freshman

gg gg gg

Ebony Wallace education freshman

Photos by Gregory Bohuslav.

THE DAILY COUGAR.COM »» POLL: What are you going to do for

Valentine’s day? see GLBT, page 13

Brand: No preference “Honestly, I wouldn’t trust the free condoms. I never hear anything about them.”

10 n Wednesday, February 11, 2009

The Daily Cougar

SPORTS UH to take on Mustangs

COMING THURSDAY: Find out if men’s basketball gets three consecutive wins. SPORTS BLOG: Get “The Loh Down” on racquetball at UH.

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

MEN’S BASKETBALL

By Chris Elliott The Daily Cougar Two teams in Conference USA have been able to outplay the Cougars when they run a starting lineup that features Aubrey Coleman as its go-to-guy. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who keeps up with college basketball that the Associated Press No. 8 Memphis Tigers, yes the same Memphis team that has won 50 consecutive games against C-USA opponents, was the last team to outplay the Cougars with Coleman on the court. Then there was the Southern Miss blunder. The game in which the Cougars seemed to only have suited up three players — Coleman and guards Kelvin Lewis and DaShaun Williams. The guard combination scored 60 of Houston’s points in the unexpected 83-76 loss to the Golden Eagles on Jan. 17.

Houston (14-7, 5-3 C-USA) will face a Southern Methodist (7-14, 1-7 C-USA) squad at 7 p.m. tonight at Moody Coliseum that should by all means be another outlet for Houston’s athletic slasher to assert his on-the-court dominance. Statistically, it could be argued that Coleman has been the best player in the country since the Cougars have entered Conference play. In C-USA games, the guard has averaged 27.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists for the Cougars. To put it in perspective, sure-fire NBA Draft Lottery pick Stephen Curry is putting up 28.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists per contest for Davidson. Meanwhile, the freakishly athletic, and probable No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft, Blake Griffin is averaging 22.2 points, 14 rebounds and 2.5 assists per

GREGORY BOHUSLAV THE DAILY COUGAR

Freshman point guard Desmond Wade, pictured above against Rice, has given UH defensive intensity off the bench.

see BASKETBALL, page 11

Player Profile

PASS THE MIKE

Sherman has strong support

Avery returns to hockey

By Zaneta Loh The Daily Cougar

Sean Avery’s road back to the medalist king Michael Phelps is National Hockey league began mulling over a decision to compete Tuesday as he was assigned to in the 2012 Summer Games in the American Hockey League’s London. I’m not sure if the answer Hartford Wolfpack. was at the bottom of that bong The Wolfpack are the AHL though. affiliate of the New York Ready for takeoff Rangers, but The Houston Rockets are 10 Avery is still games over .500 and sitting in a property of the playoff spot. The Rockets need Dallas Stars. to improve on an abysmal 13-15 Mike Avery could record on the road before the Utah Damante return to the Jazz and Phoenix Suns play catch NHL via the up. Rangers (the team he previously April will be a pivotal month played for before Dallas), through for the Rockets as they will face either a trade or being claimed on the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix re-entry waivers. and the Portland The Rangers and the Avery was Trailblazers all a huge hit on in the first week. league need Avery to Broadway on Two (Los Angeles, succeed. Character and Phoenix) out of and off the ice. Along with being those three games controversy can be a a fan favorite at are on the road. good thing. Madison Square Garden, Avery also A-Roid interned at Vogue. Leave A-Rod alone! Life is tough The troubled winger was for Alex Rodriguez already. He recently banished for his “sloppy doesn’t need the press prying into seconds” comment directed at his personal life, or Major League his famous ex-girlfriend Elisha Baseball and the government Cuthbert, who is dating Calgary breathing down his neck either. Flames’ defenseman Dion The man doesn’t need this Phaneuf. whole steroid controversy right The Rangers and the league now. He needs to concentrate on need Avery to succeed. Character how he is going to spend the $32 and controversy can be a good million he will be making this year. thing. By the way, that was sarcasm.

Casey and Diane Sherman traveled from their hometown of Waller, Texas to California to watch their daughter start in her first game as a Division I softball player. Although Katy Beth Sherman played in 22 games for the Cougars last year, the sophomore outfielder’s first start came in the Cathedral City Kickoff tournament in Cathedral City, Calif. last week, and her parents weren’t going to miss it. This is just the most recent example of what they have done to support Sherman, no matter what she’s doing. “I have the most amazing parents,” Sherman said. Sherman has been an athlete her whole life. At the age of five, she started competing in rodeo events such as barrel racing and bovine roping. “My neighbors actually have a lot of land and … I started just by going over there and riding a few of their horses,” Sherman said. “I did really good (in competition). I won a bunch of buckles and I was the true cowgirl. I loved it.” Sherman also competed in gymnastics and played softball, but gave up rodeo by the time she started middle school because it was “too time-consuming.” She did, however, join the school’s volleyball and basketball teams while still playing tournament softball.

DAILY COUGAR FILE PHOTO

Sophomore infielder Katy Beth Sherman, seen here against Sam Houston State in 2008, drove in two runs in the Cathedral City Kickoff last weekend. Sherman decided to concentrate on volleyball and softball when she reached Waller High School. She made the varsity volleyball team as a sophomore and junior, but ultimately chose to focus on softball. Sherman played on the varsity team for four years and was named the district’s Offensive MVP in 2006. She was also selected for First Team All-District as an infielder in 2007. “I just loved it so much,” she

said. “The game is so amazing and it’s always time-consuming and cost my parents money, but it was the one sport I knew I wanted to play in college. That was my goal, to play Division I college softball. I just wanted to focus on that.” Sherman said her parents have been there to offer encouragement and guidance every step of the way. “My parents were just really see SHERMAN, page 12

No crystal ball here Olympic swimming gold

sports@thedailycougar.com

SPORTS

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TRACK AND FIELD

Adigun sets school record By Keith Cordero, Jr. The Daily Cougar University of Houston senior Seun Adigun is having the best week of her life. The Cougars elite hurdler had a recordsetting weekend in the 60-meter hurdles,finishing with a top five NCAA time and a top 20 worldwide time to lead Houston at the New Balance Invitational in New York City. Adigun set a personal best time of 8.09 seconds in the finals, eclipsing her time of 8.22 seconds in the preliminaries on Friday. “It really caught me by surprise,” Adigun said. “All of a sudden I turn around and (find out) I ran an 8.09. It still hasn’t BRANDON HENDRICKS THE DAILY COUGAR hit me yet.” The time is the 14th fastest Senior Seun Adigun was awarded her third Contime on record this season and it ference USA Women’s Track and Field Athlete of secured Adigun a spot at Nationals the Week honor of her career on Tuesday. in College Station, TX at the end of the season. “It’s very relieving to know that I This is the third career C-USA don’t have to go to every meet from Athlete of the Week honor for now on (and say), ‘OK, I need to Adigun and her first this year. run a fast time, I need to mawke it The achievement marks three to Nationals,’” Adigun said. “It feels consecutive weeks in which a really good to know I have my ticket Cougar has garnered the honorthis to Nationals now.” season, following sophomores Adigun’s time set the school Chris Carter and Christie Jones. record, breaking Jenny Adams’ time Adigun also competed in the of 8.1 seconds. 60-meter dash, recording another “I’m really excited to be personal-best of 7.51 seconds. acknowledged alongside someone Adigun’s teammate, sophomore so great,” said Adigun about standout Jones, beat Adigun in the Adams. race with a time of 7.45 seconds to Adigun also took home finish 13th. Conference USA Women’s Track & “I am so proud of her,” Field Athlete of the Week for her Adigun said. “Christie has got accomplishments. The Chicago so much more left in her, too, native now ranks atop Conference so just what she has done and USA and stands fourth in the the accomplishments she’s gone country. through. I am very proud of her.” “I’m glad the conference Last weekend at the Houston recognizes that I worked hard and see TRACK, page 12 did do well,” Adigun said.

BASKETBALL continued from page 10

game. If Coleman continues to put up his usually stellar numbers, and players like Lewis, Desmond Wade and center Marcus Cousin keep providing the support needed to keep the team’s foundation steady, the Cougars will continue to tack on to their two-game winning streak. Four of Houston’s starters are averaging double-digits in scoring, and UH head coach Tom Penders’ recent strategy of bringing his pure point guard dynamo, Wade, off the bench for guard Zamal Nixon looks to have paid dividends. Wade has provided a defensive spark that hinges on his ability

to play a harassing style of onball defense and force turnovers. Considering how much of the Cougars’ flow depends on turnovers and transition offense, there is no doubt Houston’s defensive specialist and assists leader (4.3 per game) will have a say in tonight’s outcome. Immobilizing SMU guards Paul McCoy and Derek Williams will be one of Penders’ priorities. Deploying Wade and fellow shutdown defender Lewis to disrupt the Mustangs’ offense could tip the game in Houston’s favor. The Cougars cannot afford to drop any of their contests in the month of February because of their rough stretch in the final three weeks of January, in which they lost four out of five games. sports@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 n 11

SPORTS

12 n Wednesday, February 11, 2009

SHERMAN continued from page 10

supportive and thought that as long as I was being responsible with all the activities I was doing and doing well with them, they didn’t mind driving me to all these places and helping me with all the goals I have,” she said. In her freshman year, Sherman helped Houston to a 54-11 (21-2 Conference USA) record and a C-USA Championship. The Cougars also made the program’s first Super Regional appearance, but Houston’s

loss to Louisiana-Lafayette in the tournament ended its dream of reaching the College World Series. “It was a definite journey,” Sherman said. “It was something that I didn’t expect to begin with. I think now it’s completely expected, but as a freshman coming in I was just new to the program, kind of just along for the ride, contributing to the program any way I could.” This year, the Cougars were ranked No. 13 in the USA Today preseason poll and want to make it further into the postseason than last year. “I can see now we are able to

The Daily Cougar

meet those expectations,” Sherman said. “It made me open my eyes last year. I feel that every bit of the journey last year has prepared me for this year. “Our goal is to get to the (College) World Series. We kind of have a little theme this year — it’s ‘One.’ Last year we were one game away, one pitch away, one decision away. And this year we’re going to get there as one team.” As for Sherman, her team will include two fans in the stands  always watching, always cheering. sports@thedailycougar.com

TRACK continued from page 11

Invitational, Jones set a NCAA provisional mark in the 60-meter dash with a personal-best time of 7.4 seconds. The mark is the fastest posted in Conference USA and a Top 15 time in the nation. Cougars who also ran in the 60-meter dash included sophomore Kalyn Floyd, who had a time of 7.58 seconds and freshman Grecia Bolton who finished in 7.68 seconds. Freshman standout Starla

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Garcia moved into the UH record books, posting the fifth fastest time in school history after finishing the 5,000-meter run in 17:58.54. Next up for UH is the Texas A&M Invitational, which will be held in College Station on Friday and Saturday at the Gilliam Indoor Track Stadium. “There is still a whole other season out there,” Adigun said. “I’m just ready to go out there and continue to work hard and see what happens.” sports@thedailycougar.com

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Make contact. With hundreds of student groups on campus, it’s hard for us to keep up with every one. That’s why it’s very important to designate someone who will be your organization’s contact to The Daily Cougar. He or she should be someone you can count on to keep us informed of what your group is doing — and someone who is usually easy to reach. Have that person give us a call, or better yet, stop by the newsroom. It’ll help your group, and ours, to put a face with the name.

Call early, call often. When your group has something you feel is worth coverage in the Cougar, let us know — but be sure to give us advance warning. It’s nearly impossible to get a reporter and photographer out to cover something unless you give us a heads-up as soon as possible but no later than one week in advance. Remember, as much as we’d like to, we just can’t cover everything. But if your event is newsworthy and you let us know in advance, we’ll do our best to work with you.

Keep in touch. Let us know how we’re doing. Drop by the newsroom or give us a call. We always like to meet with people and find out what we’re doing right (or wrong), but we won’t know what we can improve unless you tell us. And, of course, we’re always open to hearing any news tips you might have regarding anything on campus. Working together, we can make the student newspaper something students want to read.

online www.thedailycougar.com fax 713.743.5384 phone 713.743.5360 e-mail editor@thedailycougar.com, news@thedailycougar.com

FEATURES

The Daily Cougar

RELATIONSHIPS continued from page 8

“Perhaps young couples can designate times when they are to do something together that they would find exciting that neither of them has done before, like rock climbing or kayaking, taking a cooking class, or even go to a concert or play together,” Acitelli said. “The activity itself is not as important as that it be perceived as something each partner would find exciting.” Brignac and her live-in boyfriend also set aside time to watch movies once a week and participate in the 2009 BP MS 150, a bike ride from Houston to Austin which is part of a growing movement to end multiple sclerosis. Brignac said the event also serves as a way to bond with her significant other. The everyday efforts a couple puts into a relationship is important, but Valentine’s Day remains the one day of the year when saying “I love you” is considered by most to be a universal must. Acitelli said to communicate your Valentine’s Day expectations to your partner and come to an agreement about how to deal with the day. “A card that said just the right things can go a long way especially if you write it yourself,” she said. “Text!” Shelton said. “It’s the way if you don’t have time to say, ‘I’m thinking of you.’” features@thedailycougar.com

PROPOSAL continued from page 8

him since his time at UH. Essence will reveal the winning couple on Friday during a preValentine’s Day special on ABCTV’s “Good Morning America”. Voters can cast their votes between the four contesting couples until Thursday at www.essence.com where couple biographies and taped proposals are available. “My co-workers have been great! I’ve noticed that people here support and celebrate with each other whenever they have accomplishments,” Sanders said. “UH getting involved and voting would show that we come together as one to support our own.”

Online core courses when you need them. register today rwur.hccs.edu 713.718.5275 (option #4) Ready When You Are! rwur.hccs.edu

1/30/09 9:11:11 AM

Learning Support Services Workshops will be held at Rm 321 Graduate College

of Social Work Bldg

Must register on line by going to ‘workshops-signup’

www.las.uh.edu/lss

• Time management, 2/13 @ 11am 4pm • Preparing for and taking exams, 2/17 @ 5pm & 2/19 @ Fall/Spring TuToring HourS: Monday –Tuesday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Wednesday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. - noon

www.las.uh.edu/lss

GLBT

UH Wellness

continued from page 9

features@thedailycougar.com

II, y I & II r o t s & i II, H ish I t I & s *Engl n e m ic vern nom 1 pril • Go acrocco ly) nd A M ring on a 1 xas arch *(Sp y Te t M r n a a t ss er to asse ansf r t • Cl s y line it ur ly on i t h o/ u n i v e r s e d t e e r l mp • C ollege c s, co e s s ient cla eek nven o w c – • 8 and able d r o ff • A

UH Couger_HCC_ad .indd 1

features@thedailycougar.com

themselves and one another on and off campus. Most GLBT students feel comfortable on campus, but certain situations can sometimes prove awkward. “If you are assumed to be straight by most people, then there tends not to be an initial thought of ‘Do they not like me because I’m gay?’ but other times you may not know that they think you’re straight and there can be some uncomfortable moments,” Bowers said. Displays of affection on campus can also prove awkward, for both straight and GLBT couples depending, of course, on intensity. “I actually think it’s nice to see people care about each other, but not to the extent that they’re practically making love in front of you,” Pang said.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 n 13

1pm • 2/19: Healthy Relationships, Commuter Services @ 12Rm 52 UC Underground

www.las.uh.edu/wc

The Daily Cougar

PosiTions available

news

sports

life & arts

opinion

and more

Click on it: www.thedailycougar.com

aPPly ToDay room 151 Comm blDg

14 n Wednesday, February 11, 2009

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 7 10 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 2 3 26 27 28 29 30 3 1 32 33 37 38 39 40 41 43 44 45 46 47 48 51 52 53 5 6 57 58 62 6 3 64 65 6 6 67

At the Hot Dog Stand by Mishele Lamshing

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 n 15

Edged past Mini-craze Gobs of gum Oval-nest builder Prior to Shivery feeling Frame inserts Get mellow Jet route Swimming skill (2 wds.) Nepal neighbor Geol. formation Stripes Amo, —, amat Survey choice Term of endearment Ballard or Starr Hoedown partner Trinkets Self-importance Athena’s symbol Singer Brenda — Furrow Nerve cells Spooky, maybe Tijuana “Mrs.” Sit-up targets Units of wt. Snooping about Battle tactic — — few rounds Close relatives Tabletop diversion (2 wds.) Pilaf base Except Filet — Palm reader’s opener (2 wds.) College maj. False Small storage structure Ave. crossers Hunting dog

DOWN 1 2 3 4

Earth’s star Eur. country Noise Tax write-offs

Answers online at thedailycougar.com/puzzles 3

20 23

42 45

67 ©

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 21 22 23 24 25 29 30 32 33 34 35 36

Choose Mr. Arnaz Sumptuous repasts Inert gas Forest grazer Healthful activity One more time Ninny Tries to find Reeks Decelerated Already spoken for Film projection Marshy area Opens wide Listens to Peanut — warming Pyromaniac’s crime Deli offering Corset

today’s sudoku (Difficulty: 3/5)

42 Hay fever culprit 46 Jackpot games 47 Gold-rush starter 48 Delhi attire 49 Coffee or stew 50 Leno or Letterman 51 Astronaut’s garb (hyph.) 52 Licorice flavoring 54 Flows back 55 Little rascals 59 Weirdo 60 Shelley offering 61 Mail-motto word

2009 United Feature Syndicate INC.

Previous puzzle solved F A R E

L I E N

P E S T O

U L T R A

A V E R

R E T E

O D I E

G B E E A L N B L RG Y E A T T S B A C I L O R E A K S E K S S E S A B U RO Y O S A L S U T A C R E F S P

RG S I E N A S E S E S OR K Y D E P A N I N F T O R MA C A V E I E D

S L O A B E G A I N S T

K E P I

F L I R L A T E R O B I OR RO S N

EW V I E N R D F E N C E

S T E A D

N S A L T E OW

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.

SECTION

16 n Wednesday, February 11, 2009

The Daily Cougar

GET A LOOK AT OUR BLOGS The Loh Down thedailycougar.com/blog/lohdown

One Man’s Treasure ... thedailycougar.com/blog/treasure Suburban Bubble Boy thedailycougar.com/blog/bubbleboy

Super Mario Sports thedailycougar.com/blog/supermario

Nerd Word thedailycougar.com/blog/nerdword Cougar Food Blog thedailycougar.com/blog/foodblog Join in!

THE DAILY DAILY DA L COU LY COUGAR.COM O GA OU G

Valentine’s Day is a time for ...

Memssages

heart

fro the

ONLY

$ Your message of love ﬁlls up this heart shape! Write up to 15 words to a loved one.

Place your message in a special feature in The Daily Cougar for Valentine’s Day! Use this space to write your message (up to 15 words), clip it out and bring it to Room 151 Communication Bldg. between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

DEADLINE: 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11 FEATURE PRINTS: Friday, Feb. 13