Issue 91, Volume 75 by The Cougar

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THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM Thursday, February 11, 2010

Issue 91, Volume 75

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$3.5M grant going toward research By Nzinga Tchameni THE DAILY COUGAR Gov. Rick Perry announced last week that UH has received $3.5 million as part of the Research Superiority Award from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund to create the UH Texas Center for Superconductivity Applied Research Hub. The grant will be used over a

five-year period. “The Un i v e r s i t y of Houston is a worldwide leader in superconductivity technology, and this grant will help expand its research capabilities while encouraging the commercialization of this promising technology,” Perry said in a press release. Along with establishing the TcSUH center, the grant will go

toward recruiting scientists and researchers. This project, which includes a partnership of the UH mechanical engineering faculty and leading high-temperature superconductor company Superpower Inc., will result in new materials in science and new technology for high temperature superconductors. The development of intellectual property and technological

transfer to commercial products is also in the works. According to a press release, one of the first goals for the TcSUH-ARH will be to increase collaborative research between UH and SuperPower on the improvement and commercialization of superconducting wire for applications in energy. Both parties believe this research will

allow superconductivity products to move into the industry faster. “The award will be used to build new capabilities in applied research,” chemistry professor Allan Jacobson said. “In the field of energy, the main area is to develop high-temperature superconductor wires that can be used for the transmission of electricity.” see GRANT, page 12

Program aids foreign students with taxes By Jessica Traylor THE DAILY COUGAR The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program has been offered to the University’s international students since 1998 when the school was approved as a VITA site and will help them again this semester with their taxes. The program provides free assistance to international students who are required to file an income tax return. “This is an extremely valuable service to our foreign national community,” Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Administration Diane Murphy said. UH Tax Director Keith Gernold said UH has the 24th-largest national community in all of the U.S., and students have greatly benefited from the program. Every Saturday, beginning Feb. 27 and continuing through April 10, students can make an appointment in the Bayou City Room (No. 202) in the University Center. Appointment times will be available between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Gernold said most of the people helping in the VITA program are volunteers. Some of them will come from the C.T. Bauer College

of Business and some from the Houston CPA Society, which works closely with the Internal Revenue Service. All volunteers will be trained under the guidance of certified public accountants. Rhett Buck, a Houston CPA and tax attorney, will coordinate them. “(Last year), 59 volunteers helped individuals in preparing over 236 tax returns, as well as reviewing over 60 tax returns,” Gernold said. Gernold said they expect more people to take advantage of the program this year. He also said international students from other universities have been known to take advantage of UH’s VITA program. This may be because UH is the only tax assistance site inside the city limits that is able to do tax returns for international students solely. Students need to bring their passport, any records of income and expenses and immigration documents such as forms I-20 or DS2019. If W-2, 1042-S or 1099 forms are applicable, those will also be needed. The VITA program, which is sponsored by the Houston Asset Building Coalition, works in partnership with the Mayor’s Citizens’ Assistance Office.

NEWTON LIU THE DAILY COUGAR

Students stuffin’ love

n Wednesday, students had an opportunity to make a stuffed animal for themselves, or one for their valentine, courtesy of The Student Publication Board. SPB provided the supplies free of charge for students who presented their student IDs. Psychology post-baccalaureate student Alicia Whitmire took advantage of the event to make a new friend.

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Biology professor earns peers’ honor, praise By Jessica Traylor THE DAILY COUGAR Biology Department Chairman Stuart Dryer is one of 531 people who have received the distinction of fellow from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. “For me, it’s a significant career milestone,” Dryer said. “Everyone likes to get an award, and it’s nice

to know that there is someone out there reading your stuff.” Dryer’s contributions to biology will be honored at a forum on Feb. 20 during the annual AAAS meeting in San Diego. He is the fifth UH faculty member recognized to date. “It’s really important for me to say that no professor can be successful if you don’t have good students and post docs,” Dryer said. “Without them, none of this

could be done. “I do writing, get grants, work on experimental designs, analyze data, but without the skills of students and post docs, none of this work could happen. I’ve been very fortunate to have a good run of skilled motivated students, which is true now more than ever.” Dryer, who has served as chairman of the Biology Department for the last seven years,

believes the attention the honor brings to UH is more important than his success. “I would be just as happy if anyone in the Biology Department won this award,” he said. “To me, this award means you can be successful at this school if you’re a student or faculty.” Founded in 1848, AAAS is an organization of scientists from across the country who’ve teamed

up to advance modern science. According to the group’s Web site, fellows are recognized for their meritorious efforts to move science and its application forward. To become a fellow, one must first be nominated by members of AAAS or its chief executive officer. Stanley Appel, chairman of the Department of Neurology see HONOR, page 10

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Cancer Prevention and Research Funding: Noon-2 p.m., PGH 232. Bill Gimson, executive director of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, will discuss cancer prevention and research funding opportunities for UH faculty and students. A free lunch is provided for registrants. Even for those who do not register, admission is free. RSVP (or for more information, contact) Sarah Sweaney at sarah@tlc2.uh.edu, 713-743-4019.

Legacy of the Pride: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Elizabeth Rockwell Pavilion. See displays of how Cougars have shown their pride over the years; histories of colleges and campus organizations; the campus master plan, showing current and future construction; a special video presentation and more. This is the final day that the exhibit will be at UH. The event is free. For more information, contact glforwar@central.uh.edu

Horticulture Society: 3 p.m., Greenhouse (next to the Biology/Old Science building). The Horticulture Society is having a meeting to repot vegetable seedlings, get up-to-date on greenhouse news and have an activity dealing with plant nutrients and nutrient deficiency symptoms. For more information, contact Yosef Kerzner at uhgreenhouse@gmail.com or call 713299-9033.

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Thursday, February 11, 2010

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EDITORIAL BOARD Ronnie Turner, Editor in Chief Matthew Keever, Managing editor Patricia Estrada, News editor Hiba Adi, News editor Phillipe Craig, Sports editor Robert Higgs, Sports editor Travis Hensley, Life & Arts editor Jarrod Klawinsky, Life & Arts editor Alan Dennis, Opinion editor

STAFF EDITORIAL

U.S. steps in to apply brakes to Toyota’s mess

U JOHN PALAMIDY THE DAILY COUGAR

Party in hot water over movement When the tea party movement began last year, it was in some ways a welcome sight; it had been a long time since anyone in this country demonstrated any real concern about fiscal responsibility. David What began as Brooks various unorganized grassroots campaigns grew quickly into a national political movement with the potential to shape elections at every level of government. But after Sarah Palin’s keynote speech at the inaugural National Tea Party Convention on Saturday, it’s possible that the former Alaska governor singlehandedly killed the tea party movement. Palin delivered an address that seemed to hint at her aspirations of running for president. Unfortunately for her, the speech sounded like recycled Republican Party talking points promoting the same failed policies and poisonous ideas. The tea party movement has a diverse membership and its message has sometimes been incoherent. But its leaders have tried to maintain focus

on the issues of fiscal responsibility and constitutional conservatism — two positive goals. Since the tea parties first became popular, however, the Republican Party has tried to co-opt the movement to rebrand its old policies. If last weekend’s convention was any indication, Republicans have succeeded. Palin’s speech was not the only part of the convention that was an insult to the movement’s grassroots beginnings and its original goals. The convention itself reeked of politics-as-usual, with tickets costing $549 per person and Palin receiving a $100,000 speaking fee for the privilege of having a platform from which to launch a presidential campaign. This made the event appear little unlike the standard high-dollar fundraisers that many people find offensive. To make matters worse, other convention speakers espoused messages at odds with the movement’s tight focus on fiscal responsibility. Steven Portnoy of ABC World News

wrote that former Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo’s opening-night address ripped into “the cult of multiculturalism.” The article also reported that Tancredo said President Barack Obama was only elected because “we do not have a civics literacy test before people can vote in this country.” Multiple speakers also ridiculed homosexuality and criticized displaying tolerance toward homosexuals. Numerous sources reported a high level of explicitly Christian social conservatism present at the event as well, including an organized prayer session. Foxnews.com reported that an official platform was announced during the meeting, including the requirement that “prospective political candidates will be expected to support the Republican National Committee platform.” This convention offers concrete proof that Republicans are trying to use the tea party movement to put a new face on their old policies. Luckily, the see BROOKS, page 5

nless you have been living under a rock these past few weeks, you’ve heard that Toyota has recalled eight of its cars and trucks due to sticky pedals. Over 5 million vehicles in the U.S. have been recalled because of the floor mat sticking to the pedals. Apparently, five deaths have been linked to this issue. U.S. officials said they were fed up with the matter and Toyota taking so much time to resolve it. In January, they sent Ron Medford, the acting head of Now, the U.S. agency that regulates nobody likes auto safety, to Japan to let the automakers know they “better to be told their act together,” and what to do, get they better do it fast. Now, nobody likes to be especially told what to do, especially from a from a stranger, so let’s just stranger ... say Toyota’s executives weren’t very happy with Medford’s visit. A Toyota employee told MSNBC, “We are not sitting on our hands in Japan.” The employee, a 30-year veteran production manager, was interviewed at a bar in Toyota City, Japan where the automaker’s recalls dominated the chatter. Yes, the U.S. government needs to regulate, and it is the government’s job to control and protect its citizens. But to demand something from a foreign company? That just seems too much. An estimated 4.7 million cars have been recalled by Toyota after the Medford visit, so obviously something was accomplished. Is this embarrassing for the company? Of course it is; Toyota is the biggest and most profitable automaker in the world, and now it’s getting all of this unwanted media attention. We doubt the automakers are just sitting on their hands, as the production manager said. Almost 10 million of Toyota’s vehicles have been recalled — a large number — and this can’t be fixed in a month or two. Although this could be an issue the company is just learning about — a doubtful proposition — there are just too many cars to fix.

Obama’s budget shoots for the stars On Feb. 1, President Barack Obama unveiled a new plan for space exploration to help develop NASA technology and restructure the U.S. space program. Obama’s ideas Andrew were deemed too Taylor risky by some, while others called them potentially lucrative and beneficial. According to a New York Times editorial that ran Monday, the president will begin by scrapping the current plans for the space agency set forth by President George W. Bush. Obama believes they have become outdated and are well behind schedule. First to go will be the once-ambitious goal of launching another manned mission to the moon by 2020. The editorial surmised that NASA’s lunar landing couldn’t happen until some time

after 2030. What’s worse is that the formerly advanced technologies the program started developing in 2005 have already begun to lose their luster. Part of Obama’s plan is to remove older lunar technology, such as rockets and capsules. In a Feb. 1 New York Times article, reporter Kenneth Chang wrote, “Mr. Obama’s proposal seeks to cancel the Ares I rocket, in development for four years as a replacement to the space shuttles.” Chang later wrote, “The request also would kill Orion, the crew capsule that was to sit atop the Ares I. The Orion is the only spacecraft in development that would be capable of traveling beyond low Earth orbit.” Rather than utilize existing equipment, Obama will focus on the

creation of technology that pushes the limits more so than the older programs. Chang reported that Obama’s aspirations lie past the moon, as the president wants to eventually send a mission crew to Mars. Once NASA receives $18 billion in proposed funds, the agency is expected to develop the tools, vehicles and programs necessary to make long distance space travel possible. The president’s speech included his thoughts on orbiting rocket fuel centers, weight reduction for rockets and life support systems able to operate with no need for repair or service from Earth indefinitely, Chang wrote. The editorial said that along with those proposals, more powerful engines and advanced propulsion designs would be installed in the rockets to help them see TAYLOR, page 5

E D I TO R I A L P O L I C 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 7, University Center Satellite; e-mail them to letters@ thedailycougar.com; send them via campus mail to STP 4015; or fax them to (713) 7435384. Letters are subject to editing. ADVERTISEMENTS Advertisements published in The Daily Cougar do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the University or the students as a whole. GUEST COMMENTARY Submissions are accepted from any member of the UH community and must be signed with the author’s name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Commentary should be kept to less than 500 words. Guest commentaries should not be written as replies to material already printed in the Cougar, but rather should present independent points of view. Rebuttals should be sent as letters. Deliver submissions to Room 7, University Center Satellite; e-mail them to letters@thedailycougar.com; or fax them to (713) 743-5384. All submissions are subject to editing.

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Thursday, February 11, 2010

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BROOKS continued from page 4

original spirit of the tea parties isn’t completely dead. A rival tea party group opposed the convention and e-mailed its members warning them to be wary of attempts by politicians to co-opt the movement. Meanwhile, there has been growing unrest as members of the grassroots groups realize what is happening. The upset masses need to distance themselves from the Republican Party and those more concerned with disastrous social policies than the good of the country. They also need to take back the conservative brand and refocus its message on fiscal responsibility. Our political discourse needs a wide diversity of views, and a legitimate conservative voice would be a positive addition. They may also want to consider a name change. It’s kind of hard to take people who call themselves “tea-baggers” seriously. David Brooks is a communication senior and may be reached at opinion@ thedailycougar.com

TAYLOR continued from page 4

travel through space in weeks, as opposed to a year. However, Obama’s proposals that are designed to save money have stirred up quite a bit of controversy. Instead of continuing the programs implemented by the Bush administration, Chang wrote that Obama plans to fund NASA with an additional $6 billion. This money would finance space taxis, filling the void of the cancelled Ares 1 rocket. The New York Times editorial board wrote, “The idea of hiring private companies to ferry astronauts and cargo to the space station is also risky and based on little more than faith that the commercial sector may be able to move faster and more cheaply than NASA.” On the other hand, allowing the private industry to explore space could open up a very intense and lucrative space technology race within our own country. The foundation for it is already in place. We have Lockheed Martin and Boeing, which makes up United Launch Alliance, and Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, led by PayPal founder Elon Musk. That’s a great start to securing the birthplace of a market for space technology and travel. Although concerns surround how private companies might struggle in this sector, people must consider that our country is still using old technology. The most gratuitous roadblock of any of this is Congress. Approval of the space budget would be enormous. The impact could position the U.S. as the world leader in space exploration and technology for decades to come. Or it could start an ugly, deep and depressing slope. Andrew Taylor is an economics senior and may be reached at opinion@ thedailycougar.com

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Thursday, February 11, 2010

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12FRIDAY

LIFE+ARTS

ON CAMPUS From noon-2 p.m. in Room 232 of Philip Guthrie Hoffman Hall. Lecture Series: Cancer Prevention and Research Funding Executive Director of the Cancer Prevention (CPRIT) Bill Gimson, son, and a Free Lunch for those that register. To RSVP contact Sarah Sweaney at sarah@ tic2.uh.ed Starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday and continuing throughout this weekend at different times the International al Piano Festival with a pricee of $25 for general admission and $15 forr student and seniors. For more information go to www.music.uh.edu.

AROUND TOWN Comedian Jim Gaffigan is performing at 8 p.m. Friday at the Verizon Wireless Theater. For information on tickets, log on to www.livenation.com Rapper Snoop Dogg is performing at the House of Blues this Friday. For tickets and more information go to www.houseofblues.com

AT THE MOVIES Films that open this Friday include The Wolfman (R) with Benicio Del Toro and Anthony Hopkins, Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightening Thief (PG) with Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario and Uma Thurman, and Valentine’s Day (PG-13) with Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Garner, Bradley Cooper, Ashton Kutcher, Queen Latifah, George Lopez, Patrick Dempsey, Taylor Swift and Kathy Bates.

13SATURDAY

COURTESY OF MAC

Recording sensation Lady Gaga has teamed up with icon Cyndi Lauper and MAC cosmetics to produce a new line of makeup that will benefit the MAC AIDS Fund.

‘Love’ is in the air J

Celebrity tales of love just in time for Valentine’s Day

AROUND TOWN Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps and Mrs. Mannerly are both playing this at the Alley Theatre at 8 p.m. Saturday. For more tickets and information, log on to ets www. Allytheater.org. g. Wired Live will host a Battle of the Bands contest with first prize including a chance to open for Atreyu. For tickets and information go to www.meridianhouston.com.

14SUNDAY AROUND TOWN The last chance to see the musical Wonderland at the Ally Theater at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Wired Live. “Valentine’s “Vale Day Massacre” With Wi Metavenge, Legion, and Destruction for Humanity D ttickets are priced at $12. For more information, log on to www.meridianhouston.com.

Compiled by Life & Arts staff

By Michelle Reed THE DAILY COUGAR

his week’s celebrity buzz is collected in random bits. But selections that took center stage included Lady Gaga’s “Viva Glam” lipstick, Justin Timberlake dressed in drag (again) and the utter horror of Filipinos being murdered for belting out Frank Sinatra tunes.

This week in celebrity land Plenty of buzz surrounds Taylor Swift after her off-key performance alongside Stevie Nicks at the Grammy’s on Jan. 31. Swift’s act sparked controversy about her eight nominations, begging the question: can the blonde beauty even sing? Rest assured Swift has been in the news for more than her singing ability this past week, catapulting her to the top of the celebrity totem pole. Swift and fellow recording artist John Mayer have often been linked of late. Earlier this year, Touch Magazine reported that “John brags about his hot hookup with Taylor,” and that Swift spent a night with Mayer in Nashville, Tenn. Swift reportedly laughed off the rumors and it’s safe to say, considering that it was an In Touch article, we all should too. Ashton Kutcher, who stars in the upcoming flick Valentine’s Day, told Parade magazine that he hates Valentine’s Day.

“I can’t stand it. I think that every day should be a day of romance. I think you should celebrate love 364 days out of the year,” Kutcher said. “Then, on Valentine’s Day, you should get to tell whomever you hate that you cannot stand them. There would be one day of hating, and 364 days of love. Ashton assured Parade that despite his negative thoughts on the card company’s favorite holiday, his feelings on love and his relationship with actress Demi Moore are solid. “My relationship with Demi is so solid, thank God, and we’re so communicative about the way that we’re feeling that we don’t allow space to come between us. My wife and I have an agreement in our marriage, and part of that contract is that we are going to shine our lights on each other.” Ironically, Ashton’s quote is prime for the inside of a Hallmark card. Lady Gaga’s new MAC Cosmetics “Viva Glam” Gaga lipstick will hit stores March 18. Priced at $14, GagaDaily, a Lady Gaga fan site, claims, “…100 percent of the proceeds from sales will go to the MAC AIDS Fund.” In February, Harvard named Justin Timberlake its Hasty Pudding Man of the Year. Hasty Pudding Theatricals is a student society at the Ivy League university known for its burlesque musicals. It is also one of the oldest collegiate theatrical organizations in the U.S. Always the jokester, Timberlake wore a beach blonde wig while accepting the award. Later in the evening, Timberlake adorned pink

heels and a bra. “Funny enough, every time I’ve hosted Saturday Night Live, I’ve ended up in drag at least once,” Timberlake told celebitchy.com. “I love stuff like this.” Filipino stabbed for belting out Frank Sinatra Celebrity buzz aside, the New York Times reported that a Filipino man, Rodolfo Gregorio, refused to sing Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” at a local karaoke bar in fear of death. Apparently, belting out the lyrics to Ol’ Blue Eyes’ tune can get someone stabbed in the Philippine. “I used to like ‘My Way,’ but after all the trouble, I stopped singing it,” he said. “You can get killed.” What’s worse is that at least “half a dozen” lives have been claimed. The media is labeling this trend of karaoke incidents as the “My Way Killings.” Many karaoke establishments have removed the song from their playlists, leaving faithful Sinatra fans like Gregorio Sinatra-less. Although this sounds comical, the Times assures readers that this situation is quite serious. The article also claims that a Malaysian man was stabbed for hogging a microphone, while a Thai man killed eight of his neighbors after falling into a violent rage over John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Roads.” A woman in Seattle has also been documented as punching a man in the face for singing Coldplay’s “Yellow.” It seems the stars won’t be shining down on that man in Seattle anytime soon. arts@thedailycougar.com

LIFE & ARTS

The Daily Cougar

Valentine’s Day not just for lovers, but pranksters too

www.thedailycougar.com

Where do I get the latest UH news?

One of the most fun things I have ever done on Valentine’s Day occurred during a health fair at the college I attended before transferring to UH. I took all of the books out of my backpack, walked up TTravis i to trays of condoms Hensley that were on display and dumped them into my backpack. By the end of the day, I had made off with hundreds of free condoms. So if you find yourself alone with a plethora of condoms this Valentine’s Day, there’s still a lot of amusement to be had. First off, you can try burning a condom. The smell of burning latex and lubricant is what I imagine robot sex smells like. The only warning here is that you don’t want to drip hot, melted condom on yourself. The last thing you want to do is end up with a condom burn on Valentines Day. If you have a hard surface, you can place clear packing tape on it and draw out a chessboard. Then, you can use your condoms for chess pieces. Many health fairs hand out more than one type of condom handed, so it should be easy to decide which condoms are which pieces. (I used a strawberry-flavored condom for my queen and a Magnum for my king). The same rules apply for what I call “prophylactic checkers.” There is also a long list of practical jokes you can pull on your peers. Perhaps the easiest trick is to put a small amount of conditioner into a condom and leave it in your roommate’s bed. This will really upset him (and I say him because a girl probably won’t be cool with this) because, for some strange reason, people don’t like to see what appear to be used condoms in their beds. But a bed isn’t the only great place to leave your love balloons: door handles, church pews, your teacher’s desk, the seats at a movie theater, etc.

However, the best place to put a condom is around the showerhead. People rarely look at the showerhead in the morning. The condom fills before hitting your victim in the face with a balloon of water. If prophylactics are funny when they are flaccid, they’re even more humorous in the balloon state. So, blow up as many condoms as you can and fill up a friend’s car. You could apply this to someone’s room, but that takes too much time and leaves you winded with no real sense of satisfaction. Another great idea is to fill them up with water. Believe it or not, condoms are larger and more durable than regular water balloons. There is also a special technique to make the perfect condom balloon. Even though they can get quite large, it’s a rookie mistake to overfill your condoms. You can’t throw it if it is too big; it will just end up popping all over you.

Be aware that some condoms have holes in them. Nothing is more frightening than filling up a condom to see it leaking water. But since you are alone, just be thankful that you did not take place in safe sex roulette this year. Freezing is about the only activity I don’t condone. Condom circles are not nearly as funny as you think. Plus, if you throw it at someone you have just ruined all of your condom joy. If you decide to do any or all of these things, rest assured that this Valentine’s Day you will not feel the lonely chill of eating a heart-shaped box of chocolates all by yourself. The downside is that when you actually need a condom, you will have used them for non-sexual activities, leaving you to wonder if burning a condom was the best idea. arts@thedailycougar.com

Thursday, February 11, 2010

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Thursday, February 11, 2010

The Daily Cougar

SPORTS EDITORS Phillipe Craig, Robert Higgs

COMING FRIDAY: See if the UH men’s basketball team can keep winning when they take on SMU Saturday

E-MAIL sports@thedailycougar.com

ONLINE www.thedailycougar.com/sports

SOFTBALL

TENNIS

Tough start awaits Cougars

Start of tennis season nears

By Keith Cordero Jr. THE DAILY COUGAR Several new faces will step onto the softball diamond this weekend, as the UH softball team begins its 2010 regular season. The Cougars will host the Marriott Houston Hobby Classic four months removed their last game, a 1-0 exhibition loss to Texas. Houston will field a team with no seniors, six freshman and three transfers, making for a young team with many new parts to integrate. “We have nine newcomers coming out to the team, so we’re going to make some mistakes, but right now we’re working hard,” head coach Kyla Holas said. The team had a chance to enjoy an informal game Saturday against former UH players when, in honor of the 10-year anniversary of UH’s softball program, fans selected an All-Decade team. The squad included program standouts such as 2007 Conference USA Player of the Year Jessica Valis and pitcher Jamie Falco, who is the owner of eight career school records. The current team beat their predecessors 16-1, but Holas knows her young players can learn a lot from their elders. “It was a great night. I was glad so many people were able to come back,” Holas said. “I was also excited to see everyone’s family here. I hope our current players are able to see and learn from the rich tradition we created.” Despite last weekend’s success, Holas knows this season’s schedule is filled with challenges. The

first test comes Friday, when the Cougars take on USA Today preseason No. 14 Ohio State at 7 p.m. The Buckeyes went 47-11 last season, and they are expected to turn more heads in 2010. “You have three teams of that list in the Top 25 — Ohio St, Louisville and Baylor — so any one of those (games) are going to be huge,” Holas said. “We have to make sure we play cleanly against them. We can’t give them extra opportunities,” Holas said. Juniors Amanda Crabtree and Baillie Lott, along with freshman Bailey Watts, will anchor a Cougars pitching rotation that should improve upon last season’s struggles. “We were worried about not having Watts for the season due to injury, and Lott as well,” Holas said. “To have them all year and be relatively healthy, we’re pretty excited,” Holas said. A lengthy layoff has UH’s players and coaches anxious to return to the field. “We’re excited. It has been a long preseason,” Holas said. “It’s usually a pretty good situation. You get a lot of eager people that first opening weekend, and you just have to see who’s going to be more ready, the pitching or the offense.” Sophomore catcher Melissa Gregson could have a breakout season after garnering significant playing time last year as a freshman replacement for sophomore Jennifer Klinkert. Holas expects Gregson to spend even more time on the field this season. “We’re really excited to have

By Keith Cordero Jr. THE DAILY COUGAR

spent 13 seasons as head coach of the Jayhawks. UH will face a Texas two-step on Sunday, as it takes on No. 15 Baylor (40-22 last season) at 1 p.m. and Sam Houston State (28-26 last season) at 3 p.m. “Kansas is rebuilding; they have a brand new head coach, and Sam Houston State is always a tough play for us,” Holas said. “Those kids are local. We play them every year. This whole weekend, it’s anybody’s game,” Holas said.

The Cougars will attempt to take advantage of a beneficial opening schedule draw that begins with six consecutive home matches when they take on instate foe Sam Houston State on Saturday. The Cougars will face a Bearkats squad riddled with injuries. As a result, SHSU has lost its last five matches, including a 6-1 decision against Illinois State on Feb. 7. “They’re (SHSU) struggling with injuries; they’ve defaulted quite a few spots with their number one player,” head coach John Severance said. “They’re a very talented team, they have just been hit with the injury bug to open up the season.” The Cougars have four newcomers on their team, including three freshmen from foreign nations: Bryony Hunter (Great Britain), Maja Kazimieruk (Poland) and Alexandra Pickerill (Ireland). The Cougars also welcome Elena Kazakova, a junior transfer from Minnesota who was born in Russia. Severance expects his players to be a little nervous, considering they’ve never played at the

sports@thedailycougar.net

see TENNIS, page 9

ZUHAIR SIDDIQUI THE DAILY COUGAR

The Cougars hope catcher Melissa Gregson can build on her breakout freshman season. They will probably need her offense this weekend, as UH will take on a string of top-25 ranked teams — Ohio State, Louisville and Baylor. Gregson back. She was injured that last weekend (against Texas), and we had to play two people at catcher who had never caught before,” Holas said. After facing Ohio State on Friday, the Cougars will play a double header on Saturday, beginning at 5 p.m. UH will face off against No. 21 Louisville, which went 48-11 last season, in the first game. The Cougars will take on Kansas, which is in the first season of the postTracy Bunge era, shortly after the conclusion of the first game. Bunge

SWIMMING

UH nearly takes No 3 Texas By Tristan Tippet THE DAILY COUGAR

ZUHAIR SIDDIQUI THE DAILY COUGAR

The swimming and diving team’s performance against third-ranked Texas on Wednesday night had head coach Mark Taylor singing his team’s praises.

The Cougars entered Wednesday’s dual meet against Texas with the challenge of facing the No. 3 team in the nation. But both teams helped tackle an even bigger challenge: fighting breast cancer. The Longhorns won the brief, 16-event Sprint for the Cure Meet, which UH hosts annually to raise awareness for breast cancer research. Despite losing its last tuneup before the Conference USA Championships, which UH will host from February 24-27, head coach Mark Taylor was thrilled with his team’s performance “We were fantastic. I mean I don’t think we could have swam any better if it was the first day of (the) conference (meet),” Taylor said. “They’re still tired, they’re still sore, they’re still cranky because we’re making them train a lot. But they stepped up and raced today, and that’s what we were supposed to do.”

Taylor said this meet is more a credit to the talent of the Longhorns. “They’re ranked third. I think they’re higher than that, and we raced them; it was close,” Taylor said. “We really had outstanding performances. Andrea Kells looked fantastic today, and so did Kim Eeson. Moira Fraser from Zimbabwe has really busted out, just like we were hoping she would.” Kells won the 50-yard butterfly with a time of 26.22. Eeson finished second in both the 300-yard, and 50-yard freestyle events. Beccy Hillis finished second in the 75-yard and 50-yard breaststroke events, and Jessica Schamburger finished second in the 50-yard backstroke. Diver Anastasia Pozdniakova ran away with the 1-meter diving event, finishing with a score of 345.45. Lacey Truelove (277.35), and Julia Lonnegren (245.40) also delivered successful performances for UH, finishing second and third, respectively. Pozdniakova also won the

3-meter diving event with a 378.98 score. Meanwhile, Truelove grabbed another second-place finish (296.18). After watching his team compete against elite squads such as Texas, Taylor believes there’s a lot to be encouraged heading into the C-USA Championships. “All of the relay starts started looking better. Little things like that, that we’re trying to improve on,” Taylor said. “Shaving off tenths of a second here, half a second there; we’re on our way. “This was exactly what we needed. It prepares us to be ready to go out and do our jobs. We’re going to swim fast, we’re just on our way.” Both Schamburger, and Pozdniakova were honored for senior night before the meet as a tribute to their careers as student athletes. But their time in the pool isn’t over yet. “Now we have two weeks of rest and final preparation,” Taylor said. “They’re going to do awesome at the conference championships.” sports@thedailycougar.net

SPORTS

The Daily Cougar

Thursday, February 11, 2010

■

TIP’S TIDBITS

Major League pitchers in league of their own No matter the circumstances, the most essential position in baseball is the pitcher. Nowhere is that more true than in Major League Baseball, where the world’s best hitters reside. In MLB, the difference TTristan i between a Tippet shutout and getting pulled in the first inning is razor thin. If a manager has only one good pitcher in a five-man rotation, he’s already in good shape. That’s why so many teams covet elite starting pitchers more than other players. Three of the league’s best pitchers have been in the

TENNIS continued from page 8

collegiate level. “I would imagine the only jitters we have is because of a lack of experience,” Severance said. “I do believe we are confident with our ability and talent, it’s just some of these girls have never been in a college match before.” The team’s three returning players include one senior in Neila Starrat and juniors Laura Ring and Joanna Kacprzyk. Kacprzyk is the team’s sole lefthanded player. Severance hopes this trio can help his freshmen quickly adapt to the collegiate game. So far, he’s seen plenty of positive signs. “I’m impressed with the way we’ve developed in the last three and a half weeks. We are starting a little bit later than normal because I knew we were going to have a young team,” Severance said. “We needed to put in some quality practices prior to our long season.” Developing the freshmen will be key, but Starrat, Kacprzyk and Ring are coming off solid seasons. Severance believes their experience will be enough to balance out their youth. Houston went 88-38 last season in singles play, led by Kacprzyk (14-6) and Starrat (122). Starrat will be only the second senior to play four seasons during Severance’s tenure, joining ’09 senior Vicky Simpson. “All of them have something to prove,” Severance said. “Joanna wants to prove she wasn’t a one shot wonder. Neila … is playing much better tennis then she did last year. It’s her last season, so she has a lot to prove. Laura has a lot of talent and played hurt all year last year, and now she is pretty healthy.” UH has a tough schedule ahead of them, including three matches in three days from Feb. 19-21. The Cougars will match up with Louisiana Tech, Texas Pan-American and, finally, Northwestern State in this strech. All home games are played on campus at John E. Hoff Courts.

sports @thedailycougar.com

headlines since the Jan. 19 arbitration deadline, when teams could begin extending offers to eligible players. The first signee was righthander Felix Hernandez. Hernandez inked a five-year, $78 million contract, which features a yearly bonus that balloons to $20 million bonus in 2014. “King Felix,” 23, is coming off a 19-5 season in which he posted a 2.49 ERA and 217 strikeouts in 238 innings (34 starts). The Detroit Tigers began negotiating with right-handed ace Justin Verlander shortly thereafter. Talks started at five years, $75 million — similar to Hernandez’s deal. On Feb. 3, Verlander and the Tigers agreed to terms on a five-

year, $80 million dollar contract that includes a $20 million bonus for the final three seasons. Verlander dominated American League hitters last year, going 19-9 with a 3.45 ERA and 269 strikeouts in 240 innings (35 starts). Verlander has won at least 15 games in three of his four full seasons in MLB. Finally, there’s right-hander Tim Lincecum. He’s been the boldest of the three, so it’s no surprise that he has yet to settle with the San Francisco Giants. Lincecum has been pushing to receive a record $13 million in arbitration. The Giants have offered $8 million. Both sides appear to want a short-term agreement. Lincecum’s been hedging

toward settling, but a pitcher of his pedigree might actually win arbitration. The 25-year-old righthander has won two Cy Young Awards, two strikeout titles and 40 games in less than two full seasons. Teams contemplating contracts of this magnitude need to closely analyze the situation. Regardless of how young and talented a pitcher is, there’s always the risk of injury, especially with the elbow or shoulder. A torn rotator cuff injury could crop up at any time, creating a huge hole in a team’s rotation. Plus, pitchers sometimes just lose their touch. Pitchers who rely on power more than movement are risky propositions. A pitcher can be throwing 95 mph and suddenly and unexpectedly lose

that velocity. However, if any pitchers are worth the gamble, its Hernandez, Verlander and Lincecum. All three mix up their heat with excellent secondary pitches, and they’ve already established themselves in their mid-20’s. If the Giants fail to give Lincecum a long-term deal, they would rightly be taken to the woodshed by media and fans. On the other hand, they would be justified in deciding that the risks outweigh the potential benefits. In the end, it is the organization’s final decision to make. After all, baseball’s can be a business too. sports@thedailycougar.net

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Thursday, February 11, 2010

NEWS

The Daily Cougar

COURTESY OF UH.EDU

Biology Department Chairman Stuart Dryer feels honored to be named a Fellow, but knows he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have done it without the help of his students and co-workers.

HONOR continued from page 1

at Methodist Hospital, nominated Dryer for the award. Dryer said his lab studies a class of proteins known as Ion Channels. Ion Channels are tiny gates on the cell surface that open and close. When they open, they allow little charged particles called ions to move in and out of the cell, changing the cellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s molecular state. Most scientists tend to study the

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short-term effects of ion channels. Dryer, however, broke away from the norm and decided to study the long-term effects of ion channel regulation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The unifying theme of my research lab has been to study how ion channels are regulated in cells over very long periods of time,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Also, we do studies on how the cell decides where to put these ion channels. Different channels tend to be localized in different locationsâ&#x20AC;?. Dryer started his undergraduate

studies at the University of Iowa. Years later, he graduated with a doctorate from St. Louis University. Dryer continued his education at the University of Colorado in Denverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medical school. After completing his studies, he began teaching in Florida State Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Biology Department. He taught in Florida for nine years and spent a year teaching at Harvard Medical School before arriving at UH in 1997. news@thedailycougar.com

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COMICS & MORE

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COUGAR COMICS

Find more daily strips at thedailycougar.com/comics

The Fish Bowl by Thomas Hernandez

1 5 9 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 25 26 27 30 31 32 37 38 40 41 43 44 45 47 50 51

TODAY’S SUDOKU How to play Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3-by-3 boxes must also contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Previous puzzle solved

52 53 56 57 59 61 62 63 64 65 66

Miner’s find Judge’s seat Say in fun Any Elvis recording Pulpit “— Tu” (1974 tune) Slander’s kin Chestnut or bay Pretzel coating Tie-dyed garment Quaint weapon Steers Volcano goddess Pullover Rooted for Envir. monitor Luau numbers Roomy sleeves Golden- — Mowbray and Ladd Fossil fuel Refused — voce (softly) Vexed Least humble Old Chevy model Hawaiian strings Like summer clouds Lose energy Park of a kind Fuzz Festoon Hurl lava Drying oven Cheerio! (hyph.) More reasonable Aussie greeting — -Pei (wrinkly dog) Mexican lad

DOWN 1 Word on a battery 2 Abel or Nadelman 3 — — delighted! 4 At no time, in Bonn 5 Excluded 6 Running wild 7 ESPN feature 8 Ideas 9 Kids around

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS &REE 4AX !SSISTANCE IS !VAILABLE If You Are Required to File an Income Tax Return, (Form 1040NR or 1040NR EZ) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)* Volunteers are Available to Assist You! Bayou City Room (Room 202), February 27, 2010, March 20, 2010 University Center, 2nd Floor, March 27, 2010, April 3, 2010 and April 10, 2010 Saturdays Only, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm: Bring the following: Your passport, Immigration Documents such as Forms I-20, or DS-2019; any Forms W-2 and/or 1042-S; Forms 1099, if any; records of all income and expenses. For additional information, please call the International Student and Scholar Services Office at (713)743-5065. *Houston Asset Building Coalition (HABC) is now responsible for all phases of the VITA Program.

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TODAY’S CROSSWORD ACROSS

Banana Planet by Jamie Woody

Thursday, February 11, 2010

5 14

17 20

44 48

Take the podium Shade of green This, to Juan Church officials Percent ending We got — — deal! 25 One of a strand 26 Harlow or Simmons 27 Large African lake 28 Mammoth 29 AC supply 32 Awful 33 Holy images 34 Musical sound 35 Gangsters’ guns 36 Coin eater 38 Panel experts 39 Mother of Castor and Pollux 42 Colorful Apple 43 Long bouts 45 Coarse 46 APB datum

47 48 49 51 52 53 54 55 58 60

Epic of Troy Brainy club Small-minded Use a whip — morgana New Mexico tribe Raise the lid Another, to Pedro “— Watusi” Made tracks

63 66 ©

10 11 12 14 22 24

25 27

2009 UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE INC.

Previous puzzle solved D R HO OM WA P I K E R

O C A L A

WA OR R I F E

E R A T

A S H E

D T Y E R U A O K R S P O S P I N N T I A C I E R O E L COM L RO B S S H E R S E I N S N D CON I G O B O C E B I R E D S E T

P E R U

O U R D R ME A A P A I T I L S O A R OR D E A L T I S Z A B O B U C R A R E N E A R E S OO T V E R S A N E A L L I L CO B R S E P S O

U L N A S P O R T T E A M

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Thursday, February 11, 2010

NEWS

GRANT continued from page 1

The superconductivity research could also help supply the medical market with applications such as ultra-high field MRIs. The communication markets may also benefit, as advances

in superconductivity research contribute to workings of satellite channels and wireless devices. In addition to the ETF grant, UH has made a financial commitment of $3.8 million to provide research hub space and funding. This funding will be used over a period of three years to jump-start the project.

Superpower Inc. also plans to support this effort by contributing a total of $8.8 million toward research support, equipment for the hub and the creation of a Specialty Product Development and Manufacturing Division in Houston. “The ETF is extremely prestigious and this is the

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second ETF award that the University of Houston has received,” communications coordinator Amanda Hosey said. “We are looking to be nationally recognized and nationally competitive. This grant plays the dual role of advancing the field of superconductivity and getting the University of Houston’s name

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It’s up to you to take the ﬁrst step. UH students who are considering applying to law school should take note of these important dates: Friday, February 12 – The UH Law Center hosts information sessions* for all prospective law students. Saturday, February 13 – Stop by the UH Law Center booth at the LSAC Houston Forum at the JW Marriott Hotel at 5150 Westheimer between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to learn all you need to know about applying to law school.

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Speak up whenever you want.

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Want more information? Contact www.law.uh.edu/admissions lawadmissions@uh.edu 713-743-2280

out there as an active contributor to the field.” TcSUH strives to transform Houston and the rest Texas into the dominant center for all HTSbased research, development and manufacturing because it would draw more attention from the industry to the Lone Star State. Donald Birx, UH vice president for research, said the hub would bring together experienced researchers in an effort to translate superconductor products to the energy market and eventually to the medical instrumentation market. He added that the ETF’s support from was key in developing TcSUH’s capabilities and advancing HTS applications to put UH and Texas at the center of the international stage. The ETF gives engineering students an opportunity to actively participate and interact with industries such as SuperPower. The TcSUH Applied Research hub will be housed in Building 4 at the UH Energy Research Park.

*RSVP to 713-743-2280

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