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Issue 018, Volume 76
Thursday ®
September 16, 2010
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT
International Student Volunteers is looking for UH students interested in traveling to countries around the world to make an impact in environmental and community development programs.
SGA welcomes new senators
ISV offers a variety of service projects that can count as college credit in many countries scattered around the world.
Five new students are unanimously approved into seats at first meeting of the semester
Find more news items at newsline.thedailycougar.com
Program seeks student volunteers
Stop by the Bayou City Room on the second floor of the University Center today, Sept. 16, 2010, where International Student Volunteers will be holding information meetings every hour on the hour from 9am-5pm. ISV will be collecting applications for the program and letting students know about academic credit and sponsorship donations. — Joshua Siegel/The Daily Cougar
School of Music to host season preview concert The Moores School of Music will hold its Collage 2010 Annual Season Preview of upcoming recitals at 7:30 p.m. today in the Moore’s Opera House. The evening will consist of performances from UH faculty, students and performing ensembles. The concert is open to the public, children five years of age and younger will not be admitted to any performances. The event is free of charge. For more information visit www.music.uh.edu or call 713-743-3313. — Paulina Lam/The Daily Cougar
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ON CAMPUS
Fall Exhibition Come see “Gabriel Kuri: Nobody needs to to know the price of your Saab” at the Blaffer Art Museum if you haven’t already. They’re open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is always free!
AROUND TOWN
The Katie Stuckey Band Folk acoustic singer Katie Stuckey and her band will be at The Tasting Room in River Oaks at 8 p.m. this evening. Stop by and check out this critically acclaimed Texas band. Find more campus and local events or add your own at thedailycougar.com/calendar
CORRECTIONS !!
THE DAILY COUGAR
Student Government Association President Prince Wilson stood in front of the panel and committee at their first meeting on Sept. 15. | Jairo Razo/The Daily Cougar
The Student Government Association met for the first time this semester yesterday at The Den to discuss the appointment of five
Senate seats. The SGA voted unanimously to confirm all the new seats starting with the appointment of political science student Amanda Sigurdson to CLASS Seat 1. Sigurdson currently SGA continues on page 3
Students speak on Quran burning Anam Ghias
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Florida Pastor Terry Jones backed down from his recent pledge to burn 200 Qurans on Sept. 11. His threat received massive media coverage around the world and stirred up a heated debate about American values and Constitutional freedoms. As the crisis blows over, American people can now look back and ponder over what America has learned from such an event. “Everything happens for a reason and I believe that such an event made us stronger as a nation,” psychology senior Nosheen Syed said. “We know that there will always be a small group of people everywhere who will defy all reasons and want to harm others.” The news of the burning was met with outrage and criticism as it quickly spread through the world. Jones was pressured to abandon his plans by U.S. officials, including U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and President Barack Obama. Jones finally agreed and gave a statement saying his church will not burn the Quran. “From this incident we should learn to never allow one of our freedoms to eclipse another,” consumer science and merchandising junior Ayesha Shah said. “Freedom BURNING continues on page 10
UH football fans show their Cougar spirit beyond just tailgating, many go as far as painting their bodies, dressing in school colors and making poster signs for the game. | Pauline Alderete/The Daily Cougar
Football fans join competition Karisha Lucero
THE DAILY COUGAR Tailgating is an infamous tradition among football fans. The competition may be on the field, but this season, Texas Pete Hot Sauce is adding it to the pregame party, challenging universities across the country to the ‘Ultimate Tailgate Contest’. The contest invites all universities nationwide to show off their tailgating experiences. Judges are looking for the most convincing photos. All universities may participate and tailgaters must submit their party photos by Nov. 13, via Facebook or mail, for judging in order to qualify for the grand prize. “We’ve had some pretty good excitement about it,” Director of Public Relations for the Sales Factory Tracy Shilobrit said. Tailgate parties are an anticipated ritual among fans from all across the country. Texas Pete and the contest organizers said they are looking forward to seeing how college football fans, from the east to west and the north to south, get stirred up for their favorite team. “Tailgating is one of the most fun things,” junior Taylor Epp said. “You get to hang out
with all your friends and have a great time.” The contest guidelines are flexible. Contestants are judged on anything from school affiliation, food, and decorations. This is a chance for college football fans to put on their game faces and show the judges how fans celebrate game day for their college teams. “It shows school spirit when everyone shows up early to support their team,” Epp said. The energy of the fans throughout their school’s game is apparent in the stands, but it all starts behind the scenes long before the game begins. “(Tailgating) is a good way to connect students, and it’s interesting to see how people across the country celebrate.” Shilobrit said. The contest runs until midnight on Nov. 13 and fans are allowed to vote Nov. 22 through Dec. 6 before winners are announced. For more information visit www. facebook.com/texaspete. “We have some pretty decent prizes for the winners as well,” Shilobrit said. “Alumni can participate too, so the (students) have to keep up with the big boys.” news@thedailycougar.com