Issue 79, Volume 76 by The Cougar

life+arts

Indie musician says a few words

New talent ready to be a real Cougar

sports

t h e o f f i c i a l s t u d e n t n e w s pa p e r o f t h e u n i v e r s i t y o f h o u s to n s i n c e 1 9 3 4

THE DAILY COUGAR thedailycougar.com

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Tuesday ®

January 25, 2011

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CONTINUING EDUCATION

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ENROLLMENT DATES

Deadline to add classes online today; drop deadline next week Today is the last day for students to add classes online for the Spring 2011 semester . All online options via PeopleSoft will no longer be active on Wednesday. UH administration is encouraging faculty to enforce the sixday deadline for new adds. After today, students will only be able to add classes based on “documented extenuating circumstances,” according to a UH e-mail. Students are encouraged to check with their colleges or schools for the proper add procedure and adviser hours. Students should also take note that the last day to drop a class or withdraw without receiving a grade will be Wednesday, Feb 2.

GMAT: next generation New integrated reasoning section to debut in 2012 Cristi Guerra

THE DAILY COUGAR The leading graduate test company announced the launch of the latest format of the GMAT, the widely used graduate admissions test. “We’re now involved in developing a new section in cooperation with Pearson VUE and ACT,” Sam Silverstein, spokesperson for the Graduate Management Admission Council, said. “They (test takers) have to answer questions that show

that they can take information from multiple sources and draw conclusions.” The section will not interfere with the grading of any of the other sections. “It’s a new direction for the GMAT,” Silverstein said. “It’s not replacing what we currently do. The next generation section will yield a separate score so it’s not going to change the typical score.” The integrated reasoning section will be released in June of 2012. “I’ve taken the GMAT three times and it has lowered my self-esteem, and even made me reconsider grad school plans.” UH alumni Robert Murphy said. “Hopefully, the new generation exam will be more practical for grad student

The legacies of Mahatma Ghandi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be discussed today at a luncheon open to the UH community. “From Gandhi to King: The Globalization of a Dream,” will be presented in the Houston Room of the University Center. Featured guests are President Renu Khator and the UH Debate Team. A roundtable discussion will follow.

UH prof looking into effects of running, training on immune systems

Beverages and light refreshments will be provided. Students are encouraged, however, to bring lunch and “break bread” together.

Ashley Anderson

THE DAILY COUGAR

Doors open at 11:15 a.m. and there will be limited seating. The discussion begins at noon and is scheduled to continue through 1 p.m.

CORRECTIONS Report errors to editor@thedailycougar.com. Corrections will appear in this space as needed.

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EVENTS IT Training A free class for students and faculty introducing UNIX will take place in the Social Work Building in room 110-L. The class will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Instructors will also be offering a free workshop introducing Windows 7 from after 4 p.m. in the same room.

FOR MORE EVENTS, CHECK OUT

thedailycougar.com/calendar

GMAT continues on page 3

Team shifts into marathon mode for study

CAMPUS EVENT

today

admissions.” The project is the result of a partnership between GMAC, ACT and Pearson VUE initiated in 2006, which was renewed earlier this month for an additional 11 years. “The GMAT is owned by GMAC, and we’re non-profit,” Silverstein said. “They are the two vendors that administer and provide the questions to the test.” Since the partnership began, GMAC has improved the test’s security and technology. “We work hard to make sure that the person who takes the exam is actually

RESEARCH

Khator, debate team to speak at luncheon honoring Ghandi, King

Issue 79, Volume 76

Students tackle the puddles

tudents fought the rain and slick streets to get to class all day on Monday. Heavy waters filled up along Cullen Street, in parking lots and along sidewalks across campus. | Brianna Leigh Morrison/The Daily Cougar » Gallery: More photos at thedailycougar.com/photo

A UH lab team will work with the participants of the Austin Live Strong marathon to study the body’s susceptibility to illness. The team, led by Brian McFarlin, an associate professor of exercise physiology, nutrition and immunology, will study runners for four weeks in February to observe the influence of running on immune systems. The professor chose this particular time of year for his research because the body is more susceptible to illness during this time, and he aims to search for ways to reduce this. “Marathon running is known to place significant stress on the body, which can result in depressed immune system function,” McFarlin said. “Since most marathons take place during typical cold/flu season, it is very common that runners get sick with these infections or other upper respiratory track infections in the weeks following the marathon.” Sickness reduces work productivity and exercise capacity, McFarlin said. McFarlin and his lab team are looking to recruit up to 400 participants of the marathon for the study. After the participants finish the marathon, they will either take the supplement Biothera Wellmune, or a placebo for the duration of the study. During that time, participants will record their symptoms and report them on a questionnaire, which will then be analyzed by the researchers. “We anticipate that the Biothera Wellmune WGP supplement will improve immunity after the marathon and decrease the incident of URTI and cold/flu STUDY continues on page 3

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

NEWS 101

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

The Daily Cougar Headlines from around the world, so you can sound like an informed person.

news 101 CHICAGO

Emanuel kicked off of mayoral ballot President Barack Obama’s former chief of staff Rahm Emanuel was removed from the race for mayor of Chicago on Monday. The Chicago Board of Elections defended the action by deferring to the residency law that forbids a candidate from running if they haven’t lived in the city for at least a year prior to the election.

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One School. Six Campuses. Endless Opportunities. For more than 40 years, The University of Texas School of Public Health has been protecting and transforming the health of people in Texas, across the nation and around the world. Visit www.sph.uth.tmc.edu to discover more reasons to choose The University of Texas School of Public Health and benefit from the best in public health.

RUSSIA

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Airport near Moscow bombed, 35 killed

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At 4:30 p.m. on Monday, a suicide bomber linked to an internal terrorist group killed 35 civilians and left 152 wounded in Moscow.

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Emanuel was set to take the place of current mayor Richard Daley, before the Chicago Board of Elections ordered the printing of two million ballots that do not name Emanuel as a candidate. However, the former chief of staff refuses to end his campaign. Emmanuel is planning to appeal the decision to the Illinois Supreme Court; an appeal that was written in anticipation by his legal team.

w w w. s p h . u t h . t m c . e d u

State television reported the bomber as a part of a Chechen rebel terrorist organization located in the North Caucasus region of Russia. The Russian government has been struggling with terrorism from the Chechen rebels for several years, including an airplane explosion in 2004 and a subway suicide bombing last March. These bombers are typically females who have lost their husbands to the insurgency’s violent attacks, giving

motivation to die for the same cause. The terrorist group is one of the many Muslim extremist organizations in the region fighting for independence from Russia. Because of Russia’s involvement in America’s Middle Eastern affairs, there is speculation on the effect this incident could have and effect on military support overseas, as well as the national and international gas prices.

PHEONIX

Arizona assassin pleads not guilty Jared Lee Loughner, the top suspect of the shootings in Tuscon, Ariz., that took place in January, entered a plea of not guilty at his trial on Monday. The official report stated that the defense asked that the judge enter the plea, creating a new court date set for March 9. Loughner is on trial for the attempted murder of US Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) and two of her aides. Prosecutors expect additional charges to be filed by the next court date including the murder of six (including a federal judge) and the wounding of thirteen. Rep. Giffords is currently undergoing recovery from a bullet wound to the head at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center in Houston. Despite the near-death injury, Giffords has entered rehabilitation and is expected to finish in four to six months. Doctors are impressed with her recovery thus far, as she has gained the ability to move around, including sitting and standing. Compiled by Ben Muths

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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 http://www. thedailycougar.com. The University seeks to provide equal educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability or veteran status, or sexual orientation. The Daily Cougar is supported in part by Student Service Fees. The first copy of the Cougar is free; each additional copy is 25 cents.

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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

NEWS

The Daily Cougar

GMAT continued from page 1

the person they claim to be,” Silverstein said. “We also ensure that any person who takes the exam can know that no one else has an unfair advantage by having seen the questions before the exam.” The companies collaborated on new technology for security in GMAT test taking, a palm vein biometric tool that assures graduate schools of the identity of the test taker. “The extension of the agreement reflects the fact that they were able to provide us with the security and

STUDY continued from page 1

symptoms,” McFarlin said. Biothera, an immune health company, commissioned the study. The study will also encourage runners to take Wellmune or other supplements after running a marathon to reduce the illnesses that occur during this time. “We are completing this study to

technology that was in line with what we wanted for the GMAT,” Silverstein said. The GMAT used to be only offered once or twice a year at limited local testing centers. It is now offered year round during business hours in over 550 locations and 100 countries. “These are companies that have demonstrated their ability to work with us and keep up with what we need,” Silverstein said. “We have a lot of faith in these partners.” news@thedailycougar.com Additional reporting by Charne Graham.

attempt to combat this problem,” McFarlin said. McFarlin and his lab team have conducted 55 other studies aimed at understanding exercise and the immune systems. The most recent study conducted was on the ability of the Wellmune supplement to boost the immune system after running in a hot environment. news@thedailycougar.com

These articles aren’t going to comment on themselves, now are they? www.thedailycougar.com

Recycle this paper. WWW.UH.EDU/RECREATION 7 1 3 - 7 4 3 - P L A Y

Outdoor Adventure

Aquatics & Safety

Intramural Sport

Adult & Youth Swim Lessons begin February 7

Sport Entry Deadline

Trip Schedule

Basketball 1/24 Billiards 1/31 Soccer 2/7 Raquetball 2/14 Softball 2/21 Golf 2/21 Badminton 2/28

Friday, February 18 - 20 Backpack the Hill Country-- $75/$85

CRWC Members: $35/45 Non-Members: $45-55

Lifeguarding Training April 23 and 30; May 7 and 14 Masters Swim Who: Adults 18+ (all skill levels!) Where: CRWC Natatorium When: Monday - Friday 6:00am-7:15am and 11:45am- 1:00pm Cost: Students $35/month, Member $40/ month, Non-Member $45/month plus $150 annual joining fee For class times information, visit our webpage at www.uh.edu/recreation

713-743-9509

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(Mandatory Meeting 2/15 @ 5pm) Escape the big city and wander through cowboy country taking in grassy valleys, spring fed streams and limestone bluffs.

Saturday, February 26 Farmer’s Market Bike Tour -- $10/$15

Explore Houston’s historic neighborhoods as we bike to several Farmer’s Markets and relax at Discovery Green.

Friday, March 4 – 6 Climbing and Bouldering at Enchanted Rock -$80/$90 (Mandatory Meeting 3/1 @ 5pm)

Join us for a weekend of climbing, bouldering, hiking, and caving in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. For more information contact Caleb Wells at (713) 743-0808 or stop by CRWC Room 1007.

Youth Martial Arts

Classes begin Saturday, January 29th *12-week class term (skip two sessions for spring break)

Course #1312 Beginners/Intermediate 10:15am — 11:00am and 11:15am - 12:15pm $120.00 CRWC member $135.00 Non-member Uniform and gear package at additional cost of $70. For more information please contact: Melanee Woods at 713.743.9503 or mhanbury@uh.edu

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

The Daily Cougar

opinion THE DAILY COUGAR

EDITOR Andrew Taylor E-MAIL opinion@thedailycougar.com ONLINE www.thedailycougar.com/opinion

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EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR IN CHIEF MANAGING EDITORS NEWS EDITORS SPORTS EDITORS LIFE

& ARTS EDITOR

OPINION EDITOR

Jack Wehman Newton Liu, Christopher Losee Jose Aguilar, Cristi Guerra John Brannen, Joshua Siegel Mary Baak Andrew Taylor

STAFF EDITORIAL

Wal-Mart not welcome, says Heights community

he non-profit organization Responsible Urban Development for Houston is asking Houstonians to prepare for increased traffic jams as they try to encourage the city to fix existing traffic problems in the I-10 and Heights Blvd. area before further crippling the area’s highways with a behemoth box of retail, otherwise known as WalMart. Wal-Mart treats neighborhoods like competitive eating champion Joey Chesnut treats hot dogs — he just devours them without any regard for the feelings of the hot dog, and makes quite a bit of money doing it. Wal-Mart is out to put one of their supercenters on every inch of American soil. And while that’s fine if they can afford to fund that conquest, it’s not OK for them to disrupt neighborhoods and exacerbate existing problems in communities where they aren’t welcome. Forget about all of the arguments against Wal-Mart in documentaries like “Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price.” RUDH has published on its website, stopheightswalmart.org, several studies about the reasons why or why not a Wal-Mart would be a good idea for the Heights. Its two most recent studies take on the anticipated economic effects and how adding the retail giant will hurt an already bad traffic situation.The site claims that the new IH-10/Yale St. intersection is already failing and that the Yale St. Bridge cannot support 18-wheelers. RUDH also examines why adding a large retail center is usually a good idea, like would its addition benefit under-served markets and does it “provide substantial, otherwise unobtainable enhancements.” The answer to both is no. Another important question is does adding a Wal-Mart really bring in more revenue, or does it just transfer revenues from other smaller stores to Wal-Mart instead. The community is against welcoming the retail giant, and without any obvious and compelling reasons to disagree with them, we believe Wal-Mart should pack up and try its hand in the next town.

E D I TO R I A L P O L I C I E S 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) 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 7, University Center Satellite; e-mail them to letters@thedailycougar.com; or fax them to (713) 743-5384. All submissions are subject to editing.

Questionable miracles don’t impress

he times we live in appear to be ripe for miracles, saints and the blessed. During his reign, Pope John Paul II beatified 1,340 people, a miracle to each of them. The number of whom were beatified is greater than that of every Pope in history combined, which leads one to seriously question the validity of the process and wonder if those receiving such a high Marcus honor were truly deservSmith ing of it. After all, is a miracle a miracle if it’s so very common? Paul was beatified on May 1, only six years after his death, instead of the traditional ten, and after Pope John Paul II’s reforms, only two miracles are required. That leaves only one miracle to go, which will undoubtedly occur sometime in the very near future. The first alleged miracle came when Sister Marie Simon-Pierre prayed and asked Pope John Paul II to intervene on her behalf, and sure enough one day she arose and found her Parkinson’s disease cured. This is particularly good news to those looking forward to the

unprecedented curing of incurable it’s hard not to think of controversies like diseases like Parkinson’s in years to come. the child sex abuse scandal and murkiThe act of a miracle was confirmed at the ness that surrounds it. How much did testimony of Vatican-appointed Pope John Paul “Why was he so slow to doctors who assured that II know about react to a legitimate issue there was in fact, “No scientific the scandal? Did explanation.” he cover it up regarding the church, yet There is no information as was alleged? so quick in condemning as to whether Sister Marie Why was he so Simon-Pierre was taking any AIDS- preventing condoms slow to react type of medicine, or if she was a legitimate and disease-curing stem cell to misdiagnosed. A similar sceissue regarding research?” nario is the supposed miracle the church, of the recently beatified Mother yet so quick in Teresa in regards to Monica condemning Besra, an Indian woman who claimed AIDS-preventing condoms and diseaseto have been healed by her visage in a curing stem cell research? locket. Besra’s husband and medical staff Regardless of his innocence or lack continually insist she had taken medicine thereof in these matters, what is certain for a treatable condition for nine months is that it was not good PR for the Vatican to a year before supposedly the picture of and the Roman Catholic Church. The Mother Teresa cured her of a cyst caused miracle is in all likelihood no miracle at by tuberculosis, which was originally all, and there may be testimonies to this in misdiagnosed as a cancerous tumor. In the future. Until that time, and probably this case, why does Mother Teresa still onwards for the Catholic Church, everyretain her title of Blessed? Would it mean thing is shrouded in doubt. admitting the infallible is fallible? That Marcus Smith is a English freshman and may be wouldn’t be good PR. When speaking of Pope John Paul II, reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com.

SPECIAL GUEST COMMENTARY

Dr. King’s message was timeless, true

artin Luther King Jr. Day makes me stop and give thanks for the freedom that we enjoy in this country. As an African-American, this holiday has a special meaning to me. I was born in Alabama in 1964 right in the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, and despite being only four years old at the time, I can distinctly remember the assassination of Dr. King. I learned at a young age the incredible impact Dr. King’s actions would have on my life. I have had so many great opportunities; opportunities which may not have been afforded me,

had Dr. King not been so determined in his vision for equality. It has enabled me to be an intercollegiate head football coach and has broken barriers enabling me to become the first African-American Football Bowl Sub-Division (FBS) head coach in the state of Texas. On this day, I encourage everyone to take a minute to search the Internet or find a good special on TV and learn about the amazing courage of Martin Luther King Jr. and his fellow visionaries. When you see clips of the “I Have A Dream” speech, don’t just flip the

channel, listen to it and its meaning; its timeless language can inspire one today just as easily as it did 48 years ago, regardless of your gender or ethnicity. Imagine a time when a portion of our society was not able to affect government decisions, not able to get an equal education, not able to sit down on a bus! Now, once again, be thankful for a leader who stood up for equality and freedom for all mankind and ultimately lost his life for the cause. Thank you, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! Kevin Sumlin is the head coach of the University of Houston football team.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

SPORTS

The Daily Cougar

FOOTBALL

Lamar quarterback set for transition to UH Prolific passing prospect eager to step foot on campus to learn throwing-oriented offense from veterans Keenum, Piland John Brannen

THE DAILY COUGAR As a junior in high school, Lamar quarterback Bram Kohlhausen was one of the most sought-after recruits in the Houston area. Arizona, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, UCLA and Utah were just some of the schools vying for his talents. But five months prior to the start of his senior season, he made the decision that he would make the transition from a Lamar Redskin to a UH Cougar after graduation. “I wanted to stay in town where my parents can watch me,” Kohlhausen said. “This is where I grew up, where I played high school. I like the idea of being the local kid.” Another deciding factor for him was two other Redskins making the short journey from Westheimer to Cullen. Linebacker Earl Foster and offensive lineman Kourtland Akins and Kohlhausen all went to head coach Kevin Sumlin’s office together to commit to UH. Offensive coordinator Jason Phillips and co-offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury were the main recruiters of Kohlhausen. He said his relationship with the coaches made picking UH an easy choice. Kohlhausen was ranked as one of the top six quarterbacks in the state by the Houston Chronicle. In three seasons as the starter Kohlahusen had 3,183 passing yards and 45 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. In his senior campaign he helped lead Lamar to a playoff berth, and a perfect 7-0 record in District 20-5A to capture the district crown. Gaining comfort essential The change from high school to college is not an easy one, but Lamar head coach Tom Nolen said he feels Kohlhausen has a key attribute that will allow him to be successful. “So much of everything is confidence,” Nolen said. “The speed will be faster but with learning the system, and getting your confidence up that you can do it is what it takes. “He’s a pretty confident kid. He won’t have any trouble making the adjustment.” The Redskins’ offense is considered to be traditional, but Tom Nolen said Kohlhausen is plenty capable of adapting to a new offense, and credited him for his ability to improvise. “His biggest strength is that he makes plays,” Nolen said. “He’s got a good arm, and when things break down, he can still make a play. Everything doesn’t have to be exactly like it’s drawn up.”

For the last three seasons Bram Kohlhausen was dominating HISD as a standout quarterback for Lamar High School. Kohlhausen is one of three UH commitments from Lamar. | Courtesy of lamarfootball.net “I’m really excited to get to throw the ball more,” he said. “In high school we threw it like 10 times a game. It got pretty brutal. I like the opening up of the passing game at UH, the trick plays and the new style of offense.” Kohlhausen may have to wait his turn before he sees action on the field, but the opportunity to work with Case Keenum will provide him a solid foundation of knowledge of the elaborate UH offense.

“I get to learn from probably one of the best ever in college football quarterback-wise,” Kohlhausen said. “I met David Piland and Case on my official visit and they seemed like cool guys. “I’m going to find out pretty soon what the offense is really like with those two guys helping me out.” sports@thedailycougar.com

Q&A

Shasta unmasked: a day in the life of a college mascot in training, but he’s a student. John Brannen

Q: What about Sasha? A: Sasha has always been a regular student. There’s two of

THE DAILY COUGAR As a mascot, Shasta is a walking symbol of school spirit. If you have attended any UH events, chances are you have given Shasta a high five, or were the victim of one of his humorous pranks. But the person behind the costume does contribute more to the UH community than just parading at games. Bryan Brown is the man behind the mask, he is also a pole vaulter for the track and field team. His accolades include qualifying for the 2009 and 2010 NCAA Regional Outdoor Meet. In 2009, he was the Outdoor Conference USA Champion, clearing more than 16 feet to win the gold. The Daily Cougar caught up with Brown to talk about the juggling act of being Shasta and a student-athlete.

Bryan Brown has been the UH mascot since Sept. of 2009. !"

Q: How did you become Shasta? A: I came to UH as a student-athlete. It was

my sophomore year that I found out the last person who volunteered couldn’t end up doing it so I was like ‘sure I’ll try it’ — just to see how it goes. It’s stuck from then on.”

Q: Why did you decide to do it? A: A lot of it is for fun. It’s a secret way I can cheer on my

them also.

Q: What are your plans for the pole vault this season? A: I’m redshirting the whole season and will compete unat-

tached. I’ll get some more training in and see how that goes.

Shasta’s responsibilities include stirring up Cougar Pride at football, basketball games and other UH events. | File Photo/The Daily Cougar friends at every sporting event. We’re like a small community up here but it’s kind of like a big family. There’s 350 athletes so it’s a cool way to give back to the University in the easiest way I can. It also gives me the chance to mess with people sometimes.

Q: It can’t be a one-man job, is the other Shasta an athlete as well?

A: Last year I was the only one. Matt Stolt, a receiver here was

Shasta before me. It would be cool to have a third generation of athletes to be Shasta. We’re going to hold some tryouts soon and maybe we can find another athlete. We have another guy

Q: When are your mascot duties over? A: Next football season will be my last. I’ll be completely done

with Shasta after that.

Q: So you won’t be pursuing a career in being a mascot? A: If it leads to a full-time career, I’m definitely down for that. I

know though I’ll probably have to get a full-time job to pay the bills.

Q: What is your plan for that? A: I’m majoring in organizational leadership. I want to go back

to grad school for sports administration. I would like to maybe become an athletic director one day. Maybe come back here and bring some Cougar pride. sports@thedailycougar.com

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

LIFE&ARTS

The Daily Cougar

playlist Âť

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not interested playlist

here will always be someone who refuses to take a hint. Maybe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a new thing and they send you text messages incessantly, or maybe this has been going on for months and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still asking you out on a weekly basis. At this point, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re probably running out of ways to reject someone â&#x20AC;&#x201D; thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only so many times you can use, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sorry, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m busy,â&#x20AC;? and get away with it. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m no expert, but making them a copy of this playlist and casually slipping it under their door could be an easy solution to your sticky situation. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Mary Baak Telephone Lady Gaga ft. BeyoncĂŠ

B*tch Stop Calling Me Dem Franchize Boyz

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Not Yours Angus & Julia Stone

99 Problems Jay-Z

Boulevard of Broken Dreams Green Day

Famous Last Words My Chemical Romance

Fences is the alias for Seattle-based indie musician Christopher Mansfield. Fences will perform at Warehouse Live tonight at 8 p.m. | Photo Courtesy of Big Hassle Media

MUSIC

Nothing to be on the Fences about Mary Baak

THE DAILY COUGAR Heartless Kanye West

Hot â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cold Katy Perry

A Kiss is Not a Contract Flight of the Conchords

Hate You Reel Big Fish

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to add another great indie artist to your iTunes library, look no further than Seattle-based singer-songwriter Christopher Mansfield of Fences. His self-titled album was produced by Sara Quin of Tegan & Sara and released on Sept. 28. Though Mansfield is edgy in appearance, his music bears similarities to the likes of Elliot Smith, Bright Eyes and Mates of State. He also studied jazz at Berklee College of Music and was

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on Spin Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;10 Best Albums You Might Have Missed in 2010â&#x20AC;? list. The Daily Cougar had a chance to interview the musician while he was en-route to Houston for his show at Warehouse Live tonight. Q: Your album was produced by Sara Quin of Tegan & Sara. How did she influence the album? A: I think she was more inclined to leave the material the way it was meant to be. I think she just wanted to capture what already existed. There were a few times where she added some vocal harmonies, just

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Q: You studied jazz at Berklee College of Music. How has that influenced your music? A: Well it hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t changed the album much, but it has influenced my musical taste, which influences the stuff that I write â&#x20AC;&#x201D; you want to write music that you like. Had I not gone to Berklee, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think there would be as many minor-key effects, underlying melodies or non-traditional chord formation.

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comics Robbie + Bobby by Jason Poland

Must Be Something in the Water by Brandon Alexander

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COMICS & MORE

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

crossword ACROSS 1 Difficult situation 5 Not cautious 9 Door frames 14 Band instrument 15 Emmy relative 16 Race tracks 17 Blackball 19 Role for Arnold 20 Toshiba competitor 21 Bump or knot 22 Pilots’ place 23 Touch up 25 Sorority member 26 College maj. 27 Played nanny (hyph.) 30 Follow upon 33 Poker pair 34 Tolstoy’s name 36 Capricorn 37 Falk or Fonda 38 Full extent 39 Above, poetically 40 Shakes hands 41 Entire 42 Green drink 44 Bart, to Lisa 45 WWW addresses 46 Checked for typos 50 Juicy pears 52 Bank transaction 53 Flamenco shout 54 17-syllable poem 55 Medieval quest (2 wds.) 57 Clock watcher 58 Helm position 59 Thicken, as cream 60 Irascible 61 Shane portrayer 62 Nick and Nora’s dog DOWN 1 Debby or Pat 2 Norwegian playwright 3 Arrow part 4 Van — Waals force 5 Baroque style 6 Tolerate 7 Dimensions 8 Laugh syllable

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26 31

2010 UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE INC.

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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

LIFE&ARTS

FENCES continued from page 6

Just all the things that kind of sound interesting to me.

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Q: What bands have influenced your music? A: I can’t really say that I was trying to sound like anyone in particular. There have been a bunch of records, though. Bands like The Cure, really snappy, poppy music that conveys strong emotional content. You go through phases where you don’t have a band and you just go through your own stuff and correct everything. It’s been nice to be actually corrected — you know, to deliver what’s in my head correctly.

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Q: How did you get started as a musician? A: When I was a little kid, my mom’s coworker gave me a guitar and then I played bass and listened to Rush records and I had a pretty typical white trash vinyl collection. Whatever was fast was cool. I just listened to a bunch of records and took lessons seriously. Q: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing? A: I kind of always wanted to be an actor. I’d like to be in film, probably, if we’re talking about what I dream of doing. It’s weird to step on stage and be that person, I feel like I’m acting in a play and the goal is to play music…I have to act

completely natural while there’s bright lights and people screaming at me. Q: What are your favorite songs from the album? A: Probably “Sadie” or “Same Tattoos.” I think “Same Tattoos” is really captures my sound, lyrically and melodically. Also, “My Girl the Horse” — I think it turned out beautifully. It was originally just a song that I was singing to my roommate’s dog and it turned into a song for the album. I kind of like “My Girl the Horse” because lyrically, it’s relatively vague and people can make it whatever they want. Q: There’s a lot of traveling between shows. What do you have to have with you when you’re on the road? A: I definitely have to have my phone, just to keep in contact with people. Technology is really important, it’s just part of the job. I have an app on my phone that talks you into relaxation and sleep and I always sleep with the sound of fake rain in my headphones. Of course, clean clothes and a bathroom bag — it’s kind of like “Eurotrip” with the plastic container. Q: If there’s one thing you want people to know about your music or gain from your music, what would it be? A: I’m not trying to bulls**t anyone or hop on any bandwagon of the music scene. I really love doing this and I appreciate every last person that comes to the shows and listens to the album. I’m really grateful and I’m not just trying to do it because it’s cool or because I don’t know what else to do; it really means the world to me. Fences is performing at Warehouse Live tonight with Against Me! and Cheap Girls. Doors open at 8:00 p.m. arts@thedailycougar.com