Issue 87, Volume 76 by The Cougar

life+arts

Apartment decor not that hard

sports

Cougars keep undefeated title

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

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New year hops onto horizon

African literature lecture and poetry reading today Journalist and poet Obi Nwakanma will lecture at 2:30 p.m. today at the Honors College Commons.

Students and faculty usher in the Year of the Rabbit with a festival to share traditional food and music

The lecture will be followed by a poetry reading at 7 p.m. at the Houston Institute of Culture at 708-C Telephone Road. “We are especially excited to have Obi Nwakanma as a guest lecturer,” Kairn Klieman, a history professor, said in a press release. “It is an honor to host him and a rare opportunity to share with our students a worldly perspective on African literature.” Both events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Travis Coggin at (713) 743-4162. Julian Jimenez/The Daily Cougar

STUDENTS

Online personal branding week from PwC returns PricewaterhouseCoopers holds its 2nd Annual Five Day Virtual Career Week to help students secure a job after graduation, a news release said. The Feb 7-11 online event helps students create a brand for themselves when applying for a job. There will be a $5,000 award for Best Elevator Pitch video. “Personal branding is not just about communication, but also about developing the right skills that differentiate job candidates,” Holly Paul, national recruiting leader for PwC, said. “In a world where employers are looking for differentiated value, personal branding is a strategic tool to stand out.” For additional information, visit www.pwc.com/us/PersonalBrandWeek.

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

57 LO 35 HI

It’s just another Monday, and weather is good.

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THE DAILY COUGAR

Students Jackie Lin and Tammy Ngo wear a Qi Pao, a one-piece Chinese woman dress. | Brianna Leigh Morrison/The Daily Cougar

Members of the UH community gathered to celebrate the Chinese New Year on Thursday in the M.D. Anderson Rockwell Pavilion. “Xin nian kuai le (happy New

Year),” Xiaohong Sharon Wen, director of the UH’s Chinese Study Program, said to all present. This year marks the Year of the Rabbit. The Chinese New Year is regarded as the most important event among NEW YEAR continues on page 3

BUSINESS

Forum held on volunteer options Charity work may boost job applications, resumes THE DAILY COUGAR

CORRECTIONS

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February 7, 2011

STUDENTS

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Issue 87, Volume 76

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EVENTS Piano Works The Moores School of Music is having a showing of Piano Works. The event will feature sounds and music from famous violinist and pianists. It will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for students, $10 for others. Forgotten Gateway: Coming to America Through Galveston Island The Houston Museum of Natural Sciences will have the exhibition open until Feb. 20.

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An expo on Thursday with 20 nonprofit organizations in attendance presented students with various community service opportunities. The third year for the fall and spring event, hosted by the CT Bauer College of Business, brings organizations like the Houston Food Bank, Unicef, and Lemonade Day. “It’s been really great. Every year Bauer students and UH students really step up,” Anya Gersib, a volunteer representative of the Houston Food Bank, said. “I’ve had tons of groups come volunteer, tons of hours have been contributed.” Aside from helping the community, students can also apply the volunteer work to their resume. Businesses care about their employees’ volunteering, according to a career center representative. “Employers want their employees to care about volunteering and helping out the community,” Taylor Mullings, an instructional assistant at Bauer’s Rockwell Career Center, said. Lemonade Day, an organization that focuses on teaching kids how to EXPO continues on page 3

What was originally planned as a candlelight vigil outside M.D. Anderson library turned into a discussion on Egypt between almost forty people at UC Underground on Tuesday. | Anam Gias/The Daily Cougar

EGYPT

Protests personal for students Candlelight vigil turns into discussion on democracy Anam Ghias

THE DAILY COUGAR When the president of Tunisia was forced to flee his country in December because of an uprising against him, many other Middle Eastern countries followed suit with demonstrations against their leaders. In Egypt, the demonstrations erupted on Jan. 25, with protesters demanding the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak and a new leadership through proper democratic means. “What is taking place is a popular uprising against an oppressive regime,” first year political science graduate student Luai Allarakia said. “I am concerned because I believe that the people of the region have the right to choose their own leaders without intimidation and violence.” Allarakia took part in a discussion attended

by almost 40 people inside the UC Underground on Tuesday. The discussion was originally planned as a candlelight vigil, but a drop in temperature forced attendees inside. According to the Al Jazeera website, over one million protestors have gathered on the streets of Egypt. UH psychology sophomore Eman Radwan knows firsthand how the turmoil has impacted people in Egypt. “Some of my cousins are protesting on the street,” Radwan said. “Others are standing in front of their houses with the rest of their neighbors to protect their families.” Radwan said family members have reported that criminals are going around stealing and vandalizing properties as protests take place. “The police over there are too busy shooting tear gas at innocent protestors to do anything about these criminals,” Radwan said. Two years ago in Cairo, President Obama EGYPT continues on page 3

Monday, February 7, 2011

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FEATURED COMMENTS Re: Guns on Campus “Guns are already legal on campus except inside buildings and at the Kindergarten through 12th grade schools. In Texas, where licensed concealed carry has been allowed for years now, there has been no problem. Additionally, several major Texas Universities are for this, since they realize that guns are less likely to fall into the wrong hands inside people’s pants where they remain holstered and secured, than in a car in the parking lot or hidden in the bushes outside buildings if you ride a bike instead of a car that day.”

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— user “Joshuaism” Re: Generation Rx leads substance abuse “Meh, I think people learn to hit it and quit it. Trying out some prescription medication is dangerous sure, but so it driving a car. So is drinking alcohol. So is unprotected sex. Pharmacies and Rx companies are pushing for drugs, which is deplorable, but let’s not make drugs any harder to get than they already are.”

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EXPO continued from page 1

be entrepreneurs using the model of the lemonade stand, was looking for volunteer business students. “We’d love to get business students to get involved with this process and pour all their knowledge into it,” Bethany Way, a representative from Lemonade Day, said. Students walked around the back drum of Melcher Hall, where the representatives of the organizations set up tables and pamphlets with information.

EGYPT continued from page 1

extended his hand to befriend Muslims all around the world, hoping to bridge the gap between the East and the West. Now, however, the US government’s delayed response has made many Muslims skeptical towards Obama. Many, including Allarakia, believe the United States is not doing enough to help the Egyptians

Monday, February 7, 2011

NEWS

The Daily Cougar

Students like volunteering for more than just the resume boost. “It’s the emotional attachment to help others, and it’s a good thing on a resume,” junior Samar Balagamwala said. The event was beneficial for the 26 student organizations and for those who participate in the Ted Bauer Leadership Certificate Program, because students have to fulfill certain service requirements. “We invite the community service chairs and the officers of the student organizations to come out and try to find more activities for their organizations,” Stephanie

Krauss, director of business student activities, said. “The responsibility lies within the student on what level of involvement they want,” Krauss said. Anyone who missed the expo and want to find about the organizations can go to the business student activities office for informational pamphlets. The Rockwell Career Center will host a resume roundup Thursday and Friday in Melcher Hall about where students can get resume advice from career counselors.

bring democracy to Egypt. “The US has been complicit in backing the Egyptian dictatorship since Anwar Sadat took power (in 1970), and it continues to back and aid Hosni Mubarak, the Obama administration’s public rhetoric aside,” Allarakia said. “The US should call on Mubarak to resign immediately.” The pressure from these demonstrations and the resulting instability has prompted Mubarak to announce he would not run for

re-election in September. Critics of the announcement are wary that a gradual transition would give him time to transfer power to a puppet government and crack down on opposition. “The people of Egypt need reform,” mechanical engineering sophomore Amnah Kudia said. “They need a government that is truly by the people, for the people.”

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NEW YEAR continued from page 1

the Chinese community, Marshall MacArthur, instructional assistant professor of Chinese, said. “The Chinese New Year symbolizes the Spring Festival — and we planned it carefully this year, so it would snow,” MacArthur said. The temperature in Houston is dropping, but according to Sarah Fisherman, the associate dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, the success of the Chinese Studies Program is doing the opposite. “The Chinese Studies Program went from nothing and has grown a lot in a short time,” Fisherman said on behalf of CLASS dean John Roberts. The New Year celebration was open to the UH community and was designed to not only celebrate the holiday, but also to share the traditional Chinese festival and culture, such as food, music and skits, with everyone in attendance. In addition, UH’s Chinese Student Association and the Chinese Study Abroad program were available to offer information. “All of our events are turning out very successfully,” CSA President Frank Thai, said. “So many students are participating and becoming very active,” Thai said. The Chinese New Year is a very important day in the Chinese culture and has many different traditions, accounting senior Tse Kuang said. “We celebrate with our family. People hardly have time to get together,” Kuang said. “It’s a time for fun.” Kuang described one custom that has to do with the color red, which symbolizes happiness and good luck. “We decorate the house in a lot of red décor, and hand out red envelopes with money in them,” Kuang said. For information how to get involved in the Chinese Studies Program visit, www.class.uh.edu/mcl/ chns/. news@thedaiycougar.com

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Engineering Career Fair SPRING 2011 Wednesday, February 9, 2011 10 a.m. — 4 p.m., UC - Houston Room Professional Business Attire and UH I.D. Required Platinum Sponsors: Cameron | CenterPoint Energy | Halliburton Schlumberger | Technip | Valero Sponsored by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Coordinated by Cullen College of Engineering Career Center

Monday, February 7, 2011

The Daily Cougar

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

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OPINION EDITOR

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

STAFF EDITORIAL

Budget cuts shouldn’t endanger public safety

exas is in the final stages of implementing an overhaul of the sex offender registry, which will allow some offenders to remove themselves from the list, according to the Midland Reporter-Telegram.

The Council on Sex Offender Treatment is holding a meeting on Feb. 26 to finalize the new plans to deal with low-level sex offenders. The council’s current plan is to allow offenders off the list after an unspecified amount of time and therapy. According to Allison Taylor, executive director of the Council on Sex Offender Treatment, the list adds about 100 names a week and the cost of maintaining and managing the database is becoming unreasonable. “This is a more common sense approach, we have to balance public safety with a limited amount of funds to ensure the maximum amount of public safety,” Taylor said. While hosting a database may become a hassle, allowing people to deregister isn’t the best idea. It may cost more money to maintain, but it protects the public — murderers aren’t allowed out of prison just because there’s no space left. The list of offenses that are qualified as lowlevel include compelling prostitution, possession or promotion of child pornography and sexual performance of a child. None of these sound particularly friendly. The removal process is estimated at around 10 years, according to the Midland ReporterTelegram. It will require counseling and institutes a probation period similar to parole. The question is, does the cost of running the list outweigh the benefit to society? In this situation, the answer is no. Protecting children is not something that can be measured in dollars. Some things simply cost money — maintaining a list of sex offenders is one of them. Texas is facing a budget crisis, true, but that is no excuse for lowering sex offender guidelines. There are other ways to cut costs; lowering the safety of children should not be one of them.

The ice melts, the truth doesn’t

hile Houston has largely recovered from Friday’s icy nightmare, we are reminded that we are still very much at the mercy of nature. And while we are subject to its fury, humans still have remarkable ability to Marc force nature’s hand. If Anderson the population as whole continues its reckless destruction of the environment, we can only expect, and some say deserve, more severe weatherrelated disasters. On Tuesday, CNN reported that snow was present in 69.4 percent of the lower 48 states, and Florida was the only state without snow on the ground. The naysayers point to the 20 inches of snow in Chicago and the rolling blackouts here in Texas, and decry with self-righteous indignation, “We told you global warming was a scam!” But by narrowly focusing on local and short term weather patterns, they fail to see how a general warming trend in the

Earth’s average temperature can ultimately lead to more intense winters. At first glance this theory may appear speculative and exaggerated; the skeptic would justifiably ask for evidence that such events were actually occurring. Regrettably for the Earth, the non-governmental International Arctic Science Committee has in fact documented a sustained period of warmer temperatures in the northern pole region and altered air current patterns. Climatologists predict that as the climate shifts to an elevated average temperature, extreme weather patterns of all types will become the norm. Greater evaporation in equatorial regions will lead to drought and subsequent crop loss. As this warm air mass moves north, it cools and looses its ability to retain the evaporated water. The result is larger storms of greater intensity. Sadly, events like Hurricane Katrina and the enormous cyclone that recently ravaged Australia will only

increase in frequency. In 2009, the U.S. Global Change Research Program reported that global warming “is due primarily to humaninduced emissions of heat-trapping gases.” Independently, the IASC affirmed this in its Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, which stated, “There is international scientific consensus that most of the warming observed over the last 50 years is attributable to human activities.” No credible scientific body stands in opposition to these beliefs. A concerted world effort to reduce green-house gases and other pollutants could begin to remediate or at least mitigate these climate changes. Failure to act virtually guarantees that the nightmarish conditions faced this winter will become norm rather than the exception. Marc Anderson is a cell biology graduate student and may be reached at opinion@ thedailycougar.com.

GUEST COMMENTARY THIS GUEST COMMENTARY HAS BEEN EDITED FOR SPACE, SEE THE FULL VERSION ON LINE AT THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM. 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.

The war on terror is a war of ideologies

n May 21, 2010, the State of Texas adopted a resolution for a new social studies curriculum. The changes implemented were multifarious, but one of the primary effects was a shift toward a more objective presentation of both Christianity and Islam. According to the resolution, the former imbalance was a favorable view of Islam and a critical view of Christianity. The resolution referenced “politically-correct whitewashes of Islamic culture and stigmas on Christian civilization.” The resolution maintained that the Texas social studies curriculum watered down Islamic practices of Jihad, slavery, and oppression of women, while denouncing the Roman Catholic crusades of the Middle Ages. In the October 22 edition of The Daily Cougar last year, Mai Tran expressed her opinion of the resolution, saying, “As a native resident, it is clear that Texas is

already succumbing to the lunacy of ultraconservative principles.” I take issue with Tran’s opinion on two points. First, the resolution passed was not a promotion of conservatism but of objectivity. According to the resolution, the issue at hand was a diluted, glazed over presentation of Islam, but a brutally factual (and possibly negative) portrayal of Christianity. The purpose of the resolution was to make certain that the real truth about Islam and Christianity were both taught. Second, I would contend that “ultraconservative” principles are anything but lunacy, but are in fact vital to the freedom and security we enjoy as Americans. As of 10 a.m. this morning, 5,902 Americans have been killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and Operation Enduring Freedom combined. This is why the “ultra-conservative” principles that led to the Texas social

studies resolution are so vital – they fight the same battles as our soldiers, but instead of in the desert, they fight it in the minds of our youth, teaching them that each person is entitled to freedom and to life. The war on terror in which we are engaged is a war of ideologies. The resolution passed is important because it protects against the promotion of Islam. In no way should Islam be wholly excluded from the social studies curriculum, but if we allow our own educational system to give quarter to or even promote the ideas of the religion that spawned terrorism while denouncing the Christianity that founded our nation on principles of freedom, the war on terror will be over, and we will have lost, conquered from within. Daniel Cooney is a mechanical engineering sophomore.

Monday, February 7, 2011

The Daily Cougar

sports

EDITORS John Brannen, Joshua Siegel E-MAIL sports@thedailycougar.com ONLINE www.thedailycougar.com/sports

overtime

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TENNIS

UH goes one for two in weekend matches The Cougars lost to Rice on Saturday but quickly redeemed themselves Sunday by bouncing back to beat Sam Houston State. The Cougars notched their first win at the John E. Hoff courts to top SHSU 5-2, and improved to 3-2 overall. “It’s never going to be great tennis with 15 mph winds,” head coach John Severance said in a release. “We came out flat, but we prevailed and got the win. It wasn’t pretty, but it was a win nonetheless.” The No. 48-ranked Rice outpaced the Cougars on Saturday to win the match 5-2, giving UH an 0-1 start in Conference USA. The Cougars were scheduled to play St. Edwards on Friday, but it was postponed due to the icy weather conditions. The Cougars next match is against UT Pan-American at 2 p.m. on Friday at John E. Hoff courts.

— Cougar Sports Services

TRACK & FIELD

Cougars excel in New York Among some of the top teams in the NCAA, the Cougars had no trouble fitting in, with the men’s team placing ninth and the women’s team coming in 25th at the New Balance Invitational. Sophomore Errol Nolan added another milestone to his already productive career, winning the 400-meter dash in 46.46 seconds — snapping Chris Jones’ 14-year school record. Kelvin Furlough placed third in the 400 with a split of 47.11 seconds — a personal-best. Doug Kelley won the 800-meter run in 1 minute, 51 seconds to set his fastest time yet. Jason Perez won the 500-meter run with a time of 1:05. Kiara Pulliam tied her personal best in the shot put with a throw of 47 feet and 11 inches, good for fifth place.

— Cougar Sports Services

NFL FOOTBALL

Green & Yellow tops Pittsburgh Behind the arm of Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers topped the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-27 in Super Bowl XLV Sunday at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. The Packers sealed the victory when Ben Roethlisberger’s pass attempt fourth-and-5 with 49 seconds to go fell incomplete. Rodgers was awarded Super Bowl MVP and finished with 304 yards, three touchdowns and completed 24 of 39 attempts. Roethlisberger made 25 of 40 passes for 263 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

— Cougar Sports Services

Point guard Porsche Landry’s balanced performance of 20 points, five assists and five rebounds was instrumental to the Cougars’ ninth straight victory versus Conference USA opponents. | Aaron Cisneros/The Daily Cougar

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Cougars coast against Tulane Trio of Landry, Scott, Taylor enough to pull away from Green Wave on the road Cougar Sports Services

Tulane fought back from a 15-point deficit at halftime, and trimmed the gap to four at the 6:09 mark in the second half. The Green Wave would get no closer, as UH thwarted the rally with a responsive offense and an alert defensive presence to win 85-70 Sunday at Fogelman Arena. The Cougars (18-4, 9-0 Conference USA) were a threat in the open court with 19 fast break points. Tulane coughed the ball up 21 times, and UH took full advantage, scoring 25 points off turnovers. UH post players had a field day tallying 40 points in the paint. The offense showed efficiency, making 30 of 66 shots

for a 45.5 field-goal percentage. Forward Courtney Taylor led the Cougars in points with 21, and lassoed 18 rebounds for her 15th double-double of the season and the 55th of her career. She now has the most double-doubles in the program’s history, and is fourth in C-USA. Taylor also added two blocks for 123 on her career — the third-most among all UH players. Guard Brittney Scott contributed 19 points, draining three 3-pointers. Porsche Landry had an impressive stat line with 20 points, five assists and five rebounds. The Cougars will look to maintain their success when they return home to play Rice at 7 p.m. Thursday at Hofheinz Pavilion. They will get two days of rest before they host ECU on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. — a game that will be nationally televised on ESPN2. sports@thedailycougar.com

Houston 85, Tulane 70 Visitor ................ 45 Home ................ 30

40 40

85 70

HOUSTON

min fg-fga ft-fta 3pt-a pts reb a pf

05 Mason, B. 24 Taylor 33 Mason, L. 11 Scott 20 Landry 01 Dyson 22 Button 25 Woods 34 Johnson

27 30 21 37 35 9 11 6 24

3-8 8-12 5-12 6-13 7-15 0-0 0-1 1-2 0-3

2-2 5-6 2-4 4-5 6-7 0-0 3-4 0-0 0-0

0-0 0-0 0-0 3-7 0-2 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-1

8 21 12 19 20 0 3 2 0

5 18 5 2 5 2 1 1 4

2 2 2 3 5 0 0 0 0

5 3 3 2 5 0 1 2 2

Percentages: FG .45.5%, 3PT 27.3%, FT 78.6% TULANE

min fg-fga ft-fta 3pt-a pts reb a pf

20 Nunn 23 Aidoo 44 Benzio 11 Barnes 21 Grayson 25 Snow 32 Bibbins 35 Lindsey

38 33 29 33 26 3 13 25

9-18 3-13 3-4 3-16 3-8 0-0 0-3 5-10

3-4 1-2 2-4 2-6 2-3 0-0 0-0 6-6

0-1 1-8 0-0 0-3 1-1 0-0 0-0 0-0

21 8 8 8 9 0 0 16

9 4 11 3 6 0 2 9

2 3 0 2 6 1 0 2

4 5 2 1 5 0 2 4

Percentages: FG .36.1%, 3PT 15.4%, FT, 64% Technical fouls: Tulane- None. Houston-None. Attendance: 859

MEN’S BASKETBALL

UH can’t close out Tulsa, lose fifth straight Joshua Siegel

THE DAILY COUGAR The Cougars continue to show that they can hang with any team in Conference USA for 38 minutes, but have not yet mastered how to finish a game. Tulsa proved to be the better team in overtime, winning 76-71. The loss marked the Cougars’ (11-11, 3-6 C-USA) fifth in a row; in all losses, they had a lead in the game’s final minutes. The Cougars were ahead closing out regulation, but a dagger 3-pointer by Justin Hurtt sent the game to overtime. Hurtt was the difference in the game, adding five points in the extra period to finish with 22

for the game. Maurice McNeil and Darian Thibodeaux had strong performances for UH. McNeil led UH in scoring for the third straight game with 21 points in 24 minutes. Thibodeaux played 43 minutes and

Maurice McNeil (left) and Darian Thibodeaux paced the Cougars with 21 and 15 points respectively. !"

contributed 15 points and four assists. The Cougars — who are second in C-USA in 3-point percentage (.386) — were uncharacteristically dismal from downtown, hitting 2-15 attempts. For the second consecutive game, UH was able to get to the free-throw line 31 times, but again shot poorly, missing 10 shots. Head coach James Dickey shuffled his starting lineup, sitting Adam Brown and Zamal Nixon and inserting Kirk Van Slyke and Nick Haywood. The Cougars will attempt to snap their streak against Tulane (12-9, 2-6) in a 4 p.m. matchup on Saturday at Hofheinz Pavilion. sports@thedailycougar.com

Monday, February 7, 2011

LIFE&ARTS

The Daily Cougar

MOORES

Abbey Simon tickles ivories at International Piano Festival Terence Yung

THE DAILY COUGAR The International Piano Festival continues to be Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most endearing piano recital series. This year the festival ran Feb. 5-6, and featured founder and UH Distinguished Cullen Professor of Piano Abbey Simon, Danny Driver and Di Wu. The festival included three recitals, three master classes and an artist conversation luncheon. Simon, founder of the festival, was the most renowned presence. He continues to dazzle audiences with the most demanding music in the piano repertory. His Beethoven Bagatelles (Op. 33) were full of lyricism, color and charm. Simon emphasized

the humor of the pieces to great effect. His technique shows no sign of lagging. Octaves, double-thirds, arpeggios, you name it â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Simon tossed them off with panache. In his Chopin Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Simon reminded us that the grand master is still very much capable. The counterpoint in the first movement was discursive, the voices conversing with each other, and the gestures marked by contour, inflection and flair. In the second movement, he brought his coveted jeu perlĂŠ touch, beginning the movement with a murmur and ending with a sweep of tongue-in-cheek humor in the spirit of the scherzo. The slow movement began with great decisiveness and

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drifted into a wistful reverie melting away into silence. Simon then began the finale, which was performed with sparkling virtuosity, apt proportion and a refined sense of architecture. The second half began with two Rachmaninoff Preludes. Simonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rachmaninoff was characterized by clarity of line and melancholic expressivity. The program concluded with Ravelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Miroirs. Simon showed UH how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done by bringing out joy, grace and lyricism to the formidable Miroirs. His rendition of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alborada del Graciosoâ&#x20AC;? inspired the audience to a standing ovation. Simon offered two encores to placate the audienceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enthusiasm. Danny Driver is a highly underrated pianist who is deserving of greater recognition and acclaim. The Mozart Sonata in F Major, K. 332, was full of fleeting lightness, warmth, playful exuberance and flair. In the Schumann Symphonic Etudes, Driver brought a grandness

of gesture and nobility that immediately endeared this reviewer to those dreadful pieces. Driver plays with an eloquence rarely heard in the younger generation of performers. After the intermission, Driver played a few of Debussyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Images. Driver highlighted the mysterious sounds and color. He brought us to his home in England with the impetuous Sonata No. 5 in F Minor by York Bowen. Driver received a well-deserved standing ovation and offered Chopinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aeolian Harpâ&#x20AC;? Etude as an encore. This was done with such charm that it left the audience sighing. Di Wu was a participant at the Twelfth and Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competitions. Her recital suffered from poor attendance. Wuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s centered program took us on a Tour de France. She began with Debussy

Preludes. Wuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Debussy was rushed, impulsive, angular, and edgy with the more delicate preludes lacking in detail and transparency. After a brief intermission, she brought out Ravel Miroirs. Wuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interpretation was generally erratic, overbearing and full of labored phrasing. Her playing was wanting in what the French call jeu perlĂŠ. She concluded with a Gounod-Liszt Faust transcription, which was perhaps her most successful piece. Her virtuosity shone as she brought a new and innovative sense of bombast to the grand tradition of French ballet. Overall the festival was a great success. If you can catch the likes of an artist on the caliber of Abbey Simon or Danny Driver, then you are in for a treat. arts@thedailycougar.com.

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COMICS & MORE

The Daily Cougar

comics

Monday, February 7, 2011

crossword

Pepe by Felipe Campos

Must Be Something in the Water by Brandon Alexander

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

ACROSS 1 Grumble 5 Floppy 9 Litter member 12 Rent, as a limo 13 — — in the bucket 15 Roll tightly 16 Finished a cake 17 Swamp critter 18 “Bus Stop” author 19 Pyramid builder 21 Chamomile infusion (2 wds.) 23 Melville opus 24 Be even 25 Upholstery fabric 28 Become sunny (2 wds.) 33 Jellybean shapes 34 Pork cut 35 Tart plum 36 “Wild Thing” rapper, Tone — 37 Got along 38 — vous plait 39 Wapitis 41 Luau plinkers 42 I.e. words 44 Chaos 46 Visits often 47 Trip part 48 Russell and Olin 49 Stopgap (hyph.) 53 Chronicle 57 High point 58 Exploding stars 60 Major-leaguers 61 “I Got You Babe” duo member 62 Flash 63 Poker stake 64 Evil eye 65 Bonny miss 66 Close DOWN 1 Dip companion 2 Like Bill Gates 3 General vicinity 4 Sleeping bag 5 Pool 6 Sun Valley site 7 A-Team member (2 wds.) 8 Piglet’s friend 9 Football kick

8 14

33 36 40

52 58

60 63

66 ©

22 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 34 37 40 42 43 45

from the

heart

46 Bank jobs 48 Kublai and Genghis 49 “The WellTempered Clavier” composer 50 Pang 51 Ariz. neighbor 52 Kewpie 54 Sarah — Jewett 55 Duty roster 56 River in Belgium 59 Travel word

2010 UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE INC.

Previous puzzle solved M A C S

U H U H

O S L O

N O T C H C A B I A G I N P A NG R I D I N S I N S L I C L OR I A L I T B A S E

A P S E K A K E R OW L N G G H E A U N GN I U K E E R I I D MA

R E S AMS P U T S H C E E Y UMM E RMS N R Y T Y M A E F L A MU L L A T A I OM N N A

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Impulse Court event Make believe Muscle cells “Jake’s Thing” writer Narrow inlet Guided a raft Convex moldings Bundles Kitchen tool Tells an untruth NFLer Merlin Palm off Soft matted wools Blue spot on a map Cheating a bit Lead-tin alloy Fleming and Woosnam Sweeper’s need New Deal org.

10 11 14 15 20

47 49

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Words

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Monday, February 7, 2011

LIFE&ARTS

The Daily Cougar

DECORATING

Tips for turning your college apartment from drab to fab Daniel Renfrow

THE DAILY COUGAR Moving into your first apartment can be a depressing experience. At first, you are excited about being out of your parent’s house or your dorm. You dump all of the boxes containing your belongings onto the ground, and after unpacking discover that you have enough items to furnish your closet and half of your bathroom. You have one pot, three forks, two spoons, a melted spatula, one torn Bob Marley poster and/or a Breakfast at Tiffany’s poster, a sad-looking couch, a folding chair and a set of bowls that have “do not microwave” written on the bottom. Suddenly your studio apartment looks much larger. Don’t worry. There are some easy ways to make your apartment more livable. When it comes to furnishing your apartment, Ikea is your best friend. Those Scandanavians really know how to make cheap furniture. Maybe it’s an offshoot of their Lapland Socialist paradise — they just want to share everything with everyone. Ikea has great prices on just about everything — the only exception being their larger furniture pieces, such as couches and armchairs. Target is a great place to find cheap items for your new apartment, just stay away from the college section. The college

Arranging and decorating an apartment or dorm room may seem like a daunting task, but a few trips to IKEA and a Craigslist shopping spree can turn any room into a warm, inviting space in no time. | Wikimedia Commons

section is the neon-hued eyesore with the faux-furniture. There is nothing that screams you are a poor college student than neonhued furnishings. Furthermore, The items you buy will give you a headache and you will inevitably replace everything within a few years. Thrift stores, garage sales and Craigslist are excellent places in which to search for larger pieces of furniture. If you find an item that is cheap but a little worn, consider refinishing it. You’ll be surprised by what you can accomplish with a

bucket of paint or a slipcover. Not to mention you will be able to brag about how you refinished that coffee table or media cabinet to your friends. Here are some general tips to help you get started with the decorating process. People have a tendency to push all of their furniture to the wall. In doing this they think they are creating more living space, but in reality they are creating dead space. Unless you are planning on hosting square dancing parties, or like to walk in circles (this is

especially tempting during finals week) try to not do this. A better option is to arrange your large pieces of furniture as if they are room dividers. If you have one couch placed against a wall, consider placing a small love seat or armchair across from it in a diagonal position. Doing this will break up the longhouse feel of your apartment and give the illusion that you have a living room. Hanging pictures is an art form, and is often the most frustrating part of moving in. When

you hang pictures be sure to place them at eye level — you should not have to squat down or stand on a chair to appreciate them. An exception to this would be if you are hanging the pictures in groups. An interesting way to do this is to buy several old picture frames from a thrift store, spray paint them a solid color, and hang them in a geometric shape. You could either leave the frames empty, place photos in them or frame fabric or wrapping paper with a cool design on it. Get a friend or roommate to help in the hanging process, as it saves a lot of time and prevents a lot of frustration. Create vignettes. The general rule is to group together a short item, medium height item and a tall item. Grouping things in this manner will make your ceiling look higher, and give your apartment more of a balanced feel. An example of this would be a chair as the low item, a picture or end table as the medium item, and a floor lamp as the tall item. Create your own decorating style. You can always tell when you go to someone’s home if they bought everything from the same store. Doing this will make your new space look like a hotel — you definitely don’t want this. Try to create a style that represents you in some way. You will feel more confident in yourself and your abilities when you have a grown-up apartment that reflects your ambition and age. arts@thedailycougar.com

playlist »

Songs for a bad halftime show

ecause there are about 100 million viewers that tune in to the Superbowl each year, we’re assuming that you saw the Black Eyed Peas perform during halftime on Sunday night. This very well may be the worst halftime performance in Superbowl history — which is saying something, because we didn’t think anyone could ever top Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction from 2004. It seemed as though Fergie was more or less yelling into the microphone, and it’s hard to take anyone seriously when they’re dressed as Tron characters. So do us a favor, Fergie & Co., and do not pump it louder. The eight offpitch, out-of-tune songs were simply eight too many. Except Usher’s performance of “OMG” — that was our jam. — Mary Baak

I’ve Got a Feeling Black Eyed Peas

Boom Boom Pow Black Eyed Peas

OMG Usher ft. WillI-Am

Where is the Love? Black Eyed Peas

Sweet Child O’ Mine Black Eyed Peas ft. Slash

Pump It Black Eyed Peas

Let’s Get it Started Black Eyed Peas

The Time of My Life Black Eyed Peas

Leighton Meester stalks her unsuspecting roommate in the mediocre “The Roommate.” | Courtesy Sony Entertainment

BOX OFFICE

Meester is one creepy ‘Roommate’ Marcada Claybon

THE DAILY COUGAR Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester stars as Minka Kelly’s bipolar, obsessive counterpart in “The Roommate.” Filmed at Layola Maramount University of Los Angeles and directed by Christen E. Christensen, “The Roommate” is a chilling thriller that had the audience commenting and screaming at unexpected twists in the plot. The movie was just as good as its trailer — which can’t be said about most suspense films lately. However, it was more entertaining than it was scary. Leighton Meester was very convincing as a deranged freshman,

which is in great contrast to her character on “Gossip Girl.” She not only delivered her lines, but delivered them well. Meester proved her range of acting in this film, as she played a very convincing role. However, Minka Kelly left her character flat and failed to move the audience as an actual person. Though she was believable in acting as any person in that particular situation would, she did so in an empty way and lacked real emotion. The movie did do well for its $16 million budget in the effects and scenery, but it would have been more thrilling if the more grusome part of the movie were shown rather than implied. The story flowed in a constant manner and didn’t stray, but

it didn’t seem to last long enough. Fortunately, however, the editing by Randy Bricker made the story believable. Though the movie itself failed at its purpose of a thriller — despite a little shock here and there — “The Roommate” did well as far as being entertaining. Though the audience already knew what was going to happen in the story, watching it unfold was interesting to watch, even if it was not as bone-chilling as anticipated. I recommend watching this movie with a roommate — one you’ve been friends with for a while or one you just happen to be stuck with — just to enjoy questioning their motives. arts@thedailycougar.com.