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Congress wastes time, student loan interest rates set to double
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June 20, 2012 Issue 117, Volume 77
CAMPUS
UC brings different food options Renovations cause eatery shutdowns, fresh restaurant locations open up on campus Alexandra Doyle
THE DAILY COUGAR With so many renovations, including the closing of the University Center, and replacements occurring on our campus in the coming months, the thought of finding food in the construction wasteland can seem more than a little daunting. In response to the closed restaurants, UH Dining Services has replaced the UC locations with several food trucks: Bernie’s Burger Bus, The Waffle Bus, and Bare Bowls Kitchen. Aramark, the company that holds UH’s food service contract, said the student response has been positive. “We were very glad to see the student response to the trucks at the end of the semester, and we have seen similar response to the food trucks that we have had on campus since June 4 for the summer session,” an Aramark representative said. “We are currently exploring the possibility of adding two more trucks once the fall semester begins.” As for the eateries that were already serving in the UC, Aramark provides a solution for at least one of the previous locations. According to their representative, the new food options in the remodeled UC include Express, McDonald’s, Starbucks Coffee, Chick-fil-A and a Cougar Xpress Mini Market. After phase two of the renovations, a Freshii restaurant will also be opening in the UC. Additionally, a Taco Cabana will be opening in the new stadium parking garage in the fall. “Sushic has already moved over to the UC Satellite and served its first meal in that location on June 4. They are serving out of the space that used to belong to Montague’s
As the renovations of the University Center take place, the Japanese restaurant Sushic will be located at the UC Satellite. It will stay in the Montague’s Deli spot, moving the Deli to replace the Cranberry Farm’s place come the fall semester. | Hendrick Rosemond/The Daily Cougar Deli,” an Aramark representative said. “Once the fall semester begins, Montague’s Deli will re-open in the old Cranberry Farms space. The new UC is going to have an entirely new set of locations.” The Oberholtzer dining hall will be closing next semester and will be replaced by the new west dining hall. “The new dining hall being built on the corner of Cullen and Wheeler is meant to replace the dining hall in OB. It will still be a ‘Real Food on Campus’ style with a similar menu to what OB offered,” an Aramark representative said.
“The dining hall is scheduled to open in the fall semester. Until that time, OB will remain open to serve students in that area of campus.” All-access meal plans are being installed for the fall semester, which will allow for a more flexibility for only $100 additional. Students can choose the All-Access 7 plan, which allows for continuous access every day of the week, or the All-Access 5 plan, which is limited to Monday through Friday. “All-access meal plans were approved spring 2012, and students coming in the fall have the option to choose one of those
plans instead of a lifestyle or block meal plan. (They) allow students to swipe into the dining halls once every 30 minutes,” an Aramark representative said. “The plans also come with a certain number of guest passes that students can use to treat family or friends to a meal in the dining halls, and a certain amount of Cougar Cash.” Aramark said the food trucks will stay on the UC patio and their service hours may be found at http://tinyurl.com/UHfood. news@thedailycougar.com
GRANTS
Faculty member receives Fulbright funding “Smart building” design team led by University professor to undertake international research on ecological solutions in Morocco Channler Hill
THE DAILY COUGAR Engineering professor Driss Benhaddou is joining the esteemed list of professionals to receive a Fulbright grant. The Fulbright Program, an international educational exchange program, awards 7,500 grants annually to applicants with excellence in academic achievement and demonstrated leadership in their careers.
Benhaddou focuses his research on ‘smart buildings,’ structures that can regulate their own climate. He said it was started by an interest in wireless sensor networks. “My line of research is optimization of routing protocols and resources allocation in optical networks. Five years ago I started investigating similar issues in wireless sensor networks,” said Benhaddou. “WSN turned out to be very specific to their (motes) applications and problems.
A couple of years ago, I started working with a group of faculty on applying WSN in intelligent building management systems.” Motes, which were invented by different groups from Berkeley University and various companies, have the function and size of a minute computer and accomplish small, specific tasks like sensing and communicating. After a couple of years of research and discovering that WSN were specific with the motes, Benhaddou and his group
began working with smart buildings. “With the advent of smart grid, I started working on how we can use WSN to interface buildings to a smart grid, which led to the concept of smart buildings,” Benhaddou said. Benhaddou will further his research in the fall semester in his native country, Morocco, at Al Akhawayn University. Selecting a country to further develop FULBRIGHT continues on page 3
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NEWS
The Daily Cougar
CRIME LOG
WE cover it all Every WEDNESDAY In p print. Online. On the g go.
Have information on these or other incidents of crime on campus? Call (713) 743-0600
The following is a partial report of campus crime between June 12 and Sunday. All information is selected from the files of the UH Department of Public Safety. The information in italics indicates when the event was reported to UHDPS and the event’s location. Information or questions regarding the cases below should be directed to UHPD at (713) 743-0600. Theft: 10:16 a.m. June 12, Farish Hall — A staff member reported that someone stole her unattended and unsecured cell phone. The incident occurred at 9:57 a.m. June 12. The case is inactive. Theft: 12:44 p.m. Wednesday, Science and Research 2 — A student reported the theft of her unattended and secured bicycle. The incident occurred between 8:00 and 8:20 a.m. Wednesday. The case is inactive. Harassment: 2:28 p.m. June 13, a Charter School — A student reported receiving unwanted phone calls, text messages and emails. The incident occurred between 2:26 p.m. May 21, 2011 and 2:28 p.m. June 11. The case is inactive. Assault: 8:42 p.m. June 13, Cullen Oaks Apartments — A visitor reported being assaulted by a student. The incident occurred at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. The case is active. Burglary of a Building or Habitation: 8:04 a.m. Thursday, Cambridge Oaks Apartments — A Cambridge Oaks staff member reported that someone forcibly entered a maintenance shop and stole equipment. The incident occurred between 5:15 p.m. Wednesday and 8:00 a.m. Thursday. The case is active. Burglary of a Motor Vehicle: 3:32 p.m. Thursday, Leek St. — A student reported that someone burglarized his vehicle and stole personal items. The incident occurred between 1:00 and 3:30 p.m. Thursday. The case is active. Theft/Evading Arrest: 6:48 p.m. Thursday, Architecture Building. — A visitor was arrested for stealing a bicycle and evading arrest. The visitor was released to Harris County Jail. The incident occurred at 6:48 p.m. Thursday. The case is cleared by arrest. Burglary of a Motor Vehicle:
10:49 p.m. Thursday, Lot 15I — A visitor reported that someone burglarized his unattended and secured vehicle. The incident occurred between 4:15 and 10:25 p.m. Thursday. The case is active. Consumption of Alcohol by Minor: 11:10 p.m. Thursday, Cougar Village — Several students were found in a dorm room drinking alcohol while being under the legal age to drink. Three of the students confirmed to have been drinking received county citations and all received Student Life Referrals. The incident occurred at 11:10 p.m. Thursday. The case was cleared by citation and referrals. Traffic Offense: 1:25 p.m. Friday, Lot 18A — A student reported that someone struck his unattended vehicle and did not leave the information required by law. The incident occurred between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Friday. The case is active. Theft: 4:23 p.m. Friday, M.D. Anderson Memorial Library — A student reported that someone stole his unattended and unsecured laptop computer. The incident occurred between 2:15 p.m. and 3:40 p.m. Friday. The case is active. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor: 2:02 a.m. Sunday, Bayou Oaks Apartments –— Several students and visitors received Harris County citations for drug paraphernalia and consumption of alcohol by minors. The students also received Student and Residential Life Referrals. The incident occurred at 2:02 a.m. Sunday. The case is cleared by citation and referral. For the complete report and to view past reports, go to thedailycougar.com/crime
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ABOUT THE COUGAR The Daily Cougar is published Monday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters, and Wednesdays during the summer, at the University of Houston Printing Plant and online at http:// 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. SUBSCRIPTIONS Rates are $70 per year or $40 per semester. Mail subscription requests to: Mail Subscriptions, The Daily Cougar, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204-4015. NEWS TIPS Send news tips and story ideas to the News Desk. Call (713) 743-5314, e-mail news@ thedailycougar.com or fax (713) 743-5384. A “Submit news item” form is also available online at thedailycougar.com. COPYRIGHT No part of the newspaper in print or online may be reproduced without the written consent of the director of the Student Publications Department.
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FULBRIGHT continued from page 1
Benhaddou’s research was a part of the proposal-writing process for the grant. Morocco is one of the front-runners in solar energy implementation and deployment of one of the largest solar farms in Africa, Benhaddou said. The choice was both fulfilling and commendable because his research involves interfacing solar energy in buildings. “I felt very happy, as it will allow me to give back to my native country that gave
me the opportunity to study and be where I am now,” Benhaddou said. Additionally, a part of the leadership role after obtaining the grant is to involve as many faculty and students as possible. “I will have direct contact with graduate students in Morocco, and I will also work with faculty who will involve their students,” Benhaddou said. “Students from UH are not involved directly as part of this grant, but they will be involved when I am back. They will also have the opportunity to go to Morocco and do research in the future.” The algorithm is the heart of
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Benhaddou’s research, so he plans to first explore existing algorithms and then modify them in order to accomplish his objective. “In research, you always need to start from what has been done before and then expand the research,” Benhaddou said. “The research of developing ‘smart building’ is still in its infancy and the domain is huge. “There are many research problems to solve and I am hoping someday to come with a complete solution that will involve an end-to-end solution of a building automation.”
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Benhaddou said he hopes that this development will revolutionize the way buildings are managed and is confident that, in the future, buildings will be controlled using motes. “The major goal is to spark a collaborative effort between UH and Morocco and enable student and faculty exchange,” Benhaddou said. “I would also like to collect data from solar farms in Morocco that will enable us to analyze the trend of solar energy generation and consumption.” news@thedailycougar.com
POLICY
Campus adjusts rules regarding young people UH passed a new regulation for this summer semester on how faculty treat minors to keep in line with new Texas legislation Max Gardner
THE DAILY COUGAR At the end of the spring semester, the University of Houston System implemented a policy regarding campus programs for minors in compliance with a 2011 state law. “Once the law passed, we looked at it and wanted to make sure we were interpreting it correctly,” said Associate Dean of Students and Coordinator of Campus Programs for Minors Kamran Riaz. “Our attorney’s office said this is what it means and this is what we need to do.” The policy outlines the specific procedure a group or individual must follow in order to host an on-campus program that involves students under the age of 18. “This is the first summer that we are
working with this new policy,” Riaz said. “It’s been implemented everywhere.” The law was passed June 17, 2011 under Senate Bill 1414. It requires any individual who plans to be a part of one of these programs to certify completion of a sexual abuse and child molestation prevention training course approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services. This course must be taken prior to participation in an event that involves interaction with minors, and the certification lasts for two years. “The training is actually offered by our human resources department online,” Riaz said. “They can also go outside and do a state-approved training at a place like YMCA. (...) As long as they can provide us proof that they have completed the training, then they are OK.” The law requires training for any program
that lasts only for four days or more. The UH System decided to tighten that requirement and apply the policy to programs that last for two days or more. “What our campus is doing is going above and beyond what the law is requiring us to do,” Riaz said. “Student Affairs and a few others went above and beyond and said, ‘All of our staff need to do it.’” There are two separate guidelines for both university-run programs and programs run by third parties. Both have a system for reporting incidents. “The very first thing they need to do is inform university police. Then, in addition to that, our office steps in,” Riaz said. “Any report that is going to be submitted is going to be investigated. If any false reports are submitted, we will take appropriate action.” Faculty members who will be in contact
with minors during any campus activity are required to submit to a background check. “To become an employee, you do a background check if you are joining in a security-sensitive position, where you have access to student records and money, but not all employees do,” Riaz said. Riaz hopes that this policy will eliminate the risk of an incident like this ever happening. “Even if there is one incident, that’s one too many,” Riaz said. “The goal is to educate not just the campus community but the outside community as well so nothing like this ever happens.” The full text of the policy can be found online at www.uh.edu/dos. The bill’s text is at www.legiscan.com/gaits/text/296728. news@thedailycougar.com
Should UH pass the campus- FACULTY Khator keeps her spot wide smoking ban? President, chancellor rejects Perdue, stays with UH Joshua Siegel
THE DAILY COUGAR
If it’s going to bring in money for us, then why not? It’s a healthier way to go, and get some money for research. That’s good. I’d give up smoking for that.
It would be a good thing for me, because I’m not a smoker, and I’m not really big on it. So I think that’s a good thing.
Shashank Dandekar
Engineering advisor
Demetria Haris
Industrial engineering graduate student
I understand both sides of the issue. I understand that smokers who attend UH kind of feel targeted, but I also understand the school side; the business side of the situation. I mean, that’s a lot of money ... The school is kind of playing the long game when it comes to financials, and I understand where they’re coming from on that. So I’d have to side with the school on going with the smoke-free type of deal Rashad Eaglin Media productions senior
If it’s money we’re getting, yeah — ban it. $7 million? Hey, I’m a capitalist. Ban it, no problem. Clinton Blankenship Sports administration senior
Well, I think it’ll be a great idea, but you know there’re a lot of things that go with it. I’ve been smoking about 20 years, but it won’t be a problem to me. I guess to other people it might be a concern, but you could put up a petition or what-not, but I don’t feel there’s anything wrong with it.
I don’t smoke, but I don’t care when people smoke. I think it’s very restrictive to cut smoking everywhere, or most places. Fontaine Wilson Petroleum engineering junior
William McCarter Law center mail assistant
Compiled by Joshua Mann
The University of Houston President and Chancellor Renu Khator was believed to be the candidate to fill the presidential vacancy at Purdue University, but publicly squashed the rumor this week. Khator received her Master’s and doctoral degree in political science and business administration from Purdue. At the fourth annual UH Student Leadership Forum last week, Khator shot down any notion that she was returning to her alma mater. “Purdue has been looking for a new president for (more than) a year,” Khator said at the Student Leadership Forum. “I turned them away 10 times and I will turn them away 11 times more.” On Tuesday, it was reported by several news outlets that Purdue would announce Gov. Mitch Daniels as its next president on Thursday. Former UH Board of Regents chairman Welcome Wilson Sr. said that Purdue’s search firm contacted him initially for a recommendation for their vacancy. “I was immediately worried sick,” Wilson said. “But she declined to even be interviewed. We’re making giant strides at UH and she has electrified the University of Houston.” Khator became the third person to hold the dual title of president and chancellor of the University of Houston system in 2007, and since then has elevated the University to Tier One status according to the Carnegie Foundation and was also recognized by the Princeton Review
Khator was rumored to leave UH for her alma mater. She publically declined such speculation. | File Photo/The Daily Cougar for excellence in undergraduate education. Khator’s decision to stay is an important one for the University, as it continues to shed an image as being a stepping-stone. Khator’s predecessor, Jay Gogue, left UH after four years to become the president at his alma mater, Auburn. “In the past, possibly UH has been used a stepping-stone,” UH Board of Regents chairman Nelda Blair said. “When Renu came here she made clear she had goals for the University and the System. She saw it as a diamond in the rough and she was right, but she wants to make it a diamond star. “I believe her blood runs Cougar red and I believe it’s going to stay that way.” news@thedailycougar.com
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The Daily Cougar
OPINION THE DAILY COUGAR
INSERT COIN
EDITOR Lucas Sepulveda E-MAIL opinion@thedailycougar.com ONLINE thedailycougar.com/opinion
by David Haydon
EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR IN CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR NEWS EDITORS SPORTS EDITOR LIFE & ARTS EDITOR OPINION EDITOR
Joshua Mann David Haydon Max Gardner Andrew Pate Allen Le Lucas Sepulveda
STAFF EDITORIAL
UH wants students to take heavier class loads
T
he Texas Legislature is going to come down on public university budgets next year, which will inevitably increase the cost of education. UH suggested to student leaders during the 4th Annual Student Leadership Forum last week that Cougars can react by taking more credit hours and graduating within four years.
Easier said than done. UH Administration and Finance and Student Affairs started the forum with a quote from Hugh Roy Cullen that, interestingly enough, dealt with the cost of education. “The University of Houston must always be a college for working men and women and their sons and daughters. If it were to be another rich man’s college, I wouldn’t be interested.” The UH reps showed slides of budgets that spanned hundreds of pages and lasted for hours. There is not enough room in this editorial to even hit the tip of the budget iceberg, but Vice President for Administration and Finance Carl Carlucci had something interesting to say about how UH gets its state funding. “Our (state) funding is not based on how many people we enroll, but how many credits you (students) take.” Carlucci said. 15 credit hours is the magic number. The more students UH has who take 15 credit hours and graduate within four years, the better UH looks as a degree granting public institution. UH wants students to enroll in 15 credit hours per semester. In return, students lower costs by consolidating classes and not extending fees through endless semesters. This is fine, but the average twenty-something working student who may have a kid at home only has so much time for school, not to mention the cost of attending a 15 credit semester. Khator says she is focused on student success, and graduating on time is the textbook definition, but UH also needs to remember what Roy Cullen said. For more information on the UH budget, finances and other data, visit http://www.uh.edu/ af/budget
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 to (713) 743-5384. Letters are subject to editing. ADVERTISEMENTS Advertisements 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.
Students pay for Congress’ games
A
ngry students and worried families keep their fingers crossed as the hot days of June quickly dwindle away, because if our beloved Congress doesn’t come to an agreement by July 1, interest Lucas rates on all subsidized Sepulveda Stafford student loans will double from 3.4 to 6.8 percent. This is obviously unacceptable, but thankfully, both parties understand this and realize that anything less than an extension would be completely insufficient. Unfortunately, simply understanding the problem has not been good enough. The extension will likely be passed, but there’s nothing comforting about that. Student debt has almost reached 1 trillion dollars, and students are looking for certainty. As politicians bicker about how to pay for the extension, students hang on to the little amount of faith they have left in our Congress and its ability to get things done. If Congress does fail to extend the 3.4 percent interest rate, students across the nation will take it as a slap in the
face. Even those not affected financially will disapprove out of principle, as most already have. The student debt crisis is serious, our futures are vulnerable, and for the extension not to go through would be offensive. Plans to pay for the extension have consistently been shot down from both sides, as proposal letters make their way back and forth. A Democratic proposal, in particular, to close a payroll loophole that allows wealthier individuals to dodge Medicare and Social Security taxes, seemed sensible enough, but was quickly met with Republican opposition. It’s a shame that plan didn’t go through. Harry Reid’s newest proposal, however, appeared to reveal a glimmer of hope, claiming bipartisan support. But so far, the plan has not provided any progress. While Republicans take their sweet time to respond to Reid’s proposal, the White House still fails to thoroughly comment on the issue. President Barack Obama continues to mention student loans in speeches across the country, but the administration seems to have failed to put an adequate amount of pressure on Congress to move things forward.
Despite the approaching deadline, neither side appears to be in any kind of rush to solve this problem and give students some needed relief. With an approval rating of 17 percent this month, you’d think Congress would be more eager to do their job as efficiently as possible. Then again, that is an improvement from February’s 10 percent. Maybe they’re busy celebrating. We’re forced to anxiously wait while distracted parties play their little games for political points, but both teams are tied at zero. The American public is fed up. It doesn’t matter who happens to be holding the ball when time runs out; if the extension fails to pass, every person in Congress is going to look bad in the eyes of the public. It’s time for serious talk to start. Proposals have been swapped, accusations have been made, and here we are, two weeks away from deadline. Procrastination is never good. They were supposed to have learned that in college. Lucas Sepulveda is a creative writing senior and may be reached at opinion@ thedailycougar.com.
Obama provides hope for immigrants
O
n Friday, President Barack Obama took perhaps one of the most important stands of his political career, making a formal announcement that he would pursue a policy change that discourages the deportaBradford tion of the children of Howard illegal immigrants and would provide work permits to as many as 800,000 young people — a good number of whom are students. While the range of opinions with regards to immigration and immigration reform in the United States is vast, it cannot be denied that for more than a century, the U.S. has shone brightly as a beacon of hope for a better life to many. America has always been known as the land of opportunity, and hence it attracts individuals from many different countries, continents, and ways of life — all hoping to get their own slice of the American pie, whether to improve their own lives or that of their families. So in a sense, Obama’s support of such an endeavor pays tribute to the
United States’ long-lasting tradition of opening its arms to those who want a better chance. Arguably, the path to citizenship in America should be more streamlined and efficient, and setting up illegal immigrants with the opportunity to earn their citizenship through work is a useful solution to the so-called “immigrant problem.” At the very least, it’s certainly a much more productive and perhaps more cost-effective proposal than, say, building a wall at the southern border to bar a good portion of illegal immigrants. But more importantly, Obama’s policy is closely in line with the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act, proposed in August. 2001 by Sens. Orrin Hatch and Dick Durbin. The DREAM Act aimed to provide “conditional permanent residency” to certain illegal immigrants who demonstrated a good moral character and had either attended high school in the U.S. or arrived in America as a minor. Young immigrants were thus able to pursue a path toward permanent citizenship through this program, especially if they
endeavored to go on to college or enlist in the American military. While the DREAM Act has been brought up and presented to Congress for several years, it has never quite made it out. Many Americans feel as though the DREAM Act aims to act as a handout or a welfare crutch instead of a stepping stone for young immigrants, citing such things as the fact that the DREAM Act does allow some illegal immigrants who are in college to be eligible for in-state tuition. This hits home especially in the state of Texas, where the DREAM Act has consistently been a debated issue. While it’s unfairly attributed that Latinos would be the sole beneficiaries of the DREAM Act — indeed, it applies to illegal immigrants from all walks of life — a majority of the Act’s advocates are Latinos. And many college students across the country who identify as Latino are strong supporters of the Act, likely because it would be something that could help them, too, or someone they know, formally become American citizens. HOWARD continues on page 8
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
The Daily Cougar
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EDITOR Allen Le E-MAIL arts@thedailycougar.com ONLINE thedailycougar.com/arts
MUSIC
Justin Bieber shows growth on ‘Believe’ Teen heartthrob cements position in American pop music, delivers new album with mature sound and strong hip-hop influence Allen Le
THE DAILY COUGAR Justin Bieber, the young Canadian who began as a YouTube sensation more than five years ago is now 18 and has smoothly transitioned into adulthood with the new offering of his third studio album, “Believe.” Bieber allowed fans to acclimate to his raw post-pubescent voice late last year with the release of his Christmas album “Under the Mistletoe,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in Nov. 2011. He finally became of legal age in March and the agenda on “Believe” is clear — Bieber is out to demonstrate his growth and maturity, both personally and professionally. The record opens with “All Around the World,” which welcomes back American rapper and former collaborator Ludacris. The single possesses a big and grand sound that is perfect for large arenas and stadium concerts. The producers of the song also managed to mimic a sound that is extremely reminiscent of Britney Spears’ 2011 infectious smash hit “Till the World Ends” that was produced by pop heavyweights Dr. Luke and Max Martin. Bieber’s management made a smart
decision by releasing “Boyfriend” as this project’s lead single. The song reintroduced Bieber back to radio with a refreshingly deeper voice even though it contained cheesy lines at time. “Tell me what you like, yeah tell me what you don’t. / I could be your Buzz Lightyear, fly across the globe,” Bieber raps. By slowing things down with guitar strings and light bass, Bieber is able to showcase his organic voice on “Boyfriend” making it one of the best songs on “Believe.” Although Bieber has cemented himself as Top 40 pop artist, “Believe” is heavily influenced by hip hop and features four popular rappers in the game right now. “As Long as You Love Me” is assisted by G.O.O.D Music rapper Big Sean affiliated with Kanye West, but falls flat as another generic dubstep-abused pop record. The song is easily forgettable as Big Sean raps a mediocre and unnecessary verse towards the end. “Catching Feelings” is the first ballad to appear on the album and is light and fluffy. “Take You” once again speeds up things up with a another dubstep-influenced beat laced with guitar strings and Bieber’s soft voice. Perhaps the most disappointing track on “Believe” is “Right Here,” which was produced by Hit-Boy who noticeably worked
with Jay-Z and Kanye West on “In Paris” and features rapper Drake. Bieber drags his voice throughout this song creating a dull effect and Drake does nothing to help the cause. “Die in Your Arms” is a highlight towards the middle of the album and has a nice holiday jingle to it — don’t be surprised to hear this one blared in popular retails stores frequented by teenagers around Christmas time. The song is backed by a gospel hymn and is one of the standout tracks of the record. There is not much left to look forward to after “Thought of You” and “Beauty and a Beat” featuring Nicki Minaj as the album fades away with a more encouraging tone by ending with the title track. “Believe” will strengthen Bieber’s young fan base, but will also demand the attention of an older demographic as well. This junior release will solidify Bieber’s intentional presence, as he is sure to embark on more world tours in the future. Justin Bieber, who turned 18 in March, released his third studio arts@thedailycougar.com
album “Believe” Tuesday. Bieber choose to feature four rappers on his new 13-track record. | Wikimedia Commons
CINEMA
Stewart, Theron impress in summer action film Producers Mercer, Patel and Roth delight and surprise moviegoers with different take on plot twists in classic fairytale ‘Snow White’ Christopher Shelton
THE DAILY COUGAR Director Rupert Sanders takes the noticeable notions of Snow White and blends them with several interesting plot twists to give it a new car smell. “Snow White and the Huntsman” is an interesting take on the well-known fable. For the most part, the main characters are still intact although some function in a different capacity. The movie is based more on the original German rendition collected by the Grimm Brothers. The scene, the characters and makeup of the characters all show great contrast. Ravenna (Charlize Theron), otherwise known as the evil queen and the antagonist of the story, is always seen in dark flowing dresses as a symbol of darkness. Her character is pure evil, but her skin is perfect in the light; it glows. The clear contrast between protagonist and antagonist was clearly apparent as well. While Ravenna plays the beautiful blonde, Snow White (Kristen Steward) plays the mysterious brunette. Their personalities are also polar opposites. Symbolically and literally the movie is a clash of good versus evil and dark versus light. Snow White and Ravenna balance each other perfectly. Theron’s character has a well-developed background. As a child, while her village is being ripped apart by an outside army, her
manifestation of the “skin white as snow; hair black as night” definition of Snow White. Stewart’s portrayal was believable and she was able to shed her “Twilight” image with this role. Theron was a perfect choice to play Ravenna. She effectively portrayed the depth of the evil queen’s character and fully captured her shallow insecurities. Theron was believable in depicting the lows of having a constant need to be pretty as well as requiring that narcissistic validation in order to survive. The coma is a less vital part of this movie. The embattled princess only spends a small amount of time in the famed apple-induced coma. That sounds ridiculous in terms of the story, but in the context of the movie it makes sense. A coffin is too passive for Snow White, and she remained unconscious for only a short amount of time. “Snow White and the Huntsman” features a much more active namesake. It is Snow White who rallies the former inhabitants of her father’s kingdom at Duke Hammond’s palace. It is Snow White who escapes Ravenna’s clutches due to her resourcefulness. In the end, it is Snow White who struck the final blow on the queen and restored the kingdom to its rightful place. Although the plot is different from Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron are night and day in one of this summer’s well-received film releases. Actor the original, it makes sense. It is engagChris Hemsworth was also casted as the Huntsman. | Wikimedia Cpmmons ing and solid. “Snow White and the Huntsman” is mother concocts a spell that allows As for Stewart, if you can view her as worth a trip to the theater. Ravenna to use her beauty and manipulaa character other than “Bella” you can arts@thedailycougar.com tive skills to take power. appreciate the performance. She is a good
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EDITOR Andrew Pate E-MAIL sports@thedailycougar.com ONLINE thedailycougar.com/sports
VOLLEYBALL
Platt, Cougars set sights for top 25 in 2012 Ricardo Rivera
THE DAILY COUGAR When Kaddie Platt was hired as head volleyball coach in March, the UH Athletic Department made clear their long-term expectation for the new hire — earn Houston volleyball a top-25 ranking. “There’s so much going on here at UH,” Platt said. “(Mack Rhoades’) leadership, and the things he’s devoting his energies to … I was totally supportive of that. It felt like I could work for someone with his big goals for this program.” After spending 17 years as head coach of Houston Baptist, Platt’s
challenges as head coach at UH will have high stakes attached. Not only is the ultimate goal for Cougar volleyball to reach top-25 status, but also to make a splash in the final year of Conference USA competition before UH heads to the Big East. Under former head coach Molly Alvey, Houston reached 38 in the country after starting the 2011 season ranked at 91. “It’s a small core group of girls but they work their tails off,” Platt said. “I knew I had inherited something great when I got here. Myself and everyone on the staff is driven to make these girls better everyday.” The Cougars lost Ingrida Zauire
and Third Team All-American Lucy Charuk — two major players in UH’s success last season — to graduation, but the team plans to utilize the agility of their new frontline to quicken the pace of their offense. “Speed is going to be a lot more of our forte,” Platt said. “If you look at last year’s team, Lucy was hitting a hanging ball most of the time but this team is going to hit right out of the setter’s hands.” The success of Houston’s new offense will largely be contingent on the leadership of setter Caitlin Ogletree, who in her freshman year won C-USA Setter of the Week on three occasions during the 2011 season.
“We’re planning to have a dominant season,” Ogletree said. “Our offense is moving a lot faster, a lot more fluid. Kaddie’s come in from day one and told us what she expects from us. She’s been on top of her job, and we’re working to be on top of ours.” Ogletree, who led the team in service aces during the 2011 season with 30, is one of the pleasant surprises Platt discovered in UH’s spring practice sessions. From day one, Platt stressed, Ogletree bought into the new system and worked with the team’s hitters to perfect the quick-style offense. “She’s just a go-hard competitor, a great defensive player, she
puts up a good ball,” Platt said. “I’ve been really impressed with her as a person and a player.” With a new offense, a new coach and newly recruited players in the mix to start the fall season, Platt acknowledges the road will be bumpy. But ultimately, she said, the goal is to raise the level of UH Cougar volleyball through team discipline. “The goal is there: we want to be a top-25 program,” Platt said. “Everyday we wake up we need to want that. This is our job to do, so we’re just going to jump in with two feet.” sports@thedailycougar.com
FOOTBALL
Levine, Coogs support changes Channler Hill
THE DAILY COUGAR
Redshirt sophomore Joseph Young is one of several important building blocks for the Cougars. As a freshman, he made the Conference USA All-Freshman team while leading the Cougars in minutes played (904). | File photo/The Daily Cougar
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Cougars gain head start Young, Cougars prepare for upcoming season behind highly touted freshman class, returning starters Christopher Shelton
THE DAILY COUGAR An NCAA rule passed in January allows the 2012-2013 Houston Cougars basketball team and programs across the country to get a jump-start on the season by staging summer workouts overseen by coaches. After a 15-15 season under third-year head coach James Dickey, Joseph Young and the Cougars are taking advantage of the provision allowing players eight hours per week with their coaches — two of which can be spent on the court and six that are reserved for weightlifting and conditioning.
“The part of the game I’m working on most is my handles, not settling for jumpers on the outside and really attacking on defense,” Young said. “If you don’t have defense, you can’t play this game.” To fill the void left when leading scorer Jonathan Simmons (14.7 PPG) went to the NBA, the Cougars are looking for their talented crop of freshmen to mesh well with a group of veteran players who have experience contributing, but are not satisfied; a mold that Young seems to fit perfectly. “(Young) had a good freshman year; he was on the all-freshmen team so we expect a lot more,” Dickey said. “Joe’s a third year player (…) he redshirted but we look at him as a third-year player.” The Cougars welcome in a nationally ranked five-man freshman class to go along with their eight returning scholarship players. Under Dickey, Houston
(Young) had a good freshman year; he was on the all-freshman team so we are expecting a lot more.” Head coach James Dickey, on Joseph Young improved from a 4-12 conference record his first year to 7-9 last season. For Young, who averaged just over 11 points in 30 minutes per game last season, there is a list of things to improve upon. However, his coach believes he can be a trusted veteran. “He and TaShawn (Thomas) are guys that saw significant playing time on the court,” Dickey said. “We expect them to be a leader on and off the court.” sports@thedailycougar.com
The NCAA posted an article on their website in February announcing the Playing Rules Oversight Panel had approved a list of changes for college football. Normally, the NCAA is only allowed to make rule changes for college sports every two years unless the suggested rules pertain to player safety. The upcoming 2012 season falls on an in-between year; therefore, the new rules have all been made in regards to player safety. This season, Cougars will kickoff at the 35-yard line instead of the 30-yard line and will not be allowed to line up behind the 30-yard line. The NCAA hopes this action will lead to a shorter running start for the team kicking off. Head coach Tony Levine supports the new rules but feels as though they may limit some aspects of game play. “Since they moved kickoffs up five yards from the 30 to the 35-yard line, you will see a significant increase in touch backs,” Levine said. “It eliminates, to an extent, a great kickoff returner like Tyron Carrier, who we’ve had for the last four years here, if your opponent has a kicker who can kick it in the end zone.” One specific new rule regarding helmets has caused uproar among some Big 12 coaches, while Levine has already made
this a standard with his team. The new rule will force players to stop playing if their helmet falls off at any time during the game, unless foul play is involved. Players are now expected to immediately put their helmets back on. Players who choose to chase the ball carrier or continue blocking without their helmet will warrant their team a 15-yard penalty. “Football is a violent enough sport with a helmet on, so when a player loses a helmet, that’s risking major injuries,” said Levine. “We’ve always taken great precautions and care with our student athletes to make sure their helmets fit properly and all their padding fits properly.” The Cougars were conscious of the rule changes this spring after Gerald Austin, head of officials for C-USA, came and met with the entire UH coaching staff for more than an hour and explained the rule changes. Later, Levine and his coaching staff presented the rule changes to his team. Since the spring, the Cougars have gone through 15 practices with the new changes and will continue these efforts in the fall. “We have prided ourselves on knowing the rules and being smart for both teams,” Levine said. “I feel confident that our team will be able to know the rules inside and out, incorporate them and help the rule changes — help allow us to succeed.” sports@thedailycougar.com
ONLINE
Pfau brings ability to build winners Check out thedailycougar.com and get to know the newest head coach for the UH women’s soccer program. | Photo courtesy of UH athletics
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Wednesday, June 20, 2012
OPINION
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The Daily Cougar
The Truth of UH transportation
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arking&Transportation is the one UH department most all students love to hate. During the 4th annual Student Leadership Forum, Parking&Transportation Director Bob Browand presented a set of slides that would sober David any hot headed Haydon student staring down a citation. “Our sole source of funding is from what we charge for parking and enforcement,” Browand said. Parking&Transportation recieves no state funding according
HOWARD continued from page 4
As Obama stated during Friday’s announcement, “(These) young people pledge allegiance to our flag. They are Americans in their hearts, in their minds, in every single way — but on paper.” It could be argued that Obama’s stance on this issue is a little
to UH Administration and Finance. They also recieve no university funds. During the Fiscal year 2010, 50 percent of their funding came from student parking passes, 15 percent from faculty parking passes, 25 percent from enforcement (tickets and fines) and ten percent from visitor and meter parking. So where does the money go? For FY 2011, 16 percent paid for salaries and benefits, 15 percent went to management and operation, 18 percent went to the shuttle service, 19 percent went to projects and 31 percent went to debt services. convenient given that this is an election year. The youth vote was vital for Obama in the 2008 presidential election, and by taking a stand on behalf of young illegal immigrants seeking to rebuild their lives in America, it’s likely that Obama will gain much support from the Latino population and young liberals this November as well. It’s more likely, however, that this is Obama saying more or
Jess Hewitt 413-305-3133 Jess.Hewitt@valic.com Stock Brokerage Accounts Securities and investment advisory services are offered by VALIC Financial Advisors, Inc., member FINRA and an SEC-registered investment advisor.
Truth is, they’re just doing their job. If you don’t want to deal with fines, citations and tow-truck sharks, park off campus. Worried about night prowlers as you walk back to your car? UHDPS offers an escort service. The Parking and Transportation advisory committee’s is still looking for five student members by the way. David Haydon is a political science senior and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com.
less that the “sins of the father” shouldn’t fall upon the children, and that they should be given a fair chance to become formal American citizens. If young illegal immigrants are willing to work to become citizens, the land of opportunity should allow them that opportunity. Bradford Howard is a creative writing senior and may be reached at opinion@ thedailycougar.com.
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