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UH is unable to justify the costs of campus room and board
Andrew Garfield takes a spin at Spiderman
UH Alumni named CFO of the Year
July 3, 2012 Issue 119, Volume 77
CAMPUS
Cougar and chief financial offcier of Goodwill Industries of Houston was given the award by the Houston Business Journal Julie Heffler
THE DAILY COUGAR Showing a excellent example for C.T. Bauer College of Business students is Tony Van Slyke, alumni and chief financial officer of Goodwill Industries of Houston. Van Slyke has been awarded by the Houston Business Journal the CFO of the Year award. The annually distributed award was given in the category of large, non-for-profit. Van Slyke was also nominated for the Best Turnaround Specialist of the Year award by the same organization. “I think having good mentors and certainly a good education played a big part in my success,” Van Slyke said. “Setting goals and achieving them was certainly also very important.” While Van Slyke may posses many personal qualities that allowed him to succeed in his career, he does not forget his UHaffiliated alma maters: UH and UHD. “In terms of education, (UH) was great. I did my undergrad at UHD and I went back and got my MBA at night while working full time,” Van Slyke said. “Education really laid the foundation to go forward. I couldn’t have done it without my education.” Goodwill Industries gives employment aid and training for those who lack the skills and opportunities. Van Slyke, despite having always worked for for-profit organizations, says he is extremely satisfied that he is able to put his skills toward what he feels is a great mission. Van Slyke also participates in the Bauer College of Business mentoring program. “(The mentoring program) has helped me connect with current students that share my experience.
Two students I worked with were in a similar situation where they worked full time and were getting their MBAs at night,” Van Slyke said. With his experience in hand, Van Slyke gives some advice to aspiring CEOs, CFOs and other businesstrack students. “One mistake I made as a young college student was that I thought certain classes were not as important and I spent less time on those. If I learned one thing (in my career), it would be that every class was relevant and important to my life whether it be history, English, accounting, marketing. I wish I could have realized that when I was younger,” Van Slyke said. “My advice to college kids is to be a sponge and soak up and learn. It may not see relevant to your life now, but it is all relevant. news@thedailycougar.com
Signs indicating the closing of the old UC signal the transition from the old to the new. | Hendrick Rosemond/The Daily Cougar
Jonorr’s closes its doors Channler Hill
THE DAILY COUGAR In continuation of building a Tier One University, Jonorr’s Salon joined the former University Center restaurants, closed until the completion of Phase I of the new UC in January 2014. Jonorr’s, closed effective June 29th, will no longer be seeing clientele on-campus. With Jonorr’s
being the only hair salon in the UC, the choice to permanently close the salon was taken into great consideration. The UC Transformation Project that is driven with students in mind, made the regrettable decision in order to accommodate the full schedule and scope of the UC Transformation Project, according to The New UC recent news. The owner of Jonorr’s will open
in a new location off campus, where her current clientele will have the luxury of enjoying the same services that were once offered to students on campus. For further information regarding the future of Jonorr’s and to be added to list of clientele at her new opening, call (713) 436-5657 or (713) 436-5674. news@thedailycougar.com
RESEARCH
Smart cement sets foundation for higher safety standards Professor develops sealant that can detect pressure and temperature change Ashley Anderson
THE DAILY COUGAR
Creator of the smart cement, Cumaraswamy Vipulanandan, made his technology to increase safety standards in off-shore oil field development. | Photo courtesy of Cumaraswamy Vipulanandan
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University of Houston researcher and professor of civil engineering Cumaraswamy Vipulanandan has been awarded a $2.5 million grant for the development of “smart” cement, which will pave the way for improvements in offshore drilling and cementing. The award is a three-year grant funded by the Research Partnership to Secure Energy for America, a part of the Department of Energy.
An additional $500,000 has been awarded by Baker Hughes, an oilfield services company based in Houston. Joseph Tedesco, dean of the Cullen College of Engineering, is excited by the prospect of the University getting involved in a larger national project. “This award definitely demonstrates UH’s strengths in materials, engineering and structures as it relates to our ongoing national need to expand exploration and production but in a safe and secure way,” Tedesco said.
The material will be added to the slurry and drilling mud used in offshore oil rigs. This will allow builders and operators to better monitor the inside of a well, which is not easily accessible. “We are developing a sensing material, which has never been done before,” Vipulanandan said. The material will enhance the safety of the drilling and cementing mixtures that are used today. Due to the inaccessibility of the underwater oil wells, keeping up with their CEMENT continues on page 3
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CRIME LOG
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. Public Intoxication at 10:35 a.m. on Sunday in Lot 20A — A student was arrested for public intoxication, issued a student life referral and released to a responsible adult. The case is inactive. Theft at 10:39 a.m. on Friday in the Athletic Alumni building– A student reported the theft of his unattended/unsecured cell phone. The incident occurred between 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The case is active. Driving While Intoxicated/ Disregarded Red Light at 12:15 a.m. on Friday at 4900 Calhoun – A student was arrested for driving while intoxicated and released to Harris County Jail. The case is cleared by arrest. Burglary of a Building or Habitation at 11:27 p.m. on Thursday at the Bayou Oaks Apartments – A student reported his apartment was burglarized. The incident occurred between 8:00 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. on Thursday. The case is active. Traffic Offense at 5:56 p.m. on Wednesday at University Drive — A visitor was arrested for a traffic offense and released to Harris County Jail. The case is cleared by arrest. Traffic Offense at 5:56 p.m. on Tuesday at University Drive – A visitor was arrested for disregarding a stop sign. The case is cleared by arrest. Criminal Mischief at 6:07 a.m. on 6/25/12 in Ezekiel Cullen Bldg. – A faculty member discovered a bobby pin lodged in a lock. The incident occurred between 6:00 p.m. on Friday and 6:00 a.m. at Monday. The case is active. Burglary of a Coin Operated Collection Machine/Criminal Mischief at 11:46 a.m. on 6/25/12 in Farish Hall – A staff
member reported observing another staff member tampering with surveillance cameras and vending machines. The incident occurred at 7:38 a.m. on Monday. The case is active. Theft at 4:55 p.m. on 6/25/12 in Calhoun Lofts – A staff member reported that theft of a UH television. The incident occurred between 4:00 p.m. on 6/24/12 and 12:00 p.m. on 6/25/12. The case is active. Theft at 11:28 p.m. on 6/25/12 in the University Center – A student reported her unattended/secured bicycle stolen. The incident occurred between 2:00 p.m. 6/22/12 and 11:25 p.m. 6/25/12. The case is active. Driving While Intoxicated/ Operating Unregistered Motor Vehicle at 12:40 a.m. on 6/24/12 at 4900 Cullen – A visitor was arrested for driving while intoxicated and released to Harris County Jail. The case is cleared by arrest. Driving While Intoxicated/ Driving Wrong Side Divided Highway at 1:58 a.m. on 6/24/12 on 5000 Texas Spur 5 – A visitor was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and released to Harris County Jail. The case is cleared by arrest. Disorderly Conduct 5:35 a.m. on 6/22/12 at the Cullen Oaks Apartments – A student and a visitor were involved in a fight, were issued Harris County citations, and released. The student also received a Student Life Referral. The case is cleared by citation. 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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Feature photo headline
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he University of Houston Police Department conducted a badge pinning and swearing in ceremony on the second floor of the MD Anderson Library. Brandon Whitfield, Christopher Luttrell and Demarcus Williams were sworn in (left). Additionally, the UHPD Honor Guard (above) also debuted. The Honor Guard made up of officers who volunteered for the role. When you’re a police officer, the most important day is today. The day you put your badge on,” Chief of Police Ceaser Moore said. | Catherine Lara/The Daily Cougar
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RESEARCH
integrity is difficult. Vipulanandan wants to make sure his new technology not only works but is practical. “I think that with the new technologies, they can do a better job of monitoring and make sure some of the losses they may encounter are minimized,” Vipulanandan said. “We are going to optimize all the important parameters so that they can use it in the field.” The material will be able to detect changes in the structure, temperature and chemical reactions of the offshore oil wells. The composition of the material will be used during the construction of aforementioned underwater wells and help with monitoring throughout the well’s operational life. “Sometimes there is a crack in the deep rock formation that allows the slurry to escape. Since the company constructing the well cannot monitor this process, it may take a long time to realize there is a problem,” Vipulanandan said. “With this new technology, the sensors will show quickly that the slurry level is not rising. That way the builder can halt construction and start working on a solution.” While originally partially funded by an oilfield company and meant for said purpose, Vipulanandan’s technology can solidify better safety measures in other similarly dangerous situations. “The development of new methods and materials for structural health monitoring is incredibly important when it comes to the construction and maintenance of energy-related structures such as offshore wells and nuclear power cooling towers,” Tedesco said. Vipulanandan is also the director of the Center for Innovative Grouting Materials and Technology, an affiliation of UH’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. news@thedailycougar.com
The new internet What do you think UH to participate in a new project that will try and renovate how users surf the web Max Gardner
THE DAILY COUGAR UH is one of 10 schools selected to participate in the National Science Foundation’s Global Environment for Network Innovations (GENI) project. “NSF started this maybe 10 years ago as an initial brainstorming phase, and then five years ago, it started funding it,” Engineering associate professor Deniz Gurkan said. “It’s a clean-slate Internet design project.” There are a limited number of protocols used to actually relay data information, with the primary one being Internet protocol (IP). GENI’s end goal is to redesign the Internet for the modern user by developing a better protocol to replace or improve upon this. “If we design protocols now with the knowledge that we have now about Internet and how it is used, how would we design them?” Gurkan said. “Forget about IP, forget about PCP, how would you have done it now that you know where it ended up? It’s going to revolutionize (how
we use the Internet).” Gurkan has been working on the project since 2008 and helped to develop a test bed where they can run potential ideas for improved protocols. The test bed has to run IP, but it is capable of running other protocols as well. “The initial phases have been only building the infrastructure,” Gurkan said. “I actually helped with that with the resources, collaborations around the Houston area. Many universities around the nation are helping also.” The main goal is to build an underlying research-based infrastructure for the protocol where users can choose to opt-in at their own risk It could potentially affect not just how users access the Internet from home devices, but also their mobile connections. “They can just use that as a data network instead of subscribing to their cellular data network. So whatever form of networking they do, they do it on this network,” Gurkan said. “But they sign an agreement INTERNET continues on page 8
of the new interest rate policy? The government will no longer cover the interest on student loans for graduate students and recent graduates in order to maintain the current 3.4 percent rate, which was set to double on July 1. For more information, turn to page 4.
As a graduate student, I haven’t really paid it too much mind, I mean other than that this is just another cost that we’re going to accrue. I have mixed feelings about it.
I didn’t know that you had to start paying just after graduating. That’s a bad thing, because you need some time to start off. That’s a really bad policy.
Carlos Cantu
Engineering doctoral candidate
History doctoral candidate
Waqes Naseer
I think that’s pretty unfortunate, because people don’t typically have a job that they’re able to pay that with right after they get out of college. Jillian Kutach Communications public relations senior
I’m teaching special ed, so I’m going to get my loans forgiven. But if I wasn’t, I know for a while I’d struggle in finding a job, especially in education. Having that six months would be really nice, it would have been really hard coming out of college, not having a job, and being forced to pay student loans. I’d probably have to live at home. Kaitlyn Nepali Special education doctoral student
Quotes compiled by Joshua Mann
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OPINION THE DAILY COUGAR EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR IN CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR NEWS EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR LIFE & ARTS EDITOR OPINION EDITOR
Joshua Mann David Haydon Julie Heffler Andrew Pate Allen Le Lucas Sepulveda
STAFF EDITORIAL
Light Rail construction needs to move forward
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s many students have already noticed, construction on the Metro Light Rail have ground to
a halt.
UH and Metro are negotiating over about 4.5 acres of UH parking lot on the corner of Scott Street and Wheeler, which Metro says it needs for construction of the rail and a platform. UH spokesperson Richard Bonnin said in a statement that “this will have a significant impact on the university.” UH has declined to comment further on why they need the land, saying that “it would be inappropriate to discuss any further details while the negotiations are taking place.” While it’s possible there’s more to the story than a few parking spaces, we won’t know until the University releases more information. Until then, the bottom line is that the negotiations could potentially push back the completion date on the rail. This is not okay. All overwrought construction complaints aside, the rail would be a huge boon to students, both those who live on campus and those who could ride it in rather than brave Houston’s morning traffic. No one should be surprised by UH’s high commuter rate; UH is surrounded on two sides by the third ward, and freeways hem in the other two, making it difficult to walk or ride a bike to off-campus destinations. The rail would fix this, giving on-campus students a way to the food and entertainment they can’t find at UH, and the loss of the parking in the area may even be made up for by the students who choose to ride the rail rather than drive and would provide them with a greener way to get to campus to boot. Yes, Metro should have worked this out before starting the construction project, but unless the two parties can come to an agreement soon, UH should either explain to its students why the parking spaces are so important, or it should sell the land to Metro so construction can finally be completed.
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.
EDITOR Lucas Sepulveda E-MAIL opinion@thedailycougar.com ONLINE thedailycougar.com/opinion
Loan interest deal still hurts students
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here’s a fine line between a groundbreaking achievement and a convenient decision, assuming one exists at all. Among the variables, aside from the actual matter itself, are the immediate payoff for the decision makers, the resulting interests for the parties involved and the ripples stemming from the event. Individually, the Bryan details can appear Washington enticing; collectively, you’d be surprised. So at first glance, Congress’ decision to maintain the current interest rate on student loans, or at least keep them from increasing dramatically, looks like something that should’ve been handled months ago. And as a headline, it’s the good idea the government makes in the nick of time in order to avoid a catastrophe, or the bipartisan cooperation in an era that’s seen most of them off to
extinction. Unfortunately, the good news isn’t the only news. The interest rates won’t double, but that will hardly be a factor if there’s nothing to increase. It can even be stipulated that Republicans and Democrats made it more expensive for students to get loans with this decision. The money you thought you’d saved will be spent before you’d have needed it. It’s an addition that makes most of the sleeker amendments to the process redundant. How, pray tell, can one worry about maintaining something they can’t accumulate to begin with? Worse still, the lucky few that do manage to sneak some cash no longer have the concurrent grace period of six months after graduation before their return payments. For them, the life begins immediately after graduation, ready or not. In other words, they’ve screwed us.
Despite checking the short term block, in addressing the ‘voice of the student’ in their decision, they’ve really only redirected the negative aspects of the original order through a filter, shifting the burden of the costs of education onto a different shoe. As it turns out, the foot belongs to the same target group. And while this country’s students are, irrefutably, the nation’s most valuable resource, they’re the most volatile and dependent — a simple passing of the hat regarding their education is a sure fire way of making them a commodity. The congressional decision puts a long-ignored query on the main stage: is a temporary convenience the appropriate response to a long-term malady? History has demonstrated that it isn’t. There have been tests. It’s become WASHINGTON continues on page 8
UH fails to justify rising cost of housing
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he University of Houston is raising the cost of housing for the new school 2012-2013 year by 5 percent. For most of housing, this increase applies to semester rates, so residents are looking at paying from $100 to $150 extra and Jacob possibly more. Patterson During The University of Houston Dining and Housing Town Hall meeting February 7 and 8, university officials not only proposed the increases to housing rates, but also improvement projects in the works that the increase in rates, besides accounting for the rising cost of living, would go toward, such as including electricity with rent, upgraded security and free laundry and electricity. Residents at Calhoun Lofts are hit by the rent hike the hardest, as the 5
percent increase goes toward monthly (as opposed to semester) rent, and the increase in price sometimes eclipses $250 extra a semester paid. Improvements exclusive to Calhoun Lofts are decreasing of the transfer fee, easier agreement processes, and a new door from the main lobby to the elevator lobby. When asked if the increase was worth it, however, Calhoun Lofts residents seemed less than enthusiastic. “The increase is not worth the benefits, at least for me,” William Garlick, a business major living on the 9th floor, said. “It’s probably a loss for the majority of the people here. The loss is greater than the gain as a whole.” The average resident at Calhoun Lofts, even when using an above average
For most of housing, this increase applies to semester rates, so residents are looking at paying from 100 to 150 extra and sometimes more. “ amount of electricity, usually doesn’t exceed the old electricity cap. This is mainly due to the energy efficiency of the building. Also, students spend close to $10 a month, equating to about $50 a semester, paying for the laundry machines. Another odd fact is that while students at the lofts pay the increase at PATTERSON continues on page 8
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EDITOR Allen Le E-MAIL arts@thedailycougar.com ONLINE thedailycougar.com/arts
CINEMA
CINEMA
New Spider-Man film underwhelms Comedy release charms with adult humor Bryan Dupont-Gray
THE DAILY COUGAR
of this and the climax was left with extremely underdeveloped and underwhelmed emotions. Webb and Vanderbilt chose to stay true to the comics and gear SpiderMan with mechanical web shooters instead organic web shooters — a minor detail that Marvel readers will be able to appreciate. Unfortunately, Spider-Man does not offer any innovative gravity-defying stunts or web spinning techniques in this new release. There was nothing to be amazed or impressed by, except for the scenic Manhattan backdrop that Spider-Man swings across. Columbia Pictures and Marvel will be able to capitalize at the box office because of its premiere in coincidence with the Fourth of July, but “The Amazing Spider-Man” is ultimately forgettable.
Director Seth MacFarlane is a comedy god, and “Ted” is proof. As premature as it sounds, this movie is MacFarlane’s masterpiece that expands beyond previous works. “Ted” takes a fairytale that many children harbor — a wish for their stuffed animals to talk to them — and turns it over on itself. John Bennet (Mark Wahlberg) eventually grows up, and so does his fluffy companion and best friend Ted (Seth MacFarlane). Much of Ted’s charm rubs off onto Bennett as the stuffed animal grows up to be a famous ill-mannered, irresponsible, pot-smoking party animal. With marriage on the mind of girlfriend Lori Collins (Mila Kunis), Bennet struggles to be a responsible adult while maintaining a friendship with his talking plush toy. MacFarlane never held himself back when voicing or writing the movie. Not even ten minutes in and audiences will already be laughing. The quick flashback cut scenes, obscure pop culture references and plenty of off-the-wall vulgarity and shock value (boob shots and sexual references are plentiful throughout) are enough to make a nun’s head explode in outrage. While much of the movie is centered on the stellar comedic performance from both Wahlberg and MacFarlane, the focal points of the two main plot lines never seem to get lost within the craziness. Ted has two fanatics who are obsessed with him so much that they are willing to steal him away, and Bennet struggles between keeping the friendship or keeping the insanely hot wife-to-be. The movie is paced very well, switching from ha-has to boo-hoos at the right time, and unlike most “Family Guy” episodes, the sappy moments can actually draw audiences in well. Small antics like Ted and Bennett’s phobia of thunder are hilarious and memorable, but the role that Mila Kunis takes on — the mature girlfriend who has had enough — lacks. “Ted” basically comes in one big, shiny package that only MacFarlane can wrap up and leave on your doorstep.
arts@thedailycougar.com
arts@thedailycougar.com
American-English actor Andrew Garfield stars as Peter Parker and Spider-Man alongside Emma Stone who plays Gwen Stacy, Parker’s first love interest. Columbia Pictures and Marvel will look to recapture the success of the original film trilogy. | Courtesy of Jaimie Trueblood/Columbia Pictures
Allen Le
THE DAILY COUGAR “The Amazing Spider-Man,” a reboot of Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire’s 2002 super hero film franchise, reintroduces Marvel’s high flying red and blue web-slinger to American theaters Wednesday. Five years after the original film adaptation of the Spider-Man trilogy concluded, a younger Peter Parker and Spider-Man is reprised by 28 year-old Andrew Garfield (“The Social Network”) and his original high school love interest Gwen Stacy is played by 23 year-old Emma Stone (“Easy A”). The highly anticipated summer blockbuster film plays for more than two hours, but is disappointingly underwhelming and unsatisfying. Director Marc Webb and screenwriter James Vanderbilt unnecessarily spent nearly an hour retelling Peter Parker’s humble childhood beginnings, which created a dull and lagging effect Spider-Man’s first notable encounter with the new cold-blooded villain does not happen until almost an hour into the plot and the film fails to build
on the action and momentum created by the scene. Webb and Vanderbilt could have used this time slot to build a more engaging and intense dialogue between Spider-Man and his new enemy, but they instead emphasized more action over character development. The plot fizzled away because of this. Garfield’s performance as the nimble Parker and Spider-Man did not offer anything new or special to the iconic character. Garfield barely managed to fill the shoes of the curious and gentle teenage Spider-Man and his performance was a step below Maguire’s. Stone’s addition to the film’s new direction was refreshing and is the highlight of this release. The young actress effortlessly pulled off her supporting role as Stacy and executed each of her scenes with ease. Rhys Ifans’ portrayal as SpiderMan’s antagonist felt incomplete more than anything else. As the main assailant of the movie, the director and screenwriter failed to provide Ifans’ character with a more engaging, intense and thrilling experience. The film disappointingly suffered because
WATCH
“The Amazing Spider-Man” Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone Verdict: Highly anticipated summer Grade: blockbuster underwhelms
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MUSEUM DISTRICT
Exhibition sails to Houston, antique furniture on display Darlene Campos
THE DAILY COUGAR The Houston Museum of Natural Science is hosting Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition as a centennial anniversary tribute to the ship’s sinking. “This year marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, and we are thrilled that the over two million visitors who visit the museum each year will have the opportunity to experience this compelling human story as best told through authentic artifacts,” said Amanda Norris, Director of Youth Education Sales at the HMNS. “These are real objects and stories that resonate and touch everyone.” On the evening of April 15, 1912,
the famous ship Titanic struck an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean. The sinking of the Titanic took the lives of more than 1,500 people. The exhibition contains over 250 artifacts from the Titanic, a complete list of survivors and those who drowned and recreations of the ship’s interior, as well as a replica of the notorious iceberg. The exhibition starts with an optional photo of the visitor before the Titanic’s grand staircase. A replica of a Titanic boarding pass is then handed out with the name of an actual passenger. Once inside the exhibition, the decor is made to look like the Titanic’s layout, complete with elegant rugs, luggage and a hallway of first class cabins. There is also a recreation of a first class cabin with a bed, desk and armchair as well as a mimic
of a third class cabin that contains bunk beds and minimal luggage. Among the artifacts showcased are official menus for first, second and third classes, silverware and personal items such as clothing and grooming tools. As the exhibition continues, the ambiance becomes dark and quiet with signs on the walls signaling the ship’s approaching the iceberg. The replica of the iceberg is set to a freezing temperature and visitors are allowed to touch the iceberg for a ‘chilling’ experience of the ship’s final moments. Over the years, the Titanic has been exposed to various metal-eating microbes, so the ship’s remains are in danger of being completely dissolved. While most of the artifacts in the exhibition are in glass containers, some are allowed to be delicately
touched. When the visitor finally reaches the end of the exhibition, there is a list of survivors and deaths where they can see whether the passenger on the boarding pass given at the entrance survived. Over 25 million people have visited a Titanic exhibition in museums throughout the world since 1997, but this exhibition contains more artifacts and history than ever before. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition will be on display until September 3. Tickets are available at the museum’s box office or online. The HMNS is located at 5555 Hermann Park Dr. For more information on the exhibition call (713) 639-4629 or visit www.hmns.org. arts@thedailycougar.com
This black and white photograph is one of the many artifacts that has been recovered after the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. | Courtesy of the Houston Museum of Natural Science
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SPORTS
The Daily Cougar
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
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EDITOR Andrew Pate E-MAIL sports@thedailycougar.com ONLINE thedailycougar.com/sports
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Lewis offers work-ethic, experience in role Christopher Shelton
THE DAILY COUGAR In the eyes of new UH Assistant Director of Sports Performance Bryan Lewis, if the Cougars want to become tougher on the basketball court, it will begin with early morning weight lifting sessions and will not end until the conclusion of agility drills after practice. At Coastal Carolina, Lewis held the title of golf strength and conditioning coach. Lewis also spent time at Florida, where he received his bachelor’s and
master’s degree. At UH, he will also be assisting the golf and football programs. “The opportunity came open at the University of Houston and I just knew the right people,” Lewis said. “It was the right timing and it looked like a great move from a recruiting standpoint with (UH) moving into the Big East in a year. It was very enticing and very attractive.” Lewis said he hopes to bring a movement-based system with unique attentiveness to each athlete. “The movements in the basketball court resemble a lot
of stuff that we are doing in the weight room,” Lewis said. For young players, like Danuel House and Valentine Izundu, strength and conditioning are essential to their development as players. “It’s serious,” House said. “You actually have to get your reps and your work in. In high school, you take breaks because not many people are that strong so contact is not as physical as in college. It’s a new level.” For House, building strength will be key to a successful 20122013 season. “I’m just trying to gain weight
and gain a little bit of muscle so I can control the ball a little bit better,” House said. “Stop getting pushed around, so I can have a solid base and core on defense.” Izundu has plenty of room to grow because he has never been through a strength and conditioning program, but every player on the team can improve, Lewis said. “Valentine, for him, it’s going to be a footwork standpoint, getting him comfortable with his body,” Lewis said. “Danuel House needs to be a little more tough. He knows his body pretty well, but he
needs more size to be able to finish in the paint. Then we have other guys who just need better conditioning.” For veteran Joseph Young, it is about setting the standard and becoming a leader for the team. “You have to come in with your intensity and, like coach Dickey says, you have to be an everyday guy,” Young said. “Even on the days that you are sick or hurt, you have to give 100 percent. I get up at 5:30 a.m., get a little extra work in the weight room, then come to practice.” sports@thedailycougar.com
FOOTBALL
Uncertainty remains ahead for UH in new four-team format New playoff scenario approved by university presidents still leaves Cougars facing uphill battle Andrew Pate
THE DAILY COUGAR When UH formally accepted an invitation to the Big East Conference in December 2011, uncertainty remained about whether the Cougars’ new home would continue to offer an automatic Bowl Championship Series (BCS) berth to the winner of its conference – a benefit Houston and its fans had been in search of since the implementation of the BCS in 1998. Last week, in a milestone decision, 12 university presidents answered with a resounding “no,” leaving conferences with higher profiles such as the SEC, Big 10, Pac-12 and Big XII in a much better position than those like the Big East and ACC.
Beginning in 2014, those of the ‘lower profile’ conferences will be left to ponder the implementation of the new selection committee, which will ultimately decide who are the best four teams in the country. The greatest concern will be whether the committee will pass up an undefeated or one-loss Big East team for a one or two-loss program from a more major conference. The committee will base its findings on four factors: win-loss record, strength of schedule, head-to-head and if a team is conference champions. On the bright side of things, a move to the Big East still offers Houston a considerable upgrade in terms of strength of schedule, notoriety and, most importantly, money. Last season, the Cougars
In December, UH announced it would join the Big East beginning in the 2013-2014 school year. | File photo/The Daily Cougar peaked at No. 6 in the BCS polls while playing a schedule that was ranked 104th in strength out of 120 teams. For Athletic Director Mack Rhoades, the time is coming to stop scheduling Texas State and North Texas and begin thinking bigger — a tough task when few national powerhouses are eager to play you. The last Big East team to finish in the top four was Cincinnati
in 2009, and the last school to win the national championship was former member Miami in 2001. Ultimately for UH supporters, the discussions of cynicism and optimism are a good sign. In 2006, five years after going winless, the Cougars won their first Conference USA championship in a decade and interest in the program showed signs of life.
Since that time, the Cougars have made two C-USA championship game appearances, won a pair of bowl games and are selling out games. Whether the opponent is Texas State or Boise State, the message will be clear — just win. Then hopefully, the rest will take care of itself. sports@thedailycougar.com
WOMEN’S TENNIS
Sullivan brings illustrious tennis career to Houston Mónica Rojas
THE DAILY COUGAR Argentinian by birth, Houstonian at heart, Patrick Sullivan, the former Stephen F. Austin head tennis coach, was announced last month as the new lady Cougars’ head tennis coach. According to Sullivan, despite attachment to his SFA team, who he led to a Southland Conference and tournament championship last season, coaching at UH has been a long-time aspiration. “It’s a tough deal leaving a team, but as a coach, you understand that you probably won’t be at the
same place forever,” Sullivan said. “When the job (here) opened I was really excited. I always thought it would be incredible to coach in Houston.” From the age of seven until going off to college, Sullivan resided in Northwest Houston, where he continued to play tennis, something he had done since he could pick up a racket. Ten years of coaching and three team championship titles later, he returns to Houston to serve-up the University in the nation’s court. “Patrick is one of the best coaches and recruiters in college tennis,” Auburn University women’s tennis head coach Lauren
Meisner told UHCougars.com. “His experience building nationally-ranked teams will bring an immediate impact to UH tennis.” Sullivan’s plan of attack includes playing tougher competition and recruiting talented players from around the globe, a job which he finds rewarding beyond its tennis aspects. “I get to find student athletes and give them a great opportunity to come continue (what) they love at a high level and at the same time, get a first-rate education,” Sullivan said. “It’s really rewarding to know I had a little bit to do with getting them on that path.” Such a student is Greek native
and sophomore Elena Kordolaimi, who transferred from SFA with Sullivan. “I decided to transfer because he really helped me a lot, and he’s really looking out for the (players) in every step that we’re taking,” Kordolaimi said. “Because (of that and because) he’s helped me a lot tennis-wise, I had no reason to stay back there.” As the season approaches, Sullivan prepares and makes his way through what he describes as the labyrinth leading to his office. “I still have a hard time finding my locker room, but that is totally outweighed by how happy I am to be (here),” Sullivan said. “I’m
excited to come back to my family and have my one-month-old daughter grow up in my hometown. It’s where I’m from. It’s where I want to be. Not many coaches can say that.” sports@thedailycougar.com
ONLINE
Edwards catches on Catch up with the former UH wide receiver online at thedailycougar. com/sports
J
Patrick Edwards
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Tuesday, July 3, 2012
JUMP
July 7th - Band Featuring Big Noyzz
The Daily Cougar
WASHINGTON
PATTERSON
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something of a fact. Even still, our elect has continued to pander in their interactions with the nation’s student body and their wallets, and sooner than later, it’s a game they’re going to lose. Because what has getting a college education become if not a competition? For the majority, it’s always been a struggle to get in, if not academically, then
at least financially. The notion of actually being successful is something in and of itself. And last week, in eliminating one obstacle, we’ve created more. Unfortunately, it appears we’ve lost sight of an obvious point: we’re all on the same time.
INTERNET
Rather than assign an IP address to each user and have that be the only point of reference for locating them, Gurkan poses the possibility of developing a protocol that classifies users by something else. “Not an address, but an interest level,” Gurkan said. “That’s how all of the contentproviders are doing their work now. “They have a server forum that’s located all over the world and they find a server that can serve you in the fastest way.” This project plans to expand to 30 to 40 additional campuses within the next two years, said Gurkan. A White House initiative has also begun called US Ignite, which encourages users to propose applications to NSF to receive funding.
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with us saying that we can use their data to design the protocols based on real usage. “That’s the experimentation part of the GENI, which is the most exciting part.” As for the issues with IP that led to this reconsideration of how the Internet functions, Gurkan said that it’s hard to pinpoint just one specific problem. “It’s a multi-dimensional set of issues. I can’t say IP is the reason we need to do a clean-slate design of the Internet,” Gurkan said. “IP is designed as a layered architecture. All of these layers were designed to be isolated from each other. With the bandwidth being so large, processing powers and the cost being low enough, we may not need those layers anymore.”
Bryan Washington is a sociology sophomore and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com.
news@thedailycougar.com
a monthly rate, the leases are by the semester, and sometimes even span over an academic year. Since that is the case, and since the benefits that Calhoun Lofts are often arbitrary, why does Calhoun Lofts receive a more costly policy on the increase? “They should allow residents the option of whether or not they want a cap.” C. T. Bauer College of Business graduate Eric Tran said. Tran explained that the students who use a lot of power benefit from the rate increase, and those who do not can choose to pay less rent for not going over. Two new construction projects for housing are due to be completed almost a year from now, but according to USNews.com, only 15 percent of students live on-campus. UH should make a larger effort to fix what has been broken or have a more clear justification before increasing rates and trying to expand housing, if what the residents of the lofts had to say is any indication. It may just increase the statistic. For more information about housing and dining information for the new academic year, see the PDF file from the aforementioned meeting at www. uh.edu/af/universityservices/ housing/DiningHousing12.pdf. Jacob Patterson is a business senior and may be reached at opinion@ thedailycougar.com.
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