Issue 13, Volume 78 by The Cougar

Tuesday, September 18, 2012 // Issue 13, Volume 78 /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

THE DAILY COUGAR

T H E

O F F I C I A L

S T U D E N T

N E W S P A P E R

O F T H E

U N I V E R S I T Y

O F

H O U S T O N

Student held at gunpoint Amanda Hilow Assistant managing editor

An unnamed student reported to the UH Department of Public Safety at approximately 2 p.m. Sunday that he was robbed at gunpoint while walking down Holman Street near Scott Street. The student said two unidentified black males between the ages of 20 and 30 drove up to him in a dark four-door car with a black semi-automatic handgun displayed from the driver-side window and demanded the student’s property. “He handled it the best he could,” said UHDPS Chief of Staff Lt. Bret Collier. “He gave the men his wallet and his cellphone.” The student was not injured,

and the suspects fl ed eastbound o n Ho l m a n t ow a r d C u l l e n Boulevard. “We have a couple leads. Unfortunately, I can’t give away any specifics, but we’re making good headway,” Collier said. Collier also reported that there is no indication the aggravation is part of a series of robberies, but seems to be a stand-alone event. Collier says there are precautions students can take to remain safe at night on campus. “You should always walk in groups and be aware of your surroundings,” Collier said. “In the event of property being demanded from you, you should turn over your property, take in as many details as possible, get out of

S I N C E

1 9 3 4

OPINION

Global protests flaring up LIFE+ARTS The UH Department of Public Safety is located on the corner of Scott Street and Wheeler Avenue. | Hannah Laamoumi/The Daily Cougar

the area immediately and call the police as soon as you can. There is no wallet or cell phone more

expensive than your life.” news@thedailycougar.com

SOCIAL ISSUES

Professor provides insight on human trafficking

Xbox game scores SPORTS

Christopher Shelton Assistant sports editor

Reuben Perez, an assistant U.S. district attorney, was on the way to a wedding with his wife when news broke in the “Bar Belles” case. Maximino Mondragon and his coconspirators were being investigated for servitude, trafficking and alien smuggling by the Department of Justice and several other agencies in a joint task force. The DOJ was on track to file charges within two months. But the plan changed, and Perez never made it to the wedding. Mondragon, who operated El Potrero De Chimino Bar and others, had purchased a one-way ticket to El Salvador. When he was arrested on Nov. 13, 2005, he had blueprints in his possession, which were for a new hotel he hoped to open in El Salvador. According to Perez, 120 women were freed after his arrest. Mondragon operated through fear and coercion, like most involved in the smuggling and servitude element of human trafficking, said Ed Gallagher, assistant U.S. district attorney. “It’s a renewable resource; it’s not like drugs. You move the drugs one time, and the drugs are consumed and that’s it. With a human being, you can repeatedly exploit

Volleyball sets scale GET SOME DAILY

thedailycougar.com

ONLINE XTRA Take the poll: Will the Cougars win next week against Rice? The Houston Rescue & Restore Coalition held the third annual “Big Dipper Dash” on Sept. 7 in Tom Bass Park. The foundation aims to raise awareness about modern-day slavery in Houston. | Wanjun Zhang/The Daily Cougar (him or her),” Gallagher said. Mondragon and his co-conspirators allegedly lured women from Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras by promising a legitimate job. They would arrange for the women to be smuggled and levy a fee ranging between $6,000 to $12,500 and extend the debt by loaning necessities like housing, food, clothing, transportation

and money to be sent home to families. The women were compelled through threats to submit to prostitution, according to court documents. Mondragon was sentenced to 13 years in prison and was ordered to pay $1.7 million in restitution, according to court documents. The majority of that money is unlikely to be received because most of

what Mondragon and his associates owned were little resellable properties in the U.S., Perez said. Gallagher, also an adjunct UH professor, who taught a human trafficking course over the summer, said most people involved in the immigration and forced labor industry were part of a family SLAVERY continues on page 3

TOMORROW Roundtable with Renu Khator

COUNTDOWN

Days until the autumnal equinox.

Oh boy, we almost have the chills...

The Daily Cougar

2 \\ Tuesday, September 18, 2012

CRIME REPORT The following is a partial report of campus crime between September 11 and Thursday. All information is selected from the files of the UH Department Constitution Day Essay Contest

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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.

Criminal Mischief – At 1:38 p.m. Thursday at the M.D. Anderson Library, a UH staff member reported that someone damaged a secured drawer on his desk. The incident occurred between 5:30 p.m. Monday and 8:00 a.m. Tuesday. The case is active.

Possession of a Controlled Substance/Driving While Intoxicated – At 2:12 a.m. Wednesday at 3000 Cullen a UH student was arrested for DWI / Possession of a Controlled Substance and transported to Harris County Jail.. The case is cleared by arrest.

Burglary of a Building or Habitation/Credit or Debit Card Abuse – At 5:32 p.m. on Thursday in Law Residence Hall a UH student reported that her wallet was stolen from her unsecured/ unattended dorm room and someone made unauthorized charges on her debit card. The incidents occurred between 7:00 p.m. Wednesday and 9:00 a.m. Thursday. The case is active.

Theft – At 11:20 a.m. Wednesday at Moody Towers a UH student reported that someone stole his unattended/secured bicycle. The incident occurred between 6:00 p.m. Sept. 7 and 9:00 a.m. Sept. 10. The case is inactive.

Theft – At 6:08 p.m. Thursday at Cambridge Oaks Apartments a UH student reported that someone stole her unattended unsecured cell phone. The incident occurred between 5:10 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. The case is active.

Hot. Fresh. Daily. www.thedailycougar.com

TAKE BACK THE

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Program, March, and Candlelight Vigil For Sexual Assault Awareness

Theft – At 9:18 p.m. Thursday at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center a UH student reported his unattended unsecured cell phone stolen. The incident occurred between 9:00 p.m. and 9:05 p.m.The case is active. Theft – At 9:45 p.m. Thursday at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center a UH student reported his secured unattended backpack and other items stolen. The incident occurred between 6:45 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. The case is active.

Theft – At 6:01 p.m. Wednesday at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center a UH student reported the theft of his unattended/unsecured cell phone. The incident occurred between 5:00 p.m. and 5:57 p.m. The case is inactive. Burglary of a Building/Credit or Debit Card Abuse – At 12:56 p.m. on Sept. 11 in Farish Hall, a UH staff member reported that someone entered her unattended/secured office, stole her wallet and used her credit cards. The incident occurred between 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. The case is active. Theft –At 3:33 p.m. Sept. 11 at 2401 Sampson a UH police officer recognized a suspect from previous bike thefts which had been caught on surveillance cameras. The suspect was arrested and transported to Harris County Jail. The case is cleared by arrest.

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Closing editors

ABOUT THE COUGAR The Daily Cougar is published Monday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters, and Wednesdays during the summer and online at thedailycougar.com. The Daily Cougar is supported in part by Student Service Fees. The first copy is free. Additional copies cost 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 tips and story ideas to the editors. Call (713) 743-5314, e-mail news@ thedailycougar.com. A “Submit news” form is available at thedailycougar.com. COPYRIGHT No part of the newspaper in print or online may be reproduced without the consent of the director of Student Publications.

David Haydon Joshua Mann THE DAILY COUGAR IS A MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012 // 3

The Daily Cougar

NEWS

EDITOR Julie Heffler EMAIL news@thedailycougar.com ONLINE thedailycougar.com/news

SLAVERY

‘Find a sober ride’ bikes through campus

continued from page 1

operation. “The large majority of them are usually mom-and-pop style organizations,” Gallagher said. “It involves a family and a couple of brothers, a father and maybe four or five (others) that are in it to make money. In more rare instances, it is very organized.” Smuggling is successful because traffickers like Mondragon take advantage of poor job markets in Central America. “We attract a lot of different people to Houston,” Gallagher said. “There’s a lot of job opportunities, but there’s also a lot of opportunities to exploit, so there’s a direct tie with smuggling.” Houston and the DOJ have brought together several layers of government to combat trafficking and smuggling. “We respond locally to a crime, but we have to view it globally,” Gallagher said. “You cannot work an international traffi cking case without Immigrations Customs Enforcements; they have to work handin-hand with the FBI. In the labor area, you have to have the Department of Labor to address wage issues,” Gallagher said. “We want to know where the financials are; are they paying taxes? So we brought in the IRS, and now they are a key member in looking at the financial aspects of these cases, particularly in domestic cases with your local pimp. Since there are so many international connections, the State Department’s diplomatic security is very important to us — passports, visas that are being issued. The Texas Rangers, Department of Public Safety are involved, along with The Texas Alcohol and Beverage commission, since they oversee all the licensing of alcohol in all establishments.” Gallagher stressed that the vast majority of immigrants who enter the U.S. are not violent and are otherwise law-abiding. Maria Trijulio, the executive director of Houston Rescue and Restore and a guest lecturer in Gallagher’s human trafficking course, said if given the chance, the victims of trafficking can contribute to society. “If you can get someone out of slavery, they can in fact become a thriving member of our community,” she said. news@thedailycougar.com

yclists rode through the UC Satellite on Monday advertising a website where students can find more about finding a sober ride home after a night of drinking. The signs called for students to find a sober ride before they get “hammered” so they don’t get “nailed” later on. — Nine Nguyen/The Daily Cougar

NEW UC

Preservation of UC Chicano mural under way Brenda Resendiz Staff writer

The mural “La Marcha Por La Humanidad” was created by Mario Gonzalez and Ruben Reyna in 1973 while both were students at UH and is now located in the University Center Cougar Den. With the renovation of the UC, many wondered what would happen to the painting. “The mural represents more than 500 years of Hispanic history,” Reyna said. According to the “Proposal for the University of Houston System System Wide Arts Acquisition Committee to accept ‘La Marcha por la Humanidad’ into the Public Art Collection,” the mural was proposed at a time when student diversity was perceived to be low. “The early 1970s was the apex of the Chicano Movement, an important national social movement where people of Mexican descent sought meaningful social change,” the proposal said. “The mural project, named ‘La Marcha por la Humanidad’ by Mario Gonzales as a tribute to David Alfaro Siqueiros, is a direct result of this important social movement and also saw a rebirth in Mexican American culture, history, music and art. The

Mario Gonzalez and Ruben Reyna painted “La Marcha Por La Humanidad” in 1973. | File Photo/The Daily Cougar Chicano Student Mural was also meant to be a tribute to this important historical period in our country and a very important part of UH’s history.” The mural will remain at the same location, which will be the lower level of a newly transformed bookstore and will be used as the center of a designated reading area available to students. “The bookstore with the mural is expected to open at the end of 2013. Prior to or around that opening time, Mario will be adding to the mural by painting an additional lower section,” said Mei Chang, senior project manager in Facilities Planning &

Construction. UH is working to preserve the mural as work continues in the renovation of the University Center. “The art conservators have completed the first layer of protection. I have been present this week for the removal of the metal brackets,” Gonzalez said. “I am ready to move forward next Monday in patching the holes left behind by the removal of such brackets. The final layers of protection will follow.” The final layer of protection consists of a watertight box made of plywood and roofing material. “I am flattered and honored

that UH students have made it possible for the mural to survive,” Reyna said. Both artists are grateful the mural has received such great attention and that various communities within UH fought to keep their work alive. The point of the mural is not only to depict history but also to inspire and push students to question their journey through life and education. “What is being done now to preserve the mural will be for present and future students as well as the Houston communities, all of Texas and U.S. as a whole,” Gonzalez said. news@thedailycougar.com

The Daily Cougar

4 \\ Tuesday, September 18, 2012

OPINION Protests pan across the globe EDITOR Lucas Sepulveda

EMAIL opinion@thedailycougar.com ONLINE thedailycougar.com/opinion

Muslim extremists are angry at the wrong people over controversial anti-Islam film James Wang Staff columnist

It only takes one lapse of judgment to ruin things for everyone. In this case, the lapse of judgment was that of the man who released a video that managed to enrage what seems to be every single James Muslim in the Wang world at once. Protests at U.S. embassies in twenty countries, from London to Sri Lanka and all across Northern Africa, broke out in record numbers Friday, with protestors burning American flags and chanting, “Death to America” or “Allahu akbar,” phrases we haven’t heard seriously in some time. After Friday prayer let out, irate Muslims stormed the streets and set fire to anything American, whether it was a school or the embassy. Anti-American fever was hitting another peak. These weren’t some isolated extremists. They don’t have a history of violence or drug dealing. These are common, salt-of-theEarth people, some of who have been highly educated and are righteously indignant about the film, but they are lashing out against the wrong people. The protestors are attacking, brutalizing and destroying American lives and properties abroad over the actions of an unsanctioned nutcase living in California. The movie itself is highly offensive, but you only need to look at the cast and crew to see how this might not end well. Director Nakoula Bassely Nakoula has had a criminal history of fraud and a film history of producing pornography. Several of the actors in the film, who profess they were duped into

performing in a fictional movie and had their lines dubbed over with anti-Islamic rhetoric, were also porn stars. What was a recipe for a pretty bad snuff film by itself has now managed to put the lives of several Americans at stake, and is something that Nakoula should pay for dearly. He wasn’t expressing his first amendment rights; he wasn’t expressing his opinions or beliefs. The film was purely inflammatory, and did what few YouTube trolls could ever hope to do — put the lives of innocent people at stake. Nakoula’s guilt in this is a non-issue. He’s the lowest form of human scum and an insult to film and all organized religions. But almost as bad as this film, however, is the Muslim reaction. Not the explosiveness of it, but its direction. The American government is not in control of the content

The protestors are attacking, brutalizing and destroying American lives and properties abroad over the actions of an unsanctioned nutcase.” produced by its citizens, nor was this film a sponsored media. It is, by the sickest form of loopholes, protected by the Constitution, but that same protection also applies to peaceful protests that have stopped similar acts of poor judgement. The attacks against Americans across the world are unwarranted and senseless violence that do not settle the stereotype New

THE DAILY COUGAR

be stable and powerful allies in the future. No more, I say. If that’s the way people feel, then no more America in their country, and no more American money either. We’re in a debt crisis enough as it is, and wasting money on people

that hate us isn’t going to help. It’s high time that we take our ball and go home. James Wang is a history sophomore and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar. com.

Kathleen Kennedy | The Daily Cougar

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.

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Media has placed in so many people’s heads. I hope that our Muslim brothers and sisters know not all Americans are like that nutcase, just as I hope to remind my friends the Muslims with whom America is at war are their version of the crazy Christian cults we have here at home. With these protests, however, it seems the case is being harder and harder to make. Twenty American embassies are under siege by people who are unable to understand that though the film was not approved by the government, it must be protected by our government as part of the Constitution. Everyone here hates it as much as they do, but despite Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s pleas, and now demands, that the violence must stop. Here’s a better idea. Afghanistan receives about $10 billion in aid from the government that their people are now currently protesting. Pakistan receives $4.4 billion; Egypt receives $2 billion. The buck stops here and it’s going to stop right now if these governments can’t get their people under control like Egypt has, clearing the area around the embassy and making sure no more violence can occur. A protest is a protest, but what these have been are just violent riots, an excuse exposing an already unsteady trust between Arab nations and the U.S. But why not go further? It’s obvious that people don’t want us around, that the U.S. just isn’t the world’s poster boy anymore. AntiAmerican sentiment is high world round, but we continue to station troops to keep public order in countries where mobsters and politicians are one in the same. We continue to pump money into their infrastructure, to invest in them, in the hopes that they will

& ARTS EDITOR

OPINION EDITOR

Joshua Mann David Haydon Amanda Hilow Julie Heffler Andrew Pate Allen Le Lucas Sepulveda

Tuesday, September 18, 2012 // 5

The Daily Cougar

SPORTS

EDITOR Andrew Pate EMAIL sports@thedailycougar.com ONLINE thedailycougar.com/sports

VOLLEYBALL

SOCCER

Cougars host trio of nation’s best

UH nets win Monica Rojas Staff writer

Matches against top 25 programs at Flo Hyman Collegiate Cup provide daunting tests

The head coach acknowledged the ‘little cliché’ has actually helped a great deal through some of the rougher times in the pre-season. “When you’re taking the hits like we have in pre-season, we’ve got to keep the fight and keep dreaming about what we want to accomplish and then you’ve got to commit yourself to it and go out there and work for it.” This attitude that the Cougars hold so dear has earned from their head coach. “They’ve got a lot of fight in them,” Platt said of her squad. “When you have that, the sky is the limit. They want to improve everyday. With that kind of attitude I feel that we can do a lot.” While constantly improving, Coach Platt admits there is some room for improvement. But through this, even rivals had paid the Cougars some compliments. “The Ohio State coaching staff told me that we battle hard for every point,” said Platt. “He said he wishes his team was like that.”

Everyone was ready to welcome back the lady Cougars Sunday at Robertson Stadium for their first home game in three weeks against the University of Texas at San Antonio. Everyone, that is, except the referees. By 1:23 p.m., one referee was secured and by 1:36 p.m., so was the other. The game finally commenced at 2:01 p.m., a full hour after it was set to begin. “It’s been great,” said head coach Chris Pfau. “It was some of the best soccer we’ve played. I think we’re closing the gaps between the let downs. We’re probably more consistent throughout the 90 minutes. I think it’s been a great four weeks, and I’m very happy where we are.” The Cougars started shooting for a goal in the second minute and UTSA responded in the ninth minute with a rebound shot by UTSA sophomore defender and midfielder Charlotte Husoe, which resulted in a goal. Despite several attempts from both teams in the following time, a goal was not secured for UH until the 20th minute by sophomore forward Kayla Walker after taking an assist from junior midfielder Kylie Cook. The first half ended with futile attempts to score by both teams. Despite the second half being generally dominated by the Roadrunners, sophomore forward Alexis Weaver secured a win for the Cougars with her goal, assisted by Walker, when the clock still held 17 minutes. “We lost some of our rhythm having seven days off and from being inside a lot this week due to the weather,” Pfau said in a statement. “We still wanted to come out sharp, though. A sign of a good team is when things don’t go their way, they find a way to win. Things were not going our way, but we found a way to make it work and got the win.” UTSA shot to the end, trying to net several attempts in the last few minutes and keeping junior goalkeeper Cami Koski busy until the final whistle. “We got to find our consistence,” said senior forward Katelyn Rhodes. “We’re still working on that. It’s definitely gotten better. The past two weeks have been the biggest building weeks of the whole season. The good part is, it’s right before conference.” In total, the Cougars outshot the Roadrunners by one goal and improved their standings to 4-4-0.

sports@thedailycougar.com

Harrison Lee Staff writer

Another volleyball tournament has come and gone with a mixed bag of results for the Cougars. Three nationally ranked teams proving too much for the home team. No. 11 Florida State University, No. 18 Pepperdine University and No. 21 Ohio State University came together to sweep the Cougars over the weekend. On the positive side, senior outside hitter Katie Norris was named to her third consecutive All-Tournament Team of the year. “It feels good just to know that all the hard work we’ve been putting in has been recognized,” Norris said after the Ohio State match, in which the Cougars won their sole set of the tournament. While the results were not what UH had in mind, the players acknowledged that the level of competition was fierce but had its benefits. So far this season, the Cougars have played five ranked teams in 10 games. Freshman middle blocker Emily Howard made note of the tough scheduling. “We’re going to be prepared for conference,” Howard said after the finale match against Ohio State. “Playing such good teams definitely gets us ready for that. I’m hoping to take away from this season a conference championship but also getting the team where we need to be and doing anything that I can to do that.” The tournament began Friday with a match against FSU. Though the Seminoles had their run of the court in the threematch sweep, the Cougars were able to rack up some impressive numerical and statistical accomplishments. Norris completed her third double-double of the year with 12 digs and 12 kills. “You’ve gotta learn,” Norris said. “You have to play really hard the whole game. If you let up on one of these ranked teams for a second, they’re up on you by five or six points.” Saturday began with a match against Pepperdine. The Cougars were swept again, but Norris

Chandace Tryon rises for a spike in a tough match-up against Florida State on Saturday. | Bethel Glumac/The Daily Cougar

and senior middle blocker Chandace Tryon added in eight kills and seven kills respectively. Senior setter Abby Simmons and sophomore setter Caitlin Ogletree contributed with 16 and 10 assists. Simmons and sophomore defensive specialist Natalie Keck led the defense with 11 digs, with Simmons adding in another nine. Sophomore middle blocker Kaiti Waters rounded out the Cougars’ attack with a .444 attack percentage. The final match against Ohio State allowed several promising freshman talents to get on the court. “It’s been a great experience so far,” Howard said. “As a freshman, you have jitters and get nervous, and it’s exciting to play such good teams. It will definitely help us in the season.” The team battled their way through to a tough 3-1 loss to the Buckeyes before a crowd of 787, with Norris tagging in with a tournament-best 16 kills. It was a strong showing. Waters put in a career-best four blocks, with the team putting up a total of 10.

With the tournament behind them, UH starts conference play against Rice University 7 p.m. Tuesday at Tudor Fieldhouse at Rice. Conference play underway With the de facto preseason behind them, the Lady Cougar volleyball team starts conference play and officially starts their quest for a Conference Championship. The Cougars can’t wait. “They’re pumped and ready to go,” head coach Kaddie Platt said. “They’re really excited to be getting started with that. That’s definitely their mood.” There’s ample reason for the Cougars to be excited. With many lessons learned from a rough and tumble pre-season inundated with tournaments against highly ranked opponents, the team is looking forward to the games that actually matter. “Our little thing we say all the time is, ‘Dream, Believe, Battle.’ Dream about what you want, believe it, then go out and battle for it,” Platt explained. “I guess that’s our little cliché for the season.”

The Daily Cougar

6 \\ Tuesday, September 17 2012

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39 More than punctual 40 Flattened circle 41 Walking-onair feeling 42 Loathe 44 Very intelligent person 46 Windfall 49 Enraged 50 Brand of plastic wrap 52 20 short hundredweight 53 An unforgettable meal 56 “Better ___ than never” 57 Shipbuilders’ woods 58 Anticipatory times 59 Victoria’s reign, e.g. 60 Indulgence at the mall 61 It might hold a few swallows DOWN 1 “On the ___ hand ...” 2 Ecological community 3 Not subject to change 4 Golfer’s peg 5 Orbital high

point 6 Identified 7 It may go from ear to ear 8 Period beginning Ash Wednesday 9 Fraction of a joule 10 Arabic honorific 11 Devoutness 12 Hathaway of Hollywood 15 Favorable weather forecast 17 Biblical brother 18 Tremble from weakness 23 Santa’s landing site 24 Speech coach’s challenge 26 Chlorinated backyard waters 27 Former mayor Giuliani 28 “Caught in the act!” 29 Hard-to-fold item, often 30 ___ d’oeuvres 31 Adept at originality

CLASSIFIEDS. FIEDS. Like Craigslist, g only less creep py.

COMICS Pepe by Felipe Campos

ACROSS 1 Departure announcement? 5 Protractor measurement 10 Five-star hotel amenity 13 It’s free when it’s unscheduled 14 Apple utensil 15 Climb like a monkey 16 Alumni weekend VIP 19 Aussie bird 20 Author’s promoter 21 Get under one umbrella 22 Taken back to court 24 Gangling 25 Highly rated 26 ___ to (in on) 28 Pulpit of old 30 Senate counterpart 31 Emotion of the miffed 34 “Harry Potter” title character 38 Jungle dweller

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Check out more Studentdrawn comics online... I Found UH by Catherine Mussio

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32 Nipper appeared on its logo 33 Wiggly catch 35 Accepted doctrine 36 Homophone for “lane” 37 Tiny amount 41 Get squeakyclean 42 Raspy 43 “The King and I” heroine 44 Kind of patch for a rabbit 45 Dreadlocks wearer, perhaps, briefly 46 Lacking funds 47 Does municipal planning 48 Existential disquiet 49 Monty Python’s Eric 50 Small progression 51 Off yonder 54 The “I” in TGIF 55 Barbie’s counterpart

Tuesday, September 18, 2012 // 7

The Daily Cougar

LIFE +ARTS TWEETS FROM THE PRES

SEVEN TIPS TO ACHIEVE GRADUATION President Renu Khator has always been a leader in motivating students to go above and beyond the call of duty. Using her social media skills to her advantage, Khator has tweeted a list of seven helpful skills for a successful semester to help graduate in four years. Having Cougar pride is one of the first steps in achieving that goal. This includes wearing red on Friday and showing up to home football and basketball games, with an emphasis on the importance of being a part of the community. Ap p l y i n g f o r c l a s s e s a n d financial aid at the earliest convenience is also huge step. Once the semester starts, both of these much needed essentials will be hard to obtain. Getting a head start will further a student’s chances in making sure their road to graduation much smoother. K h a t o r a l s o re c o m m e n d s

joining various clubs and social organizations as well applying for on-campus jobs. This ensures that students get the most out of campus life and also cements an opportunity to get involved into something beyond showing up for class and studying for midterms. However, be sure not to neglect the study time needed to ace those exams. Khator’s key component to test preparations are study groups. Students who are able to buddy up with several of their classmates have a greater chance of getting a passing grade. Students can go beyond the study limits and meet up with professors and teaching assistants to get the extra edge in class. Khator has listed many of other tips and tricks to towards being a graduate of UH, but there’s a question that remains for students: Are you willing to take these steps and graduate on time? arts@thedailycougar

A review of students graduating on time reveals that they share seven common habits:

EDITOR Allen Le EMAIL arts@thedailycougar.com ONLINE thedailycougar.com/arts

VIDEO GAME

Tag team combat returns Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is fun but can be difficult for beginners Bryan Dupont-Gray Assistant life & arts editor

TTT2 is now available for XBOX 360 and PS3. | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

While there’s a vast number of fighting games on the market — some with characters shooting fireballs out of their hands and others hosting brawls inside a high school — Namco’s most beloved fighting franchise always held their own record for maintaining their level of style and gameplay. As a sequel to the 1999 title that boomed in the arcades around the country, Tekken

Tag Tournament 2 goes back to double-team roots. Players can expect new tag team possibilities and intricate fighting mechanics that require practice to master. TTT2 welcomes players to a 50-character roster, grand scale stages, and a marvelous in-game soundtrack that is slightly reminiscent to Tekken 3. Fluid character animations and graphics remain flawless. Namco also adds a nice touch with character interaction and realistic stage environments. In some stages, characters fighting in the rain will look wet and if they land in the mud or onto the dirty, dusty pavement, players can expect their fighters looking grimy throughout the round. Players must use essential launching and bound attacks followed by tag combos if they want to walk away with a victory. With the press of the tag button, players can switch between the two characters of the team at

any time. The “Tag Assault” option allows for both team members to be on the same screen by pressing and holding down the tag button. This action allows for the incoming tagged fighter to automatically execute a launching attack to the opponent, opening up the door for players to deliver a punishing attack. If all this sounds confusing, the “Fight Lab” mode serves as a very goofy, yet educational tutorial. Throughout five levels, players will take the role of Combot, a fighting machine capable of mimicking the other fighters’ move set. This mode will teach new players fundamental fighting mechanics and the importance of performing and strategizing the tag system. Despite the help that “Fight Lab” brings, dedicated players will likely spend most of their TEKKEN continues on page 8

MUSIC

1. They make a degree plan and stick to it.

Indie band adopts dance tunes Second album shows band’s interest in foreign styles to curb fans

2. They belong to student clubs or campus activities. 3. They are members of a study group. 4. They enroll for classes and apply for aid/ scholarships early. 5. They attend classes regularly and make use of professor/TA office hours. 6. They are full-time students and have oncampus jobs. 7. They take pride in their school.

Christopher Lopez Staff writer

Previously placed on New Music Express and Rolling Stone’s top 10 tracks for 2009 with their debut album and having won the Mercury Prize in 2010, The xx makes another giant footprint in the Indie music genre with their newest project, “Coexist” Despite the press taking a liking to The xx, it’s clear that band members Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim, and Jamie Smith have taken much of their fan’s criticism to heart — swaying away from their older, rough elements of instrumentation and adopting both a mellow sound and sentimental lyricism. As an opener, “Angels” sets the tone for the entire album and with this track being one of the lower tranquil songs, fans can already expect different ways in which “Coexist” might twist and turn. Just when fans may speculate the

band straying from their normal, gloomy sound, they return to their old elements with their second single “Chained.”

The xx have steered clear from their more pop-based tracks, which BAND continues on page 8

“Coexist” is now available on iTunes. | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The Daily Cougar

8 \\ Tuesday, September 18, 2012

LIFE+ARTS

TEKKEN continued from page 7

time using the practice mode to hone their skills considering the many options that can be set. Arcade mode, time attack mode, survival, and ghost battle are great ways to jump right into the action. Up to four players can battle it out in versus mode, making this title a great party game as well as a great co-op experience. TTT2 is loaded with extra content. Players will be able to customize their favorite

characters after earning prize money in Ghost mode. Namco’s “World Tekken Federation” website helps the gaming community find partners and check their stats. TTT2 is a fun game, but much of the fighting mechanics may prove to be a breaking point for newer players. The overall showcase of presentation and content is solid and players who urge to reach a tournament level of gameplay should make the practice mode their best friend. arts@thedailycougar.com

BAND continued from page 7

consist of the hook and catch chorus such as “VCR,” and created a surreal and haunting experience with tracks such as “Missing.” “Tides” is a track which embeds itself in the alternative genre, taking on a sound similar to “Massive Attack,” mixed with any indie bands guitar and vocals that show the perfect male and female blend. It begins with Croft and Smith’s voices fused together until a bass drops in and then the guitar and drums take the song to the dark

Learning Support Services Room N109 Cougar Village (Building # 563) Schedule available at www.las.uh.edu Mon - Thurs 9:00 am - 9:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Sunday 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm

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Location: N112 Cougar Village (building 563) Length: 50 minutes. Please be on time. No admittance after 5 minutes past the hour. Register: “Workshop Signup” at www.las.uh.edu/lss On-line registration is necessary to obtain a spot.

and Smith. The album holds many genres and it possesses a chilling listening experience, but it also carries alternating feelings of depression and happiness with the use of the instrumentation — especially the way Madley’s vocals intertwine with Smith’s. Although at first it may sound almost like a watered down sequel their debut album, “Coexist” is its own refined version of the The xx. It does not reassert their sound, but their songs are astounding performances that have no equivalent. arts@thedailycougar.com

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corner of relationships saying, “You leave with the tide, and I can’t stop you leaving.” Despite their efforts to ward themselves away from the sound, The xx has now become more dance-based. A huge example is their 10th track on the album, titled “Swept Away.” The song contains the bass line, bass drum, vocals and patterns that holds the potential to be the next great remix. The same vibe is expressed in “Reunion.” The track starts off with vocals and a synthesizer that creates an astounding build and pushes the listener to a house sound after the echoing vocals switch between Croft

in order to give out sweet prizes, announce The Daily Cougar Constitution Day Essay Contest. 1. Pick your favorite constitutional amendment. (And we know you have one.)

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Week

Topic

Time #1

Time #2

Time management – Schedule planning

Tues. 9/4 @ 1pm

Fri. 9/7 @ 1pm

Maintaining balance for college success

Mon. 9/10 @ 3 pm

Note taking tips

Tues. 9/11 @ 10am

Maintaining balance for college success

Mon. 9/17 @ 3 pm

Reading strategies for college level courses

Mon. 9/17 @ 10 am

Maintaining balance for college success

Mon. 9/24 @ 3 pm

Improving concentration

Mon. 9/24 @ 4 pm

Maintaining balance for college success

Mon. 10/1 @ 3 pm

Using APA Writing Style

Mon. 10/1 @ 2 pm

Thurs. 10/4 @ 2 pm

Preparing for exams

Tues. 10/9 @ 10am

Fri. 10/12 @ 11am

Studying for natural science courses

Mon. 10/8 @ 11 am

Thurs. 10/11 @ 3 pm

Learning beyond memorizing

Tues. 10/16 @ 3pm

Fri. 10/19 @ 4pm

Building organizational skills

Mon. 10/15 @ 4 pm

Wed. 10/17 @ 3 pm

Giving professional presentations

Mon. 10/22 @ 2 pm

Thurs. 10/25 @ 11 am

Effective study groups

Tues. 10/23 @ 11am

Fri. 10/26 @ 3pm

Studying for natural science courses

Mon. 10/29 @ 3 pm

Fri. 11/2 @ 1 pm

Studying for Math/Statistics/Accounting

Tues. 10/30 @ 1pm

Fri. 11/2 @ 3pm

Time management – School/Life balance

Mon. 11/5 @ 11 am

Tues. 11/6 @ 3 pm

Analytical Reasoning

Wed. 11/14 @ 11 am

Thurs. 11/15 @ 1 pm

Boosting memory

Tues. 11/20 @ 2pm

Tues. 11/20 @ 4pm

Reducing test anxiety

Tues. 11/27 @ 5pm

Fri. 11/30 @ 4pm

Overcoming procrastination

Mon. 12/3 @ 3 pm

Thurs. 12/6 @ 4 pm

Coping with finals

Tues. 12/4 @ 3pm

Wed. 12/5 @ 1pm

Wed. 9/12 @ 4pm

Tues. 9/18 @ 1 pm

Thurs. 9/27 @ 3 pm

STAY ON TARGET Retention Programs r $IBMMFOHFS Program

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GET INVOLVED Parent Education Project

ONLINE FACULTY/ COURSE EVALUATION http:// accessuh. uh.edu (Use your myUH (PeopleSoft) ID or CougarNet ID to login)

2. Write an essay (400 words max.) telling what it means to you and how it makes the U.S. a better country. 3. Submit your essay to thedailycougar. com/constitutionessay-contest The winning entry earns the honor of a lifetime — publication in The Daily Cougar and online. (Also a $50 gift card and a selection of patriotic films.) Deadline: Sept. 24 at 5 p.m.

The Daily Cougar Constitution Day Essay Contest