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 PA P E R
O F
T H E
U N I V E R S I T Y
O F
Monday, October 28, 2013
Issue 36, Volume 79
H O U S T O N
S I N C E
1 9 3 4
ONLINE EXCLUSIVES AT THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM
IMMIGRATION
Undocumented students work to receive education Tim Payne Staff writer
Five organizations are collaborating to make sure undocumented students can fulfill their dream of receiving an education and having a place to work after graduation. Unauthorized immigrants, who call themselves “Dreamers,” are aspiring to see immigration reform to become a reality with the help of Youth Empowerment Alliance, Hispanic Student Association, Mexican American Studies Student Organization, Neighborhood Centers Inc. and We Own the Dream. The student groups put together the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals forum Thursday to inform and pre-screen students on whether they are eligible for deferred action. At the forum, students were
able to learn more about DACA and its benefits. “This is the first DACA clinic on campus led by immigrant youth. We are organizing this event in an effort to raise awareness about the issues undocumented Cougars face and also assist in the DACA application process those who haven’t applied,” said psychology junior and YEA President Javier Hernandez. According to the student groups, up to 1,500 UH students may be undocumented. The forum therefore stressed the importance of student groups helping their peers get deferred action so they will be able to work in their field of study. “This event is important EDUCATION continues on page 3
UH student groups that are helping their peers learn more about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals say that there could be as many as 1,500 undocumented students attending the University. | Fernando Castaldi/The Daily Cougar
FOOTBALL
O’Korn shows short memory on road Freshman quarterback has career day following three interceptions against BYU last week Andrew Valderas Assistant sports editor
At the healthcare seminar, Harvard University professor Daniel Carpenter, said that the Affordable Care Act is not social welfare, but much needed competition for the insurance industry. | Emily S. Chambers/The Daily Cougar
LECTURE
Harvard professor talks health care Veronica Reyes Contributing writer
Health care was the subject of discussion Thursday evening as Harvard University professor Daniel Carpenter stood in the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion to discuss everything from the future of the industry to how politics shape it. Health care, Carpenter said, has become a market where price, competition and the consumer matters.
Regulation has had to co-evolve with the markets. Carpenter is also the winner of the 2011 Herbert Simon Award of the Midwest Political Science Association for his contributions as a lead scholar. “I want people to re-think about what is regulation in the markets. It is not only social welfare,” Carpenter said. Trust has become a large issue
among consumers and physicians, including trust in the Food and Drug Administration. The Drug Efficacy Study Implementation was the first systematic attempt to withdraw drugs on the basis of efficacy alone. By using DESI to take certain drugs off the shelves the FDA saved 42,000 to 148,000 lives. “The primary benefit of approval HARVARD continues on page 3
Following the Cougars’ first loss last weekend against BYU, offensive coordinator Doug Meacham said the next time freshman quarterback John O’Korn — who threw three interceptions in that game — steps on the field, he’ll be more re l a x e d a n d O’Korn “concentrate on making routine plays.” O’Korn got the message. He went through his progressions and saw an opportunity for his receivers to make plays against Rutgers. It resulted in touchdowns — many touchdowns. O’Korn shredded Rutgers’ secondary with a combination of short, medium and long passes,
resulting in career highs of passing yards (364) and touchdowns (5) in a 49-14 blowout victory. “It feels great to go out there and beat a team like them and put the hammer on them,” said junior receiver Daniel Spencer, who had six catches for 117 yards. O’Korn was instrumental all afternoon as he made throws that Rutgers defenders just couldn’t stop. On the first touchdown, he found sophomore receiver Deontay Greenberry from 10 yards out on a fade toward the left side of the end zone. The defender didn’t even have a chance to make a play on the ball as Greenberry simply out-jumped him. “He looked at me and liked what he saw with me in the corner, so he took advantage of the mismatch, and we made the play,” Greenberry said on the scoring play. “We knew that going into the week, that they were going to play two freshmen (defensive backs). It was in our game plan to go in and attack them.” O’KORN continues on page 7
The Daily Cougar
THE DAILY COUGAR
2 \\ Monday, October 28, 2013
CALENDAR Today Reading: Blaffer will bring Los Angeles-based poet Jen Hofer and Houston-based poet Fady Joudah for a public reading in “Translators as Poets, Poets as Translators” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Blaffer Art Museum. Performance: Catch the last production of the opera “The Italian Straw Hat,” which was composed by Nina Rota, the man who scored the soundtrack of “The Godfather,” at 7:30 p.m. at the Moores Opera Center.
Tuesday Academics: University Career Services will host an information session about how to choose majors and available career opportunities from 11 a.m. to noon in Student Service Center 1, Room 106.
Exhibition: Listen to Museum of Fine Arts Houston curator Emily Ballew Neff and assistant curator Kaylin H. Weber lecture on a current museum exhibit of American artists from 11:30 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building, Room 110. Event: The fifth annual Haunted Penthouse will be hosted by the Department of Campus Recreation from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center’s rotunda. Wear a pair of closedtoe shoes for a frighteningly good time.
Wednesday Lecture: An open forum will be hosted for students to meet and talk to Yang Wang, a prospective candidate for the Dean of the College of Natural Science and Mathematics, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Science & Research Building 1, Room 634.
If you would like to suggest an event for The Daily Cougar calendar, please submit a time, date, location and brief description to calendar@thedailycougar.com. The Cougar calendar runs every Monday and Thursday.
2013 STAFF COUNCIL SOCK & BLANKET DRIVE OCTOBER 28–NOVEMBER 15
CORRECTION In the article “Students discredit unwanted bank charge” that ran Thursday, information paraphrased from an article with KUHF was attributed to Shoba Lemoine in an article with the Houston Chronicle.
Benefits Star of Hope Mission and Harris County Protective Services Guardianship Program ESPECIALLY NEEDED: BABY FORMULA AND DIAPERS
CONTACT US
OTHER NEW ITEMS NEEDED All Purpose Wipes Bathing Towels
Adult Diapers (largest size possible)
Batteries & Flash lights
Disinfectant Spray
Books in large print
Dish Towels
Chucks (bed pads)
Ergonomic Can Openers
Cleaning Products (such as mops, brooms, detergent, cleansers, dishwasher liquids, and sponges)
Fans
Clothing (such as shirts, pants, dresses, blouses) Cotton Blankets
Foot Rests Games for the Elderly (Bingo, Dominoes, etc) Gloves Grippers to Open Cans Heaters
Can Goods
Hygiene Products (such as soaps, underarm deodorants, toothpaste, denture products, combs, brushes, lotions, shampoo, aftershave lotion)
Oversized pillows with armrests
Lamps (lights come on by touch only)
Reading Glasses (with magnifying lens)
Light Bulbs (60 watts), bulbs for outside (yellow bulbs)
Sheets
Advertising (713) 743-5340 advertising@thedailycougar.com
Slippers
thedailycougar.com/advertising
Socks
Student Publications (713) 743-5350
Linens Magnifying Glasses
Pajamas/Gowns Pill Box Storages for Daily Doses Pillows
Toilet Paper Trash Bags
CLEAN & GENTLY USED OR NEW ITEMS NEEDED Clothing (All kinds and sizes), including children sizes
Newsroom (713) 743-5360 editor@thedailycougar.com facebook.com/thedailycougar twitter.com/thedailycougar
stupub@uh.edu www.uh.edu/sp Room 7, UC Satellite Student Publications University of Houston Houston, TX 77204-4015
Coats/Sweaters/Gloves (All kinds and sizes) Shoes for men & women
Issue staff
Blankets/Comforters/Sheets/Towels
Copy editing
Duffel bags, backpacks, totes. purses
Josh Cochran
Alarm Clock
Copy chief
Contact Mary Helen Meza at mmeza@uh.edu or Rebecca Szwarc at rszwarc@central.uh.edu for more information. For more details please visit www.uh.edu/sc/sock-blanket-drive
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 Bryant
Closing editors
The Daily Cougar is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press.
Channler K. Hill, Jenae Sitzes
studentpress.org/acp
Monday, October 28, 2013 // 3
The Daily Cougar
NEWS EDITOR
Laura Gillespie
news@thedailycougar.com
HARVARD continued from page 1
regulation is confidence, not safety,” Carpenter said. Carpenter foresees the use of mobile applications to monitor a patient’s health. These mobile applications will be able to communicate back to a doctor regarding any abnormalities in the patient’s health. In order for mobile health to become a standard, regulation will be needed to ensure the public of the efficiency of these mobile applications. “Just like our friend Flo from Progressive offers a chart with different options, we will need to provide the same for those shopping for effective products,” Carpenter said. As regulation co-evolves with the markets, Carpenter stressed the importance of focusing on prices for drugs, medical devices and health care. With the Affordable Care Act
EDUCATION continued from page 1
because it has the potential of turning someone’s life 180 degrees. With DACA, many doors that were previously shut are opened, such as obtaining a work permit that allows the applicant to put their degree to work. However, only around 50 percent of those eligible nationwide have applied, and we want to change that,” said HSA President Ana Rodriguez. Some students who immigrated to the United States at an early age were not aware that they were undocumented until they registered for college or applied for a job. Others may know that they are an unauthorized immigrant but are too afraid to speak. MASSO President Karla Perez immigrated to the U.S. with her family when she was 3 years old and did not find out she was undocumented until she was in high school. “I received deferred action last
FREE TUTORING
ONLINE
thedailycougar.com/
establishing a marketplace for health insurance, many are concerned with the costs it entails. “I think prices have been the problem, not disclosure,” said Ramiro Martinez, director of employee benefits for Robinson Benefits. During the lecture, Department of Political Science Chair Susan Scarrow presented the John P. McGovern Award Medal to Carpenter for his accomplishments and involvement with digital humanities. Carpenter’s research has influenced not only the health care industry, but students as well. “We have so many young students interested in learning more about his research topic. “I think this lecture will have an impact on them, especially those who are thinking about their future career choices or opportunities,” said assistant professor of political science Ling Zhu. news@thedailycougar.com
November, and since then, my life has changed in so many positive ways. “Aside from being able to legally drive to school and build credit, I have found the empowerment I needed to come out to my classmates about my immigrant status. But now, I can say to anyone who will listen that I am undocumented and unafraid,” Perez said. “I want other young Dreamers to find this empowerment as well. ... This wonderful country will need our leadership for years to come, and DACA is an opportunity for us to show everyone that Dreamers have a positive impact in the United States.” DACA is intended to encourage students to sign up for deferred action and be unafraid to speak up about their immigrant status to help bring immigration reform. The DACA forum was a prescreening session, but for those who wish to sign up for deferred action, a DACA clinic will be held at 11 a.m. on Nov. 9.
Follow
THE DAILY COUGAR
On Twitter
news@thedailycougar.com
www.LAS.UH.EDU
All students are welcome! Room 109N Cougar Village 1
®
@thedailycougar
The Daily Cougar
4 \\ Monday, October 28, 2013
OPINION EDITOR James Wang EMAIL
opinion@thedailycougar.com
ONLINE
thedailycougar.com/opinion
STUDENT LIFE
Getting involved is a two-way street
David Delgado//The Daily Cougar
T
here is a big difference between being a Cougar and going to UH. The Cougar has school spirit, enjoys responding, “Coogs’ House” when asked, “Whose House?” and is happy to be getting an education at UH. The Cougar Kelly does not only go Schafler to school, but attends school functions. Finding time to be a Cougar can be difficult sometimes, especially for commuters. Being active in the Cougar community is easier when living on campus; events are often shoved directly under residents’ doors. Living off campus definitely makes it more difficult to stay involved. Taking time out of one’s day to become involved with a club or activity can be hard — especially when sleeping sounds so tempting. However, becoming a part of the Cougar community is important and it makes this large city seem less overwhelming. With a campus as diverse as ours, finding a home away from home should be a main priority. University activities that bring students together are a necessity.
Students are often heard complaining about this lack of involvement, but there is always some form of activity happening on campus — even if students aren’t fully aware of it. There seems to be a pattern that I’ve witnessed happening with students on campus. Two students will be having a conversation when one of them talks about the fun activity they attended on campus the week before. The second student is genuinely confused, as they have heard of no such activity, and is now angry that they missed out on this opportunity. Don’t worry, I’ve also experienced being this second student. Generally, I find myself wondering where this activity was and why I wasn’t informed, but then I realize that I don’t really make finding out about these events a priority. We’ve become complacent and expect to have fun activities delivered to our doorstep rather than look for them. Kinesiology junior Eric Whittington is one of many students who feel like they’re missing out. “I find out about a lot of cool stuff that happens after the fact from posts on Facebook or Instagram,” Whittington said. This causes students to wonder
THE DAILY COUGAR EDITORIAL BOARD Channler K. Hill Natalie Harms WEB EDITOR Jenae Sitzes NEWS EDITOR Laura Gillespie SPORTS EDITOR Christopher Shelton LIFE & ARTS EDITOR Paulina Rojas PHOTO EDITOR Fernando Castaldi OPINION EDITOR James Wang ASSISTANT EDITORS Jessica Crawford, Nora Olabi, Justin Tijerina, Monica Tso, Andrew Valderas EDITOR IN CHIEF
MANAGING EDITOR
if school participation should be placed more on the shoulders of the students or the University. If one stops to look at the various activity boards around campus, a number of upcoming on-campus activities are being advertised. In addition, there are also activity postings on walls, stuck into the grass and sometimes on the sidewalks; although, in order to see these activity postings, students would actually have to look up from their phones to stop and read the boards. Nowadays, it seems as if the most involved groups on campus are either the members of Greek life or student clubs. These two groups remain connected to the University through their organizations, but students who aren’t in these kinds of organizations seem to be out of luck. Some students didn’t even know that last week was Homecoming Week — myself included. While I’d love it if the University was adorned with so many ostentatious signs, fliers and spirit-filled Cougars that no one could possibly ignore it, we have to put in some effort too. In addition, the school spirit at other universities always seems to be high. For example, Texas
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
A&M — even though I hate to admit it — is well-known for its somewhat over-the-top and obnoxious traditions. I don’t think that it would be a bad thing for UH to have some obnoxious traditions. We have something to be proud of and sought after; therefore, there should be more unification among the student body. Finance sophomore Jordan Reed recognizes the need for a unified and informed student body. “A strong student body means a strong group of alumni, which means more money for the University,” Reed said. “Some student organizations don’t even know about things, and I believe that’s lack of communication on the University’s part, because the University puts on all these events.” On Oct. 10, Cougars were invited to sign an old beam from Robertson Stadium that was erected in the new stadium. This sounds like a great way to memorialize current Cougars, but most students didn’t hear about it. However, it’s hard to put this blame purely on lack of advertising by the University; students often receive emails advertising upcoming events, but most students don’t read every one of them.
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. GUEST COMMENTARY Submissions are accepted from any member of the UH community and must
The Student Program Board, which hosts a majority of the events on campus, is continually trying to increase student participation. “In Fall 2012, (student participation) reached about 10,000 students. In Fall 2013, we hope to reach out to 12,000 to 16,000 students,” said SPB president Anjuli Tuck. According to these statistics, only 25 percent of the students on campus are involved in activities. Even with the ambitious hope in rise in student participation, 16,000 students participating is still only about 40 percent of the student population. With a total of 40 members involved in SPB’s program council, this committee manages to pull together movies, concerts, trips, comedians, speakers, tournaments and other special events. It is hoping to increase student participation with more daytime events that are spread out throughout the week. If students don’t make more of an effort to become part of the Cougar community, these four to five years of education are going to seem longer than they should. Take the first step by joining a club, and never forget to respond with “Coogs’ House.” Opinion columnist Kelly Schafler is a print journalism junior and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com
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 limited to 500 words. Guest commentaries should not be written as replies, but rather should present independent points of view. Deliver submissions to Room 7, University Center Satellite; e-mail them to letters@thedailycougar.com; or fax them to (713) 7435384. All submissions are subject to editing.
Monday, October 28, 2013 // 5
The Daily Cougar
SPONSORED BY
The College of Technology at the University of Houston invites students, faculty, alumni, and industry partners to the
Petroleum Industry Expert Series Offshore Deep and Ultra-Deepwater Field Development Projects and Subsea Architectures
Keynote Speaker: Kurt Albaugh, P.E. Wednesday, November 6, 2013 Registration & Networking – 5:30 p.m. Dinner & Program –6:00– 7:30 p.m. Hilton at University of Houston –Waldorf Astoria Ballroom Experience the unique networking opportunities with invited Petroleum Industry Experts facilitating roundtable discussions.
Please register online by Thursday, October 31st at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/8939364881 Or contact: Michelle Stevenson, 713-743-4749 and msteve@uh.edu For more information about the UH Petroleum Technology Initiative, please visit :
www.uh.edu/technology
;OL <UP]LYZP[` VM /V\Z[VU PZ HU ,,6 (( PUZ[P[\[PVU
The Daily Cougar
6 \\ Monday, October 28, 2013
W 62-13
vs. Southern
W 22-13 @ Temple*
W 31-26 @ Rice
W 59-28 @ UTSA
W 25-15
vs. Memphis*
L 47-46 vs. BYU
W 49-14 @ Rutgers*
OCT. 31 vs. USF*
NOV. 9 @ UCF*
NOV. 16
NOV. 23
@ vs. Louisville* Cincinnati*
NOV. 29 vs. SMU*
* conference game
GAMEDAY: RUTGERS
SIDELINE REPORT
STAND OUTS Freshman quarterback John O’ Korn bounced back from a three interception performance against BYU and responded by completing 24 of his 30 passes for 365 yards and five touchdowns. Freshman quarterback Greg Ward had his best game of the season, as he completed four of his five passes for 36 yards and lead the team in rushing with 92 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore defensive back Trevon Stewart wreaked havoc for the Rutgers’ offense all Saturday. Stewart had an interception, a forced fumble and had a fumble recovery.
INJURIES Jackson day-to-day
After he threw three interceptions against BYU, freshman quarterback John O’ Korn responded by setting career highs in both passing yards (365) and touchdown passes (5) during a blowout 49-14 victory at Rutgers. | Photos by Justin Tijerina/The Daily Cougar
O’KORN continued from page 1
Greenberry has caught a touchdown in five of UH’s seven games this season. His 168 yards receiving and three touchdown catches were both career highs. After he and Greenberry hooked up for an 83-yard catch-and-run touchdown in the second quarter to break the tie and go up 21-14, the Cougars never looked back. But O’Korn was just getting started. Less than a minute later, he found freshman receiver Demarcus Ayers on a perfectly thrown 26-yard touchdown to go up 28-14. O’Korn played his worst game as a Cougar last week against BYU, but on Saturday, he arguably played his best. O’Korn shredded Rutgers’ secondary all afternoon in front of a crowd of more than 52,000. Rutgers had won four of its last five games, was coming off a bye week and was the 10-point favorite against UH, according to Vegasinsider.com. “That’s a pretty impressive
thing for a guy that just turned 18. We kind of heard a little all week of reasons why we should not have won this football game. I think it brought a little bit of fuel to the fire in terms of the heartbreaking loss we suffered last week,” said head coach Tony Levine “Our kids are young, and they thrive on that. I’m proud of them. It was a hostile environment and an outstanding football team — an established program that Rutgers certainly has.” It was a statement game, to say the least. With the Cougars’ fast-paced style, it was crucial for the quarterback to play at a high level — and O’Korn showed it on Saturday. To top off his career day, it was only right for O’Korn to finish the game the way he started it — a fade to Greenberry toward the left side of the end zone to cap off his fifth touchdown to settle the final score. “(O’Korn) gets more and more comfortable every week. Whenever he’s comfortable and we get to rolling, that’s pretty much it,” Greenberry said. sports@thedailycougar.com
Sophomore running back Ryan Jackson suffered a head injury at Rutgers and is going through a concussion-management protocol. He is day to day. Senior offensive linemen Ralph Oragwu suffered a partial ACL tear against Southern but made the decision to forego surgery until the end of the year and play this season. Oragwu played Saturday against Rutgers.
NEW LOOK Halloween uniform change The Cougars will unveil new uniforms that entail black jerseys and pants with red helmets against South Florida. The black jerseys will feature red numerals with a white outline.
GIVEAWAY Chance to win UH students who attend the football game on Thursday will have the chance to win Beats by Dre headphones, $100 Visa Gift Cards, Apple TVs, iPad minis and $1,000 for their organization. To enter to win, students must sign up inside the student entrance at the BHP Billiton Gate and have a valid UH student ID.
Monday, October 28, 2013 // 7
The Daily Cougar
SPORTS EDITOR
Christopher Shelton
sports@thedailycougar.com
ONLINE
thedailycougar.com/sports
SOCCER
CROSS COUNTRY
Seniors play well in final home weekend
Tesfai, Barraza push UH’s pace Alyssa Cervantes Staff writer
Reid Ritter Staff writer
The Cougars put up two more losses last week, one to UCF on Thursday and one to USF on Sunday in their home finale. The game against leagueleading No. 15 UCF resulted in a disappointing 4-0 loss for UH. UCF put on a good offensive showing, scoring two goals in each half. On Sunday, UH’s home finale, all 11 seniors on the squad were honored in a pregame ceremony. UH was outshot 15-6 in the game. Head coach Chris Pfau said he is proud of the seniors on the squad and is impressed with all of their performances throughout the season. “They all have done a tremendous job in representing the University and being great teammates to the underclassmen,” Pfau said. The game gave the players, fans and coaches a chance to reflect on their progress throughout the years that they have been on the squad. “I’ve learned a lot as an athlete,” said senior Cami Koski. “What it takes to be an athlete, learning time management, working hard, struggling going to practice and then going to class smelling terrible — it’s all been a fun experience.” For fans of offensive soccer, the game against USF at Carl Lewis Field on Sunday was no disappointment. The final score reflected that, with the Cougars’ eventful 6-3 loss. Seniors Jasmine Martinez, Natalie Juncos, and Alexis Weaver all scored on separate occasions. UH took an early lead with the goal from Juncos, which was her first of the season. The goal from Martinez occurred several minutes later, and the Cougars were leading 2-1 going into halftime. The goal from Weaver pushed the Cougars to a strong 3-1 lead, but USF scored three goals in two minutes and two more in the final minutes of the game to push the score to a surprising 6-3. sports@thedailycougar.com
Junior Yonas Tesfai (above) and freshman Brian Barraza encourage each other before and during a race to compete at a high level. | Courtesy of UH Athletics
Junior Yonas Tesfai and freshman Brian Barraza have been trying to raise the bar higher for UH Cross Country at each meet. They are now looking toward a chance to compete at the NCAA’s national championships. Both have accomplished a lot this semester. During each of his first three tournaments at UH, Barraza finished in the top three, winning the Baylor Twilight Invitational in August. He has finished as the Cougars’ top runner in three of four tournaments. Tesfai finished in first at the TAMUCC Islander Splash in September. But before a trip to nationals can be booked, the duo must continue competing at a high level in Madison, Conn. for the American Athletic Conference Championship on Saturday. For head coach Steve Magness, the goal at nationals is to make it into the top five. In order to make that come true, Tesfai, Barraza and the rest of the team must continue to improve. “They’re doing a really good job. At this point, we’ve put in the work we need to. It’s more about refining race tactics and making sure they know who to run with,” Magness said. Tesfai said he knows that before he competes on the national level, he wants to place within the top three for conference. He said Barraza reminds him of himself as a
freshman. “He’s got a big heart. ... Even if you’re a freshman, you can do it — you can go to nationals,” Tesfai said. “He works really hard in practice. We run together, and I’m here to support him.” Barraza’s biggest concern with nationals is getting there. “I’ve got a lot of strength in me that I didn’t really know I had. The 8K is a long race, and the mistakes you make in the beginning can come back to haunt you,” Barraza said. As a team, the two men allow each other to play off their strengths to improve the outcome at a meet. When one gains improvement, so does the other, Tesfai said. Although there is a competitive spirit during practice, it is still a helpful environment. The cross country runners put their strategies together for the advancement of the team. When one of them is falling behind in a race, the other will drag them along to motivate one another until the finish line. As different as these men are, so are their running techniques. Tesfai said he is able to maintain consistency through the long races and finishes strong. Barraza kicks off the race with top speed. Although Magness recognizes the level of difficulty it will take to get there, he ultimately sees potential in both men to go to nationals. “Those guys definitely have what it takes. If they put themselves in the right position, they have a shot to go,” Magness said. sports@thedailycougar.com
The Daily Cougar
8 \\ Monday, October 28, 2013
LIFE & ARTS EDITOR
Paulina Rojas
arts@thedailycougar.com
ONLINE
thedailycougar.com/life-arts
FINE ARTS
Opera makes lasting impression Amanda Hilow Staff writer
In an explosion of laughter and applause, the Moores School of Music bid farewell to some 200 guests Friday and Saturday as the curtain fell on Moores Opera Center’s 2013-14 season kick-off production, “The Italian Straw Hat.” Set in early 20th-century Paris, the opera follows soon-to-be husband Fadinard ( Tyler Beck and Brian Yeakley) on his wedding day. While venturing to his quaint home to make preparations for his future wife and in-laws, his horse snacks on a lovely straw hat belonging to Anaide (Megan Gryga and Leah Bobbey), a young married woman engaged in an illicit affair with a military lieutenant. When her lover, Emilio (Matthew Konopacki and Heath Martin), demands a replacement, things go from bad to worse for the flustered hero. Fadinard must somehow find an exact replica of the garment his horse destroyed while both entertaining the wedding party and placating his short-tempered father-in-law before he calls off the entire matrimony. “It’s practically a perfect farce,” said Buck Ross, director of the Moores Opera Center, in a press
release. “It’s very tightly written and perhaps one of the funniest operas of the repertoire.” Originally premiering in 1955 in Italy, “The Italian Straw Hat” became a favorite production by Oscarwinning composer Nino Rota, best known for his film scores from “The Godfather” series and “Romeo and Juliet.” Rota’s opera is based on an 1851 play by Eugene Labiche and Marc Michel. Although the premier opera was sung in its original Italian and the plot had enough twists to complicate even the simplest of productions, Moores displayed English subtitles on a screen above the stage and the student actors effortlessly delivered their lines in a manner that kept audience members glued to their seats. The Moores School Symphony
It’s practically a perfect farce ... It’s very tightly written and perhaps one of the funniest operas of the repertoire.” Buck Ross, director of the Moores Opera Center
Orchestra, directed by Brian Suits, seemed to be the determining factor of the production’s success. Alternating between almost romantic melodies, upbeat shanties and dramatic anthems, the musical accompaniment could have told the story on its own. Almost paling in comparison, the libretto of the first act, particularly with certain male characters, struggled at times to match the desired volume a five-star performance would require, but the actors made up for it with enthusiasm in their facial expressions and movements across the stage. The appearance of Elena (Kyla Knox and Katrina Van Maanen) notably boosted her castmates’ performance output with a flawless and beautiful introductory ballad. Her lines often consisted of a single note held out, yet they were sobering and perfectly delivered. Not a soul could complain. “The Italian Straw Hat” is being performed for the last time of the season at 7:30 p.m. today at the Moores Opera Center. Tickets are $12 for students. Moores’ next opera, “The Consul,” will premiere Jan. 23. arts@thedailycougar.com
About 200 guests cheered and laughed during the premiere of “The Italian Straw Hat,” an opera production, on Friday evening. The next showing will be tonight, and tickets are $12 for students. | Photos courtesy of Mike Emery
Monday, October 28, 2013 // 9
The Daily Cougar
LIFE+ARTS EVENTS
Celebrating diversity in faculties
Director shares theater insight
The Office of Community Relations and Institutional Access held the African American and Hispanic Faculty reception on Thursday afternoon in the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion.
Diana Nguyen Contributing writer
Students attended the The Honors College’s guest speaker event in the Honors Commons on Wednesday night for a life lesson in what it takes to put together a theater production. The artistic director of Mildred’s Umbrella Theater Company, Jennifer Decker, spoke to students about personal experiences, both financial and artistical, as well as potential problems one may face when trying to create a production. “The hardest thing is finding a space. I see people still struggling with it all the time, when really, you could use any space” Decker said. “Right here, outside on the patio — a bar, even. People need to start thinking outside the box. It’s important to stay within your means.” Decker suggested grants and holding a fundraiser every year while at the same time advertising and putting the word out for patrons. “Volunteer; do something at school. It gives you an idea of what it takes to run a theater,” Decker said. “Working in the theater or interning in the business side of things helps you understand how the production works and what’s important.” For a company that has grown in value to $50,000 from $500 in 12 years, they learned what mistakes not to make. “I’ve seen people fail with big companies. It’s mostly big dreams, but they don’t have anything to back it up. They spend all their money at once and crash hard,” Decker said. Creative writing junior Travis Kane was encouraged by Decker’s years of experience working from the bottom to the top. “I think coming here was very beneficial,” Kane said. “One sense of it inspired me to try to start my own production or help out some of my friends who have worked in theater.” Media productions and creative writing senior Caroline Cao felt inspired. “It made me consider being resourceful when choosing a stage in even the most unlikely of places and making whatever you can of it,” Cao said. arts@thedailycougar.com
Emily S. Chambers/The Daily Cougar
5
3
6
Wednesday, October 30, 2013 @UC Satellite Games Room 6:00pm 2
1
Scary 8’s 8-Ball Tournament 2013
$8 Entry Fee ($10 fee day of tournament)
Your perfect
all nighter companion.
Free T-shirt for all players
Standard 8 Ball Rules Copies available at UC Satellite Games Room Service Desk
Format
One Division (Men and Women) Double Elimination Race to 2 in winner’s bracket Race to 2 in loser’s bracket
-Visit the University Center -Guess the combined weight of all 3 pumpkins and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 Kroger gift card -First student to guess the weight will be declared the winner (within 5 lbs.) -To qualify you must be a UH student enrolled in at least 3 semester hours
Awards 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Cue Stick and Trophy Cue Case and Trophy Free Entry to Next Pool Tournament
Highest Finish Trophy and Free Entry to Next Pool by Lady Player Tournament Door Prize
2nd Cue Stick will be awarded among participants by random drawing.
*Tournament participants cannot win two cue sticks.
The Daily Cougar
10 \\ Monday, October 28, 2013
CLASSIFIEDS Find a home. Find a job. Find it here. Travel
Rentals
Help Wanted
...to design rough sketch of home for remodeling. Will discuss your pay. Call Joe Lee @ 832-722-8150
NICE & CLEAN —2 bdr. apt. for rent. Central A/C & heat. Hrdwd floors & ceiling fan. $625/month + deposit. 713-598-8901.
Bulletin Board
ROOM FOR RENT at UH Cullen Oaks — Female only. I need someone to take over my lease after the fall finals are over this Dec. It will be expire in April. Utilities are included. Located at Cullen Oaks near UH. Email: jalvarez14@uh.edu.
COMICS Cynical Ted by Francis Emelogu
CALL 713-743-5356 Help Wanted
Help Wanted
SENIOR ARCHITECT STUDENT NEEDED...
APT FOR RENT. 1 bd/1 bth. Dining room, kitchen, living room. Newly remodeled. No children or pets. $500/ mo. Close to UH. 281-248-6903..
EASTWOOD DUPLEX APT. 4714 Clay Street. 2 bdrm 1 bath. Living, dining, kitchen, study. Central A/C/ Water only provided. Excellent condition. $900/ mo. 713-961-7696.
ADS START AT $5/DAY
STOLEN MEMORIES, DANGEROUS dreams, collapsing societies, lost identities, lost souls, engineered life, our world transformed: Remembering the Future, science fiction stories by Alan Kovski. Available via Amazon.com. AFTER CATASTROPHIC BIOLOGICAL warfare, we may not agree on what nature is or what civilization is. WILDERNESS, a science fiction novel, is by Alan Kovski. Available via Amazon. com. THANKS for reading The Daily Cougar!
FULL & PART TIME TELEPHONE SECRETARY POSITION DUTIES INCLUDE: Answering incoming calls on multiple lines, and taking detailed messages. REQUIREMENTS: Type 45 WPM, Positive attitude, and Reliable Transportation APOLLO IS AWESOME BECAUSE... UÊ7iÊ vviÀÊyiÝ L iÊÃV i`Õ ià UÊ7iÊ >ÛiÊ>ÊvÕ Ê> `Êv>ÃÌÊ«>Vi`ÊÜ À Êi Û À i Ì UÊ7iÊ«À Û `iÊ«iÀv À > ViÊL>Ãi`ÊL ÕÃiÃ°Ê iÌÊV «i Ã>Ìi`Êv ÀÊ doing great! UÊ"ÕÀÊÌi> ÊÀiVi ÛiÃÊ>ÊÌ Ê vÊ«> `ÊÌ iÊ vv]ÊiÛi Êv ÀÊ«>ÀÌÊÌ i BILINGUAL IS A PLUS. BUT NOT REQUIRED
CALL 713-863-4423 TO APPLY TODAY! *STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM* PAID survey takers needed in Houston. 100 percent FREE to join! Click on Surveys.
FIND YOUR NEXT JOB. Read The Daily Cougar classifieds every day — in print or online.
ACROSS 1 Meet defeat 5 Grains used in distilling 10 Tries for a title 14 “Layla” singer Clapton 15 Cornhusker State hub 16 More than just suspicious of 17 College studies, collectively 20 Many dull speakers 21 Wager 22 Pub option 23 Common conjunction 24 Damascus native 27 Require 29 Gushes 32 “Four score and seven years ___ ...” 33 Dos Passos trilogy 36 Breathes life into 38 Trying to impress people, in a way
41 Informal talk 42 Nightmarish street, in film 43 Sphere, to Shelley 44 Priestess in Bizet’s “The Pearl Fishers” 46 Stable staples 50 Participates in the Tour de France 52 Old PC monitor 55 Solemn promise 56 Cinnabar, for one 57 Twoperson conversation 60 Baja peninsula 63 Actress Faris 64 Lionhearted 65 Em, to Dorothy 66 Confused condition 67 Less loony 68 Wooden legs
DOWN 1 “Brothers” who failed on Wall Street 2 Baltimore blackbird 3 Contract accepter 4 It may bounce off the wall 5 Definitely no Einstein 6 Makes right 7 Stow, as cargo 8 Therefore 9 Pouchlike part 10 Campaign target 11 Begin 12 Eisenhower’s command, for short 13 “___ of the Pink Panther” 18 Logan Airport abbr. 19 Utterly terrible 24 Sows and boars 25 Eras 26 Thumbsdown votes 28 Some folk acts 30 Discussion group 31 Celebrated twin 34 Bee
Puzzle answers online: www.thedailycougar.com/puzzles
Shoot by Nancy Tyan
contestant 35 ___-ski 37 Mortar rounds 38 Venture 39 Steam bath followers, sometimes 40 Namath’s Super Bowl 41 Police officer 45 Like some medicinal ingredients 47 Madison or Pennsylvania 48 Hauling around, as a large shopping bag 49 Casual wear 51 Regions 53 Direct (to) 54 Chinese “way” 57 Butler’s home, for a time 58 Flair 59 Pebble Beach hazard 60 On the ___ (fleeing) 61 First digit a toddler is taught, often 62 Its logo features an eye
Monday, October 28, 2013 // 11
The Daily Cougar
NEWS INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Speaker encourages students to have voice in politics Dina Kesbeh Staff writer
The Muslim Professional Association partnered with The Center for International and Comparative Studies to host a talk with renowned activist Trita Parsi for “Impacting Policy and Changing Perceptions,” which focused on international politics. Parsi is an expert on Middle Eastern affairs. He is the founder of the National Iranian American Council and the author of “A Single Roll of the Dice: Obama’s Diplomacy with Iran.” The goal of the event was to educate students about the importance of international affairs, politics and relations and having a voice in international politics. “The talk was very focused on developing political activism within the local community, so the topic was very interesting and inspirational amongst the Middle Eastern community,” said mathematical biology senior Omar Ali. Parsi provided the audience with a guide on how to be more involved in politics within one’s community. He also focused on how effective voting is and how to achieve the level of understanding and organizational skills to mobilize entire communities to have a voice in politics. “I want to give advice to those
We ha
ve i t
all!
NEWS SPORTS OPINION LIFE & ARTS CLASSIFIEDS THE DAILY COUGAR
®
who wish to organize and wish to have a voice (in politics). First thing is: you cannot do (or) achieve anything unless you organize — unless you create an infrastructure to be able to channel the views that the sentiments of the membership and make it available to decision makers at the local level or in Washington, D.C.,” Parsi said. Voicing concerns to one’s congressional representatives may seem like a less effective method to have a voice, but Parsi discussed the importance of writing to one’s representatives. “(The talk) was informative. Since I am an intern at (the) city of Houston, I could relate to when he was explaining how congressional staff deals with constituents,” said political science senior Syed Ali Deeba. “This is exactly how it works; if you know that a certain constituent has been donating money and constantly voting in elections, then most of the time, you cater to their demands, if possible.” Students had the opportunity to learn more during the question-andanswer session, which was followed by a dinner and book signing. “Either be at the decision-making table and have a voice, or you can be on the menu,” Parsi said. news@thedailycougar.com
Trita Parsi, above, spoke on the importance of organizing for meaningful causes at “Impacting Policy and Changing Perceptions.” Several students and listeners afterwards asked questions in a question-and-answer session, right. | Dina Kesbeh/The Daily Cougar
12 \\ Monday, October 28, 2013
The Daily Cougar