Issue 102, Volume 79 by The Cougar

ARTS

HOLIDAYS

OPINION

Students recognize National Sibling Day by celebrating the importance of family.

SGA proposed Josephine Tittsworth Act is the next logical step in the move for equality at UH SEE PAGE 4

A familiar relationship

Trans community seeks equal rights

SEE PAGE 12

APRIL

CALENDAR CHECK: 10

Race and genetics. Controversial speaker will address the topic 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Honors College Commons

THE DAILY COUGAR

T H E

O F F I C I A L

S T U D E N T

Issue 102, Volume 79

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

Thursday, April 10, 2014

H O U S T O N

S I N C E

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ONLINE EXCLUSIVES AT THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM

SGA

Bringing gender identity issues to forefront Cara Smith Staff writer

touchdown passes and led his team to the BBVA Compass Bowl despite a 41-24 loss, and he will lead the Cougars again on the field Friday for the annual Red and White spring game. “He’s real mature for his age. He goes out there and makes plays that he’s not supposed to make,” said junior receiver Deontay Greenberry. “John was looking to play immediately and has handled his position pretty well.”

The Josephine Tittsworth Act is a bill that has garnered considerably notoriety in its brief lifespan. Though it’s existed for only around a month, many questions have been raised because of the bill’s tendentious content — namely that it directly advocates the recognition of UH’s transgender community in regard to record-keeping at the University. To address possible concerns surrounding the Student Government Association University Bill, a town hall meeting was held Wednesday in the SGA Senate Chambers, where more than 50 students, faculty members and alumni were able to voice their opinions about the bill. The bill, which was authored by SGA President Charles Haston, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Senator James Lee and former CLASS Senator Guillermo Lopez, cited the University’s nondiscriminatory policy as grounds to allow “students, faculty and staff to apply their preferred first name, title and personally discerned gender in all standard forms of documentation or record keeping,” including “admission applications, housing applications and all other University documents that require persons to designate their gender regardless of the individual’s biological or birth-determined sex.” A panel composed of the three co-authors as well as LGBT Resource Center Director Lorraine

O’KORN continues on page 8

SGA continues on page 3

On the road to glory Andrew Valderas Assistant sports editor

He doesn’t get riled up before storming onto the field — he’s not the rah-rah type. He stays calm and prefers to sit alone at his locker to prepare for the emotional roller coaster by going over quarterback reads in his head. He calls himself a perfectionist in everything, from being the most prepared player on the field to keeping his notebooks and bedroom perfectly

organized. John O’Korn’s actions are synonymous with his character, and as a leader of the football team, he has to be that way. He rides a humble personality — yet is quick to inform anyone that no one on the team can beat him in NCAA Football `14 — because relationships with coaches and teammates help keep his role as the UH starting quarterback in perspective. “Sometimes you’ve got to take a deep breath, relax and just

realize how awesome it is. I’ve always dreamed about it, and it’s just been unreal. Now I’m living it,” O’Korn said. “A coach trusting you to lead a football team as a true freshman and the action of putting me out there means more to me than anything. So many people would kill to be in the position I’m in.” He’s just 19 years old but has the voice of a man twice his age. He was named last season’s American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year after leading all true freshmen with 28

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THE DAILY COUGAR

CALENDAR Today

Beauty Revolution” at SEC 105 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Workshop: The latest Technology Training Workshop will offer lessons on Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and more at the M.D. Anderson Memorial Library from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Lecture: Author and libertarian political scientist Charles Murray will speak about his bestselling 2012 book “Coming Apart: The State of White America, 1960-2010 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Rockwell Pavilion on the second floor of the M.D. Anderson Memorial Library.

Festival: The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts counterCURRENT Festival, showcasing contemporary art, projects, performances and more, will have exhibits from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Blaffer Art Museum and elsewhere in Houston. Festival: Music, readings, art and performances from schools across UH will be shown at this year’s Red Block Bash from 4 to 7 p.m at the Blaffer Art Museum. Admission is free. Lecture: Research scientist and former TED talk speaker Erez Lieberman Aiden will speak from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Great Hall of the UH Alumni Center about how computational methods can be used to analyze digitized books to draw conclusions about large-scale trends in human culture.

Harvest Hill apartments

Lecture: Wake Forest University professor David M. Lubin will speak on the development of reconstructive plastic surgery for disfigured soldiers in World War I in “Behind the Mask: WWI, Plastic Surgery and the Modern

Friday Lecture: Women about to graduate can learn how to negotiate a fair salary at the Stay Smart Salary Negotiation Workshop at Agnes Arnold Hall, room 210 from 9 a.m. to noon. Music: The Houston Ballet will perform on the baton of Franz Anton Krager in a rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Serenade Op. 48 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Moores Opera House. Student tickets are $12.

Saturday Festival: UH will participate at the “Sustainability Zone” at Earth Day Houston at Discovery Green Park, 1500 McKinney St., from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Music: The 25th Annual Texas Music Festival will host its Classical Minds Guitar Festival from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Organ Recital Hall on the first-floor of the Fine Arts Building.

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.

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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 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. The Daily Cougar is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press. studentpress.org/acp

Thursday, April 10, 2014 // 3

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NEWS EDITOR

Amanda Hilow

news@thedailycougar.com

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From right: Former CLASS Senator Guillermo Lopez, SGA President Charles Haston, CLASS Senator James Lee and recent Master’s recipient Josephine Tittsworth addressed questions and concerns at a town hall meeting to discuss a proposed SGA bill that would allow transgender students to use their discerned gender, name and title on University forms. | Justin Tijerina/The Daily Cougar

SGA

continued from page 1

Schroeder, marketing senior and transman Lou Weaver and Director of the center for Fraternity and Sorority Life Jason Bergeron led the meeting, along with alumna Josephine Tittsworth, a former SGA senator. “It’s difficult for us to wrap our heads around the transgender issue, since there are lots of things in life that are difficult to understand, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t real,” Schroeder said. “The experience of these people typically is not that of a trans person, but of that gender they’re expressing. A transman experiences himself as a man and a transwoman experiences herself as a woman. Things like transgender surgery are all efforts to help their outward experience match their true identity and who they are.” The meeting operated in a confidential question-and-answer format. Speaker of the Senate Shaun Smith passed around blank slips of paper on which attendees were able to write questions without revealing their identities. A considerable majority of the questions were regarding the legalities and real-world effects of the bill rather than people expressing their opinions regarding it. “People are realizing that diversity is an asset — not something that holds you back, but something that helps you step forward,” Tittsworth said. A concern that seemed to resonate with many dealt with the issue

of housing and whether transwomen who were identified as female on UH documents could be assigned as roommates to women who are not trans. “Though I can’t say how specifically it would be done, the safety and consideration of all students would be taken into consideration,” Schroeder said. “We’d work the ins and outs of how we’d make those accommodations in the housing process. Just because we don’t know the answers to those questions doesn’t mean it can’t be done — 47 schools have already done (what this bill proposes).” Several members of the UH Greek community voiced the concerns of fraternities and sororities during the meeting. The possibility of a transwoman filing legal suit for being rejected, though it may not have been on the basis of gender identity, was addressed. “Throughout our conversations, it seems that this has become a fraternity and sorority issue … and I don’t see it as that,” Bergeron said. “Fraternities and sororities have always been about mutual selection of members. They (will still be allowed to) select whom they want in their organization.” Bergeron cited a favorite quote of his: “‘Seek to understand, then to be understood.’ There’s an incredible amount of opportunity to understand, and then work on being understood.” SGA will vote on the bill in an upcoming meeting. news@thedailycougar.com

Fraternity and Sorority Life Jason Bergeron addressed the implications of the proposed SGA University bill, the Josephine Tittsworth Act, on Greek life during the town hall meeting Wednesday. | Justin Tijerina/The Daily Cougar

Get chilled with it As a part of the Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week, the Graduate School hosted an ice cream social with the dean on Wednesday in Graduate School Administrative Office. — Conny Ramirez/The Daily Cougar

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OPINION EDITOR James Wang EMAIL

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STUDENT LIFE

Equal representation: A right, not a debate

ropelled by an electric wheelchair, Josephine Tittsworth circled the Student Government Association Senate Chambers, introducing herself to anyone who would take her hand. The room was filled to the brim with members of SGA, members of the LGBT community and Kelly Cougars alike, Schafler all anxiously awaiting the start of the town hall meeting on Wednesday evening. As Tittsworth placed her hand into mine with a firm handshake and a wide smile, I glanced around the room filled with people of every kind and was reminded that the Josephine Tittsworth Act is bigger than the confines of our University. Diversity is a commonly heard word at UH. Overall, most of the student body seems to be pretty successful in being forward-thinking and accepting of all viewpoints, religions, ethnicities, genders and sexual orientations. However, discrimination has always been an issue, no matter how progressive and accepting the world is becoming. Some members of SGA are fighting to introduce the Josephine Tittsworth Act, through which the University would be required to recognize transgender students as the gender they identify with,

It was a different world on UH campus at that time... not a whole lot of support for someone who was dealing with those issues, with me dealing with the trans issue at the time.” Monica Roberts, on attending UH as a transgender student in the 1980s

Former SGA Senator Josephine Tittsworth addressed the audience with conviction and charm, stressing that “the content of the bill is what matters — not who it’s named after.” | Justin Tijerina/The Daily Cougar rather than their birth gender, on University documents. This bill sits as an additive to a pre-existing Equal Employment Opportunity and nondiscrimination policy that stated that “the University is committed to creating a work and academic environment free from discrimination for all persons regardless of their race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, genetic information or from retaliation for having participated in an unconstitutionally and/ or statutorily protected activity.” The town hall meeting began with members of the panel stating their connection to this significant bill. The Josephine Tittsworth Act, co-authored by Senator CLASS Jason Lee, SGA President Charles Haston and former CLASS Senator Guillermo Lopez, aims to allow students to update their University identification with their preferred name, discerning gender and title.

THE DAILY COUGAR EDITORIAL BOARD Channler K. Hill Natalie Harms WEB EDITOR Jenae Sitzes NEWS EDITOR Amanda Hilow SPORTS EDITOR Christopher Shelton LIFE & ARTS EDITOR Monica Tso PHOTO EDITOR Izmail Glosson OPINION EDITOR James Wang ASSISTANT EDITORS Laura Gillespie, Nora Olabi, Justin Tijerina, Andrew Valderas EDITOR IN CHIEF

MANAGING EDITOR

There is resistance to this bill from members of the UH community. However, most groundbreaking suggestions come with roadblocks, most of which are placed by lack of knowledge. Director of the LGBT Resource Center Lorraine Schroeder said most issues stem from miscommunication and misunderstanding. This misunderstanding comes from the apparent absence of likeness. “Me, and many of you in here, are cisgender. … I was born female, and I feel like I’m a woman, so I’m cisgender,” Schroeder said. “It’s difficult for us to wrap our heads around the transgender issue because our experiences are so far from anything that might be similar to that, but just because it is difficult to understand … that doesn’t mean that they’re not real or not real experiences of many people.” According to a statistic provided by Schroeder, the lives of transgender individuals often reflect the tragic challenges they’re faced

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

with. Seventy-eight percent of transgender people report being harassed in grades K-12; they are twice as likely to be unemployed than members of the general population and are four times more likely to make less than $10,000 a year. During the course of the meeting, the academic significance of the bill was repeatedly advocated. While some members of the Cougar community feel as if the origin of this bill may have been personal or social issues, the most important issue is that of education. Every single person on this campus came to UH with educational fulfillment being the driving force. The absence of this bill leaves room for fellow Cougars to miss out on college opportunities. Living in fear of being unintentionally forced out of the closet by a professor or an adviser is a legitimate concern for the transgender community. One member of the panel was

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 N221, University Center; 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

communication and marketing senior Lou Weaver. Weaver, 43, is no stranger to discrimination. After re-enrolling in school a little later in life, Weaver attended Houston Community College to restart his college career. “My legal name on documents did not say Lou Weaver, but when I went to school (at HCC), one caring administrator helped me out and made sure my documents read ‘Lou Weaver’ even though my legal documents did not reflect that,” Weaver said. “That was so fortunate for me, because I did not have to out myself to every teacher, to every student.” Weaver’s tone changed when he spoke of the transition to the University. “When I was getting ready to come to UH, I still hadn’t had my name on legal documents changed, and I was terrified,” Weaver said. “I didn’t come for an extra semester … but then when I finally came to school here, I had my name and gender marker changed, and I was able to have that reflected.” The Senate opened the floor to questions from the audience. Among these questions were expected concerns about safety, security and the future of the University. However, other questions arose that were riddled with a lack of knowledge and closed-mindedness regarding the transgender community. Monica Roberts, blogger of transgriot.blog.com and meeting attendee, showed frustration when a particular question was raised about sexual predators and transgender people, despite there being no correlation between the two. Audibly scoffing, Roberts appeared displeased with way the meeting was progressing. Following the conclusion of the meeting, Roberts sat down to open up about her struggle attending college in the ‘80s and about her decision to GENDER continues on page 5

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 N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@ thedailycougar.com; or fax them to (713) 743-5384. All submissions are subject to editing.

Thursday, April 10, 2014 // 5

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OPINION

GENDER

continued from page 4

finally have the courage to become who she was meant to be. Roberts was one of many transgender people who began college at a young age but was uncomfortable letting her true identity show, ultimately leading to her early withdrawal from UH. “We’re talking about early ‘80s, when there’s no LGBT centers, and we had just erased the anti-crossdressing ordinance,” Roberts said. “A month before I started my fall semester in 1980, the anti-crossdressing ordinance that had been in the books since 1904 was taken down. It was a different world on UH campus at that time … not a whole lot of support for someone who was dealing with those issues, with me dealing with the trans issue at the time.” When coming to UH as a student, Roberts originally identified as male. “I was already starting to come into that trans awakening at that time, but I was in no way, shape or form ready to transition at that time. It would take me until 1994, when I finally had enough and just had to deal with it.” Living in a very different time than now, Roberts faced the challenge of making a change when there was no model to follow. “In 1980, during my transition period, my first thought was, ‘Where are the trans who looked like me?’” she said. I ventured to ask how her family and friends reacted to her transition. “My 20-year anniversary was Friday, April 4,” she said. “I walked in the middle of Terminal C in Continental Airport, and it was like transitioning in the middle of a fishbowl … I was at a point in my life where I didn’t care. I needed to transition for myself to be the person I needed to be.” Roberts admitted that she had the support of many of her coworkers, but there were some coworkers who tried to ban her from using the restrooms. The battle of the restrooms is a saddening reality that transgender people have to face. As they try to enter the bathrooms of the gender they identify with, people are sometimes confronted with resistance — further calling for the need for gender-neutral bathrooms at UH. Happily welcoming herself into the conversation, Tittsworth appeared suddenly with a reality shock. “In 1980, I was hiding out in hotel rooms,” Tittsworth said. Leaning toward me and outstretching her hand in candor,

Tittsworth explained hiding her identity from the world to avoid punishment from the law. “I would pack a suitcase and an ice chest full of food and beverages, and I would go to a hotel room,” she said. “I would spend an entire weekend locked in that hotel room and not leave because it was against the law — I wouldn’t even open the door.” Concerning how the University can better adjust to understanding the transgender community, Tittsworth had a suggestion. “It’s important to recognize the specific needs of a minority group,” she said. “The dominant group can overwhelm the minority group unless you address the issues specific to that minority group.” Tittsworth and Roberts, who are old friends of a decade, referred to

the town hall meeting as “educational.” The friendly duo lobbied in Washington, D.C., together, arguing for the advancement of human rights. “I think we need more time,” Roberts said. Tittsworth agreed. “It’s an ongoing process,” Tittsworth added. Roberts explained how society was at the time of her transition. “You went through the transition, got your surgery, disappeared into the community and never let anyone know that you were trans,” Roberts said. “It’s called stealth, but now, because of the Internet age, it’s harder to go stealth.” “I consider stealth another closet,” Josephine said. I glanced toward Roberts, who gave an agreeing nod. “That’s another (reason) I didn’t

see a lot of people who looked like me,” Roberts said. “A lot of transwomen went stealth, and it’s hard to build community if you don’t know that the nice lady next door is a girl like you.” Turning my attention to Tittsworth, the name behind the bill, she explained the history behind the Josephine Tittsworth Act. In 2003, Tittsworth was an undergrad at UH-Clear Lake in her first year of SGA executive council. She was asked by the dean of students to help add gender identity to the University’s nondiscrimination statement. For three years, she — along with a small, strategic group — choreographed plans to turn the idea to a reality. This addition to the bill is the next logical step. The world is constantly

Give other women the chance of becoming a mother through the donation of eggs. A donor will be monetarily compen-

evolving. Years ago, terms like nonbinary, transgender and bisexual were considered taboo. However, thankfully, the world is adapting to understand the specific needs of individuals so no one ever has to question where they stand. It’s not about having to understand the exact ins and outs — it’s about being open and receptive to all different ways of life. When I asked for a closing word to any current UH students who are struggling with feeling comfortable being who they want to be, Tittsworth had some inspiring words. “In the famous words of Captain Taggart (from ‘Galaxy Quest’),” she said, smiling. ‘Never give up, never surrender.’” Senior staff columnist Kelly Schafler is a print journalism junior and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

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SPORTS EDITOR

Christopher Shelton

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BASKETBALL

Staff begins to take form with new hire The Daily Cougar news services Former Ball State and Wisconsin head coach Steve Yoder joins head coach Kelvin Sampson’s staff as director of operations. Yoder will coordinate scheduling and will work as a liaison to visiting teams and athletics department staff. He will assist with on-campus recruiting, manage correspondence and relations with alumni and donors, supervise student managers and help with game-day responsibilities. “Steve has been around and worked in the Big Ten and in the NBA. Through the years, we have had conversations about the game of basketball and how we can make our Yoder teams better,” Sampson said. “When this job came open, I wanted someone that could handle the day-to-day operations of our program. I have known Steve for a long time, and I know what kind of person he is and the character and integrity that he has. He will be a great fit for us.” Yoder spent 11 years as a scout in the NBA. He worked from 2003 to 2011 with the New Yorks Knicks and served in a similar role from 2000 to 2003 with the Indiana Pacers. sports@thedailycougar.com

No.7 UH (26-6) will face its toughest test of the season when No.10 Louisville (24-8) arrives at Cougar Field this weekend. | File photo/The Daily Cougar

BASEBALL

Louisville to provide top 10 test for UH Harrison Lee

Senior staff writer

From the land of The Run for the Roses and iconic baseball bats, UH’s weekend foe, No. 10 Louisville, has essentially picked up from where it left off after a College World Series run last year. The Cardinals will arrive at Cougar Field on Friday for the first of three games in a series between top 10 teams. Combined, No. 7 UH (26-6, 4-2) and Louisville (24-8, 4-2) have 50 wins and only 14 losses. T h ou g h L ou i s v i l l e, w h i c h dethroned a talented Vanderbilt team during last year’s CWS, will bring an imposing presence to Cougar Field, UH head coach Todd Whitting is taking the challenge in stride, perhaps bolstered by the Cougars’ 19-2 home record.

“I’m excited to get a great Louisville team in here. We’ll have a tremendous crowd this weekend,” Whitting said. “I expect the Cougar fans to show up in full force, and I know they will. Our kids are excited to play Louisville.” Louisville head coach Dan McDonnell, who is in his eighth year, commands a ship with a .293 team batting average and a team ERA of 3.13. By contrast, UH’s team ERA stands at a nimble 1.76. “Against good pitchers, the key is to not let them get to two strikes,” McDonnell said. “They attack the zone and get ahead, so you have to be ready to hit early in the count.” UH pitching, which will be at the frontline of the assault against Louisville, can point to confidence as its best weapon. “Louisville might be heavy-hitting,”

said freshman right-hander Andrew Lantrip. “But we have the best pitching staff in the nation, in my eyes. We throw strikes, command the zone. When you look at it, it’s going to be a battle, but I think we have the upper hand.” The top team ERA in the nation versus Louisville’s team .293 batting average is the most visible plot line — and not one that has eluded Whitting. Nor has the fact that this is two top-10 teams dueling under the lights adjacent to Scott Street. “You got two top-10 teams coming here to Cougar Field, and I don’t know when the last time that happened. It ought to be a great series,” Whitting said. McDonnell, who is not unaware of UH’s tendency to put up its runs with two outs and often in the later innings,

can lean on a pitching staff that has 267 strikeouts so far this season. “Good hitters are at their best when the game is on the line, so our pitchers have to be able to hit spots and make pitches,” Whitting said. “Our defense also has to be at its best late in games.” In his first season at Louisville, McDonnell took a team with 31 wins in 2006 to 41 in 2007. This feat, similar to the turnaround job orchestrated by Whitting at UH, allows the Louisville skipper some observational skills about what is happening at UH. “We are very familiar with Coach Whitting and had no doubts about the rapid turnaround,” McDonnell said. “He has won at every school, and I knew he would get it going quickly at Houston.” sports@thedailycougar.com

PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING

Student tackles coursework, steel chairs Dyllon Braun Contributing writer

Broadcast journalism junior Parviz Memari balances two full-time jobs with college at UH and professional wrestling. | Courtesy of Parviz Memari

Broadcast journalism junior Parviz Memari has two full-time jobs. On top of coursework, he has to worry about one opponent climbing the turnbuckle while another approaches with a steel chair. Memari pursues his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. Memari will put his dream into action during an event by Houstonbased Reality of Wrestling on April 19 at the Clear Lake City Recreation Center. ROW, which is the pet project of legendary wrestler Booker T, is an independent promotion. The journey to become a wrestler can be a tough road to follow. However, Memari’s military

background set him up for success. “I have been wrestling for around three years now,” Memari said. “When I got out of the Marines in 2011, I was looking for something to stay physically active that I enjoyed doing. I did some grappling and MMA-style training. I also did some competitive strongman events (pulling trucks and carrying the big circular stones) before deciding on solely pursuing professional wrestling. I was a huge wrestling fan growing up; I loved watching it every week for as far back as I can remember.” For those only familiar with the World Wrestling Entertainment, the world of the independent wrestler can be an eye-opening experience.

Many independent wrestling promotions focus on touring certain regions of the country. Professionals spend a lot of time on the road away from their friends and family training, competing and learning how to execute new moves. “It is very difficult to juggle school with wrestling. I work out around 3 hours a day, four or five days a week (depending on my schedule),” Memari said. “I used to travel a lot and work shows in Texas and Louisiana, which would also eat up an entire day between traveling to the show, the show itself and coming back. I want to succeed in both, but they are both full-time jobs.” sports@thedailycougar.com

Thursday, April 10, 2014 // 7 THE DAILY COUGAR

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John O’Korn puts life as the Cou with the combination of faith an For O’Korn, the journey to his current position presented challenges that extended beyond reading defenses or making decisions in the pocket. Between being placed as third-string during his junior season and earning Most Valuable Player in a state title game as a senior in high school, he questioned whether football was a career he wanted to follow. To this day, he is thankful for that. He said the struggles made him who he is today. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life — James 1:12

In his collegiate debut against Southern, sophomore quarterback John O’Korn passed for 107 yards and three touchdowns. He would take the reins of the team in week three and start 11 games. | File photo/The Daily Cougar Cover photo taken by Jimmy Moreland.

O’Korn was raised in Huntingdon, Pa., about 120 miles outside of Pittsburgh with a population of no more than 7,000. He has loved football since he was a toddler and remembers going nuts as a 2-yearold in his crib after the Steelers scored a touchdown. Soon, he would learn to love to play football, too. While a teenager, his parents asked him whether he wanted to move to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to be closer to the rest of his family. After he split playing time and made five starts as a sophomore, O’Korn enrolled at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, a prominent Class 7A institution in both academics and athletics. He made trips to check out the prospective team during the state playoffs then quickly enrolled after the winter break. He moved into a condo with his mother while his father still worked in Pennsylvania. “I knew right away that it was going to be the best decision for me and my future,” O’Korn said. “It just made sense: better opportunities both academically and athletically. The biggest thing was being around my family. I never really got to do

that growing up.” It was tough for O’Korn when his junior season began at St. Thomas Aquinas because he hardly saw playing time. “I went from big-shot in Pennsylvania to a little fish in a big pond in Florida. I was third-string at one point,” O’Korn said. “It was a big eye-opener. It was the right decision moving to Florida, but I questioned if football was something that I wanted to pursue.” O’Korn remained patient yet persistent. He started a couple of games and threw for 655 yards and 10 touchdowns in a dual-threat quarterback system. His performance was enough for him to receive four college offers — including UH. Entering his senior year, O’Korn had never started a full season. It wasn’t a caveat for UH head coach Tony Levine, who talked to about 15 individuals who were affiliated with O’Korn, including counselors and coaches who informed him about his leadership and work ethic. Levine said he knew a coach from every camp O’Korn had gone to and called to ask about him. O’Korn was the first quarterback out on the practice field and in team meetings. After the practice or meeting ended, he was the last one to leave, always asking questions and trying to get better. “He was exactly the type of young man we wanted in our program,” Levine said. If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. — Mark 3:24-25 O’Korn chose UH because he preferred living in a big city and because of the family environment established among the coaches and teammates.

“Most coaches are cau football and winning,” O’ our coaches are genuine p care about their players off than they do on the field. of a life decision rather decision.” Levine attests to that. H goal for each of his studen “Rarely will you ever he say it’s a ‘football team.’ W we have here as a ‘football our goal,” Levine said. “Cer ing to win football games of the day, it’s very rewa coaches and staff member man come in at 17 or 18 leave, in our minds, a mor person ready for life after O’Korn cherishes the has created with Levine. “My parents are 20 ho like a father to me. His ki like my family. It mean somebody like that whe through challenging time “He recognized the pote me and took a chance. Th where I don’t want to let hi to make him look good.” O’Korn calls former U David Piland, 22, his big

Sometim have to deep br relax and just real awesome it is. I’ve dreamed about it living it.”

John O’Korn on being

QUARTERBACK UNIVERSITY

The Cougars have a long line of signal callers who have set NCAA records and broke barriers within the sport. If sophomore John O’Korn wants to etch his name next to Andre Ware and the Killer K’s, it will begin with his first full season as a starter.

Andre Ware electrified the Cougars and college football as he threw for 4,699 yards and 46 touchdowns en route to being the first African-American quarterback to win the Heisman during his first full season as starter. — 1989 Houstonian

David Klingler followed a legend, but he still produced like one. One season after Andre Ware’s Heisman, Klingler passed for 5,140 yards and 54 touchdowns, finishing with a 10-1 record and a bowl berth — 1992 Houstonian

In 2003, former quarterback Kevin Kolb helped rejuvenate a once-great program with his first full season as a starter. He passed for 3,131 and 25 touchdowns while leading UH to a bowl appearance. — 2007 Houstonian Compiled by Andrew Valderas | Graphics by Andres Garcia

Though he now owns almost every NCAA passing record, he split time as a freshman, before taking command of the job in 2007 with 2,259 yards and 14 touchdowns while leading the Cougars to the Texas Bowl. — File photo

John O’Korn’s story still being written. H record for touchdow splitting time with D Greg Ward near the helm next year.

Thursday, April 10, 2014 // 9

THE DAILY COUGAR

ugars’ starting quarterback in perspective nd family within the program’s environment

ught up in only ’Korn said. “But people and really ff the field more It became more than a football

He has a distinct nt athletes. ear anyone here We refer to what program.’ That’s rtainly we’re trys, but at the end arding for us as rs to see a young 8 years old and re well-rounded football.” relationship he

ours away. He’s ids and wife are ns a lot to have en you’re going es,” O’Korn said. ential he saw in That’s something im down. I want

UH quarterback brother. Piland

mes you o take a reath, lize how e always ... Now I’m

g a starter for the Cougars.

earned the starting job before being forced to retire after suffering a concussion in the second game of the season. It allowed O’Korn, the backup, to step up and finish the season. “The way he handled the whole situation really just speaks volumes about him and his character,” O’Korn said. “I came in, and we were competing every single day for the same spot. He didn’t even care. We were best friends on and off the field. He took me under his wing and was like my big brother.” O’Korn and Piland share their faith in God and attend the young adult service at Lakewood Church three times a week. Piland said O’Korn has a character that can light up a room. “He has that aura about him. He’s a lovable guy who has got a big heart and will just suck anybody in with his personality,” Piland said. “He knows there is still a lot of work that still needs to be done. I know he’s excited for that.” With O’Korn under center, the Cougars jumped out to a 7-1 record but lost four of the final five games and finished fourth in the conference. Four of the five losses came with opportunities to tie or win on the final drive. Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense. — Proverbs 12:11 During Spring Break, O’Korn made it a point to get better and separate himself from competition not only on his team but others around the country. He flew to Fort Lauderdale and trained on the beach with other Division I quarterbacks because the Cougars have a golden opportunity to take a step forward next season. Last year’s conference champion,

y with the Cougars is He broke UH’s freshman wn passes with 28. After David Piland early and e end, he should take the — Jimmy Moreland

Central Florida, and third-place team, Cincinnati, are losing their starting quarterbacks. Perennial contender Louisville is changing conferences, while UH returns 94 percent of its total offense and nearly 82 percent of its defensive starts. “We recognize the potential we have coming back. We can’t be complacent with an 8-5 record,” O’Korn said. “We have to work 10 times, no, 100 times harder than we did last year. We’ve got that target on our back, and everyone is coming for us in this conference.” O’Korn realizes the expectations from the program. The greats at quarterback — Case Keenum, Kevin Kolb, David Klingler, Andre Ware — were an incentive to come. But he doesn’t look it as pressure. “I don’t even put myself in that category. I want to be remembered as a good leader and a good teammate,” O’Korn said. “Even to be mentioned with those guys is an honor. I want to lead this team to great things. I’m just blessed to be on the path that I’m on.” Faith and football made him realize the opportunity that he has with the platform of collegiate athletics. Most of the Cougars’

games are nationally televised, and he sees it as something other than an opportunity to win a game before a large audience. He writes a Bible verse on his wristband before each game. He wants others to see that message. “We’re playing on ESPN almost every week, and if one person sees (the verse) and looks it up, I feel I’ve made a difference. That’s real important to me. If I can use that influence to lead somebody to Jesus, share my faith with somebody, that’s an opportunity I want to take.” Ephesians 2:10 and Luke 2:52 are some of the verses he has sported. He keeps the

used wristbands curled in a ball inside his locker and said he has wanted to do something with them, knowing they would serve a great purpose at some point. About a month ago, he gave his wristband with the verse Joshua 1:9 to a 9-yearold boy with cancer. The verse reads: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go — Joshua 1:9 O’Korn said he had a gut feeling that it was meant specifically for him.

— Betty Henriquez/The Daily Cougar

10 \\ Thursday, April 10, 2014

THE DAILY COUGAR

LIFE & ARTS EDITOR

Monica Tso

arts@thedailycougar.com

ONLINE

thedailycougar.com/life-arts

HEALTH

Workshop on alcohol fights myths Evelyn Hurtado

Contributing writer

The college years: for many of us, they include sleepless nights preparing for exams, working at jobs we may not necessarily like and partying. Partying with friends from class, campus organizations or sororities and fraternities — These parties and social get-togethers are likely to involve the consumption of alcohol as part of the celebration. However, some drinking-related behaviors lead to alcohol abuse. For education sophomore Cory Scott, the topic of alcohol is a sensitive matter that he takes seriously. “I am here (at the workshop) because alcoholism runs in my family, and I want to learn more about that,” Scott said. “I rarely drink, and if I do it’s only on special occasions.” Alcohol 101: Myths and Facts is one of the Spring 2014 Food for Thought workshops offered by the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services. M.A . practicum student Sheetal Kini gave students a better understanding of how some common myths can lead students to believe that they are sobering up and how students should be careful and try to avoid consuming

Students discussed myths and facts and shared personal stories about alcohol during an Alcohol 101 Food for Thought workshop, held by the Counseling and Psychological Services, on Wednesday. | Emily S. Chambers/The Daily Cougar alcohol if alcoholism runs in their family. “If alcoholism runs in your family, you are predisposed to alcoholism, because it is already written in your genetic make-up,” Kini said. “You will start to develop alcohol dependence and not even become aware of it.” Some of the common myths that were discussed in the workshop

were that alcohol makes sex feel better, that alcohol makes you feel sexual and less inhibited and that drinking coffee after having more than 3 drinks in a two-hour period will make you sober up. However, the facts are different. Alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to perform, and this will include sexual drive, sexual performance and decision-making

abilities, which may lead to riskier situations that could result in sexually transmitted diseases and an unplanned pregnancy. Another common misconception is when a person feels in control and does not realize they are impaired. Drinking coffee will not make one get sober faster — only time will remove alcohol from the body.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, each year, an estimated 1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle crashes, and another estimated 97,000 students from 18 to 24 are victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape. Binge drinking on the weekends is alcohol abuse, and its acceptability is another misconception many college students are unaware of. The capacity to drink alcohol between men and women differs. No one should try to compete with their friends, because people have different alcohol tolerance levels. Scott left the workshop with some new knowledge, but not every student felt the same. Human development sophomore Jaqueline Colin did not leave feeling so content with the workshop. “I also drink socially and wanted to know some of the causes that drive students to not be able to put down the bottle, and I was hoping to learn some teaching techniques but, unfortunately, did not,” Colin said. arts@thedailycougar.com

EVENTS

Dodgeball tournament to bring action Student Veterans of America to host friendly competition for community Sonia Zuniga Contributing writer

Depending on your childhood memories, dodgeball could have been either fun — if you had great aim — or plain torturous if you became the target. In any case, Cougars who want to revisit this traditional pastime can show off their skills at the Student Veterans of America’s first dodgeball tournament, filled with free refreshments and music as participants get the opportunity to meet veteran students’ light side. The SVA games will consist of groups of eight members during Saturday’s 11 a.m. event on the first floor of the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. Event coordinator and geology junior Mike Ferguson said the event is a great benefit for the organization, which started in January, to gain recognition. “We want to show the University that we are here for the students, the veterans and for the campus in general,” Ferguson said. “SVA came up with this free event to get ourselves known and see where we go from there.” Ferguson noted that this event could give members time to warm up for the games. “We just want people to have a good time, come and have fun, throw balls at each other,” Ferguson said. “We

have to brush up a bit ourselves on the sport, but it’s exciting.” For members, SVA is more than just an organization — it’s a comradeship. “Our organization is about having an ally, having someone there,” said liberal studies senior and SVA treasurer Khaliah Johnson. “Many veterans come to campus not knowing how to be social, and we provide support, whether personally, networking or academic support.” She hopes this integrating event will decrease the negative stigma that surrounds the veteran community and make other organizations more willing to work with SVA. “It’s professional, academic and entertainment all in one event,” Johnson said. The organization has been actively promoting the event for weeks, hoping for a successful amount of players to join the friendly competition, according to petroleum engineering senior and SVA Secretary Fontaine Wilson. “We have a strong veteran community ready to branch out and collaborate with other organizations in the future, and this event is a great way to socialize and relieve some stress together through dodgeball,” Wilson said. The competitors will be awarded with T-shirts, prizes DODGEBALL continues on page 13

The Student Veterans of America is hosting its first dodgeball tournament to increase community support and collaboration from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. | Courtesy of Taja Amiji

Thursday, April 10, 2014 // 11

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LIFE+ARTS EVENTS

Bowling for abortion access, funds Sara Samora Senior staff writer

The Bowl-A-Thon is the biggest fundraising event of the year, and it will benefit the Lilith Fund, a Texas abortion-assistance organization. The Student Feminist Organization will participate in the National Abortion Access Bowl-A-Thon on Saturday. It is a national event in conjunction with the National Network of Abortion Funds, along with other abortion-related organizations in the U.S. Although the groups are from all across the states they are not affiliated. However, they do similar work to the Lilith Fund. The Lilith Fund takes part in providing grants for women and girls to access abortion services for those who cannot afford it. The organization also provides counseling as well as education for communities about reproductive rights. The group is run by volunteers, and they operate a hotline a few days a week. Secondyear social work graduate student Amanda Williams is the outreach chair on the board of directors at the Lilith Fund and said they receive more than 3,000 calls a year from all around Texas. “Unfortunately, we can only afford to offer grants to about a third of the clients who call us,” Williams said. “The average grant we give

The Student Feminist Organization is participating in the National Abortion Access Bowl-A-Thon, hosted by the National Network of Abortion Funds, on Saturday. | Justin Tijerina/The Daily Cougar out to clients is around $118, which although significant, is sometimes still not enough to help them get the care they need.” The group depends on fundraising efforts like the Bowl-A-Thon to increase its capacity for helping its clients take control of their reproductive lives, Williams said. “The Bowl-A-Thon is a chance for

volunteers and supporters to engage their peers and communities to give to an organization that is providing urgent assistance to low-income Texans as well as making their reproductive choices a reality,” Williams said. “It’s a fun and exciting way to contribute to a cause and make a difference in people’s lives. Teams who bowl for Lilith have fun

names, team themes and can have fundraising goals as high as they want.” With anti-abortion attacks at their prime in Texas, the Bowl-A-Thon is a chance for bowlers and donors alike to do something to reduce the blow that Texans are facing with clinics closing and access becoming even more difficult, Williams said. Williams added that the common misconception people have of Lilith Fund is the misunderstanding of the high cost of an abortion. “Many times, folks will say things like, ‘Why can’t people’s insurance just cover their procedure?’ The reality is our clients can’t afford private insurance plans that cover abortion, and due to a piece of Medicaid-regulating legislation from 1976 called the Hyde Amendment, they also cannot receive federal Medicaid funds for abortion,” Williams said. “There’s a huge demand for abortion access in Texas, but because of the social stigma and political polarization of the issue, it’s often not talked about, and support can become limited.” SFO member and psychology senior Laila Khalili said she believes the bowling brings joy to commemorating the event. “It’s just a fun way to build community, meet other people who care about the same issue as you do,” Khalili said. BOWL continues on page 13

STUDENT LIFE

Celebrating life-long friendships with siblings Diana Nguyen Senior staff writer

Thursday arrives with an unfamiliar holiday to many: National Siblings Day. Each year on April 10, families take the time to appreciate the influence and life-long friendships found between brothers and sisters. The holiday was created by Claudia Evart to honor the memory of her brother and sister, whom she lost in separate accidents early in life. Evart, a freelance paralegal from Manhattan, thought of the day as a way for siblings to honor, recognize and celebrate each other. April 10 was chosen as National Siblings Day because it was the birthday of Evart’s late sister, Lisette. National Siblings Day follows the spirit of Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Grandparents’ Day as an uplifting celebration to honor family values. Unlike Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, it is not federally recognized. Since 1998, 77 governors of 45 states have signed gubernatorial proclamations in favor of the establishment of this day. Although not as widely celebrated as Mother’s or Father’s Day, students are beginning to acknowledge the holiday’s existence and are making

Many students, including pre-dental senior Amy La, celebrate having the company and life-long companionship of siblings, each year on April 10 for National Sibling Day. | Courtesy of Amy La an effort to take part in it. The youngest of three girls, English literature senior Christina Nguyen said she thinks siblings play a huge part in one’s life.

“I think National Siblings Day ought to be ranked along with Mother’s and Father’s Day,” Nguyen said. “I read in Time magazine that your siblings will affect your life more than

anyone else in the world. Personally, that couldn’t be more true for me. My two sisters are included in every aspect of my life.” Nguyen and her sisters are close, but her individuality is kept. “We often joke that whoever we date is dating all three of us. Both my sisters have my boyfriend listed in their favorites on their phones. If they can’t reach me, they’ll call him,” Nguyen said. “Those who know us well know that we are very different. Our tastes over time, whether fashion or music, will rub off on each other. We’re more well-rounded because of it. We definitely differ in our tastes for guys, though.” Political science junior Clarita Montant, the eldest of three siblings, said her competitive relationship with her brothers is often a positive thing. “I’d say that we’ve always been competitive, but it was always to lift each other up,” Montant said. “We would brag about our grades, but if the other one would get the best grade, we would be happy for him.” Montant, whose family is originally from France, has only one brother residing with her in Houston and said they often showed support.

“They would show support by coming to my tennis games, and I’d go to their handball games, a European sport,” she said. Media productions senior Uriel Rios said he feels he always celebrates the holiday. “I didn’t know about it, but I feel I celebrate it every day,” Rios said. “I have an 8-year-old sister who gets on my nerves sometimes. Sometimes we playfully wrestle. I’ll let her win. I’ll even bring her a candy bar every once in a while.” Pre-dental senior Amy La said growing up in a big family helped shape her into the person she is today. “All six of us are so different, but at the same time, I share similarities with every single one of my siblings.” La said. “Being in such a large ... family definitely contributed to the person I am now. All the fights made us tougher, learning from each other’s mistakes made us wiser and being the baby, of course, made me the favorite — only slightly kidding about that part. But I seriously love my siblings and wouldn’t trade most of them for anything.” arts@thedailycougar.com

Thursday, April 10, 2014 // 13

THE DAILY COUGAR

LIFE & ARTS

DODGEBALL continued from page 10

WEEKEND EVENTS Today Arts: The Blaffer Student Assocation is hosting its annual Red Block Bash from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Blaffer Art Museum. Lecture: Consider the impact of plastic surgery on disfigured soldiers from World War I during the “Behind the Mask” seminar, hosted by the Department of Modern and Classical Languages, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at SEC 105. Comedy: Hosted by the Council of Ethnic Organizations, comedian Jesus Trejo is performing his skit at 7 p.m. at the UC Theater.

Friday Arts : The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts is holding its five-day festival of contemporary arts, projects and more from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., sponsored by the Blaffer Art Museum. Movies: The Student Program Board is screening the action film, Thor 2, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the UC Theater.

Saturday Off-campus: The Office of Sustainability is celebrating Earth Day Houston from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Discovery Green Park in downtown. The event is free and open to the public. Music: In collaboration with the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts, the Moores School of Music is presenting Daniel Bernard Roumain for a guest improvisation master class from 10 a.m. to noon at the Moores School of Music, Room 185. The event is free.

Sunday Arts : The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts is holding its five-day festival of contemporary arts, projects and more from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., sponsored by the Blaffer Art Museum.

and companionship that made food and nutrition junior Natalie Avina, a member of the organization, one not to duck out of this. “It’s dodgeball, so it’s pure active socializing, and when you’re competitive, you get to see different sides of people, so that is going to be a lot of fun,” Avina said. “They’ll get to see our light side and get to see we are regular people.” And she makes a point on how efficiently it would be for Cougars to spend some time and join in on

BOWL

continued from page 12

“However, the location of the event is classified information. People like to come protest any and every event that Lilith Fund does. It’s just a day for us to have fun, dress up in costumes that we told our donors that we would.” This is the third year in which SFO has raised money as a team. Every year, they have a different team name, but this year, it’s Coogs for Choice. “If you look at the teams at the NNAF website, from all over the country, they have some pretty creative ones,” said Khalili, who has also put in an incentive to gain donations. “I told people that if they donated to my page and if I meet my goal that I would dress up as Daenerys Targaryen from ‘Game of Thrones,’ so that’s sort of a fun incentive to do. It’s just a fun event for us, after all the hard work that we’ve put into.” Khalili has surpassed her $400 goal. The bowling team as a whole has an $800 goal to reach. Although both Khalili and Williams attend UH, they are not on the same bowling team. Williams is a member of the Farrar Fan Club bowling team, named after a fearless pro-choice leader and member of the Texas House of Representatives, Rep. Jessica Farrar. “I’ve been a feminist activist in the Houston area for several years,” Williams said. “I’ve done a lot of political advocacy and organizing around reproductive rights, but I felt the need, or the calling, rather, to do more reproductive justice-oriented work, which is exactly the kind of work Lilith Fund does.” The Bowl-A-Thon will continue to accept donations until the end of April.

the fun this weekend “What else would they have to do on a Saturday morning?” Avina said. “They can come out with their friends, be active, and then later that night when they go out drinking, they can feel compensated because they would have burned all those calories that morning — plus, meeting new people is a bonus.”

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This age-old joke can be traced back to a collection of 15 riddles compiled between 1917 and 1939. It is a pun on the homophones “red” and “read.” The mention of the colors “black and white” along with the phrase “all over” leads to the assumption that “red” is also intended to be a color when, in actuality, it is referring to the past tense of the word “read,” pronounced /red/. Hence, black and white refers to the actual ink and paper of a newspaper and “red all over” refers to the physical act of reading the paper. Source: “The Newspaper Riddle Joke” by Matthew Barrick from the Journal of American Folklore

ACROSS 1 Oktoberfest instrument 5 Oscar presenter’s take 9 Rye grass disease 14 Burden 15Diamond Head locale 16 New Zealand native 17 What “if tree falls in forest” has 20 Parthenon’s site 21 Made a memo 22 They’re put in food 23 Sign for the superstitious 25 No, in a circle 28 Hardly ordinary 29 Brass or bronze, e.g. 31 Campus VIP, slangily 33 Like fairy-tale dragons, eventually 34 “But will

35 38

39 40 41 42 45 46 47 49 52 53

57 58 59 60 61 62

it play in ___?” No longer in existence “Play something else!” Broadcast Colors crudely Middle ear bone Bagpiper’s headwear It may be spotted in a tree Excessive criticism Make a silhouette The best Marinara and bechamel They’re cast over the ocean? Overly full Floor VIP in the UAE Door fasteners Piquant flavor Baglike structures in animals

DOWN 1 Beefsteak or cherry 2 One way to stand 3 Plumb tuckered out 4 Positive attribute 5 Some deliveries 6 Shake one’s tail 7 “Caught you!” 8 Ambulance item 9 Discharge 10 One may be on its last leg 11 Comedian Whoopi 12 Valuable find 13“Whether ___ nobler ...” 18 Asthmatics’ needs 19 Huge amount of bricks 23 Gallimaufry 24 Western state 26 X or Y, in math 27 Swedish rug 30 How workaholics often work 31 Place for a statue or a hero

COMICS Telly by Tiffany Valle

Household Haiku by Marian Smith

Puzzle answers online: www.thedailycougar.com/puzzles

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32 Large crucifix 33 Arrogant one 34 Land of the alpaca 35 Chew like a rat 36 Some eye doctors 37 Many a “Li’l Abner” character 38 Tokyo, pre-Tokyo 41 Greenest around the gills 42 Port on Commencement Bay 43 Acid found in vinegar 44 Partners of Mmes. 46 ___ Tuesday (Mardi Gras) 48 Game essentials 50 Hard to comprehend 51 Front and back 52 Belted out a tune 53 Burning remnant 54 Living Nativity sound 55 Airport stat. 56 Woman’s hairstyle

Thursday, April 10, 2014 // 15

THE DAILY COUGAR

NEWS BRIEF

Alumni recognized for community service The Daily Cougar News Services The University’s Black Alumni Association has selected alumni Charles A McClelland Jr., chief of the Houston Police Department, and Mary Prince, owner of Rookies Cookies and Without Ceasing Prayer Stools, to be the recipients of the 2014 UH Black Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards. Prince and McClelland were recognized for their achievements on March 22. McClelland joined HPD in 1977 as a patrol officer and was sworn in as police chief in 2010. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology from UH in 1998 and a master’s in sociology in

2000. Prince received her bachelor’s in graphic design from UH in 1983. The mission of UHBAA is to create and nurture lifelong relationships between its key stakeholders, the University and its black alumni and friends; support and advance black alumni in their pursuit of excellence; and exemplify goodwill in the community. The progress of UHBAA and its growth comes as a result of alumni who care to give back to the University through UHBAA by sharing their time, talents and treasures. news@thedailycougar.com

CAMPUS

Controversial researcher to spark debate on campus Laura Gillespie Assistant news editor

Author and libertarian thinker Charles Murray will visit the University today to discuss his 2012 book, “Coming Apart: The State of White America, 1960-2010.” Murray is the latest in a collaborative series of lectures between the Houston Hobby Center for Public Policy and The Honors College Phronesis Program in Politics and Ethics, a series which has included lectures such as “Conservatism and Progressivism in America” and “Economic Crisis: Causes, Consequences and Remedies.” The talk will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Rockwell Pavilion on the second floor of the M.D. Anderson Memorial Library. Murray, a W.H. Brady Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, argues in “Coming Apart” that the American upper and middle classes have separated greatly throughout time, as the upper class has segregated itself and the lower class no longer follows traditional values. Murray has written numerous other bestselling and controversial books, but he is best known for his 1994 book “The Bell Curve,” which he co-authored with the late psychologist Richard J. Hernstein. “Charles Murray has been an important voice in bringing to public attention the growing inequality in America and

the emergence of a new underclass in society,” said associate professor of political science Jeffrey Church. This is not his first visit to Houston this week. Murray visited Rice University on Monday to some controversy, as Rice Black Student Association President Jackie Mutai organized a protest against Murray’s visit, saying his views on race and class are “repellent and very, very ignorant,” according to the Rice Thresher. Crystal Sowemimo, a political science major at UH, began organizing a similar protest when she heard of his visit. “He’s said some really awful things about minorities — about how minorities and women are inherently inferior than white males,” Sowemimo said. “We believe that as young adults, we should be taking charge and making people like him accountable for his actions and accountable for the things he has said.” Sowemimo has brought in the UH NAACP and UH Mexican American Studies Student Organization to peacefully protest the talk. They hope to change students’ minds on Murray’s views and perhaps even Murray himself. “We want to show him that his ideas, his philosophies are outdated. He’s outnumbered — he’s at the wrong campus,” Sowemimo said.

HIRE COOGS CAREER 101

JOB OPPORTUNITIES, CAREER ADVICE AND MORE EVERY THURSDAY brought to you by University Career Services

The Value of an Internship versus a Job When you’re faced with the decision of taking a paying job over an unpaid internship in your field, it is worth considering whether the short–term paycheck will be more important than the long–term investment that interning can provide. While some internships are paid, many are not, which might lead a person into feeling as if the internship would be of no value because they would have nothing in their bank account to show for it. However, a college job is usually taken for just a short or fixed amount of time while an internship is more of a long term investment in your future which could lead to a permanent and exciting full–time career. However, a part-time job done well could certainly lead to a promotion, but internships hold certain advantages that you just won’t find in regular employment. Before deciding on taking a short–term job or promotion, consider these long–term advantages of internships and which would be in your best interest.

Advantages of an Internship

• You will have the opportunity to network within the company and develop relationships with those who may be able to help further your career. With a good work ethic and job skills, you’ll have an edge over your competitors.

• You get a firsthand look at what working for a particular company is like. • You may be able to gain compensation, if not financially, perhaps in the form of school credit or a living allowance if the internship is in another physical location.

• You will receive hands-on training to give you professional skills and experience that will prepare you for full-time employment at any company. • You have the opportunity to be observed and evaluated onthe-job by potential employers within your internship site.

NOW HIRING Log onto JobBank at www.uh.edu/ucs and search for the ID number Logistics Assistant (53651) The Logistics Assistant is responsible for maintaining, client satisfaction, updating quality systems and maintaining warehouse well organized stores, as well as documenting the receipt and dispatch of equipment. Sports Performance Trainer/Recruiter (Internship) (53648) SCORE Performance Training is expanding its staff and offering an opportunity to eager and passionate individuals to work as a Sports Performance Intern and develop a career in sports. Business Internship (53643) Students will learn how to run a business, lead other individuals, be able to grow, meet with clients, and develop costumer service skills. Administrative Assistant (53639) Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to communicating with clients, service providers and any other persons with incoming calls, including screening potential new clients, etc.

Asset/Logistics Manager (53637) The business contribution of the Inventory & Logistics Manager is the overall management of the rental asset program for the Americas region, anticipating and ensuring appropriate service equipment availability and allocation, aligning with business plan and capital budget. Interior Design Assistant (53635) Spaces for Home, a boutique 4,400 sq. ft. home furnishings store in the Upper Kirby District is looking for a full-time Interior Design Assistant. Project Manager (53627) Preferred Foodservice Design/Supply designs, procures and installs commercial foodservice equipment including cooking equipment, refrigeration equipment, preparation equipment, etc. March 31 – April 7th Front Desk (53621) You will be checking members in, reserving tennis courts, answering phone calls and inquiries about the club, selling items from the pro shop as well as the snack bar and selling memberships to new members.

BMW Un4gettable Summer Tour Event Trainee (53620) The primary responsibility of the Event Trainee will be to support the implementation and activation of a national driving program and act as a ‘Brand Ambassador’ for a luxury automotive client. Arbor Grill Server (seasonal) (53619) Arbor Grill Servers assist members and guests by serving food and beverage in an outdoor environment, both under the Arbor Grill and poolside. Human Resources Assistant (53616) FROSCH is seeking an entry-level full-time Human Resources Assistant to join our growing team in Houston, TX. Human Resources Coordinator (53608) The HR Coordinator is responsible for carrying out various HR programs and procedures for employees at a given Dean location(s). Architectural Draftsman (53605) Architectural draftsman with auto cad commercial experience and references to subcontract working drawings for

two story assisted living center. Teller I (53592) Performing routine member transactions, including but not limited to deposits, withdrawals, cash advances, loan payments, transfers and check cashing. Store Manager (53584) March 31 – April 7th The Store Manager will represent the store and brand as an ambassador and engage opportunities to promote the store while demonstrating the highest degree of professionalism and teamwork. Structural Engineer (53576) Performs structural design and analysis calculations of onshore and offshore structures, primarily in hydrocarbon extraction and renewable energy industries, using governing codes and standards, engineering formulas and skills. Sales Coordinator (53558) The Sales Coordinator is responsible for quote processing and pre-qualification with a primary focus on groups over 100 lives.

INTERVIEWS Log onto Campus Recruitment at www.uh.edu/ucs and search for the ID under the Employer Search & Interview Request link • RTI-Extrusions Product Design Engineer (ID #3971) • Primary Services Recruiter- Leading to Sales (ID #3972) • VSM Abrasives Territory Manager Texas (ID #3978)

EVENTS Career Workshops You’re Hired

Monday 4/16 1PM All workshops are 45 minutes and held at UCS, 106 Student Service Center 1. See website for additional workshops: www.uh.edu/ucs C.L.A.S.S. RESUME RESOURCE TABLE Monday, April 14: 1st Floor of McElhinney from 9:00 am—12:00 pm

COUNSELOR OF THE WEEK

news@thedailycougar.com

Priyanka Raut Priyanka works with students from all majors assisting them with their career planning. If you need a resume review, internship or job search guidance, email Priyanka at praut@uh.edu to schedule an appointment.

Click www.uh.edu/ucs Visit 106 Student Service Center 1 Call 713-743-5100

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STUDENT AFFAIRS & ENROLLMENT SERVICES Women’s Resource Center I LGBT Resource Center I Center for Student Media Health Center I Dean of Students I UH Wellness I Counseling & Psychological Services