Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Destination Texas
From SXSW to historical landmarks and beautiful beaches, a road trip across the Texas landscape during Spring Break offers something for everyone. | PG 10
2 | Wednesday, March 4, 2015
NEWS
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With Student Government Association elections taking place until Thursday, each of the SGA presidential candidates has something different to bring to the table. Whether it is experience, determination or charisma, candidates Sam Perez, Shaun Smith and Elisha Diaz are vying to be top dog. For our full analysis on the three candidates and their strengths and weaknesses, head over to thedailycougar.com/news.
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Do you think concealed gun carry should be allowed on college campuses?
SPORTS UH rallies for Big 12 conference play “It's about time we've got people in power positions related to the University actually being vocal. Call it begging, bullying, hustling, etc. It's just good to know we're not gonna sit on our hands.” — 'Christopher Ellisor '
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CALENDAR
Trending stories online at thedailycougar.com l Sports | l Campus events | l City events
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Stories of Women's Lives" At this event, students can receive NEWS Two students The Women and Gender Resourcerobbed at gunpoint outside Cougar Place salsa, hip-hop and two-step dance “This is happening farintoo often at U of H housing andPanel surrounding areas. More police presence is Center has launched "Women A Women's Faculty Guest will lessons all in one place. Pizza, beverComedy" as an opportunity needed!" — 'John' to view and collectively share stories, recounting ages and T-shirts will be provided for discuss the TV series "Broad City" from their ancestors' talents, sacrifices those who attend a dance lesson. This January through March. Screenings will and commitments to inspire today's event is part of Cultural Connect Week be every Wednesday until March 11 generation. This event will be held from and will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. in the from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the WGRC. 2 to 3 p.m. in the Student Center South, Student Center South Ballroom. Free pizza and Cougar cards will be Rm. B-12. The Center for Diversity and provided for those participating in the Inclusion will host this event. RecycleMania Movie full program.
CALENDAR l
POLL OF THE WEEK
| See more upcoming events at thedailycougar.com/calendar
SPORTS UH rallies for Big 12 conference play “It's about time we've got people in power positions related to the University actually being vocal. TODAY MARCH Call it begging, bullying, hustling,THURSDAY, etc. It's just good to know5we're not gonna sit on our hands. ”— Thursday Night Dance Fusion 'Christopher Ellisor ' W omen in Comedy Lecture: "Weaving the
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FRIDAY, MARCH 6 John Legend at NRG l
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The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will host singer John Legend at 6:45 p.m. at the Houston NRG Stadium. Tickets are available at the stadium and online. Prices start at $24.
Do you think concealed gun carry should be allowed on college campuses? the Heights, enabling dozens of visual artists to showcase their art, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry and Submit your vote to more. Live music and food trucks will accompany the event, which is free to attend.
thedailycougar.com/ polls.
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Comedian and actor Kevin James will perform at 7 p.m. in Cullen PerforNight Domestic and mance Hall. Tickets are from $49.50 Discussion: Are You Campus International Student The UH Office of Sustainability will Sports | events | City events | See more upcoming events at thedailycougar.com/calendar to $65. Culturally Well? Coffee Hour: What's There show "Wall-E" as part of their RecySATURDAY, MARCH 7 cleMania event. This event will be held to do in Houston? This discussion will be for those interTODAY THURSDAY, MARCH 5 FRIDAY, MARCH 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Oberested in how health and wellness vary Thursday Night Dance Bo Burnham: "Make International and domestic students holtzer Multipurpose Room. between cultures. Students are encourFusion will join together"Weaving to connect with one Happy Tour" Women in Comedy Lecture: the John Legend at NRG aged to come discuss these differences another andof engage in conversation S PB presents: A Secret Stories Women's Lives" Stadium At this event, students can receive Comedian and actor Bo Burnham will The how Women and Gender sensitive Resourceto and to be culturally about what there is to do in the big city. Movie salsa, hip-hop and two-step dance perform at 8 p.m. in Cullen PerforCenter hasoflaunched "Women in for A Women's will The Houston Livestock Show and the needs others while striving Food, coffeeFaculty and teaGuest will bePanel provided. lessons all in one place. Pizza, bevermance Hall. Tickets are $35. Comedy"and as holistic an opportunity to view and collectively share stories, recounting Rodeo will host singer John Legend at healthy communities. This Join the Student Programming Board This event will be held from 3:30 to ages and T-shirts will be provided for discuss "Broad City" from their ancestors' talents, sacrifices 6:45 p.m. at the Houston NRG Stadium. event is the partTV of series Cultural Connect Week at the screening of one of the following 4:30 p.m. in the Heights Room of the First Saturday Arts those who attend a dance lesson. This January through Screenings will and commitments to inspire today's Tickets are available at the stadium and and co-hosted byMarch. the Wellness Center movies: "The Breakfast Club", "Space Student Center South. This event is Market in the Heights event is part of Cultural Connect Week be every Wednesday until March 11 generation. ThisConnect event will be and held from Jam", "Horrible Bosses 2" or "Captain online. Prices start at $24. and the Center for Diversity and Inclupart of Cultural Week and will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. in the from This 12:30 to 1:30 in the WGRC. 2 to 3 p.m.by in International the Student Center South, sion. event will p.m. be held from 2:30 America: The Winter Soldier" will be This outdoor arts market is held from co-hosted Student and Student Center South Ballroom. Kevin James Live Free pizza Cougar cards will be Rm. B-12. The Center for Diversity and to 3:30 p.m.and in the Skyline Room of the shown. This event will be begin at 7 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the first Saturday Scholars Services Office and Center for providedCenter. for those participating in the Inclusionand will Inclusion. host this event. Student p.m. in the Student CenterMovie Theatre. ofComedian every month 548Kevin W. 19th St. in and at actor James will Diversity RecycleMania full program. perform at 7 p.m. in Cullen PerforNight Domestic and mance Hall. Tickets are from $49.50 Discussion: Are You International Student The UH Office of Sustainability will to $65. Culturally Well? Coffee Hour: What's There show "Wall-E" as part of their RecySATURDAY, MARCH 7 cleMania event. This event will be held to do in Houston? This discussion will be for those interfrom 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Oberested in how health and wellness vary
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Star Wars and More l The Houston Symphony will celebrate the upcoming Star Wars sequel with an assemblage of the franchise's iconic film scores at 10 and 11:30 a.m. in Jones Hall. Tickets are $29.
SUNDAY, MARCH 8 UH Men's Basketball l
the Heights, enabling dozens of visual The Cougars, 10-18, will play the East artists to showcase their art, includCarolina Pirates. The game will start at ing paintings, sculptures, jewelry and 3 p.m. in Hofheinz Pavilion. This will be more. Live music and food trucks will the last home game of the season. accompany the event, which is free to attend.
Star Wars and More l Promote your organization's
The Houston Symphony will celebrate events by emailing us a dethe upcoming Star Wars sequel with scription of the event with its an assemblage of the franchise's iconic place and time: film scores at 10 and 11:30 a.m. in copychief@thedailycougar.com Jones Hall. Tickets are $29.
SUNDAY, MARCH 8 UH Men's Basketball l The Cougars, 10-18, will play the East
4 | Wednesday, March 4, 2015
NEWS
thedailycougar.com/news
news@thedailycougar.com
Sara Samora, News Editor
CAMPUS
Retired professor seeks to change the conversation After her son died by suicide, Kathy Zerda has been active in changing the act's perception
SARA SAMORA
NEWS EDITOR @THEREINVENTIONS
Jimmy Zerda was the life of the party. He was an actor and a comedian; he moved to Los Angeles for five years, then to Austin for filmmaking. In 2006, Jimmy took his own life at the age of 24. Kathy Zerda, retired UH professor and secretary of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention board, said her son never let on that he was depressed. Shortly after his death, she read an article that compared suicide to jumping off a tall burning building to avoid the pain of being burned, despite death waiting below. “I don't think my son wanted to die; he just didn’t know what else to do,” Zerda said. “He just wanted to make (the pain) stop.”
“I don't think my son wanted to die, he just didn't know what else to do. He just wanted to make it (the pain) to stop." Kathy Zerda, retired UH professor The family received counseling afterward, but Zerda said she wanted to do more. She joined the AFSP and helped bring the Out of the Darkness walk to campus, which raises money to promote awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. This year,
INTRAMURAL SPORTS INTRAMURAL SPORTS INTRAMURAL SPORTS INTRAMURAL SPORTS
SPORT SPORT SPORTSPORT
WALK
Continues on next page
Kathy Zerda volunteers with the AFSP full time since retiring from PROMES director last summer. | Courtesy of Cullen College of Engineering
Canoeing CanoeingCanoeing Canoeing March 10,March Starts: 5:30 March 10,5:30 Starts: 10, Starts: pm 5:30 March 10,pm Starts: 5:30 pm pm
REGISTRATION EVENT TIME REGISTRATION EVENT REGISTRATION EVENT TIME REGISTRATION EVENT TIME TIME
Basketball Skills 3/23-4/1 @ 7pm3/23-4/1 4/1, 6pm - 10pm Basketball @ 7pm 4/1, - 10pm Basketball Skills @ 7pm 4/1, 6pm - 10pm Basketball Skills Skills 3/23-4/1 3/23-4/1 @ 7pm 4/1, 6pm -6pm 10pm Competition CRWC Main Gym Competition CRWC Main Competition CRWC Main Gym Competition CRWC Main Gym Gym Basketball League 3/23-4/2 @ 12pm Capt. Meeting Basketball League 3/23-4/2 @ 12pm Capt. Meeting Basketball League 3/23-4/2 @ 12pm Capt. Meeting Basketball League 3/23-4/2 @ 12pm Capt. Meeting 6 ft &6 under 4/2 @ 4pm ft & under 4/2 @ 4pm
ft & under 6 ft &6under
the walk brings added significance as the UH community has grappled with multiple suicides in the past year. Zelda said common terminology can be misleading, with the phrase "commit suicide" sounding like a crime, so the organization uses the phrase "die by suicide." She also began to have a CAPS representative to come to class and discuss possible counseling. “I just looked out at the room and thought, A ' ny one of my students here could have troubles,'" Zerda said. It was not uncommon for a student to speak to her after the CAPS visit. “I would ask them if they felt comfortable
This adventure demo will present a solid foundation ofpresent Thisdemo adventure demo awill a solidoffoundation of This adventure will present solid foundation This adventure demo will present a solid foundation of canoeing andcanoeing safe boating practices. No experience and safe boating No experience andcanoeing safe boating practices. Nopractices. experience canoeing and safe boating practices. No experience necessary. The deadline to sign up is 3/9 5pm. necessary. The deadline to sign up is 3/9 at 5pm. necessary. The deadline to at sign up is 3/9 at 5pm.
necessary. The deadline to sign up is 3/9 at 5pm.
COST: $5
COST: $5 COST: $5 COST: $5
@ 4pm 4/2 @4/2 4pm
Tennis Singles 3/23-4/10 @ 3pm 4/10,3pm - 6pm Movements of Climbing Tennis Singles 3/23-4/10 @ 3pm @ 3pm 4/10,3pm4/10,3pm - 6pm - 6pm Movements of Climbing Singles 3/23-4/10 Movements of Climbing Cts TennisTennis Singles 3/23-4/10 @ 3pm Hoff Tennis4/10,3pm - 6pm Movements March 25, Starts 5:30 pmof Climbing Hoff Tennis HoffCts Tennis Cts March 25, Starts 5:30 pm 5:30 March 25, Starts Hoff Tennis Cts Participants will learn hand placement, footwork and March 25,hand Starts 5:30 pm pm Wallyball Doubles 3/23-4/15 @ 6pm 4/15, 6pm - 9pm Participants willNo learn hand footwork andfootwork Participants willplacement, learn placement, and climbing strategy. experience necessary. Wallyball DoublesDoubles 3/23-4/153/23-4/15 @ 6pm @ 6pm 4/15,Cts 6pm - 9pm Wallyball 4/15, 6pm 9pm Participants will learn hand placement, footwork and Racquetball climbing strategy. experience Wallyball Doubles 3/23-4/15 @ 6pm 4/15, 6pmCts - 9pm climbing strategy. Nonecessary. experience necessary. The deadline to sign up is No 3/24 at 5pm. Racquetball climbing strategy. No experience necessary. Racquetball Cts The deadlineThe to sign up isto 3/24 5pm. deadline signatup is 3/24 at 5pm. Cts Golf Doubles 3/23-4/13 @ 12pm 4/17, 1pm -Racquetball 6pm The deadline to sign up is 3/24 at 5pm. COST: $5 Golf Doubles 3/23-4/133/23-4/13 @ 12pm @ 12pm 4/17, Course 1pm4/17, - 6pm Golf Doubles 1pm 6pm Southwycke COST: $5 COST: $5 Golf Doubles 3/23-4/13 @ 12pm 4/17, 1pmCourse - 6pm Southwycke Southwycke Course COST: $5 Floor Hockey 4/5-4/20 @ 12pm 4/27-4/30 Southwycke Course Floor Hockey 4/5-4/20 @ 12pm 4/27-4/30 (week tournament) MAC Floor Hockey 4/5-4/20 @ 12pm 4/27-4/30 Floortournament) Hockey 4/5-4/20 @ 12pm 4/27-4/30 (week MAC tournament) Table Tennis Singles 4/13-4/24 @ 3pm 4/24, 3pmMAC - 6pmMAC (week(week tournament) Table Tennis Singles Singles4/13-4/24 @ 3pm @ Racquetball 4/24,Cts 3pm - 6pm 4/13-4/24 3pm - 6pm Sat 3/28 Biking in Huntsville UH Student $30 Guest $50 Table Table TennisTennis Singles 4/13-4/24 @ 3pm 3pm Racquetball 4/24,4/24, 3pm Cts- 6pm Cts Racquetball Sat 3/28 Sat UH Student $30 Guest $30 $50 Guest $50 State ParkBiking in Huntsville Racquetball Cts 3/28 Biking in Huntsville UH Student Sat 3/28 in Huntsville UH Student $30 Guest $50 StateBiking ParkState Park Park UH Student $25 Guest $50 Sat 4/4 Lake CharlotteState Kayaking UH Student $25 Guest $25 $50 Guest $50 Sat 4/4 Sat 4/4 Lake Charlotte Kayaking Lake Charlotte Kayaking UH Student Sat 4/4Canoe Village Lake Kayaking UH Student Fri-Sun 4/10-4/12 CreekCharlotte UH Student $100 Guest $150 $25 Guest $50 Fri-Sun 4/10-4/12 Canoe Village Creek $100 Guest $150 Fri-Sun 4/10-4/12 Canoe Village Creek UH Student UH Student $100 Guest $150 Fri-Sun 4/17-4/19 Bouldering at Canoe Enchanted UH Student $125 Guest $175 $100 Guest $150 Fri-Sun 4/10-4/12 Village Creek UH Student Rock Fri-Sun 4/17-4/19 Bouldering at Enchanted UH Student $125 Guest $175
ADVENTURE DEMOSDEMOSDEMOS ADVENTURE ADVENTURE ADVENTURE DEMOS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TRIPS TRIPS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TRIPS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TRIPS
Fri-Sun 4/17-4/19
Bouldering at EnchantedUH Student UH Student $125 Guest $175 $125 Guest $175
Fri-Sun 4/17-4/19RockBouldering at Enchanted UH Student $100 Fri-Sun 4/24-4/26 Lonestar Hiking TrailRock Rock
Guest $150
Fri-Sun 4/24-4/26 Lonestar Hiking Trail Fri-Sun 4/24-4/26 Lonestar Fri-Sun 4/24-4/26 Lonestar HikingHiking Trail Trail GET REC’D UH.EDU/RECREATION 713-743-7529 (PLAY) UH.EDU/RECREATION 713-743-7529 (PLAY) GET REC’D A full OA trip schedule and Adventure Demos can be found online. 713-743-9512 UH.EDU/RECREATION 713-743-7529 (PLAY) A full OA GET REC’D trip schedule and Adventure Demos can be found online. 713-743-9512 UH.EDU/RECREATION 713-743-7529 (PLAY) GET REC’D A full OA trip schedule and Adventure Demos can be found online.
UH Student $100 Guest $150 UH Student $100 Guest $150 713-743-9512 UH Student $100 Guest $150
A full OA trip schedule and Adventure Demos can be found online.
713-743-9512
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Wednesday, March 4, 2015 | 5
thedailycougar.com/news
news@thedailycougar.com
Sara Samora, News Editor
NEWS
WALK
Continued from previous page going to CAPS,” Zerda said. “I’m not a doctor, so I don’t feel comfortable discussing this with them. So I would walk them over to CAPS.” Zerda retired from her post as director for the Program for Mastery in Engineering Studies last summer. In previous walks, beans were placed in front of collages of those who passed away. The bags represent a 73-day period, and contained around 7,000 beans — an estimate of how many people died from suicide during within those days. On Saturday, there will be beads in various colors, each representing someone a participant has loss. Zelda said although the funds from the walk will go toward resource, the organization's main focus is to raise awareness. “I think my son would be proud to see the efforts our family has undertaken,” Zerda said. The walk will be at 8 a.m. March 7 at Lynn Eusan Park. Anyone can register up until noon on Friday. People can also register on the day of the walk. For more information, contact Zerda at 713-204-6342 or email at kathyzerda@yahoo.com. 6002.9_CORP_U of H Daily Cougar Mtg March 4_print.pdf
news@thedailycougar.com
UH’s Student Center and TDECU Stadium were nominated for Houston Business Journal’s Landmark Awards. | File photo/The Cougar
Student Center, stadium finalists for Landmark Awards TDECU Stadium and the New Student Center are finalists in Houston Business Journal's annual Landmark Awards The winners will be announced on April 9 at HBJ's Landmark Awards event. Read more at thedailycougar.com/news 1
3/3/15
Be you. Belong.
12:29 PM
HELPING ALL I-SEE-A-NEW-HOMEON-THE-HORIZON COUGARS. Nowadays, no matter where you are in life, owning a home is really not that far fetched. Thanks to TDECU’s outstanding home loan deals for all University of Houston students, faculty/staff and alumni, it can actually happen. TDECU wants to help and wants your experience of buying a new home to be a positive one. That’s why we can finance up to 103% to minimize your out-of-pocket costs. We’ll sweeten the deal by giving you up to $1,000 off your closing costs. We’ll even give you $250 after closing if we can’t meet or beat a competitor’s rate on the purchase or refinance of your home.
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6 | Wednesday, March 4, 2015
OPINION thedailycougar.com/opinion
opinion@thedailycougar.com
Kelly Schafler, EDITOR
EDITORIAL BOARD
HOLIDAYS
International Women's Day highlights equal rights plight TRISHNA BUCH OPINION COLUMNIST
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As the 104th celebration of IWD approaches, we remember the great females that inspired and continue to inspire the world. | Photo illustration by Kelly Schafler/The Cougar
STN BE ITA LIA
PO ’BO YS
DA IE FR LA SA GN (yup. we said it.)
TEXAS
BEERS
SPORTS EDITOR
EDITOR IN CHIEF
ACRO
F R E ESS THE FROM W A Y
ON
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4105 L Houst eeland on, TX
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omen have come a long way since the 1900s when they had to fight for suffrage. While there is still a long way to go until the rights of women are completely recognized in our world, the amount of influential women who are doing their part in making women's lives easier is increasing. International Women’s Day is dedicated to recognizing these women. It takes place on March 8 and has been celebrated since 1911, with its roots dating back to the late 1800s. “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights,” said feminist activist Gloria Steinem on the holiday's website. Steinem is a frequent spokeswoman on equality issues, but she is one of many women who advocate for greater gender equality. Another influential woman of the 21st century — and possibly the youngest — is Malala Yousafzai. Yousafzai was shot by the Taliban on Oct. 9, 2012 for advocating the right of young girls to go to school. She was one of many females who fell under the brutal regime of the Taliban in the Middle East. Yousafzai is the youngest Noble Prize Laureate and now lives in Britain, where she continues the fight for women’s rights. Unfortunately, females under Taliban rule were not and are not the only group of women to have their rights stripped away. According to The Daily Beast, it is legal to beat women in Nigeria, a man can choose where a woman works in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a woman cannot divorce a man in Israel and a man cannot be charged for non-consensual sex in India. These are just a few of the many restrictions placed on women around world, promoting violent activities against women. Knowing a woman can be sexually assaulted and beaten in certain countries without the perpetrator risking
EQUAL RIGHTS
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Sean Alder
Cara Smith
MANAGING EDITOR
Jenae Sitzes
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Christopher Shelton NEWS EDITOR
LIFE & ARTS EDITOR
Joshua Cochran OPINION EDITOR
Kelly Schafler PHOTO EDITOR
Sara Samora
Justin Tijerina
COPY CHIEF
Taelor Marquetti-Gadison
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
Glissette Santana
STAFF EDITORIAL The Staff Editorial reflects the opinions of The 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 Cougar do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Houston or the students as a whole.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Cougar welcomes letters to the editor from any member of the UH community. Letters should be no more than 250 words and signed, including the author’s full name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Anonymous letters will not be published. Deliver letters to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@thedailycougar.com; send them via campus mail to STP 4015; or fax to 713-7435384. Letters are subject to editing.
GUEST COMMENTARY Submissions are accepted from any member of the UH community and must be signed with the author’s name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Commentary should be 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.
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Wednesday, March 4, 2015 | 7
thedailycougar.com/opinion
opinion@thedailycougar.com
EQUAL RIGHTS
Continued from previous page punishment might give some men an incentive to partake in these activities. According to the American Association of University Women, a 2013 report showed that women were paid only 78 cents to every dollar a man made. Actress Patricia Arquette made headlines after speaking out for wage equality during her Best Supporting Actress acceptance speech at the 2015 Academy Awards. According to FOX31 Denver, Arquette dedicated her Oscar win to "every woman who gave birth to every taxpayer and citizen of this nation." “We have fought for everybody else’s equal rights,” she said. “It’s our time to have wage equality once and for all, and equal rights for women in the United States of America.” Arquette is not the only female celebrity using her status to promote gender equality. Actress and United Nations Women Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson is another woman who made waves in the media a few months ago.
OPINION
Kelly Schafler, EDITOR
During a speech made to the UN in September 2014, Watson spoke for gender equality and attempted to change the way feminism is viewed by launching the HeForShe campaign. She said during her fight for women's rights, she realized feminism has "too often become synonymous with man-hating." Feminists do not hate men, and they do not believe that women should have more rights than men; they believe both genders should be treated equally. Feminism needs to be respected and taken seriously because without the rise of feminism, there would be no knowledge of the plight of various women around the world. Strong, inspirational women who are doing their part in making the world a better place for women come in a variety of forms. Feminist women play an important role in changing the world for the better. It is up to the women of today to continue the fight for women’s rights and pave the way for the generations to come. Opinion columnist Trishna Buch is a print journalism senior and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com.
SPRING BREAK
How beach parties lost their hype KELLY SCHAFLER OPINION EDITOR
T
hree years ago as an eager, naive freshman, I would have donated an essential organ to vie at a chance to do something cool and unforgettable for Spring Break. While this experience does still sound strangely and disgustingly appealing, there is something different every spring break as the years pass.
Freshman year Freshmen have formed their Spring Break plans months in advance; they know where they’re going, how long they’re staying and who their partners-in-crime will be well before Christmas break.
Sophomore year Sophomore students try to one-up their freshman year experience; however, as they pour cheap alcohol into their gas station Styrofoam cups in preparation for the beach,
something feels vaguely familiar. And as the beach party rages on and LMFAO's "Shots" blares in the background, the situation becomes straight up deja vu.
Junior year Like a spouse clinging to the remains of a failing marriage, juniors try to hang onto the thrill of Spring Break a little longer than they should. Communal beer funds are now a reminder of that one friend who claims he got mono from one. Fellow party-goers wearing T-shirts that were once ironically funny are now slightly sexist or demeaning.
Senior year Responsibilities of the world remind seniors of their impending graduation. The gross appeal of Spring Break hasn't been completely forgotten; it's just been replaced by a lackadaisical voice urging seniors to skip the touristy beach towns and swaddle themselves in blankets for an entire week instead.
8 | Wednesday, March 4, 2015
LIFE & ARTS thedailycougar.com/life-arts
arts@thedailycougar.com
Joshua Cochran, EDITOR
RECREATION
Wake up and smell the pine needles: Four must-visit parks RENE STEFFAN
STAFF WRITER
After a gloomy, wet winter, many students may feel a burning itch to go out and explore nature. Now that the clouds are breaking up and cabin fever is losing its hold, here's a list of natural areas around the city that'll help you get your daily dose of Vitamin D.
The Blue Trees Near the Waugh Bat Bridge, you may have spotted the Blue Trees from the portion of Memorial Parkway that encircles them. A grove of crepe myrtles, the trees were painted blue using a natural pigment by Konstantin Dimopoulos. Mark this location on your maps; as the weather gets warmer, you can visit again to witness a spectacular grove of bright pink on blue stems.
George Bush Park This large park lies to the west of Houston, occupying flat terrain around an open reservoir. The bright green of the open fields stretches for miles, while bridges and paths link to a wooded trail. The popping noises you might hear in the park come from the nearby shooting range, though they're not loud enough to be bothersome. If you want, bring a furry friend to the Millie Bush Dog Park, which is split into separate parts for big and small dogs. Be sure to avoid this spot after rain if you don't want your pooch getting muddy.
Terry Hershey Park Following the Buffalo Bayou, the trail runs through Houston's Energy Corridor, with sections of the trail named after birds, and is
WALK to save lives
great for hiking and biking. It maintains a balance between nature and urban environment, and is great for a beginner who wants to walk, hike or ride without entirely leaving civilization behind.
Sam Houston National Forest This forest of significant size is a ways north from Houston and occupies a large swath of land between Conroe and Huntsville. Inland enough to be affected by the seasons and remote enough to be free of city noise, Sam Houston National Forest will impress you with both its size and the range of activities you can engage in. The park offers nature trails for the leisurely walker as well as for hiking and biking, which can be viewed on the forest's website. Because it is bisected by Interstate 45, the park has two distinct halves; plan your trip accordingly. arts@thedailycougar.com
Sam Houston National Forest opens onto Lake Conroe on its west side. | Rene Steffan/The Cougar
Get involved. Register. Donate online.
campuswalks.org 1-888-333-AFSP (2377)
AT THE LYNN EUSAN PARK SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015 CHECK-IN: 8-9 AM PROGRAM BEGINS AT 9 AM ENDS AT NOON For information email Juan Guzman at jjguzman3@uh.edu or call 713-743-4222 SPONSORED BY UH PROGRAM FOR MASTERY IN ENGINEERING STUDIES (UH-PROMES)
CA M
LKS P U S WA
Electirical engineer freshman Alex Benitez rides a mechanical yak at YikYak's party at Calhoun's Rooftop Bar & Grill on Monday. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar
Riding around on the YikYak bandwagon The app YikYak made its Midwest stop on campus Monday and Tuesday. Yik Yak representatives of the app gave away swag, including shirts, glasses and, as one representive said, "the most sought after item," i.e. socks. Yik Yak representatives also brought a mechanical yak to Calhoun's Rooftop Bar & Grill.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 | 9
thedailycougar.com/life-arts
arts@thedailycougar.com
LIFE & ARTS
Joshua Cochran, EDITOR
STUDENT LIFE
See what fellow Cougars will be doing for Spring Break
Roger Garza
Summer Groholski
Holly Fairdosi
L. J. Rose
Public Relations Senior
Senior/ Pitcher
Integrated Communications Senior
Junior Guard
“My friends and I always go hunting in the South Bay. Every spring break, we take a crew of about 12 people. On the fishing crew we have six, and on the platoon we have about 12. We’ll go out there with a couple of drinks, and we’ll just have a good time. My favorite part would be having to reel in a nice big red, or a speckled trout, and fighting the barracuda.”
“We still have workouts and games, but that just kind of goes along with the job, I guess. I go to the (Houston Livestock Show and) Rodeo sometimes after practice with my teammates. We get a break, play softball and sleep.”
“First, I'm going to Dallas to attend a wedding with my boyfriend. I'm going to meet his parents and all his friends for the first time, so I'm super nervous. Then I'm going to Chicago to see my brother graduate from Chicago University and receive his Ph.D. I met (my brother's girlfriend) over Christmas Break, so this will be the second time I'm meeting her.”
“Ever since I've been in college, we haven't been able to go on a trip, but we usually just hang out with the team. It's a bit of a break and a refresher before the offseason. You just get to focus on basketball. I used to go to the Bahamas — that's where my family's from. It was great... there's a lot of kids out there since high schools have their spring break (at that time) so it's a lot of fun. ”
ALL MAJORS INVITED!
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015 1 PM - 4 PM Professional Attire Required
UH Hilton Hotel 2nd Floor Ballrooms RSVP via Cougar Pathway
University Career Career Services Services Presents: Presents: University
SPRING 2015 CAREER & INTERNSHIP FAIR /uh.ucs 106 STUDENT CENTER 1
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10 | Wednesday, March 4, 2015
LIFE & ARTS
thedailycougar.com/life-arts
arts@thedailycougar.com
Joshua Cochran, EDITOR
Rediscover The Lone Star State
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arts@thedailycougar.com
Roadtrippin' Texas Sitting nearly 300,000 square miles, the Lone Star State is bigger than some countries. You'll need a guide to get to know it.
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The Gulf Coast Region
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Praries and Lakes
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South Texas Plains
-Joshua Cochran
Houston lies at the edge of these plains, which drop off into the Gulf of Mexico and are characterized by a chain of barrier islands. The side of the more developed islands nearest the Gulf of Mexico is full of sand, while the bay sides are marshy. The most notable of the sandbar beaches are those around Galveston, Corpus Christi and South Padre Island. Keep in mind that the beaches are always packed this time of year, and that some, like Galveston does now, will charge for parking.
Hill Country
Joshua Cochran, EDITOR
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Much of the topography can be attested to the subterranean Edwards Aquifer, which provides the region with water and has helped create a network of underground caves and shape the terrain above. Head to this region for challenging hikes within driving distance of Austin, where you can enjoy South by Southwest on 6002.9_CORP_U of H Daily Cougar Chk March_print.pdf 1 3/3/15 a break between days of hiking and spelunking.
Be you. Belong.
The rolling landscape is cut by several rivers, many of which are dammed to form artificial reservoirs. The areas around these have nonetheless become hotspots for recreation, and if you're more of an urbanite, the nightlife-centric Fort Worth-Dallas metropolitan area lies in the northern half of this region.
This region is full of thorny brush, giving it a western look and feel that is accented by its many old missions and ruins including San Antonio's Alamo. During this time of year, the Texas mountain laurel, a bean plant native to central and southwest Texas, is in full bloom, and fills the air of the plains with a heady scent reminiscent of grape soda.
Piney Woods
This region, which begins just north of Harris County and goes east to the Louisiana and Arkansas borders, is charactarized by thick pine forests and an abundance of forest game. The region is crossed by several rivers and, with Louisiana, hosts Caddo Lake, the only 11:49 AM natural lake in Texas.
LIFE & ARTS 6
Panhandle Plains
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Big Bend Country
From the sky, this portion of Texas blends in with the rest of the quilted farmland of the Great Plains. Beneath the ancient grassland, one of the most complete accounts of North American history can be found at Lake Lubbock. Because of the continental climate, the weather is colder and drier than the Gulf Coast. Watch out for sudden spring storms if you plan a trip here; the Panhandle Plains form a part of Tornado Alley. Here, the rugged badlands swell out of the plains and form steep hills and cliffs around the Rio Grande Valley. The area is abundant with wildlife not found in East Texas, and Big Bend's mountainous terrain makes for a more challenging hiking environment. Keep in mind that a drive this far west will take the greater portion of a day, so be sure to account for the driving time when planning a trip west. Check out the area's abundant ghost towns, if that's your thing.
Did we miss a spot? Tweet us at @thedailycougar
HELPING ALL I-NEED-TO-STARTFOCUSING-ON-MY-FINANCES COUGARS. You have a lot going on. No matter what is happening in life, your finances always linger in your thoughts. TDECU is here to guide you on the path to financial freedom and help provide peace of mind. We’ll not only make banking easy for you, we’ll even give you money back. This month, open a FREE TDECU Personal Checking account with a recurring direct deposit and receive $1501. You’ll have access to more than 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs and 20 member center locations in the Greater Houston area. The best part? No opening deposit is required — we’ll cover it for you! And, if you have an auto loan with another lender, we’ll help you refinance it and give you another $150 with an annual percentage rate as low as 1.99%2! What a great way to start getting your finances in order!
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Offer valid through June 30, 2015, exclusively to the students, faculty/staff and alumni of the University of Houston. TDECU membership required. For full terms/conditions, contact TDECU. Federally insured by NCUA. 1To receive the $150 bonus, you must establish a recurring direct deposit in the amount of $100 or more within 60 days following the new primary checking account opening date. The bonus will be paid to your new checking account the month after a recurring direct deposit has been established on your account. Bonuses are considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT. 2APR and benefits are accurate as of February 1, 2015, and are subject to change without notice. To receive $150 bonus, you must refinance your auto from another lender with TDECU and have or open a new primary checking account with a recurring direct deposit. Rate includes 0.25% discount for auto pay. Credit approval and proof of income required. Final rate will be based on your credit score. Required minimum loan amount is $3,000. Offer does not apply to existing auto loans or business auto loans. $150 bonus will be deposited into your new TDECU primary checking account once loan has been funded. 6002.9-Chk-Mar4
12 | Wednesday, March 4, 2015
SPORTS thedailycougar.com/sports
sports@thedailycougar.com
Sean Alder, EDITOR
UH split its four-game series after Columbia proved to be a strong pitching staff this weekend at Cougar Field. | Brittaney Penney/The Cougar
Junior second baseman Josh Vidales was a leader in Saturday's walk-off win, going 3-5 at the plate with 3 RBI. Sophomore Jordan Stading subbed for him Sunday. | Brittaney Penney/The Cougar
COMMENTARY
Lions' pitching leads to series split HARRISON LEE
SENIOR STAFF WRITER @HARRISONCLEE
They probably wouldn’t be too well-known save for the dedicated baseball scout or faithful college baseball fan. But leaving Cougar Field, those associated with UH know well what the mounds men of Columbia are capable of. Only one, junior right-hander Kevin Roy, could possibly be called intimidating as he flirted with 92 miles an hour on Saturday afternoon. The rest seemed to specialize in a collection of junk balls that were as valuable as 24-karat gold for Columbia's pitchers. The series scores swayed back and forth with scores of 3-0, 5-4, 8-7 and finally the 12-7 offensive shooting gallery that saw Columbia split the series. “It’s great to see our guys play good baseball,” said Columbia head coach Brett Boretti. “We have a veteran group and they responded well. We’ve been in tough atmospheres before, and there’s a belief in our dugout that we can compete with anybody.
Houston’s a great club and they’re going to have a great season, but I’m excited about how our guys responded to the situation.” The Columbia bats, which put up 20 hits alone in the last game of the series, complied 24 runs through four games against a Houston offense that rang in with 19 runs. The difference, Boretti noted, was his pitching staff. The Lion pitchers put together 31 strikeouts, many of them well-timed and slower than the power-pitching Houston batters are used to. “Command both sides of the plate,” said Boretti, explaining his staff ’s approach. “The ultimate equalizer is the guy on the hill. Our guys did a nice job of being able to locate their stuff, (which) guys honest as much as possible.” Throwing everything at speeds ranging from 70-85 mph and painting corners in ways not seen since Van Gogh, the Lions left the Cougars splitting their four game series against No. 3 ranked
LIONS PITCHING
Continues on page 15
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thedailycougar.com/sports
sports@thedailycougar.com
SPORTS
Sean Alder, EDITOR
MEN'S BASKETBALL
Cougars win conference tournament tuneup against Bulls SEAN ALDER
SPORTS EDITOR @SEAN_W_ALDER
A dominant second half lifted to Cougars out of the American Athletic Conference cellar. Junior forward Devonta Pollard led the Cougars to a 72-55 win over USF and into a tie for 10th place on Sunday at Hofheinz Pavilion. Pollard finished on top of the Cougars’ scoreboard with 18 points, including 10 free throws and four baskets from the field. He grabbed 10 rebounds and five steals to earn his sixth double-double of the season. Freshman guard Wes Van Beck continues to make his mark on the Cougars’ offense in the minutes he receives — he drained four 3-pointers, scoring 12 points. Redshirt junior guard Jherrod Stiggers remained a consistent team player as he scored
11 points and tied his career-best with seven assists. The Cougars were able to stay on top of the Bulls, who outshot the home team 44.2 percent to 40.7 percent. However UH out-rebounded its visitors 37-25, including 17 from its own backboard. This led to 12 second-chance points in addition to 22 points scored off of 17 Bulls turnovers. The Cougars took a halftime lead of 35-31, making it the sixth time in the past seven games where they stood on top at halftime. The Cougars kept a lead on the Bulls as they started the second half with a 13-0 run over the first 5:20. The win moves the Cougars to a conference record of 2-14, something they hope will improve as much as possible considering the conference tournament begins on March 12. The Cougars have two games remaining
in the regular season as they hit the road to take on the Tulane Green Wave today and return home for their season finale against the East Carolina Pirates on Sunday. The Cougars are tied for the final spot in the AAC standings with the Bulls after their win. The Cougars and Bulls are not the only tie in the AAC, though the conference-leading SMU Mustangs and Tulsa Golden Hurricane sit on top with records of 14-2 in conference play. If the teams keep their positioning in the AAC standings, considering the current ties, the Cougars will likely face either the Mustangs or Hurricane. Although both teams got the best of the Cougars this season twice, Houston managed to stay within 15 points in two of the four meetings. sports@thedailycougar.com
Junior forward Devonta Pollard scored eight in the field and 10 from the free throw line during their victory. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar
DAY OF
REMEMBRANCE 03.10.15 Join the Campus Ministries Association and fellow Cougars at the Annual Campus Memorial Service for all UH students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends who passed away last year.
A.D. Bruce Religion Center - University Chapel 12:00 PM -1:00 PM uh.edu/adbruce
14 | Wednesday, March 4, 2015
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Wednesday, March 4, 2015 | 15
thedailycougar.com/sports
sports@thedailycougar.com
SPORTS
Sean Alder, EDITOR
LIONS PITCHING
Continued from page 12 Houston. “We have a philosophy of getting ahead,” said Columbia pitcher Ryan Marks. “If we don’t get early contact, we mix well. We mix pitches well, we mix speeds well. We’ll even pitch backwards. It’s something our pitching coach preaches. We do it pretty well across the board.” Marks, who struck out four over the series, got the save in 3.1
The Cougars took first place in the AAC Indoor Championship after taking the 4x400m relay to close out the event, as well as 10 top-three finishes for the men on Saturday. | Courtesy of UH Athletics
TRACK AND FIELD
Conference Championship won by a point THE COUGAR NEWS SERVICES The Houston men’s track and field team walked away with first place in the American Athletic Conference Indoor Championship after jumping ahead by just one point in the final event of the day. It was the Cougars' 12th indoor conference title in head coach Leroy Burrell's 16-year tenure. With 125 points, the Cougars trailed the Tulsa Hurricane by one point and were tied with the UConn Huskies entering the 4x400m relay. The winner of the event would also take the championships, so the Cougars put their best feet forward as seniors Dominique Charles and Drevan Anderson-Kaapa juniors LeShon Collins and Jermaine Fyffe locked down the first-place finish. “I just knew that the team had done their part to get me into the lead,” said Anderson-Kaapa in a news release. “I didn’t need to do anything special. I just knew I needed to do what I knew I could do.” The anchor of the championship-winning relay team also succeeded individually for the Cougars, as he won the 800m in 1:50.7 and was joined by four other Cougars that took first in events throughout the championship. Collins left New York with a first place finish in the 60m dash; sophomore Cameron Cornelius threw for a 18.11m finish to return to first place in the shot put; junior Issac Williams took the 60m hurdles with a time of 7.88; and sophomore Bria
Carter led the women’s team with a 7.4-second 60m dash finish. Although not a first-place finish, sophomore distance runner Brian Barraza continued his record-breaking run, finishing the 3000m run with a second-place time of 8:04.05. The finish broke his previous record of 8:04.21 that he set on Feb. 14, marking the third time this season that Barraza has broken his personal best. The men’s team had 10 athletes finish in topthree spots throughout day two of competing, leading them to the championship-winning 4x400m relay to close out the successful run. “I’m really proud of the guys, and I want to thank the staff, our athletes and our administrators for all of their support,” Burrell said in a news release. “It really makes a difference knowing they’re behind us when it comes to situations like this.” The final standings of the event saw the Cougars on top with 135 points, immediately followed by the Hurricane’s 134 and another close 131 from the Huskies. A near 60-point drop from third shows the remaining competitors as the fourthplace Cincinnati Bearcats finished with 76.5 points. “This means a lot to this program,” said Burrell in a news release. “This is probably UConn’s second home, and Tulsa is a really strong team.” sports@thedailycougar.com
innings of work on Sunday, kept Houston hitters off balance enough to split the series among back and forth, offensive outburst-prone nature of the four games. “All we do is try and get ahead and throw strikes,” said Marks. “We know that top to bottom on our staff we have a lot of strike throwers, so we’re confident in everyone who goes out there. If one guy struggles another guy is going to come in and throw strikes and get the job done.” sports@thedailycougar.com
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