Issue 25, Volume 80

Page 1

PRINT WEEKLY. DIGITAL DAILY.

Breaking news online thedailycougar.com

Daily updates to your inbox thedailycougar.com/subscribe

See your event here

copychief@thedailycougar.com

Follow us on Instagram Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Issue 24, Volume 80

@TheDailyCougar

ScHoolboy Q made the grade

This year's Frontier Fiesta boasted the festival's highest-paid artists, a swanky new location and a Saturday night performance to remember. Relive it with us. | PG 6

SPORTS

Living up to his word

Head coach Tom Herman has talked about his "students first" mindset, and the UH community got to see it in action during Saturday's Student Appreciation Practice. | PG. 11

NEWS

The verdict is in, and...

Student Government Association President Charles Haston's administration has come and gone. How did he and his deputies do? Check out our analysis of Haston's year in the big seat. | PG. 4


2 | Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Contact The Cougar

NEWS

thedailycougar.com

thedailycougar.com/news

NEWSROOM 713-743-5360

Kelly Schafler

editor@thedailycougar.com facebook.com/thedailycougar twitter.com/thedailycougar

opinion@thedailycougar.com thedailycougar.com/opinion

NEWS EDITOR

LIFE & ARTS EDITOR Joshua Cochran

news@thedailycougar.com thedailycougar.com/news

arts@thedailycougar.com thedailycougar.com/life-arts

SPORTS EDITOR

EDITOR IN CHIEF Cara Smith

sports@thedailycougar.com thedailycougar.com/sports

editor@thedailycougar.com

i

thedailycougar.com

The Cougar is published in print on Wednesdays during the fall and spring semesters, and updated online daily throughout the year at www.thedailycougar.com. The Cougar is supported in part by Student Service Fees. The first copy is free. Additional copies cost 25 cents.

COPYRIGHT No part of the newspaper in print or online may be reproduced without the consent of the director of the Center for Student Media.

ISSUE STAFF COPY EDITING

Taelor Marquetti-Gadison CLOSING EDITORS

Jenae Sitzes Christopher Shelton Cara Smith

Tell us your opinion using the hashtag #UHOpenCarry.

713-743-5362

The Cougar

ABOUT THE COUGAR

If you see several students walking around campus with gun holsters at their side this week, don't be alarmed - the holsters are empty. These students, members of the UH chapter of Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, are participating in a nation-wide protest for their right to carry concealed weapons on University grounds. Pre-business sophomore Sterling Dodd is a member of the organization, and he said despite likely receiving some funny looks this week, he plans to go about his days as normal. "Nobody even notices," Dodd said."Everybody is kind of walking around in their own little worlds. If they do notice, they don't know what it is." For more information on the UH chapter of SCC, visit facebook.com/SCCUH. — Sara Samora

713-743-5360

Sean Alder

713-743-5360

Silent protest message: Go unnoticed

713-743-5360

Sara Samora

713-743-5360

Many supporters of carrying on campus will wear empty holsters in a silent protest. | Sara Samora/The Cougar

OPINION EDITOR

CENTER FOR STUDENT MEDIA

713-743-5350 csm@uh.edu

ADVERTISING

713-743-5340 advertising@thedailycougar.com SALES MANAGER Callista Brown ADVERTISING TEAM JP Montgomery Elizabeth Murphy Tiffany Willie Summer Davis Yissel Lerma Jose Salazar DESIGN TEAM Jose Cruz Josue Diaz Alex Tomic

JOIN THE NEXT GENERATION OF STUDENT JOURNALISM

BE A WRITER

READ

APRIL 15TH OUR TOWN. O OL. UR HO V SC

OD

.F

CE

FO

S.

E. OT

OU R

TO FIND OUT

UN

. S H O P PI N G. S

ER

VI

PHOTOGRAPHER EDITOR

WHAT WILL YOUR LEGACY BE?

AND MORE...

VISIT bit.ly/cougarstaffapp TO APPLY (LOGIN REQUIRED)


Wednesday, April 1, 2015 | 3

CALENDAR TODAY

FRIDAY, APRIL 3

UH Softball vs Texas 

UH Track and Field 

Come watch the Cougars, 17-17, face the Texas Longhorns in their 9th Annual Strike Out Breast Cancer game. This event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cougar Softball Stadium. The game will be televised on Gametracer.

The Cougars will compete in the Rice Victor Lopez Bayou Classic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rice University. This event will continue on Saturday.

UH Softball  The Cougars, 17-17, will face the East Carolina Pirates at 2 p.m. in Cougar Softball Stadium. There will be two games, each lasting 2 hours. The games will be televised on Gametracer.

THURSDAY, APRIL 2 African American 

Sitcoms of the 90s

Join the African American Studies department and UH Honors College for a conversation with Charnele Brown from "A Different World" and T.C. Carson from "Living Single." This event will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Honors Commons.

' Vessel' Screening  The Women and Gender Resource Center and NARAL Pro-Choice Texas will screen the film "Vessel," which tells the story of a doctor who trained women to give themselves abortions using WHO-researched protocols with pills. A panel discussion will follow. All respectful viewpoints are welcome. This event will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Student Center Auditorium.

SPB presents: 'Space  Jam' Are you up for a good throwback? The Student Program Board will host a showing of 'Space Jam,' so get ready to jam as Bugs and his friends return to the big screen from 7 to 11:30 p.m. in the Student Center Theatre.

l Sports | l Campus events | l City events |

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF UH

SATURDAY, APRIL 4

Get sorted into your house, make your very own wand and experience a day at Hogwarts! There will be Harry Potter candy cuisine, including chocolate frogs, every flavor of jelly bean, jelly slugs and butterbeer at this event hosted by the Student Program Board from noon to 4 p.m. at the Student Center Circle Drive. the door. Visit the event's website for more information on prices and to see the full schedule of events.

Ticket prices start at $20. This event will be at 7:30 p.m at the Wortham Center.

MFA Exhibition Opening 

'Legally Blonde: The  Musical'

The University of Houston School of Art and Blaffer Art Museum will host the 7th annual Master of Fine Arts Exhibition featuring graduate students and showcasing their art. This event will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Blaffer Art Museum.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4

Anime Matsuri at George  Dance Salad Festival at R. Brown Convention Center Dive into Japanese culture through music, fashion, costumes, anime and art during this anime convention held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Three-day passes are $65 at

Be you. Belong.

See more upcoming events at thedailycougar.com/calendar

the Wortham Center

Watch dance companies from around the world perform during this threeday festival running Thursday through Saturday. Performers will include Queensland Ballet from Australia, Eastman from Belgium, Bereishit Dance Company from Korea and more.

Follow Elle Woods on her journey through law school during this musical adapted for the stage and based on the 2001 comedy. This event is free and will start at 8 p.m Thursday through Saturday at the Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park.

Free food and drinks will be provided. All attendees are eligible for gas card giveaways, which will be given every 20 minutes throughout the event. This event will be from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Skyline Room of the Student Center.

TUESDAY, APRIL 7

Now Is The Time - Apple Watch Contest This UH SCPS Test Prep-sponsored event will feature giveaways of free iced coffee and tea from Cougar Grounds, UH Cougar Red T-shirts and a chance to win one of three new Apple Watches. This event will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Lynn Eusan Park.

SPB Movie Premiere: 'UNFRIENDED'

#VoteForPetro: Meet and

This social media-fueled movie will have you thinking twice about Facebook feuds. Join SPB at this screening from 7 to 9:30 p.m. in the Student Center Theatre before the film is released in theaters.

Join In Tempore Innovation (ITI) Houston to meet with several professionals working in the fuel and petrochemical industry for career opportunities, general information and much more.

Promote your organization's events by emailing us a description of the event with its place and time: copychief@thedailycougar.com

MONDAY, APRIL 6 Greet

OFFERING DEALS TO ALL I-COULD-USE-ANEXTRA-$300 COUGARS. No matter what is happening in life, your finances should always be in check. One way to do that, and end up with extra cash, is by opening a FREE TDECU Personal Checking account. Open a personal checking account with a recurring direct deposit and receive $1501. We won’t even ask you for an opening deposit. Plus, you’ll gain access to more than 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Another way to get extra cash is by bringing your auto loan to us. We’ll help you refinance it with an annual percentage rate as low as 1.99%2 and give you another $150! What great ways to start getting your finances in order!

Visit our member center located in the Student Center! Be YOU and Belong.

TDECU.org/CheckingAuto 800.839.1154

Offers valid through 6/30/15. 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 of opening your account. The bonus will be paid to your checking account the month after the direct deposit is established. Bonuses are considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT. 2 APR and benefits are accurate as of 4/1/15 and are subject to change without notice. Rate includes 0.25% discount for auto pay. To receive $150 bonus, you must refinance your auto from another lender with TDECU and have/open a new primary checking account with a recurring direct deposit. $150 bonus will be deposited into your checking account once loan has been funded. 6002.9-ChkApr1 7600.10

6002.9_CORP_UHChecking_Apr1.indd 1

3/30/15 3:55 PM


Wednesday, April 1, 2015 | 5

LIFE & ARTS

thedailycougar.com/life-arts

arts@thedailycougar.com

Joshua Cochran, EDITOR

PROFILE

Freshman, senior experience of Frontier Fiesta TREY STRANGE

STAFF WRITER @TREYNORMAL

Psychology freshman Pamela Arguelles had no interest in attending Frontier Fiesta. “I was literally dragged there,” Arguelles said. “I didn’t even know what Frontier Fiesta was.” Her friends coerced her through the wire gates, and although she was originally confused by the presence of security guards and the tall, wooden structures that housed rambunctious students, Arguelles quickly caught scent of something that changed her mood completely. “The smell of the food was so alluring,” Arguelles said. “I couldn’t stop buying it.” Soon, she had immersed herself in the aroma of the nearest concession stand. She and her friends bought soft, greasy pretzels and hot popcorn and strolled through the rest of the festivities, wandering over to watch the pie-throwing.

Computer engineering senior Edgar Tamez (left) and his friends, Rashid Alhomaidi and Jorge Cuevas, hung out at one of the many private parties at Frontier Fiesta this year, which he says is the only way to enjoy the event. | Courtesy of Edgar Tamez

Walking into TDECU stadium, she heard unfamiliar music. Arguelles said she has never heard of any of the artists that came to the University this week. That didn't deter her from enjoying the concerts; in fact, she cherished the opportunity to expand her musical tastes. “I usually listen to mariachi. I feel like it’s an adventure to listen to other types of music like those,” Arguelles said. Arguelles was most impressed by ScHoolboy Q, who excels in a genre with which she has no experience. “I was totally digging that bass,” Arguelles said.

Not his first Fiesta

Psychology freshman Pamela Arguelles attended Frontier Fiesta for the first time this year and said she enjoyed experiencing new music and great food. | Courtesy of Pamela Arguelles

“I would have loved to throw pie at some people,” Arguelles said.

For computer engineering senior Edgar Tamez, a Frontier Fiesta veteran, the event has consistently improved over the years — especially with the introduction of the event to TDECU stadium. “The concerts were everything I hoped for, and I really liked the stadium layout,” Tamez said. “(ScHoolboy Q's performance) was definitely my favorite moment.” Tamez said he felt distanced from the bulk of last year's festival, so this year, he made sure to

EVENTS

The World of Wizardry comes to UH Saturday THE COUGAR NEWS SERVICES Students missing the nostalgic, imaginative books of their

childhood can look foward to the Student Program Board's latest event: a "Harry Potter"-themed festival taking place Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at the Student Center Circle Drive SPB has been revealing components of the festival since February, and so far students can expect Harry Potter-themed

gain access to one of the private parties. He stressed that this seems to be the best way to enjoy the event. “I had access to food and drinks and… there were music and games at the private party,” Tamez said. “So, I had a better time because of that compared to last year.” “Frontier Fiesta is definitely improving, but I definitely feel there should be more events that the general public can enjoy without being part of a private party,” Tamez said. “Many students were bored because they weren't part of a tent. The organization that plans this event should take elements from similar events, such as the carnival at the Rodeo, to bring in a larger crowd, even if it means charging a small entry fee to non-students to raise money to pay for it.” Although Tamez still “thinks there’s room for improvement,” he has high hopes for the Frontier Fiestas of the future. “I would definitely come back after graduation, so I hope it continues improving,” Tamez said. “Frontier Fiesta is something unique to UH, so I hope the University invests more into it.”

4602 DACOMA STREET

713-688-0600 6239 WESTHEIMER RD

713-780-1222 W W W.S M O K E A L L E Y.C O M

C H E C K O U T O U R I N S T O R E W E E K LY S P E C I A L S 420 S P E C I A L S A L L TH R O U G H TH E M O NTH O F A P R I L , P L U S R A F F L E G I V E A W AYS FIND US ON:

FINE GLASS, HOOKAHS, VAPORIZERS, E-CIGARETTES, INCENSE, & MUCH MORE

Welcome Home!

special when a It’sIt’sa aspecial dayday when a beautifully beautifully renovated brick renovated brick home set back on a home set back on a huge by fenced huge fenced lot surrounded trees, lotthree surrounded by trees, in a center just miles from the medical becomes available fordistance lease. to UH 3-minute walking central campus becomes available If you long for the feeling of seclusion forprivacy, lease. but need to live within and minutes of where you earn your living If youhome longwill for delight the feeling …this you.of See it in seclusion privacy, person, and and you’ll want tobut liveneed here!

to live within minutes of where

2.5 miles from the Medical Center, you earn your living… this home 7.4 miles from the Galleria, 5 miles from will delight you. See it in person, downtown Houston, walking distance to and want toCampus. live here! 2.5 the U you’ll of H Central

miles from the Medical Center,

arts@thedailycougar.com

Welcome Home!

food and drinks, as well as the chance to make their own wands, PC.indd 1 green-screen Harry Makris_Roseneath Potter photos, create magic flip books, view "The when a beautifully GobletIt’sofa special Fire" day and "The Deathly renovated brick home set back on a Hallows 2," and hugeParts fenced 1 lotand surrounded by win trees, just three miles the is medical free T-shirts. The from event freecenter to becomes available for lease. attend. If you long for the feeling of seclusion

and privacy, but need to live within arts@thedailycougar.com minutes of where you earn your living …this home will delight you. See it in person, and you’ll want to live here! 2.5 miles from the Medical Center,

Special Features ◆ Two 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath ◆ car, auto open

To7.4 learn more andthe arrange a tour miles from Galleria, 5 of this marvelous property contact: miles from downtown Houston, Karre Orton at 713-539-3034, walking distance to the U of H Karre@KarreOrton.com.

Central Campus.

Listed by Keller Williams Metropolitan Realty To learn more and arrange a MLS# 71829372

garage tour of this marvelous property ◆ Two car, auto open garage osmosis system contact: ◆ Reverse osmosis system ◆ Full granite counter tops in Karre kitchen Orton at 713-539-3034, ◆ Full granite counter tops in Karre@KarreOrton.com. ◆ Huge walk-in closet in master kitchen ◆ Jacuzzi bathtub ◆ Huge walk-in closetininmaster Listed by Keller Williams master PRSRT STD Metropolitan Realty U.S. POSTAGE ◆ Jacuzzi bathtub in master PAID MLS# 71829372 HOUSTON, TX ◆ Reverse

PERMIT NO. 600

Sp

◆T

◆R

◆ Fu

◆H ◆

J


6 | Wednesday, April 1, 2015

LIFE & ARTS

thedailycougar.com/life-arts

arts@thedailycougar.com

Joshua Cochran, EDITOR

(Top) British artist Cher Lloyd performed on Friday. | Sarah Hoffman/The Cougar

(Left) ScHoolboy Q dominated the TDECU Stadium Saturday, filling the stage — and then some. | Sarah Hoffman/The Cougar

Jorie Northrup, 3, poses with Shasta. | Mayra Delagarza/The Cougar

Crossing a new Frontier of entertainment A three-day UH tradition, Frontier Fiesta broke out its first weekend at TDECU Stadium with a smattering of festivities, activities and concerts, and each night was more hyped than the last. With the most costly entertainers yet, Frontier Fiesta proved it'll keep upscaling with the rest of UH when it brought in Cher Lloyd and ScHoolboy Q for its TDECU debut. Even if students weren't necessarily a part of a fraternity or sorority, Frontier Fiesta gave them a chance to engage with other organizations and services committed to enhancing student life on campus. On Saturday, Frontier Fiesta even opened up to families of UH alumni, with events specifically for kids that lasted until the early evening. With a new bar set, the University will have to wait until next year to see if Frontier Fiesta will outdo itself. — Joshua Cochran

Fiesta City was pumped with Cougar pride from day one. | Esteban Portillo/The Cougar

Ana Rodriguez said her rescued dog, Maggie Mae, wasn't safe with children at first, but she encouraged Maggie to become more sociable. | Mayra Delagarza/The Cougar


Wednesday, April 1, 2015 | 7

UNIVERSITY of HOUSTON SCHOOL of ART

APRIL 3-18 RECEPTION: 7-9 PM APRIL 3

10 AM- 5 PM TUES-SAT 120 FINE ARTS BUILDING (4173 ELGIN STREET)

© 2015 George Hixson

FREE ADMISSION + PARKING


4 | Wednesday, April 1, 2015

NEWS

thedailycougar.com/news

news@thedailycougar.com

Sara Samora, EDITOR

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Report Card: Reviewing the 51st administration GLISSETTE SANTANA

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @GSANTANA347

The 51st administration of the Student Government Association has come and gone, and with a new administration under the leadership of President Shaun Smith and Vice President Tanzeem Chowdhury on the horizon, we examined the major initiatives that distinguish President Charles Haston's administration from the ones before it. news@thedailycougar.com

How'd you think SGA did this year?

Tweet @thedailycougar

THE DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE presents,

Former SGA President Charles Haston addresses the senators of the 51st administration. | File Photo/The Cougar

THE DEAN’S AWARD To promote service to the University of Houston by recognizing students for their outstanding contributions to the quality of campus life through service, leadership and spirit. Online applications are available on the Dean of Students website at:

WWW.UH.EDU/DOS

For more information call:

832.842.6183

CRITERIA INCLUDE: • Demonstrated significant service and/or leadership; enthusiasm • Minimum 3.0 GPA; enrollment in at least 9 hours • Junior or Senior classification at the University of Houston

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 2, 2015

ADVISING

B+

GRADE:

THE RUNDOWN:

A huge issue among students, advising was a priority on the REDvolution platform when Haston and Vice President Erica Tat were elected. Bills were passed to ensure that UH's advisers were held to the highest standards, and new policies were implemented, including mandatory advising sessions every 30 credit hours and surveys sent out to students after every session. SGA did its best, but emphasis on advising was lost throughout the year as other issues arose.

FRESHMEN HOUSING

A-

GRADE:

THE RUNDOWN:

Arguably the biggest initiative this administration took on, freshmen housing was pushed to the top of SGA's docket after state senator and UH alumnus John Whitmire opposed a proposal to have all first-time-in-college freshmen live on campus. SGA urged the University to drop the commuter school label and adopt freshmen housing, providing research that shows on-campus living increases graduation rates and overall GPAs. UH decided to drop the proposal, and SGA dropped it from their docket. But props to SGA for keeping the conversation going, even when disagreements continually tried to derail it.

ADMINISTRATION

C-

GRADE:

THE RUNDOWN: Ongoing conflicts with the administration came to a head when SGA passed a No Confidence vote against Administration and Finance Vice President Carl Carlucci and his two deputies, Emily Messa and Esmeralda Valdez, after concerns about the lack of leadership surrounding auxiliary services, parking and transportation, HigherOne and other services. SGA jumped the gun when it came to presenting the facts and represented the students in the wrong way. While SGA had reasons to disagree with the way A&F was being run, local news stations picked up the story, shedding a negative light on the University and making SGA seem incompetent.

"STUDENTS FIRST" MINDSET

GRADE:

A

THE RUNDOWN: SGA has continually advocated for a "students first" mindset throughout the year, from tailgating at football games to crusading for the students at Board of Regents meetings. Something Haston has always backed, a "students first" mindset is getting more support than ever — new head football coach Tom Herman has looked to SGA to serve as advocates for the initiative.

OVERALL EVALUATION:

GRADE:

B

Throughout the school year, SGA hasn’t been afraid to let its point of view be known. Disagreements with the administration and the vote of No Confidence against Carlucci put SGA in a bad light among some in the UH community. However, that doesn’t erase the fact that they were acting for the students and, in actuality, put SGA’s name in the spotlight – gaining notoriety among the students and giving the student body more awareness of the powers SGA has. Haston promised change when he first got elected, and change the game he did. While the methods used may not have been the best, SGA did their job: advocate for the rights of the UH students.


8 | Wednesday, April 1, 2015

OPINION thedailycougar.com/opinion

opinion@thedailycougar.com

Kelly Schafler, EDITOR

DISCIMINATION

No-Hate Generation begins in high-school classroom ELIZABETH MURPHY

OPINION COLUMNIST

W

hen my mother was in high school, she could count the number of classmates she had who were people of color on one hand. She had no gay or lesbian friends, and the term "bisexual" wasn’t even part of her vocabulary. When I was 15 years old, I was one of three Caucasian people in my classroom of 10. I was also one of the only ones who identified as heterosexual. My high-school classmates were a diverse mash-up of languages, cultures and identities. Meeting someone who spoke three languages at home or regularly dressed up for cosplay was just part of life. It was what was expected as a child of the no-hate generation. The zero-tolerance bullying policy that schools claim to enforce was a reality at mine. Although it was put in place by the administrators, it was put into practice by the students.

Racial slurs and homophobic comments were surefire ways to lose friends. Smart kids were celebrated, not picked on. It was the exact opposite of the teenage sitcom stereotype. It’s no rare oasis, according to a 2010 study by the Pew Research Center, as it was reported that millennials are “more receptive than their elders to these newer patterns of behavior.” They are “the only generation to favor the legalization of gay marriage,” be “more supportive of efforts to ensure equal rights” and are generally more “confident, self-expressive, liberal, upbeat and open to change.” Not to mention, this generation is ripe with people striving to make a leap toward greater acceptance. For example, the viral NoH8 Campaign by photographer Adam Bouska was inspired by the passage of Proposition 8, which said that only marriage between a man and a woman is legally valid. But the scope of the campaign has grown to protest discrimination and

bullying of all kinds. According to the NoH8 website, the message of the movement "can be interpreted and applied broadly, and speaks to each person in their own way." All this makes for a generation primed for universal acceptance. More and more young people are moving away from prejudice, with one of the first places to accomplish this being the high school classroom. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “the capacity for a person to learn will never be greater than during adolescence." This makes emphasizing tolerance a high priority for many upperschool teachers. “I’ve always brought up controversial topics in class,” said Mark Chapman, a government and economics teacher at Bellaire High School. He said throughout his 26 years of teaching, he has pushed students to try to see things in a more complex manner. "I try to model acceptance and calm, rational discussion of contrasting viewpoints,” Chapman

The Program for Excellence in Selling

Join the leading sales program in the nation!

Deadline to apply for the Spring semester is April 17, 2014.

in www.bauer.uh.edu/sei

said. "I think my willingness to allow discussion of controversial topics also helps kids practice hearing others’ viewpoints in a more rational, safer way.” It is important for teenagers to be introduced to new ideas, and it is especially important for them to be introduced to these ideas at school, as many may not get the opportunity at home. School provides a neutral zone for young people to learn and develop their own ideas without fear of judgment. Class discussions can be a great forum for people to express their opinions and hear the opinions of others. And, as Chapman said, these discussions can help students find their own voices in the debate. “Adolescents are just trying to find their own identities, and the easiest way to begin that process is to just wholeheartedly accept what your parents tell you,” Chapman said. “That is our job (as teachers) — to push (students) to re-examine those attitudes and decide whether that’s the way they really feel.” Whether they grow up in households that are liberal, conservative or something in between, today’s teens and young adults are leaning more toward accepting one another. At the core, it’s not about liberalism or conservatism — it’s about people learning to understand and respect each other. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that approximately four out of five students receive a high-school diploma, and there is a volume of research available on today’s extensive university enrollment, but it is also simply the pendulum swinging. After years of seeing injustice and poor treatment of others, people are wondering what the point in all of this is. Seeing this injustice is what makes modern America more tolerant; people have had enough of intolerance. They see fewer reasons to not accept those of other races, religions and ideologies and more reasons to open themselves up to different ways of thinking. The millennial generation — the first one to grow up in a world without widely accepted racism, classism and homophobia — is poised to take the reins and make hatred a thing of the past. Opinion columnist Elizabeth Murphy is an advertising sophomore and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com.

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR IN CHIEF

Cara Smith

MANAGING EDITOR

Jenae Sitzes

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

SPORTS EDITOR

Sean Alder

LIFE & ARTS EDITOR

Joshua Cochran OPINION EDITOR

Christopher Shelton

Kelly Schafler

NEWS EDITOR

Justin Tijerina

COPY CHIEF

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Sara Samora Taelor Marquetti-Gadison

PHOTO 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 713-743-5384. 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.

ADVERTISEMENTS Advertisements in The Cougar do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the University or the students as a whole. The Cougar is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press.

studentpress.org/acp


thedailycougar.com/opinion

OPINION

Wednesday, April 1, 2015 | 9

BLUEPRINT’S PREP COURSE FOR THE JUNE LSAT BEGINS APRIL 4TH. GET ON IT.

Photo by Cara Smith/The Cougar

TO RECEIVE A $100 DISCOUNT ON A CLASSROOM COURSE, REGISTER WITH THE CODE SPRING100.

RADIO

Music now lacks substance, great talent REBEKAH BARQUERO

OPINION COLUMNIST

I

n1965, The Rolling Stones came out with “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” The Beatles annihilated the Billboard charts with “I Feel Fine” and “Yesterday,” and the classic “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher climbed the charts. Hit after hit, classic rock and revolutionary artists dominated popular music in this decade. Since this time of musical glory, chart-topping songs seem to be lacking in substance but abundance in explicit language. This change in music lyrics has had effects on young generations and our society as a whole. Music lyrics today makes it seem OK for people to use foul language because it’s what they're exposed to. Based on research from the American Academy of Pediatrics, “lyrics have become more explicit in their references to drugs, sex and violence over the years, particularly in certain genres. A teenager's preference for certain types of music could be correlated or associated with certain behaviors.” “Lyrics now reflect more on actions rather than emotions, which has a negative aspect on our society," said music junior Mike Ross. "The music industry lacks diversity, and many songs today have a pattern of being repetitive.” Fifty years ago, the lyrics from the top hits were more expressive, using words such as "sad," "happy," "heart," "home" and "smile," according to the research of artist

and researcher Nickolay Lamm. It seems that it has become easier for artists to express themselves through acts of violence and sex rather than use emotions and speech. It’s important for young people to know how to express their thoughts and feelings in positive ways. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, adolescents are greatly affected by what they listen to, with their music preference providing them with the means to "achieve group identity and integration into the youth culture." “Before, music was targeting a broader audience. Now, the music industry focuses on a more specific audience in order to prosper,” Ross said. Media outlets target an audience with each station and channel. This concept, known as demassification, has been consuming our society since the industrial revolution. The majority of popular music today has lost a true purpose to express ideas and share stories. It has become an industry with one goal — to make money. Because music labels and retailers gain more money than recording artists, it is not a surprise that this industry has become more of a capitalist corporation. Musicians have stopped doing what they love because it’s not as easy to make music and money simultaneously anymore. There are many small-town artists that never make it because of the way the industry is.

Technology has also played a major role in the type of music heard on the radio today. Less instruments and more electronic music has been seen throughout the decade. According to The New Yorker, musician and conductor John Philip Sousa predicted that recordings would lead to the demise of music roughly one hundred years ago. “Something is irretrievably lost when we are no longer in the presence of bodies making music," Sousa said. “The nightingale’s song is delightful because the nightingale herself gives it forth.” "Musicians" don’t need to learn music anymore to make it; they don’t need to write their lyrics or even play an instrument. Now it’s more about the performance and how they can make money. It’s important to listen to and learn about old music and respect the history of how music today came to be. Music will continue to evolve just as society does. And while we cannot change the way music is, we can change the way we look at music. Supporting local artists and revealing unique tunes to friends and family is a way to start. Society is already tainted with foul language and sexual music, but there are still artists and musicians that believe in playing instruments and powerful lyrics. Opinion columnist Rebekah Barquero is a print journalism sophomore and may be reached at opinion@ thedailycougar.com.

Your perfect

all nighter companion.


10 | Wednesday, April 1, 2015

CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

thedailycougar.com/classifieds

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

713–743–5356

Find a home. Find a job. Find it here.

PUZZLES

MONTESSORI SCHOOL Located in the museum district.

Looking for Subs/Assistants. 4, 6, and 8 hour shifts available

IDEAL FOR STUDENTS! Call 713-520-0738

The Briar Club is now seeking:

Available Positions

. Lifeguards . Servers . Swim Instructors . Deckhands . Camp Counselors . Cooks

Please submit your resume to: Email: personnel@thebriarclub.com Fax: 713-622-1366

SUMMER IN MAINE Males and females. Meet new friends! Travel! Teach your favorite activity. Tennis Canoe Waterski Gymnastics Silver Jewelry English Riding Copper Enameling Basketball Field Hockey Softball Newsletter Lacrosse Theater Costumer

Swim Sail Kayak Archery Rocks Ropes Art Pottery Office Photo Soccer Dance

June to August. Residential. Enjoy our website. Apply online TRIPP LAKE CAMP

for Girls:

1-800-997-4347 www.tripplakecamp.com

CAFE & BISTRO Memorial Location

Hiring for all positions (servers, drivers, host, cocktail waitress and bartenders). Full time and part time available Apply Monday - Friday from 2 pm - 6 pm Ask for Emerson

14714 Memorial Dr. Houston, Tx 77079 Looking for dependable, reliable and modivated.

BULLETIN BOARD Do you take great notes in class?

StudySoup will pay you $300-500 per course to be an Elite Notetaker and post your class notes. (Easy!) 2 hours per week max. *Limited Positions Available.

CATHOLIC MASS ON CAMPUS SUNDAYS: 10:45 AM - Religion Center 6:00 PM - Catholic Center WEEKDAYS: M, T, W, Th -12:00 Noon CATHOLIC NEWMAN CENTER Confession: Before or After Masses Office # (713) 748-2529

SHADYDALE CHURCH OF GOD 4626 Tronewood St. Houston, TX 77016 Sunday School 9:30am Sunday Worship 11:00am Wednesday 6:30pm Phone 713-631-5767 The Church Where Everyone is Somebody www.shadydalechurch.org

The secret to finding a job?

That’s Classified.

To learn more and apply check-out studysoup.com/apply/uh

Jobs. Apartments. Get more Classifieds daily at thedailycougar.com/classifieds

ACROSS   1 Explorer ___ de Leon   6 Fried fish complement 11 It makes waves 14 Like much testimony 15 Highly perturbed 16 Abduction ship, some say 17 Closest advisers 19 Behavioral quirk 20 It can buy bling 21 Court employee 23 Easily bent 26 Cordwood units 27 Dropped a clue 28 Post-verdict recourse 30 Diarist Frank 31 Primitive fishing tool 32 Nest egg for one’s golden years 35 Lay eyes on 36 Puts in the middle 38 Bon ___ (witty remark) 39 Be human, according to a saying 40 Nutmeg coverings 41 Fries, often 42 Surly and forbidding 44 They are sat on routinely 46 Handle a joystick

48 Purplish-red color 49 Punjabi police officer’s club 50 “I” affliction? 52 “Aladdin” prince 53 Jupiter and Saturn, for two 58 Fish eggs 59 Long bones 60 Practice piece for one instrument 61 What your wife may be called 62 Things wished upon 63 Determined to carry out DOWN   1 Air pressure meas.   2 ___ up to (admit)  3 “Smoking or ___?”   4 Prepare for inurnment   5 Dress like a judge  6 Where Santiago is   7 Wife of Zeus   8 Trigger finger problem?  9 Afghan currency 10 Phantasms 11 Old sci-fi TV series (with “The”) 12 Needing to be doused 13 Cocktail coolers, slangily

18 Word with “War” or “cuts” 22 Shepherd’s milieu 23 New moon, e.g. 24 Luxury ship 25 Densely populated areas 26 Work with a fighter 28 In a fitting way 29 They’re 16th of 26 31 Agitation 33 Fancy Drive 34 Had a homecooked meal 36 Guarded 37 Gaelic language 41 Bring to a total 43 Supportive sound 44 Tennis racket part 45 Certain cotton threads 46 Wake-up call alternative 47 Medalworthy behavior 48 Meltdown sites 50 Volcano in Sicily 51 Something to shift 54 Farthest or highest, briefly 55 Squirrel’s prize 56 It’s Tokyo now 57 Word to end a fight

COMICS Cynical Ted by Francis Emelogu

Puzzle answers online

thedailycougar.com/puzzles


Wednesday, April 1, 2015 | 11

SPORTS

thedailycougar.com/sports

sports@thedailycougar.com

Sean Alder, EDITOR

FOOTBALL

Houston and Herman: Embracing a new era SEAN ALDER

SPORTS EDITOR @SEAN_W_ALDER

With spring practice in full swing, Houston head football coach Tom Herman has gotten past any growing pains he might have had with making the transition to Houston from Ohio State. The former offensive coordinator made the Lone Star State his home after serving multiple tenures in Texas prior to Ohio State, and nobody is worried that his next endeavor will be any less successful. “I am just so excited about our future,” said President Renu Khator. “I know the team is going to play to his personality, full of energy. I just know we’re going to see a really great team.” Herman is just as excited, but he knows there is still work to be done before the team can tap into its full potential. “The level of execution is cer-

Herman has made a big point of putting the students first during his time at UH, but he hasn't forgotten about the players. He is always making sure he and the team are on the same page. | Sean Alder/The Cougar

tainly not where it needs to be, but they do go hard, and they’re buying into the culture that we’ve created here. They genuinely

want to succeed,” said Herman of his team. “We have to be the best team we can be, and our goal right now is to win the confer-

ence championship and maybe provide a platform to gain some national notoriety.” Herman’s enthusiastic

Participants will learn how to cook great food on a backcountry stove. No experience is necessary. The deadline to sign up for this clinic is Tuesday, 4/14 at 5pm.

INTRAMURAL SPORTS

ALL ADVENTURE DEMOS COST: $5

SPORT

REGISTRATION

EVENT TIME

Basketball Skills Competition

3/23-4/1 @ 7pm

4/1, 6pm - 10pm CRWC Main Gym

Basketball League 6 ft & under

3/23-4/2 @ 12pm

Capt. Meeting 4/2 @ 4pm

Tennis Singles

3/23-4/10 @ 3pm

4/10,3pm - 6pm Hoff Tennis Cts

Wallyball Doubles

3/23-4/15 @ 6pm

4/15, 6pm - 9pm Racquetball Cts

Golf Doubles

3/23-4/13 @ 12pm

4/17, 1pm - 6pm Southwycke Course

4/5-4/20 @ 12pm

Table Tennis Singles

4/13-4/24 @ 3pm

MAKING A CHANGE

Continues on page 12

Backcountry Cooking April 15, Starts: 5:30 pm

CAMPUS RECREATION

Floor Hockey (week tournament)

approach to the upcoming season has spread to more than just the administration and coaches, as some of the team’s most veteran players know the future will warrant success for both the current and future Cougars. “A lot of pressure is off you because you know that’s he’s working with you instead of against you,” said senior safety Adrian McDonald. “Whenever we leave here, hopefully he’s still bringing in big time recruits and building this other half of the stadium up.” Herman couldn't make all of this happen on his own — students outside of athletics helped him get used to life at UH. The Student Government Association was one of the first organizations Herman turned to, and they

4/27-4/30 MAC 4/24, 3pm - 6pm Racquetball Cts

Surfing April 29 Starts 5:30 pm

This adventure demo will present a solid foundation for how to surf. No experience is necessary. The deadline to sign up for this demo is Tuesday, 4/28 at 5pm.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Fri-Sun 4/10-4/12

Canoe Village Creek

UH Student $100 Guest $150

Fri-Sun 4/17-4/19

Bouldering at Enchanted Rock

UH Student $125 Guest $175

Fri-Sun 4/24-4/26 Lonestar Hiking Trail

UH Student $100 Guest $150

A full OA trip schedule and Adventure Demos can be found online.

GET REC’D

UH.EDU/RECREATION 713-743-7529 (PLAY)

713-743-9512

STRENGTHENING THE PRIDE


12 | Wednesday, April 1, 2015

SPORTS

thedailycougar.com/sports

MAKING A CHANGE

Continued from page 11 worked to make sure that his visit was worthwhile. “The first thing he did when he came to us was ask how can we get involved, how can we help you, how can we be good partners for the University,” said SGA President Charles Haston. “He really set the stage for a partnership that we've never seen before with this department, and that’s pretty special.” The warm welcome that Herman has encouraged with his

sports@thedailycougar.com

“students first” campaign will leave a lasting impression on those he has taken the time for. Haston is excited to see where the program will go under Herman’s guidance. “He comes to us and asks us for help and for advice about how to reach students, the best places to go and times to go and things of that nature,” said Haston. “He’s somebody that understands the importance of putting students first and recognizing them, and it’s great seeing things like this move forward.” Khator encouraged the UH

Sean Alder, EDITOR

community to appreciate how much Herman wants to be involved in their success, regardless of whether they are a part of athletics. The addition of Herman doesn't stray far from her dream for the University. “The only thing I can do is sell the dream as to where the potential is, where we could go and where he could take us,” said Khator. “I think people like to be the change, they like to make a difference, and I think that’s what Coach Herman came here for.” sports@thedailycougar.com

Homers and a walk-off win

President Renu Khator and former SGA President Charles Haston have made sure Herman feels prepared for his time at UH. | Sean Alder/The Cougar

Senior catcher Kris Davila led the offense. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

The Cougars hosted a March 25 double-header with the Texas A&M - Corpus Christi Islanders and split the series as seven home runs were hit. Senior pinch hitter Sydney Gerbracht homered and senior catcher Kris Davila put the Cougars on top in their 9-8 win as she went 3-3 with two home runs, and her successful bunt in the bottom of the ninth allowed the go-ahead run to score.

OFFERING LOANS TO ALL NEEDING-MORE-THAN-100%FINANCING COUGARS. Need more? We can do that for you! TDECU can finance up to 103% on your home loan to help minimize your out-of-pocket costs. We can even sweeten this deal for you. We’ll give you up to $1,000 off your closing costs, and if we can’t meet or beat a competitor’s rate on the purchase or refinance of your home, we’ll give you $250 after closing. More is always better, so don’t wait! Contact TDECU Mortgage or stop by our member center located in the Student Center.

Apply today! Be YOU and Belong.

TDECU.org/mortgage 800.839.1154 x4614 Credit approval required. Certain terms and conditions may apply. Additional loan options available for primary residence, second home, and investment properties. The offer for payment of closing costs applies to new purchases and refinances only. Loans of $100,001 or more will receive $1,000 off closing costs. Loans less than $100,000 will receive $500 off closing costs. We require the Truth in Lending, Good Faith Estimate and HUD-1 closing statement from the competitor for comparison purposes in order to receive the $250 if we can’t meet or beat your qualified rate. Visit TDECU.org/mortgage for complete loan requirements. Offer valid through June 30, 2015 exclusively to the students, faculty/staff and alumni of the University of Houston, and cannot be combined with any other TDECU Mortgage offer. Federally insured by NCUA. 6002.9-MtgApr1

7598.09 March 30 UH Branch Mortgage 10x7 Ad v02.indd 1

3/27/15 12:39 PM


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.