Issue 12, Volume 86 (3.24.2021)

Wednesday, March 24, 2021 | 1

@thedailycougar www.thedailycougar.com Est. 1934

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Issue 12, Volume 86

How Sweet!

How the culture Houston has built catapulted the Cougars into another March Madness run. | PG. 7 NEWS From the beginning, the UH community quickly responded to the public health crisis. | PG. 2

LIFE AND ARTS

OPINION

A year later, UH party culture remains crippled by the coronavirus pandemic. | PG. 6

Politicians continue to prioritize their self-interests over those of the people. | PG. 10

2 | Wednesday, March 24, 2021

NEWS

SYDNEY ROSE & EDITORS AMINAH TANNIR,

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/NEWS

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

CORONAVIRUS

From frontlines to laboratories: UH’s impact on COVID-19 relief HAYA PANJWANI

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @HAYAPANJW

When the coronavirus pandemic hit last March, UH students, faculty and alumni were quick to respond.

From being on the frontlines and supporting those affected by the virus, to helping people who were indirectly hurt by the pandemic, the University’s impact did not just help Houstonians, but Americans as well.

At the very beginning of the pandemic when New York had the highest coronavirus infection rates, UH nursing student Raul Silva was called to assist at the former epicenter of the outbreak.

“Nursing is my profession. It is what I will retire from,” Silva told UH. “Obtaining my BSN is an accomplishment not only for me, but my family as well. I want to bring pride to them.”

Silva wasn’t the only member of the UH community to head to New York.

Alex Herrmann, a former UH decathlete left his life in Denver, also at the start of the pandemic, to serve in Bronx, New York. Both Silva and Herrmann endured long shift hours and crowded intensive care units.

“I wish I was (there) a little sooner, could have done more when it was bad,” Herrmann told the Houston Chronicle.

Gerald Sastra/The Cougar

The UH impact stretched beyond the frontlines and into people’s homes.

Funds from the Cullen Trust for Education, awarded to the University, allowed the school to provide immediate food assistance to those in need. In its partnership with the Houston Food Bank, UH is working to relieve food insecurity during the coronavirus pandemic.

A portion of that grant went to the UH Cougar Cupboard, a food pantry on campus established in

January 2020 as a part of the Food for Change market network.

While working with communities struggling economically, UH economist Bill Gilmer kept a steady eye on the impact of the virus on the Houston community.

Gilmer predicted financial hits on key industries when speaking to UH in March 2020.

“This hits Houston sectors that sell goods outside the region,” Gilmer said to UH. “Oil and

gas are No. 1, but any company with sales that cross Houston boundaries, including Sysco, Waste Management, AIG and Men’s Warehouse, (is affected).”

Gilmer was joined by other UH faculty in his work to make information and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 clearer for Houstonians.

In research fueled by the Texas Center for Superconductivity at UH and Medistar, director Zhifeng Ren and company CEO Monzer

Hourani developed an air filter that “catches and kills” the coronavirus.

“This filter could be useful in airports and in airplanes, in office buildings, schools and cruise ships to stop the spread of COVID-19,” Ren said. “Its ability to help control the spread of the virus could be very useful for society.”

The device had phased rollout into what they determined to be “high-priority venues,” like hospitals, health care facilities, schools or public transport.

Most notably though, the University has learned to adapt.

Providing guidance on how to best handle groceries, and offering virtual campus tours, the school learned how to function beyond the parameters set by the pandemic. The Class of 2020 was able to graduate virtually, and now they can anticipate walking across a stage in May 2021.

Through the innovation, research and community building that has come from the pandemic, the school is hopeful to return to in-person learning next semester.

Provost Paula Myrick Short told students this month, “Looking forward to the Fall 2021 semester, we anticipate that all members of our campus community will have the opportunity to receive a vaccine over the next few months.” news@thedailycougar.com

COMMENCEMENT

Students react to return of in-person commencement RAVEN WUEBKER

STAFF WRITER @RAVENWUEBKER

With the COVID-19 vaccine becoming more available for faculty and students, the University announced that it will hold commencement ceremonies in-person.

The announcement came on March 11 confirming graduation will be held May 10-16.

“I am very happy about being able to graduate in person,” said supply chain management senior Alex Huffman. “I had always envisioned myself being able to walk across the stage. Although we are in unprecedented times, I think the University’s COVID19 policies should mitigate the situation well.”

The ceremony is set to take place in-person, however, it will also be live-streamed for those not able or comfortable attending.

Due to the current decision made by the University, students

such as English senior Taylor Thomas are still cautious as to what this means for the future and a possible outbreak.

“The idea of a mass outbreak due to the graduation is the obvious concern, but personally, if even one person got seriously ill over it, I would feel guilty in participating,” Thomas said. “No one needs to go through that, potentially develop long-term complications or die so that I can have a moment of happiness.”

Tickets for guests will be required, but the amount of guests allotted per student has yet to be decided.

With this unknown, students like Huffan remain concerned about the amount of family and friends that will be able to attend.

“I have concerns about family members being able to attend,” Huffman said. “In a perfect world, I would want my grandparents and extended family to attend, but I know that that may not be a wise

decision yet.”

The commencement ceremony will take place outdoors as well, with all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines implemented to further reduce exposure.

Despite the precautions and regulations that will be observed, some students such as Thomas are still not comfortable attending the in-person graduation, feeling the risk is too great.

“In regards to an in-person graduation, I don’t personally feel comfortable going,” Thomas said.

“I don’t think a mass gathering for pleasure or validation is necessary. I can understand why some would want to go or feel differently than I do, but that is how I personally feel about it.

For me, the idea of attending a graduation is entirely a bonus to the actual achievement of my degree, so I will not be attending.”

According to the announcement by the University, plans are still

Gerald Sastra/The Cougar

being developed with more details and notifications released in the weeks ahead. Additionally, dates, times and format of graduation are subject to change.

“When I think of graduation, I picture myself walking across the stage as my family cheers in the audience,” said journalism senior Sydney Davis. “After 2020,

we wouldn’t have guessed that in just a few short months, UH is allowing us to have an in-person commencement. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to have a sense of normalcy with the vaccination approaching, and change is near.” news@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, March 24, 2021 | 3 SYDNEY ROSE & EDITORS AMINAH TANNIR,

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/NEWS

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

NEWS

CORONAVIRUS

Coronavirus: what we’ve learned in a year AMINAH TANNIR

NEWS EDITOR @AMOUNAJT

Over the last year, the world has been reeling from the massive changes brought about by the coronavirus.

Although not much was known about the virus this time last year, there are now three authorized vaccines being used to combat COVID-19 in the United States and many more around the world.

The effort put in by scientists around the world brought us to our current knowledge on the virus and how to mitigate its spread, far from where the world was when it all started.

Back in December 2019, there were reports in Wuhan, China, regarding a pneumonia outbreak, that we now know is one of the severe consequences of contracting the virus.

The World Health Organization, in cooperation with Chinese health officials, announced that the virus at the root of these infections had some evidence of human-tohuman transmission, later urging countries to prepare for the threat.

It wasn’t established exactly how the virus was transmitted between people, whether through droplets,

Courtesy of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention

contact or other means.

Later in March, however, it was established that the methods of transmission included airborne, droplets, contact and mother-tochild.

Evidence was gathered only a month later that passing the coronavirus on to others is possible before any symptoms manifested in an infected person.

With these possible modes of transmission confirmed, masks were put into practice to reduce the spread, especially from those that are asymptomatic and moving throughout communities.

Newer symptoms, like loss

of taste and smell, began to be reported aside from shortness of breath, fever and chills.

Out of over 100 potential vaccines vying for the Food and Drug Administration emergency authorization, Pfizer beat many to the punch being the first authorized vaccine in December 2020.

It was a recently developed mRNA vaccine that carries instructions for cells to produce a portion of the spike protein that’s unique to the coronavirus.

The produced spike protein will then be displayed on a cell’s surface so the immune system can create

antibodies to combat any foreign bodies that carry the same protein.

The Moderna vaccine is the only other mRNA vaccine with emergency authorization from the FDA for distribution. Johnson & Johnson followed with their viral vector vaccine.

With these newly developed vaccines, the UH community is slowly easing back into a sense of normalcy with classes in the fall returning to in-person formats, but the University continues to heed the advice of local health officials.

This past semester, vaccines were made available on campus to eligible recipients along with COVID-19 testing kiosks in front of the student centers.

In a letter to UH students and faculty earlier this year, College of Medicine dean Stephen Spann urged for diligence despite the light at the end of the tunnel.

Spann warned that although vaccines will be available to the public, mask wearing and social distancing will still be necessary to break the chain of infection.

“It will take all these tools to win this fight,” Spann said. “But I’m confident we can do it.” news@thedailycougar.com

VACCINE

UH receives another shipment of COVID-19 vaccines JHAIR ROMERO

EDITOR IN CHIEF @JUSTJHAIR

UH has been allocated 1,170 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from the Texas Department of State Health Services and will begin distributing them at the Student Health Center on Wednesday and Thursday.

Students, faculty and staff who fall under Texas’ Phase 1A-C and federal education and childcare guidelines are eligible and can book an appointment for the on-campus mass vaccination clinic.

Many within the UH community have already begun to receive emails and campus communications with instructions on how to book an appointment for the vaccine.

This marks the second time since the Student Health Center was approved as a distribution site in January that UH has been allocated vaccine doses.

The University received a shipment of 1,000 Moderna vaccine doses in late February

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR IN CHIEF

Jhair Romero

MANAGING EDITOR

Donna Keeya WEB EDITOR

Mason Vasquez NEWS EDITORS

Sydney Rose Aminah Tannir ASSTISTANT NEWS EDITORS

Haya Panjwani Ashley Gwananji

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

James Mueller OPINION EDITOR

Jordan Hart

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Juana Garcia

ASSISTANT CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Gerald Sastra COPY CHIEF

Zai Davis

SPORTS EDITOR

Andy Yanez

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 Juana Garcia/The Cougar

and distributed them in early March. UH, which had spent some time searching for a corporate partner to aid in the mass distribution process, partnered with Walgreens in its most recent vaccination event.

Although current qualifying requirements target those more at risk of COVID-19, President Joe Biden recently directed all states to open eligibility to everyone over 18.

UH, under the assumption that

most of the campus community will be vaccinated or have access to a COVID-19 vaccine by then, has already paved the way for classes and activities to return to pre-pandemic formats by fall. news@thedailycougar.com

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

4 | Wednesday, March 24, 2021

NEWS

SYDNEY ROSE & EDITORS AMINAH TANNIR,

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/NEWS

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

VACCINE

All Texas adults to be eligible for vaccine starting next week HAYA PANJWANI

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @HAYAPANJW

All adults in Texas will be eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine beginning next Monday, the state announced Tuesday morning, paving the way for many college students who didn’t qualify under older guidelines to get vaccinated.

Vaccine supplies are expected to increase within the next week, the Texas Department of State Health Services said in a Tuesday statement, allowing the state to widen its eligibility requirements.

“We are closing in on 10 million doses administered in Texas, and we want to keep up the momentum as the vaccine supply increases,” said Imelda Garcia, DSHS associate commissioner for laboratory and infectious disease services.

“As eligibility opens up, we are asking providers to continue to prioritize people who are the most at risk of severe disease,

hospitalization and death – such as older adults,” Garcia added.

About 9.7 million doses of vaccine have been administered in Texas, with about 11 percent of the state population fully vaccinated.

UH classes and activities, under the assumption that most of the campus community will be vaccinated or have access to a COVID-19 vaccine by the fall, are set to return to pre-pandemic formats next semester.

The news comes as UH prepares to put on another mass vaccination clinic on campus, albeit before the new guidelines kick in. The University received 1,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine that will be distributed on Wednesday and Thursday.

UH had previously distributed more than 1,000 Moderna COVID-19 vaccines on campus to eligible UH students, faculty and staff in February. news@thedailycougar.com

At UH’s first on-campus mass vaccination event, an administrator prepares a dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. All Texas adults will soon be eligible for vaccination under new state guidelines. | Courtesy of UH

NATION

UH organizations take stand against anti-Asian hate crimes BINH TANG

STAFF WRITER

As a reaction to the Atlanta shooting that left eight people, including six women of Asian descent, dead, organizations around campus have spoken out against the wave of anti-Asian hate crimes around the country.

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion and Counseling and Psychological Services are among the organizations speaking out after the shootings.

“The killing spree in Atlanta, GA that claimed the lives of eight people is one of the many visible manifestations of hateful words birthing hateful action,” the CDI said on Twitter. “In solidarity with the AAPI community, we stand against these hateful acts as they are the antithesis of the shared values of CDI and the UH community.”

On the same day, CAPS joined in on the advocacy for a community that has seen a rise in hate crimes since the beginning of the pandemic.

“In solidarity with the Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, we stand against these acts that damage our society and that are counter the values of CAPS and our UH

Gerald Sastra/The Cougar

community,” CAPS said.

Some UH students have been left fearful after the shootings, which has pushed the issue of anti-Asian hate crimes into the national spotlight. “(I feel) scared and angry.

I’m afraid to even go outside because I’m scared something will happen,” said computer

information systems junior Brian Tan. Since March 2020, there have been 3,795 reports of hate incidents against the AAPI community, according to the CDI statement.

“I have (experienced racism) right before the pandemic started, people would cover their noses

with their shirts when I walked past,” Tan said. “I think the racism stemmed from COVID-19, like when they found out that the virus originated from China.”

Mike Nguyen, the owner of a ramen shop in San Antonio, was a recent target.

Nguyen’s restaurant was vandalized with racist graffiti

followed by his interview with CNN on Gov. Greg Abbot’s lift of mask mandate.

“We’re not going to get past this unless we’re unified,” Nguyen told The Washington Post. “The longer we’re divided, we’re only going to go backwards.” news@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, March 24, 2021 | 5 SYDNEY ROSE & EDITORS AMINAH TANNIR,

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/NEWS

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

LIFE ANDNEWS ARTS

MOVIES

The Cougar Reviews: ‘Coming 2 America’ plays it carefully CHRISTOPHER CHARLESTON

STAFF WRITER @CHRISTOPHEASTON

If the 1988 John Landis comedy “Coming to America” is anything short of an exceptional work of cinematic art, no one ever told me.

Drake, on his 2013 song titled “Tuscan Leather,” rapped the lyrics relating to the film and Eddie Murphy’s character, helping to solidify himself as the king of flexes and providing young men everywhere with one more social media-worthy caption.

But the bar was culturally relatable because of the film that it references.

At one point, everyone wanted to live like Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy), the heir to the throne of the fictional African nation Zamunda.

“Coming to America” is one of the many projects Murphy starred in during what was an unmatched hot streak of films by the comedian and actor in the 1980s.

It’s also arguably his best.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that a sequel has been in the works for some time now.

When production began on “Coming 2 America” in 2019, it was clear that receiving the interest from a generation of fans that has aged significantly since the original film’s release would be an uphill battle.

With a new director and writer combination on board, recapturing the Zamundan magic was going

Gerald Sastra/The Cougar

to be a task that some saw as unnecessary.

Sequels to classic films are seldom received in a positive light, and “Coming 2 America” has been no exception.

Despite impressive streaming numbers, the film hasn’t been wellreceived among the elders of the culture.

The sequel follows Prince Akeem during a period of transition, marked by the impending death of his father, King Jaffe Joffer (James Earl Jones).

As nations are weakest during the transitioning of leadership, the leader of Zamunda’s rival country, Nextdooria, threatens Akeem with war if there is no way for their

countries to work together.

The problem is that Akeem has no son to marry the daughter of Nextdooria ruler General Izzi (Wesley Snipes).

While each of Akeem’s three daughters are clearly suitable to one day take over for their father, for some reason, it must be a boy.

This piece to the plot is so overtly sexist that it comes across only as an obvious and lazily written area for growth that will surely be resolved by the end of the film.

Taking the throne with no clear heir would leave him vulnerable, and Akeem fears an assassination attempt on his life if this were to happen.

King Joffer then informs Akeem

he has a son back in America, and through a bit of really cool Scorseseesque de-aging technology, we can see how this came to be.

This is where criticism of the film is certainly warranted. The story presented in which Prince Akeem helped conceive a child under conditions he failed to remember for 30-plus years is both a cinematic reach and obnoxiously convenient.

Akeem and his best pal Semmi (Arsenio Hall) once again head to America, this time to find Akeem’s son and bring him back to Zamunda.

Jermaine Fowler does a tremendous job as Lavelle, the son Akeem never knew. The scenes that include his mother, played by Leslie

Jones, are some of the funniest in the film.

Back in Zamunda, Lavelle must learn to be a king, and it doesn’t come naturally to him one bit.

With the help of his streetwise uncle (Tracy Morgan), Lavelle slowly learns what it means to be a leader and how one must fight through adversity with class and elegance.

In the end, nothing that happens in the film is much of a surprise.

The loose ends are all tied up, and Lavelle eventually finds his rightful place in Zamunda.

The film is a feel-good family flick if there ever was one, and the writers do an excellent job at preserving the comedic integrity of the original film, while still writing for laughs with the current cultural context in mind.

“Coming 2 America” is an enjoyable watch if you are looking for a few chuckles that remind you of its predecessor, just don’t expect much more.

Murphy recently revealed an early idea for the sequel included Michael B. Jordan as his son, with Black Panther’s Ryan Coogler attached to direct.

For reasons that could never make sense, Murphy rejected the pitch.

Though the final result is a decent product, the revelation is sure to leave many cinephiles forever wondering, what if? arts@thedailycougar.com

TELEVISION

Students weigh in on new Netflix feature limiting password sharing ASHLEY GWANANJI

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @ASHLEYGWANAN

Netflix has begun to introduce two-factor authentication among its users, a new move to crack down on password sharing.

As part of the new feature, some Netflix users will receive the following message before watching their favorite shows: “If you don’t live with the owner of this account, you need your own account to keep watching.”

Confirming the message requires the input of a code sent to the account owner by text or email.

The announcement of the limited-feature startled users as

sharing passwords might come to an end. For many, it is a costefficient way to keep up with their favorite shows and movies.

However, Netflix claims the twofactor authentication is for security purposes.

While users are free to give their passwords to others, their account also becomes more susceptible to hackers.

But it is not only their Netflix account imposing a risk with each share. With people often reusing their passwords across many sites, users could also risk having their accounts beyond Netflix compromised.

As a result, the two-factor authorization blocks unwanted

Gerald Sastra/The Cougar

outsiders, leaving accounts secure.

Although the feature is still in its early stages, widespread criticism of it has arisen.

Like many, supply chain management senior Yemi Falae believes it is unnecessary.

“While I understand the need

for security measures within technology, I feel this infringes on allowed accessibility,” Falae said.

“Subscribers already can log-out everyone accessing their account, so this is not necessary.”

Despite its ability to secure accounts, Falae believes the two-

factor authorization is a nuisance and will make it harder for family members or friends to log in.

However, what is an inconvenience to consumers might

NETFLIX

Continues on page 6

6 | Wednesday, March 24, 2021

LIFE AND ARTS NEWS

SYDNEY ROSE & EDITORS AMINAH TANNIR,

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/LIFE-ARTS

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

CORONAVIRUS

UH party culture still affected by coronavirus pandemic

Juana Garcia/The Cougar

SYDNEY ROSE

NEWS EDITOR @SYDNEY_ROSEY

Before the coronavirus pandemic, a reality for many college students was long lines outside of clubs with music bumping. Now, as a year of social distancing and staying inside passes by, students reflect on how going out is a part of the college experience.

With UH being a school with a majority of commuters, the college experience can be hard to grasp for some, especially with the addition of a pandemic.

For students like public relations senior Jacqueline Rojas, the pandemic putting a stop to going out also had affected her social life.

“I think parties are simply part of college culture, regardless of UH being a predominantly commuting

NETFLIX

Continued from page 5 provide more benefits to Netflix.

Within the streaming service industry, Netflix faces stiff competition among other platforms like Disney+, HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video.

Although it ranks number one in terms of subscribers, its competitor Disney+ is predicted to surpass Netflix in 2025, according to Forbes.

As they look to maintain

school, many students look forward to experiencing college parties,” Rojas said. “I personally got that out of my system during my freshman and sophomore year, but I feel for the underclassmen who were excited to experience that.”

As Rojas grew older in her college years, she did not go out to UH parties as much as just go out for drinks with classmates and friends, until the pandemic made that harder.

“Whenever the pandemic started, it negatively affected the way I’d make friends at school due to not being able to spend time with them,” Rojas said.

While students such as Rojas are missing the days of their college experience before coronavirus, freshmen and students just starting theirs have no idea what that

experience partying was like in a time before the virus.

“I feel like my time at UH has been completely different compared to people I know that went to college earlier,” said music education freshman Maddie May. “I feel like I haven’t gotten to learn about the UH college traditions or get a real college experience.”

May was not a big partying person in high school and was looking forward to trying the experience out when she got to UH, she said.

Even as far as personal UH experiences, Extra Credit, a rooftop bar within walking distance from the campus, has closed amid the pandemic.

As businesses are beginning to open once again, students are debating whether they want to go out as the world transitions back to

pre-COVID-19 times.

“Once it is deemed safe by the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to go out and live a normal life, I definitely look forward to getting back into some parties and tailgates,” said management information systems and marketing sophomore Navid Hasan. “The normal life definitely will have its perks, and I think it will be good for everyone’s mental health to go out to socialize and live life.”

Hasan agrees going out to these clubs and party events was a way to meet people and relax after a long week of classes, he said.

“UH parties and events were something I looked forward to, as they always provided me with a fun experience to meet new people and grow a friend group,” Hasan said.

“The whole process of preparing and getting yourself to a party was

an adventure, and the people you meet along the way would start to become your friends.”

Yet, the partying has not stopped with some other college campuses, Hasan said. He is really disappointed with how people on other campuses are treating the virus and continuing a club culture and party lifestyle as nothing has changed.

Social lives affected by social distancing have hope of returning back to normal as going out becomes an option soon enough and students are cautious but excited.

“I think I will go out, but not very often,” May said. “I’ve gotten used to just hanging out with my close friends and staying in that I think I prefer that to going out.”

subscribers and gain new ones, Netflix is testing new ways to increase viewership and subscribers.

One of those ways could be the two-factor authorization, which public relations senior Eno Oduok believes will drive up the streaming giant’s user count.

“I think it will help them reduce the number of unpaid users borrowing the accounts of paid users,” Oduok explains. “It will also help reduce the number of users watching shows on the account at

the same time.”

However, Netflix also risks potential user turnover with the implementation of new features.

Potentially driving freeloaders to get their accounts might push potential users to their competitors.

Falae, who primarily uses Hulu, shares her reluctance to use Netflix with its ongoing changes.

“They’ve already announced subscription prices increasing, and customers know if it’s more than the allotted screens, they’ll

pay more,” she explains. “I don’t think Netflix will listen to their subscribers until they all amass and shift to Hulu.”

“Over the years, I’ve already been reluctant to use Netflix for the simple fact their large variety lacks quality. I’m primarily a Hulu user because I can catch up on my favorite shows the day after airing instead of waiting a year for Netflix to release the season.” Falae continues.

With the changes possibly doing more harm than good, Falae and

Oduok believe there is one way Netflix can increase viewership and reduce prices. “(Two-factor authorization) is an interesting way to increase their subscriber account, but at the same time, it’ll be inconvenient for the users,” Oduok said. “Their current pricing plan to stream is cost-efficient for most people, but I do believe they would gain more subscribers if they reduced their price.”

arts@thedailycougar.com

arts@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, March 24, 2021 | 7 ANDY YANEZ, EDITOR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/SPORTS

SPORTS NEWS

@THECOUGARSPORTS

MEN’S BASKETBALL

With UH on verge of elimination, it relied on its culture to advance to the Sweet 16

Houston players Caleb Broodo (left), Quentin Grimes (24), Ryan Elvin (middle) and Brison Gresham (55) celebrate the Cougars’ victory over Rutgers in their second round game in the NCAA Tournament on March 21, 2021 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. | Courtesy of UH athletics

ANDY YANEZ

SPORTS EDITOR @AYANEZ_5

Throughout the entire 2020-21 season, a campaign marred by COVID-19 protocols, postponements, on top of unorthodox scheduling and other challenges, one word continuously came up with the Houston men’s basketball program — culture.

When UH battled through a game against South Carolina in early December without head coach Kelvin Sampson on the sidelines due to contact tracing, the Cougars overcame a secondhalf deficit to win with assistant coach Quannas White at the helm.

“It was a great culture win,” Sampson told reporters after that game. “We built a great culture, and when I talked to the guys before the game, I said, ‘You don’t have to win the game, but our culture does.’ I thought our second half was a great indicator of that.”

When the Cougars lost sophomore guard Caleb Mills in January after he decided to transfer away, the team didn’t skip a beat. Instead, UH went on an

eight-game winning streak.

Countless other occasions followed, such as senior forward Fabian White returning in nine months from an ACL injury to join the team in a late-run, or freshman guard Tramon Mark lifting the Cougars past the Memphis Tigers on a half-court heave. Once again, the prominent word — culture.

Last Sunday, another moment was added to the list. After No. 10 seed Rutgers hit a 3-pointer to go up by 10 in the second half, the No. 2 seed Cougars’ season seemed like it was coming to an end.

Resilience Senior guard DeJon Jarreau had just been flattened out by a pick on an inbounds play that left him on the floor of the Unity court at Lucas Oil Stadium. He then checked out of the game, and the Scarlet Knights were on the top of momentum mountain.

Then White hit a contested hook shot over a sea of Rutgers players, and on the next possession, he fired a 3-pointer from the top of the key without

hesitation to cut the deficit to seven.

“Boy, did we need that,” Sampson said after Sunday’s second round game. “That was a big, big possession. They had some momentum going. A lot of time left, but they had some really positive momentum going at that time.”

Just the day before on Saturday morning, the Atascocita native had pointed out how his goal was to help his team any way possible after coming back early from his injury.

“I wasn’t even supposed to play this year,” White said. “I just want to be impactful whether it be rebounding, getting stops on the defensive end or scoring … We’re trying to advance as much as possible.”

The Cougars, however, still found themselves down nine with six minutes left.

That is when Jarreau decided to play through all the pain. He had been dealing with a hip pointer injury since the opening minute of UH’s first-round game against Cleveland State.

“My hip hurt so bad. I just ain’t want to go home … There was no way I was coming out the game,” Jarreau said. “Coach Sampson kept asking me, was I all right, am I OK? Inside I wasn’t OK, but I just wanted to win so bad. I don’t want it to end that way. I love this team.

We (are) so close-knitted. We a family. I just didn’t want to let these guys down.”

With Jarreau leading the team through the final minutes of Sunday’s game, UH was prepared to fight through the end of the game, regardless of what the outcome resulted in.

A Third Ward ending The Cougars slowly clawed at the Scarlet Knights’ lead.

3-pointers from Jarreau and junior guard Quentin Grimes and free throws eventually led to the game hanging in the balance with just seconds left.

UH needed a stop, and Rutgers kept slowing the clock down as it looked to attack Jarreau and capitalize on his limited movement.

The Cougars kept the Scarlet

Knights from scoring and went to the other end to tie. Jarreau took the shot to cap off the Hollywood ending, but what happened instead ended up being a ThirdWard special.

Jarreau’s shot was short, bouncing straight into the direction of Mark, who timed his jump perfectly to meet the ball in the air and guide it back through the hoop as a swarm of Rutgers players aimed to stop him and fouled him in the process. After making the free-throw, UH went up by one and never surrendered the lead. The improbable had become the reality.

“Man, that was a culture play ... toughness play ... Tramon, he a warrior,” Jarreau said. “Happy he was the one to do it. It paid off for him. He’s been through so much this season. Just to see him just come in and fly and get the offensive rebound, that’s just stuff we work on. I’m happy the stuff we work on is coming out in the games.”

CULTURE

Continues on page 9

8 | Wednesday, March 24, 2021

SPORTS NEWS

ANDY YANEZ, EDITOR

@THECOUGARSPORTS

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/SPORTS

SOFTBALL

UH veterans playing ‘vital role’ in team’s success amid adversity

Houston softball redshirt senior outfielder Lindsey Stewart-Vaughn makes contact with the ball during a late evening contest in the 2021 season. | Courtesy of UH athletics

JUSTIN ALVAREZ

STAFF WRITER @R0CKETMAN3

It was the third inning of a game against No. 7 Oklahoma State. The Houston softball team had only one hit and trailed by two runs, and after two quick outs to start, it wasn’t looking promising when redshirt senior outfielder Lindsey StewartVaughn stepped up to the plate for the Cougars.

The OSU game was UH’s third in the Oklahoma Classic Hall of Fame weekend tournament, and the team was in danger of being swept right out of Oklahoma after losing both games in the previous day’s doubleheader.

In addition to the losses, the team was staring down the barrel of an eight-game losing streak that had been plagued with firstinning issues that always had the team playing from behind, and an inconsistent offense that was averaging one run per game during the streak.

Then, when it needed it most, senior leadership came through for the UH softball team.

Vaughn sparked the two-out

rally with her second hit of the game when she singled her way on base. Followed by a walk, the stage was set for redshirt senior infielder Sarah Queen.

Queen uncorked her teamleading seventh home run of the year when she launched a threerun shot to left-center to give her team the lead, providing all of UH’s offense after she singled in another run in the fifth inning to give them the win 4-2.

UH’s biggest win of the year showed that as the Cougars’ veterans go, so does the team.

Veteran reliance With both of them placed near the top of every UH softball offensive category, tenured players like Vaughn and Queen are staples in head coach Kristin Vesely’s offense, bearing most of the responsibility to manufacture runs.

“They play such a vital role in our team’s success,” Vesely said.

“Sometimes to the point where it might not be fair, but they have the pressure and they’re carrying the load, and I think them taking ownership of that kind

of stables out the ship. It allows an opportunity for the younger kids to have that development time and get some in-game experience.”

Experience is an invaluable trait for a team that has struggled to find consistency all year. Although UH had its first win over a top 10 ranked team since defeating No. 5 Texas A&M in March 2017, it came off the heels of a seven-game losing streak that saw the Cougars’ pitching give up an average of three runs in every first inning.

The win marked the team’s eighth win on the year, a feat that was achieved last year within its first twelve games. The losing streak alone equaled the overall amount of losses it had last year before the season’s cancellation and is the longest such streak in the Vesely era.

For Vaughn, the grind of the season has provided an opportunity for her and her younger teammates to gel during this time of adversity.

Adapting to the team “I feel like we’ve gotten a lot

better at understanding each other and playing together,” Vaughn said.

For the Cougars this season, they have had to learn to adjust to having a unit with many different identities. While at times it may be difficult, the UH softball team sees it as a benefit.

“One of the greatest blessings we have is that we have a super unique team and a lot of different personalities, and trying to manage those personalities is the fun part,” Vesely said. “I think they’re starting to get to know who they are as a team and respect each other as individuals.”

If nothing else, the rough start provides a good measurement for UH to know where it stands amongst its peers, playing ranked teams like Oklahoma State, Texas, Mississippi State and No. 1 Oklahoma.

Vaughn cites her mental growth while playing under Vesely a trait that has been vital during the tough opening stretch. As one of the leaders on the team, she knows her impact is about more than how well she

swings the bat.

“I try to think about the bigger picture, rather than what just happened or what could have happened. I think about what’s happening now more than the past,” Vaughn said. “(I) make sure I make all my plays. I go 100 percent just trying to be there, do whatever I can to help us.”

While mental fortitude is not something that can show up on a stats sheet or gives a team bonus points at the end of the season, it is something the Cougars feel is necessary when tasked with a tough challenge.

Even though the UH softball team has already been put through a gauntlet, the road isn’t going to let up as matchups against American Athletic Conference foes begin.

Regardless of the challenges, the Cougars believe their mindset is what is crucial to getting the results they ultimately want.

“Leadership doesn’t change depending on circumstances,” Vesely said. sports@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, March 24, 2021 | 9 ANDY YANEZ, EDITOR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/SPORTS

SPORTS NEWS

@THECOUGARSPORTS

BASEBALL

Practice makes perfect Kyle Lovelace’s work ethic is paying dividends

JAMES MUELLER

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @JDM2186

On Feb. 28, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi’s Brendan Ryan, Scott Hastings and Justin Taylor all learned a valuable lesson: it’s not a good idea to run on Kyle Lovelace.

In the bottom of the second, Ryan took off from first but never had a chance, as the ball went from the back of Lovelace’s glove to being applied to Ryan’s jersey in the blink of an eye.

Two batters later, Hastings tested his luck on the basepath, but the result was the same: gunned down

by Lovelace.

Taylor did not seem to learn from his teammates’ failed steal attempts as he took off for second an inning later. But to no surprise, Lovelace threw him out.

From throwing out anybody who tries to run on him, to being a human wall and blocking every ball in the dirt, the 5-foot-10-inch junior catcher has drawn national attention for his work behind the plate.

While Lovelace’s natural athletic abilities certainly help him, the biggest thing that has made him

CULTURE

Continued from page 7

Identity After the contest, Jarreau said UH never felt like it was out of the game. He credited Sampson for keeping them believing there was a path to victory even when things seemed bleak.

After the game ended, Sampson told the TBS broadcast that the final play by Mark wasn’t about X’s or O’s, it was about the culture.

But just what is the UH culture?

Perhaps it is being physical, or perhaps it is just being more poised down the stretch. The best word that could summarize it is relentlessness, but it is so much more than that.

“For us, (our players) define our culture,” Sampson said. “If you go into our film room on the back wall, it says ‘culture’. Culture can be a noun or an adjective.

one of the top defensive catchers in NCAA Division I baseball is his work ethic. The Hudson native puts in countless hours of hard work every day to ensure he is prepared for any situation he might face behind the dish.

For one thing, Lovelace takes an interesting approach to work on his arm strength and accuracy that is different from most catchers.

“I like to do pitchers throwing programs,” Lovelace told The Cougar. “Because if those guys are getting ready to throw seven, eight, nine innings or whatever it is, there’s no reason my arm shouldn’t be in shape if I’m doing the same thing.”

Junior lefthander Robert Gasser used the words “electric” and “a rocket” to describe Lovelace’s arm, and that speaks volumes since it’s coming from a guy who pounds the strike zone with 90-plus mph pitches every Friday night.

But it’s not just Lovelace’s cannon that makes him stand out, as Gasser also emphasized how impressive Lovelace’s catch-torelease time is.

“The arm’s great, but the one thing that separates him is the

“For us, it’s both. It’s who we are.

It is being on time. It’s going to class. It is graduating. It’s being a good teammate. It is playing hard.

It’s getting on the floor after loose balls, it’s rebounding, touching every line in practice, learning the difference in competing and playing hard.”

Somehow, UH is in the Sweet Sixteen for the second straight year, not counting 2020 when there was no tournament.

While many teams in various sports hang onto values that they hope can represent their style, for UH, its culture is a part of its identity – it is who they are.

“Not everything has to be an intangible,” Sampson said.

“Culture for us, even though there’s a ton of intangible things with us, is tangible because it’s something they feel like they can touch.” sports@thedailycougar.com

Junior catcher Kyle Lovelace has emerged as one of the top catchers in the country, being named to Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Watch List. | Courtesy of UH athletics

transfer,” Gasser said. “From catching the ball to releasing it, it’s unreal how quickly he does it.”

Lovelace’s lightning-quick pop time was on full display in Houston’s series against Texas.

The Longhorns came into the series a perfect 10-10 in stolen base attempts, but that didn’t faze Lovelace as he gunned down four out of the five Longhorns attempting to steal over three games.

“I think (Lovelace) is the most underrated catcher in the country,” Lovelace’s head coach Todd Whitting said after UH’s series against Texas. “I’d like to see a better catch-and-throw catcher in Division I baseball.”

It was not only against Texas that Lovelace has had success catching runners on the basepaths, but in every series the Cougars have played, having thrown out seven of the 12 runners attempting to steal in 2021.

To put Lovelace’s 58.33 caught stealing percentage into perspective, the top caught stealing percentage for an MLB catcher

with 300 or more innings caught in 2020 was St. Louis Cardinals’ future Hall of Fame catcher Yadier Molina’s 45.5 caught stealing percentage.

Lovelace’s mere presence behind the dish lifts a huge weight off the Cougars pitching staff, knowing they have one less thing to worry about if there is traffic on the basepaths.

“In some instances, you have to worry about runners all the time,” Gasser said. “But with Kyle, you look over at the dude (on base) and are like, ‘I’ll lift my leg and if you want to go, good luck to you,’ cause I know I got Kyle back there who’s going to block every single ball and likely throw you out if you try to run on him.”

Another aspect that separates Lovelace from other college catchers is that nothing gets past him as he blocks every ball, even the ones he should have no business stopping.

This is a direct result of Lovelace’s mindset, which is that there is no such thing as a wild pitch and it is his responsibility to block

everything. This has led to Lovelace always working on different blocking drills, many of which are rarely done by catchers today.

“You don’t see a lot of catchers these days that practice blocking pitches that aren’t supposed to be blocked,” Lovelace said. “And I did. I worked on blocking pitches that you’re not supposed to block because why not.”

All the hard work and preparation has paid off, and Lovelace’s fielding stats back it up. After posting a perfect fielding percentage in the shortened 2020 season, Lovelace once again has a 1.000 fielding percentage in 2021 and has not committed an error since April 6, 2019.

Even with all his success and flawless defense, Lovelace continues to grind day in and day out because of his competitive nature and desire to always be improving as a catcher.

“Will is a powerful powerful thing, and that kid’s got a lot of it,” Whiting said. sports@thedailycougar.com

American Athletic Conference Co-player of the Year Quentin Grimes has played a prominent role in Houston’s Sweet Sixteen run in the NCAA Tournament. | Courtesy of UH athletics

10 | Wednesday, March 24, 2021

OPINION NEWS

JORDAN HART, EDITOR

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/OPINION

POLITICS

Both Democrat and Republican officials prioritize self-interest i

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ANNA BAKER

STAFF COLUMNIST

To some, it has been obvious for a while that most Democrats aren’t the savior who cares for all as many progressives think. However, it can still be jarring when a Democrat, who supposedly stands for the people, votes no on a bill that could greatly improve people’s lives.

It’s an unfortunate reality that progressives have to face. Just like Republicans, Democrats can’t be trusted to help much either.

Recently, an addition to the most recent COVID-19 relief bill that would’ve established a federal $15 minimum wage was struck down in the Senate. This would have raised the incomes for many in need across the U.S. It was unsurprising to see Republicans vote no, but many people were surprised to see Democrats vote no, especially those who had advocated for a $15 minimum wage previously in their career. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema was one of these people.

Sinema, a Democrat from Arizona, has been in office

since 2019. She has typically been seen as a moderate Democrat but has mostly supported progressive causes in the past. However, she voted no on including the $15 minimum wage in the COVID19 relief bill.

Not only did she vote no, but she also held her purse and curtsied when putting her thumb down before flouncing out of the room as if she was going to brunch.

Many people have suggested that her physicality suggested a lack of care about people’s struggles during this pandemic.

Moreover, it’s upsetting because she has previously shown a lot of support for raising the minimum wage, specifically in one tweet that went viral.

Sinema isn’t the only Democrat that has disappointed progressives recently. Other Democrats also voted no on this bill. President Joe Biden narrowed eligibility for stimulus checks so that fewer people can get them. He also has continued to open migrant facilities, the ones progressives protested during

former President Donald Trump’s administration.

He has not lifted a finger for Medicare for All or defunding the police. Many Democrats stand vehemently against defunding police and Medicare for All, two policies that many activists agree would help so many people.

Democrats may vote for a relief bill to help a small number of people temporarily, but when presented with something that would permanently help the working class, like raising the minimum wage, they vote no.

This is because Democrats, like Republicans, are very concerned with helping themselves.

Republicans tend to vote for policies that favor the free market, in other words, policies that favor the wealthy.

The same can be said for many mainstream Democrats.

Elizabeth Warren proudly called herself a capitalist to differentiate herself from Bernie Sanders’ brand of democratic socialism.

Congressmen and women have good salaries, and they

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STUDENT MEDIA Some may genuinely care, but (713) 743-5350 a lot of care gets clouded by the csm@uh.edu fact that they need to focus on www.uh.edu/csm getting re-elected.

N221 University Center It’s important to realize that University of Houston Democrats don’t usually have Houston, TX 77204-4015 everyone’s best interests at heart. Instead, citizens need ADVERTISING to be active in advocating for (713) 743-5340 progressive causes. advertising@thedailycougar.com No more being surprised thedailycougar.com/advertising when one votes against the interests of the general public.

Americans need to accept it and see what can be done to serve the people, not the self-interests of Democratic congressmen and women. opinion@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, March 24, 2021 | 11 JORDAN HART, EDITOR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/OPINION

OPINION NEWS

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

MENTAL HEALTH

Depression is hard but socialization helps manage it

Santiago Gaughan/The Cougar

JORDAN HART

OPINION EDITOR @JORDANHART99

Depression can make it hard to accomplish basic tasks like cleaning, bathing or eating, so talking to friends may seem like an impossible feat. Something that is usually fun and refreshing becomes another stressful chore on a seemingly infinite to-do list.

It’s often characterized by pretending everything is fine and minimizing problems so no one will worry, but choosing to not be vulnerable only contributes to a negative mindset. Assuring concerned friends and worrying parents that nothing is wrong is only going to extend the isolation.

Although it might feel like the hardest option, admitting to feeling alone or depressed is the fastest way out of the

rough patch. Friends and family may not be able to help with mountains of homework or demanding bosses, but they can help rationalize the stress.

Mental health issues manifest differently for everyone, so they probably won’t completely understand where someone else’s anxiety or depression stems from.

There’s a stigma that exists around mental health issues that can deter people from confiding in those around them. They may not want to be known as the depressed person among their friends. There’s even the possibility of further isolation if people don’t want to deal with someone who they perceive as mentally unstable.

When a person with depression thinks about these factors, the negative consequences might outweigh

the potential positive outcomes. They don’t want to burden the people around them with the trouble of dealing with their depressed friend. This feeling can be exaggerated through the lens of depression.

If someone suffering from depression or anxiety can get over the mental hurdles preventing them from reaching out to their loved ones, the payoff can be so rewarding. For short-term relief, the oxytocin released when someone receives a hug can lower blood pressure and reduce stress levels.

For long-term improvement, it’s important to establish a support system.

Friends that can offer kind words or just be a listening ear are crucial to someone looking for a ray of light during a dark

day of depression.

It takes a lot of work to nurture relationships while suffering from depression, but one healthy conversation could be enough to lift someone from rock bottom.

Depression doesn’t always have to be the center of the conversation. It’s OK to want to move on to more enjoyable topics or hear about a friend’s more positive stories. The main goal is opening up to have conversations again.

No one deserves to suffer in silence, even if that’s what their illness is telling them.

Sometimes it’s easier to hear that from an actual person with familiarity instead of a search engine.

It’s hard to tell what someone is going through if they don’t make it apparent with their words or actions.

Reaching out and confiding in a loved one could help them to open up about their own struggles with mental health.

Depression separates people from those they are closest to. It can feel like no one would ever understand their stress or fears, but people are usually more similar than different. Especially during a pandemic that has forced many into isolation, loneliness and anxiety are even more prevalent.

Suffering from depression can make one feel like the weight of the world is on their shoulders. It can be completely consuming, but friendship can serve as a life preserver for a drowning soul. Don’t hesitate to rely on relationships for extra support to overcome. opinion@thedailycougar.com

12 | Wednesday, March 24, 2021