Issue 3, Volume 86 (9.23.2020)

@thedailycougar www.thedailycougar.com Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Est. 1934

Issue 3, Volume 86

Canceled. Again.

The Cougars were set to catch a break and finally begin their season against the North Texas Mean Green at TDECU Stadium.

COVID-19 had other plans. | PG. 6

NEWS A Zoom bombing incident involving an alleged ISIS recruiter left some students fearful. | PG. 2

LIFE AND ARTS It’s Libra season! Kick it off with our weekly horoscopes. | PG. 5

OPINION It’s important to find other ways of socializing during the coronavirus pandemic. | PG. 9

2 | Wednesday, September 23, 2020

NEWS

DONNA KEEYA EDITORS & SYDNEY ROSE,

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/NEWS

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

CRIME

‘A cruel joke’

Students unpack after lecture Zoom bombing incident DONNA KEEYA SYDNEY ROSE

NEWS EDITORS @DONNAKEEYA_ @SYDNEY_ROSEY

In an afternoon science class, students were expecting to hop on the Zoom call and learn about climate change. What they weren’t expecting was an unprompted visitor on the call, or a “Zoom bomber,” as they have come to be known.

On Sept. 2, 19-year-old Ibraheem Ahmed Al Bayati was arrested by federal authorities after allegedly making bomb threats during an introductory climate change lecture.

Some students in the Zoom lecture felt fear and discomfort as the incident unfolded in their virtual classroom.

“I watched him throughout the lecture as he walked around what looked like a normal bedroom, flexing his muscles for the camera,” said business freshman Lindsay Hutchins. “The professor then allowed students to ask questions, which is when the man started

saying what seemed to be an actual question relating to the lecture.”

She realized something was “off ” about Al Bayati, who later confessed to making the threats, according to a criminal complaint.

Hutchins then started recording on Snapchat, expecting Al Bayati to make a funny comment during the class.

“But then he said, ‘what does any of this have to do with the fact that UH is going to be bombed in a few days?’” she said.

The incident resulted in national news coverage as publications like CNN were taking on the story.

The threat had Hutchins concerned for her safety on campus, but assurance in the teaching assistant’s handling of the situation quelled her fears.

“I debated leaving campus and going home, but the TA called the police, and the situation was handled, so I didn’t feel the need to leave campus,” Hutchins said.

For Hutchins, the Zoom bombing came as no surprise as she said the class has faced continuous behavioral issues

Gerald Sastra/The Cougar

throughout the semester. She did not stand alone in her opinion, with some of her other classmates sharing incidents from the course.

“As for the class itself, it wasn’t completely out of the blue as prior to the incident some other guy had his shirt off … and another guy asked our professor a question in a (not safe for work) manner,” said environmental science sophomore Joaquín González.

“However, hearing the bomb threat still elicited shock as there was no telling if the guy was serious.”

Unsure of the extent of the the threat, González had mixed feelings on how dangerous it actually was.

“In the back of my mind, I figured this might be some guy who had gotten his hands on the Zoom code and wanted to play a

cruel joke,” González said. “I still worried for my safety as it’s hard to imagine why someone would say that as a joke.”

Al Bayati, according to the criminal complaint filed against him, claimed his threat was a joke, but he admitted to a federal agent that he was “literally known” as an ISIS recruiter.

In response to the incident, additional training materials were shared with faculty, and the provost’s office is offering an additional round of training, according to UH spokesperson Shawn Lindsey.

“I feel as if the University handled the situation well,” González said. “The TA had brought the unedited recorded lecture before UHPD, and within hours we received an email saying

how the authorities had already been contacted.”

In addition to training and resources, the University works with IT security to review the default meeting configurations to balance security with ease, Lindsey said.

In González’s opinion, having the course offered in an asynchronous format would have been the best way to avoid the incident.

“Personally, I would have had the class be asynchronous from the beginning to prevent incidents like these,” González said. “The class is close to 600 people, so it’s always a challenge to make sure they act in accordance with University guidelines given that mostly everyone is working from home.” news@thedailycougar.com

CAMPUS

CASA rolls out new format for online exams AMINAH TANNIR

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @ AMOUNAJT

Earlier this month, CASA was able to begin online proctored exams for the fall semester, allowing professors to be able to monitor students through cameras and screen capturing technology.

According to CASA, the monitor is web-based and records the device’s screen and the webcam while a student is sitting in an exam. Student’s don’t need to download anything on their device since the monitor runs through the device’s browser.

A UH representative said that the CASA Monitor was approved

by UHIT and since it’s been developed in-house, it will be at no cost to UH or its students.

“It is important that students familiarize themselves with CASA Monitor prior to their exam so

that they know how to follow the instructions to share their computer screen and web camera prior to the exam,” said CASA director Jeff Morgan.

Morgan said before exams, faculty will be provided a link to give to students in order for them to practice using the CASA Monitor before their test date.

The practice link provides information to students such as which browsers and devices are compatible with the monitor, which exam materials need to be shown to the webcam, as well as the monitor requesting to access the webcam and screen record.

In the practice session, CASA informs students of potential issues that might occur under particular circumstances. They also tell students to screenshot any errors they come across and send it to the CASA Tech Support email.

CASA developed a new exam monitor that provides faculty with an alternative format for remote testing. | Sydney Rose/ The Cougar

Other options for remote testing would include the Respondus Monitor. According to a UH spokesperson, this particular method is only meant for Blackboard exams and isn’t

optimal for professors that want to allow students to use other resources for their exams.

CASA Monitor is a method of remote testing that is more flexible in that it can be used for testing

on or off the Blackboard platform and can allow students to use the resources allotted to them by their professors. news@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, September 23, 2020 | 3 DONNA KEEYA EDITORS & SYDNEY ROSE,

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/NEWS

NEWS

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

CORONAVIRUS

UH reporting fewer coronavirus cases compared to other Texas schools CRISTOBELLA DURETTE

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @CRIST0BELLA

Despite its location in a coronavirus hotspot, the number of confirmed cases reported in the UH community has crawled upward since March, a sharp contrast to steadily rising COVID19 cases reported by other Texas colleges.

The University has counted 210 total coronavirus cases since March, as of Sept. 22, while the University of Texas has reported 1,154 total cases as of Sept. 21 and Texas A&M University has counted 1,364 positive cases from Aug. 8 to Sept. 19 alone.

With the majority of students, faculty and staff residing off-campus, how would the University know whether confirmed coronavirus cases in the community spike to similar levels?

The University relies on community members to selfreport confirmed coronavirus cases through the Reporting COVID-19 Diagnosis/Symptoms form, regardless of whether they live on or off campus. The information gathered forms the basis for the University’s COVID-

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Jhair Romero

MANAGING EDITOR

19 dashboard, which updates the confirmed coronavirus case count Monday through Friday.

“We depend on the UH community to follow protocols and report a positive test or diagnosis,” said UH spokesperson Shawn Lindsey. “We have no way of knowing about cases that are not reported to the University.”

The University’s large commuter population and the reduced number of students present on campus could also play a role in reducing viral spread. Out of the undergraduates enrolled at the University, 83 percent live off campus.

“We know that the virus spreads mainly from person-toperson, so there is no question that reducing the number of people who are on campus and implementing social distancing requirements in buildings has helped reduce the spread of the virus,” Lindsey said.

Some students have concerns that the University’s count of confirmed coronavirus cases may not account for all cases in the UH community, specifically due to a lack in mandatory coronavirus testing. Management information systems junior Alysia Sombillo

Jiselle Santos WEB EDITOR

Mason Vasquez NEWS EDITORS

Donna Keeya Sydney Rose ASSTISTANT NEWS EDITORS

Aminah Tannir Cristobella Durrette

James Mueller OPINION EDITOR

Gina Medina

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Juana Garcia

ASSISTANT CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Gerald Sastra PHOTO EDITOR

Vacant

COPY CHIEF

Zai Davis

SPORTS EDITOR

STAFF EDITORIAL

The University has reported fewer confirmed coronavirus cases than other Texas universities with similar student populations. | Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

thinks that the absence of compulsory testing might result in underreporting.

“I feel as though the number of cases reported on campus may not be accurate unless students staying on campus are getting tested every week like other universities,” Sombillo said.

Mechanical engineering sophomore Luke Westerfield though that the number of coronavirus cases reported at the

University would be higher due to the high volume of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Houston area.

“I think UH is probably not reporting the full number of COVID-19 cases, largely due to the fact we don’t have mandatory testing across campus,” Westerfield said. “Maybe UH has just gotten lucky.” news@thedailycougar.com

Third Ward introduces refrigerator for the community SHIVANI PARMAR

SENIOR STAFF WRITER @NEWSWITHSHIVANI

The community fridge is located in Third Ward right off MacGregor Way near the University campus. | Courtesy of @HTXcommunityfridges on Instagram

during the hours it is open and grab what they need,” Lipscomb said.

The fridges are placed at businesses that agree to host and provide the electricity to run the fridges, but the ambassadors only look for businesses in places where there is a need and the neighborhoods

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Andy Yanez

CITY

Third Ward is the first area in Houston to have a community refrigerator as other major cities in the United States have started implementing them.

This refrigerator is located at 3801 N MacGregor Way in close proximity to UH and the ambassadors encourage students to come volunteer.

“I would like UH students to know that the Third Ward fridge is very close to them if they need volunteer hours,” said community fridge ambassador Vanessa Lipscomb.

“They can also sign up with a group of friends to stock and organize the things inside the fridge and the pantry items.”

Lipscomb explained how the refrigerator works and how locations were picked.

“The fridge is free to those who need it, no questions asked.

They can come to a fridge

EDITORIAL BOARD

are underserved, Lipscomb said.

How the refrigerator stays running is dependent on volunteers to help maintain it.

“People can get involved by doing behind-the-scenes work, volunteering at the fridge by working as a fridge monitor, and they can also volunteer to go to the store to buy groceries to put

in the fridge, people can donate cash and if they feel untrusting they can bring the food,” Lipscomb said.

Recently an additional refrigerator was added next to the current one and there have been plans to bring more locations to Houston with have newly introduced three new locations.

There are two community fridges in Alief and one on Braeswood and Fondren.

While in midst of a global pandemic, volunteers are implementing precautionary measures to maintain safety and sanitation.

“Right now we are asking that if people feel sick to not come to the fridges at all,” Lipscomb said.

“We are also asking that people have on masks and sanitize their hands before even touching the fridge handle or going in the area where the fridge is located.” news@thedailycougar.com

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

4 | Wednesday, September 23, 2020

LIFE AND ARTS NEWS

DONNA KEEYA EDITORS & SYDNEY ROSE,

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/LIFE-ARTS

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

ASTROLOGY

Astrology 101: Elements, placements, more

Juana Garcia/The Cougar

DONNA KEEYA DIVYA LOUIS

@DONNAKEEYA_ @DIVYALOUIS

In a world of “Mercury is in Gatorade” tweets, there is widespread confusion about the fundamentals of astrology and how some believe it impacts daily life.

While the study of astrology dates back to ancient cultures, applications like Co-Star and The Pattern have made once incredibly complicated concepts like birth charts and compatibility accessible to the average person. These applications are many people’s gateway to the practice and are a recommendable way to dive into astrology.

Zodiac signs To start off, it is important to recognize the twelve different astrological signs. Broken down into fire signs, water signs, earth signs and air signs, all of which contain three signs with different attributes.

Fire signs are notoriously some of the boldest signs,

consisting of Leo, Aries and Sagittarius. As a whole, fire signs are confident, strong-headed, extroverted and ambitious. Fire signs’ strong sense of self draws people to them and makes them powerful and popular leaders. At their worst, fire signs can come off as bossy or arrogant.

In contrast to fire signs, water signs are incredibly soft. The three signs are Cancer, Pisces and Scorpio, and all show different levels of emotional vulnerability and sensitivity.

Water signs are sympathetic and kind souls who are intuitive and in tune with themselves and others. Negative qualities of water signs can be manipulation and being overly sensitive.

When it comes to air signs, many times they are the biggest astrology advocates in the room.

Gemini, Aquarius and Libra are the three signs that make up the arguably most stylish element.

Air signs strive to be unique in all aspects of their lives and love the finer things. Their weakness can fall in interpersonal connections and struggling to build deep bonds.

The last astrological element is earth, made up of Capricorn, Virgo and Taurus. As the name indicates, earth signs are some of the most grounded people you’ll meet. Earth signs are hardworking and are independently strong as they handle the struggles life throws at them. Earth signs can struggle with perfectionism and emotional availability, especially at early interactions.

When considering signs, it is also notable to take into account modalities. There are three modalities, Cardinal, Fixed and Mutable, all of which contain four signs each.

The Cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn, which are action-oriented and direct signs. The Fixed signs are Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius and Taurus, who are stubborn and more committed. The Mutable signs are Sagittarius, Pisces, Gemini and Virgo which are some of the adaptable and changeable signs.

Placements When someone asks you

for your zodiac sign, your immediate reaction is probably to give them your Sun sign, which parallels what date you were born on. What some people fail to realize is you have many placements beyond your Sun sign which play different roles within your personality.

To curve the common misconception of there being only 12 personality types, the specific sign you have in a certain placement takes the qualities of that sign and applies them to how that placement impacts your personality.

You can find your birth chart either on an online generator or through applications like Co-Star. The chart is made by where the planets were aligned at your specific time of birth.

The main three placements within a birth chart are your Sun sign, Moon sign and rising sign, also known as your ascending sign. Your Sun sign is your basic personality and the core of who you are as a person. Your Moon sign represents who you are when you’re alone and your emotional side. Lastly, your

rising sign is the first impression people see of you and how you outwardly appear.

Diving a little deeper, your Mercury placement impacts your communication style and your intellectual side. The Venus and Mars placements go hand in hand, with Venus reflecting love and relationships and Mars reflecting sex and aggression.

The Saturn placement is indicative of responsibility and ambition.

The last four planets placements that make a birth chart are Jupiter, Neptune, Uranus and Pluto.

Jupiter is the placement of growth and healing within individuals. Neptune is responsible for dreams and inspiration while Uranus shows innovation. Finally, Pluto placements symbolize the underworld, creation and destruction To reflect on a birth chart, take attributes of the zodiac sign and consider how they play into what the placement means. arts@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, September 23, 2020 | 5 DONNA KEEYA EDITORS & SYDNEY ROSE,

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/NEWS

LIFE ANDNEWS ARTS

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

ASTROLOGY

Weekly horoscopes: Advice for each zodiac sign DONNA KEEYA

NEWS EDITOR @DONNAKEEYA_

As we enter into Libra season, each astrological sign will feel the energy differently. Enter this time with our weekly horoscope:

Aries Aries, this is your season for self-discovery. This is the time to be honest with yourself on what you want and where your priorities lay. In this new season, take advantage of opportunities that approach you and make the most of where you are in life now. Whether you realize it or not, you used to yearn for times like this. As you move forward, remember to give back the same respect and kindness you expect from others.

Taurus Taurus, your challenge right now is to find your sense of home. Take this time to do tangible things that’ll help you grow. Develop a consistent sleeping schedule, start eating healthier or maybe even revisit your workout routine. Your sentimental side may feel heightened emotions by the changes in the weather, and that’s valid. Remember, you are your own biggest priority and are worthy of self love.

Gemini Gemini, this can feel like a weird time in your life. Despite some emotional and personal struggles you may be facing, you will find it easier to tap into your higher self this week. Take advantage of this.

Be yourself to the fullest extent.

Dress like yourself. Eat your favorite foods. Listen to your favorite artists. Marinate in who you are. There’s nothing wrong in being a little chaotic.

Cancer Cancer, this is your time to seek peace. Recognize where you are in life and the problems you’re facing, but also realize you are so much more beyond them. You thrive at home and in smaller environments, so allow yourself to stay within them. Whether it be lighting a candle or taking a long shower, do something to make your soul warm. This is the perfect opportunity for some interior designing or decorating to make your house feel more like a home.

Leo Leo, this is your time to remember who you are. At the root, you’re

a fun-loving spirit and you might feel like you had lost that for a minute. Get innovative with reconnecting to your extroverted side, keeping social distancing and COVID19 in mind. Take the first step to making new or deeper connections. Live the life you’ve always wanted or face the consequence of feeling like you’re wasting away.

Virgo Virgo, this is your slow burn. Coming out of a period of being so in your element, this transition may feel odd, but not bad. This is your call to tap into your responsible side and focus on career and educational goals.

You are strong and stable and don’t expect less from yourself.

Don’t overwork yourself, but appreciate the hustle. You will reap the awards of your actions.

Libra Libra, this is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. If you’ve been wanting to rebrand, this is your opportunity to do so.

If you want something in your life, this is your opportunity to manifest it. These are your powers at their strongest.

Treat yourself as your birthday approaches and value your coming of age. Take things one

day at a time and appreciate the little things.

Scorpio Scorpio, take this time to take a break. As your season approaches, don’t neglect the beauty of the present. You have all these emotions, but sometimes don’t take the time you need to process them. This is your chance. Your alone time is sacred and an opportunity to be completely vulnerable without any trust issues.

Throughout it all, there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Sagittarius Sagittarius, you’ve been working hard lately and it has not gone unnoticed. During this time, offer yourself some grace when things don’t go completely as expected. Remind yourself it’s okay to be soft sometimes.

You don’t always have to be the hungry powerhouse. It’s who you are and has brought you to where you are now, but there’s nothing wrong with taking a moment to settle down.

Capricorn Capricorn, this is your time to reset into who you want to be. If you’ve been having a hard time transitioning and handling tasks recently, this

is the time to relax and feel grounded. Don’t feel guilty for enjoying yourself, toxic productivity is a trap. As the holidays approach, live in the moment and take it all in. Spend quality time with the people you love; do things that make you feel whole.

Aquarius Aquarius, take this time to live life to the fullest. You have the unique ability to recognize and digest that life moves and nothing will ever be that deep. Keeping that in mind, you are able to surpass daily nerves and do what you strive for. Trying new things makes you feel validated and alive. Continue this trend and do things that’ll spark joy.

Pisces Pisces, you can wake and make the change you’ve been waiting for. You have been in a period of taking things slowly and safely, and you finally will feel the courage to shake the table. You grow from discomfort, and pushing yourself to be out there will ultimately better you.

Your sensitive side is what makes you who you are, be proud of your emotional abilities, and people who value it will come to you. arts@thedailycougar.com

6 | Wednesday, September 23, 2020

SPORTS NEWS

ANDY YANEZ, EDITOR

@THECOUGARSPORTS

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/SPORTS

FOOTBALL

UH-UNT canceled

Cougars, yet to begin season, miss out on an another opportunity to begin 2020.

ANDY YANEZ

SPORTS EDITOR @AYANEZ_5

Houston has now had five regular season games canceled or postponed on them to start the 2020 season, with the latest being North Texas after the Mean Green had four positive tests, the team announced on Wednesday afternoon. ”We understand this COVIDrelated decision North Texas has made to not play Saturday’s game and appreciate the consistent dialogue with our program by UNT athletic director Wren Baker, his administration and medical staff during this week,” UH athletic director Chris Pezman said in a statement. “I am disappointed for our student-athletes who have continued to focus on competing

this season and were ready to play this Saturday. ”We will continue to work to adjust our schedule with the hopes of playing as soon as we can.”

The Cougars had their game against the Baylor Bears canceled last Friday. Before that, their game against the Memphis Tigers was canceled, both due to each team being unable to field a team because of coronavirus guidelines.

Games against Washington State and Rice were also postponed or canceled.

Houston’s next game on the schedule is Oct. 8 against Tulane, which, if played, will be the latest season start in UH football history. sports@thedailycougar.com

UH-UNT is the fifth regular season game postponed or canceled because of COVID-19-related issues. Games against Rice, Washington State, Memphis, Baylor and now North Texas have been canceled or postponed. Whenever the season begins, it will be the latest start in Houston’s history. | Trevor Nolley/The Cougar

VOLLEYBALL

Alumna Katie Karbo on her time at UH: ‘I just fell in love’ JALA MASON

SENIOR STAFF WRITER @ MASONJALA

Defensive specialist and libero Katie Karbo during a game against SMU in the 2019 season. | Trevor Nolley/The Cougar

From the small town of Azle to the bright lights of Houston, enticed by the big city with the desire to stay close enough to home, Katie Karbo found herself at UH. After a whirlwind of four years as Houston volleyball’s defensive captain, Karbo has unquestionably left her mark on the program.

UH volleyball saw a groundbreaking season during

Karbo’s time, highlighted by the team’s first playoff appearance in almost 20 years.

While there were several elements that contributed to the team’s breakthrough performances, the former libero served as an anchor throughout their journey.

Early UH days Karbo was in high demand by her sophomore year of high school, as several college coaches were interested in having the

5-foot-5-inch defensive specialist on their roster, but she was drawn to UH due to Houston’s atmosphere and her chemistry with the team.

“When I visited the campus, I just fell in love with it and the team there. It was a great environment and I loved the diversity of the campus,” Karbo said. “Once I got to know the girls on the team, that was it.”

KARBO

Continues on page 8

Wednesday, September 23, 2020 | 7 ANDY YANEZ, EDITOR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/SPORTS

SPORTS NEWS

@THECOUGARSPORTS

MEN’S BASKETBALL

An inside look at Nate Hinton’s journey from his final day at UH to preparing for the NBA Draft

Sophomore guard Nate Hinton (left) holding off Cincinnati guard Jarron Cumberland during a contest inside Fertitta Center on March 1. Hinton finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and two steals in the contest. | Mikol Kindle Jr./The Cougar

ANDY YANEZ

SPORTS EDITOR @AYANEZ_5

One of the final memories Nate Hinton has of the UH men’s basketball team occurred on the morning of March 12.

As the story goes, the team was on its way to Fort Worth to play in the American Athletic Conference Championship tournament, when its bus had to make a sudden U-turn after the event was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A few hours and a Buc-ee’s stop later, the Cougars were back on campus and soon they each went their separate ways.

For the 6-foot-5-inch Hinton, although he might not have realized it, his time at UH was done.

After a few weeks went by, news spread that he had decided to enter his name in the NBA Draft, and while the initial thought process was to just enter for the feedback, when those assessments started coming in, his mentality began to change as well.

Soon Hinton realized he had reached a crossroads. He had to

decide on whether to return to UH for his junior season or forgo the remaining years of eligibility and keep his name in the draft, which was not an easy task for the Gastonia, North Carolina, native to do.

“I felt like I had more to prove,” Hinton told The Cougar via a phone interview. “I felt like I had more to give to Houston.”

With UH seemingly a lock to make its third straight NCAA tournament appearance before the coronavirus pandemic gave March Madness a whole new meaning, Hinton had plenty of reasons to return to the Cougars if he chose that path.

Instead, he opted to pursue his lifelong dream of making it as a professional basketball player in the NBA. “I prayed on it and came to peace with it,” he said. “A few weeks later I was like yeah, this is what I need to do. I need to pursue this career and whatever comes with it.

“I’ll roll the dice and bet on myself.”

Once Hinton made his final decision, he reached out to Sampson, and while there was

still a lot left to be desired with how the 2020 season ended, the guard said his former head coach backed him up with his choice.

“It’s like you’re breaking up with someone,” Hinton said. “We didn’t get to finish it how we wanted to finish it in a normal situation, but I think that at the end of the day, he respected the decision and he wanted the best for me.”

It was Sampson who first encouraged Hinton to enter his name in the draft to receive the feedback, both the head coach and guard have said on various occasions.

“Nate is a special young man who will always have a special place in my heart,” Sampson said after Hinton announced he was not returning to UH in May. “He continued to improve through his two years, and I firmly believe his best basketball is ahead of him.”

Pursuing a dream As weeks have now turned to several months since Hinton was on the bus heading to Fort Worth, his days look a little different now.

Hinton is constantly focused on basketball and looking for ways to improve.

An average day for him starts with a run to the gym. Once that is over, he returns home where he now has a chef who prepares his meals.

Depending on the day, it may include a nap, followed by film study, another workout session at a gym, more meals and plenty of emphasis on body recovery and, of course, basketball.

A certain area in his game Hinton said he has focused on is sharpening his ball-handling as well as other things he was unable to put on film a lot during his time in Houston.

While the NBA Draft has now been pushed back to Nov. 18, it gives Hinton more time to work on his craft.

While not physically a part of UH’s program anymore, Hinton continues to stay connected whether it be with current or former Houston players who also pursued a pro career, especially Damyean Dotson, who Hinton says has given him numerous bits of advice since declaring for the draft.

Regardless of where Hinton’s journey as a professional takes him, he will never forget about

his time at UH, which provided him with multiple opportunities and helped him open his eyes, he said.

He even plans to one day return to finish his degree in sports administration.

“At the end of the day, I’m a representative,” Hinton said “I’m one of (Sampson’s) players. It’s always going to be love, and I am always going to show love, and anything that they need from me, I’m going to give. I’m here. I’m all in for them.”

With the draft less than 60 days away, the Gastonia, North Carolina, native’s pitch to NBA teams on why they should pick him is simple but clear.

“I’m a dog,” Hinton said. “I’m relentless.”

“I didn’t show everything that I could have done in Houston, so what they saw was a snippet of what I can really be,” he added.

“Now that I have all day literally to get better on my game, to work on my craft, I think that’s going to take me to another level and open me up to some greater things.” sports@thedailycougar.com

8 | Wednesday, September 23, 2020

SPORTS NEWS

ANDY YANEZ, EDITOR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/SPORTS

@THECOUGARSPORTS

FOOTBALL

‘It’s his team’: QB Tune’s long journey to Week 1 starter ANDY YANEZ

SPORTS EDITOR @AYANEZ_5

The last time that Houston quarterback Clayton Tune walked off a football field after a game for the Cougars was on Nov. 30, 2019.

The team had just lost a shootout to No. 24 Navy in a 56-41 decision.

Tune finished the game with 393 passing yards and threw four touchdowns, one of which was a 67-yarder to the house that was caught by wide receiver Tre’von Bradley. In that game, however, he also threw four interceptions.

Then when the calendar turned to 2020, Tune’s role for the Cougars became clear. Star quarterback D’Eriq King, who redshirted his senior season after playing only four games in 2019, transferred to Miami, and the door opened for the Carrollton native to have total rein of the UH offense.

Soon the Cougars began spring workouts, and it seemed like the team was about to get in full gear as it entered its second season under head coach Dana Holgorsen, when the coronavirus threw a wrinkle in all of those plans.

Houston, like much of the world, had to adjust to the shutdowns caused by the virus and ended their spring workouts early.

For Tune, the COVID-19 postponements offered a chance for him to return home, and he continued to work out away from the Cougars.

“I focused on what I could do

KARBO

Continued from page 6 For Karbo, the connections with her team began immediately.

“Some of my first memories are of Shasta Blast and staying in Cougar Place with different roommates before the season started, and we all just kind of bonded together that summer before the season started,” she said.

Karbo experienced growth as a player, teammate and person over the past four years playing in Houston.

Always a go-getter, she never struggled with staying determined to seize her goals, but after playing with UH, her motivation became wanting to do the best for her team.

“I was always super competitive, but at the end, I really wanted it for the team and everything that we’ve been through,” Karbo said.

“I think from the very beginning

and (at) bettering myself as a quarterback, as a passer and as a leader,” Tune said. “I just tried to focus on not wasting the free time we had.”

During the shutdown, Tune watched film. He worked out over Zoom with the UH training staff, and he was able to get together with a couple of his old high school teammates and continued throwing the football.

Now, as the 6-foot-3-inch quarterback enters his first full season as the undisputed starter for Houston, he feels like he has improved tremendously as a quarterback overall.

On Sept. 16, he spoke with the media as the team geared up for what it thought would be its first game of the season and said that he feels like he is able to read defenses better, scan and see the field at a higher level and also able to go through all of his progressions.

“Year two comes with a lot more comfort and continuity,” Tune said.

Continuity is the key word for the UH offense. The Cougars are bringing back senior receiver Marquez Stevenson, who played in all 12 games in 2019, senior running back Kyle Porter, who played in 11 and various others both at skill positions and on the offensive line, and they are all being led by No. 3.

“It’s his team,” Holgorsen said.

“He was named one of the early captains. He’s getting all the reps and not looking over his shoulder or anything like that, so I think

it was more like a shock of reality and by the end, I knew what I was fighting for.”

Karbo’s mark Karbo accomplished special milestones and received a variety of different honors and awards during her time at UH. One that stands out among the rest is the record for the AAC alltime digs.

“I was super proud of doing that,” she said with a mix of laughter. “Having all-time digs for the AAC, that was pretty cool.”

She smashed through the record during the American West Division Championships and topped off her career with 2,340 digs.

“I felt like I had accomplished something huge, but I also wanted to make everyone else proud at the same time,” Karbo said. “So the pressure was on when I realized I was close to breaking the record.

“I didn’t want to disappoint

UH quarterback Clayton Tune warming up before a game in the 2019 season. The 6-foot-3-inch gunslinger threw 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions during his seven starts in 2019. | Trevor Nolley/The Cougar

Clayton is in a really good spot.”

While Tune prepares to start in his first college season opener, he also recognizes the role he is in.

The leadership he is going to

have to display at all times during the season, and it is a challenge that he is looking forward to embracing head on and has already showed success.

“He has the respect of the team,” Holgorsen said. “I’m really excited to watch him play.”

anyone or myself, so I just worked as hard as I could.”

But Karbo didn’t need the digs record to stay energized as she was always hungry for constant improvement.

“During practices, the coaches would tell me I didn’t need to risk my body, but I would still do it because I wanted to get better each and every day,” she said.

As a freshman coming in, Karbo knew there was going to be plenty of competition among the team for her spot on the court.

When Karbo snagged the libero slot in her first season with the Cougars, she was a bit surprised by herself, but she did not let the small victory make her complacent, and she thanks her teammates for always keeping her on her toes. “(The) competition on the team, pushed me to be better every day,” the 5-foot-5-inch libero said.

“They were just as good and I knew

that, so I was gonna have to keep pushing.”

As a leader throughout her entire college career, Karbo has learned the significance of continuously building on her skill and character.

“You always have to push yourself 110 percent because everyone wants it just as bad as you do,” she said.

When reflecting on her own accomplishments, it was also impossible for Karbo to not mention Houston’s first playoff appearance since 2000.

“Making the playoffs meant everything to me because that’s all we wanted,” Karbo said. “All four years that was a goal we set during the preseason. So once we finally made it, it was like a dream come true.”

Karbo, who is now a UH graduate after finishing her senior season in 2019.

After discovering a passion for health promotions, Karbo switched her major away from kinesiology.

“It’s something I’ve wanted to do for two years,” she said. “It’s really cool that I have the (chance) to work with a company right out of college.”

While Karbo is physically moving on from UH, the impact that the University made on her will never fade away as she takes the lessons she learned during her time on campus and from the team.

“It was truly an honor to be Houston’s libero for four years,” she said. “It’s taught me to never give up because there’s always something in the future that is gonna be worth it.”

Life beyond volleyball “I’m doing surgical device sales for a company called Arthrex,” said

sports@thedailycougar.com

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Wednesday, September 23, 2020 | 9 GINA MEDINA, EDITOR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/OPINION

OPINION NEWS

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

HEALTH

Don’t forget to reach out to your loved ones, socialize KIMBERLY ARGUETA

STAFF COLUNMIST @KVMVERLY

While in quarantine and practicing social distancing, it can be difficult to both make new friends and keep up with your current friends. This is why keeping up with our socialization habits in a safe way is essential for maintaining our mental health, and helping others who may be struggling with their own.

Although you may be thinking that the only way to properly socialize involves getting together in person with multiple people, I can assure you that there are a variety of safer alternatives that guarantee everyone’s well-being.

Socializing may not seem as easy as it once was, but it is equally as important that we don’t become neglected or neglect the people in our lives.

Effects of not socializing Everyone has different preferences on how and how often they socialize with others, but for many who do this consistently, the effects of a lack of socialization can be truly detrimental to their mental health.

An overall lack of socialization can cause serious effects, such as depression and anxiety, due to the constant isolation imposed upon us by the pandemic.

Any individual has the potential to face psychological effects from not socializing. This is why it is important to safely interact with others, not only for our sake, but for those around us too.

Juana Garcia/The Cougar

We all have feelings and needs that are equally valid, and a huge example is the need for socialization.

This is why we need to remember that we aren’t alone, however we may be feeling; don’t forget to reach out to your family and friends sometime soon. Get out there and meet new people, without actually going out of course.

There are numerous positive outcomes that can come out of socializing during such uncertain and alienating times,

so don’t let a pandemic get in the way of continuing to build and maintaining relationships.

Safely socializing Finding ways to safely socialize with others so that you don’t feel alone during quarantine can seem like a difficult task, but the reality is that there are plenty of simple and effective solutions.

Nobody wants to get sick, but almost everyone wants to just go back to living life pre-pandemic style. One of the easiest ways to do this is to reach out to people

through technology and the internet.

Today, there are plenty of ways to communicate with the people around you and even people you’ve never met before.

Some simple ways include texting, calling, communicating through social media and even communicating through school related apps for students and staff.

Although this isn’t the same as simply leaving your home to hang out with all of your friends and family, it’s the safest

and most beneficial way for everyone. It makes sure we don’t completely lose out on important everyday interactions and begin to feel down and estranged.

Socializing is important and so is everyone’s mental health, which is why nobody should be isolating themselves in this day and age where we have access to so many forms of communication and support.

Kimberly Argueta is a political science freshman who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

CONSPIRACIES

Questioning information is vital to individualism but buying into conspiracy theories is dangerous ANNA BAKER

STAFF COLUMNIST @ANNA2POINT0

It’s OK to question what we’re told. We should always question authority so that we can make sure we’re getting the right information and hold media companies and politicians accountable.

However, when we start questioning things, we need to be careful to not fall into any harmful conspiracy theories.

Pizzagate and QAnon show that we need to be careful not to believe theories that have no

proof, are anti-Semitic and just cause problems rather than find solutions.

The Pizzagate theory started in 2016 when Hillary Clinton’s campaign manager’s emails were leaked. A specific conversation with James Alefantis, the owner of Comet Ping Pong, a Washington, D.C., pizza restaurant, was leaked about hosting a fundraiser for Clinton.

Users of an anonymous messaging board, 4Chan, then started a rumor that the Clintons and members of the

Democratic Party were involved in a child trafficking ring headquartered at this pizzeria.

One aspect of this theory included that code words used in emails such as “pizza” and “cheese” were code words for illegal behavior.

There are no testimonies or physical evidence.

This theory emerged from random 4Chan users simply speculating on things that have nothing to do with child trafficking such as pictures Alefantis posted on Instagram of his goddaughter or overly

Juana Garcia/The Cougar

analyzing the art in the restaurant.

There’s no real evidence and yet the theory has reemerged this year, now with the conspiracy theory QAnon.

The theory has evolved, now

including Hollywood celebrities with Democrats lumping them together as the “global elite.”

CONSPIRACIES

Continues on page 10

10 | Wednesday, September 23, 2020

OPINION NEWS

GINA MEDINA, EDITOR

PROFESSIONALISM

Tattoos don’t determine professionalism, actions do JORDAN HART

STAFF COLUMNIST @NOTJUSTJO

The newest generation of professionals are faced with a dilemma when it comes to entering the workforce: visible tattoos. Tattoos are often seen as unprofessional by employers, but this narrative is outdated and young people are ready for it to be thrown out.

In a 2012 USA Today article, senior attorney advisor at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Justine Lisser said employers are allowed to ban visible tattoos as part of their dress code, the only exception being religious beliefs.

With rules like this in place, employers have the power to discriminate against applicants for expressing themselves. They either have to be conscious of where they place their tattoos or make the effort to keep them covered while on the job.

There’s a new generation entering the workforce, and the norms are starting to change.

People are getting tattoos now more than ever. As of 2014, 40 percent of American households include someone with a tattoo.

The appropriate reaction to an increased number of people getting tattoos should be a change in the rules to accommodate more applicants. Tattoos are personal; it’s unnecessary to judge a person based on their chosen method of expression.

People are encouraged to find themselves during their college years. This transformative time

CONSPIRACIES

Continued from page 9 QAnon also believes that this global elite harvest these trafficked children’s blood and use it to prolong their life in satanic rituals.

Of course, we shouldn’t believe this theory because there is no proof. But we should also take a look at QAnon and see what it is.

The QAnon theory sees Trump as a hero fighting the global elite that supposedly traffic these children.

They tend to only focus on theories of politically left people being pedophiles, despite the evidence that Trump and other conservatives were close with Epstein, just like the Clintons were. So this theory is clearly politically biased.

The QAnon narrative also carries the idea that world rulers take orders from the

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COVER

often results in permanent decisions like getting a tattoo.

Ironically, it also serves as a time to prepare young adults for their career paths. They don’t deserve to find themselves at a crossroads between who they are and the job they wish to have.

Jason Hankins, 20, is a junior at UH studying psychology with dreams of becoming a physician one day although he is “extensively tattooed.”

When asked about tattoos and how they relate to professionalism, he spoke very passionately.

“If someone is capable of doing their job, why does appearance matter,” Hankins said. “Although

I can understand why employers may wish to have client facing employees without tattoos, I do not think it is necessary.”

Despite his concrete stance in favor of tattoos in the workplace, Hankins did consider his future before getting tattooed.

“I decided against tattooing my hands and neck for the purpose of my future career,” Hankins said.

Today’s societal norms have pressured Hankins into stifling his love for tattoos. He shouldn’t have to feel less respected in his career field for having the confidence to be his authentic self.

Not all tattoos are appropriate or have a deep symbolic meaning, and there should be rules in

place against vulgar body art in the professional setting. But as it stands today, all tattoos seem to be deemed unprofessional.

People should not be faced with the choice of having their dream job and expressing themselves through body modification.

Tattoos are not the measure of someone’s dependability or skill.

Employers should appreciate individuality and the courage it takes to get a tattoo and wear it proudly.

Tattoos do not determine professionalism, people do.

Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a fake document that attempted to make it look like Jews wanted to run the world, an age old anti-Semitic conspiracy.

People talking about the “global elite,” when talking about QAnon, are usually using it as a dog whistle for Jewish people.

This is, of course, insanely anti-Semitic.

There have been some major consequences of people believing this theory. In December 2016, a man showed up at the Washington pizzeria and fired his rifle. Thankfully, nobody was harmed. The man claimed that he showed up to investigate the trafficking ring.

In 2019, a man came into the restaurant and committed arson, setting a curtain on fire.

Pizzagate also detracts from actual issues of sex trafficking that exist. These crazy stories are more exciting, so they take up more space in the media

talking about supposed sex trafficking than the actual sex trafficking happening around you in your own neighborhood.

QAnon has co-opted the hashtag #SaveOurChildren to spread its theories that, in reality, have no basis.

Many people don’t know about QAnon’s racist origins or have even heard of Pizzagate, but they care about children and boom they’re hooked onto nonsense theories.

And of course, since QAnon is anti-Semitic, believing in these theories, even if you don’t believe in their hateful and racist foundations, still is supporting anti-Semitism and normalizing it in political discourse.

QAnon appeals to people’s fears by giving them an explanation as to why things are bad in the world. Its bad because a group of global elite are doing satanic rituals and sex

trafficking kids in a Washington pizzeria.

The proof to gain popularity is not needed because QAnon appeals to these people’s fears, not their sense of logic.

QAnon isn’t the only harmful conspiracy theory out there but it’s a good example of why we can’t immediately go believe in something that satisfies our need to have answers.

When you see a theory, research it, and try to figure out if there is any physical evidence, any witness testimony or any proof in general. Also research if its anti-Semitic, because unfortunately, a lot of conspiracy theories are.

It’s OK to question things, but don’t feed into theories with no factual basis that only cause harm.

Jordan Hart is a journalism junior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

Anna Baker is an English junior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

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Wednesday, September 23, 2020 | 11

IN MEMORIAM NEWS OBITUARY

Leona Davis, longtime UH employee, remembered as backbone of Center for Student Media Ms. Leona, as she was endearingly known by those in The Cougar, CoogTV, Coog Radio and the CSM, was 64.

She spent 19 years working at the University, even earning her bachelor’s degree from the institution in 2015.

Leona Mae Davis Thornton Sept. 28, 1955Sept. 19, 2020 Courtesy of Krystal Thornton

Leona Mae Davis Thornton, a 19-year employee of the University who spent her time at UH as the office coordinator of the Center for Student Media, died Sept. 19 in Houston at the age of 64.

Leona, the only girl of seven children, was born to Henry Davis Sr. and Alice Mitchell Davis on Sept.

28, 1955, in Loreauville, Louisiana.

Ms. Leona, as she was affectionately known by staffers at The Cougar, CoogTV, Coog Radio and the CSM, spent her early life in her hometown, graduating from Loreauville High School in 1973.

Later that year, her Houston journey began. She moved to the city in December 1973 to explore the life and education. While working as a single mother of her daughter Rachel at the Groovey Grill on Calumet Street, she attended Houston Community

College, earning her associate’s degree in business management in 1980.

Throughout her life Leona worked at Sakowitz Downtown and at Oshman’s Sporting Goods in the accounting department for many years.

But her last and most adventurous employment was at UH. Leona began working at the University in 2001 as the office coordinator for the former Student Publications department.

During this time, she worked closely with The Cougar when it was still a daily, print-focused news organization and was a firsthand witness to the newspaper’s transition into the digital era and its weekly print product.

In 2015, 35 years after she earned her associate’s degree from HCC,

Leona went back to school to finish her education and graduated from the University with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and supervision.

Leona was a devout Catholic and had a lifelong relationship with her faith. She was an active member within the community of the St. Mary of the Purification Church in Houston, even at one point teaching religion classes to young children.

In her free time, Leona enjoyed reading, traveling, the Ensemble, Bingo, watching games shows and HGTV. She also enjoyed DIY projects.

Leona was the mother to three daughters: Rachel, Natashia and Krystal. She also had several grandchildren: Franchelle, Rochelle, Jasmine, Tiffany, Stephanie, Kenchelle, Michele,

Natalie and Elijah. Leona leaves behind four brothers, her special aunt Shirley Mathews and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins,

Courtesy of Krystal Thornton

neighbors, friends, co-workers, the St. Mary Church community and the many UH students whom she had an impact on.

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