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Issue 5, Volume 82
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Rolling along
The bikeshare company that has taken over Houston is expanding onto the UH campus. | PG. 3
OPINION
UChicago has it right with safe spaces
Columnist Jorden Smith writes that campuses with safe spaces are limiting the capacity for learning and censoring important views. | PG. 5
SPORTS
Will a short week hurt the Cougars?
Football opens Conference Play on the road at Cincinnati after a short turnaround from their 42-0 victory over the Lamar Cardinals. | PG. 6
2 | Wednesday, September 14, 2016
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Emily Burleson, EDITOR
FACULTY
Superstar lawyer reflects on time at UH
The Cougar
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ABOUT THE COUGAR
GABE LABOUNTY
homelessness across the country. There were also several “detoxification centers,” or places where people arrested for public drunkenness were sent to become sober. Nimmer published a book of his findings called “Two Million Unnecessary Arrests" in 1972. Nimmer argued most arrests for public drunkenness were for other reasons, sparking a debate over the real use of detoxification centers. “When we actually looked at who were getting arrested, we found that they were not alcoholics but were instead what we would call today homeless people,” Nimmer said. “Some of them had alcohol problems, but they were being arrested as a way of maintaining order in the streets.” Nimmer believes society has regressed on the issue of homelessness due to the decentralization of skid rows and cutting of social services for the homeless.
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
Elite information lawyer Raymond Nimmer has been at the top of his game for more than 20 years. This year, Nimmer was named a top lawyer in the U.S. for information law for the 23rd year in a row. He enjoys basketball and collects antique books, he was dean of the Law Center and he has had a massive impact on the national debate of copyright and information law. "My interest with law has been in how it actually works," Nimmer said. "The idea that working with high quality law firms in real cases was great, and the opportunity to do it in Houston was excellent."
Straight to business The American Bar Foundation received a Ford Foundation grant to study arrests for public drunkenness and help find solutions. The group traveled to Madison Street in Chicago and other hamlets of
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Law Center professor and former dean Raymond Nimmer was named a top lawyer in information law for the 23rd time this year. | Ajani Stewart/The Cougar
Ever an influence In 1975, the UH Law Center hired Nimmer to be an associate professor. The Center's new buildings were just completed and almost all UH undergraduates were commuters. Nimmer was right at home.
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“It was exciting," he said. "The classrooms were challenging, the faculty discussions were great because there was a mix of different political viewpoints among the college. You could get into really neat discussions while no one was feeling threatened with different viewpoints.” Three years later, Nimmer was named an associate dean of the school. He negotiated a contract to outfit the Law Center with its first set of computers, which caused Nimmer to become interested in computer and commercial law. Soon after, he published one book in a series with three other professors, a landmark series that reported on the constantly changing newborn industry of computers. The set eventually grew into a landmark series on information and computer law, forming Nimmer’s introduction into the intellectual property arena. This was not the only time Nimmer had to adapt quickly to the ever-changing world of law. One summer, he agreed to teach a class on the bankruptcy code. “I had the good fortune of Congress completely revising the code two weeks before I started the class,” Nimmer said. “The case book was totally irrelevant, and I had to teach it from the start and no one could tell me what it meant.” Soon after, Nimmer became one of the top experts in the country on the new code. From 1988 to 1996, he served as a member of the panel of examiners for bankruptcy specialization for the State Bar of Texas. Then, he met lawyer Holly Towle. Read more about the university's transformations during Nimmer's time online at thedailycougar.com/ news.
Nguyen Le CLOSING EDITORS
Trey Strange Bryce Dodds Leah Nash
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Emily Burleson, EDITOR
CITY
Houston B-cycle expands rentals on campus, citywide DMITRIY BOROVYKH
SENIOR STAFF
@ ARMADAOFAWESOME
Houston, the oil capital of the world, is embracing healthy transportation alternatives. Houston B-cycle, a bike sharing nonprofit, has recently received a federal grant to set up more rental stations throughout Houston, including some on the UH campus. “Unlocking your bike then locking it back up is kind of a hassle," psychology junior Jose Portillo said. "It's great that they're offering new ways to get around." Houston B-cycle began operating in 2012. It has received support from the Houston City Council and expanded its reach throughout the downtown, Midtown and Memorial areas since then. Since the start of 2016, the company said the city's cyclists has made 73,577 trips totaling 508,044 miles. The program received a $3.5
Thanks to a grant from the Federal Highway Administration, bike sharing company Houston B-cycle will expand to include UH. | Jessica Cruz/The Cougar
million grant from the Federal Highway Administration. This, in addition to $880,000 of the organization’s own resources, will allow Houston B-cycle to install 71 new stations with 568 new bikes. To use the bike, riders must first get a membership that lasts
a day, a week or a full year. Prices for the memberships are $5, $15 and $65. The bikes can be taken from the stations with no additional charge for up to 60 minutes per ride and $2 for each half-hour past that. The usage fee can be avoided by docking the bike
within the first hour and taking it out again. “If you think about it, it only takes you about seven minutes to ride across the campus,” said UH Facilities Manager Craig Whitfield, who has been working with Houston B-cycle to bring their stations to campus. Rental bike stations could alleviate some issues associated with using personal bicycles, freeing up existing bike racks and letting more students get around quicker without having to bring their own bikes to campus. B-cycle has a companion app available for both Apple and Android devices, which lets the users know where the closest docking station is and whether it has any bikes available. "You don’t have to do any maintenance either," Whitfield said. "The bikes are maintained for you.” Another potential benefit is that the rental system can bring down bicycle theft, which is
common on campus. There are currently 31 B-cycle stations with 225 bikes. The upcoming expansion will bring those numbers to 102 total stations and 793 bikes, more than triple what it is now. Of those stations, 21 will spread across Houston’s universities, including UH, UH-Downtown, Texas Southern University and Rice University. “I have to park far away from here, and ride the bike,” Computer information systems senior Nick Chen said. Chen is one of many students who commute to campus by car and bring a bike to get from the remote economy parking lots to their classes. He was excited about the possibility of using rental bikes to get around. “It’s a good idea," Chen said. "Just make sure they have them here and in the parking (lots).” news@thedailycougar.com
4 | Wednesday, September 14, 2016
OPINION
PUZZLES
thedailycougar.com/opinion
BEAUTY
EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR IN CHIEF
Trey Strange
MANAGING EDITOR
Bryce Dodds
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Leah Nash
CHIEF COPY EDITOR
Nguyen Le
NEWS EDITORS
Emily Burleson Alex Meyer Gabe LaBounty SPORTS EDITORS
Reagan Earnst Jonathan Valadez
OPINION EDITORS
Frank Campos Thom Dwyer ARTS EDITORS
Karis Johnson Greg Fails PHOTO EDITORS
Justin Cross Ajani Stewart SENIOR STAFF
Dmitriy Borovykh Caprice Carter Bruce Chao Peter Scamardo Jorden Smith Douglas Van
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
#Nomakeup provides foundation for better, more powerful selves
W
hen Alicia Keys decided to lose the makeup in May, the general consensus was neither "yay" nor "nay." But as the movement caught fire, more women seemed to be against #nomakeup. It was Alicia Keys’ decision to attend the VMAs bareCAPRICE faced that CARTER stoked the ire COLUMNIST of the public, calling it a “step too far” and accusing Keys of being a “fake ass feminist”. Keys was bold for kicking the war paint on such an important occasion, and all women should appreciate her decision. Her makeup–free self came with a message: Makeup doesn’t define me or what I do. “I felt powerful because my initial intentions realized themselves,” Keys wrote on Lenny Letter. “My desire to listen to myself, to tear down the walls I built over all those years, to be full of purpose, and to be myself ! The universe was listening to those things I'd promised myself, or maybe I was just finally listening to the universe, but however it goes, that's how this whole #nomakeup thing began.” For most women, the pressure is on the moment we step into
the mirror every morning: “What color eye shadow should I wear? Does this lipstick go with my skin color? Ugh, too much eyeliner. Crap, my mascara is clumping.” It is innate, our desire to be physically appealing to others, but Keys is calling it like it is. The only person we should strive to please is ourselves. At UH, the fashion game is intense. In some ways, it can be intimidating. The moment I step foot on campus, I feel as if I’m constantly comparing myself to other girls. As young women in college, this is a time and place where we are so much more impressionable. The things we see on television or even the people we hang around also influence how we see ourselves. For years, feminists have fought for gender equality and against women being objectified and standardized by what they wear and look like. So what makes Keys’ movement so appalling? The truth: Women are frightened by what people will say to them as much as by what they will also think of themselves. So women of UH, if it makes you comfortable, toss the makeup and embrace who you are. Haters are going to be haters, But if you love makeup, then, in Keys' words, “You do you.” Opinion Columnist Caprice Carter is a communication junior and can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com
Submissions are accepted from any member of the UH community and must be signed with the author’s name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Commentary should be limited to 500 words. Guest commentaries should not be written as replies, but rather should present independent points of view. Deliver submissions to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@ thedailycougar.com; or fax them to (713) 743-5384. All submissions are subject to editing.
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It's commendable to see a famous woman leading a movement that could positively affect how girls view themselves. | Dominique Gutierrez/The Cougar
ACROSS 1 Eyeglasses, informally 6 Impressive degree 9 Turkish generals 14 Artistic stand 15 Word from a finger-pointing chooser 16 Constructed 17 Jungle vine 18 Affirmative action? 19 “Tomorrow” musical 20 Aggravation at a lack of progress 23 Type of modern testing 24 Airplane passenger’s concern 25 Addressed a waiter 27 Pronged weapons 32 ___ fide 33 It may be right above a knee 34 Down’s partner 36 The time being 39 Knocks on a door 41 Begets 43 Gulf War missile 44 Stand on its head 46 Jack’s nemesis 48 .0000001 joule 49 Went out, as a fire 51 Jewish sect member of old 53 Small scrap 56 It can help with a housewarming 57 “Overhead” engine part
58 A dam is one, essentially 64 States with conviction 66 “___ we having fun yet?” 67 First thing read, typically 68 Camelot weapon 69 One way to move quickly 70 Alpha’s opposite 71 Church part 72 Tennis match segment 73 Chart anew DOWN 1 “To thine own ___ be true” 2 Au ___ 3 Jacob’s twin 4 Used a thurible 5 Like proper venetian blinds 6 Bird that repeats (var.) 7 Cowboy’s pride 8 Part of a TV feed 9 Leave high and dry 10 Big bang creator .11 Things that get in the way 12 Type of skirt that flares outward 13 “Farm” or “home” attachment 21 Some members of Indian royalty 22 Kingly sphere 26 “The Dukes of Hazzard” spin-off 27 By way of, briefly 28 Acquire in the field 29 Roadblock 30 H.S. math subject
31 35 37 38 40 42 45 47 50 52 53 54 55 59 60 61 62 63 65
Bacon bit “Awright!” Be a good doctor Competitive advantage Quick haircut Big mess Coup participant John Deere product Belle of the ball, briefly One of these days La ___ (Milan opera house) Type of base Autocrats no more Common test answer Lease Agenda unit Legendary gymnast Korbut Tide type Former electronics giant
Wednesday, September 14, 2016 | 5
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OPINION
opinion@thedailycougar.com
Frank Campos, EDITOR
HIGHER-ED
University of Chicago greets incoming freshmen correctly
T
his past summer, UH became nationally "famous." The troubling thing about the comment made was not the content of the post — made on a personal social media page — but rather the fiery response to it based solely on a disagreement on politics and semantics. The people who reacted did so because of an inability to process the difference of opinions. As new students come to campus, there is an implicit expectation that they will be coddled and hidden JORDEN away from life's SMITH realities. It is as COLUMNIST if they can still bring along the bubble that primary education has made for them. This new trend of hiding students from “scary” opinions that differ from the generally accepted
beliefs of college students has swept through the nation. It has also made its way to most universities.
Follow the letter Although these ideas are sometimes used to protect those who have experienced actual trauma in their lives (such as victims of PTSD and rape survivors), college administrators and students have used it to fend off notions that don't match with their own. So it was all the more surprising when the University of Chicago decided to end the relatively new practice of allowing trigger warnings, safe spaces, banning speakers based on their opinions and more that prevent students from seeing the world in full. In a letter to incoming freshmen, Dean of Students John Ellis laid out the ways in which the university will operate. This was one of the best things that the University of Chicago could do for its students. Especially for those who shut themselves
off from the rest of the ideologies laced throughout the world. This is something every university in the nation could learn from — including our own. We can’t boast that we are the second-most diverse school in the U.S. but not vehemently promote intellectual diversity: Appreciating and understanding every viewpoint, no matter where on the ideological spectrum. I’m not just espousing for one political side, I mean up, down, left,and right. We need them all to see the full spectrum of diversity. We, as students, are here not just to learn about the advanced ideas within our field of study. We are here to learn about the world we live in, in a way that cannot be found anywhere else. We need to have the ability to listen and digest the most radical of viewpoints: from the anarchist who hates the government, to the monarchist who believes we have too little government. We learn about the ideas and experiences of those around us in a way that will never be found in the
workplace. This is especially true at UH. There are people on this campus who come from every imaginable background and bring with them unique experiences. That is why the idea of safe spaces and trigger warnings are ridiculous. Even "South Park" has gone on to criticize it.
Risk for guests Colleges are for higher learning not to hide away from ideas that are “evil.” College students should never fear censorship, especially in places that prides itself on being sites of brilliance that move the intellectual nature of the world forward. This also extends to campus speakers. In a few weeks, Milo Yiannopoulos will be coming to campus to speak. This is a man who progressives vehemently despised and who colleges have banned. There is a certain amount of unchecked authoritarianism that comes with banning a speaker the students have invited and prepared to host
because of a difference of ideology. We, as a university, should embrace the idea of speaker who hold different opinions than those commonly held by students. It is a chance to learn and question. When you hide yourself away from the ideas present in the world, you become what you hate: an ideological monster. A prime example is Ben Shapiro, a conservative author, who spoke at UCLA last semester. Instead of being rational minds ready to learn and hear new ideas, they rioted. Kudos to the University of Chicago for deciding to be what it is: a place of higher learning. Hopefully other universities follow its lead, or else we might have a generation of radical, insufferable ideologues graduating from U.S. universities who don’t care what others have to say. Opinion columnist Jorden Smith is a political science junior and the president of the College Republicans. He can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com
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6 | Wednesday, September 14, 2016
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Reagan Earnst, EDITOR
FOOTBALL
Cougars' fortitude tested in short week MERVIN WRIGHT JR.
STAFF WRITER WATCHMESWERV
After a short week of preparation, the Houston Cougars will travel for their first road game of the season to take on the University of Cincinnati Bearcats on Thursday night. Even though the Cougars have started out 2-0, head coach Tom Herman said he would still like to have the extra days to rest and let the players heal. He brought up the offense's 97 snaps on Saturday, which was more than average. Regardless of the snap count, the Cougars were back at the facility just a day after the Lamar Cardinals game and went through a practice they would normally have Tuesday. In preparation for Thursday night’s game, Herman said that the team is following a different training schedule to get them ready. “We practiced late (Sunday) night,” Herman said. “We went from 7:15 to 9:15.” Herman said that there were a couple of reasons for the team practicing later than usual.
The Cougar football team should have starting quarterback Greg Ward Jr. back in the lineup Thursday, but Kyle Postma, one of the back ups, did well in Saturday's game against the Lamar University Cardinals. | Justin Cross/The Cougar
One reason was to give the team additional rest after the Cardinals game, which was lengthened by an almost fourhour lightning delay. The second reason was to get the team acclimatize to being on the field at night, under bright lights and with slightly cooler
American Red Cross
outside conditions. Herman also said that the practices this week would be shorter than usual, and that most of the time would be spent scouting the Bearcats to make sure that the Cougars will be ready. Senior offensive lineman Mac
Long said he noticed the difference in the preparation for the short week. “Saturday, we got done with the game and Sunday, we came in and we put the game behind us,” Long said. “We had to get right into it. We had to get right into the film, and we had a Tues-
day (style) practice, so there’s not a whole lot of time off.” Senior outside linebacker Tyus Bowser didn’t seem bothered. He said that the coaching staff has prepared them for a quick turn-around and that the team has been working hard to give their bodies time to recover. The Cougars will attempt to have some sense of normalcy this week, though. For example, they will still have lunch, hit the weights and get treatments around the same time. The team will leave Wednesday for Cincinnati so that they can go through their normal routine. Thursday’s game will be the first of four games that won’t be on a Saturday this season. Long said that it didn’t matter where or when a game was; the team will be ready. “We could be down there at Cream Burger at 12 at night,” Long said. “It’s not going to matter. When they say put the ball down, we’re going to go play.” sports@thedailycougar.com
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SPORTS VOLLEYBALL
In final season, senior to leave a lasting cultural impact on program JD SMITH
STAFF WRITER
As one of only two seniors on the women’s volleyball team, middle blocker/right side Hunter Wise knows she has to be a leader for the team this year. For the last three seasons, Wise has dominated the competition. Steadily improving each season, the senior accumulated HUNTER WISE 426 kills and MIDDLE BLOCKER/ 143 blocks in RIGHT SIDE her first three years. Despite her own success, team achievement has eluded her. “I want to leave the impact of our culture and want to show the freshmen and sophomores and juniors how we do it at Houston,� Wise said.
everyone was so friendly with my family and it was a great environment to be in,� Wise said. “Houston is a great place to be — there are lots of things to do and see here.� She started in 10 games as a true freshman in 2013. During that time, Wise totaled 35 kills and 32 blocks. She was also named to the American Athletic Conference All-Academic team. Wise continued her strong play into her sophomore season, improving in every statistical category and scoring a then-career highs with 147 kills and 51 blocks. She started 19 of the 31 games she appeared in and was on the conference All-Academic team for the second consecutive year. Wise’s hard work on and off the court has impressed her teammates and coaches, which is an important part of her legacy after graduation. Her work ethic paid dividends during her junior year as she
“I want to leave the impact of our culture and want to show the freshmen and sophomores and juniors how we do it at Houston.� Hunter Wise, Middle blocker/Right side Although impressive on the court now, the Fairmount, Indiana–native didn't start playing the sport until fourth grade. “My best friend wanted to play in a club, so I went and did it with her,� Wise said. “I loved it so I stuck with it.� As a four-time letter winner and two-time first team All-Indiana award winner at Madison-Grant High School, Wise helped lead her team to four consecutive conference and county championships. She set two school records in matches won and blocks, while finishing second all time in kills and aces. “About sophomore year in high school people were like, ‘you’re really tall and a good player,’ so I started writing people and they started responding and it was like, maybe this could really happen,� Wise said. “It was all very unexpected.� Although she was just one of the few players on the team from out of state, it was Houston’s culture and opportunity that prompted her to choose UH over other options. “I came down here and
again set career highs in kills (244), digs (33) and blocks (60) while starting in 23 of 29 games. Wise said that she is never satisfied and has continued putting in the effort to improve in her final season. “We’ve really been working on our defense and trying to get our block big, strong, and consistent,� Wise said. This season, Wise has already tallied 40 kills and 15 blocks and is off to a strong start. Now in her final season, Wise continues to look forward although she knows that her time as a Cougar is winding down. “My plans are to go to PTA school and get my degree,� she said. Head coach Kaddie Platt stressed the importance that Wise has added to the team in her time at UH. “Hunter is an extremely awesome person,� Platt said. “She’s a great teammate and a hard worker. On the court she’s a great slide and she’s an important part of our offense.� sports@thedailycougar.com
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Reagan Earnst, EDITOR
TRACK AND FIELD
Q&A: Shot putter discusses big upcoming year PETER SCAMARDO
TC: How did UH recruit you?
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
FV: It started at a summer meet in high school. There, I met coach (Will) Blackburn, and I gave him my information. After that, we were going back and forth emailing. He's an amazing recruiter. He cares about family. (Family) was the main thing. I liked how (UH) is winning championships and there was a big tradition that I wanted to be a part of.
Junior shot putter Felipe Valencia is coming off of a career year. Valencia set personal bests on his way to a conference title, which resulted in a trip to the NCAA Regionals. Valencia also traveled with the Mexican U-23 team at the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association games. At the games, Valencia placed fifth, creating high expectations for the Cougars after a successful campaign last season.
TC: Last season was without a doubt a breakout year for you. What was different? FV: It was pretty much just hard
The Cougar: What was it like to represent Mexico this summer?
TC: How were you selected for the team?
FV: Yvonne Trevino is an Olympian long jumper who trains here. She was the one who noticed me and thought I had serious potential and pushed me to represent the Mexican national team.She put my name out there, and I ended up going to their Olympic trials in the first week of July. I ended up placing third overall and just missed out on the game. But, I placed
first in my group, the under-23s, so they immediately told me I qualified for the championships in El Salvador, so I agreed. I'm very thankful she gave me that support and drive to get my name noticed.
TC: Why did you compete for the Mexico team? FV: Basically, it was my dad's dream.
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TC: What have you and your coaches been working on to improve your performance this season? FV: This past summer, going into the international meet, and at regionals last year, I saw just how huge all the top competitors are. So, this season I'm hoping to dedicate myself to nutrition and strength.
sports@thedailycougar.com
BEACH HOUSE EXPLOSIONS SKY PHANTOGRAM RUN THE JEWELS BIG BOI PURITY RING DESCENDENTS COURTNEY BARNETT DEATH GRIPS YOUNG THUG MAC DEMARCO M 5. B E R & MANY MORE! 6 IN THE
N O V E4 .
PASSES AND INFO AT
I grew up knowing he was an athlete in Mexico and every time I won a state title he would be like, ‘you could go with Mexico,’ and I was like, ‘maybe I could go with the U.S.’ He passed away in my freshman year of college. So, this really seemed like a way I could honor my dad, because he was always the one pushing me to go through that route.
35 M T OF TX I L E S EAS A U S T IN,
experience. Not a lot of people get that chance to represent a country. Getting to travel to an international meet just made it seem like all my hard work since middle school, basically, has worked out. Plus, knowing my family and UH were supporting me the entire way made it an even greater experience.
Thrower Felipe Valencia is fulfilling his father's dream by competing for the Mexican National Team. | Coutesy of UH Athletics
SHERWOOD FOREST
Felipe Valencia: It was an amazing
work. I knew how it felt to be on the bottom, so it was more of keeping my head high, working and that ultimately translated during the season.