Volume 78, Issue 4

Jessica CrawfordStaff writer

This season, public health experts suggest that fall classes aren’t the only things for which students should brace themselves.

Students also need to take precautions against the West Nile virus — instances of the virus have increased by 40 percent since last week, according to the CDC — especially considering many college students are on the way to or from classes at dusk or dawn.

“It’s a bit impractical to always remain indoors at dusk and dawn. If you are outside, then use a repellent with DEET, Picaridin or the oil of lemon eucalyptus. They’re very easy to purchase,” said Floyd Robinson, director of the UH Health Center.

Cases of West Nile in dead birds have been detected in Harris county, according to Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services.

Every year, HCPHES releases information about how residents

can protect themselves from the threat of illness carried by mosqui-toes. It suggests not only that resi-dents use repellent to stay safe, but also that mosquito attracting envi-ronments such as standing water

and lawn clippings be removed from public areas.

“Mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus in Harris County are night-time fl iers. They also like to come indoors,” said Sandy Kachur, the

senior public information officer at HCPHES.

According to the CDC, cat or dog owners should not use DEET-based

Jessica CrawfordStaff writer

According to leading solar panel distribution company Heliotex, LLC., cleaning solar panels with commercial products such as dishwashing soap is ineffective, damaging to the building it’s on, harmful to surrounding wild-life, dangerous for the one cleaning, and the narrow pH range associated with solar panel cells makes some products corrosive to the frame.

Seamus Curran, UH director of the Institute for NanoEnergy, has a

solution. He is now undergoing the patent process for his technology that makes solar panels more efficient through the maintenance of their clean surfaces.

“Cleaning solar panels is expen-sive, and a dirty solar panel can reduce its power capabilities by up to 30 percent,” Curran said.

The self-cleaning nano-hydro-phobic layer, named the StormCell, that Curran developed with Research

T H E O F F I C I A L S T U D E N T N E W S P A P E R O F T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F H O U S T O N S I N C E 1 9 3 4T H E O F F I C I A L S T U D E N T N E W S P A P E R O F T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F H O U S T O N S I N C E 1 9 3 4

THE DAILY COUGARThursday, August 30, 2012 // Issue 119, Volume 77 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

thedailycougar.com

GET SOME DAILY

14

Words from counsel-ing and psychological services

Take the poll: How many times have you changed your major?

Days until the last day to drop without a W.

It’s not too late to turn back, freshmen.

COUNTDOWN

NEXT ISSUE

ONLINE XTRA

West Nile virus is transmitted via mosquito bite. Students should kill any they see. | Images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

C-Store should sell beer

OPINION

Blaffer Gallery given new life

LIFE+ARTS

New talent in golf lineup

SPORTS

UH expert weighs in on West Nile scare

NILE continues on page 3

SOLAR continues on page 3

Solar panels now self-clean

What is red, white and green all over?UH continues its movement toward sustainable practices, commuter fair

The Central Plant at UH is fi t with solar panels. | Hendrick Rosemond/The Daily Cougar

GREEN continues on page 2

Julie HefflerNews editor

With recycling bins scattered over campus and reusable to-go contain-ers in the dining halls, UH has clearly made an effort and succeeded to become an environmental friendly university.

According to The Princeton Review, UH is currently one on the “Nation’s Greenest Colleges” for the work that is being done in sustain-ability research.

“As an institution of higher edu-cation, we have a responsibility to teach and model for our students that it is important to be good citi-zens in the world in which we live so they have this mindset when they graduate,” said Emily Messa, chair of Sustainability Task Force.UH is one of many colleges to initiate trayless dining.

Trayless dining reduces the amount of food waste by 25 to 30 percent and reduces the water waste

necessary to clean the trays after each use, according to the Green UH website.

UH is also adamant about its recycling program, and is recycling 35 percent of its waste while reaching for the goal of 80 percent, the Offi ce of Sustainability said on its website.

“Recycling is most visible and most important to students on campus. When determining how we spend time and move toward campus progress, we see what students care about, and recycling is on student’s minds,” said Leah Wolfthal, program coordinator for Sustainability.

“We use AASHE (The Association for the Advancement of Sustainabil-ity in Higher Education) as a guide and rating system. It gives universi-ties indicators on sustainability top-ics such as move-in recycling. The guide is often a starting point.”

In addition to recycling, UH participates in RecyleMania, which

File photo/The Daily Cougar

24th 4August 27-30Thursday

FEEDBACK

HELP US SEE THINGS

FROM ANOTHER

PERSPECTIVE — YOURS.

We thrive on feedback and we take it in a number of forms:

ONLINEE-mail [email protected]

Twitter @thedailycougar

Facebook.com/thedailycougar

ON THE PHONECall 713-743-5362 to speak

to the Editor in Chief.

IN PERSONCome by our office, Room 12,

UC Satellite to talk to someone.

THE DAILY COUGAR®

2 \\ Thursday, August 30, 2012 The Daily Cougar

NEWS

ABOUT THE COUGARThe Daily Cougar is published Monday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters, and Wednesdays during the summer and online at thedailycougar.com. The Daily Cougar is supported in part by Student Service Fees. The fi rst copy is free. Additional copies cost 25 cents.

SUBSCRIPTIONSRates are $70 per year or $40 per semester. Mail subscription requests to: Mail Subscriptions, The Daily Cougar, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204-4015.

NEWS TIPSSend tips and story ideas to the editors. Call (713) 743-5314, e-mail [email protected]. A “Submit news” form is available at thedailycougar.com.

COPYRIGHTNo part of the newspaper in print or online may be reproduced without the consent of the director of Student Publications.

Newsroom(713) [email protected]/thedailycougartwitter.com/thedailycougar

Advertising(713) [email protected]/advertising

Student Publications(713) [email protected]/sp

Room 7, UC SatelliteStudent PublicationsUniversity of HoustonHouston, TX 77204-4015

Issue staffCopy editing

Elizabeth JimenezChannler Hill

Closing editorsAmanda HilowJoshua Mann

CONTACT US

THE DAILY COUGAR IS A MEMBER OF

THE ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS.

is a national ten-week recycling challenge. Post-secondary schools are challenged to recycle the most waste as possible during this ten-week event, according to the Offi ce of Sustainability website.

Residential students will be see-ing changes in the move-out and move-in processes this academic year.

“We are in collaboration with student housing and residential life,” Wolfthal said.

“They will be stating again what they are passionate about and they will support residential life with sus-tainable choices, specifi cally focus-ing on a sustainable move-out.”

“Normally when students move-out, they thrown out their TV or clothes that they haven’t worn in a semester. We will be looking at Goodwill to help us out with a sort of reusable move-out,” Wolfthal said.

Green initiatives don’t just apply to residential students. Commuting has been a big problem with UH students for some time now. UH has been trying to make parking better by initiating benefi ts for more sus-tainable methods.

According to Wolfthal, students are encouraged to learn about a variety of commuting options at the “Green UH Commuter Fair” which will be next week.

“It’s an event held twice a year. We are tweaking it slightly this year to revamp the message we want to send to students. In the past, we have had students sign up for Q cards, the discount Metro fare cards and fi nd out about the Hertz program,” Wolfthal said.

“This year, we are kind of hoping to get the message out to people and invite them to join a conversation.”

Additionally, motorcycles park on campus for free and more bike racks are currently being installed, according to the Offi ce of Sustain-ability website.

The name change from Green UH to the Offi ce of Sustainability, that occurred in late June, compliments the community-centered mode of operations that the department wishes to embody.

“We are undergoing big change, and trying to move away from one-sided messaging to moving into a conversation with students that they are passionate about. We are trying to connect with people,” Wolfthal said. “I really believe that forcing anyone to do things is not sustainable in the long run. Rather, I’d have people choose to do something freely and on their own.”

Messa said she is proud of what the school has done.

“We believe we have created a liv-ing-learning laboratory for sustain-ability on campus through programs like RecycleMania, having recycling bins on campus, solar panels that can be integrated into the classroom learning, a community garden and partnerships with Urban Harvest – and the list goes on,” Messa said.

“We are proud these efforts have been recognized by The Princeton Review and others. We do this not for the recognition, but because we believe we have a responsibility to our students, our community and our planet.”

Additional reporting by Amanda Hilow.

[email protected]

GREEN continued from page 1

Open House at the Catholic Newman Center, Aug. 27th – Sept. 7th

9 AM – 5 PM during Welcome Week.Free Ice Cream Sundaes from 1 PM – 5 PM

Free Lunch on Wednesdays after the daily Mass @ 12:30 PM

Catholic Student Organization First Meeting on Thursday, Sept. 13th @ 7 PM

at the Catholic Newman Center

Bayou Awakening Retreat for students Sept. 14th – 16th

at Camp Kappe, Plantersville, TX(for Young Adults 18 – 25, get application online at

www.archgh.org/youngacm/awakening.htm)

Mass Schedule:Monday – Thursday @ Noon at the Catholic Newman Center

Sunday @ 10:45 AM at the A.D. Bruce Religion Center (next to Quad Dorms)

Sunday @ 6 PM at the Catholic Newman Center (across from the Recreation Center)

Reconciliation Service:Before or after all the scheduled masses

or by appointment with Fr. Joseph Lam Nguyen.

Catholic Newman Campus Ministry

Open House at the Catholic Newman Center,Open House at the Catholic Newman Center,Open House at the Catholic Newman Center,Open House at the Catholic Newman Center,

WELCOME WEEK 2012

(Aug. 27th – Sept. 7th)

COME AND SEE!

For more info. call: (713) 748-2529 or visit our website: www.uhcatholic.org

Follow us on Twitter!twitter.com/thedailycougar

The Daily Cougar Thursday, August 30, 2012 // 3

NEWS

insect repellents on the animals, because of the chance that the animal could ingest the repellent. The CDC also says that if a cat or dog contracts the West Nile Virus, it is likely to recover fully.

UH is also taking steps to ensure that mosquitoes are less of a threat on campus.

“The campus is involved with spraying mosquitoes, but some-times the mosquitoes try to get away and rush into our buildings,” Robinson said.

Kachur is much more direct about the solution.

“If you see any mosquito inside, kill it,” Kachur said.

[email protected]

NILE continued from page 1

Associate Professor Rebecca Forrest and Research Professor Abdelhak Bensaoula is long lasting, which helps to cut costs in the long run.

“The technology is a more cost effective way of ensuring maximum energy output,” Curran said.

“Essentially the innovation allows improving the effi ciency and lowering the maintenance of any photovoltaic system. The proprietary coating he has developed allows solar panels to be used in harsh environments — dust, salt, etc. — with minimum performance degradation,” Bensaoul said in an email.

In June, the products were tested at the Dublin Institute for Technol-ogy in Ireland, and the results seem promising, Curran said. Further test-ing began Aug. 10 in North Carolina and is still ongoing.

“The one thing I was somewhat fearful of was putting coating on pan-els in the real world,” Curran said.

“We have the coatings on 24 solar panels that are being environmen-tally tested in light, rain and pollen. I am very happy to say that we have survived in the environment, and the panels are producing lots of power.”

His product is now licensed by C-Voltaics, a start-up energy company at UH. The self-cleaning technology is being used at UH, New Mexico State and Trinity College, Curran’s alma mater.

In theory, the versatility of the product also allows it to be used on a number of different surfaces. Curran is in the process of perfecting a solar powered generator that can be used in emergency situations.

“When my wife suggested that we should put solar on wheels dur-ing Hurricane Ike, I really went back to the drawing board and the whole solar equation,” Curran said.

“The proprietary coatings profes-sor Curran is developing can be inte-grated with other ongoing (research and development) on campus such as initiatives in the colleges of Archi-tecture, Engineering and Natural Sciences & Mathematics to create innovative solutions in the renew-able energy fi elds,” Bensaoul said in an email.

Curran is also engaged in research of solar cells made of plastic.

“(The plastic cells are) incredibly thin, less than 100 nanometers thick, but not very effi cient. They don’t carry electrical charge very well and they are not close to commercialization,” Curran said.

Though still in the experimental stage, these cells could mean a lot to the future of green energy, a cause well-associated with UH.

“These type of solar cells are con-sidered the third generation of solar technology,” Curran said.

Additional reporting by Julie Heffl er.

[email protected]

SOLAR continued from page 1

Cigs stopCougar news services

In compliance with UH’s new smoking ban, the convenience store in the UC Satellite will offi cially dis-continue the sale of cigarettes.

There is no set date for the discon-tinuation, but the store is no longer buying cigarettes from distributors. When the store’s current supplies sell out, UH will be a smoke-free campus.

[email protected]


Jacob PattersonStaff columnist

Calhoun Lofts is an on-campus housing area consisting mainly of

students 21 and older. There is a convenience store within the building, yet despite all of the of-age students, it doesn’t sell alcohol or cigarettes.

It seems to make no sense,

considering the nearby Univer-sity Center sells cigarettes in its convenience store and beer in its basement arcade and bowling alley.

The convenience store should consider getting a license to sell alcohol for several reasons.

If the store sold alcohol, they would be the only store on cam-pus to offer the convenience of buying beer that one could take

home, while being located in the same building that houses many students legally eligible to buy alcohol.

The convenience would definitely attract of-age students living on campus, and the profits could be substantial.

If students could purchase alcohol on campus, they would be less likely to go the nearest stores in surrounding

neighborhoods with higher crime rates to buy.

One might say that selling alcohol in a convenience store on campus may contribute to drunkenness and disorderly con-duct or jeopardize campus safety in general, but it would likely do the opposite. After all, there are many spots already available on and around campus that provide vast quantities of alcohol for decent prices.

For example, China Star, a Chinese restaurant located across the street from the Lofts, serves pitchers for less than $10. The Den, down Calhoun Road, is open until early in the morning and has daily drink specials. The Conrad Hilton College has a full bar in its restaurant also open late.

If students who don’t want to drive to surrounding neighbor-hoods — or those who don’t have cars — are forced to drink in designated areas around campus when they could have simply drank some beer in the safety of their apartment, the chances of a drunk-driving incident are increased.

In the middle of Third Ward, students shouldn’t be required to venture out for much. UH needs to keep this in mind.

As far as moral issues the store may face for selling alcohol, one should remember that many places ran by the University already sell cigarettes and alcohol.

It isn’t too far-fetched to consider a convenience store in a building of drinking-age stu-dents can too, especially when several alternative options to get alcohol are within short walking distance.

Many would say the more

responsible option is for a student to drink in their place of residence so that they don’t bother anyone or get in trouble.

Some might counter this and say they would just have more potential to be inebri-ated in their rooms, but that wouldn’t be worse than being in public or outside on university property where the potential to get in trouble with the police or involved in dangerous activity is much higher.

The only thing that would change if the Calhoun Lofts convenience store started selling alcohol would be the number of students entering dangerous sections of town.

Campus residents are already drinking, and there will be no surge of crime if it’s available at the store. Having a convenience store that sells alcohol on cam-pus may have its downfalls, but it seems the perks outweigh the cons.

It would give students who already plan on drinking more options, and — most importantly — safer options.

Jacob Patterson is a business senior and may be reached at [email protected].

Limited options force students off campus

With a surrounding area

known for its higher crime rate, students shouldn’t be required to venture out for much. The University of Houston needs to keep this in mind.”

Students are dangerously burdened by campus convenience stores’ refusal to sell alcohol

OPINION EDITOR Lucas Sepulveda

EMAIL [email protected]

ONLINE thedailycougar.com/opinion

STAFF EDITORIAL The Staff Editorial refl ects the opinions of The Daily Cougar Editorial Board (the members of which are listed above the editorial). All other opinions, commentaries and cartoons refl ect only the opinion of the author. Opinions expressed in The Daily Cougar do not necessarily refl ect those of the University of Houston or the students as a whole.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Daily 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 affi liation with the University, including classifi cation and major. Anonymous letters will not be published. Deliver letters to Room 7, University Center Satellite; e-mail them to [email protected]; 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 affi liation with the University, including classifi cation 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 Room 7, University Center Satellite; e-mail them to [email protected]; or fax them to (713) 743-5384. All submissions are subject to editing.

ADVERTISEMENTS Advertisements in The Daily Cougar do not necessarily refl ect the views and opinions of the University or the students as a whole.

THE DAILY COUGARE D I T O R I A L B OA R D

EDITOR IN CHIEF Joshua MannMANAGING EDITOR David HaydonASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR Amanda HilowNEWS EDITOR Julie Heffl erSPORTS EDITOR Andrew PateLIFE & ARTS EDITOR Allen LeOPINION EDITOR Lucas Sepulveda

ASSISTANT EDITORS

Ellen Goodacre, Bryan Dupont-Gray,Christopher Shelton

Constructive Learning by Callie Parish

Free Shipping is available with an Amazon Student Prime Membership.

GET FREETWO-DAY SHIPPING JOIN AMAZONSTUDENT TODAY

SHOP ‘TILYOURMOUSEDROPS


LASTThe University of Houston and the College of Liberal arts and Social Sciences welcomes any undergraduate student interested in Latin America to the program and minor in Latin American Studies (LAST).

This 18-hr minor is interdiisciplinary and focuses on the histories, cultures, economics and politics of this broad region.For more information or to register in the LAST 3300, a distance education course required for the minor, contact Professor Susan Kellogg History Department, [email protected] or check the program website, www.class.uh.edu/last.

CAREERS IN:JOURNALISM

GRAPHIC DESIGN

MARKETING

ADVERTISING

PHOTOGRAPHY

PUBLISHING

COMMUNICATIONS

START HERE.

WE’RE HIRING FOR:STAFF WRITERS OPINION COLUMNISTS COPY EDITORSCARTOONISTS PHOTOGRAPHERSADVERTISING

Fill out an application at thedailycougar.com/apply or visit the Student Publications Office in Room 7, UC Satellite. Questions? E-mail [email protected]

Get your speech on.THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM

Comment onour articles

Starta blog Share with friends

We can’t hear you.

Mostly because we’re a

newspaper and we don’t

have ears. But we would love

to get your voice heard. Send

us a guest column, around

400-600 words on a topic of

your choosing, to opinion@

thedailycougar.com.


12805 Cullen Suite AA Houston 77047Call 713.733.6000 Visit [email protected]


NEWS

Amanda HilowAssistant managing editor

Approximately 6,000 students, staff and faculty flocked to the Campus Wellness and Recreation Center at 4 p.m. Wednesday for the 10th annual Cat’s Back.

Serving as the official kick-off for UH’s Weeks of Welcome, The Cat’s Back celebrated the start of the semester with an afternoon jam-packed with activities includ-ing bongo lessons, giant Jenga games and bouncy houses.

With free catering by UH Dining Services and musical entertain-ment by Hot 95.7, students walked the length of the recreation center, socializing and gathering informa-tion from representatives of more than 100 student organizations during the event’s Organization Fair.

“The Cat’s Back helps people that are not already connected to any student organizations, espe-cially freshmen, and offers them an opportunity to meet a variety of organizations and get involved,” said Keith Kowalka, assistant vice president for Student Affairs-Student Life.

“According to an online poll, students that are involved have higher GPAs. Fifty percent are more likely to come back after year one, and students involved are 10 times more like to graduate in a period of five years.”

Computer engineering fresh-man Drew Feille was eager to take part.

“I’m really hoping to find an organization that fits with my interests,” Feille said.

In earlier years, the University

Center hosted The Cat’s Back, but the New UC construction project has taken over the arbor, and UH officials have decided to move the event to the recreation center for the next two years.

“Despite the change of venue, I was pleasantly surprised to see the attendance at the level it is this year,” said Interfraternity Council Executive Officer Zachary Irons.

Kowalka said he was excited to be able to show off the recreation center to the new freshmen.

At 6:30 p.m., the organization fair came to a close as the march-ing band, cheerleaders and Cougar Dolls welcomed SGA President Cedric Bandoh, who introduce the

event’s special guest.UH President and Chancel-

lor Renu Khator took the stage to address the crowd and boost morale about the upcoming foot-ball season.

“The purpose is not to win,” Khator said, “but to demolish Texas State.”

She then introduced Athletics Director Mack Rhoades and this fall’s UH football team, and ended the evening on a positive note.

“There is no other university as special as the University of Hous-ton,” Khator said.

“I wish you all the best year.”

[email protected]

Cat’s Back attendees compete in a sumo circle. | Joshua Mann/The Daily Cougar

Clubs, students clamor to Cat’s Back

Whe

re d

o I g

et th

e la

test

UH

new

s?w

ww

.the

daily

coug

ar.c

om

Scren RepairData RecoverySystem Restore

Password & RougeVirus Removal

Computer Diagnostic

Visit us at www.computrcafe.com

HOME OF THE $99 LAPTOPS

Ask about our “Buy-Back Program”We buy & sell scrap Laptops

Sell your old, used, or new laptops on our eBay Store!

30 Day WarrantyExtended Warranty Plan $8.50

Servicing Houston and Surrounding Area

“Delivery and On-Site Repair Services Available

9432 Hwy 6 S. @ Bissonnet


NEWS

Are food prices too high at UH?

I think healthy foods should not be as expensive as they are. Nor do we have enough healthy food.

Ashleigh ThomsonKinesiology senior

I don’t eat too much on campus. But when I do, I go to the bar, The Den. I’ve got to say the alcohol prices there are very nice.

Alex AndersonAnthropology sophomore

Quotes compiled by Harrison LeePhotos taken by Nine Nguyen

Everything is incred-ibly expensive now. Having a $16 burger at a university that I spend $4,000 dollars on is not making me very happy, but it is delicious.

Sara BalabanlilarLiterature sophomore

I don’t have a meal plan because it’s a complete rip-off .

Sarah RodriguezPhilosophy junior

The cafeteria is like eight dollars a pop, kind of pricey, if you ask me. But if you go to McDonald’s, you can a burger for around a dollar. I guess there are cheap places you can go and expensive places you can go.

Coleman RinkMath senior

It kind of depends on where you go. If you’re going for fresh fruits or something, it’s a decent price because it’s all you can eat. But if you’re going for junkfood or the food trucks, it’s a little bit expensive.

Anjuli TuckAnthropology junior

I haven’t really had too much exposure, but from what I’ve heard they’re probably a little more expensive, but pretty reasonable compared to some of the places off -campus.

Elliott KeymoleBusiness freshman


OVERTIME!

the official student newspaper of the university of houston since 1934THE DAILY COUGAR

GET READY FOR

For every Cougars home football game, The Daily Cougar will produce an edition of Overtime.Packed with stories, stats and analysis, this special section will be required reading for true fans.

First issue comes out this weekend!

DateSept. 1Sept. 8Sept. 29Oct. 6Oct. 13Oct. 27Nov. 10Nov. 24

OpponentTexas StateLouisiana TechRice (Reliant Stadium)North TexasUABUTEPTulsaTulane

Keep an eye out for Overtime at these games.

Presenter: Mark H. Henry, Founder,Grow Emerging Companies LLC

Pay at the door Price: $99Pay On-Line Price: $79

Register at www.grant.uh.edu

Learn how to access federal grants to fund research and development of your idea through the federal government’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. This 1-day (8am-5pm) workshop will cover program requirements, preparing to write your application, planning and strategy, and producing competitive Phase I and Phase II proposals.

The UH SBDC is a center of the University of Houston SBDC Network. The UH SBDC Network serves 32 counties in Southeast Texas. SBDC programs are nondiscriminatory and available to individuals with disabilities. Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business -

sity of Houston is an EEO/AA institution. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact UH SBDC at 713-752-8488 for accommodations.


FOOTBALL PRACTICE

SPORTS EDITOR Andrew Pate


ONLINE thedailycougar.com/sports

David Piland is prepping for a full season at the helm of Cougar air raid offense as quarterback. | Hendrick Rosemond/The Daily Cougar

Phillip Steward #42 and Kris Johnston #31 exit the fi eld after a tough day of practice. | Hendrick Rosemond/The Daily Cougar


Blaffer Art Museum’s facelift nears completionFINE ARTS

VIDEO GAMES

Fine arts building reopens next month, invites donors to night of appreciation with banquet and silent auction

Darlene CamposStaff writer

The UH Blaffer Art Museum is undergoing a $2.25 million reno-vation and will host their Grand Reopening Gala on Sept. 21.

The building’s reconstruction will also be something that spectators can look forward to seeing, said Director of External Relations Matt Johns.

“Blaffer Art Museum will look completely different inside and out,” Johns said. “The most significant change is the new grand entrance, which is constructed of channel glass

from Germany and makes for a dra-matic facelift to the building.”

The gala will offer an elegant atmosphere filled with paintings from the artists themselves and will also serve as a thank you to the donors who helped make the refur-bishment happen.

“All of the galleries feature state of the art technology and clean pol-ished concrete fl oors perfect for any exhibition. There is also a kitchen and lounge area that will allow visitors to spend more time in the museum and take advantage of the beautiful new space.”

“The gala, which is already sold out, is an event for all of Blaffer’s most dedicated supporters who helped fund the renovation and have invested in the museum’s future,” said Johns.

“There will be a seated dinner, a silent art auction featuring approxi-mately 40 works from artists around the world who have exhibited at Blaf-fer and plenty of surprises.”

Formerly known as the Blaf-fer Gallery, the contemporary art museum advocates showcasing artistic talent from across the globe — up-and-coming artists who have

worked hard to get their chance in the spotlight. The museum has been the place of debut for many of those artists.

“Blaffer exhibitions are curated by our director and chief curator, Claudia Schmuckli,” said Johns. “Blaffer hosts exhibitions with the School of Art a couple times a year, but the exhibition program is primar-ily focused on underrepresented and emerging artists in the international art world.”

The gala has gotten so many supporters that the museum will be hosting another event to further

promote the artists.“Since the event sold out so

quickly, we will also be hosting a fundraiser the next evening for $50, which will include drinks and danc-ing from 8 to 11 p.m.,” said Johns.

“It will be a really fun evening for all.”

Though the Blaffer Art Museum is closed for further construction, its reopening is only a few weeks away. For more information about the Blaffer Art Museum, visit www.class.uh.edu/blaffer.

[email protected]

LIFE+ARTS EDITOR Allen Le


ONLINE thedailycougar.com/arts

The Blaffer Art Museum is being renovated by the WORK Architecture Company, which is based in New York. After the museum reopens at the end of September, it will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday. The museum encourages the UH community to view its collections by offering free admission. | Nine Nguyen/The Daily Cougar

EA Sports releases updated football simulation

Jesse GreenStaff writer

Avid gamer football fans have most likely gotten their hands on the newest install-ment of the Madden series.

“Madden NFL 13” has arrived for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and while the series has garnered a reputation for making small, questionable changes in newer ver-sions, EA Sports’ effort to do more this time around is clear.

Some fans believe the only real changes are the new rookies and updated rosters via trade or free agency. However, those who have continued to support the series through the years can attest that the last game has slowly evolved to become more challenging.

In the past, “Madden” has allowed play-ers to score easily by scrambling around the backfield with the quarterback and throw-ing the ball 75 yards across the field on the quarterback’s back leg to a receiver. This

time around the defensive line is stronger, offering more difficulty in getting toward the end zone.

Another addition to the game, running backs are unable to pivot 360 degrees on a dime to prevent being tackled or simply break the ankles of a defender — all with the swivel of a joystick.

By preventing these game changes, unre-alistic moves on the field have allowed the developers to bring a futuristic look and feel to the game. The modified layout of

the menu screen allows easier access and navigation. The creators have also taken a page out of the “NBA2K” series by going into more depth with the players, coaches and gameplay. For gamers who are big on changing jerseys or want to revert back to the yester years of the game, Nike has provided every uniform teams have worn throughout their franchise history.

“Madden” has also improved passing

Latest version of sports game series provides updated mechanics, greater diffi culty levels to compete against

MADDEN continues on page 13

Powerful Choice.

Houston’sMBA.

www.mba.uh.edu

POWERFUL energy to change your future.

POWERFUL ideas driving real-world strategies.

POWERFUL connection to global business leaders.

POWERFUL degree of excellence.

C. T. Bauer College of Business is an AACSB accredited business school. The University of Houston is an EEO/AA institution.

Full-time day MBA Part-time evening MBALeadership Executive MBA Global Energy Executive MBA

Show your UofH Student ID & get 10% off your meal!

Great Italian foodGreat Wine

Texas BeerOutdoor Patio

Free Wifi

Now open for Lunch & Dinner4105 Leeland

Across the freeway on Cullen

www.MandolasDeli.comMust show University of Houston student ID to get

10% off total food purchase after 3pm. Limit one ID per person, per order, per visit. Good on Food Only

Valid after 3pm. Not valid on alcohol (sorry it’s the law).

Mandola’s Deli


LIFE+ARTS

Bryan Dupont-GrayAssistant life & arts editor

Finding a website to connect with exciting, new people within local reach has gotten easier thanks to a new social media site that thrives on mutual interests.

Atthepool.com thrives on making new connections — first online and then in person. The site promotes their “pools” system that consists of different types of interests that range from hiking, “Call of Duty,” sushi and yes, even sleeping.

The Pool’s promotion team has traveled through several universi-ties urging students to sign up and try it for themselves, but is that enough to keep it afloat?

Once users breeze through the sign up process by entering their zip codes and choosing their pools and interests, the site matches them up with someone near them that mirrors those interests. They’re given a 24-hour time frame to chat with that person and see where things lead. Despite the “explore the pool” slide bar that shows other recommendations, users are more likely to find that their match of the day is more intriguing.

While At the Pool doesn’t intrude in other social media spheres, it requires users to con-nect their Facebook for age veri-fication. All of the information — occupation, music interests and relationship status — from Facebook will then be transferred over to make up the profile. Most of the information can be edited, but for a site that looks to deviate away from their competition it

certainly does use their tools.The site is still in its beginning

stage so don’t be surprised when the new match is someone from Paris. Users aren’t given the option to search for others and there’s no guarantee things will pick up within the 24-hour time period. Moderators oversee the minor bugs if notified, but still a search engine and an improved matching system would’ve been nice.

Despite a few bugs, At the Pool does have more pros than cons. The sleek and lightly colored design is welcoming, and navi-gating the site is simple. The site gives users the option to favorite others in case they’re interested in linking up for a trip to the movies or Starbucks. The site is also open to mobile access via Androids and iPhones.

At the Pool encourages users to invite their Facebook friends to sign up for an account and join in on the fun. With the community growing by the day, it won’t be long before the site switches its target audience from university students to a broader spectrum.

University of Houston students are specially treated by the site if they input the promo code “UH” while signing up.

From there, students wil l instantly be connected. Whether they’re looking for love or looking for a new friend to hang out with, At the Pool is the go to place.

The site may not have a deep end just yet, but there aren’t many reasons why students should not try it.

Jump in — the water is fine.

[email protected]

Online platform featured in Forbes article, matches students based on same interests

INTERNET

MADDENcontinued from page 1

INTERNET

Social media site targets students

mechanics by allowing complete control of the quarterbacks’ passes. One can now put the ball behind, below or in front of a receiver with the evolution of precision passer. The game has also allowed for smoother transition from quar-terback to receiver and complete control of the receiver by slowing the game down while the player is attempting to make a user catch.

The gameplay has also changed the way the game is presented after two years of hearing Gus Johnson and Chris Collinsworth’s play-by-play analysis.

With 82 hours and 9,000 lines of commentary, Madden has switched to CBS commentators Jim Nantz and Phil Simms, who call the action now.

All through the interactions and comments during playtime, none of the lines are reused, allowing a more unique presentation during games.

Overall “Madden NFL 13” is a high-caliber sports game that many NFL enthusiasts will appre-ciate for years to come.

[email protected]

Missed a print edition?

THE DAILY COUGAR.COM/print-edition

Browse recent publications in our virtual newsstand.


LIFE+ARTS

SidewalkStyleFirst week of classes brings out fashion fl air among students on campus

Nine Nguyen/The Daily Cougar Nine Nguyen/The Daily Cougar Nine Nguyen/The Daily Cougar

UScholar freshman Logan Scott savors the summer’s winding rays with his pastel outfi t.

Shirt: Forever 21Pant: American EagleShoes: Sperry Top-SiderSunglasses: Ray-Ban

COOL & LIGHTIt’s all in the big leather handbag for anthropology junior Ixchel Sheehan-Matte.

Shirt: Jil SanderPant: GapHandbag: ZaraShoes: Cole Haan

Navy blue and a classy tie clip gives chemistry sophomore J’Korry Simmons a professional profi le.

Shirt: ExpressPant: Sean JeanJacket: English LaundryTie: Ecko

Tex-Mex restaurant opens for business, offers fresh food

Taco Cabana, a restaurant franchise available in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas that bills itself as “the original Mexican patio cafe” began

serving the campus on Monday. The spacious eatery is attached to the new Stadium Parking Garage. The menu provides traditional Mexican favorites such as nachos, quesadillas and tacos. Customers are asked to be patient as associates are still undergoing training. — Alejandro Olivares/The Daily Cougar

BAG LADY DRESSY CASUAL

OR CHARGE BY PHONEAT 1-800-745-3000


Win again with Verizon Wireless and Sprint Discounts All UH Students, Employees, Alumni, and Business Alumni

10%23% 23% to 10% Voice Plans discounts

PIENSA GROUP - WIRELESS PARTNER OF UHAACall 888.726.1110 Visit www.piensagroup.com

FREE Smartphones

UH WINS AGAIN!


Four tournaments and competition against some of the nation’s top programs highlight UH’s 2012-2013 schedule. The sea-son begins on Sept. 9 at the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Club. | Photo courtesy of UH Athletics

Dismuke’s squad ready to tee off

Roman PetrowskiContributing writer

The UH golf team is less than two weeks away from beginning its 2012-2013 season. Fourth-year head coach Jonathan Dismuke will have an experienced team to lead into a challenging schedule this season.

Roman Robledo will be the top returner for his Cougars in the 2012 season. Robledo was one of only two Cougars to appear in all 13 tournaments last season, posted a team-best 72.97 season scoring average, and was a member of the 2011-2012 Conference USA All-Freshman Team.

“Roman was our best player last year,” Dismuke said. “He has a lot of ability. Each and every week he is going to have a chance to win a golf tournament.”

Alongside Robledo comes a ros-ter full of depth for the Cougars. Curtis Reed and Jesse Droemer also return to compete for spots

in the rotation for the Cougars in 2012.

“We have a pretty strong return-

ing group,” Dismuke said. “We’re starting to have some depth. It’s going to be nice to plug some guys in and get some guys some breaks throughout the year.”

Some new faces will also look

to have an immediate impact for the Cougars this season. Fresh-men Vince Martino and Blair Hamilton have some impressive credentials.

“Vince Martino was the num-ber two ranked player in the state of Texas and was ranked very high nationally coming into our program,” Dismuke said. “Blair Hamilton is part of Team Canada’s Junior Developmental program and has played juniors all over the world.”

The Cougars will dive right into the fall season, opening with The Invitational, hosted by the College of Charleston at the Kiawah Island Golf Club in Charleston, S.C., on Sept. 9. Avid golf fans will recog-nize the name as the place where Rory McIlroy clinched his second PGA Player’s Championship less than a month ago.

“Our first two events are some of the best venues you can play in

Speak up whenever you want.

Register with the Web site and comment on any article at thedailycougar.com

SPORTSGOLF

It’s going to take a continued

development over the course of the year so that at the end of next May, we’re at the NCAA Championships and we’re a competitive program.”

Jonathan Dismuke, UH golf coach on what it will take to compete in 2012

GOLF continues on page 17

FEATURING:

SATURDAY & SUNDAY stadium buffet

FREE NY STRIP STEAKS from 12 noon to 5pm

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL SPECIAL 20 for 20!$20 for 20 Buffalo Wings and an Ice cold pitcher of domestic or imported draft beer

Free cover for students and guest with UH IDAlways Hiring waitstaff, reception and door personnel

www.RitzHouston.com | 10520 Gulf FreewayHouston Tx, 77034 | 713.944.6445


Walk-on cross country team meeting scheduled next week

Burrell

Christopher SheltonAssistant sports editor

On Wednesday, the women’s Cross Coun-try program will hold a walk-on meeting at 1:30 p.m, said head coach Leroy

Burrell.The meeting will take place

in room 2119 of the Athletics/Alumni Center.

Students who are interested should contact assistant track-and-field coach Will Blackburn by email at [email protected] no later than Sept. 4.

To qualify for the team a prospective student must be enrolled as a full-time for the fall 2012 semester. Also the student must be enrolled at the UH’s main campus.

[email protected]

SPORTS

GOLFcontinued from page 16

college golf,” Dismuke said.The Cougars will open the

spring season with a unique opportunity to co-host the Red-stone Collegiate Championships with crosstown-rival Rice on Feb. 22 — before heading to possibly their most marquee tournament of the year the weekend of April 6,

when the team heads to Augusta, Ga. to compete in the Insperity Augusta State Invitational. The tournament is played at Augusta National which is the same course that hosts the prestigious Masters Championship.

“Augusta State’s event is always a special event for us,” Dismuke said.

“It’s a week before the Masters and we get to attend the practice round for the tournament the fol-lowing Monday.”

Dismuke knows he has a team that can compete week in and week out. With a team like his, there is no doubt the Cougars are heading back to the postseason in 2013.

“We have some talented guys,” Dismuke said. “But it’s going to take a continued development over the course of the year so that at the end of next May we’re at the NCAA Championships and we’re a competitive program.”

[email protected]

CROSS COUNTRY

Covering UH’s quest for greatness since 1934.

Watch UH’s story unfold at thedailycougar.com

Your ad here.Log on to thedailycougar.com/classifieds to begin posting online and print ads.

Help Wanted

Travel

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

ADS START AT $5/DAY

CALL 713-743-5356

ACROSS 1 Drawn fawn 6 Like roasted

marshmal-lows

11 Scottish cap 14 Once more 15 Popeye’s

sweetie 16 Memorable

time for his-torians

17 What dead men do

19 She played Cleo

20 Setting for many a joke

21 Tug-of-war position

22 Sixties drug 23 Causes to

condense on a surface

27 Like some divers

29 ___-di-dah 30 Party platter

items 32 Chip’s chum,

in cartoons 33 Nuptial

agreement? 34 Metro-station

entrance 36 Sports wrap-

up 39 Cereal

serving 41 Oozes 43 Ship in

search of the Golden Fleece

44 “Love Boat” bartender

46 Turn the trip meter to 000

48 “Me, me, me” attitude

49 It may show a lot

51 Bike basket escapee of film

52 Up to, briefly 53 Constant, as

a liar 56 Some rich

desserts 58 Jerry’s uncle

on “Seinfeld” 59 Volcanic

spew 60 TV regulatory

grp. 61 Yuletide

worker 62 It may be

requested in a vote

68 “The Mouth That Roared” of the ring

69 Experimented with

70 Skip a sound 71 “___ an

option” 72 Made public 73 Triangular

river

formationDOWN 1 Dracula’s

alter ego 2 Gray

naturally 3 Prefix

meaning “bad”

4 “The Hobbit” hero

5 Organs, guts and such

6 Received 7 “Pay”

extension 8 No longer

squeaky 9 Tied, as a

score 10 Husband’s

reply to “Honey?”

11 Have loose lips

12 Spring up 13 Nissan rival 18 Circles Earth,

e.g. 23 Excuse in a

whodunit 24 Woodwork-

ing grooves 25 Make money

in business 26 Secretive

watcher 28 “Not guilty”

is one 31 Winter driving

hazard

35 Salts used medicinally

37 College Station student

38 Combines, as resources

40 “Mission: Impossible” theme composer’s first name

42 Ignited 45 Rummy

variety 47 Emotionally

affected 50 Yom Kippur’s

Hebrew month

53 Unarmed, in police lingo

54 Phone answerer’s greeting

55 Mormon Tabernacle, for one

57 Richter or Beaufort

63 Itty-bitty 64 Not divisible

by two 65 Zilch 66 Banned bug-

killer 67 Something

fishy

Puzzle answers online: www.thedailycougar.com/puzzles

Answering Service Hiring Team Members

Flexible schedules, Paid time off,

Must type 45 WPMPlease call 713.866.6593

for your first review

Hiring Catering WAITSTAFF

www.jacksonandcompany.com

Part-time, flexible schedules, mostly night and weekends.

No experience necessary. Paid Training.

[email protected]

ORDER PROCESSING/COORDINATOR

A nationwide electronic pro-motional product company is

looking for an assistant for daily order processing

JOB DESCRIPTIONS:-Quotation Preparation-Order Review and -Entry-Printing Proof Generation-Production Coordination-Customer ServiceQUALIFICAITONS:-Familiar with Computer Graphics & Accounting-Experience in Related Fields We offer competitive salary and benefits. Please send resume [email protected]

Entry Level Bookkeeperfor a Property Management Company

Monday -Friday 8:30 – 5:30Position starting May 16, 2012

Starting Pay $27,500

Prior Retail Sales Experience Preferred

MANAGErenthouses.com713-528-5311

Student Brand Ambassadors wanted to promote new Collegiate

Custom Apparel ProductsPromote your schools Officially

Licensed Apparel, help us grow, build your resume, and earn commission.

Send resume to [email protected]

Help Wanted Help Wanted Help Wanted

MONTESSORI SCHOOL in Museum district. Looking for Subs/Assts. Flex hrs. Excellent for Child Development, Education or Psychology majors! Call 713-520-0738

P/T Accounting Quickbook knowledgeable a must $25/hr [email protected]

PT OFFICE ASSISTANT, for a Property Management Company, M-F 12:30pm to 5:30pm, $10 hour, MANAGERENTHOUSES.COM - 713-528-5311.

Live in female house sitter ,full/partime ,over 18 ,over 5’ 9” , up to $900/month .713 647-0460.

Assistant teacher needed for childrens gymnastics program in S.W. Houston, Thursdays 2:20-5:40 $12.50/Hr Tumbling exp.required. 832 367-0770

*STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM* PAID survey takers needed in Houston. 100 percent FREE to join! Click on Surveys.

TELL ’EM YOU SAW IT in The Daily Cougar Classifieds!

Bar Staff The Marquis II has been supporting UH students through college for years. We are looking for outgoing students to join our barstaff. No experience is not a problem, we will train. If you are looking for a part time job to help with books or just need a little spending money, we will work around your school schedule. Email [email protected]

Rentals Rentals RentalsBEAUTIFUL GARAGE

APARTMENT University Oaks

2 Blocks from UHFurnished

Ideal for international students. $600 + electricity + deposit.

713-748-5064.

Walk to campus Utilities included

4 blocks UH Campus 1 to 3 bdrm, 1 baths modern kitchen all new appliances walk-in closets newly painted & remodeled electric drive-way gate large forest-like lot

granite counters slate floors 7 minutes to Med Center

or downtown public park across street. MLS 25577592

or call Karre Orton 713.539.3034.

Lg 1 Bdrm apt in nice neighborhood near UH. Like a small house. Grad student preferred. 713-743-2734

APARTMENT FOR LEASE: Five minutes from UH. All bills paid. Central AC/Heat. $1200/month. Call 832-459-4444.

NICE & CLEAN - 2 bdr, APT FOR RENT. Central A/C & HEAT. Hrdwd floors & celing fan. $600/month + deposit. 713-598-8901

DUPLEX FOR RENT: 6222 Foster 2 bdrm/1 bath. Close to UH. New carpet, fresh paint, gated. $750 per month. 281-484-1111

2 LARGE BDRMS and a shared living area. Half a mile from UH within cycling distance. Washer/dryer. Off St. Parking 832-659-8130

THANKS for reading The Daily Cougar!

THE DAILY COUGAR®

classifieds

You saw it in the Cougar. Remember that.


EQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITY

BROADWAYuareS q

A P A R T M E N T S

Move in for $199*! No Rent until November!

We accept


CATCH UPLearning Support Services

Learning Assessment Services

Brig

ht ideas from LAS

WORKSHOPS FALL 2012Location: Length: -

Register: “

Problems registering? Call Dr. Laura Heidel at 713-743-5439 or Lorraine Schroeder at 713-743-5463

1

2

4

4

7

7

8

8

9

9

11

12

14

Topic

Improving concentration

Overcoming procrastination

Time #1 Time #2

www.las.uh.edu

FREE TUTORINGLearning Support ServicesRoom N109 Cougar Village

(Building # 563)Schedule available at www.las.uh.eduMon - Thurs 9:00 am - 9:00 pmFriday 9:00 am - 6:00 pmSaturday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pmSunday 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm

GET AHEADUniversity Testing Services

STAY ON TARGETRetention Programs

GET INVOLVEDParent Education Project

ONLINE FACULTY/ COURSE EVALUATIONhttp://accessuh.uh.edu


Volume 78, Issue 4

Documents

Transcript of Volume 78, Issue 4