thedailycougar.com EVENT more community involvement September 26, 2011 Panel discussion describes release of innocent death row inmate after 14 years UH theatre kicks off season with award-winning play the official student newspaper of the university of houston since 1934theofficialstudentnewspaperoftheuniversityofhoustonsince1934 Former NASA astronaut visits UH for book signing, lecture Councilwoman Noriega advocates at campus faculty senate meeting Issue 20, Volume 77 Jennifer Postel
the official student newspaper of the university of houston since 1934 the official student newspaper of the university of houston since 1934 DEATH ROW continues on page 3 NORIEGA continues on page 3 Hostel living comes to Houston Johnson latest weapon to benefit from explosive Cougar offense thedailycougar.com HI 95 LO 74 Monday September 26, 2011 Issue 20, Volume 77 GET SOME DAILY THE DAILY COUGAR ® ® Jennifer Postel THE DAILY COUGAR Houston Councilwoman At-Large Melissa Noriega emphasized the importance of universities and their role in improving the community at the UH faculty senate meeting last Wednesday. Noriega — a graduate of UH and rep- resentative of Houston’s East End — spoke to the faculty senators at the most recent fall assembly and stressed the importance of a partnership between Houston and the University. “Today I would like to talk to you about universities and how they are made up of innovators and idea folks, faculty members like yourselves and how they can work with municipal governments, cities, like me, and how they can work together to make our world of great urban areas better places to live,” Noriega said to the faculty senators. Councilwoman Noriega addressed the eco- nomic impact and long-term contributions local universities can have on a city. She described the successful partner- ships between other cities and schools such as Arizona State University — which recently moved 12 colleges to downtown Phoenix as part of revitalization efforts — and Morgan State University and Baltimore which have begun to provide assistance to the Morgan MILE, a program that aims to support minority males in achieving aca- demic success. “These sorts of involvements require leadership and institutional commitment,” Noriega said. “They go beyond the projects based on the energetic expertise of individual faculty members and far beyond the day-to-day problems like zoning, parking, excessive drinking or noise.” Local universities are economic institu- tions that, according to Noriega, play a role in community, economic and real estate development as well as employment. Their importance suggests that all par- ties involved should search their strengths to contribute to the need of a greater com- munity involvement. The next step in improving this impor- tant partnership between UH and the city Councilwoman Noriega advocates more community involvement at campus faculty senate meeting UNIVERSITY CAMPUS UH theatre kicks off season with award-winning play UH’s School of Theatre and Dance will be opening its 2011-2012 season this week with Lanford Wilson’s 1973 award-winning dark comedy “The Hot l Baltimore.” The play — which focuses on The Hotel Baltimore, its pending demolition and its residents — takes place during one of America’s most transitional and dramatic times. Opening night will take place this Friday at 8 p.m. in the Lyndall Finley Wortham Theatre. Tickets are $20, $15 for UH faculty and staff and $10 for students. To purchase tickets call 713-743-2929. This play contains brief nudity and is intended for mature audiences. — Jennifer Postel EVENT Former NASA astronaut visits UH for book signing, lecture Former Astronaut and UH alumnus Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr., will hold a lecture and book signing this Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion in the M.D. Anderson Library. Dr. Harris, a NASA researcher who has completed two shuttle mis- sions, will be speaking about his new book “Dream Walker: A Journey of Achievement and Inspiration,” which tells of his remarkable life from phy- sician to astronaut. Books will be available for pur- chase and the book signing will begin at the end of the lecture. This event is free and open to the public. Those who wish to attend must RSVP with the Office of Special Events at 713-743-8962. — Jennifer Postel UH to foster strong city partnership Edgar Veliz THE DAILY COUGAR As a response to the debate on capital punishment in US politics, former Mexican Consul General of Houston Ricardo Ampudia advocated for the eradication of the procedure in his latest book, “Black, Brown and Invisible: Minorities on Death Row,” at a panel discussion last Thursday at the University of St. Thomas. Ampudia’s opening statement revolved around the case of Ricardo Aldape, who spent 14 years on death row for the death of a Houston police officer. According to Scott Atlas, a panel- ist and former member of the Vinson & Elkins firm, Aldape was the first Mexican national released from death row. “Aldape was innocent,” Ampudia said. “He was a victim of irrationality, xenophobia and a legal system that wanted to find a scapegoat.” Four months after Aldape was released from the Texas prison system he returned to Mexico, where he died in a car accident on his way home. Ampudia remembers when he heard the news and afterwards devoted four years to writing this book. “Ricardo Aldape’s case was a part of my life,” Ampudia said. “As part of my consulate duties I had to pick up the case and interview him more than 15 times, examine the facts and plan a strategy. All of this made me have a very close relationship with him. My duty was to support and defend my fellow citizen.” At the time, the death penalty was still practiced in Mexico, so Ampudia was no stranger to the concept. Yet, as a government official this proved to be one of his most daunting tasks. “My work was to protect and advise Mexican nationals who have different kinds of problems in this country,” Ampudia said. “Dealing with the topic of death penalty was a daunting task. I remember the look in the eyes of my Mexican compatriots as they were about to lose their lives at the hands of our northern neighbors.” During his tenure as the Mexican consul general, Ampudia had nine cases of Mexican nationals on death row. Aldape’s case was unique to Ampudia, who described how he handled the case. “I examined this phenomenon from a different position,” Ampudia said. “I tried to make him feel through my words and my actions that he was not alone in a strange land and that his own nation did not abandon him.” This case was compared to the case of Anthony Graves, who was also released from death row. Nicole Casarez, a panelist and professor at the University of St. Thomas, shared Panel discussion describes release of innocent death row inmate after 14 years Cougars scare off Panthers F ollowing his touchdown in the third quar- ter, running back Charles Sims was greeted by center Chris Thompson for a celebratory lift in the end zone. It was one of eight scores for the Cougars in what was easily the most com- fortable win so far this season. UH recorded its first shutout since 1999, defeating the Georgia State Panthers 56-0 Saturday at Robertson Stadium. | Rebekah Stearns/The Daily Cougar CITY Book challenges capital punishment sentences
Transcript
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
DEATH ROW continues on page 3
NORIEGA continues on page 3
Hostel living comes to HoustonJohnson latest weapon to benefi t from explosive Cougar off ense
thedailycougar.com
HI 95LO 74
MondaySeptember 26, 2011
Issue 20, Volume 77
GET SOME DAILY
THE DAILY COUGAR®®
Jennifer PostelTHE DAILY COUGAR
Houston Councilwoman At-Large Melissa Noriega emphasized the importance of universities and their role in improving the community at the UH faculty senate meeting last Wednesday.
Noriega — a graduate of UH and rep-resentative of Houston’s East End — spoke
to the faculty senators at the most recent fall assembly and stressed the importance of a partnership between Houston and the University.
“Today I would like to talk to you about universities and how they are made up of innovators and idea folks, faculty members like yourselves and how they can work with municipal governments, cities, like me, and how they can work together to make our world of great urban areas better places to live,” Noriega said to the faculty senators.
Councilwoman Noriega addressed the eco-nomic impact and long-term contributions local universities can have on a city.
She described the successful partner-ships between other cities and schools such as Arizona State University — which recently moved 12 colleges to downtown Phoenix as part of revitalization efforts — and Morgan State University and Baltimore which have begun to provide assistance to the Morgan MILE, a program that aims to support minority males in achieving aca-demic success.
“These sorts of involvements require leadership and institutional commitment,” Noriega said.
“They go beyond the projects based on the energetic expertise of individual faculty
members and far beyond the day-to-day problems like zoning, parking, excessive drinking or noise.”
Local universities are economic institu-tions that, according to Noriega, play a role in community, economic and real estate development as well as employment.
Their importance suggests that all par-ties involved should search their strengths to contribute to the need of a greater com-munity involvement.
The next step in improving this impor-tant partnership between UH and the city
Councilwoman Noriega advocates more community involvement at campus faculty senate meeting
UNIVERSITY
CAMPUS
UH theatre kicks off season with award-winning play
UH’s School of Theatre and Dance will be opening its 2011-2012 season this week with Lanford Wilson’s 1973 award-winning dark comedy “The Hot l Baltimore.”
The play — which focuses on The Hotel Baltimore, its pending demolition and its residents — takes place during one of America’s most transitional and dramatic times.
Opening night will take place this Friday at 8 p.m. in the Lyndall Finley Wortham Theatre. Tickets are $20, $15 for UH faculty and staff and $10 for students. To purchase tickets call 713-743-2929. This play contains brief nudity and is intended for mature audiences.
— Jennifer Postel
EVENT
Former NASA astronaut visits UH for book signing, lecture
Former Astronaut and UH alumnus Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr., will hold a lecture and book signing this Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Pavilion in the M.D. Anderson Library.
Dr. Harris, a NASA researcher who has completed two shuttle mis-sions, will be speaking about his new book “Dream Walker: A Journey of Achievement and Inspiration,” which tells of his remarkable life from phy-sician to astronaut.
Books will be available for pur-chase and the book signing will begin at the end of the lecture.
This event is free and open to the public. Those who wish to attend must RSVP with the Offi ce of Special Events at 713-743-8962.
— Jennifer Postel
UH to foster strong city partnership
Edgar VelizTHE DAILY COUGAR
As a response to the debate on capital punishment in US politics, former Mexican Consul General of Houston Ricardo Ampudia advocated for the eradication of the procedure in his latest book, “Black, Brown and Invisible: Minorities on Death Row,” at a panel discussion last Thursday at the University of St. Thomas.
Ampudia’s opening statement revolved around the case of Ricardo Aldape, who spent 14 years on death row for the death of a Houston police offi cer.
According to Scott Atlas, a panel-ist and former member of the Vinson & Elkins fi rm, Aldape was the fi rst Mexican national released from death row.
“Aldape was innocent,” Ampudia said. “He was a victim of irrationality, xenophobia and a legal system that wanted to fi nd a scapegoat.”
Four months after Aldape was released from the Texas prison system he returned to Mexico, where he died in a car accident on his way home.
Ampudia remembers when he heard the news and afterwards devoted four years to writing this book.
“Ricardo Aldape’s case was a part of my life,” Ampudia said. “As part
of my consulate duties I had to pick up the case and interview him more than 15 times, examine the facts and plan a strategy. All of this made me have a very close relationship with him. My duty was to support and defend my fellow citizen.”
At the time, the death penalty was still practiced in Mexico, so Ampudia was no stranger to the concept. Yet, as a government offi cial this proved to be one of his most daunting tasks.
“My work was to protect and advise Mexican nationals who have different kinds of problems in this country,” Ampudia said.
“Dealing with the topic of death penalty was a daunting task. I remember the look in the eyes of my Mexican compatriots as they were about to lose their lives at the hands of our northern neighbors.”
During his tenure as the Mexican consul general, Ampudia had nine cases of Mexican nationals on death row. Aldape’s case was unique to Ampudia, who described how he handled the case.
“I examined this phenomenon from a different position,” Ampudia said.
“I tried to make him feel through my words and my actions that he was not alone in a strange land and that his own nation did not abandon him.”
This case was compared to the case of Anthony Graves, who was also released from death row. Nicole Casarez, a panelist and professor at the University of St. Thomas, shared
Panel discussion describes release of innocent death row inmate after 14 years
Cougars scare off Panthers
Following his touchdown in the third quar-ter, running back Charles Sims was greeted
by center Chris Thompson for a celebratory lift in the end zone. It was one of eight scores for the Cougars in what was easily the most com-fortable win so far this season. UH recorded its first shutout since 1999, defeating the Georgia State Panthers 56-0 Saturday at Robertson Stadium. | Rebekah Stearns/The Daily Cougar
Business Offi ce(713) 743-5350■ Fax (713) 743-5384■ Mailing addressRoom 7, UC SatelliteStudent PublicationsUniversity of HoustonHouston, TX 77204-4015
Issue Staff■ Copy editingBryan Turner
Chris Banner
■ Production Nine Nguyen
■ Closing editorJack Wehman
CONTACT US
THE DAILY COUGAR IS A MEMBER OF
THE ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS.
ALUMNI
UH graduate honored for outstanding serviceRyan RockettTHE DAILY COUGAR
A UH alumnus and former stu-dent regent was honored as one of five “Outstanding Young Housto-nians” Tuesday at a dinner held at the InterContinental Hotel.
The Houston Junior Chamber of Commerce selected Andrew Cobos for the honor for his ser-vice as the fifth student regent at UH and his philanthropic work in the military.
Cobos was also awarded as an Outstanding Young Texan in August.
Cobos was appreciative of the award, but said his true fulfill-ment came from helping his alma mater advance in such a short time.
“It’s very special,” Cobos said. “I felt like I served a tremendous purpose. It’s very fulfilling to be recognized for my service to the University of Houston, but I’m passionate about our goal.”
The presentation for the honor included a video message in which UH President Renu Khator spoke proudly of Cobos and his service to the University.
“Throughout his term on the Board of Regents, Cobos has been an intelligent and energetic advo-cate for students and a passionate voice for the system,” Khator said in Cobos’ nomination application.
“Andrew redefined the role of student regent through his many contributions.”
Cobos served as student regent for the 2010-2011 school year while pursuing a juris doctor and master’s degree at the UH Law Center.
During his tenure, the El Paso native advocated for the
University on numerous occa-sions and held a leadership role on the Tier-One Speakers Corps, a group commissioned by Khator aimed at promoting the school’s accomplishments.
Cobos also authored a guide for the position, helping current student regent Tamecia Harris transition into the role.
“Attending UH was the best decision I ever made,” Cobos said.
Before working on the Board, Cobos spent five years in the Army and was deployed twice to Iraq following his graduation from West Point.
Eventually rising to the rank of Captain, he helped acquire and manage resources for soldiers and Baghdad residents through char-ity programs.
He credits his training and responsibilities in the military for the discipline required to procure a J.D. and M.B.A. in only three years, as well as his success in working with UH administrators.
“My military office service shaped my experience at UH,” Cobos said.
“I led soldiers in combat, so I was prepared for the challenges.”
Since 1932, the Houston Jaycees have awarded men and women for their accomplishments and philanthropy throughout the community.
In 1980 the organization expanded the award to five recipients, and extended the nomination to Houstonians between the age of 21 and 40.
Previous recipients of the award include President George H.W. Bush, Attorney General Greg
COBOS continues on page 3
Tuesday, October 4th 1:00pm—4:00pm
University Center, 2nd Floor Houston Room
Sponsored by Undergraduate Scholars @ UH, Academic Affairs
Learn about new degree programs, majors, minors, and certi cation programs.
Meet and speak with college representatives and attend info sessions.
YOUR FUTURE, YOUR CHOICE. Majors
Selection Fair
The Daily Cougar NEWS Monday, September 26, 2011 ■ 3
of Houston is the planning of the 15th annual Scholarship and Community Conference, set to be held next April. The event will focus on community and Univer-sity-lead initiatives that enhance the sustainability of Houston.
“The next step is working with key members of city council to plan this conference,” said Faculty Senate President Monica McHenry, an associate professor in the department of communica-tion sciences and disorders.
“Our goal is to develop work-ing groups to figure out what resources do we have at the University that can be leveraged to improve these times,” McHenry said.
She also said that Noriega is an excellent example of someone who understands these issues and what the University can offer to the city.
“ We want a mutual partner-ship. We want a broader, bigger impact on this city,” McHenry said. “We have brilliant people here, we ought to be able to help fix the city’s problems.”
“Those who have seen people on death row have seen the anguish not only of the condemned, but their
family,” Ampudia said. “I insist that the idea of an eye for
an eye has not worked. Crime has not reduced due to the death penalty. I believe, from my experiences of seeing people sentenced to their death, that this is not the answer.”
Like many college students, Brandalyn Gill is often busy as she pursues a degree in management. In between study sessions, she runs her own publishing company and promotes her book, and squeezes in speeches when her schedule allows, at schools and events around Houston.
And while most people would be amazed with her ability to get it all done, the most impressive thing about it all is that Gill is an 18-year-old UH junior.
“I’m a workaholic,” Gill said. “I believe in progressing and doing more than expected.”
Gill fi nished her high school curriculum at the age of 15. One year later she completed the manuscript for her book, “Life,” a collection of short stories and poems she began writing at nine years old. Since then she has published the book through her own publishing company and
hopes to start a foundation aimed at motivating young students to foster their creative talents.
At an age when most of her peers are just beginning their college jour-ney, Gill is nearing the end of hers, with plans to graduate in May.
“My age has defi nitely been a vice and a virtue,” Gill said, and added she has been questioned and underestimated by many as an adept business manager.
“I expose my age to motivate the youth but I receive a lot of backlash, especially from professionals. You would think people would welcome someone young doing good things and trying to provoke change, but I would say I hear negativity from six out of ten people.”
As a child, Gill was enamored with the UH institution and never considered attending another university.
She enrolled in August 2010, and said that the campus has lived up to all of her expectations.
“UH has some of the most exem-plary programs and the networking opportunities are amazing,” Gill said. “The culture is incredible and I appreciate what this school has to
offer.”Gill credits her work ethic and
business acumen to her father, a retired Marine Corps veteran cur-rently overseas who raised her after her parents divorced. During rough family episodes, Gill fi rst gained praise for her poetry from teachers in 5th grade.
“Writing was my emotional release during those times,” Gill said.
Believing that public high school would not suffi ciently challenge Gill, her father had her homeschooled year-round.
He also motivated her to establish her own publishing company, Illumi-nation Literary Publishing, and Gill hopes to spread the lessons of cre-ativity, self will and determination he instilled in her to all young students through her “This is My Life” project.
Gill unveiled her program at Welch Middle School on Sept. 2. She wants to develop it into a six to eight week workshop in which young stu-dents write their own narratives, with the best selections being published through Illumination.
Gill’s story has been featured on venues such as Fox 26 News, and she said that most reporters are quick to
point out the irony of her authoring a book called “Life” at only 16 years old. Already accustomed to this criticism, Gill no longer wavers in her response.
“We all have different things we understand and that we are able to offer, no matter the age,” Gill said. “In the book I’m just expressing my feelings and what they meant at the moment.”
Management junior Brandalyn Gill pub-lished her own book, “Life,” work that she hopes will help motivate others to suc-ceed | Courtesy of Illumination Literary Publishing
Balances college work with writing, publishing career
DEATH ROWcontinued from page 1
Abbott, former CBS anchorman Dan Rather, pastor Joel Osteen, Houston Oilers quarterback War-ren Moon and Houston Astros Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio.
After working as an active participant for the University of Houston Political Action Commit-tee, Cobos, who is now eligible to be named Outstanding Young American, remains energized and believes his work for the UH System is far from over.
“This is the most exciting time
in the history of the University of Houston,” Cobos said.
“We are progressing faster than any other university in Texas. Soon students will be coming to Houston to attend one of the best schools in the nation.”
K ing Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud announced on Sunday that the women of Saudi Arabia will
now have the right to vote and run for public offi ce.
In a region that typically puts females in a subservient position, this is a big win for advocates of women’s rights. Even though this is a small step in reform of a much broader problem, it’s amazing to see how far Saudi Arabia has come in the last few years.
Saudi women should be applauded for the courage they have displayed as they fought for such rights.
One only has to look back to this summer, when Saudi women fought for the right to drive, to see how dangerous it can be for Saudi women to advocate for change.
In the US, women have had the right to vote since the 19th Amendment was passed in 1919, and men have obviously had the right to vote for much longer.
It is kind of sad how people all across the world, including Saudi Arabia, are fighting for their right to have a voice, whether they are man or woman, young or old, but here we all already have the right but so rarely exercise it.
In the 2008 US presidential election, voter turnout was at 62 percent, which is the highest it has been since the 1960s.
In Texas, the voter turnout was at 54.4 per-cent. For the midterm congressional elections of 2010, the turnouts were even lower with the country at 40.9 percent and Texas at 32.3 percent.
Why is it that in a country that was founded on the principles of democracy, that is supposed to be run by the people for the people, we can’t even be bothered to vote?
Can the US be truly considered a democracy when less than half of its population shows up to vote in congressional elections?
It is shameful that US citizens take their right to vote so lightly when people in other countries are fighting and dying for the same right.
We should be inspired by the women of Saudi Arabia, and learn from their example.
Coogs should be inspired by Saudi women
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 them to (713) 743-5384. Letters are subject to editing.
ADVERTISEMENTS Advertisements published in The Daily Cougar do not necessarily refl ect the views and opinions of the University or the students as a whole.
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 kept to less than 500 words. Guest commentaries should not be written as replies to material already printed in the Cougar, but rather should present independent points of view. Rebuttals should be sent as letters. 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.
E D I TO R I A L P O L I C I E S
EDITOR Daniel RenfrowE-MAIL [email protected] thedailycougar.com/opinionOPINION
THE DAILY COUGARE D I T O R I A L B O A R DEDITOR IN CHIEF Jack WehmanMANAGING EDITOR John BrannenNEWS EDITORS Taylor McGilvray, Julian JimenezSPORTS EDITOR Joshua SiegelLIFE & ARTS EDITOR Mary BaakOPINION EDITOR Daniel RenfrowCHIEF COPY EDITOR Natasha Faircloth
THE SAD RESULT OF TOO MUCH FACEBOOKING by Callie Parrish
T he Harrisburg University of Sci-ence and Technology has done the unthinkable.
In the fashion of a similar attempt last fall, Eric D. Darr, the university’s
provost, has reinstated a week-long social media blackout. A school-wide fi lter was embedded within the University’s network with the intent of eliminating wireless access to Facebook, MyS-pace and several other
minor media hives for seven days. Harrisburg initiated the blackout in
order to provoke “genuine thought,” while forcing students to evaluate how vehicles of instantaneous communication affected their performance.
Darr believed that constant social media usage was wreaking havoc on the physical interactions, work ethics and personas of his students on the whole. If successful, the ban would allow him to capitalize on an issue that he viewed as a potential time bomb.
On paper, it seemed like a thought-provoking inquiry; an investigation that would force students to evaluate how dependent they were on Tom and Mark to make it through the day.
Unfortunately, the plan fell through. Although the University found that 15 percent of its students cooperated with no resistance, the remainder of the class expressed their opinion of the experiment through proxy loopholes, neighboring wireless ports, and cell phones with the means to bypass the ban. Disturbed by the sudden disappearance of Twitter on the network, several students went as far
as to hike to a local hotel. Every alternative option for access was
pursued. Barring the more outrageous reactions, the overwhelming disregard for the blackout demonstrated that even a hypothetical universe without social media was an uninhabitable one to stu-dents of that university — and in a sense, it is.
Since the commercialization of MyS-pace in 2003, social media networks have become so fi nely interwoven into our cul-ture that a temporary disengagement is all it takes to completely disrupt our daily routines. Its taken for granted that the lives of friends, siblings, distant relatives, acquaintances, associates, actors, musi-cians, exes, potentials and improbables are online and instantly accessible in only a matter of moments.
This spontaneity has its benefi ts, with moments of boredom being farther and fewer between, but as our infatuation with these outlets increased, the line between tool and crutch began to blur. What initially looked like a way to relax for a bit became a necessary fi x, and the sudden immersion with social media outlets began to resemble other distinc-tive pitfalls.
The University of Maryland calls it an addiction. A clinical diagnosis was eluded, but Maryland’s participation in an international study involving smart-phone, television and internet usage led them to conclude that virtually every American under the age of 25 is extremely susceptible to some form of social media. The severity of their conclusion wasn’t specifi ed, but a glance across the desktop screens lining the M.D. Anderson Library should leave little to the imagination.
Regardless of the context, addiction is a heavy label, the sort that yields the best results when addressed immediately, but it’s a practice better said than done.
If the students of Harrisburg yielded no other results, they demonstrated the backlash that would follow any perma-nent attempt to eliminate social media access, and overall, the overwhelming response wasn’t so different from a cocaine or methamphetamine user’s pursuit of a high. On the whole, Darr looks less and less like a heretic with every additional log-in.
Even still, despite the growing promi-nence of the issue, the average Facebook addiction hasn’t required the construction of in-dorm sanatoriums, or conversion centers adjacent to the Campus Recre-ation and Wellness Center.
But that’s no reason to table the issue. After all, if our dependence escalates any further, we could fi nd ourselves itching for the extra rooms.
Bryan Washington is a sociology freshman and may be reached at [email protected].
It’s time to log outUniversity students are hopelessly addicted to social media
If the students of
Harrisburg yielded
no other results, they
demonstrated the backlash that
would follow any permanent attempt
to eliminate social media access, and
overall, the overwhelming response
wasn’t so diff erent from a cocaine or
methamphetamine user’s pursuit of
a high.”
Click on it: www.thedailycougar.com
BryanWashington
The Daily Cougar Monday, September 26, 2011 ■ 5
Joshua SiegelTHE DAILY COUGAR
In his first season as a full-time receiver, senior Justin Johnson has morphed from a player whose intangibles went unnoticed in the box score to a stat-stuffing hero.
After functioning as the Swiss Army knife of the Cougars’ offense during his first three seasons, Johnson has found a home in the slot.
With two touchdown grabs in UH’s 56-0 win over Georgia State, he quietly leads the Cougars with four receiving scores.
“He’s done it for the last three or four years as a move-around Y, H-back kind of guy, blocks for us,” head coach Kevin Sumlin said.
“I can’t tell you what he’s done for us on special teams. He’s a great team player, a tremendous leader and we can’t have enough Justin Johnsons on a team like this.”
Johnson’s numbers have improved each season with the Cougars, going from 147 all-purpose yards as a redshirt freshman in 2008 when he was primarily used as a running back to 248 receiving yards and three touchdowns last season.
Johnson has already eclipsed those totals this year with 288 yards and four touchdowns on 17 receptions.
“I think people notice him now in the stats more,” Sumlin said. “But he’s been a critical part of our success since we’ve been here.
“All these other guys get all the pub — Bryce, Charles, Mike Hayes, they get all the highlight tapes and then our receivers on the outside, the fast guys. Justin Johnson, he’s a winner. He makes critical plays for us.”
Johnson is happy to have found a home as an inside receiver, but is happier to
contribute to a winning team.“It’s nice,” Johnson said. “I don’t really
put too much importance on it, but wherever I can help out, wherever I’m needed is what I’ll do and where I’ll play. But if it can be at receiver getting the ball then that’s what I’ll do.
“And if it has to be blocking, then that’s what I’ll do. It’s nice to get the ball a few times.”
In addition to his versatility and playmaking abilities, Johnson’s work ethic is also an asset for the Cougars.
“He’s a leader by example,” Sumlin said. “He’s a veteran guy that talks to the young guys.
“He leads by example in practice and it comes out in the games. He’s very versatile. He’s very trustworthy and he’s a guy that does a lot for us.”
Hoops rootsBefore becoming the Cougars’ do-it-all
receiver, Johnson starred as a point guard for Berkner High School and his AAU team, the Dallas Mustangs.
“A lot of people don’t know this, but at one time I was ranked No. 7 in the state of Texas in basketball,” Johnson said.
With the Mustangs, the 6’1, 223 pound Johnson played with current Minnesota Timberwolves forward Anthony Randolph and for current UH assistant coach Ulric Maligi.
“I definitely like seeing coach Maligi around,” Johnson said. “That side of sports is fun. I still have love for it.
“I wasn’t much like the point guards you may see today. I was more of an old-school point guard, facilitator, not really trying to score a lot of points. I had a lot of good guys around me, so I was more of a distributor, more of an assist guy and control the tempo.”
Senior receiver Justin Johnson recorded his second multi-touchdown game of the season against Georgia State. He finished with 83 yards on six receptions. Johnson has scored a team high of four receiving touchdowns through four games. | Rebekah Stearns/The Daily Cougar
Senior receiver shines
I’ve seen us get
better. I know
a lot of people
don’t think so statistically.“ — Kevin Sumlin, head
coach, about the defense
“You can’t ask for
the defense to
play any better.
They got a goose egg up on the scoreboard.
Anytime you can do that, we feel good about
our chances to win.” — Justin Johnson, receiver
SAY WHAT?
STAND OUTS
GAME OF THE WEEK
This week in college football, by Joshua Siegel
STAT ATTACK
2,340 yardsThe Cougars’ off ense is now second in the nation with 2,340 total yards on off ense.
Senior Bryce Beall rushed for 64 yards and two touchdowns in the Cougars 56-0 win. It was the second consecutive week that Beall rushed for two scores. He leads the Cougars with fi ve rushing touchdowns for
the season. | Rebekah Stearns/The Daily Cougar
For the second straight week, freshman linebacker Derrick Mathews led the Cougars in tackles with nine stops. He also recorded two tackles for a loss and a sack.
Comeback Cowboys: No. 5 Oklahoma State rallied back from a 17-point defi cit to defeat the then-No. 8 Aggies 30-29. The Aggies (2-1, 0-1 Big 12) held a 20-3 lead at the half, but three second half turnovers and a record-setting performance by Cowboys quarterback Brandon Weeden allowed OSU to score 27 straight points in the second half. Weeden fi nished with a school-record 438 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Egg Donors Needed! Compensation $5,000-$7,000. Must be: non-smoker, healthy, BMI within normal ranges, and between 19-30 years old. Visit
www.fertilityresourceshouston.com or call 713 783 7044 for more
information and to fill out a preliminary application.
Fertility Resources of Houston
MONTESSORI SCHOOL in Museum district. Looking for Subs/Assts. Flex hrs. Excellent for child dev, Education or Psy majors! Call 713-520-0738
*STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM* PAID survey takers needed in Houston. 100 percent FREE to join! Click on Surveys.
Earn $1000-$3200 a month to drive our brand new cars with ads. www.AdDriveClub.com
Administrative Asst. Administrative asst. needed for real estate investment and management company. Candidate must be self- directed, organized and have excellent skills in Excel, Word, Power Point and Publisher. Knowledge of real estate transactions is preferred. Email [email protected]
1 BR TOWN HOME $550 per month. $195 move in. 843 sq ft. Call Brad at (713) 392-3248.
EASTWOOD GARAGE APT 4714 1/2 CLAY Bdrm, bath, living rm, kitchen-Appliances provide. Central A/H. $550/mo. Tenant pays electricity. 713-961-7696
MOTOR-ASSISTANT BICYCLES from $550 & up. 125+ mpg and 30 mph. No insurance, registration or license required. Call Miserly Motors at 832-596-5400.
Models needed: Delmonicole Clothing is looking for models. Please send both headshot and full body shot to [email protected].
2 room in Large Duplex available. Renting two rooms in large duplex. All utilities paid, water, gas, cable, internet, elec. Only 5 mins from UH by car in the Second Ward. Please TEXT 757-319-1987 Email [email protected]
IT’S HARD TO FIND GOOD HELP these days, but not with The Daily Cougar Classifieds. One ad can reach thousands! Call 713-743-5356.
CHECK OUT Cougar Classifieds online: thedailycougar.com/classifieds
6 ■ Monday, September 26, 2011 LIFE+ARTS The Daily Cougar
This week we’ll take a more seri-ous look at how the astronomical advent of Autumn can encourage us to make the most of the new fall
season. I recom-mend that everyone start making their holiday gift lists now, so that all of
those knitted scarves will be ready in time for white elephant parties.
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22): The Sun entered your sign on
Saturday. Consider sharing the bounty of your birthday with a solid celebration this week. The Sun and Mercury in your sign later this week opposing Uranus can make for unexpected changes. Be open to new ideas and sudden disruptions, as they can open unexpected doors in communication.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21): The Sun and Mercury will create a
90-degree angle with Pluto, your rul-ing planet, in the sign of Capricorn mid-week. Watch out for tests in your work and communications. This could be a tough time, but take it as a guide for improvement.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) Relationships and work might
face disruption and change this week. These frustrations are a great opportunity to examine your life and to see what could benefi t from purposeful changes.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19): This week could spell some
major breakthroughs for you. Pluto is charging through your sign, and while things may have fallen apart or been stalled recently, there are improvements on the horizon.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18): Be careful about your communi-
cations this week. While you may see everything that needs improvement as an opportunity to be of service, remember to be considerate in the way you present this “could-be-better” advice to others.
Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) This week may require a lot of
you emotionally. Be aware that there are times when we all need to take a break from the hard work of daily life in order to refl ect on the dreamier side of things. Be careful not to confuse the two.
Aries (March 21 – April 19): Take the time this week to let the
fi re inside rage a bit. Focus on creat-ing something new, or explaining your views and desire for change with a like-minded companion.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20): This week is a hodgepodge for
you. All I can say is that you should listen to your mother: This, too, shall pass. Let it roll off your back. Are you
Jennifer PostelTHE DAILY COUGAR
Arriving in a foreign land, sleep-ing in an unknown bed and sharing a room with someone you’ve never met can be unnerving for most. But when greeted with the comforts of home and a warm smile, like what Houston’s new Morty Rich Hostel offers, a weary head can rest at ease.
Nestled down a tree-lined street and housed in a historic home, the Morty Rich Hostel – formerly the Lovett Inn Bed and Breakfast – has opened its doors, laid out its wel-come mats and gave the residents of Houston a fi rst-hand look at Montrose’s newest edition with a grand-opening held Sunday.
Open nearly a week, the hostel treated its guests, donors, patrons and anyone else interested with an afternoon fi lled with music, food and giveaways. Sunday’s grand open-ing began with an early afternoon lunch. Visitors freely walked around, surveyed the new property and munched on catered snacks accom-panied by a four-string quartet.
The Morty Rich Staff, who has worked tirelessly these past few months to get things up and run-ning, greeted open-house visitors and showed them around.
Elizabeth Perkins, a former bar-tender who recently joined the staff, hopes future guests will see all the great things that our city has to offer.
“I have always loved hostels,” Per-kins said when asked about working at Morty Rich.
“Just like bartending, it’s a great
way to meet people and to show that Houston really is a cool place to visit.”
One of Morty Rich’s recent guests, Katia, also participated in Sunday’s events. An 18-year-old from Vienna, Austria, Katia is visiting Houston for the fi rst time.
A yoga student studying for her instructor license, she came to Houston to take an intensive four-week program offered at Yoga One Houston and chose the Morty Rich Hostel as her home away from home.
“I’ve never stayed in a hostel before,” Katia said. “I got really lucky here. It’s so nice and clean and the neighborhood is very easy to get around.”
After spending a week in Houston, Katia has found her stay here enjoyable – even taking a trip to Space Center Houston – but fi nds Houston’s intense heat a bit
unbearable.“It’s like a concrete desert here,”
she said. “I’m very grateful they have a pool. I’ve used it everyday.”
Built in 1917 by former Houston mayor and federal Judge Joseph C. Hutcheson, this colonial-style home-turned-hostel houses 55 beds separated into dorm rooms with bunk beds furnished with fl uffy down comforters and pillows, and a single room for those travelers look-ing for more privacy.
It’s comfortable, charming and offers a guest many entertaining options such as Katia’s favorite pool, a game room with walls lined with antique wood from England, a third fl oor attic that has been converted into a media room and a self-catered kitchen with a pantry fi lled with everything a hungry heart could desire.
SarahNielsen
HOROSCOPES
Take advantage of the start of a new season
Located in Montrose, the Morty Rich Hostel is Houston’s latest lodging option for out-of-town guests. Its grand opening was Sunday. | Jennifer Postel/The Daily Cougar
AROUND TOWN
Travelers have nothing to be Hostel about
HOSTEL continues on page 8 SEASON continues on page 8
In print. Online. On the go.
Snap the QR code with your
smartphone and sign up
for daily e-mail headlines!
GET SOME DAILYBY EMAIL
The Daily Cougar COMICS & MORE Monday, September 26, 2011 ■ 7
CROSSWORDCOMICS
SUDOKUHow to play Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3-by-3 boxes must also contain the numbers 1 to 9.
Must be Something in the Water by Brandon Alexander
Chili Fingers by Nam Nguyen
ACROSS 1 Europe’s longest
river 6 17-syllable poem 11 No. 14 Districts 15 Bygone 16 “-- Hot Ta Trot” 17 Burdens 18 Thinks ahead 19 Rub the wrong
saga 33 Partly 36 Koppel or Knight 37 Fine violin,
briefl y 38 -- Alamos 40 Makes camp 43 Harebrained 45 South Bend
team 46 Lurch 47 Width 50 Many and
diff erent 51 100 kopecks 52 Hooray for me!
(hyph.) 53 Police alert 54 Colder and
wetter 57 Kidded around 62 Microscopic 63 Buoy up 64 Take the podium 65 Conducted 66 Enjoyed a repast 67 More logical
DOWN 1 -- Kilmer of fi lms 2 Spanish gold 3 Grassy fi eld 4 Traipse 5 Took for granted 6 Is optimistic 7 Band together 8 Snake River loc.
9 Barbie’s beau 10 Remove, as a cap 11 Handy swabs
(hyph.) 12 Upper body 13 Hayseed 21 Primary color 23 Vow 24 Kind of curl 25 Media star 26 Children’s classic 27 Smog monitor 28 Wild cats 29 Made cheddar
better 31 Veranda 33 Secret supply 34 Make changes 35 Large handbags 37 Business attire 39 New Year’s Eve
word 41 Perfume bottle 42 Bought by mail 43 Hogan dwellers
44 Suffi x for press 46 British FBI 47 Noisy fi ght 48 Madras money 49 Dwindled 50 Had the nerve 52 Antoinette lost
There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. By enrolling in Army ROTC at the University of Houston you will develop leadership skills and earn an Army Officer’s commission after graduation — two things that will help ensure you succeed in life. Army ROTC also offers financial aid to help you pay for your college degree. With a start like that, there is no limit to what you can achieve.
To get started, visit goarmy.com/rotc/p706
START HIGHER.
START LEADING.
START OUT ON TOP.
START UNBREAKABLE FRIENDSHIPS.
START MAKING A MARK.
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT FINANCIAL AID AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES WITH ARMY ROTC?Stop by Cougar Grounds at 229 C.N. Hilton Hotel and College on September 28 from 9:30-11:30am to visit with a recruiter over free coffee
and learn how Army ROTC can help you through college and beyond.*Date and time subject to change. Please call (713) 743-3883 for more information.
October 7-8, 2011All participants must register to attend!
Visit: uh.edu/parents/events for complete details, including the schedule,
cost and registration information.
This fall, your parents and family members are invited to campus for a weekend of activities and programs! Special events include college sponsored sessions created exclusively for you and your family, the Family Picnic featuring an outdoor movie and
the Family Tailgate Celebration before the UH vs. East Carolina football game!
8 ■ Monday, September 26, 2011 LIFE+ARTS The Daily Cougar
eating enough? Get some fresh air. Whatever you need, it’s there.
Gemini (May 21 – June 21): With the new moon in your sign,
this is an excellent time to write down your goals for the coming month. Consider making a calendar on your bathroom mirror with chalk pens to remind you of what you would like to accomplish.
Cancer (June 22 – July 22): I recommend taking the time
to freshen up your most important space, whether it’s your backpack, your car, your craft bins or your pantry. Figure out what’s needed and make a list for stocking up.
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22): Be wary of the warrior Mars trav-
eling through your sign. This time can feel energized and competitive, which can be put to good use with ample caution as an accompani-ment. Make sure your battles are virtuous!
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22): School is really starting to eat up
everyone’s life, so don’t feel down this week.
The new moon in your com-panion sign of Gemini is a great opportunity for planning ahead.
Open 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week, guests can come and go as they please and take in the many coffee shops, restaurants and some of the most popular bars that the Montrose area has to offer.
The hostel is conveniently located behind one of Montrose’s longest operating bars, Avant Garden.
Morty Rich, the hostel’s name-sake, was a native Houstonian who loved to travel and was a consum-mate hostel supporter. Rich passed away in a 1993 plane crash and left a bequest to HI-USA to help fund a
youth hostel in Houston.The Morty Rich Hostel, its staff
and its counterparts Hostelling International USA and Hostelling International are committed to bringing a level of understanding about the world, the country and the city through the hostel experience.
General Manager Grace Dodier, a
Corpus Christi native and a life-long hosteler, hopes that the opening of HI-USA’s newest location will be as successful and enjoyable as her past hostel experiences have been.
“I travel quite frequently and I always stay in hostels,” Dodier said. “I know that I will be able to meet other travelers that will want to explore the city with me and
