75.113-032210

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® ® the official student newspaper of the university of houston since 1934 years Spring may be here, but the weather is still too cold OPINION » HI 67 LO 43 Issue 113, Volume 75 Monday, March 22, 2010 thedailycougar.com WEATHER » Forecast, Page 2 M d M h THE DAILY COUGAR.COM Our Facebook page has surpassed 1,000 fans. Help us reach 2,000 By Gordon Furneaux THE DAILY COUGAR The Daily Cougar will host a debate between Student Government Association presidential candidates Prince Wilson and Carlos Reyes on Tuesday. The debate will take place at 2:30 p.m. in the Lone Star Room of the University Center. Communication professor Michael Berryhill will serve as moderator. The run-off election will be held Wednesday and Thursday. In addition to the presidential race, four at-large senate seats will be up for grabs. Wilson, the SGA’s vice president, and Reyes, the director of finance, are battling for the right to replace SGA President Kenneth Fomunung, whose one-year term expires this semester. The debate was temporarily canceled after Wilson declined to particpate, citing a conflicting schedule. Wilson told Daily Cougar Editor in Chief Ronnie Turner in an e-mail Friday that he could not participate, but informed Turner on Sunday afternoon that he had changed his mind after further reviewing his schedule. Turner said both candidates were made aware of the planned debate through an email sent Thursday. “Of course, this was short notice on our part, but we had to make sure that the venue and moderator By Ronnie Turner THE DAILY COUGAR Tom Penders made history last week when he coached the UH men’s basketball team in its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1992. But he won’t get a chance to lead the Cougars on a return trip to the Big Dance. Penders will announce his resignation at a press conference today inside the Athletics/ Alumni Center, a person familiar with the situation said Sunday evening. The Houston Chronicle reported that the move came as a result of a meeting between Penders and UH athletic director Mack Rhoades on Sunday afternoon. Penders was not available for comment. Rhoades told the Chronicle “there will be an announcement regarding the future of the men’s basketball program in the near future.” Today’s expected resignation comes three days after the Cougars’ 89-77 loss to Maryland in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Spokane, Wash. UH finished its season at 19- 16, earning its ticket to the Big Dance after winning the Conference USA tournament to claim the league’s automatic bid. Penders’ contract runs through 2012 and pays him $450,000 annually, including incentives. His base salary is $250,000, meaning that UH would have to pay him $500,000 to buy out the remaining two years of the deal. Penders, 64, went 121-77 in six seasons at UH and led the Cougars to five postseason appearances. He is 648-438 in 32 seasons as a college head coach and has guided four different programs to the NCAA Tournament. Penders is also the first coach to lead UH SGA presidential candidates to face off in debate Penders to step down after leading UH to first NCAA Tournament berth in 18 years Cougar News Services President Barack Obama claimed a significant political victory on Sunday when the Democratic-controlled Congress voted to approve legislation that would extend health care coverage to tens of millions of uninsured Americans and impose stricter regulations on the insurance industry. The House of Representatives voted 219-212 to pass the Senate health care bill that was passed in December. With all 178 House Republicans and 34 Democrats opposed to the Senate bill, the majority party was barely able to secure the 216 votes needed to send the legislation to Obama for signature. All 20 Texas House Republicans voted against the bill, joined by Democrat Chet Edwards (Waco). The remaining 11 Texas Democrats voted in support of the bill. Obama, who made health care reform the top domestic priority of his presidency when taking office in January 2009, is expected to sign the bill into law Tuesday. The historic legislation brings a brutal battle between the two major political parties closer to an end after more than a year of debate in Congress. Later Sunday evening, the House passed a smaller package of changes to the Senate bill with a 220-211 vote. The measure will be sent to the Senate, which is expected to take it up for debate this week. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) told House Democrats on Saturday that he had the “commitment of a significant majority” of Senate Democrats to approve the package of fixes. If the measure is approved, it would also be sent to Obama for signature. Health care bill passes JUSTIN FLORES THE DAILY COUGAR Tom Penders has been a fixture on the Cougars’ basketball sidelines for the last six seasons. His UH tenure, which includes a 121-77 record, is expected to end with his resignation today. ‘The Show’ closes THE DAILY COUGAR.COM ONLINE: Receive more updates on the UH basketball program at thedailycougar.com see SGA, page 10 e u s t o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n s s s s si si si s s s s s s s s si si s si i si si s s s s s s s s s i s s s s s s s s si s s s s s s s s s si s s s s s i s s s s s s s i s s s s s s si s s s s s i i s s s i si si si s s s s i si si s s s s i s si i i s s s si i i i i i s s i i i si s s i i i i si s s i i i i s s s s i i i i i i s s i si i i s s si si s s s si i si i i s s si si i si s s s i si i si s s s i i i s s s si s i i i si s i i i s si i i s s i i i i s s s s s i i i si n nc n see PENDERS, page 7 see HEALTH CARE, page 3 Cougars bow out of NCAA Tournament ent with loss to Maryland SPORTS »

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The official student newspaper of the University of Houston

Transcript of 75.113-032210

Page 1: 75.113-032210

®®

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 4

years

Spring may be here, but the weather is still too cold OPINION » HI 67 LO 43

Issue 113, Volume 75 Monday, March 22, 2010 thedailycougar.com

WEATHER »

Forecast, Page 2

M d M h

THE DAILY COUGAR.COM Our Facebook page has surpassed 1,000 fans. Help us reach 2,000

By Gordon FurneauxTHE DAILY COUGAR

The Daily Cougar will host a debate between Student Gover nment Associat ion presidential candidates Prince Wilson and Carlos Reyes on Tuesday.

The debate will take place at 2:30 p.m. in the Lone Star Room of the University Center. Communication professor Michael Berryhill will serve as moderator.

The run-off election will be held Wednesday and Thursday. In addition to the presidential race, four at-large senate seats will be up

for grabs.Wilson, the SGA’s vice president,

and Reyes, the director of fi nance, are battling for the right to replace SGA President Kenneth Fomunung, whose one-year term expires this semester.

The debate was temporarily canceled after Wilson declined

to particpate, citing a confl icting schedule.

Wilson told Daily Cougar Editor in Chief Ronnie Turner in an e-mail Friday that he could not participate, but informed Turner on Sunday afternoon that he had changed his mind after further reviewing his schedule.

Turner said both candidates were made aware of the planned debate through an email sent Thursday.

“Of course, this was short notice on our part, but we had to make sure that the venue and moderator

By Ronnie TurnerTHE DAILY COUGAR

Tom Penders made history last week when he coached the UH men’s basketball team in its fi rst NCAA Tournament appearance since 1992.

But he won’t get a chance to lead the Cougars on a return trip to the Big Dance.

Penders will announce his resignation at a press conference today inside the Athletics/Alumni Center, a person familiar with the situation said Sunday evening.

The Houston Chronicle reported that the

move came as a result of a meeting between Penders and UH athletic director Mack Rhoades on Sunday afternoon.

Penders was not available for comment. Rhoades told the Chronicle “there will be an announcement regarding the future of the men’s basketball program in the near future.”

Today’s expected resignation comes three days after the Cougars’ 89-77 loss to Maryland in the fi rst round of the NCAA Tournament in Spokane, Wash. UH fi nished its season at 19-16, earning its ticket to the Big Dance after winning the Conference USA tournament to claim the league’s automatic bid.

Penders’ contract runs through 2012 and pays him $450,000 annually, including incentives. His base salary is $250,000, meaning that UH would have to pay him $500,000 to buy out the remaining two years of the deal.

Penders, 64, went 121-77 in six seasons at UH and led the Cougars to fi ve postseason appearances. He is 648-438 in 32 seasons as a college head coach and has guided four different programs to the NCAA Tournament.

Penders is also the fi rst coach to lead UH

SGA presidential candidates to face off in debate

Penders to step down after leading UH to fi rst NCAA Tournament berth in 18 years

Cougar News ServicesPresident Barack Obama

claimed a significant political victory on Sunday when the Democratic-controlled Congress voted to approve legislation that would extend health care coverage to tens of millions of uninsured Americans and impose stricter regulations on the insurance industry.

The House of Representatives voted 219-212 to pass the Senate health care bill that was passed in December. With all 178 House Republicans and 34 Democrats opposed to the Senate bill, the majority party was barely able to secure the 216 votes needed to send the legislation to Obama for signature.

All 20 Texas House Republicans voted against the bill, joined by Democrat Chet Edwards (Waco). The remaining 11 Texas Democrats voted in support of the bill.

Obama, who made health care reform the top domestic priority of his presidency when taking office in January 2009, is expected to sign the bill into law Tuesday.

The historic legislation brings a brutal battle between the two major political parties closer to an end after more than a year of debate in Congress.

Later Sunday evening, the House passed a smaller package of changes to the Senate bill with a 220-211 vote. The measure will be sent to the Senate, which is expected to take it up for debate this week.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) told House Democrats on Saturday that he had the “commitment of a significant majority” of Senate Democrats to approve the package of fixes.

If the measure is approved, it would also be sent to Obama for signature.

Health care bill passes

JUSTIN FLORES THE DAILY COUGAR

Tom Penders has been a fi xture on the Cougars’ basketball sidelines for the last six seasons. His UH tenure, which includes a 121-77 record, is expected to end with his resignation

today.

‘The Show’ closes

THE DAILY COUGAR.COM ONLINE: Receive more updates on the UH basketball program at thedailycougar.com

see SGA, page 10

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see PENDERS, page 7

see HEALTH CARE, page 3

Cougars bow out of NCAA Tournament ent with loss to Maryland SPORTS »

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2 ■ Monday, March 22, 2010 The Daily Cougar

TUESDAY

Project management: 9 a.m.-noon, Social Work Building, Room 110L. The classes are free to students, faculty, staff and alumni in good standing. The classes are taught on Windows machines and meet in room 110L of the Social Work building unless oth-erwise noted. Registration is required to reserve a seat in a class. After a 5-minute grace period, unfilled reserved seat are reassigned to those on standby. Course descriptions and online registration can be found at www.uh.edu/ITtraining

WEDNESDAY

Web development: 10 a.m.-noon, Social Work Building, Room 110L. The classes are free to students, faculty, staff and alumni in good standing. The classes are taught on Windows machines and meet in room 110L of the Social Work building unless otherwise noted. Registra-tion is required to reserve a seat in a class. After a 5-minute grace period, unfilled reserved seat are reassigned to those on standby. Course descrip-

tions and online registration can be found at www.uh.edu/ITtraining

Stand Out and Speak Up: noon-3 p.m., University Center Arbor. Thousands of youth in every state and around the world will stand out, speak up and seize control against free tobacco. The event will include free giveaways as well as pizza and refreshments.

Database applications: 2-4 p.m., Social Work Building, Room 110L. The classes are free to students, faculty, staff and alumni in good standing. The classes are taught on Windows machines and meet in room 110L of the Social Work building unless oth-erwise noted. Registration is required to reserve a seat in a class. After a 5-minute grace period, unfilled reserved seat are reassigned to those on standby. Course descriptions and online registration can be found at www.uh.edu/ITtraining

C A L E N D A R

F O R E C A S T

CAMPUSBEAT

CO R R E C T I O N S

CO N TAC T U S

A B O U T

I S S U E S TA F F

» Send event information to [email protected]

»Report errors to [email protected]

ABOUT THE COUGAR The Daily Cougar is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters,

and Tuesday and Thursday during the summer, at the University of Houston Printing Plant and online at http://www.

thedailycougar.com. The University seeks to provide equal educational opportunities without regard to race, color,

religion, national origin, sex, age, disability or veteran status, or sexual orientation. The Daily Cougar is supported in part

by Student Service Fees. the fi rst copy of the Cougar is free; each additional copy is 25 cents.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Rates 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 TIPS Direct news tips and story ideas to the News Desk. Call (713) 743-5314, e-mail news@thedailycougar.

com or fax (713) 743-5384. A “Submit news item” form is also available online at thedailycougar.com.

COPYRIGHT No part of the newspaper in print or online may be reproduced without the written consent of the

director of the Student Publications Department.

Corrections will appear in this space as needed.

■ Copy editing Giselle Bueno, Moniqua Sexton, Jack Wehman, Dorothy Hastings-James

■ Production Chenlong He, Newton Liu

■ Closing editor Ronnie Turner

Newsroom(713) 743-5360■ Editor in ChiefRonnie Turner(713) [email protected]

■ Managing EditorMatthew Keever(713) [email protected]

■ News EditorsPatricia EstradaHiba Adi (713) [email protected]

■ Sports EditorsPhillipe CraigRobert Higgs(713) [email protected]

■ Life & Arts EditorTravis Hensley(713) [email protected]

■ Special Projects EditorJarrod [email protected]

■ Opinion EditorAlan [email protected]

■ Photo EditorKendra Berglund(713) [email protected]

■ Web EditorMatt [email protected]

■ Blog EditorAbby [email protected]

Advertising(713) [email protected]

■ Classifi eds(713) 743-5356classifi [email protected]

Business Offi ce■ Phone (713) 743-5350■ Fax (713) 743-5384■ Mailing addressRoom 7, UC SatelliteStudent PublicationsUniversity of HoustonHouston, TX 77204-4015

Tuesday

74˚54˚Wednesday

74˚58˚Thursday

74˚52˚

Page 3: 75.113-032210

PROGRAM forEXCELLENCE IN SELLING

Semi-Annual Career FairThursday, March 25, 2010, 5 to 8 p.m.

University Center’s Houston Room• Open to all Majors.• Bring your resume.• Professional attire required.

For more information, visit www.salesexcellence.org.

PSYCHOLOGY&

COM

M

TIN

GPRIN

CIPL

ES

The Daily Cougar NEWS | SPORTS Monday, March 22, 2010 ■ 3

SWIMMING AND DIVING

Podzniakova repeats as 1-meter championBy Tristan TippetTHE DAILY COUGAR

UH divers Anastasia Podzniakova and Lacey Truelove competed in the NCAA Championships this weekend at Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind., and, as has been the case for much of the season, came away with impressive showings.

Podzniakova turned in a repeat performance of last year’s 1- and 3-meter diving events. Podzniakova won the 1-meter diving event and finished second in the 3-meter, as she did in 2009.

“It was a pretty close competition and the girls were much better this year than they were last year,” Podzniakova said in a release. “It was so awesome to win.”

Podzniakova won the 1-meter event with a score of 356.20. With the win, Podzniakova became a

two time 1-meter champion in her illustrious career.

Podzniakova won the 3-meter diving event in the Conference USA Championships and the NCAA Zone Diving events, but she wasn’t able to complete her early-season goal of winning the NCAA 3-meter event. Podzniakova finished second with a score of 406.45. Podzniakova finished behind Minnesota’s Kelci Bryant who won the event with a score of 415.50.

Truelove competed in the final of the 3-meter event as well as in the platform final for the Cougars. Truelove finished a mere 13th in the 3-meter event, but she set a career-high with a 323.25 score.

In the platform event, Truelove placed seventh with a score of 256.45.

[email protected]

HEALTH CAREcontinued from page 1

The Associated Press reported that the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that 32 million previously uninsured Americans would gain coverage under the conditions of the bill passed Sunday. The CBO also said that insurance companies would no longer be able to deny individuals coverage because of pre-existing medical conditions.

The bill will also have a direct effect on college students, as it calls for all student loans to be provided by the government instead of banks and private lenders.

[email protected]

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4 ■ Monday, March 22, 2010 The Daily Cougar

On March 4, Sen. John McCain introduced a despotic bill that would give the president unprecedented and unacceptable powers over American

citizens.The bill, which was

co-sponsored by Sen. Joseph Lieberman, is called the Enemy

Belligerent Interrogation, Detention and Prosecution Act and would grant the commander-in-chief authority to detain suspected terrorists indefi nitely. It mandates that any suspected terrorists be transferred to military custody upon their apprehension, where they would be denied access to an attorney and their rights against self-incrimination.

Since the Sept. 11 attacks, a national debate has raged over how much power the government should have to fi ght the war on terror, but never before has it claimed such broad powers over American citizens.

To make matters worse, the criteria in the proposed bill for designating suspects as high-value detainees are amazingly

broad and theoretically could be used to detain just about anyone.

One criterion is the potential threat a suspect poses “for an attack on civilians or civilian facilities within the United States.”

There is nothing in the language drawing any distinction between terrorist attacks and other attacks on people such as simple assault. This kind of broad language is ripe for abuse.

Another criterion for designating a person as a high-value detainee is “the potential intelligence value of the individual.”

A similar justifi cation was used to detain people for years at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp even when it was known they were innocent. This justifi cation was known as the “mosaic theory” of intelligence.

The idea is that a person who isn’t a terrorist and doesn’t have any knowledge of terrorist activities may still be able to provide helpful intelligence if they come from a village where an attack once took place, or is third cousin to a guy who met with a suspected terrorist once, or has

any other of an innumerable tangential connections to terrorism.

The theory is that innocuous bits of information from multiple detainees could be pieced together to create a mosaic used to help intelligence offi cials.

In theory, if this bill were passed, people from Joe Stack’s neighborhood in Austin might qualify as high-value detainees thanks to their potential intelligence value.

But those aren’t even the most odious of the criteria. The fi nal criterion for designating high-value detainees is simply “such other matters as the president deems appropriate.” In other words, this bill would give the president the power to indefi nitely detain absolutely anyone he wants for any reason he sees fi t.

One would think Americans would have learned the dangers of giving the executive branch sole discretion over whom to detain by now.

“Fifteen months after the U.S. Supreme Court rebuked the Bush

Debt is an ugly word, and most Americans are sick of hearing it.

Aside from those majoring in accounting or political science, most

students’ knowledge about debt is probably limited to the price of a monthly car note and the

prospect of having to pay back student loans in a couple of years.

For the country, however, the reality of debt is far more complicated.

According to the U.S. National Debt Clock, the country owes more than $12.6 trillion in debt as of March 21.

As if that amount isn’t staggering enough, many economists estimate that the U.S. has surpassed the mark of a 100 percent gross domestic product-to-debt ratio.

GDP is the measure of goods and services produced by a country. In

America’s case, the higher the debt ratio is, the less likely it becomes that the government will pay off the loans, because it has borrowed more than the nation is producing.

For the most part, his debt is owed to businessmen and foreign governments who buy U.S. Treasury bonds. The government also owes itself money, which is held as government account securities.

U.S. citizens have relatively high standards of living. Most people own cars, many attend universities and nearly everyone has basic necessities such as running water and electricity.

It’s likely that the burden of repaying the national debt will become our generation’s responsibility.

The effect of the national debt on the economy isn’t always obvious, but it does have a signifi cant impact. For example, the government is obligated to pay back

borrowed money to the Social Security Administration over time, which will most likely be funded through tax increases.

The dollar, which has been the symbol of a stable currency for decades, will face infl ation. With foreign investors becoming more infl uential and thus more likely to invest in their own economies, the dollar is becoming a less desirable currency, and therefore its value is decreasing.

While students are faced with the responsibility of cleaning up earlier generations’ mistakes, they can learn to be responsible with their own money to help decrease the national debt.

Many college students depend on loans for their livelihoods, but they need to be sure to only borrow and spend the amount they need.

The more students buy on credit

LizPrice

DavidBrooks

Bill would set dangerous precedent

Solution to debt is responsibility

EDITORIAL CARTOON

DICK HITE JR THE DAILY COUGAR

UH basketball fans had a reason to celebrate this March.

The men’s basketball team advanced to its fi rst NCAA Tournament since 1992, once again becoming a nationally recognized competitor. Although the Cougars fell 89-77 to Maryland in the fi rst round Friday, fans still had a chance to experience a glimpse of the postseason and hope

for the success of the Phi Slama Jama days of Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon.

The man who led the charge, Tom Penders, is expected to resign today after six seasons. He went 121-77 at UH, leading the Cougars to fi ve postseason appearances, including two showings in the National Invitation Tournament, two in the College Basketball Invitation

and this season’s historic berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Penders will ride off into the sunset, leaving fans to ponder the legacy that he created at UH. Star players Aubrey Coleman and Kelvin Lewis are gone after this season, having accomplished the goal they set out to achieve upon arriving at UH.

But there’s hope for the future of UH basketball. More specifi cally, there’s hope for the future of

UH’s athletic program. The football team was nationally recognized last

season, and the basketball team is back on the map. This, in case you all are unaware, could also help UH’s efforts to achieve fl agship status.

Although Penders is leaving after a tenure mired in mediocrity, he deserves credit for turning around a once downtrodden program. His efforts will allow the next coach to have an easier time of taking the program to new heights.

Coleman and his teammates made the University proud, as well. We should all be proud of them and continue to support the tradition they have revived.

However, a key ingredient to maintaining that success is the support of the students.

The next coach could be the one to help the Cougars become major players on a national level. But he’ll need the help of students, alumni and other fans to reach that plateau.

STAFF EDITORIAL

Basketball team’s success beneficial to UH’s growth

More specifi cally, there’s hope for the future of UH’s athletic program.

OPINION COMING TUESDAY: What effect has arguing over health care reform had on politics?

EDITOR Alan Dennis E-MAIL [email protected] ONLINE www.thedailycougar.com/opinion

E D I TO R I A L P O L I C Y

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 letters@

thedailycougar.com; 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.

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

Ronnie Turner, Editor in ChiefMatthew Keever, Managing editorPatricia Estrada, News editorHiba Adi, News editorPhillipe Craig, Sports editorRobert Higgs, Sports editorTravis Hensley, Life & Arts editorAlan Dennis, Opinion editorJarrod Klawinsky, Special projects editor

see BROOKS, page 5

see PRICE, page 5

Page 5: 75.113-032210

UC Arbor, Room 32D713/743-2777

www.uh.edu/ucaf

HOURS OF OPERATION

Cash, Checks, Credit Cards, andCougar Cash accepted.

Monday – Friday10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Saturday11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Sunday2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

(Lower Level, University Center)

March 22 - 28This Week on the UC Fun Floor

Shasta’s Now Accepts Cougar Cash!

Friday 3/26

Partially funded by SFAC and your UC Fee.

Try our new coffee roast! “Katz’s Best” (now on a rotating basis)

Rolling Back the Prices!$1.00 per game for Bowling! $2.00 per hour/per table for Billiards!

Visit US at...

Sunday SundaesBuy 1 sundae, get 1 of equal or lesservalue for FREE!

Cougar Casino at Frontier Fiesta6:00PM-10:00PM

Glow Bowling9:00PM - 1:00AM

Thursday 3/25

SPB Fridays30% OFF with UH Student ID & SPB Tag

Friday 3/26& Saturday 3/27

Saturday 3/27

Sunday 3/28

Free 2nd Scoop FridayFree 2nd scoop upgrade w/ purchaseof a single scoop waffle cone/bowl

Thursday 3/25

$1 Coffee TuesdaysSmall coffee for only $1!

Friday 3/26

Tuesday 3/23

HOURS OF OPERATIONMonday - Friday

11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.Saturday

11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.Sunday

4:00 p.m. - 9:00p.m.

UC Lower Level713/743/4947

(Day and time restrictions apply- see UC Games)

International Waffle DaySingle Scoop Ice Cream with a Waffle Cone OR Bowl for $.2.75!

Cougar Casino at Frontier Fiesta6:00PM-10:00PM

Cougar Casino at Frontier Fiesta2:00PM-8:30PM

While at Frontier Fiesta come by Cougar Casino and Lil’ Shasta’s!

FRONTIER FIESTA

SERVEDYOU

BENEFITSGET

STEP

1Review your benefit options online at www.gibill.va.gov.

STEP

2Submit your application VA Form 22-1990 or 22-1990E.

STEP

3Check with your School Certifying Official (SCO) to confirm that your VA enrollment certification has been sent to the VA. This triggers your payment.

3 STEPS TO YOUR POST-9/11 GI BILL BENEFITSThe Post-9/11 GI Bill provides vets great education benefits, but YOU must take action to ensure the assistance you deserve is paid in a timely fashion. Follow these steps to simplify the process and help VA expedite your benefit payments.

Text “GIBILL” to 99702 or visit www.gibill.va.gov for more information.Standard Message and Data Rates May Apply

Click on it: www.thedailycougar.com

The Daily Cougar OPINION Monday, March 22, 2010 ■ 5

administration by ruling that Guantanamo captives can sue for their freedom, civilian judges have ordered the release of 29 detainees and sided with the Defense Department only seven times,” Carol Rosenberg said in the Sept. 7 edition of the Miami Herald.

That means in more than 80 percent of the cases reviewed by courts up until September, the government failed to meet the relatively low standard of evidence

required to detain a suspect.Those numbers are not very

inspiring. Even ignoring the bill’s potential for abuse, the government’s recent track record demonstrates that Americans shouldn’t be so willing to surrender their rights in the name of security.

If people give the government greater powers to employ in the war on terror, there is always the danger that they’ll end up being misused.

David Brooks is a communication senior and may be reached at [email protected]

BROOKScontinued from page 4

and the more they borrow from lenders, the more the government is involved in their personal finances.

There is no instant solution to solving the nation’s debt crisis, but students can start by being informed and doing their part to decrease it. It’s important to

be unafraid of modesty when it comes to personal spending and not living beyond one’s means.

A national debt that stands at more than $40,000 for every American may seem overwhelming, but the reality is that it’s not impossible to clean up.

Liz Price is a communication junior and may be reached at [email protected]

PRICEcontinued from page 4

Because your words matter.Have you been misquoted? Though The Daily Cougar strives for accuracy and fairness in its reporting, mistakes happen. Please report any errors you see in the paper to the editorial staff. Corrections will run on Page 2 as needed to amend the record. To report a correction, e-mail [email protected] or call (713) 743-5362.

TO: THE DAILY COUGARTO:

THE DAILY COUGARTTOTOTTTH TO:

THE DAILY COUGARTO: THE DAILY COUGARWe ♥♥ Click on “Write a letter” at

thedailycougar.com

Page 6: 75.113-032210

6 ■ Monday, March 22, 2010 The Daily Cougar

SPORTS COMING TUESDAY: The aftermath of Tom Penders’ resignation as UH men’s basketball coach

EDITORS Phillipe Craig, Robert Higgs E-MAIL [email protected] ONLINE www.thedailycougar.com/sports

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

SOFTBALL

GOLF

BASEBALL

By Chris LoseeTHE DAILY COUGAR

After eight consecutive wins, the Cougars were humbled this weekend in Orlando and swept by Central Florida in their fi rst Conference-USA road trip. Stranded base runners and a lack of offense proved to be UH’s downfall.

Sunday the Cougars took the Knights to extra innings after a scoreless game through seven innings. In the bottom of the ninth, UCF’s Hillary Barrow hit a walk-off home run off Amanda Crabtree to cap the Cougars’ frustrating weekend.

Head coach Kyla Holas said the team needs to do a better job of adjusting to in-game situations and making the necessary changes on the fl y.

“We’re pretty frustrated with the team not making the adjustments we asked them to make,” Holas said. “This team has to have a little bit more fi ght. You have to make sure that you’re wanting this bad enough — more than the other team, and I just didn’t see that from them.”

In the fi rst game of Saturday’s double-header, the Cougars (15-12, 3-3 C-USA) got on the board in the second inning when Reina Gaber hit a single to the left, scoring Angela Spittler from second. Unfortunately, it ended

up being the Cougars’ only run. UCF answered with fi ve runs in the bottom of the frame to put the game out of reach and cruised to a 5-1 victory.

Game two was closer but the Cougars still came up short, losing 2-1. The Knights (17-11, 4-1) scored in the fi rst inning on a sacrifi ce bunt. The Cougars tied it up in the fi fth when Holly Anderson scored on Brooke Lathan’s sacrifi ce fl y. With the game still tied in the bottom of the fi fth, Natalie Land drove in Morgan Bullard from third for the winning run.

Holas said she was satisfi ed with the team’s pitching but indicated that the lack of offense will be the top priority in practice this week. Despite this weekend’s underperformance, Holas said she feels the league is up for grabs.

“This conference is pretty wide open this year; there’s not any one dominating team,” Holas said. “I think there’s going to be a lot of this back and forth with teams who win one weekend and lose the next.”

The Cougars return home to face off against the No. 9-ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in a doubleheader Tuesday at Cougar Softball Stadium. The fi rst game will begin at 5 p.m., and the nightcap is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

[email protected]

Cougar Sports ServicesUH had a spring break to forget.The Cougars fi nished the

inaugural Bulldog Classic with a ninth-place fi nish last week at Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant, La.

UH recorded a score of 311 in Tuesday’s fi nal round to end at 928 on the 7,105-yard, par-72 course. Southeastern Louisiana won the tournament with a score of 800, with Ole Miss (801), host Louisiana Tech (900), Oklahoma (903) and New Orleans (906) rounding out the top fi ve.

Southeastern Louisiana’s Cedric Scott fi nished at 4-under par 212 to capture medalist honors.

Junior Clark Mitzner was the Cougars’ top performer, shooting 75 in the fi nal round to tie for 11th place at 225.

Still, fi rst-year UH head coach Jonathan Dismuke did not see much to be pleased about.

“We really struggled in every aspect, and we are not getting off to good starts,” he said in a release. “We have to get a lot better, and there is plenty of room for improvement.”

[email protected]

By Keith Cordero Jr.THE DAILY COUGAR

Heading into the fi rst round of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament, UH knew that it would take a stellar showing to knock off Texas Tech on the road. Things only became worse when the Cougars reached Lubbock, where head coach Joe Curl was admitted to an area hospital after complaining of chest pains.

Ultimately, UH put forth a valiant effort but fell 80-77 to the Lady Red Raiders to end its season.

As he did during Curl’s previous health scares this season, assistant coach Wade Scott guided the team in Thursday’s game. On the court, Brittany Scott led the team with 29 points and surpassed the 1,000-point mark in her career at UH. Scott sits at 1,015 career points and became the 20th UH player to reach the milestone.

“It felt good,” Scott said of the milestone. “I didn’t even know until I was informed by my cousin and my mom after the game. It was a goal towards the middle of the year, but I really wasn’t focused on it. I would rather get the win and help my team in any way I could.”

As for Curl’s sudden departure, Scott said she was proud of her teammates’ focus throughout Thursday’s loss.

“It’s hard, but we usually have to try and stay focused on the game, because we’re still going to have to play whether he (Coach Curl) is there or not,” Scott said.

The Cougars didn’t let the bad news or the United Spirit Arena crowd affect them in the fi rst half, as they jumped out a 7-0 lead less than three minutes into the game. UH continued to control the early action and held 16-point leads on two occasions, including a 34-18 advantage at the 5:35 mark on Jasmine Johnson’s basket.

The Red Raiders then began to feed off their home crowd and went on an 11-3 run to close out the half. UH’s 16-point lead was cut in half as the Cougars took a 37-29 lead into the locker room at the break.

The Lady Red Raiders’ dismal fi rst-half shooting (28.6 percent, 8-of-28) did not carry over into the fi nal 20 minutes. Texas Tech scored 20 of the second half’s fi rst 31 points to take its fi rst lead at 49-48 with 12:13 remaining.

UH’s struggles continued as it fell behind by nine points at the

6:16 mark, but the Cougars still had a run in them as the game wound down.

Scott carried the Cougars, scoring the team’s fi nal 13 points, including four free throws late and two three-pointers with less than

30 seconds left in the game to pull Houston to within 78-77. Tech held strong and made two free throws to advance to the WNIT’s second round.

[email protected]

Cougars swept by Arizona St.By TRISTAN TIPPETTHE DAILY COUGAR

Not being able to hit and pitch will almost guarantee struggles for a baseball team, and it did for the Cougars in their three-game series against Arizona State, which is ranked No. 1 by USA Today.

UH got swept by the Sun Devils in a three-game series over the weekend at Packard Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., losing 10-1, 6-0 and 6-5.

The series concluded UH’s eight-game, West Coast road trip and evened their record at 9-9.

After a six-game winning streak that featured three wins in the Houston College Classic and a road sweep of Cal Poly, the Cougars have lost four of their last fi ve.

The Cougars’ best chance of snapping the funk came in Sunday’s game. In the third inning, Blake Kelso hit a one-out double and was driven in on a double by Caleb Ramsey to put UH up 1-0.

The Sun Devils (20-0) responded with a three-run double by Zack MacPhee in the bottom of the third off UH starter Matt Creel.

The Sun Devils were in control heading into the ninth inning, leading 6-2, but the Cougars scored three runs to pull within

one with two outs remaining.The game ended when Zac

Presley was forced out at second base on Matt Murphy’s grounder with the bases loaded.

In the second game, the Cougars started righthander Michael Goodnight, who only lasted three innings and could not keep runners off base.

Goodnight allowed six hits and walked three. He surrendered one run in the fi rst inning before allowing a three-run homer to fi rst baseman Zach Wilson in the third inning to put the Sun Devils up 4-0.

The Sun Devils scored two more runs in the fourth off Taylor Hammack to increase their lead to 6-0. The Cougars’ offense, though, couldn’t do anything against starter Merrill Kelly and had only fi ve baserunners for the entire game.

The Cougars had problems as soon as they stepped on the fi eld Friday. In the top of the fi rst inning, they had runners on second and third with no outs, but came up empty when the next three batters struck out.

MacPhee cracked a two-run homer off UH starter William Kankel in the bottom of the fi rst, and the Cougars eventually fell too deep. UH had only three hits in the next fi ve innings, and the pitching collapsed.

Ty Stuckey walked in a run and gave up two homers, including a grand slam, in the sixth inning, but he set up the damage with a throwing error. Those runs were all unearned.

The Cougars’ only run was a hollow solo shot by Caleb Ramsey in the seventh.

[email protected]

UH falls fl at on road against UCF

Coogs end season with loss in WNIT

Group struggles again

YULIA KUTSENKOVA THE DAILY COUGAR

Guard Jasmine Johnson and the Cougars came up just short against Texas Tech in the fi rst

round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.

JUSTIN FLORES THE DAILY COUGAR

Caleb Ramsey batted 3-for-5 with a run and two RBIs in the Cougars’ 6-5 loss to Arizona State

in Sunday’s series fi nale.

Page 7: 75.113-032210

The Daily Cougar Monday, March 22, 2010 ■ 7

JACLYN BOROWSKI THE DIAMONDBACK

UH guard Aubrey Coleman scored 26 points and pulled down eight rebounds in Friday’s 89-77 loss to Maryland, the fi nal game of his collegiate career. He fi nished the season with a scoring average of 25.6 points per game.

Complete coverage is always at thedailycougar.com/sports

UH enjoys short stay in Big DanceBy Maurice BobbTHE DAILY COUGAR

For UH the joyous NCAA Tournament music has stopped and the dance is officially over.

After Adam Brown’s miraculous first-half buzzer beater drew them within two points, the Cougars seemed to have the momentum to shock the world. But after immediately evening the score to start the second half, it was a free fall to an 89-77 loss to the Maryland Terrapins at Spokane Arena in Spokane, Wash.

Head coach Tom Penders said that despite the jubilation in the locker room at halftime, the Cougars went out with a business-first mentality in the second half.

“I called a timeout when we got down by eight points to stop their momentum, but then we hit a couple of threes, including

Adam’s shot and we got it to 39-37 at the half,” Penders said. “For halftime, I let the guys talk and get rid of the excitement of Adam’s shot. We wanted to switch to man-to-man defense and play a bigger lineup but it didn’t really work. Maryland did a good job of running their offense.

“I never felt like we were out of the game but we went cold at the foul line. We got it down to six at one point but we missed more free throws. We didn’t make our fair share of free throws.”

Aubrey Coleman, the nation’s leading scorer for the regular season, played his last game for UH in style, finishing with a game-high 26 points and eight rebounds. Fellow senior Kelvin Lewis also went out with a bang, totaling 24 points in a losing cause. Both players will now look to get to the professional level.

“I think Aubrey was clearly the best player on the floor,” Penders said. “He and Kelvin played great, it’s just a shame he missed six free throws. After the game I just told him how fast it all went by for him. He’s the reason we turned a corner at UH. What he and the team accomplished is historical. We’re going to have a banner up in Hofeinz now that says we’re the C-USA champions.”

Now that the Cougars are looking forward to next year, the jury is still out on whether Penders will remain as UH’s coach.

Media outlets reported Sunday that Penders would resign today.

“I’m too young to retire,” Penders said Saturday. “I never envisioned coaching past the age of 50, but if I’m having fun and I’m enjoying teaching then I’ll keep going. I look at myself as a

teacher, not some figurehead. But as long as UH wants me to coach, I’ll be the coach.”

It may be advantageous for UH for him to return considering incoming 7-3 center Marial Dahl based his decision to sign with the Cougars on Penders’ experience in coaching players from Africa.

“He’s a great shot blocker from the Sudan,” Penders said. “He could have gone to FSU or Florida but he chose to come here because of my experience coaching players from Africa.

“I think the exposure we got from the tournament will also make players want to come here to play and there are already a lot of players out there that like the way we play, so there’s a lot to look forward to here.”

[email protected]

to 18 or more wins in six consecutive seasons. He directed UH to three seasons of 20-plus wins, the last one coming in 2008-09.

But despite the decent win totals, Penders struggled to get the Cougars into the NCAA Tournament. The best he could do before this season were two appearances in each the National Invitational Tournament

and College Basketball Invitational, both considered second-tier tournaments.

With this year’s squad stumbling to a 15-15 regular-season record and tie for seventh place in C-USA, Penders’ eventual resignation or termination appeared to a foregone conclusion heading into the conference tournament.

The team had not put together a win streak longer than two games all season and did not appear to be any closer to reaching the NCAA

Tournament under Penders’ watch. With Rhoades being in his fi rst-year at the helm, many expected that he would replace Penders with a coach who could rejuvenate the Cougars’ program.

And then something improbable happened. Penders and the Cougars simply rejuvenated themselves in the C-USA Tournament.

UH won four consecutive games at the conference tournament from March 10-13 in Tulsa, Okla., including a win over regular-season

champion and top-seeded UTEP in the title game, to return to the NCAA Tournament for the fi rst time in 18 years.

The Cougars’ magical March ended with Friday’s loss to Maryland. But some of the madness remained as fans waited in anticipation to see whether Rhoades would allow Penders to hold onto to program’s keys for another season or look for a new driver.

[email protected]

PENDERScontinued from page 1

Maryland 89, Houston 77Maryland .......... 39 50 89Houston ............ 37 40 77

HOUSTON min fg-fga ft-fta 3pt-a pts reb a pfColeman, S 14 0-3 0-0 0-2 0 3 0 1

Washington 31 1-3 2-4 0-0 4 4 1 3

Lewis 38 7-15 8-10 2-6 24 4 1 1

Wade 19 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 1 3

Coleman, A 39 1-4 7-13 1-4 26 8 2 3

Zamal 16 3-6 3-5 1-2 10 0 2 1

McNeil 21 1-3 0-0 0-0 2 6 0 2

Haywood 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0

Brown 21 4-8 0-0 3-6 11 1 0 5

Percentages: FG .417, 3PT .350, FT .625 Team rebounds: 6

MARYLAND min fg-fga ft-fta 3pt-a pts reb a pf

Milbourne 28 6-15 7-7 0-1 19 7 0 2

Williams 33 9-14 3-4 0-0 21 17 1 2

Hayes 33 4-7 2-2 1-3 11 2 6 2

Mosley 20 2-6 0-0 0-2 4 6 3 4

Vasquez 20 5-13 6-6 0-5 16 7 6 4

Bowie 23 3-5 1-2 2-3 9 1 0 2

Tucker 10 2-6 0-0 1-3 5 7 2 2

Gregory 16 1-2 2-4 0-0 4 0 0 2

Percentages: FG .471, 3PT .235, FT .840 Team rebounds: 2

Technical fouls: Houston-None. Maryland-None.

Attendance: 10,861

Hey, what’shappening?

Check the Campus Calendar at thedailycougar.com

Page 8: 75.113-032210

8 ■ Monday, March 22, 2010 The Daily Cougar

JACK’S FACTS

midtermsLIFE+ARTS

20TH CENTURY FOX

The Empire Strikes Back is a sequel that comes through when most other sequels fall short of the original movie.

Sequels present turmoilBy: Jack WehmanTHE DAILY COUGAR

It’s a well-known fact that sequels are supposed to be terrible. They cannibalize what was good from the fi rst movie and try to run the box offi ce again, sacrifi cing what could have been a decent movie for quick cash. Very rarely does a sequel use the original as a stepping-stone for something more ambitious, and when they try, they usually end up failing hard.

There are exceptions to the rule, of course. Some of the best movies of all time are sequels. Terminator 2 was obviously the best of the Terminator series; the same with Empire Strikes Back and Aliens. Then, of course, you have some movies so terrible they make you want to ban the directors from touching a camera ever again. Anyone who thought Basic Instinct needed a sequel needs to be tied up and thrown off

a bridge. And there should be some way to bring George Lucas and Steven Spielberg to trial for what they did to Indiana Jones in The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

So, what makes a good sequel? Just look at the successes –Aliens, Terminator 2 – what do they have in common (aside from James Cameron)? They take what the fi rst fi lm created and build on it without taking out what made the fi rst one great. Aliens sends Sigourney Weaver back to the planet where it all started and puts her in the unwilling role of saving the marines that were sent to protect her. Terminator 2 adds more Arnold (always a plus), makes him the good guy and adds twice the robot fi ght scenes. To make a good sequel, you have to take what was good, make it better, and make sure you don’t add Shia LaBeouf. He ruins everything. Especially Megan Fox.

It’s much easier to point out what makes a bad sequel. One word springs to mind

before anything else: Ewoks. Well, that and Jar-Jar Binks. Both ideas were terrible and further cements the fact that George Lucas went completely insane after the eighties ended. Probably the best showcase of horrible sequel ideas is what happened to the Ocean franchise. Ocean’s Eleven was a classic heist movie; it was smart, funny, and the cast worked so well you’d think they grew up together. Once they realized how much money they could make, though, they decided to ask all their friends to come play with them – and the results should not be watched with anyone possessing a working frontal lobe.

Unfortunately, awful sequels are just part of the Hollywood minefi eld. If you navigate it carefully, you may just fi nd something worthwhile. Or you just may blow up.

[email protected]

Careers made with social networkingBy Chenlong He THE DAILY COUGAR

Now is the age of the Internet. Almost everyone, including your grandma, has shared some form of personal information via social media. According to the February 2010 PEW Internet report, nearly 72 percent of young adults and 40 percent of adults 30 and older use some form of social networking site, such as Facebook and Twitter. Both Facebook and Twitter keep everyone well connected and constantly updated. These networking tools are extremely effective for establishing connections with your family and friends, but they can also have a strong impact when it comes to job searching.

First impression countsThis saying applies to users’ appearance

on social networking sites. In most cases, the profi le picture is the fi rst thing an employer will see. The career counselor at the College of Technology Holly Holman warns students, fi rst and foremost, about the potential dangers of having a risqué profi le picture. “Some employers do Google searches on prospective employees, and if they fi nd you getting drunk in your

profi le picture, they may not call you for an interview,” Holman said.

As indicated by the 2009 CareerBuilder Survey, 45 percent of employers use social networking Web sites to screen future employees. One of the top reasons for an employer to dismiss a job candidate after viewing their profi le is inappropriate photographs or information.

Holman suggests that students use a professional photo, just a headshot, for the profi le picture. She also advises that students set their Facebook accounts to private to prevent employers from searching for you at all. This option strictly applies to Facebook.

TwitterThere is a distinct difference between

Facebook and Twitter. “Twitter can be used as both social and professional accounts whereas Facebook is mainly used for social networking,” Holman said.

She recommends that students follow people, companies or topics of interest, re-tweeting and commenting on their tweets.

Twitter has aided Alexa Scordato, a 22-year-old who tweeted about wanting an entry-level job in social media, to fi nd a job at social media fi rm Mzinga.

LinkedIn“The number one way for people to fi nd

a job is through networking...and LinkedIn is the place to be,” Holman said. Launched in 2003, LinkedIn is a Web site that has approximately 50 million professionals, including local companies.

However, there are not many people who utilize LinkedIn; many are on Facebook for social purposes and other fun applications. 73 percent of adults use Facebook but only 14 percent have a LinkedIn profi le (PEW Internet Report 2010).

“LinkedIn allows you to link to your professional Twitter or blog,” Holman said. LinkedIn also allows you upload your resume to your profi le, which defi nitely come in handy for would-be employers.

Go the extra step: Personal BrandingWhen you see a vibrant shade of

red on a bottle or a can, do you think of Coca-Cola? A beverage company that has effectively made their signature red known worldwide, Coke is most popular soda in the U.S. Bow to the power of

see SOCIAL, page 10

JANUARY2010

FEBRUARY2010

MARCH2010

MOVIE SCORES

Leap Year: D-The Book of Eli: C+The Lovely Bones: -FYouth in Revolt: CExtraordinary Measures: FLegion: C-The Tooth Fairy: CEdge of Darkness: FWhen in Rome: D-From Paris With Love: D+

MOVIE SCORES

Dear John: BThe Wolfman: FPercy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief: CValentine’s Day: CShutter Island: BThe Ghost Writer: BThe Crazies: CCop Out: F (worst movie)

MOVIE SCORES

Brooklyn’s Finest: C-Alice in Wonderland: DShe’s Out of My League: A- (Best Movie) Green Zone: FRemember Me: FDiary of a Wimpy Kid: BRepo Men: D+The Bounty Hunter: F

Compiled by Travis Hensley

D

P

L

S

Copm

F

ove: D+

Page 9: 75.113-032210

The Daily Cougar NEWS Monday, March 22, 2010 ■ 9

By Neal DasguptaTHE DAILY COUGAR

Spring break is popularly known as a time when college students sleep in and party but many students at UH are fi nding volunteering just as rewarding.

Houston and its surrounding areas have provided many opportunities for students to help the community with many organizations and businesses in need of volunteers.

“I volunteer at the food pantry in Stafford,” hotel and restaurant management junior Eric Wu said. “I started volunteering there a few years ago, and I try to help out as much as I can. Most of my time during the semester is spent on school, so spring break is a good time to go for a day and help out.”

Wu said he likes the opportunity to help out at the pantry, and it’s something he does with his family. Although he takes time to volunteer, he also enjoys the break by hanging out with friends.

“I still have fun with my friends, and I am able to do things,” he said. “I just think it’s important to fi nd the time to give back to the community.”

Some students take time to volunteer with non-profit organizations that are

better known, like UNICEF.Second-year College of Pharmacy grad

student Amin Esmaily said he participated in UNICEF at UH’s annual AIDS walk in Sam Houston Park.

“The AIDS Walk is an event that I’ve participated in for the past few years,” Esmaily said. “For me, attending the walk is of great importance because it is one of the biggest opportunities to help raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. Attending this event is a display of my support for raising awareness of the epidemic and bringing an end to it once and for all.”

Esmaily also said he decided to participate in the walk because of UH’s UNICEF chapter’s reputation as a successful non-profi t organization.

“I still keep in contact with offi cers of UNICEF at UH because UNICEF has been an organization I’ve been a part of for the past 5 years, and I strongly believe in the work that they do and what they stand for,” he said. “UNICEF at UH has done a phenomenal job this year, and I know that it will continue to reach great heights in the years to come.”

Esmaily said he enjoys having the

By Morgan CreagerTHE DAILY COUGAR

This spring break, UH students climbed volcanoes, camped out in the wilderness, explored Bourbon Street and relaxed at home as ways of escaping from hectic college life.

Biology and math senior Ky Exezidis packed her bags and headed to Honolulu, Hawaii with her best friend to escape the city life and retreat to a tropical paradise for spring break.

“We chose Hawaii because it is very beautiful (and) relaxing,” Exezidis said.

During their time in Hawaii, they climbed volcanoes, visited Pearl Harbor, toured waterfalls and rainforests and experimented with several water sports.

However, it doesn’t always take tropical rainforests and ancient volcanoes to give students a perfect getaway.

Art history sophomore Emily Crowe decided to fi ll up her gas tank and drive to Canyon Lake, just north of San Antonio, “to experience life on the wild side and camp out.”

“I want(ed) that traditional camping experience,” Crowe said. “Except without all the planned outings and schedules.”

She said her main goal during the break was to escape the planner-fi lled life, appointments, meetings and deadlines and have “nothing planned (but) to relax and enjoy time with (her) friends.”

Others, like hotel and restaurant management senior Sandra Verastegui and fi nance senior Craig Guzek, found themselves in New Orleans during spring break.

Verastegui explored New Orleans with her boyfriend Jefferey Meyers. She said they had a great time dancing in the streets, touring the city, experiencing the culture and tasting new foods.

Her favorite part of the trip was Bourbon Street and visiting the famed Acme Oyster House, where she tried raw oysters for the fi rst time.

Guzeck said he wanted to test his luck in the slot machines at Harrah’s, one of New Orleans’ famous casinos.

He, too, roamed Bourbon Street, tasted southern cuisine and “let loose.”

During his time there, he also attended the NCAA basketball tournament.

Though traveling and experiencing other cultures are common spring break

VOLUNTEER PARTY

Students make time to help out in community

Teachers use clicking to make lectures engaging

Break gives students time for some fun

Tale of two breaks“Unfortunately, I do not get a spring break anymore.

Although I have off of school for a week, my two jobs continue as usual. So, my spring break will be like every other week.”

— Lauren Austin, Finance senior

“(We collected) textbooks donated by students and textbook brokers with bins at strategic places all across campus, like the Social Work building, Cullen Oaks and a few others. The textbooks will be resold and proceeds go to non-profi t literacy programs nationally and internationally.”

— Christen Egge, Human development and family studies senior

“We chose Hawaii because it is very beautiful and relaxing.” Was able to climb volcanoes, tour Pearl Harbor and participate in water sports.

— Ky Exezidis, Biology and math senior

“Many times, we take for granted all the opportunities and resources that we have and forget that there are those out there who may not be as fortunate as us. Volunteering helps bring that to light and allows us to gain a greater appreciation for what we have in our lives.”

— Amin Esmaily, Second-year pharmacy graduate student

By Abby LeeTHE DAILY COUGAR

Students may be surprised to see an extra item on their school supply list soon, as the use of clickers, wireless response devices that allow instructors to collect students’ responses instantly, has become increasingly popular at UH.

“Clickers give students a voice,” assistant professor Lindsay Schwarz said.

Schwarz said she has been using the clickers in her pharmacy classes.

“For example, if I pose a verbal question and ask for a show of hands, how many hands will go up? Not too many,” She said. “With clickers, student may anonymously respond. I think clickers keep

students focused and attentive, and clickers help me see how I’m doing, with my explanations of the material.”

This semester there are about 43 instructors who are using the clickers; 14 of them are fi rst-time users.

“Clickers have been implemented successfully on campus, and I see that more instructors are inquiring about clicker use and asking for help to implement the clicker technology into their courses,” instructional designer Q. Park said.

Clickers were introduced to UH in 2005, and in Fall 2009 the campus switched to Turning Technologies brand clickers, which have an integration feature that can automatically upload grades to Blackboard.

Instructors connect a clicker receiver, which has a unique channel number programmed, to their lecture computer. Students set their clicker channel to the instructor’s receiver channel. Then they use the clicker to respond

to the question posed by the instructor.

After polling is closed, the class results are displayed on a PowerPoint slide displaying the number of students that answered correctly and incorrectly.

These devices have been used in a number of ways to benefi t the classroom learning experience.

Schwarz said she uses the clicker to help her determine the existing level of knowledge of the class.

“As an instructor, I must say that the clicker answers that are recorded by the software allow me to see who is not understanding the material and help them before an exam.” She said. “Occasionally, the majority of the class will show me, through clicker use, that I was not clear with my topic discussion. In this instance, I have the opportunity to stop, assess misconceptions and make the necessary clarifi cations.”

Through various clicker strategies, instructors are able to test students on material that has been taught.

“In addition to taking attendance, I use the clickers for weekly quizzes over the assigned readings and for what I call challenge questions,” history professor Nancy Young said. “Because the questions often involve interpreting a short quote from a historical fi gure we are studying, students increase their analytical and critical thinking skills with these exercises, hopefully boosting their exam performance on major exams.”

Instructors said they have seen positive results by letting students use the clickers to get extra credit.

“I typically ask between two and four of these questions per class session, and students accumulate bonus points for correct answers to these questions,” Young said. “These (clicker) strategies have two big benefi ts for students: class attendance rates are higher and grades are better because students are more likely to do the reading if they are held accountable on a regular basis.”

Schwarz said she also uses the clickers to give her students an opportunity to get extra credit.

“I use a previously used and discussed clicker question as an opportunity for extra credit on each exam. A student can earn extra credit by getting the questions correct on exams only if they were in class the day the question was posed and discussed.”

There are two models used on campus – the RF and RF-LCD. The RF can be purchased at CougarByte for $35 and the RF-LCD can be purchased at the campus bookstore for $45. While they work the same way, the RF-LCD clicker has an LCD panel that displays the user’s answer choices.

“I highly recommend their use. I’ve seen a bored, distracted class become much more engaged with clickers, especially when they are used as the ‘carrot’ to encourage their use for learning sake,” Schwarz said.

[email protected]

see VOLUNTEER, page 10 see PARTY, page 10

Clickers take

attendance, give extra credit and pose questions

Page 10: 75.113-032210

10 ■ Monday, March 22, 2010 NEWS | CLASSIFIEDS The Daily Cougar

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opportunity to give back to the community during the break.

“Spring break is a great opportunity for students to go out and give back to the community,” he said. “Just a few hours out of the spring break holiday can really make a difference in someone’s life. Many times, we take for granted all the opportunities and resources that we have and forget that there are those out there who may not be as fortunate as us. Volunteering and being active in the community helps bring that to light.”

First-time volunteers like education senior Samantha Valadez found doing community service during spring break to be a rewarding experience.

Valadez volunteered at the Spanish Meadows Nursing Home in Katy.

“Well, I did my fair share of partying too,” she said. “I have never volunteered before. I’ve always been busy with work, school and friends, but I had some spare time this break, so I thought I would try and give back.”

Valadez said that volunteering provided her with a fun experience and a much-needed change from her usual spring break routine.

“It was a lot of fun. The seniors there have a good spirit and that makes it easier. We got to play games with them and have long talks. I’m glad I took the time to volunteer this break instead of just hanging out with friends and working.”

[email protected]

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you. Also, you can employ similar typefaces for all your names, just like a logo.

“Like taglines under most logos, you can put something underneath your LinkedIn headline that appeals to people but not necessarily your job title,” Holman said.

The end goal here is to make you memorable to the prospective employers. The more you stand out, the more they will remember you.

[email protected]

activities, this year some students simply stayed home.

Business sophomore Erin Eisenberg decided to stay in Houston and catch up with her friends.

“I pretty much go to school or go to work,” Eisenberg said. “I never get time to just let loose and hang out with my friends.”

Eisenberg chose to stay in Houston because she said she does

not see the point in traveling away from everyone she knows.

“I’m only 20, so it’s not like I can go to bars and party. I’ll just end up in somebody else’s apartment,” Eisenberg said. “So, why not just stay here where my closest friends are and have a blast anyway.”

Unlike most students, who found themselves relaxing during the break, fi nance senior Lauren Austin said she was unable to break away from her busy schedule.

“Unfortunately, I do not get a spring break anymore,” Austin said.

“Although I have off of school for a week, my two jobs continue as usual, so my spring break will be like every other week.”

Though the break didn’t promise complete relaxation for Austin, she decided to take what time she did have to “relaxing, being alone and collecting (her) thoughts.”

“So many times, life goes by too quickly that I have little time to evaluate everything that is going on,” she said.

[email protected]

VOLUNTEERcontinued from page 9

SOCIALcontinued from page 8

PARTYcontinued from page 9

were secured before sending out invitations,” Turner said Saturday. “We fi gured that the candidates would have been able to carve at least one hour out of their busy schedules given the importance of this runoff election.”

Wilson fi nished fi rst among four other candidates in the general election with 35 percent, while Reyes came in second with 24 percent. The race went to a runoff as neither candidate managed to garner a majority of the votes.

Wilson said in an e-mail Saturday that he did not consider his lead in the general election when he initially declined to participate.

“On Tuesday, I have class until 2:30 p.m., and I had to leave campus

to pick up my election fl iers,” he said.

Wilson said in an e-mail Saturday that he was prepared to debate his opposition and did not regret his initial decision to back out.

“I don’t regret anything in my life since I believe that everything happens for a reason. I learn from my mistakes, and I’ll proceed,” he said.

Reyes had a different point of view when fi rst informed of Wilson’s original decision, expressing regret over the withdrawal.

“Prince has his platform, and I have mine,” Reyes said Saturday. “We both know what we want to provide, but if the students don’t know the specifi cs or do not have the opportunity to ask the pertinent questions they have in mind, then we are not really helping their cause.

“I wouldn’t want their questions

to go unanswered and their concerns to go unheard.”

Turner said he understood the hectic schedules that both Wilson and Reyes must work with.

“Wilson simply said that he had prior commitments that would take place at the time of the debate,” Turner said Saturday. “He did not specify to me what those commitments were, but I imagine it had something to do with school. If so, that’s understandable. I can’t fault a guy for putting school fi rst or keeping his word on previous commitments.”

The debate will be open for all students who wish to attend. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions of the candidates during an open forum.

[email protected]

SGAcontinued from page 1

Page 11: 75.113-032210

STUDENT GOVERNMENTPRESIDENTIAL DEBATE2:30 P.M. TUESDAY, MARCH 23

Lone Star Room, UC 2nd floorOpen to the public. Seating is limited.

PRINCE WILSON + CARLOS REYES

Don’t forget to vote in the runoff Wednesday–Thursday: www.studentelection.uh.edu

DEBATE SPONSORS:

THE DAILY COUGAR®

VOTVOTEVOTE

DDVOTE

The Daily Cougar COMICS & MORE Monday, March 22, 2010 ■ 11

TODAY’S CROSSWORDCOUGAR COMICS Find more daily strips at thedailycougar.com/comics

TODAY’S SUDOKU

How to playEach 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.

ACROSS 1 Actor — Everett 5 Danger color 8 Square of glass 12 Grabs a cab 14 Wealthy, in

Madrid 15 And others (abbr.) 16 Unfamiliar 17 Plenty, to a poet 18 Wagner’s earth

goddess 19 — out (reached a

low point) 21 Mississippi explorer 23 Lib. section 24 — Voight of fi lm 25 Exist 26 Made coff ee 30 Of the moon 32 Vows 33 Kitten’s quality 36 Early movie dog 37 Cameos, maybe 38 Department store

founder 40 Precooks 42 Havana export 43 Sports violations 44 Tends the lawn 45 CERN project 48 Naval off . 49 Close companion 50 Risk 52 Duds 57 Middle Easterner 58 Coin receiver 60 Draw forth 61 Bone-dry 62 Salt Lake state 63 Evil spirit 64 Kind of prof. 65 L.A. summer zone 66 Sit down

DOWN 1 Zodiac animal 2 Hawaiian port 3 Mine passage 4 Bug repellent 5 Brie coating 6 Novelist Umberto — 7 Wall Street fi gure

(2 wds.) 8 Potato skin 9 Open-air lobbies

10 Consumer advo-cate

11 Gladden 13 Sleeps noisily 14 Ridge of rock 20 Sz. option 22 — — upswing 24 Fiber plants 26 Jungle snake 27 Coarse fi le 28 James or Kett 29 Quay 30 Quiet times 31 Pay by mail 33 Rolls of stamps 34 Gray-green shrub 35 Lasting impression 37 Brings in the herd

(2 wds.) 39 Time divs. 41 Transvaal trekker 42 Reassured 44 Hostilities 45 Tibet’s capital

46 Cottontails 47 Russian rulers 49 Storm track 51 Help a crook 52 Tin-can eater 53 — so much 54 Alaskan seaport 55 Ring stats 56 On its way 59 Corporate abbr.

© 2009 UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE INC.

Previous puzzle solved

Previous puzzle solved

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15

16 17 18

19 20 21 22

23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

32 33 34 35

36 37 38 39

40 41 42

43 44

45 46 47 48 49

50 51 52 53 54 55 56

57 58 59 60

61 62 63

64 65 66

W O L F S T U B E S F O OV I O L A I R I S H L U GA L B U M M E T O O A G E

O B E Y T I T H EE S S A Y E D R E P A S T SS T A R E D D E B U GP O U N D N U G A T O R YY I N R E L A Y H E PC A R R Y A L L B O I S E

Y E A R S C O R N E AS A T E E N S L A R G E S SK I O S K G A P EA M I I D E A S D I M E ST E L N U M B S O L I V EE D S G E S S O M E L E E

COUGAR COMICS Find more daily strips at thedailycougar.com/comics

Robbie & Bobby by Jason Poland

At the Hot Dog Stand by Mishele Lamshing

Page 12: 75.113-032210

SELECTEDFRESHMEN & SENIORS

National Surveyof Student Engagement

Spring 2010

www.nssesurvey.org@

@ www.survey.uh.edu

Collegiate Learning Assessment

Want a free $25 gift card?

WORKSHOPS OF THE WEEK

Selected Seniors who applied to graduate this Spring semester.

The CLA measures your critical thinking, analytic reasoning, problem solving, and written communication abilities. Your score report will provide insight into your strengths and weaknesses on these skills and compare your performance to other students at your school and nationwide. Your participation will help the University of Houston gauge its performance in helping you develop these skills.

If you receive an email to participate, please come to Room 204 Student Service Center 1 to take the CLA. Please bring your student ID.

In appreciation for your participation in the CLA, you will receive a $25 card after you finish the assessment. The last day for participation is April 9, 2010.

USEFUL WEB SITES mCourse Evaluations: www.eval.uh.edu Surveys: www.survey.uh.edu

Student Government Election: www.studentelection.uh.edu Testing: www.las.uh.edu/uts

Learning Support ServicesHelp, I Can’t Concentrate — • 3/22 @ 2pm; 3/24 @ 1pm

Room 328 Social Work Bldg. Must register online at www.las.uh.edu

University Career ServicesInternship Workshop• — 3/22 @ 3 pmCampus Recruitment Workshop• — 3/23 @ 11 amInterview Workshop —• 3/24 @ 2 pmResume Workshop• — 3/25 @ 10 amJob Search Strategies Group• — 3/25 @ 12 pm

University Career Services Conference Room, Student Service Center Building 1. Visit www.career.uh.edu

Counseling & Psychological ServicesAnger Management: Identification, Control • and Letting Go — 3/24 @ 12 pm

Student Service Center Building 1, Conference Room 210A. Visit www.caps.uh.edu

UH WellnessNutrition• — 3/25 @ 12 pm and 1 pm

Moody Towers Cafeteria (must purchase lunch). Visit www.las.uh.edu/wc

12 ■ Monday, March 22, 2010 ADVERTISING The Daily Cougar