ateline: owntown DVol. XLV, Issue 7 Student run since volume one Dwww.datelinedowntown.com December 1, 2010 Fall 2010 Final Issue Don’t miss a thing, log on to www.datelinedowntown.com during Winter Break JAMEE L COX Editor in Chief Dateline:Downtown has undergone some changes during the Fall 2010 semester, but its biggest change is the expan- sion to an online publication to compliment the printed publication. The Web site, http://www.datelinedowntown.com was launched in October, and has continued to grow since con- ception. The staff of Dateline will continue to update the site dur- ing the Winter Break to keep the University of Houston- Downtown (UHD) community aware of events and news both on campus and off. The site has a Login application, and students are encour- aged to register at the site to receive updates as they happen. In the coming week, a new feature will be added, Letter to the Editor, where comments, suggestions and other feed- back can be send directly to the editor and staff of Dateline. There are also weekly polls to allow students to voice their opinions about concerns and issues surrounding our com- munity. Suggestions for polls are always welcome and can be submitted using the Letter to the Editor feature. The opinions of students, faculty and staff of UHD is al- ways welcome and you may leave your comments on arti- cles, submit a letter or tell us what you would like to see in the future editions of Dateline. Please take a moment to register your Email address in support of the publication and to stay informed of UHD ac- tivities. The staff appreciates your continued support as we strive to continue to make a mark for UHD as a top university in the state. Check inside for recaps of the best events of Fall 2010 2 Dec. 1, 2010 - Jan. 17, 2011 Datelinwe : Downtown News www.datelinedowntown.com Battle between city/Metro for guardrail finally ends they argued about whom should pay for the ERICA WILLIAMS safety rails. Contributing Writer “We have been asking for safety rails since the building of the Metro rail bus, but Metro Metro Transportation and City of Hous- does not know if they will extend the rail ton have finally come to an agreement about bus,” said a representative of UHD Public the rails on the bridge of Main Street. Relations Department. It was very dangerous for students to cross This was a political issue between the city the bridge without rails. If a student or pe- and Metro. They [Metro] had to come be- destrian would slip as the Metro rail bus was fore Houston’s City Council Board. coming, they could sustain major injury or The City of Houston was ordered to even death. pay for the safety guardrails because the Although the bridge is property of the city sidewalks belong to the city not Metro or of Houston, University of Houston-Down- UHD. town students were in danger of potential The cost incurred by the city for the safety injury. guardrails is unknown. University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) Students now feel safer when walking to existed long before the Metro light rail, and and from the One Main Building and the the city of Houston should have been in fa- Commerce Building. vor of the rails before the Metro rail bus was “I feel safer walking on the bridge now that built. the safety guardrails are on the bridge,” said The Metro rail system is a separate entity Lois Gonzales, UHD student. from the city of Houston and Metro needs The City of Houston is expected to extend Photo by Tanu Uppal several permits to operate within the city. the safety guardrails from One Main Build- There had been a battle between the City ing to the Shea Building, but were unable to The new guardrails erected between the Metro rail line and the sidewalk gives students a of Houston and Metro Transportation as give a definite start date. sense of security. College professors s eschew final exams for alternatives Uwire – What many students consider will have three non-cumulative exams over and biophysics double major, said he has few finals in their Duke courses. to be the most frightening aspect of college the course of the semester. had finals in about 80 percent of his classes, “This year I’m going to have final exams courses—cumulative final exams—may be “If Duke is giving less finals, I am confi- most of which were cumulative. in all my classes, but last year I had finals in vanishing at many of the nation’s universi- dent that professors are finding better ways But other students, such as Jose Lamaz- only one or two of my classes,” he said. “The ties. for students to learn, communicate, think ares, a sophomore Japanese major, have had rest were all essays or group projects.” A recent article by The Boston Globe titled and write,” he said. “The Test Has Been Canceled” cited anec- Partially as a result of his own memories dotal and statistical evidence supporting the as a student, Orin Starn, professor of cultural idea that fewer college courses are adminis- anthropology, will also not administer a final tering cumulative finals. At Harvard U., just this semester. There are better methods of 23 percent of the school’s 1,137 undergradu- assessment than cumulative exams, he said. ate courses scheduled final exams last semes- “We have three tests, each covering mate- ter—the lowest rate since 2002. rial from one-third of the class,” Starn said. Exams are often being replaced by take- “My own memories of finals as a student was home essays and group projects, according cramming like crazy for them and then pret- to the article. It is a break from tradition dat- ty much forgetting everything by the start of ing from the 1830s and a challenge to the the next term.” notion that final exams are the best method Starn also said that his impression was of encouraging and evaluating college-level that finals seem to be less frequently admin- work. istered in the more humanistic departments Duke does not keep statistics on the num- than in the physical sciences or engineering. ber of courses that give final exams, but ev- Many Duke students have noticed differ- ery class is assigned a time for a final, said ences in the number of finals in the Univer- University Registrar Bruce Cunningham. sity’s departments. Sophomore Zach Epstein Lee Baker, associate vice provost for un- said he normally takes math and science dergraduate education, noted that there are courses that often have finals. He has add- many viable alternatives to traditional final ed that it seems like humanities classes fre- exams, adding that his class this semester quently have essays and projects in the place does not have a final test. Instead, his course of exams. Sophomore Willie Zhang, a math Dec. 1, 2010 - Jan. 17, 2011 3 Dateline : Downtown www.datelinedowntown.com Flashback
Students get a study break during UHD Activities Day, followed by professor performances on Constitution Day
Bronwen Owens, Jaime Ramos and Mourad Hemzawi get an earfull from “George Washington” on Constitution Day. Photos courtesy of the UHD Photography Club 4 Dec. 1, 2010 - Jan. 17, 2011 Dateline : Downtown Viewpoints www.datelinedowntown.com Time for the GOP to put their money where their mouth is ment and foreign-born, closet Muslim presi- of those administrations. Under Bill Clinton programs there is little hope of cutting fed- DYLAN OSBORNE dents are bad. That last point is a tough sell the top tax rates were a little higher and he eral spending. Columnist in the mainstream and the first three goals left behind a huge surplus. In this age of glo- The third major theme was transparency will be a lot harder to reach than one might balization the problem is compounded be- in government, basically reconnecting the Now that the dust has imagine. cause even if wealthy American companies people and the government. This is a great settled and the election Saying the Republicans campaigned on create jobs they are increasingly overseas. idea and certainly should have bipartisan results have sunk in, the “lower taxes” is a bit disingenuous. These Another important point to remember when support, except the incoming Republican incoming wave of con- lower taxes are really support for continuing comparing tax brackets is that America uses leadership has already shown signs of less servative Congressmen temporary tax cuts for the rich that started a progressive tax system. Tax payers do not transparency. The Congressional Ethics (and women) are going to have to figure out under the Bush Administration. Recently pay a flat rate and the rate goes up with in- Office was created after the Jack Abramoff how to govern. Rachel Maddow televised a chart highlight- come. scandal a few years ago. Incoming Speaker Of course, despite the huge deal the media ing the differences in the Democrat’s and The second goal conservatives have is to of the House Boehner has floated the idea has made about Election Day and the Re- Republican’s tax plans. There was almost cut federal spending, which is great because of defunding the office. Its main job is to publican victory in the House of Represen- no difference for earners all the way up to it becomes very necessary if the Bush tax launch investigations into House member’s tatives, the Democrats still hold the White around $500,000. The Republican plan is to cuts are continued. The problem lies in what activities that could be illegal or unethical. House and the Senate. While John Boehner give people in the half- million to million- spending gets cuts. Republican leaders such Boehner apparently does not think there is will have considerable power in the House, dollar range a little more of a break than the as Boehnor and Eric Cantor have said you a need for such an office and instead of pub- there will be little he can do to force the Sen- Democrat’s plan. However, over the $1 mil- must leave all options on the table, but So- licly shutting it down he wants to quietly ate to yield to his demands and President lion mark is where there is a huge difference. cial Security and Medicare are safe. Republi- defund it. So much for transparency in gov- Obama will still hold a veto pen. So, in real- The GOP plan is to keep these dangerously cans have historically been very pro-military ernment. ity, Republicans can hope to push the legisla- low tax rates for the top earners. The logic spending, so there is little reason to believe The conservative movement certainly tive agenda to the right, but the Democrats behind this is simple, but has been proven to they will seriously consider cutting the Pen- pulled off a great victory this past Election still hold most of the power. be ineffective. tagon’s budget. That budget is getting larger Day, but most of their talking points were The interesting thing to watch will be how The idea is if rich people have more mon- and larger, and currently is around $700 bil- empty promises and half-truths. Now that the conservatives try to reach the goals they ey they will invest that money and create lion a year. Social Security and Medicare are the GOP holds the House they must figure laid out in the recent election. The themes jobs. Makes sense, except that the results, two of the largest programs the federal gov- out a way to keep their campaign promises they really played on were lower taxes, less under Ronal Reagan and Bush Jr., were not ernment runs and take up huge chunks of in a hostile environment and without further federal spending, transparency in govern- very good. We ran huge deficits under both the budget. Without touching these popular inflating the deficit they railed against. Why the U.S. needs to rethink the voting process of participation in elections. might encourage voters to switch their votes, anywhere in the American political game. MATTHEW ELLSWORTH Before I address the issues that I have with I think it inherently encourages swing voters Campaign financing desperately needs re- Contributing Columnist our governmental system, I should tell you to stay home. form, but the status quo doesn’t change, so Another election has come and gone, and that this past election was the first that I did I have made a conscious decision never that isn’t even an option. the dynamics of American government have not participate in. Since I was 18, I have to vote again, unless I truly believe in the The voting system here in the U.S. also changed yet again. Republicans have gained voted in every election I was eligible to par- candidate. I will never just cast a vote for sucks. It is a hassle to go out and stand in control of the House of Representatives, ticipate in. Having spent over four years in “the lesser of two evils”. We are constantly line for an hour just to find out you are at while the Democrats have retained the Sen- the Army, I felt it was important to cast a given the choice between two almost equally the wrong place and have to go somewhere ate. This should prove interesting, and we’ll vote for people who had a direct influence smelly piles of crap, and forced to choose else to repeat the process all over again. It’s see how well they can work together. My in putting me and other service members in the one that stinks less. During my time fol- clunky and old, and needs a face-lift. I find it more cynical side says that there will be a lot harm’s way. Unfortunately, I have become lowing politics, which spans almost 20 years hard to believe that in this day and age where of nothing going on in Washington as far as tired of the American political process and now (and I am not even 30), I have seen little I can renew my car insurance, pay all of my potent policy that addresses the needs of the I will not vote again, barring drastic changes difference in the result we get from our two bills, register my car, renew my driver’s li- working class is concerned. to the system. “ruling” parties. cense, buy anything online and learn some- Recently Dylan Osborne, a Dateline col- American politics has seemingly become a Ultimately, we end up in the same place; thing new through Google in minutes, that umnist, wrote an excellent article about game of “I know you are, but what am I?” we just take a different route to get there. I cannot cast a vote from my own home. I not taking our voting rights for granted. I Politicians rarely run based on the merits of Neither Republicans nor Democrats care think that the powers-that-be are counting thoroughly enjoyed it as I do most of his ar- their own character. It is far easier to run about the little guy anymore. We are paid on people to be lazy. We can’t let people vote ticles. It was well thought out, well founded televised smear campaigns on local televi- just enough lip service to go cast a vote for from their computer or phone, then every- and well written. It also sparked my own sion stations, which don’t serve to increase one or the other, and then we (voters) are one might do it, creating a real imbalance to thoughts on the voting matter in America, their base, but decrease their opponent’s forgotten again until election time. the one-sided political structure. and I realized that his column never ad- base. The majority of people I spoke to don’t We will never get anywhere as long as I think that the system is broken past the dressed the reasons many people, especially necessarily like the candidate they vote for, the two-party system remains in place. The point of being fixed strictly by more people those younger voters, don’t vote. I cannot but they vote for him anyway in the hopes sad thing is, no third party will ever stand a voting. I am afraid we are approaching a speak for every non-voter; I can only speak that the other guy doesn’t win. The tactic is chance due to the amount of money that is time when change is going to have to come for myself, and those few people who were seemingly “if you aren’t going to vote for me, required to run for office. Candidates MUST painfully and with much sacrifice. I hope we kind enough to share their reasons for lack you sure as heck don’t want him”. As this have established money if they expect to get are ready. Dec. 1, 2010 - Jan. 17, 2011 5 Dateline : Downtown www.datelinedowntown.com Viewpooints Keep that honor society invitation Editors If you are/were fortunate enough to get an tributes to some of its members. Phi Kappa credentials online. Editor-in-Chief invitation to one of the 10 honor societies Phi distributes more than $700,000 per year Other benefits include stipends for study- Layout and Design that the University of Houston-Downtown in awards and scholarships to help members ing abroad, career services to help graduates Jamee L Cox (UHD) offers, it would be wise to consider through undergraduate and graduate stud- find employment and an opportunity to net- [email protected] the benefits before the invitation finds its ies. work among peers within their discipline 713.221.8569 way to the wastebasket. Honor societies also provide funding for and area of study. There are also community Assitant Editors Many students opt-out of joining an hon- grants for research projects in different dis- involvement opportunities and volunteer or society because they don’t want to pay the ciplines. These opportunities are especially work that also serves as an asset on a résumé. Tanu Uppal fees or they don’t know what benefit becom- useful for students in the fields of science, Some of the dues are one-time enrollment Christina Rodriguez ing a member will be for them. medicine and other research programs. fee for a lifetime membership, and others re- [email protected] I recently sat down with UHD Professor Another worthwhile advantage is the op- quire yearly renewal dues. However, when Copy Editor Barbara Canetti, who is also a member of portunity to be recognized by employers for weighted against the benefits that becoming Dylan Osborne Phi Kappa Phi, the honor society for inter- academic excellence by listing an honor so- a member offers, it is a small sacrifice with a disciplinary studies, to discuss the benefits of ciety on a résumé. This is especially useful as lifetime of benefits. joining an honor society. many of the colleges within the UHD system For more information about the honor “Students need to be aware of the benefits no longer send out letters to students that societies, visit the UHD Web site at http:// Business and take advantage of all the possibilities make the deans list. The UHD colleges are www.uhd.edu/sae/registered_org.html. they [honor societies] have,” Canetti said. now posting the deans list on the UHD Web Manager One of the major benefits of joining are site and many employers will not always take –Jamee L Cox the scholarships that each organization dis- the time to look up a potential employee’s Editor in Chief Daniel Almanza [email protected] 713.221.8192 Be a part of the Dateline:Downtown staff Advisor Anthony Chiaviello for Spring 2011 [email protected] 713.221.8520 Dateline:Downtown is looking for: Staff Writers Brittany Musgrave Advertising Sales Whitney Barrett wDylan Osborne David Melendez Writers Oliver Sudduth Photographers Information Letter Policy Dateline: Downtown welcomes letters to the editor from any member of the UH system. Letters should Dateline:Downtown is looking for a go-getter to sell be no more than 250 words, include the author’s full name, phone number or email address, and affiliation advertising space to downtown businesses. with the University, including classification and major. Anonymous letters will not be published. Deliver letters to Room S-260, email them to [email protected], or fax them to (713) 221-8119. Letters to the editor may be edited for space. They will be edited for spelling, Dateline:Downtown is looking for eager writers and grammar and malicious or libelous statements. Letters must be the work of the writer and must be signed. All photographers that would like to build their portfolio. submissions become property of Dateline:Downtown and may not be returned.
Dateline:Downtown is the official student-produced newspaper of The University of Houston Downtown. If interested, please email information to [email protected] Editorials, cartoons, columns and letters are the opin- ions of individual students and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of other individual student writers, or call 713-221-8569 to schedule an appointment editors, advisors the University of Houston-Downtown, its administration or students. 6 Dec. 1, 2010 - Jan. 17, 2011 Dateline : Downtown Flashback www.datelinedowntown.com A spooky good time at UHD Halloween Bash (Bottom Right) David Tran, sophomore, tries to guess who is behind the mask at UH-Downtown’s annual Hallow- een bash. Eventually he was told it was Israel Sierra, sophomore.
(Right) Manuel Soliz, junior, Nancy Conejo, freshman, and Marco Hernan- dez, freshman, dance to Michael Jack- son’s Thriller.
(Left) UH-D Salseros Christopher Sim- mons and Maria Gonzalez perform at the bash. Photos by Tanu Uppal Dec. 1, 2010 - Jan. 17, 2011 7 Dateline : Downtown www.datelinedowntown.com On Campus Attendance could alter grades for some students to benefit the student. Her policy states that half an absence, which means that a student tional absence, a letter grade is lost. Hibbler’s ROXANA MASON for every class a student attends, two points who is late five times will have excessive ab- new policy for future semesters will encour- Contributing Writer are added to the final grade. There is no pen- sences. A clause in the contract states that if age class attendance by making attendance alty for missing class. In fact, she said that a the instructor is late the students will receive worth 10% of their final grade. As the semester draws to an end and fi- student can pass her class without attending, a tardy credit. Julia Russu, a graduate student in the nals approach, many students begin to panic however it is easier when you attend her lec- Pogue says while his policy might seem Masters of Science in Professional Writing about their final grades, in particular, wheth- tures. strict, most students and Technical Communication (MSPWTC) er skipping classes has affected their grade. Communica- who attend class program expressed her concern over her le- According to the University of Houston tions Professor regularly and avoid gal writing professors’ attendance policy for Downtown’s (UHD) catalog, “Students are Bill Pogue’s at- excessive absences this semester. expected to attend all classes. Departments tendance policy have a high success “I have Professor Marcelle Hill this semes- and faculty members may have other atten- is to encour- rate in his class. ter for Legal Writing. Her policy is that if you dance policies for their courses.” age students to Arts and Hu- miss four classes, you cannot pass the class,” Tommy Thomason, Assistant Vice Presi- do well in his manities Professor said Russu. dent of Student Services said the university course. Britney Hibbeler Russu became ill during the semester has no policy stating that grades would be “When I be- said that although however, Hill was very understanding about affected by attendance. gan teaching her department her absences and worked with her. The English Department says that their many years ago does not require an “Professor Hill has been wonderful about only policy regarding mandated attendance I realized that attendance policy, excused absences. I missed two classes be- is in developmental classes. students who at- the students benefit cause of illness this semester and she really A suggested policy exists for freshman tend regularly from one. went out of her way to help me. I thought the composition, and that attendance in this almost always do “I currently have policy was fair and that she applied it evenly course is central to your success in it. If you required work,” an attendance pol- to all students,” said Russu. miss four classes your final grade will be he said. icy in place for my Grades are important and attendance does lowered by a full letter grade. if eight classes Pogue emphasizes his attendance policy, course that states that your final grade will have some impact on your final grade. In- are missed, students will fail the course. The and has students sign a contract in the begin- be affected if you have excessive absences,” structors make attendance guideline based policy also states that instructors may make ning of the semester. He says that the Arts Hibbeler said. on their knowledge of the class and its re- exceptions for documented emergencies and and Humanities Department supports his Since she teaches a hybrid course, she said quirements. Instructors advise that students illness at their discretion. policy. Anything more than two absences that even missing one day would cause the try not to miss classes early in the semester Assistant Professor in the English Depart- in a semester is considered excessive, and student to miss valuable information. Her and save them for actual emergencies, and to ment, Dr. Karina Stokes, has an attendance for every absence over two, a student loses current policy is that a student is allowed two speak to your instructors as soon as possible policy for her classes. However the policy is one-third a letter grade. A tardy is equal to unexcused absences, and that for every addi- if missing class is unavoidable. Date auction brings in $1,500 for two UHD clubs fessions Organization (HPO) raised close “We hosted our first date auction last year will be given by Dr. Barry Sullender, assis- TANU UPPAL to $1,500 to help raise funds an EVC trip to as a last ditch effort to raise money,” said tant professor of biology and faculty advisor Assistant Editor Yellowstone Park during the 2011 Spring Audrey Gonzalez, former president of HPO. for EVC. Break and an HPO medical mission trip to “We ended up fundraising over $2000.” The clubs also held a silent auction for In their second annual Date Auction, the Peru during the summer of 2011. The date auction put participants up for members who could not attend the event Environmental Club (EVC) and Health Pro- auction and the winners of each bid will at- due to class or work. The silent auction was tend a group date at the end of the semester. held on EVC’s Facebook page, where stu- Last semester, dates had a picnic in the park dents could bid until midnight of November followed by a movie at the IMAX. This year 24. the date will be held on Dec. 4, and EVC and “I think the event was a huge success; we HPO will take the dates laser tagging, fol- got to plan something free and fun and raise lowed by dinner. a lot of money off of it,” said Arturo Garza Over 50 members of EVC and HPP partic- Jr., president of EVC. “Now our members ipated in the event and Ali Abedi, president can truly boast that they sold themselves for of Student Government Association (SGA), our organizations.” oversaw the bidding of each member. The date auction was originally set for No- “I think in a way it benefitted me as much vember 3, but scheduling conflicts forced the as the clubs. It forced me to get over my shy- clubs to postpone the event. ness,” said Ingrid Andrade, senior. HPO and EVC hope to have another date The two organizations also provided the auction early in the spring semester. For option of text and phone bidding. Along more information, please contact the HPO with dates, two free tree-climbing lessons officers at [email protected] and the Ali Abedi (Left), president of SGA introduces UHD Powerlifting medalist, Tony Moreno, were also auctioned off for $100. The lessons EVC officers at [email protected]. who was up for auction during the EVC and HPO Date Auction. Photo by Tanu Uppal 8 Dec. 1, 2010 - Jan. 17, 2011 Dateline : Downtown Fall Family Festival www.datelinedowntown.com
(Left and above) Campus Activities Board (CAB) hosted face painting, caricature drawing, and a magic show for students and their families.
(Above) Kimberlyn Garcia and Jordan Cline competed in the Sumo Wrestling contest, hosted by the Houston Police Depart- ment. All photos by Tanu Uppal Dec. 1, 2010 - Jan. 17, 2011 9 Dateline : Downtown www.datelinedowntown.com Fall Family Festival
(Above)UHD cheerleaders danced to “YMCA” by The Village People.
(Above, center, left lower) A costume (Below) UHD students gobbled hot dogs parade and contest for children featured to win free Rockets tickets. over 50 different costumes, from pump- kins to storm troopers. (Below, bottom center) Students danced the Cupid Shuffle in hopes of winning free Rockets memorabilia. 10 Dec. 1, 2010 - Jan. 17, 2011 Dateline : Downtown Arts & Leisure www.datelinedowntown.com Director Todd Phillips brings more laughter with Due Date WHITNEY BARRETT Staff Writer Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis are comic gold in the movie that is sure to be this year’s best comedy. From director Todd Phillips (The Hang- over), “Due Date” delivers the laughs all the way to the end credits. Never has a story about a road trip been this funny and brilliantly done. Peter Highman (Robert Downey Jr.) is a type-A executive just trying to get home to Los Angeles in time for the birth of his first child. But everything goes down-hill the mo- ment he encounters aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay (Zach Galifianakis) at the airport in Atlanta. Not only is Peter’s journey derailed by his to Hollywood. Galinfianakis’ antics work so well with ev- Ethan, but he also is put into one problem disaster-magnet and unwanted new com- From that point, things get increasingly erything that happens in the movie. As soon after the next. panion, but he also takes quite a beating outrageous in a string of mishaps that fray as he appears on the screen you just know One scene of the movie that is sure to get along the way. every last nerve of the patience-impaired Pe- he’s going to get you laughing. some laughs Ethan falling asleep at the wheel Things go from good to bad as soon as Pe- ter. Sure, the whole road trip concept has been of the car while Peter, who hadn’t slept the ter is kicked off his flight, shot with a rubber But the two develop a friendship along the done numerous times, but this film manages night before, gets some rest. The car crashes, bullet and placed on the federal agent’s ‘no way, despite all the crazy events that go on. to make it its own and that’s because of the leaving Ethan unharmed but Peter with a fly’ list, all due to a misunderstanding with Zach Galifianakis’ character in “Due chemistry and tension between the leads. broken arm and three broken ribs. Ethan. Date” is every bit as bizarre and harebrained And just like “The Hangover,” everything From an awkward sleeping moment in the With no wallet or money, Peter is forced as his character was in “The Hangover.” The in the movie is set in believable settings car to Ethan mistaking the Mexico border to accept Ethan’s proposal to drive him, man just knows how to do uncomfortable where the unexpected happens. for a Texaco, “Due Date” will keep you roll- since Ethan (and his dog Sonny) are headed and it works. Peter not only suffers at the hands of ing. King’s Novella series shines light on inner darkness Uwire - It has been 20 years since horror tually drive Wilfred into madness. He story tapers off anticlimactically to- master Stephen King published his last set of is particularly haunted by the largely wards the end and leaves something novellas, “Hearts in Atlantis.” Consequently, imaginary rats that eat away at his wife’s to be desired. his newest collection has been eagerly antici- body as she lies rotting at the bottom Luckily, “Full Dark, No Stars” ends pated by the legions of fans King has gained of the family well. “1922” is a slightly with “A Good Marriage,” a tense and over his tremendously long and prolific ca- unusual story for King, who doesn’t of- brutally realistic story of a woman reer. At its high points, “Full Dark, No Stars” ten do first person or historical fiction. who discovers that her husband of 27 is just as good as King has ever written, and Nonetheless, this story is the creepiest of years is a serial rapist and murderer, at its low points, it is still thoroughly enter- the bunch and ends with King’s typical who King based on the real-life BTK taining. outlandishly horrifying flare. (bind, torture and kill) killer. The sto- King tends to avoid the supernatural in “Big Driver” reverts back to typical ry aptly encompasses and concludes this collection of four stories. Instead, he fo- King narration: deceptively casual and King’s examination of the darkness cuses on the darkness that resides in even the conversational, despite the story’s con- of the everyman and leaves readers most unexceptional, ordinary Americans. tent. The story of mystery author Tess’ questioning the morality of their own Those who enjoy King’s nonmystical side rape and her subsequent emotional actions, should they find themselves (“The Shawshank Redemption,” “Misery”) upheaval and manic revenge scheme is in such dire circumstances. will especially relish the largely realistic hor- compulsively readable and relentlessly King is, as usual, unafraid to un- rors of “Full Dark, No Stars.” suspenseful. flinchingly expose the dark, visceral The opening volume, “1922,” is the first- “Fair Extension” is not only the col- side of humanity. As King himself person confessional of Depression-era Ne- lection’s shortest installation but also eloquently asks his readers in the af- braskan farmer Wilfred James, who mur- the only one that relies on a supernatu- terword, “If you’re going into a very ders his wife, involving his impressionable ral conceit. The story, in which a termi- dark place, then you should take a 14-year-old son in the gruesome process. nally ill man transfers his bad luck onto bright light and shine it on every- As the guilt and paranoia inherent in such his best friend, of whom he is viciously thing. If you don’t want to see, why a deed creeps up on Wilfred, a series of ad- jealous, is in keeping with the collec- in God’s name would you dare the verse events befall him and his son and even- tion’s overall theme. Unfortunately, the dark at all?” Dec. 1, 2010 - Jan. 17, 2011 11 Dateline : Downtown www.datelinedowntown.com Arts & Leisure
Check www.datelinedowntown.com for news and events over Winter Break 12 Dec. 1, 2010 - Jan. 17, 2011 Dateline : Downtown Arts & Leisure www.datelinedowntown.com Moderately Confused by Jeff Stahler Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis
Dilbert by Scott Adams
Follow Us
@ The Dateline Downtown
HOW TO PLAY: Each row, column and set of 3-by- 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 through 9 without repetition.
Look for the solution to the Oct. 4 Sudoku on the Back Page (16). @ The Dateline Dec. 1, 2010 - Jan. 17, 2011 13 Dateline : Downtown www.datelinedowntown.com Arts & Leisure Today’s Crossword ACROSS 98 Paul Anka hit 1 Energy source 100 Baseball stat 5 Diving bird 101 Savate expert 10 Mind 106 Profiles 16 It may be blown 108 Throngs 21 Meditation guide 110 Mona Lisa mu 22 Buck the system seum 23 Kind of offering 112 San — (Riviera 24 Large artery resort) 25 Wanes 113 Blacksmith’s need 26 — Rogers St. 115 Fully cooked Johns 116 Stein fillers 27 Schedule 117 Leg bone 28 Tuxedo trim 118 Koan discipline 29 Fashion pro 120 Tear to pieces 31 Timberwolves’ 122 Invites org. 123 Plywood units 33 Cut 124 Type of reactor 35 Ending for glob 128 Loud clamor 36 West Pointer 129 Lb. and oz. 37 Term paper abbr. 130 Genetic sequence (2 wds.) 131 Milwaukee hrs. 40 Cookbook amt. 132 Has a cough 41 Raw minerals 133 Soft, wet ground 42 Household mem 135 Auntie of fiction ber 137 Great care 45 Typist’s stat 139 Earth’s star 46 Md. neighbor 140 Comical 48 Corn or chili — 142 Peculiar 50 Frontier settle 144 Book appendix ment 148 Stone marker 52 Nome home 150 Zoo employee 54 Drench 153 Lofty abode 55 Grey or McCrea 155 WWW addresses 57 Camping gear 156 Hair-raising supplier 157 Natural 13 Warmonger of 53 Skin diver’s gear 94 Lurks 137 Fiesta 58 Roman naturalist 158 Sachet component myth 54 Thick carpeting 95 Old TV hookups 138 Ignores 59 Electrical units 159 Sweet cherry 14 Jump over 56 Sluggish 96 Likable prez? 140 Bug repellent 60 Stage telephone 160 Lovers’ meeting 15 Texas town (2 59 Diner’s options 99 Koh-i — diamond 141 Actress — Olin 62 Feasts with poi 161 Glossy paint wds.) 61 Felon, in cop- 102 Currier’s partner 143 Skips stones 66 Walt Kelly strip 162 In a furtive man 16 Deep cut speak 103 Three-masted ves 145 Melt, as an icicle 67 Like moccasins ner 17 Mauna — 63 Invisible emana sel 146 Wrist bone 69 Inedible oranges 163 Jacuzzis 18 Maestro Tosca tions 104 Radiates 147 E-mail contents 71 Ruminate nini 64 Commandeer 105 Facetious tribute 149 Fleur-de- — 72 Black birds DOWN 19 Fence crossings 65 Pod contents 107 Shoe stats 151 Dawber or 74 Planck Telescope 1 Made cheddar 20 Least wacky 67 Buy at auction 109 Overalls material Shriver launcher better 30 Clumsy 68 Royal orders 111 Hops dryer 152 Monsieur’s sum 76 Melody’s words 2 Toothpaste buy 32 Prominent nose 69 Hot breakfast 114 Escorted mer 78 Wish undone 3 Scepter go-withs 34 Boot jingler 70 — vous plait 117 Macbeth’s title 154 Sushi fish 79 Striped antelope 4 — to my ears 38 Pt. of speech 73 Like the tabloids 119 Wyo. neighbor 80 Cruised 5 Family member 39 Belt holders 75 Bake eggs 121 Spiral molecule 83 Sign 6 Cash in coupons 41 YSL fragrance 77 Locust bean 122 Thunderstruck 85 Manufacturer 7 Siskel’s old part 42 Andy and Flo of 81 Goodall subject 123 In a catty way Turn to the 88 First-class, in ner the comics 82 Aurora, to Plato 124 Long-eared pet Back Page (16) slang 8 — Paese cheese 43 Ration 84 Heat unit 125 Tear gas target 89 Grates upon 9 Vitality 44 Subarctic forest 85 Poisonous snake 126 Pen name Queen to find 90 Nimbleness 10 A-sharp homo 46 Like pine scent 86 Repeatedly 127 Beginner solutions to the puzzles 93 Aristocratic phone (hyph.) 47 Place for posies 87 Bolshoi rival 130 Kind of tire from the Nov. 1 edition woman 11 Cotton gin name 49 Richard, —, 91 Muscle spasm 134 Senator-astronaut of Dateline : Downtown 95 Fat fiddle 12 Term of endear- Jimmy 92 Barbecue site 136 Gourmet mush 97 Impair ment 51 Util. bill 93 In hock room 14 Dec. 1, 2010 - Jan. 17, 2011 Dateline : Downtown Flashback www.datelinedowntown.com UHD Salseros help kick-off Latino Heritage Month TANU UPPAL Assitant Editor The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) kicked off Latino Heritage Month with a series of events, including guest speakers and Latin Dance Night. The UHD Cultural Enrichment Center presented the His- panic Film Series: “Rosario Tijeras” (2005), a Colombian film based on a novel by Jorge Franco; the story centers around a woman with an abusive past, who becomes caught up in the subculture of sicarios, motorcycle-riding hitmen based in the slums of Medellín, Colombia during the 1980’s.
“We wanted to find other students who were interested spreading Latin music and culture and also in sharing the fun that comes from social dancing.” –Christopher Simmons 2009-2010 UHD Salseros president.
Photo by Kevin Li Yung Hing (Left to right) Christopher Simmons, Maria Gonzalez and Dionicio Martinez, members of the UHD Salseros performed at the Salsa and Bachata Night, held Sept. 23. UHD also hosted Salsa and Bachata Night, Sept. 23, hosted is going to be a great year to dance.” jointly by Student Activities and the Hispanic Scholarship The Salseros also host a Latin Dance class on Wednesdays, Fund (HSF). Professional Latin dancers from across Hous- led by Martinez, from 6:30-7:45 p.m. and hold practice at ton taught an hour-long Salsa and Bachata class, demon- various times throughout the week. The dance class offers strating the basics of Latin dance. beginners’ training for those interested in Latin culture and After the lessons, various dance teams performed for a social dancing. For more information, contact the UHD Fit- crowd of over 100 students and faculty. Among the perform- ness Center. ers were the University of Houston (UH) Salsa team, Studio On Sept. 29, Dr. Tatcho Mindiola, associate professor and 8 performers, and UHD’s own Salseros. director of Mexican American Studies at UH, discussed his The UHD Salseros were founded last fall by a core of stu- role in furthering knowledge of Latin culture and heritage at dents who were passionate about Latin dance and sought to UH as well as potential steps to implement a similar program increase awareness and participation among other students. at UHD. “We wanted to find other students who were interested On Sept. 30, UHD Career Services sponsored a recruiting spreading Latin music and culture and also in sharing the event hosted by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and fun that comes from social dancing,” said Christopher Sim- Universities (HACU). Representatives provided information mons, 2009-2010 UHD Salseros president. regarding internships, scholarship programs, and student The UHD Salseros recently held officer elections and wel- conferences available to UHD students. comed their new president, junior Nataly Trevino. Other of- Upcoming events include the screening of “Girlfight”, ficers include Instructional Coordinator Dionicio Martinez “Virgen de los Sicarios”, and “Bomben: El Perro” as part of the and Ladies Styling Coach Maria Gonzalez. The team is cur- Hispanic Film Series, and a presentation by Harris County rently training rigorously for upcoming performances and Sherriff Adrian Garcia. Photo by Kevin Li Yung Hing training new members for the core team. More information can be found online on the UHD Cal- Jose Trinidad and Mayra Izaguirre were among the many “With our new officers, members, and momentum, we endar of Events. UHD students that took part in the Salsa and Bachata les- hope to carry the team to new heights,” said Simmons. “This sons on Sept. 23. Dec. 1, 2010 - Jan. 17, 2011 15 Dateline : Downtown www.datelinedowntown.com Arts & Leisure A Christmas Carol is a spooky take on a classic CHRISTINA RODRIGUEZ Assistant Editor Houston’s own Alley Theatre is featuring Charles Dickens’ production A Christmas Carol- A Ghost Story of Christmas; the familiar story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the 3 ghosts of Christmas done with a slightly different twist, which both startles and engages the audience from the first scene. The first people onstage are a troupe of ghost dancers who appear throughout the play whenever there is a scene change or at times, during a visit from a ghost. These dancers dress in all white and are tattered and injured. The injury on each person is different because it is meant to convey the manner of death. For example, one man dances around while hold- ing a noose up from his neck, while another is sporting a knife protruding from his abdomen. The women ghosts have gashes in their clothing and veils covering their faces. The dancers make way for the rest of the story in which there is a miserly old man who gives out loans, only to be Courtesy photo exceedingly cruel in collecting from his debtors. Scrooge is accompanied in his office by Bob Cratchit, the father of 4 is dressed in a cape and jewels and shares the elixir of life. with an oversized tricycle that steams threateningly. This was who barely survives on the tireless work he does for Scrooge. He shows Bob Cratchit and his family, and their conversa- the weakest part of the play. For anyone who has watched It is on Christmas Eve that the play takes place, and it is this tion and anger over the way Scrooge treats Cratchit at work. a movie in the past five years, it would seem obvious that day that Scrooge’s old business partner, Jacob Marley, de- Scrooge realizes how sickly Cratchit’s youngest son Tiny a masked person on a tricycle would remind viewers of the cides to pay a visit to Scrooge, warning him that his suffering Tim is and how badly they needed more income than he was Saw series, and here it didn’t have the effect of terror or fright after death will be even worse than Marley suffers. He warns willing to pay. The Ghost then shows Scrooge his nephew’s that the directors were going for. Scrooge of the 3 ghosts that are to visit him during the night home, where he is hosting a dinner party, and he overhears The change in Scrooge is well played. He wakes up on and what they represent— Christmas Past, Christmas Pres- a conversation about himself there as well. He seems to be Christmas morning and plays tricks, buys Cratchit’s family ent and Christmas Yet to Come. learning more and more about himself as he is shown both a massive turkey for their Christmas dinner and promises to Each ghost arrives at their appointed time, while Scrooge memories and events happening in the current time. get Tiny Tim medical care. He also decides that he doesn’t anxiously dreads their arrival. The Ghost of Christmas Past is The last ghost, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, is a want to be a lonely old man anymore and asks his house- a woman who tosses glitter and elicits images from Scrooge’s threatening ghost who has only bad news to share. He never keeper to ‘stand by his side’ at his Christmas party. The end past. Some of these memories were his most happy memo- speaks, but only shows what will occur should Scrooge con- of the play feels like a good natured comedy, especially in this ries, and yet they end with the memory of the love of his life tinue in his terrible behavior. These events include the deaths production, where the housekeeper was played by UHD’s leaving him because he has changed into the miserly person of both Scrooge and Tiny Tim, and the reaction of the people own Resident Artist in Drama, David Rainey, a staple at the he is today. The old Scrooge tries to tell Young Scrooge to go who knew them is shown so that Scrooge understands what Alley Theatre for the past ten seasons. after her, but of course, he is inaudible and cannot change he has done to people and how pure a soul Tiny Tim was. The show is scheduled to run until Monday, Dec. what occurred. For some reason, in this production the ghost is dressed in 27. Tickets for the production start at $25 and peak at $45. The Ghost of Christmas Present is a sumptuous man who a black suit and cape, top hat and mask. He is also outfitted For more information, please visit www.alleytheatre.org . Black Eyed Peas are ‘Beginning’ to improve Uwire – The Black Eyed Peas caused a slight panic (and for the listener (and the Peas) to think about is their best bet. some celebration) when they titled their last album “The “The Best One Yet (The Boy)” and “Just Can’t Get Enough” E.N.D.” It will come as a relief to some that the new album is work for the same reasons. titled “The Beginning.” No one expects the Black Eyed Peas to produce the most Those who found “Boom Boom Pow” to be the most ob- introspective lyrics, but it’s still tough to listen to the “Full noxious single of 2009 will immediately be discouraged by Metal Jacket” inspired “Love You Long Time,” in which the the opening track, “The Time (Dirty Bit).” song title is repeated inanely and endlessly. The first single pseudo-covers “(I’ve Had) The Time of My In “XOXOXO,” the words “hugs and kisses” are repeated Life,” the ‘80s ditty made popular by “Dirty Dancing.” It’s in the same fashion. Therefore, it’s surprising when the Peas not clear whether the “dirty bit” refers to the Peas’ attempt at bust out “Someday,” a song about pursuing one’s dreams. a film tribute or at how unclean the listener feels after hear- It’s still worth dancing to yet doesn’t kill any brain cells. ing the shameless single. The Black Eyed Peas can still keep a party going, but as If you can get past the first track, things look up from there. with previous albums, they tend to be obnoxious while do- The second track, “Light up the Night,” is a better example ing so. “The Beginning” is all right but probably best in small of what the Peas are good at: making songs that belong in doses. and should stay at the club. A bumping beat and fewer lyrics 16 Dec. 1, 2010 - Jan. 17, 2011 Dateline : Downtown Back Page www.datelinedowntown.com
S Crossword O L U T I O N S