University of Houston-Downtown’s Newspaper Student Run Since Volume One Dateline:downtown Volume 61 Issue 4 November 21, 2018

In this issue WWE in hot water due to News ...... pg 3 Saudi partnership.....pg 6 College Life ...... pg 5 Arts and Entertainment ...... pg 7 Opinions ...... pg 11 2 Staff From the editor’s desk Editor Quintin Coleman

a musical. This may be a high-minded and idealistic take but perhaps it’s worth Assistant Editor keeping in mind that hard work may very Michael Case well take you further than you imagined. It’s impossible to quantify someone’s lifelong career (especially Business Manager given that the man in question died at 95) into a space of about 550 words. Irene Nunez It’s also impossible for me to go into a heartfelt tribute as I wasn’t a diehard fan Social Media Manager of Marvel growing up. What I can say, however, is that he did so much for so Sonia Sanchez many people in so many contexts. He was someone who did something rare for his time: he wrote material that appealed Faculty Advisor to children but could appeal to adults at the same time (if adults took a critical Joe Sample, PhD Photo courtesy of LBC9 News knew and loved. He even created his own look at those comics anyway.) His world company after leaving Marvel yet still re- became so large that it essentially formed tained his status as an ambassador for the Staff Writers the childhood of children for past genera- On November 12, the world lost a leg- company. Or maybe he could be viewed tions and for generations to come. endary figure in Stan Lee. as just a man who was insanely creative Sara Ali Maybe we’ll see another Stan I won’t profess to be the biggest and talented. Lee in our lifetime but more than likely Emily Boyd comic book fan in the world (though I No matter the way Lee is looked we won’t. Perhaps the best thing that all do enjoy the no-nonsense style of the at, either past, present or future, I think of us can do to maintain his legacy is to Sheila Delgado Punisher, Spider Man and his variety of it might be best to use this space not to engage and revel into this gigantic world crazy villains, and the madcap antics of eulogize him (anything that I could say he helped create throughout his long Jesus Garay Deadpool), but even I, as someone who would not be sufficient enough to be a life. Excelsior, true believer. You will be only occasionally delves into the world proper tribute to his greatness) but rather Joshua Williams of comics, recognize what a big deal Stan to draw some lessons from his life. sorely missed. Lee was to the world of comics, and to One of the biggest lessons that Lissette Perez nerd culture in general. could be drawn (no pun intended) from Lee can be looked at in a couple his legacy is the principle of hard work. of different perspective. He can certain- It’s easy to simplify his success (and Staff Cartoonists ly be viewed as a cultural icon. Indeed, continued success) as being in the right Brenda Valenzuela he has made endless cameos in many place at the right time but I think that’s television shows and movies, both ani- too simple of an answer. Even after Margo Espinoza mated and live action. Lee has also been he became successful, he didn’t stop the creator, either in part or in whole, of working until he couldn’t do it anymore. some of the most recognizable characters He maintained his Marvel movie cameo TCOM 4360 Writers ever created. stints until his passing, still attended He can be viewed as a prolific comic conventions well into his old age Emily Christiansen businessman that may exemplify the and wasn’t afraid to delve into unfa- American dream. He started from a miliar territory like co-writing a manga Ashley Medrano minor position at Marvel Comics and (Japanese comic for the unfamiliar) with grew into the Stan Lee that many people a famous manga author or working on Sonia Sanchez

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editordatelinedown- DatelineDowntown the_dateline The_Dateline [email protected] News 3 Texas candidates speak with UHD students during Gator Day of Action By Emily Christiansen Dr. Windy Lawrence of UHD’s national service through programs like munities and the political process. Center for Public Deliberation opened Ameri-Corps to help cover the costs of More than twenty candidates the event with a speech on the impor- college and serve the community. Mike Emily Christiansen is a third year Tech- running for office joined UHD students tance of communication in politics. She Collier discussed his commitment to nical Communication major. She enjoys for a meet and greet hosted by the SGA described the current political atmo- having an independent redistricting com- reading Piers Anthony books set in and UHD’s Center for Public Delibera- sphere as one where opposing parties no mittee address gerrymandering in Texas. Xanth and comics. She spends nearly all tion on October 24. longer engage in meaningful discussion. Patrick Gunnel said that he believes the of her time with her boyfriend and kids The Republican, Democratic, She encour¬aged people to “resist the federal government has too much power playing board games, going to parks, or and Libertarian candidates represented temptation to get sucked into that polar- and that he does not support the 16th the library. She plans to work as a techni- offices ranging from precinct judges ization.” amendment. cal writer or editor after graduation. to house of representatives. The meet While the candidates did The Gator Day of Action and greet was split into fifteen minute explain their plan of action if elected, reflects UHD’s ongoing commitment sessions. During each session, students they stayed away from disparaging other to civic engage¬ment. The Center for sat at a table with two or three candidates candidates or party views. Todd Litton Public Deliberation encourages citizens and had a chance to ask them about dif- explained how he supports expanding to become more involved with their com- ferent issues. Mental health poses challenges to students

Compulsive-Disorder, Panic Disorder, explained fear or anxiety, sudden weight school or work. The UHD counseling By Sara Ali Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and loss or weight gain accompanied with a services is located in One Main Build- Mental health problems have Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Some of change in grooming habits and slurred ing, S445 Enrolled students have access become very common and is one of the symptoms for anxiety disorders can speech or impaired coordination. to 5 counseling sessions per each new the biggest challenges faced by college include problems concentrating, fearful- Regardless of the mental health issue, presenting issue. Come meet some of the students. A study done by the National ness and irritability. stigma plays a big role with someone counselors that are available on campus Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Another common mental illness who is facing those issues. According to like Karen Jubert, M.Ed., LPC and Del- found that one in four students have a di- that millions of college students encoun- the National Alliance on Mental Illness phia Medina LCSW-S. agnosable illness, 40% do not seek help, ter is eating disorders. Eating disorders (NAMI), “stigma is when someone, or 80% feel overwhelmed by their responsi- can be defined as extreme behaviors, even you yourself, views a person in a bilities and 50% of them have become so emotions and attitudes that revolve negative way just because they have a anxious that they struggle in school. around food and weight perceptions. mental health condition.” Oftentimes, Some of the mental illnesses Some examples of eating disorders in- some people describe stigma as a feeling faced by students are depression, anxiety, clude Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervo- of shame and judgement from someone eating disorders and addiction. One of sa, and Binge Eating Disorder. This can else, which can create huge challenges the things holding back students from manifest itself as having a distorted or that prevent individuals from reaching getting help is the stigma attached to poor body image, a fear of public eating, out and getting the help they need. There mental health. Facing these mental ill- making excuses for not wanting to eat in are ways that people can stand up to stig- nesses has made their life more arduous, public and excessive exercise. ma. Some of the ways include educating since college is a time where they are Addiction is something that oneself and others about mental health, balancing school, family, social life and many college students have to contend supporting those that are close to you work altogether. with on campus. Some forms of addic- that are dealing with issues and see the One of the most common men- tion can come in the form of alcohol or person, not the condition. tal health illnesses is depression. There drug abuse but those are not the only University of Houston-Down- Editorial policy was a survey conducted by the Associ- addictions out there. One of the things town (UHD) campus has many resources ation of University and College Coun- that leads to addiction is when the person to help students but the Student Counsel- seling which found out that 36.4% of col- becomes dependent on something to the ing Service would be a good first step to Dateline: Downtown is lege students reported having depression. point where it actively interferes with receive help. This program is designed This makes it the number one reason that their life. Some of the symptoms that can to help college students maximize their the official student-run students drop out of school and if left include with this dependency include un- mental health and effectiveness at home, newspaper of University of untreated can lead to suicide. However, depression can differ from person to Houston-Downtown. Edi- person. Symptoms of depression can be torials, cartoons, columns seen in physical well-being, emotional and thinking states. Other signs include a and letters are the opinions lack of enjoyment in activities they used of the individual authors to enjoy, not attending class or social functions and regular discussions about and do not necessarily death or suicide. reflect the opinions of other Another mental health illness that has become common for college stu- student writers, editors, dents is anxiety. According to the reports advisors of the University of The Anxiety and Depression Associa- tion of America (ADAA) reports, anxiety of Houston-Downtown, its disorders have become one of the most administration or students. common illnesses in the United States. Some anxiety disorders can include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Photo by Susana Caraballo 4 College Life UHD addresses food insecurity with innovative program

By Emily Christiansen es showed that between fourteen and were affected. Now, between 60 and tion Partner of the Year award. 59 percent of students are not getting 100 students visit the food pantry each For students that need assis- UHD’s Food Scholarship Pro- enough to eat. According to the Houston week to choose from food donated by the tance, the Houston Food Bank’s web- gram helps selected students by provid- Food Bank, 1.1 million people of all Houston Food Bank. The program has site has a list of over 1,500 community ing them a grant each semester to assist ages are food insecure in the Houston been so successful that it was awarded partners who provide food and other with grocery costs. area. Many colleges, including UHD, are the Houston Food Bank Higher Educa- services. After UHD did a survey of qual- addressing this problem on campus with ifying students last year, 307 full-time food pantries, food grants and meal-shar- students in good academic standing were ing. chosen to participate. They receive 60 A group of researchers from dollars for every credit hour in which the University of Iowa and University they are enrolled in the current semester. of California - San Diego studied food The students use these funds to shop at insecurity among low-income students the food pantry on campus. and found that it was “forcing some to The idea came from a partner- encounter difficult tradeoffs between ship between UHD, the Houston Food paying for college or meeting their basic Bank Food for Change program and a needs.” When students are that focused research study done by Rice University. on necessities, it is harder for them to This partnership is focusing on the link pay attention to their studies. This ends between food resources and student aca- up affecting retention, which is always a demic success. Students’ food insecurity concern at colleges. is a growing concern on many campuses. The Food Scholarship Program Steve Kolowich wrote in The was supposed to begin in Fall 2017, but Chronicle for Higher Education that local after Hurricane Harvey, the food pantry studies done across American campus- was opened up to help all students who Photo credit Emily Christiansen

New sports and fitness center proposed for UHD

By Sheila Delgado The Sports & Fitness FAQ page Perhaps this is why UHD stu- claims that the anticipated completion dents have not stopped pushing for a new Currently, there are plans to date is Fall of 2021, if planning begins Sports & Fitness center. Two years ago, build a new Sports & Fitness Center here fall of next year. However, Assistant this same referendum was passed but at the University of Houston-Downtown. Director of Sports & Fitness Rhonda was not taken to the Texas legislature. The new center would be bigger than the Scherer wants students to know that Since then, students have graduated and one we have now, including things like a “[for] every semester you contribute to new students have entered the school. pool, jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor running this building before it’s built, we’re go- Now this new group of students will get tracks, as well as an expanded exercise ing to extend a free membership to you an input of a vote that this year will go to zone. The question burning at the front of once it’s built if you[‘ve] graduate[d].” the Texas legislature. everyone’s mind, however, is how will it Another student (who chose to stay anon- Nonetheless, Dean of Students be paid? ymous), however, doesn’t care that the Samuel Santos cautions students to The price of the center will dif- new center will have more equipment of remember that “even if students pass this fer student to student, depending on their space. “I am outraged,” she says. She just referendum, it doesn’t mean that we’re credit hours or status. A full-time student, wants to graduate without an increase actually going to build [a new center], for example, will pay $150 a semester. of fees, especially for a gym she doesn’t this is just to show that there’s support Presently, full-time students pay a $75 and won’t use. on campus for it, there’s other pieces we fee for the Sports & Fitness center that The new Sports & Fitness have to go through.” is currently on campus. The price for building would be built near the Science A referendum for accepting or the proposed center will double and be and Technology building. The current rejecting the proposed center, as well as included in the students’ administrative building would, if funding suffices, be the fee increase, ended on October 29 fees, regardless of whether a student renovated into a student union. There is but the results of the survey have yet to uses those facilities or not. a possibility that students could get what be revealed. Dateline: Downtown will Karen Valdez, a UHD student the renovated second floor in the current continue to report on this story as it who uses the center daily, says she Sports and Fitness Center has tried to develops. doesn’t mind the new fee. “[The Sports offer students: larger spaces for student and Fitness Center] does get over- organizations, game room, a program- crowded. I go for the weights, like the ming space and more. dead-lifting equipment, but there’s only Still, UHD is the only university one. So if someone’s dead-lifting… you in the University of Houston system that have to wait, so sometimes I’m just like does not have a student union or a spa- oh I’m just not going to dead-lift today.” cious Sports & Fitness center. “It’s kind She is, however, upset that she might not of underwhelming,” notes an anonymous be here to see the new building. faculty member. College Life 5 Bayou Review continues to be successful

By Sara Ali Poetry sections. Students get the oppor- it was fun. This magazine helped me dents which enables them to tunity to gain knowledge about magazine change my mind about what I would articulate their opinions. Through these The Bayou Review is the production while also earning internship want to do with things in life.” She as- publications in the journal, students get a student-run literary arts magazine of credit. The journal also features other serts that the Bayou Review to her means chance to dream about a life where they the University of Houston - Downtown. works of visual and literary arts outside that she knows what she is doing because are the shining star which is dedicated The faculty advisor is Professor Daniel from the university community. she enjoys it and will continue to pursue to promoting “inspiration.” These works Peña. This opus includes essays, reviews, The general editor for the Bay- opportunities like this in the future. hope to inspire spiritual growth, personal visual art work, poetry, and fiction. The ou Review is Mariana Cano, an Inter- Since its inception in 1987, the reflection, development and community university’s community is encouraged to displinary studies major who has been Bayou Review has served as a gate- learning and connection. submit their works. One of its goals is to with the magazine for a year. She was way for the university students to enter For more information about accentuate the arts and humanities by asked to join by the advisor that asked the world of literary arts. It provides a the Bayou Review, the editors can be providing a medium for students who for her help with designing the cover of platform through which students and reached at [email protected] or are passionate and enthusiastic about the magazine. She had submitted a sub- emerging writers can express themselves stop by the office in S250 in the One creative writing. Students from UHD’s mission previously, became intern and artistically with inspirations through Main Building of UHD. They can also be Literary Magazine Production class, cri- then finally became the editor. Cano says prose, poetry and visual works. reached by phone at 713-221-8260. tique story submissions for publication. that “my experience with the magazine The growth of the magazine has For example, the students critique pub- was really good, fun, and crazy. Little been immense since its humble begin- lication in either Prose, Visual Arts, or things can cause things to be hectic but nings but still produces phenomenal pub- lications. Each issue of this work deals with a certain theme. Some of the themes from the previous issues have been Love (2013), Hurricane Harvey (2017) and the Prison Issue, which focused on the stories of incarcerated men (2018). It was decided and chosen by the editorial staff to be a general issue, which will come out at the end of this semester. The magazine works to stay rel- evant as new pivotal events arise around the world and covers them in great depth. This magazine gives a voice to the stu- Photo courtesy of the Bayou Review Gator in sheep’s clothing

By Joshua Williams tion college students to actively seek out their dreams. UHD is helping those students The project thus far has been a to start saying “I can” out loud for the collaborative effort from all members in- world to hear. Professor Abigail Koenig’s volved. Students in Koenig’s class were COMM 2310 class has teamed up with put into small groups to come up with the Black Sheep Agency to assist with ideas for launching the campaign. After their Better Make Room Campaign. each group expressed their ideas to the The goal of this campaign is to class everyone eventually agreed on four sell enough t-shirts to build a scholar- in particular. ship fund which can be used to propel The ideas include a series of 30- students into college. The Outloud 45 second Instagram videos of first-year Campaign is a collaborative effort by college students at UHD where the class both Black Sheep and Omaze to design will ask these students about getting into t-shirts, which will have student’s “I college, a photobooth where students can Will” statements in bold and stylistic have their picture taken with the #Better- Photo by Susana Caraballo ating a social media campaign, Koenig writing. Black Sheep hopes to turn these MakeRoom hashtag superimposed over else. “I think some students don’t see the commented that her students’ well inten- statements into inspirational messages their picture, creating a series of long value of it right now,” Koenig said while tions will help them out the most. “They for students unsure about heading to interviews for the Better Make Room addressing the issue. took the class because they wanted it to, college. YouTube page and creating a launch The biggest challenge for both not because they had to.” Koenig hopes the project will party for #BetterMakeRoom. Koenig and her students isn’t the tools of help develop student communication All of these ideas have been social media but the audience. Koenig, a especially in regards to working in put inside a social media calendar so former freelance copywriter for the Black groups. When asked what she wanted the the students would be able to track their Sheep Agency, says teaching a service students to take out of this, she men- progress. Before undertaking this project, learning class that revolves around social tioned that she wanted students to get “an students did prior research on first-time media requires an understanding of both understanding of how social media can and first-generation college students the audience and the message. For her be used in public relations.” across the U.S. and found that many of students, the message of social media is With many public related them are facing economic hardship and a difficult one to understand but Koenig companies now using social media are looking for the alternative rather than has worked hard this current semester to as a means to advertise and promote the traditional route. But Koenig believes teach her students the meaning of social their products, it’s welcoming to see a these first-time students aren’t afraid of media and why everyone uses it today. non-profit organization used social media college but they are missing something When asked whether the to influence potential first time genera- students were up to the challenge of cre- 6 Feature WWE in hot water due to Saudi partnership

WWE has since tried to cir- By Joshua Williams cumvent the issue by creating an event WWE (World Wrestling Enter- dedicated to women’s wrestling called tainment) decided to not cancel one of WWE Evolution. The event was the first their most recent show in Saudi Arabia pay-per-view event to feature only wom- despite being in hot water with the en with the likes of Trish Stratus, Lita, U.S. government after journalist Jamal and former UFC women’s champion and Khashoggi was allegedly murdered by an now current WWE women’s champion Saudi Arabian hit team. Ronda Rousey being part of that bill. Although WWE’s Crown WWE decided to set Evolution just five Jewel took place on November 2 at days before their return in Saudi Arabia. the King Saud University Stadium in And yet through all of this back Riyadh, many news outlets have criti- and forth with maintaining their image, cized WWE for not immediately can- WWE hasn’t driven away their loyal celing their show after Washington Post fanbase. For decades, WWE has catered journalist Khashoggi was found dead at to their audience by showcasing their the Saudi consulate on October 2. The larger than life wrestlers such as Hulk Trump administration and other U.S. Hogan and Stone Cold Steve Austin, and politicians have since warned of “severe allowing these wrestlers to interact with consequences” if evidence was found the fans. This interaction with the fans linking Khashoggi’s murder to the Saudi has created a unbreakable bond, one that Arabian government. WWE issued a has only been threatened by the age of brief statement on October 11, which the internet. simply stated, “We are currently monitor- Indeed, with many fans of ing the situation.” Khashoggi’s murder WWE now plugged into the internet, took place less than a week before WWE keeping news from breaking out of their issued the statement. main headquarters in Connecticut has WWE’s Crown Jewel is part of been difficult for the world’s preeminent Photo courtesy of WWE a 10-year partnership between WWE and professional wrestling company. Before Saudi Arabia, most specifically the Saudi the internet, WWE had the ability to lock General Sports Authority, in support of down which news would and wouldn’t Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s social and leak out to the public. However, today’s economic reform program. The deal is fans are able to simply click on one link reportedly due to WWE’s financial suc- and discover something that they weren’t cess after launching their own streaming supposed to. If WWE decides to continue service back in 2014. their partnership with Saudi Arabia, one With WWE deciding to contin- has to wonder whether their decisions ue on with the show despite the negative will begin to drive their fans away, if it feedback from news outlets and the already hasn’t. public at large, one has to wonder where WWE fans have been in this does this put fans of the WWE who have situation before, threatening to abandon shown their loyalty to the product since the product they love by using Twitter to its inception? voice their displeasure. This was demon- This isn’t the first time this year strated the most back in 2014, when cur- that WWE has had some negative feed- rent movie star and former wrestler Dave back when it came to its partnership with Bautista was criticized by fans of the Saudi Arabia. Back in April of this year, WWE for taking a main event spot away WWE promoted The Greatest Royal from one of their favorite wrestlers in Rumble, the first event of WWE’s part- Daniel Bryan. WWE had a handle on the nership with Saudi Arabia which took situation after they rewrote their scripts place at the King Abdullah International to add Bryan into the main event match Stadium. While the event was a financial to one of their biggest shows of the year, success, most attention was focused on WrestleMania. the lack of representation for women WWE uses its power and with female wrestlers being barred from influence to keep their fans happy but competing inside Saudi Arabia. can they do it while also fighting off bad Although the country has long press? So far, fans of the WWE have denied rights to women, WWE still only mildly voiced their concerns regard- decided to air promotional pieces of ing the Saudi Arabia issue. Perhaps when local women in Saudi Arabi during the the news outlets begin to attack the fans show, expressing their thoughts regard- for not abandoning the product is when ing gender equality and the perceived the fans will start to rebel but for now ev- progression the country was experienc- eryone seems to be on board. Everyone ing. Veteran wrestling journalist Dave but the press and the government that is. Meltzer criticized WWE’s decision to air such video packages on an episode of the Joshua Williams is a current UHD senior Wrestling Observer (is it a podcast, radio expecting to graduate in the fall of 2019. show, or internet show?), calling it “a His passions include playing video uncomfortable political statement” rather games and spending time with his family. than something that adds to the quality of He’s also a huge fan of online movie talk the show. shows on YouTube. Arts and Entertainment 7 White Oak Music Hall turns on the bright lights

By Jesus Garay a minor mistake at the beginning of a song as well about halfway through the Editor’s note: This article is a revised set but that did not affect the experience article that was published in the October whatsoever. Most of the setlist would 23, 2018 issue of Dateline: Downtown. seem unfamiliar to the casual fan due to The previous version was a draft that was their selection focused mainly on sel- not meant for publication. The editorial dom-played songs but they did not leave staff regrets this error. off their well-known hits. Songs such as “Narc” and “Obstacle 1” took us down They have come a long way memory lane and reminded us why we from their debut album, 2002’s “Turn on still listen to them after all these years. the Bright Lights,” yet somehow, Interpol Interpol does not focus on the spectacle, has managed to maintain the same sound they thrive solely off the emotion of despite changes in the musical landscape. their music and that was evident at this Most artists evolve or change musical concert. directions in their careers after a while, but the new entry in their discography, “Marauder,” keeps the same post-punk SETLIST: revival sound that made them famous in the indie music scene. In support of their 1) Pioneer to the Falls new album, “Marauder,” Interpol began 2) All the Rage Back Home touring back in June in Vienna, Austria 3) If You Really Love Nothing with three stops planned for Texas in late 4) Public Pervert September. One of those stops was on 5) Roland Sept. 29 at the White Oak Music Hall. 6) NYC There were long lines to get in and 7) The Rover there was probability of rain but once 8) Leif Erikson you went through the gates you could 9) Not Even Jail see the stage, located outdoors, set-up 10) Number 10 for the show. The merchandise table had 11) Rest My Chemistry shirts, posters and hats among many 12) Narc other things. The concert was aimed 13) Take You on A Cruise at fans who have followed their career 14) NYSMAW through six studio albums, only three 15) Evil Photo taken by Jesus Garay tracks off their recent album made it 16) Lights to the White Oak setlist. Their concert 17) Flight of Fancy began with “Pioneer to the Falls,” a slow 18) Obstacle 1 song, but quickly picked up pace with “All the Rage Back Home.” The guitars were low on volume at times, there was

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uhd.edu/wrc • (713) 221-8670 8 Arts and Entertainment “Bohemian Rhapsody” will rock you

By Ashley Medrano

For Queen enthusiasts, the the band while nourishing the viewers announcement of the band’s biopic, with music. The realistic ‘live concerts’ “Bohemian Rhapsody,” created a mass allow the audience an opportunity to feeling of anticipation. The two-hour film attend a Queen’s concert through the was finally released in theaters on Friday, immense energy and large screen. November 2. Although PG-13 is far from the truth about the members’ lives, the Rami Malek’s appearance and film illustrates for fans and regular mov- performance as Freddie Mercury is the iegoers a glimpse of Queen as a band and closest interpretation of Mercury that has the life of legendary lead singer Freddie been seen on screen, although the inac- Mercury, played by Rami Malek (Elliot curacy of certain timelines and stories Alderson of “Mr. Robot”). may deter some fans from watching the “Bohemian Rhapsody” begins movie. The narration can be easily over- 15 years before Freddie Mercury’s death looked due to the soundtrack, energy, and in 1991. The opening scene provides performance by the cast. Actors includ- a small peek of young Mercury’s life ing Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben before he became the lead singer of the Hardy, Allen Leech, and Tom Hollander band. Once Mercury meets his band bring Queen’s story to life. mates and Mary Austin, the film focuses “Bohemian Rhapsody” takes on Austin and Mercury’s relationship, viewers back to a time when Queen was Queen’s growth, and the dark side of breaking the norms of music while pro- Mercury’s life leading up to the legend- viding a new experience to their audience ary 1985 Live Aid concert. at concerts. Do not feel “Under Pressure” For fans of Queen, the movie and “Keep Yourself Alive” because provides the stories behind some of the Queen still lives. band’s greatest hits, such as “We Will Rock You.” The paramount piece, how- “Bohemian Rhapsody” is in theaters ever, is the soundtrack that brings Queen now. to life. The soundtrack demonstrates for Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox new fans and old the musical growth of Write About Now Poetry Slam

By Emily Boyd tribulations. “When I did not feel like mov- open mic for a $5 cover charge. It is a “Are you ready for the next “What if I prayed and he disap- ing, my blood set the example.” -Chris place of comfort and relief. It is possible poet? Bring em’ up, bring em’ up, bring peared too.” -Winnie (Poem: GOD.) Diez to exhibit creativity, individuality, opin- em’ up!” -WAN Poetry Those who wish to share their There are many poetry events ions and personal stories at events such Poetry is a creative talent that story are not required to be professional held all around Houston. They bring light as WAN. It is an event one would feel leaves imprints not only on pages, but poets. These events welcome famous to the beauty of creative writing and en- proud to attend. minds as well. Write About Now Poetry poets as well as those who have never courage others to share their story. WAN (known as WAN) is a local Houston shared their work. The WAN poetry holds their events every Wednesday at event that encourages everyone to share group holds special events to welcome Avant Garden at 7:30pm for the public to their imprint. Every Wednesday, they new individuals into becoming comfort- attend. They offer tacos, drinks, and an invite all who join to share their story on able for being themselves. They offer stage in front of supportive and encour- events such as Thanksgiving potlucks, aging individuals. Some go by the name which is happening on November 21, of “Masters, Masters” and others go by and hold events every Wednesday to their full name. Regardless of what name encourage individuals to join. It is a com- one goes by, everyone is welcomed and munity event that inspires togetherness accepted when they walk through the through the art of poetry. door. The message that participants give What is so special about these will always stand out. events is the mark it leaves on the at- “I am worth every syllable.” tendees. A thirty second poem can leave -Masters, Masters a huge impact on someone it connects These poets dive into insightful to. It can inspire someone to gain the topics, as well as personal ones. Some courage to share their work, encourage talk about their respective journeys to someone to be proud of their creativity recovery through hardship, and oth- and individuality, and can allow one ers bring about topics that they never to feel welcomed and loved in a group thought they would be able to talk about that shares the same love for words and to the public. These individuals have the stories. Above all, it can make one over- courage and the ability to stand out. They come difficult times. WAN poetry brings serve a message that just about anyone hope and connection from one being to who feels lost or alone could understand another just through words of encourage- Photo by Emily Boyd and connect to someone else’s trials and ment. It makes people feel as if they are not alone. Arts and Entertainment

“Venom” movie a box-office success 9

By Sonia Sanchez eventually becomes one with Venom, because he was walking the whole time was properly introduced in the beginning as he possessed different bodies. He was The movie “Venom” has been of the movie. He is set up as a likeable introduced when he possessed a Malay- highly anticipated since director Ruben investigative journalist that is always sian lady from the Life Foundation and Fleischer announced he was working on trying to expose the truth. His story hits a then switched to a little girl at the airport. it about two years ago. Although the crit- low point when he gets nosey and reads He should have had more screen time as ics’ reviews haven’t been good, I knew I about the Life Foundation human trials a symbiote and been presented as more still had to give it a chance, because the in a classified document in his fiancée’s lethal the closer he got to Venom. trailer looked really exciting. Once “Ven- laptop. This led to him and his fiancé There were hardly any extra 3D om” finally premiered in theaters, I knew both losing their jobs. He then agreed effects that made it worth paying for, so I had to watch this movie on a Saturday to sneak into the Life Foundation to see save your extra money on some snacks night with my boyfriend, and we eagerly these human trials for himself. He then or drinks. That doesn’t mean the graphics chose to watch it in 3D. got possessed by Venom. were bad though. Venom was designed Before discussing the movie Venom is a conflicted anti-hero as creepy and slimy as he is usually por- itself, I have to say that, despite Ven- originally set out to expand his kind and trayed to be. om’s origin change, the movie still had take over the world, but Eddie helped “Venom” is a must-see film for an entertaining plot. The critic reviews change Venom’s mind about that. Al- all to see. It’s still out in theaters near may not be positive, but they do not do though Venom constantly wanted to bite you as of this publication, and it is worth the film justice. Fans around the world off everyone’s heads off, he eventually watching it on the big screen. Be sure to have definitely spoken since, according Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures adapts to the personality of Eddie. He see it before it stops showing because to Cinema Blend, Venom just had a vows to be Eddie’s protector in order for nothing compares to the experience of Media. She is graduating this fall as an $111 million opening weekend in China. them to survive together. watching the Venom versus Riot action at honor student in English and Commu- Viewers of this movie and fans of the Even though Riot was almost the movie theater. nications. Her plans after graduation are character will have a lot to be excited another version of Carnage, a fan-favor- to work full time in the media industry about. Whether you are an avid Marvel ite villain in the Spider-Man universe, he Sonia Sanchez is a senior at UHD major- and attend graduate school in Technical fan or not, you should watch this movie. still caused hell as a good villain. How- ing in Professional Writing with minors Writing. Eddie Brock, the man who ever, the movie didn’t do Riot justice in Communication Studies and Digital UHD students, profes- sor present graphic novels at Gator-Con by Emily Christiansen Students from Professor Beth by these drawings that told a story.” The Secor’s Creating a Graphic Novel class students talked about their own influenc- showcased their work at UHD’s inaugu- es. Amanda recalled the children’s book ral Gator-Con that took place on October “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” 25. with the iconic illustrations of Edward Secor and her students start- Gorey. Chelsea Markcray became inter- ed off the first panel of the event by ested in the graphic novel “Persepolis” speaking about each of their projects. in high school, while Bobby Ramos dis- Professor Secor led the seven students covered a copy of “X-Men” at the thrift in a discussion about their influences, store. interests and themes. The students also discussed how The students’ projects are the process of creating a graphic novel diverse. Each student chose a subject changed their original concept. Amanda they are passionate about. The themes and Eli said they had to simplify and include the effects of immigration, concentrate on what was vital to their discrimination, and pollution. Brenda stories. Chapa described her the purpose of her By the end of the semester, each graphic novel as helping people under- student will have finished an eight-page stand the effects of political extremity graphic novel complete with front and towards immigrants. Mariana Cano Sal- back cover design. The next step is find- daa-Ayarzagoitia connected her interest ing a place to display their work to the in sustainability and created a story about public. pollution. Cruz Villafuerte Cardoso used his characters to discuss identity and “the caricatures of the ideas placed upon themselves.” Eliseo Villanueva used the metaphor of boxing to capture the strug- gle of the son of immigrants. Secor explained how she used early examples of comics such as “Nemo” to show her class the possibil- ities of this art form. She describes her own interest in comics starting at 9 years old when she began visiting the local li- brary. Secor said that she was “fascinated 10 Dateline Dateline: Downtown Now Hiring:  Writers  Photographers  Cartoonists  Graphic Designers

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and believe me, it does not disappoint. by’s dog friendly policy firsthand when I the tunnels with ease. Your11 favorite spots You can visit their website regularly dine with my best friend and their Yorkie won’t take 30 minutes to find anymore. Lunch for to keep track of their updated coupons when we go to Barnaby’s. This restaurant You won’t be walking around in circles in order to save a couple of bucks on also offers various snacks for your dogs. trying to find that one authentic Thai lunch. For those UHD students who are Check out their menu at www.barnaby- place. It just takes practice. If this will less 21 and over, Frank’s backyard is Down- scafe.com. be your first time exploring the tunnels, I town’s neighborhood bar that even offers suggest going with a friend before going By Victoria DeLeon outdoor seating. It’ll feel like everyone Houston Tunnels alone. The tunnels have something for there is friends with each other, especial- 1001 McKinney Street, Houston, TX everybody. One of the perks of being a student at ly when there’s a sports game playing on 77002 the University of Houston-Downtown the television they have out there. Don’t We live in one of the most diverse cities is the location. We are right in the heart leave UHD without trying Franks! To These restaurants are just the tip of in America, so the possibilities when of downtown and walking distance from see their complete menu offerings, go to the iceberg. We haven’t even began to it comes to trying different foods are restaurants that every UHD student www.frankspizza.com. explore the restaurants that are under- endless. As a student at one of the most should try. Frankly, it’s part of the expe- ground. If you take the MetroRail to conveniently located universities in rience of being a student at this campus. Barnaby’s Café the Main Street Square stop, just three Houston, I want to encourage you to go Even if the restaurants downtown don’t 801 Congress Avenue, Houston, TX stops from UHD, you’ll arrive at that out and explore Downtown Houston and offer any kinds of student discounts, they 77002 McKinney Tunnel Entrance. Downtown the amazing food it has to offer. It’s easy almost always have specials going on so Houston’s “underground” is a system of to get comfortable, but once you’ve tak- that you can have a great lunch without Barnaby’s has several locations around tunnels 20 feet below Houston’s down- en that first step out of that comfort zone, breaking the bank. Houston and luckily, one of them hap- town streets and more than 6 miles long. you’ll realize that there is always more pens to be just a ten-minute walk down This is where you get to explore food out there. Make this part of your college Frank’s Pizza Main Street from UHD. This American from different cultures. The restaurants experience. 417 Travis Street, Houston, TX 77002 cuisine sit-down restaurant has one of in the tunnels offer what feels like an the best menus in Downtown Houston, endless amount of options to choose You’ve probably heard students on which includes burgers, sandwiches, sal- from, so I’d suggest visiting the tunnels campus saying to one another “Hey, let’s ads, chicken entrees, Tex-Mex, lasagna, after class because you never know how go to Frank’s.” In fact, during my first se- desserts and more! Maybe your morning long you’re going to be there, especially mester at UHD, I heard that same phrase class was cancelled and you decide to go if you’re a first timer. I spent two hours almost every day and always thought it out for breakfast. Barnaby’s has a great walking through the tunnels trying to was a person until I finally walked over breakfast menu from 11am-3pm. This figure out what I wanted to eat for lunch. to Frank’s Pizza with some friends one colorful restaurant guarantees a pleasant Restaurants and cuisines vary from Wha- day. Frank’s offers giant, foldable slices dining experience downtown. Not only taburger, Argentinean, Tex-Mex, Chi- of New York Style thin crust pizza that’s is the food amazing and the atmosphere nese, Thai, Mediterranean, Vietnamese, great for sharing with a group of friends. fun to look at, but it’s also dog friendly! barbecue, Italian and more. After your This restaurant is famous for their sauce, While I don’t have pets, I’ve seen Barna- first few visits, you’ll be able to navigate

mainstream lately, remain obsessed and thus hold that our morals must stem Rebuttal to “Our Con- with explicit and repeatedly confirmed from what works best for all if everyone consent because of the heightened phys- is held to be of equal worth. ical danger inherent in their activities. Therefore, I would flip his fused Sexual Ethics” Swingers have strict rules, too, about argument on its head. His self-described pies at each other as foreplay look tame By Mike Duncan how prospective couples are introduced ‘conservative’ position seems more based (I just made that one up, but I am posi- and incorporated. I could go on as the in his own sexual preferences rather tive there is an enthusiastic community variants are legion, but do your own than a healthy commitment to individual Editor’s Note: This is a response to Dr. of practitioners). Adam Ellwanger’s “Our Confused Sex- research. The model for post-#MeToo freedom for all. Like many conservatives Dr. Ellwanger’s argument is behavior already exists - in the supposed (but not all), freedom to him does not ual Ethics” in the October 23, 2018 issue that the promotion of non-monogamous of Dateline: Downtown fringe. include sexual freedom, because that sex by a shadowy ‘left’ boogeyman Indeed, the more distant from would threaten the currently elevated so- contradicts the focus on increased ex- “normal” sex, I realized to my shock cial stature of monogamy. He could turn When I was an undergradu- plicit consent demanded by the #MeToo ate many years ago before becoming back in those anthropology courses, the a critical eye to monogamy’s many prob- movement and will somehow lead to a more ethically bound the sex got. It was lems and wonder why, if monogamy is a professor later in life, I took many horrific orgy that will destroy Western anthropology courses in my long search the so-called “normal” that was ques- such a strong social and ethical bulwark civilization. If only the hypocritical left tionable, insisting that it was not only against chaos, that it fails so often to for a major. While there (imagine actu- would see the error of their libertine ally learning something in college!), I socially superior, but ethically superior. maintain its ideals. But he does not. The sexual dysfunction and settle down like As a further blow, it has sexism built in, ethical confusion with which he titles his learned something of great importance civilized taxpaying conservatives! about sex - all of it is “normal,” which is allowing men to stray from the standard, article is better located in him, not the As a teacher of rhetoric, Dr. Ell- but not women. Even with #MeToo, the positions he criticizes and exaggerates. another way of saying that none of it is wanger should know better than to stuff a “abnormal.” The vast array of possible double standard lingers; a man with mul- To sum up: everyone should be straw man AND a slippery slope into the tiple partners other than his wife remains careful, courteous, and kind to their part- practices, with the obvious exceptions of same argument. But let’s forgive him for acts where adult consent is impossible, an admirable stud to the same that claim ners while proceeding in all instances, the logical fallacies. The contradiction allegiance to monogamy. We even have but life is too short to check in with Dr. is to be expected. The only change is in he insists upon isn’t there. Frankly, if how over time various cultures and legal one as a President, I’ve heard. Ellwanger before copulation. you know anyone engaged in sex outside I have known Dr. Ellwanger as systems drift toward and away from of the previous described lights-off- accepting the variants. a colleague at UHD for nearly a decade Dr. Mike Duncan is an Associate Profes- after-dinner monogamy, you will find and we have had many interesting de- sor at the University of Houston - Down- Take stereotypical heterosexual that there is actually far MORE interest monogamy sex. After dinner, at night, in bates in that time. He has freely admitted town. in explicit consent in such alternative to me of being a Platonist, which means a darkened bedroom, in bed, little or no arrangements, not less. he believes in some form of absolute clothing, missionary position, male initi- Poly relationships, for example, ated and focused, with consent generally truth and that such truth can be used as require a great deal of constant negoti- a basis for moral action. His defense of implicit. Note how specific and lockstep ation to keep all partners informed and it is. It’s the very definition of kink, so monogamy stems from this philosophical cool with whatever is going on. The center. I am nearly the direct opposite; I rigidly imposed that it makes those who BDSM folks, even after becoming more dress up as Batman and Robin and throw don’t think absolute truth is knowable, 12 Let your geek flag fly!

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All photos credit to Ashley Medrano