Dateline Volume 51-2

“keeping an eye for news”

THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON - DOWNTOWN STUDENT RUN NEWSPAPER SINCE VOLUME ONE DATELINESept. 9 - Sept. 23, 2013 DOWNTOWNVolume 51 Issue 2 TOP STORIES Animal cruelty: A growing problemNews in Houston Take a Theodore Shull Staff Reporter walkwalk with Autism Abuse towards animals, in particular to man’s best friend, filled Speaks the news the month of August. According to archaeological evi- Page 2 dence, dogs have been a part of human history for perhaps 30,000 years. Proof lies in the discovery of the first human burial with a dog approximately 12,000 years ago. Dogs have figured prominently in human society since ancient times serving practical purposes World of Dance Tour that humans could not imitate. To this day, canines continue to serve comes to Houston for among military and police units the first time as well as assisting the disabled Page 6 population. The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, SPCA, strongly advocates respect for all animals and especially for dogs. The Houston Chronicle reported on August 22 that officers of the Harris County Sherriff’s office were “mourning the loss of one UHD Sports and Fitness In the on-going struggle to stop human cruelty to animals, new scientific research sheds of their own – a canine that died light on our emotional bonds with dogs, and their ability to empathize and grieve in the offer free classes same manner as humans. (via flickr / creative commons) last week after being accidentally Page 9 (continued on page 9) Don’t News Opinion get Center for student diversity, equity busted Love lost in the with a and inclusion search for director nursing home fake ID director for this new center will be a peer to the Director of Student Activi- Page 11 ties as well as other student affairs di- rectors and will report to the Dean of INSIDE: Students. News...... 2 On Wednesday, August 21, a Uni- List of events...... 2 versity screening committee appoint- Editorials...... 4 ed by Vice President Ivonne Montal- Opinion...... 5 bano hosted an open forum to meet (nursinghomeabuseadvocateblog.com) the two candidates who are vying Arts & Entmt...... 6, 8 for the position of directorship of the Mark Steven Caffey Sports...... 7 Staff Columnist New diversity center to open on campus Center. Both of the candidates are College Life...... 9 (via flickr / creative commons) faculty members of UHD—Dr. John

H. Hudson, Assistant Professor in the March 8, 2012 Science & Tech...... 11 Dana Ayres English department and Head Coach Backpage...... 12 Staff Writer of the UHD powerlifting team, and Roy, Find us online: Julie Vipond, adjunct History profes- I feel like I’ve been here forever. I’m The Center for Student Diversity, sor at Texas Southern University and not sure what day it is. I haven’t seen Equity and Inclusion will be a sepa- University of Houston-Downtown. you for so long. Did you forget about rate entity alongside Student Ac- The duties of the director include de- me? tivities. The University of Houston- veloping programs to promote diver- I’m sorry that I haven’t written in a Downtown has a history of diverse sity and social justice, advising Safe while. Someone takes my pen and pa- traditional and non-traditional stu- Zone along with other diversity-relat- per while I’m sleeping. dent attendance since its opening in ed student organizations, cultivating I hear her coming down the hall. Why 1974. Ranking second among west- partnerships with community agen- does she have to be so mean to me? I /datelinedowntown ern regional colleges and third among cies related to diversity and social can’t help having to go to the bath- /thedateline national universities for student room. That aide can’t stand the sight justice advocacy, assisting and imple- proud member of: population diversity, creating a hub menting diversity-related recruitment of me. She hates cleaning me up. I hate for student diversity efforts and sup- efforts and assist in policy develop- having to beg. port on campus would be fi tting. The (continued on page 3) (continued on page 5) Sept. 9 - Sept. 23, 2013 NEWS Page 2

Editorial Staff: Editor-in-Chief: Jacqueline Reyes Take a walk with autism speaks Email: [email protected] Stephanie Claybourn ability, and difficulties Office: (713) 221 8192 Fax: (713) 223 7466 Staff Writer in coordination. Read: there is no specific -an Assistant Editor: Alma D. Garcia On August 16, swer, and funding re- Email: [email protected] an Ontario family research that will hope- Office: (713) 221 8569 ceived a letter from fully yield results in the “one pissed off moth- future while providing Business Office: er,” claiming that Max support to those who Business Manager: Tianna Thomas Email: [email protected] is a “nuisance and a have been diagnosed in Office: (713) 221 8275 problem to everyone the present is the best Fax: (713) 223 7466 else,” that he “scares plan at the time. the hell out of [her] nor- Walk Now for Autism Advisor: mal children” and that will help fund research Anthony Chiaviello “they should take what- and support resources Email: [email protected] Office: (713) 221 8520 ever non-retarded body for those who have been parts he possesses and diagnosed with Autism, Staff Reporters: donate it to science.” while also showing soli- Theordore B. Shull The Begley family con- darity with the Autistic Lauriston Brewster sists of Max, a thirteen (rayom via flickr / creative commons) community and remov- Jessica Hernando year old boy with se- Autism is the main goal of the orga- ing the sting of barbed vere Autism, and his parents Karla nization. The goal depends on the words with the salve of love for Staff Columnist: and James. The letter was deliv- walk and donations to raise mon- your fellow man. Mark Steven Caffey ered to his grandmother’s house, ey to fund and provide support More importantly than the house Max spends his days at resources for those with Autism. vengeance or a show of camara- Staff Writers: over the summer. derie, incidents like the Ontario Juan A. Hernandez Autism Speaks created a Postsec- Dana C. Ayres Autism Speaks, the world’s lead- ondary Educational Opportunities family should be starting con- Elizabeth Padgett ing autism science and advocacy Guide for Autistic individuals and versations amongst the educated Stephanie Claybourn organization, is hosting Walk their families to “explore various masses regarding the best way to Alicia Callender Now for Autism Speaks: Hous- educational opportunities beyond be socially aware and sensitive of ton on September 28, 2013. Reg- high school.” people with disabilities. One in 88 Staff Photographers: istration is at 8 a.m., the opening children were identified in 2012 as Louie Galvez According to Autism Speaks, “Au- Tam Ngyuen ceremony starts around 9:30 a.m., tism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) having some type of Autistic Spec- and the walk will start at 10 a.m. and Autism are both general terms trum disorder. One in six children More information about Walk sites for a group of complex disorders in the United States alone were cat- Submission Policy can be found at www.walkforau- of brain development.” The main egorized as having a developmen- tismspeaks.org. characteristics of these disorders tal disability, ranging from speech Dateline Downtown welcomes Autism Speaks was founded in are ranked by degree of severity, impairments to serious develop- submissions to the editor from any 2005, and continues getting stron- and they can cause difficulty in mental disabilities, like Autism. member of the UH system. Sub- ger. Funding for research and social interaction, intellectual dis- missions should be no more than providing support for those with 300 words, include the author’s full name, phone number or email address, and affiliation with the Uni- versity, including classification LIST OF EVENTS and major. Anonymous submis- BSA Foodraiser - Wednesday September 11, 2013 11:00 a.m. sions will not be published. Deliver submissions to room Safe Zone First General Assembly - Thursday September 12, 2013 2:30 p.m. in S290 S-260, email them to dateline.edi- [email protected] or fax them to (713) MBA Information Session - Saturday September 14, 2013 10:00-11:30 a.m. at the Shea Street Building 223 7466. Letters to the editor may be edited for space. They will be From Flab to Fab: Fighting Freshman 15 - Thursday September 19, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. in N602 edited for spelling, grammar and malicious or libelous statements. Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week kick-off event - Tuesday, September 17, 2013, hosted by the Stu- Submissions must be the work of dent Transition and Retention (S.T.A.R.) Program, Time: 11:00 a.m. in A300. Includes student panel, the writer and must be signed. All Q & A and roll-out of the “30 n 3 @ UHD” campaign designed to help freshman stay on track to- submissions become property of wards graduation in four years. Dateline Downtown and will not be returned. AMSA - Be The Match at UHD, Sept 23-26! Save lives by joining the Marrow Donor Registry! There Dateline Downtown is the official will also be Zumba, games and more! Be The Match is an organization with a purpose of adding peo- student-produced newspaper of ple to the Registry so blood cancer patients have HOPE for a cure. You could be someone’s MATCH! The University of Houston-Down- town. Editorials, cartoons, columns and letters are the opinions of individual students and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of other Advertise with us! For information on individual student writers, editors, advisors of the University of Hous- prices email us at [email protected] ton-Downtown, its administration or students. Sept. 9 - Sept. 23, 2013 NEWS Page 3 Workforce Recruitment Program offers paid internships for students with disabilities Theodore Shull changing school atmosphere, unex- Staff Reporter pected academic difficulty, and the first freedom they have away from The 2013 Workforce parental supervision. Recruitment Program offers 30 Paid These sudden and profound Internships for highly motivated changes exacerbates existing men- college students and graduates with tal health conditions and also cause disabilities eager to apply their skills symptoms, which may have been in permanent jobs in all levels of dormant for years, to emerge es- government including the private pecially in entering freshman and sector. This program can provide transfer students. The Department significant opportunities for persons of labor also reports that students with evident physical or mental dis- suffering from symptoms of these abilities, although more deliberate underlying disabilities may turn to and careful consideration should be alcohol or illicit drugs to cope with made when deciding to disclose an additional stress or fear that they ex- “invisible” or non-evident mental perience. health condition. (Prince George’s County Dept. of Family Services via flickr / creative commons) The only reason for someone re- Of particular interest to this top- ceiving medical treatment for a ic is an article found on the United higher today. Many members of the • Transitional assistance for stu- mental health disability is if the in- States Department of Labor: Office psychiatric community relate a ma- dents transition into the dividual is seeking an accommoda- of Disability Employment Policy jor cause of this mental health con- workforce tion from their employer to perform website titled: Entering the World dition with the number of distrac- • Nervousness and fear of public the job better. Therefore a person of Work: What Youth with Mental tions that the “A.D.D. Generation,” interaction with such a disability can decide for Health Needs Should Know About a term associated with elementary • Developing time-management themselves if and when to disclose Accommodations. According to the through high school aged youth, skills, by using an electronic that fact to an employer or potential National Institute of Mental Health, face in an always on, plugged –in calendar with a reminder employer. “the leading cause of disability in and always connected world. These function According to an article in the online the U.S. for ages 15-44 is major de- experts present an interesting case • Organizational Skills journal Diversity World, “If you can pressive disorder,” an invisible dis- concerning an entire generation of • Expressing feelings of stress and carry out the job duties without any ability. A study conducted by the school children exhibiting learning emotions accommodations, you may choose U.S. Centers for Disease Control and and attention difficulties in continu- • Maintaining Focus not to disclose it even after you are Prevention on mental health among ing education. hired. An Interviewer who is aware youth shows that between 1997 and The U.S. Department of Labor’s Over the last 25 years, attitudes of your disability may have real con- 2006, the diagnosis of Attention Def- website describes many of the among employers and society as a cerns about how it may affect your icit Disorder in children increased symptoms of mental health illness- whole have changed significantly in ability to carry out job assignments. an average of 3 percent per year, es including the accommodations regards to mental health. Millions They may be unsure of how to ask with a 5.5 percent increase between a disabled employee might require of young adults have learned to the kinds of questions that would 2003 and 2007. in order to perform at their opti- work harder to overcome obstacles help to resolve these concerns. Yet, mum level. Some of these include: in their path. After starting college, if those concerns are not addressed, The number of children and young these young adults sometimes find they will likely never make you a adults diagnosed with A.D.D is even • Maintaining regular attendance themselves overwhelmed by the job offer.”

(Center for student diversity continued from page 1) Dr. Hudson spoke candidly about his experiences ing to Vipond, he was detained for three hours; with racism and homophobia while living both in she for only 30 minutes. “It was my first brush the U.S. and abroad. He also spoke of his experi- with understanding that it’s not the same for ev- ence with homophobia in classroom textbooks in- erybody,” she said. Vipond, a seasoned educator cluding an incident involving the racial profiling not only on a university level, but also on a sec- of some of his weightlifters during a trip home ondary school level (once being a teacher in the from a meet. Houston Independent School District) is always “My perception of diversity is multifaceted, it’s upset over intimidation and bullying of any kind. scholarly, it’s practical in a sense that much of my She pushes UHD Safe Zone to seek student, staff scholarly work is intended to give fellow teachers and faculty participation. Both candidates agree ideas that they can take and use in the classrooms that transgender students should have a safer immediately. It’s not so theoretical that it doesn’t and inclusive environment on campus—especial- have practical application immediately,” he said. ly when it comes to restroom usage. (thedeskidea.com) In 2009, Hudson helped in the creation of Safe According to Douglas J. teDuits, Ed D, SPHR, Zone; a UHD organization designed to provide Assistant Vice-President for Talent Management ment related to diversity, among other things. LGBT students with a safe haven. and Affirmative Action officer for UHD, the Uni- During the open forums both candidates ad- Ms. Vipond described her personal experiences versity screening committee identified the two dressed an audience ranging from students to with an international travel program at UHD in candidates, Hudson and Vipond. Provost Ed faculty and people of different ages, races and 2006. She travelled to London with a UHD en- Hugetz will identify the final candidate. genders. The candidates opened up not only tourage stating that it “was one of best experi- about the academic and professional qualifica- ences of [her] entire career.” Vipond explained tions they would bring to the Center, but also per- how one of her travel companions, a Pakistani, sonal experiences that reveal the level of human was racially profiled at Heathrow Airport in Lon- sensitivity and awareness the position requires. don—just fresh after September 11, 2001. Accord- Sept. 9 - Sept. 23, 2013 EDITORIAL Page 4 Keep high school friendships strong in college all factors that cause friends to drift a cool way to get a feel for each oth- spreading the love through snail apart. However, this doesn’t mean er’s college lives. If your breaks line mail is a heartwarming reminder they have to affect your friendships up, however, going on a mini-va- that you are thinking of each other. as well! cation makes for excellent bonding Remember that being a good friend Start new traditions. When I first time. When you spend four to five is not about who has been there the left for college, my high school months without seeing each other, a longest but who has been there for friends and I made a point of having week is more than enough to make you when you needed them. It’s easy a movie night whenever we were all up for lost time. to forget this when you’re caught up home at the same time. Three years Start a blog together. Setting up in the stress of college, and there later, we still do the same thing. an online space where you can come will be times when you might feel Starting a new tradition is not only a together to laugh at inside jokes, like your hometown friends have great way to ensure that you will see quote your favorite movies, post forgotten you, but chances are they all of your high school friends when old and cringe-worthy pictures, and will probably feel the same way. you need to see them, it also solidi- maybe even start projects together Never hesitate to give a friend a fies your friend group and strength- will be just like hanging at your par- call or send them a text just to see ens your friendships. It’s not so ents’ house, minus your annoying how their day is going. Sometime (eflon via Flickr/creative commons) much about actually watching the younger siblings. It’ll be like having friends refrain from contacting you movies than it is about reminding your own private social-network! because they don’t want to annoy Diana Vega each other that there are always Take the old-fashioned route: you (maybe you even do this), so via uloop.com friends waiting for you at home. snail-mail. Twitter and Facebook are the little things really do count. Take advantage of school breaks! quick and simple ways to stay con- They will reciprocate the love and Once high school is over and ev- While starting a new tradition is a nected, but nothing is more personal the next time you see them it will be eryone moves away to college, it be- good idea, scheduling conflicts will than sending a hand-written let- just like old times. Keeping in touch comes increasingly difficult to stay arise from time to time. For this rea- ter or a care package. Good friends throughout college is tough, but the in contact with hometown friends. son, it is in your best interest to take know each other’s favorite snacks important people will still be there School, work, distance, and start- advantage of school breaks, both and candy, and if they’re extra spe- to congratulate you on the day of ing a new social life in college are yours and your friends’. Visiting cial they know exactly when some- your college graduation. each other during breaks is always one is in need of a pick-me-up. Thus, Miley Cyrus and adulthood in America Stephanie Claybourn sponsibilities. While fame does come with many Staff Writer perks, no child in Hollywood is exempt from the responsibilities the rest of us have to bear, includ- For many students, faculty and staff reading Miley Cyrus. But that also entitles her to the ing the current Dateline edition, that name Mi- same ways of blowing off steam as the rest of ley Cyrus will conjure up memories of the recent her infamous, college aged counterparts. If you VMA’s including images of a barely past teenage have lived under a rock and just been too busy young woman bent over at the waist on a stage decorating to notice, what Miley did on stage is on national television, attempting to “twerk” or nothing, NOTHING, compared to what you can shake what her mama apparently forgot to give see the average 18-23 year old doing on Saturday her. The performance proved to be a very strange (albertogp123 via Flickr/creative commons) night at any given dance club. It is a subjective time to decide to touch one’s toes with the help experience, and not all clubs are created equal, same way, but we’ll come back to that presently. of a male partner for balance. The outcry and but in general you will get a very thorough sex The main point is that once children/adolescents backlash about Miley’s decision caused viewers education if you felt the one you received in high reach the age of 18 in this country, the law consid- around the nation to wonder, “What’s the big school was lacking. The crazy part is that you can ers you an adult. No, you can’t (legally) drink, deal?” see people who are at least 28 doing things that but that is a separate issue for another article. The Get ready, your world is about to rock in a put Miley’s adorable attempt to be “nasty” to important things you can do at 18 are: be tried as big way. Miley Cyrus is an adult, and as such she shame. The girl doesn’t have a butt to twerk, let an adult in a court of law, vote, join the military can do pretty much whatever she wants. Does that alone enough of one to cause so much scandal. and get married. Also, many adults choose to go make her behavior in public acceptable? No, but At this point, at least half of you are go- to a community college or a four year University it does mean we can all get our undies untwisted ing, “But she was being slutty! And you’re at 18. None of these are small or insignificant re- and relax. Not all people define adulthood the (continued on page 8) Like something we said? Hate something we said? Have a newstip for us? Want to write a letter to the editor? We want it all! Email us at [email protected].* For advertising information, contact the Business office at 713 221 8275 or email us at [email protected]. *Submissions should be no more than 300 words, include the author’s full name, phone number or email address, and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Letters to the editor may be edited for space. They will be edited for spelling, grammar and malicious or libelous statements. All submissions become property of Dateline Downtown and will not be returned. Sept. 9 - Sept. 23, 2013 OPINION Page 5 The Houston Public Library card, your “smartest” card Mayor Annise Parker has entered into several partnerships to provide expanded services and City of Houston programs addressing adult literacy. This includes more English as a Second Language options and GED achievement options. September is Library Card Sign- The Houston Public Library links you to technology access and instruc- up Month, a time when the Houston tion. Libraries bridge the digital divide by providing access to a full range Public Library joins with public li- of technology resources and digital literacy classes. In the last year, the braries nationwide to make sure that Houston Public Library recorded 1.1 million computer use sessions, which everyone has the smartest card of all were used for free access to the Internet for job searches, school projects, (courtesy of Mayor Parker) – a free library card. and business research. The Library also held 5,700 free computer classes Houston Public Library cards will covering a wide variety of softwares and skill levels. soon be sporting a new design that evokes the Library’s mission, “We link The Houston Public Library links you to workforce development. people to the world.” To sign up, visit the main library downtown or any Through various partnerships the Library offers ongoing support to job one of our neighborhood libraries, go online at www.houstonlibrary.org or seekers and small business owners. Workforce Solutions and the City of call 832-393-12313. I have MY link, do you have yours? If not, I encourage Houston Office of Business Opportunities provide regularly-schedules you to get a Houston Public Library Card today. I guarantee it will be the classes and workshops on a variety of topics at libraries citywide. The Li- “smartest card” in your wallet. brary held more than 1,600 Open Job Search Labs, providing resources and The Houston Public Library links you to student success. From infants hands-on assistance to more than 5,600 job searchers. Customers can even to adult learners, our library provides students with exciting and engag- make a one-on-one appointment for personalized job search, small busi- ing programs and services that make learning fun with resources that they ness or college funding assistance through the Central Library’s Compass can access from the Library or from home – all with their Houston Public Center. Library Card. In FY13, the Library provided 19,000 free online tutoring ses- Houston Public Library serves approximately 20,000 people a day, sions for learners of all ages and held 1,500 After School Zone sessions, with through 42 locations and online. Whether you are researching a class proj- more than 28,000 Teens and Tweens in attendance. These programs provide ect, needing access to valuable information to help with your job hunt or kids with a safe and comfortable place to go for support with schoolwork desire to lose yourself in the latest best seller, the Houston Public Library is once the school day ends. the place to do it. They really are your link to the world! The Houston Public Library links you to literacy advancement. The Library holds more than 2,000 children’s reading programs each year, with more than 62,000 attendees throughout the city. Most recently, the Library

(Love lost in nursing home continued from page 1) staff shortages, staff members often lack time to I smell so bad. I’ve kept myself clean all my life. And feed and clean the residents. In some nursing now, I can’t bathe myself any longer. Does that mean homes, the staff to patient ratio can be as high as I have to lay here like this? It may be days before I get one aide to 20 or more patients. This leads to an cleaned up. And when I am, they are so rough with me. increase in medication error, illnesses and infec- I’m very sore. I lay the same way day after day. I wish tions. Broken bones often go undiagnosed. I could flip over to ease the pain. In America, nearly two million people reside The woman down the hall, she’s always screaming, in 17,000 nursing homes. State and Federal fund- asking for help. I would help if I could. I can’t help ing to support nursing homes is low. A nursing myself, much less her. I’m so sad Roy. It wouldn’t be aide’s wage only averages 8 dollars per hour. This so bad if I were treated like a human. To be treated with makes it difficult to attract and keep quality staff respect. in nursing homes. Sometimes I cry. I cry as quietly as possible so I won’t Abuse and atrocities against our loved ones are be yelled at. They don’t like troublemakers or complain- inexcusable. The percentage of nursing homes ers. Often, the aide will yell, “Shut up Mable!” I just cited for violations has increased every year since lie here, quietly, covered in my own misery. Maybe if (borya/ flickr via creative commons) 1996. Staff members have been accused of com- mitting physical or sexual abuse, as well as failing they cared or pretended to care, I wouldn’t wish for dy- quired to conduct criminal background checks on ing, to be with the Lord. to protect people from abuse by other residents. volunteers and vendors having contact with resi- Sadly, a number of residents have been slapped, dents or clients. punched, choked and kicked by staff or other res- Love, Although there is a process in place to prevent Mom idents. hiring of criminals, it is hard to gauge how caring An investigation found a Chicago nursing home an individual is. It takes a special kind of person Although there are many fine nursing homes with dozens of residents in physical restraints. to selflessly care for others. Unfortunately, there Inspectors found a San Francisco nursing home with dedicated workers, many individuals can re- are those in nursing homes who provide inade- late to Mable’s situation. A study prepared by the with hundreds of ants crawling over the body and quate care and in some cases, physical and psy- in and out of the mouth of an 83 year old resident. Special Investigations Division of the House Gov- chological abuse to residents. When necessary, it ernment Reform Committee found that 30 per- We need reform. There must be an improvement is our responsibility to complain. in nationwide nursing home care. This should in- cent of nursing homes in the United States were You may file a complaint with the Texas De- cited for almost 9,000 instances of abuse over a clude increased funding, improved disclosure of partment of State Health Services if you have nursing home conditions, minimum staffing lev- two-year period - January 1999 to January 2001. a concern about the quality of care your family There are measures in place to ensure safety and els per patient and greater fines and accountabil- member gets from a nursing home and do not ity for infractions. adequate care for our loved ones. The U.S. De- get results from its management. Inspections are partment of Health and Human Services works Two weeks after Mable wrote that letter, she was conducted when a complaint is registered about gone. I believe she died of sadness and a broken with the states to conduct annual inspections of a nursing home, which may result in a citation. nursing homes. Individual abuse complaints are heart. Mable’s spirit was broken. Her letter was Reasons for filing a complaint include poor care, found inside the pocket of her robe. investigated by the state. neglect, abuse, under staffing, unsafe or unsani- Under the Texas Health and Safety Code, nurs- With our busy lives of work and family, it is tary conditions and mistreatment. easy to forget about our loved ones. When deal- ing homes and assisted living facilities must con- The number of patients is rising for nursing duct criminal background checks on employees ing with a nursing home, it is important to stay homes across America. A recent ABC Dateline engaged. Visit often and become familiar with the and applicants. In the same way, the Home and program performed a study on nursing home Community Support Services agencies are re- staff and procedures. And if necessary, make that conditions. With either patient overcrowding or complaint. Sept. 9 - Sept. 23, 2013 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Page 6 World of Dance Tour comes to Houston for the first time Elizabeth Padgett said that these visits were predominately coordinated by the Asian Staff Writer student associations at these campuses since they had the most funds available to bring them out. The doors closed with two men, a hotel maid and myself becom- On the subject of their fan base, they stated the majority to ing elevator-mates for the next seven minutes. The maid, frantic be Asian between middle school to high school. Can Nguyen that the fl oor oor fi five vebutton button wouldn’t wouldn’t light light up, up, pressed pressed harder harder and and said one of the issues they face now is how to retain their fans harder, nearly breaking the glass covering. In all her fury she ended and stay relevant as they get older and graduate. up hitting the six instead. The remaining three of us were heading It’s been roughly two and a half years since their appearance to fl oor oor 11, 11, room room 1115.1115. One One of of thethe men, men, inin anan attempt attempt to to ease ease thethe and win on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, season fi ve. ve. maid’s frustration, lunged at the doors as the elevator neared The show aired from January 28 - April 15, 2010. After fl oor oor fi five, ve, falling falling to tothe the fl oor.fl oor. Even Even after after calling calling upon upon all allof of winning, their popularity exploded. Individuals outside his hulk strength to try and stop the elevator, it was still of the dance community knew the Poreotics, their brand of ro- not enough to appease the elevator Gods. The maid, botic styled dancing and signature sunglasses. Along their jour- realizing no one could help her, sulked off and ney, Poreotics have appeared in music videos, such as Justin down the hall when the doors opened to fl ooroor sixsix Bieber’s “Somebody to Love” and were the memorable mon- moments later. key’s from Bruno Mars’ “The Lazy Song”. They’ve appeared Jon Shih, the creative director of World Of on The Ellen Show and were featured at Disneyland in the Dance (WOD); T-Vo, the handler for the Poreo- performance show ElecTRONica, which co-promoted the tics and hero of maids, and myself exited fl ooroor 2010 fi lmlm Tron: Tron: Legacy. Legacy. Though Though perhaps perhaps most mostknown known from from 11 and proceeded to knock upon room 1115, re- their appearance on ABDC, the Poreotics were quite success- ceiving no response. After a few minutes, Shih ful pre-ABDC. They were the Hip Hop International USA makes a phone call to see if perhaps the guys Champions back to back in 2009 and 2010. had stepped out. After a few minutes, we were Di Moon Zhang Their whirlwind of a ride has not come without a price. (Elizabeth Padgett / Dateline Downtown) greeted by a half awake, half-dressed Poreotic While they may be visiting universities now in order to sus- named Charles Nguyen. tain relationships with a slightly younger fan base, the guys “Are you the interviewer?” he asked. “Yes, I am. Nice to meet you,” I themselves had to put their own college goals on hold when they were responded. Vo was in a fi t of giggles behind me over the sight of Nguyen green lit to appear on ABDC. Mayate stated “We were all in college in his boxer-briefs. Shih was quiet and professional, checking his cam- when ABDC happened, but we had to stop when we were on the show. era equipment. Afterwards, we were too busy and couldn’t even attend. I tried to go for I stepped back as Vo and Shih entered the room, waiting outside until a semester and nearly failed due to absences from all of our traveling.” they were ready. Roughly 20 minutes later, Chad Mayate and Justin Can Nguyen expanded on Mayate’s statement, saying “You get the “JetLi” Valles came out of their room down the hall and entered 1115 experience you wouldn’t get in school, so it’s a trade off. I feel like what as well. we get now is real-world experience and wouldn’t have learned this in Finally, after having enough time to post on Instagram and Facebook a classroom.” for a bit, I was invited in. The still sleepy bunch was at least clothed at Pre-MTV, Can Nguyen was attending school to become an X-ray Tech- this point and the window had its curtains parted to add some light and nician, Mayate wanted to be a Clinical Lab Scientist, Charles Nguyen warmth into the room. The half-dressed man from earlier was notice- was aiming to be a high school English teacher, Valles was working ably missing. Apparently the fi rst stop after arriving in Houston was towards a Kinesiology degree and Devera was undecided. Now, they’re Rudy’s, where these California boys indulged on some down south BBQ. all business majors and their classroom is the world. Some indulged a little more than others and Charles Nguyen, peaking Aside from Poreotics endeavors, Can Nguyen keeps himself busy out from the bathroom, admitted he had gotten ill and been up since producing music under the name Dusky Hunters with a friend. He 7:00 a.m. reliving all the brisket and ribs. says “I’m still a producer even when I’m not dancing. It’s my side thing, While Can “Candy” Nguyen and Lawrence “Law” Devera were watch- where I can express myself. I dance as a form of expression, but when I ing dance clips on Youtube, Mayate was concerned about appearances get burnt out, it’s like my music, to get away….its just another way for and was picking up others’ dirty laundry in order to clear a seat for me. me to express myself.” He says Dusky Hunters “is music for dancers to Finally, after I set up my recording devices, Shih set up his camera and dance to. We really enjoy it and are passionate about it.” (Dusky Hunt- everyone was all ready to record each other - I was able to begin the ers is also available on iTunes for download.) interview. Being internationally recognized, Poreotics could have room to be a In late 2012, the Poreotics released a video on Youtube entitled “Re- bit jaded. But, they admitted that they don’t know how to take comple- boot”. This video encouraged and asked their fans to get involved with ments and view themselves as students despite the countless numbers them more. They stated their desires to visit and perform at more uni- of those who look up to them as leaders in the dance community. “Every versities. When speaking with Poreotics about this, they admitted the dancer is still a student. Even when you teach kids or youth, you can Reboot project had actually been placed on hold. They did say that, al- still fi nd a way to learn from them,” Can Nguyen said. though not an offi cial tour, they were invited out to perform and visit a Mayate stated “No matter how good people tell you you are…we don’t few universities including UPENN, Duke and Tulane University. Valles (continued on page 7)

SoReal Cru (Elizabeth Padgett / Dateline Downtown) (Elizabeth Padgett / Dateline Downtown) Sept. 9 - Sept. 23, 2013 SPORTS Page 7 Canelo vs. Mayweather: “The One” The most anticipated light middleweight championship boxing match set for September featur- ing two of the best fighters in boxing today: Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Juan A Hernandez alone is not a reflection of his Staff Writer amazing talent as being one of the best-conditioned fighters in UFC might be one of the world’s boxing history, hence his unde- fastest growing sports today, but feated record. At 36 years old boxing still delivers the goods when with a weight billing of 154 lbs., it comes to super fights. Each gen- Mayweather has proved every- eration has had its share of prime- body wrong in each of his fight. time boxers that have established This may not be the case against a legacy upon retirement. Box- Canelo, as Canelo is only 23 ers such as Sugar Ray Leonard, years old and makes his record Rocky Marciano, Muhammad far more impressive than May- Ali, George Foreman, Julio Ce- weather’s at such a young age. sar Chavez, Oscar De La Hoya, The 13-year difference could Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson certainly be a major advantage have made significant impact in for Canelo, but Mayweather the world of boxing. It is no doubt will not have come this far with that Mayweather and Canelo will the streak that he holds to lose be joining the ranks of such leg- against him. ends in the near future and will first (eluniversal.com.mx) Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, clash head to head September 14. Mexico, Canelo is promoted by The highly anticipated bout will be held in Las Vegas at the MGM Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotion. De La Hoya camp is no Grand Garden Arena. Mayweather will defend his WBA Super Light stranger to Mayweather. In 2007, De La Hoya lost to an undefeated Middleweight title, which Mayweather against the WBC and The Mayweather. Ring light middleweight titles will also be up for grabs which Canelo Recently, various sports outlets revealed that Canelo had gone is defending. This will be Mayweather’s second match since being into training camp weighing around 164 lbs., which is actually 10 released from jail back in 2012. The first match took place last May lbs. above the required weight limit for the light middleweight class. against Robert Guerrero. Mayweather won via unanimous decision. Canelo might have the age advantage, but Mayweather will have The most interesting part of this fight is the fact that both men have the weight advantage if Canelo just barely hits his mark in time for an undefeated professional boxing record; Mayweather holds an im- the fight. pressive 44-0, while Canelo is close with an outstanding 42-0-1. With Billed as “The One”, Mayweather-Canelo will no doubt be a big this in mind, the outcome of the fight will break the undefeated streak PPV draw for Showtime. There will certainly be legions of Mexican of either Mayweather or Canelo. fans supporting Canelo. A record will be broken, titles will change Mayweather has had his share of run-ins with the law, but that hands and boxing history will be made once again.

(World of Dance Tour continued from page 6) place, Houston based team the Galing Cru, finished with a score just know how to take praise. It’s always going to be a climb.” over 98 points. Poreotics was in town August 24 to judge and headline the first ever Along with the Poreotics, Houston local Di Moon Zhang came to Houston World of Dance competition. The World of Dance tour is the judge and was also a featured performer at the event. Originally gain- biggest, international tour that focuses on street and hip hop dance. ing notoriety with his own team Marvelous Motion, he later led the The Poreotics have been with WOD since the very early stages and I.aM.mE crew to victory on season 6 of ABDC with his unique style of commented on the presence of Houston teams such as SoReal Cru and tutting and visionary stage choreography. Marvelous Motion that competed Poreotics reflected on their own in the very first WOD shows. rise and progress, stating that SoReal Cru gained fame as the what has made them the team they runner-ups from ABDC season 2 are today was their experience on and won the memorable Pamona, ABDC. Before the show, they were CA WOD in 2008. They now return led and choreographed by member competing at the first ever Houston Matt “Dumbo” Nguyen (who was WOD. With former member and in Vietnam at the time of this in- UH alumnus Pat Lam judging and terview.) Aside from winning, what noted member Andrew Baterina, they gained most was teamwork back in town from lending his cho- and learning to incorporate their reography talent to South Korean individuality into the Poreotics artist Jay Park, they proved to be brand. I asked them how they de- the hometown favorites, winning veloped themselves and Devera the upper division with a perfect responded, “we are evolving every score of 100. It was a very trium- Poreotics (Elizabeth Padgett / Dateline Downtown) time we dance and rehearse. It phant win for both SoReal Cru and doesn’t have to always be popping the city of Houston. They definitely showed WOD that they should’ve and robotics. Anything we think of or produce is Poreotics style, just been here sooner and further helped to recognize Houston in the street because it’s us doing it.” and hip hop dance community. The other big winners of the night For more on Poreotics you can visit their website www.Poreotics.com hailed from Soundbox Studios, who’s Riot Squad and Lady Rascals fin- where there are links to all of their YouTube and social media sites. ished first and second respectively in the lower division. Soundbox’s For more on the World of Dance tour you can visit www.WorldofDance. upper division team, Wyld Styl, finished second with a score just over com where you can find videos of all performances from the tours, all 99 points to SoReal Cru. And just to show how close it really was, third the competition videos and are able to join the WOD Network. Sept. 9 - Sept. 23, 2013 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Page 8 OITNB: A brief discussion Lauriston Brewster form some semblance of a function- Staff Reporter ing society. So the accolades that this show has This summer saw the release of received are very apt. It is a roller- Jenji Kohen’s Netflix original series coaster ride of great character devel- Orange is the New Black, which is opment and drama that has people based on a personal memoir of the swooning over this show. But let same name by writer Piper Kerman. it be known: this is a very dark, It tells the story of Piper Chapman, a black comedy and viewer discre- blonde, middle-class yuppie, whose tion is strongly advised. This show comfortable posh lifestyle is inter- will mess with your comfort level rupted when dark elements from and push boundaries you would her past come back to bite her. In her not expect to be pushed. This show early 20s, the impressionable Piper straddles the line between darkness was involved in a brief lesbian rela- (wikipedia via creative commons) and comedy: there are moments of tionship with an international drug elation coupled with moments of ut- Spacey in the lead role, OITNB , on is so engrossing; what starts as the smuggler, Alex, played masterfully ter sadness, laughter coupled with the other hand, was released with main character’s personal journey by Laura Prepon in pastiche Goth uneasiness, mundane triviality cou- little fanfare and no real big names evolves to include a vast array of fashion. pled with raw, intense emotion. attached to it. individuals and a wide swath of hu- Alex is aggressive with an icy in- So for a while during the summer, The hype surrounding the show man emotion is put on full display. telligence, and she coerces Piper this show created an ever growing, sprouted, instead, from the perme- But OITNB is different from those into helping her with the nefarious effervescent cloud of ‘fan-swoon’ ating rabidity of its ever growing aforementioned shows because drug enterprise by smuggling laun- that crept through every crevice of fan base. And indeed, it was the in- while the story is told mainly from dered money. They eventually break social media. The cloud eventually creasing pressure of the fans—from Piper’s perspective, her story is not up and ten years pass: Piper is en- enveloped me and, subsequently, I random facebook posts and then, necessarily elevated: all of the char- gaged to aspiring columnist, Larry tried to get other people hooked on suddenly, my co-workers’ testa- acters get a chance to shine-- and (played by Jason Biggs) and she the show (to good avail). And so it ments—that ultimately led me to they all do so very brightly—en- plans to start a small organic artisan went. watch this show. And I was instant- suring that you will definitely have soap company with her best friend, But now that it’s September, the ly hooked after the first episode and more than one favorite character. Polly (played by Maria Dazzia). But cloud isn’t really growing that much; proceeded to gorge myself on Sea- And just about every person in these plans are suddenly suspended rather just looming around waiting son One (finishing it in about three this large ensemble cast—from the when she is indicted for her criminal for curious stragglers to come wan- days). To say the show is addictive inmates, to the guards—has a capti- activities during her fling Alex. dering into it. But if you are one of is an understatement. vating story (and back-story) to tell. Since its debut, the women’s pris- those people on the periphery and So if ‘word-of-mouth’ is the bait And there are two sides to almost on dramedy has become a jugger- wondering if the show is worth your that enticingly pricks away at our every story. Kohen masterfully jux- naut of critical and popular acclaim, time, watch the first three episodes innate curiosity, then the show’s taposes events transpiring within surpassing both Arrested Develop- and that will determine the tide. But character craftsmanship and seam- the concrete and barbed-wire con- ment and House of Cards in Netflix if you’ve already joined the legion of less story-telling is what leads au- fines of the prison with flash-backs viewership. But unlike the former people who have watched Orange diences to ultimately devour this to the outside world that reveal show, which already had a fairly is the New Black over the summer: show hook, line and sinker. what the characters are in prison large preexisting fan base, and the what did you think of it? In tandem with great series like for. And while these women, hailing latter show, which benefitted from Breaking Bad and The Walking from varied socio-economic back- the high profile billing of Kevin Dead, the character development grounds are in prison, they strive to

(Miley Cyrus from page 4) between the eyes. create a huge grey area for those of us in the “real slutty for thinking she’s not! And blah blabity The important distinction between Miley world.” Personally, I consider myself an adult blah.” Please, just please. Miley has nothing on Cyrus and the other adult superstars is age. Just in every way, and I have no intention of letting the original rocks stars like Prince, or Ozzy Os- age. Legally, the government sees them all the anyone tell me otherwise. This attitude informs bourne/Black Sabbath, or Michael Jackson. (It same. This is where defined adulthood becomes on every aspect of my behavior. How I came to is important to note that these are all men, but relevant. When asked how they defined adult- be this way would take many more pages than I again, an issue for a different article.). General- hood, members of the Dateline staff had a vari- am allotted to explain, but the simplest answer I ly, there are plenty of famous people who have ety of responses. One person said you reached can think of is twofold. On the one hand, I was done worse on stage and in their personal lives adulthood “when [you] have responsibilities,” always very independent. My mom likes to say I than Miley Cyrus. The joke is kind of on all of another claimed adulthood started when “re- was born a teenager. Independent and interested us anyway because we chose to watch her per- ality (or rather the perception of it) becomes in doing things my own way. Yet my parents al- form, but she and whatever other powers that less idealized and more of a concrete concept.” ways expected me to act like an adult. What that be decide what she’ll do when she’s on stage. and another said it was a “combination of fac- means for me and my family may be different Besides, the teddy bear motif was significantly tors” that included maturity, the ability to tell from you and yours and it is obviously different more disturbing than Miley’s dance moves. right from wrong, whether or not the individual from the Cyrus family’s standard. Maybe no one remembers, but Janet Jackson in question had a sense of responsibility, and No matter which way you look at it, may or may not have intentionally exposed her lastly the given person’s age. That’s quite a bit adulthood and the path to it is a complex issue, breast to a national audience all the way back in of variety for such an important question. The and there is more uncertainty about it as time 2004. Prince semi scandalized the younger gen- lengthening of the period between childhood/ goes on. Whether or not Miley Cyrus is follow- erations watching the super bowl halftime show adolescence and adulthood is not a new trend ing the steps to maintain her fame, acting nor- in 2007 because, unless you already were famil- in America, and apparently the rich and famous mally for someone her age and simply doing it iar with his shtick, the incredibly phallic shape aren’t exempt. The problem is that the inconsis- in a very public arena, or she’s completely out of of his guitar and the insanely suggestive way he tencies and double standards about what makes control, it is significantly more telling to see how played it would have been like getting a ball pin a person an adult, what the responsibilities of an the American public reacts to and judges Miley’s adult are, and how adults are expected to behave actions. Sept. 9 - Sept. 23, 2013 COLLEGE LIFE Page 9 UHD fitness programs available to students Jessica Hernando out with dancing and club music, Staff Writer Zumba starts a party with its Latin inspired dance moves and modern There’s no need to pay for a gym day music. You will realize how membership when you have a free much fun working out can be with one at the UHD Sports and Fitness these dance aerobic classes. Center. With your UHD ID you For class times, pick up a bright have access to the university’s gym green booklet from the sports cen- and work out facilities. Use the ma- ter or check out the schedule on the chines and equipment available. UHD Sports & Fitness website. Talk to the trainers and ask for their Physical activity is an essen- advice. Grab some friends and shoot tial component for maintaining a Breathe and Step class at UHD Sports and Fitness. a couple of baskets in the gym. Most (Jessica Hernando / Dateline Downtown) healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise of all, take advantage of the free fit- makes you more immune to sick- ness classes that UHD has to offer! focuses mainly on striking with the ness, gives you more energy and These classes are open to UHD stu- Boot Camp incorporates body hands and feet. This class is great brainpower, and guarantees a lon- dents all semester and are held on weight exercises and strength train- for learning self-defense and overall ger, healthier life. Not only does the third floor of the fitness center. ing in a military style work out. body fitness. working out keep you healthy and Breathe & Stretch, offered early in This fast paced class will definitely Step Aerobics and Step & Tone are fit, but it is also the perfect stress the morning, concentrates on bal- push you to the limit. classes that use a stepper in its cho- reliever. So don’t be shy to drop by ance and flexibility in a peaceful set- Butts & Guts is a muscle strength- reography. These upbeat strength- UHD’s Sports and Fitness Center ting. This light yoga class is perfect ening class that works on toning ening classes are guaranteed to get to get that weekly work out in! As for clearing your mind and relaxing and tightening the abs, lower back, your heart pumping. they say, “Don’t leave exercise out of your body before you take on the and butt. While Club Cardio creates a work- your education.” rest of the day! Kickboxing is a fighting class that The Writing and Reading Center now open Alma D. Garcia and Alicia Callender awareness about the WRC. “The resource is available to all UHD students,” Assistant Editor and Staff Writer states lead tutor Jeanna Park. Because not everyone can be expected to write a piece set for a Pulitzer Prize award, tutors help their clients aim in that Students needing assistance to plan, direction. The goal of WRC is to help students become better writers. edit, or draft their essays are wel- During the orientation for returning and new peer tutors, Dr. Scharold come to the services offered by the explained that one of the reasons that students don’t use the writing center Writing & Reading Center (WRC). has to do with the thought that only students with bad writing meet with a The WRC at UHD first opened in tutor, but that is not the case. Professional writers always send their work 1977 and is the oldest writing center to multiple people before publishing their work. in Houston. Back then, the WRC was WRC tutors can be found in N-925. Students can schedule an appointment (via creative commons) a grammar skills center, and in the online to discuss the organization of their essays, learn how to edit their 1980’s, Linda Coblentz, professor at own work, or learn how to become a more proficient reader. If students are UHD, changed the model to a writ- unable to meet on campus real-time, online appointments are available as ing center based on the writing process. Coblentz was the director of the well. center for over 20 years, passing the WRC over to Dr. Dagmar Scharold in During the fall, the WRC is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 9 a.m.to 2001. 7 p.m. and Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Writing & Reading Center is a theory in practice, promoting the use For more information about WRC, visit the website at http://www.uhd. of centers as alternative learning sites for students in different fields need- edu/wrc ing tutoring. One of the problems that face the center is the lack of student (Animal cruelty from page 1) animal several hours later. wards animals, scientific studies in recent years left inside a hot patrol car by its partner.” This ABC-13 Eyewitness News reported on August have highlighted the special connection that ex- dog was a highly accomplished at “bomb-sniff- 30 that “A visually-impaired puppy was found ists between dogs and the people that care for ing,” which is when dogs are trained to use their severely injured last week in Humble, and now them. For decades scientists dismissed serious super-sensitive sense of smell to detect the pres- SPCA investigators are asking for the public’s study of dogs, but now they are beginning to ence of explosive devices or components, a skill help in identifying the suspect or suspects re- study dogs on a deeper level because of the evi- that can’t be replicated by humans. The Houston sponsible” The seven week old puppy found at dent emotional bonds that exist between them Chronicle reported “this is a tragic accident, the a local business at the intersection of Kingwood and humans, which is sometimes described deputy is grieving, and it’s a difficult time for the Drive and Green Oaks Drive had a gaping, in- as a sixth-sense or ability to read human emo- entire (K-9) Unit.” fected wound. “According to officials, a harness tions. According to the PBS -series NOVA: Dogs This event is only one of many incidents of was so tightly strapped to the puppy’s body that Decoded, “now dogs are able to do more on an cruelty or neglect toward dogs in the month of it became deeply embedded in her skin.” emotional level, even more than chimps can do August. More disturbing stories concerning the Responsible for investigating these cases of cru- in their interaction with humans.” abuse and brutal mistreatment of dogs have also elty and neglect are the men and women investi- An article in the September 2, 2013 edition of appeared in local headlines. gators of the Houston SPCA, and are featured in the Chicago Tribune: Lifestyle section, suggests About the same time of the police dog’s death, action on Animal Planet’s ‘Animal Cops: Hous- that dogs are not only able to recognize human three men were observed on a business video ton.’ This show is among one of Animal Planet’s emotions like sadness and grief, but that grief ex- camera throwing a live dog into a trash dump- most highly rated humane law programming ists in pets also. This is one more example of how ster in Southwest Houston and closing the lid so shows that highlights the Houston SPCA’s dedi- strongly dogs are “in sync” with us, but also how the dog could not escape. A passerby heard the cated team of “Animal Cruelty Investigators”. we have evolved together, one species beside an- healthy dog moving inside and rescued the live In response to the nature of human cruelty to- other. Sept. 9 - Sept. 23, 2013 COLLEGE LIFE Page 10 HPV: Calling college students--are you protected? sexually active men and women in Prevention receive the HPV4 vaccine. The rec- the U.S. While unsightly, irritating The HPV vaccine is a strong weap- ommended schedule is a three-dose and infectious, these warts are not on against genital cancer. The HPV series that is to be completed in ap- considered pre-cancerous. Genital vaccine (HPV4) prevents transmis- proximately six months. While the warts are passed by oral, vaginal sion of HPV genotypes that cause recommended age for initiating the and anal contact with an infected genital warts (6,11) in both men vaccine series is between 11 to 12 partner and often require repeated and women and prevents the trans- years, the vaccine can be admin- treatment to resolve. mission of oncogenic types (16, 18) istered as early as age nine years Frequently HPV causes no symp- that cause genital cancer. About 60 and catch-up vaccination is recom- toms and the virus clears on its own. percent of women diagnosed with mended between the ages of 13 to 26 However, persistent infection with cervical cancer have never had a years. The goal in vaccinating young certain oncogenic (cancer causing) Pap test or have not complied with girls is to promote antibody forma- genotypes (HPV 16 and 18) can the recommended guidelines for tion prior to exposure to the HPV cause cancer of the cervix, vulva, va- screening. Cervical cancer screen- virus by sexual activity, thus render- (anewmerckreviewed.files) gina and anus in females and cancer ing (Pap test) is recommended ing protection. Young females are of the penis, anus, mouth and throat based on the American College of thought to have a greater immune According to the Centers in males. Medical costs related to Obstetricians and Gynecologists response than older females. How- for Disease Control and Preven- genital warts are estimated at (ACOG) guidelines. Pelvic exami- ever, sexually active females can tion (CDC), human papillomavirus $200,000 per year. Although contact- nations with Pap tests should begin receive some benefit from the vacci- (HPV) is the most common sexually ed as an adolescent or young adult, at age 21 for women and screening nation because exposure to all HPV transmitted disease in the United HPV-related cancers may not occur should continue every three years types (6,11,16,18) prevented by the States (U.S.). Approximately 20 mil- until much later in life. up to the age 30. Women in this age vaccine is unlikely in females aged lion Americans are currently infect- Cervical cancer rates have declined group have a higher risk than older 13 years through 26 years. For exam- ed with HPV and approximately 6.2 in the U.S. largely due to the use of women of contracting (HPV). Those ple, a female may have genital warts million more infections occur every Papanicolaou testing (Pap test). The women who have a medical com- caused by HPV 11 but no exposure year. An estimated 25,000 HPV-re- Pap test evaluates cells from the cer- plaint such as pelvic pain, lesions to HPV 6, 16, or 18. Vaccination with lated cancers occur annually in the vix for precancerous changes prior (sores or growths) or vaginal dis- the HPV vaccine is not recommend- U.S. with about 18,000 females and to the development of cancer. As it charge should see their health care ed for pregnant women but can be 7,000 males affected. takes approximately 10 to 15 years provider for appropriate diagnosis provided to women who are breast- There are more than 100 docu- for cervical cancer to develop, ap- and treatment. feeding. The vaccine is not live, but mented genotypes of HPV; over 40 propriate screening and early diag- composed of virus-like particles. types infect the genital area. HPV nosis prove essential in preventing Females genotypes six and 11 causes approx- disease progression. Currently, there In 2006 the CDC’s Advisory Com- Males imately 90 percent of genital warts is no approved test to detect HPV in mittee on Immunization Practices The Food and Drug Administra (condolymata) with about 500,000 males. (ACIP) recommended that girls be- cases occurring per year among tween the ages of nine to 26 years (continued on page 11) New concentrations for UHD English majors Lauriston Brewtser ics can benefit from UHD’s revamped em- Staff Reporter phasis on teaching certifications. While Texas is not entirely supportive In addition to the standard B.A. Eng- of separate degree programs at the moment lish majors at the University of Hous- (which is why the proposed B.F.A. did not ton- Downtown can now choose optional come to fruition), a concentration is a good concentrations to complement their de- way to avoid state impediment while also gree. Starting this semester, the College giving students better opportunities within of Humanities and Social Sciences will of- their respective major. fer three new concentrations for students: Time was seemingly opportune for the Film Studies, Creative Writing and Sec- English Department to implement concen- ondary English Education (replete with trations in Film Studies and Creative Writ- state teaching certification). ing as befitting additions to the English While this is perceivably good news for education concentration. Student demand English majors, these new concentrations for Film Studies and especially Creative stem from a rounded motivation that tran- Writing was formidable enough to warrant scends beyond the CHSS: UHD striving to these new changes. Dr. Dahlberg maintains meet the needs of students. The new concentrations will also offer a teacher certification after that the student exit surveys were invalu- Professor of English Dr. Sandra Dahlberg, requirements are complete. able tools for garnering these particular stu- (creative commons) who presides over these new curriculum dent needs. changes, asserts that there is a prevalent need in the area of facilitating sec- Dr. Dahlberg hopes these changes will put us on par with surrounding ondary education certification. institutions and prepare students for success. In addition to new concentra- In a process that took a number of years, there has been a huge concerted tions, there are other tweaks to the English curriculum. For instance, new effort between the Department of Urban Education and other departments Professional Writing majors will notice that their core requirements have to ensure UHD students pursuing their bachelors could also obtain second- been restructured to include concentrations in Theory, Research or Soft- ary education certification within the same four-year time frame. Dr. Dahl- ware. Coming 2014, UHD will unveil a Masters in Rhetoric and Composi- berg, citing the Department of Education, acknowledges that “employers tion. Visit the Department of English in Room S-1045 for more information. in the school district prefer that.” Besides English, students of history, the natural sciences, and mathemat- Sept. 9 - Sept. 23, 2013 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Page 11 Think again before using a fake ID alties to merchants who unknow- if you were banned from a bar, it is ingly sell age-restricted products possible barZapp will keep you out to underage purchasers.” Because because it can store your ID history. the app “keeps track of who was Obviously this introductory ver- scanned and when,” barZapp gives sion of barZapp is not perfect, and merchants proof that they checked will not catch every single fake ID. everyone’s IDs. However, it can scan IDs from all 50 Think you’re still in the clear? states and the Canadian provinces, Another telling feature of barZapp according to Ludlow, making it is that it contains images of what stand out from other apps that are genuine IDs from various states supposed to perform the same func- and countries should look like. This tion. means you will probably look sus- What do you think? Will barZapp picious if your ID does not remote- put an end to the troops of underage ly look like it is from the state you bar hoppers? Or will these fake ID (flickr via creative commons) claimed it came from. carriers continue to slip through the And pay attention, legal drinkers: cracks? Megan Weyrauch information, verifying the authen- via uloop.com ticity of government-issued driver licenses and military IDs. The app Under 21? Maybe you, like many displays the card owner’s name, college students, decided to invest date of birth, ID expiration and ID in a fake ID to get you through your number, as well as visitor history. first years of college. Hey, I’m not Intellicheck Mobilisa CEO Nelson here to judge you. Underage drink- Ludlow created the barZapp app, ers run rampant in colleges across which can be purchased for about the nation. More and more often I $1.99 on the iTunes app store. How- hear stories of people who know ever, in order to scan more than 10 someone with a fake ID. However, licenses per day a subscription is re- while these fakes sometimes allow quired, so restaurant and bar own- the below 21-er’s to slip under the ers must set up an annual or month- knowing eyes of bouncers, a new ly subscription with barZapp if they app might soon stop this practice. wish to use this service. According to an article from The According to information about Huffington Post, a new app called barZapp on the Intellicheck site, barZapp scans the bar code on a the app “can be used to reduce the driver’s license to confirm encoded chance of receiving fines and pen- (flickr via creative commons)

(continued from page 10) be restarted, regardless of the time interval, but completion of the series is important for maxi- tion (FDA) licensed HPV4 for the prevention of mal immunity. Side effects to the vaccine are genital warts in males in 2009. About 250,000 minimal and may include some minor soreness cases of genital warts occur in sexually active at the injection site. males every year. In October, 2011 ACIP recommended the routine use of the HPV4 vaccine for males 11 to 12 years of age to prevent genital Where Can I Get Vaccinated Against HPV? warts and anal and oral cancers. Vaccines are provided at for uninsured chil- HPV4 has proven to be highly effective in men dren up to the age of 18 years through the Texas age 16-26 years although higher antibody titers Vaccines for Children (TVFC) at low cost. Con- were found in young men aged 9 to 15 years. tact the nearest public health regional office or As with females, males have a better response a TVFC/AFIX Consultant at 512-0458-7284, or to the HPV4 at younger ages, although catch- toll-free at 800-252-9152 for more information. up in males 16 to 26 years is also highly recom- Contact information for the immunization pro- mended. gram through the Texas Department of Health Services is: Main number: 713-767-341; Admin- Summary istrative Support Line: 713-767-3410. You may Male and female college students up to the age also be eligible for the HPV4 vaccine at City of of 26 years are candidates for the HPV vaccines. Houston Community Health Clinics. Currently, many college students were prob- HPV Vaccines are available at Randall’s Phar- ably not vaccinated as children against HPV as macy, CVS, Walgreens and many ambulatory the vaccines were not yet available. Vaccination clinics. For further information see the follow- among both males and females effectively de- ing websites: creases the transmission of the virus and pro- www.cdc/gov/hpv tects against the acquisition of genital warts and www.ACOG.com HPV-related cancers later in life. People with a compromised immune system may be vaccinat- Nancy H. Busen PhD ed with the HPV vaccine although the immune UHD Health Services, 445-South response may not be as great as in those with a healthy immune system. If the vaccine schedule is interrupted, the series does not need to Sept. 9 - Sept. 23, 2013 BACKPAGE Page 12 First week back to school fun with UHD Gators Welcome week featured a week of activities for all new, transfer and returning students. A free breakfast of pan- cakes, fruit and coffee or juice welcomed early bird students.

Vendors were invited to de- (Elpidia Medina / Dateline Downtown) light students in free samples of their signature plates. The Sports and Fitness Center dis- played the different types of fitness classes offered during the fall semester. (Elpidia Medina / Dateline Downtown) (Elpidia Medina / Dateline Downtown)

(Tam Ngyuen / Dateline Downtown) (Tam Ngyuen / Dateline Downtown) UHD gets down at the SGA Fall Back Bash One of the most anticipated events during welcome week was SGA’s Fall Back Bash at Pure Club. SGA invited all UHD students to come out and meet one another. Attending gators enjoyed the variety of music being played as well

(Elizabeth Padgett / Dateline Downtown) as a live performance and dance. (Elizabeth Padgett / Dateline Downtown)

(Elizabeth Padgett / Dateline Downtown) (Elizabeth Padgett / Dateline Downtown) (Elizabeth Padgett / Dateline Downtown)