The Venture

Early Voting Polling Location at 1475 W. Gray St: A volunteer with Judge Robert Hinojosa waits for voters at an the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center

IVAN CASTILLO The Venture

By RAYMOND RUIZ

UHCL to Vote More than UH and UHD A recent poll found that Houston college students are apathetic about the upcom-ing congressional elections. The Venture Polling Unit found that students from UH, UH-Clear Lake and UH-Downtown do not plan on voting this midterm in mass numbers. Of the three universities, UH-CL has the highest percent-age of potential voters with 60 percent of students indicating that they plan to vote on November 2. Only 52 percent of UH students plan on voting, while UHD came in a distant third with 43 per-cent of students planning to vote. The results echo the find-ings of polls conducted by the Pew Research Center and other media outlets that have gauged student opinion on the subject. “UH-CL is a smaller campus, which makes it easier to capture students attention and get them to participate in elections. The UH-CL students are more ma-ture because the campus special-izes in upper-level undergraduate programs,” said Melissa Salazar, history graduate student at UH-CL. “Our demographics definitely play a role in voter participation.”More than one reason Political strategists have been trying to motivate the youth vote for a number of years with little success, but there is no

one reason for student apathy. “My friends aren’t as in-volved in politics or any controver-sial issues. Most college students don’t care and just go on with their lives,” said Kevin Mesquita, bio-chemistry freshman. “I talk to my friends about politics but it’s some-thing they don’t want to talk about.” There are other fac-

tors involved when it comes to student indifference. “Students often lack infor-mation because the personal sched-ules of students can be overwhelm-ing,” said Salazar “Also, many of my friends believe that their vote isn’t going to make a difference.”Effect on Elections

If student voters stay home on Election Day like they plan, it would hurt Democrats more than Republicans. According to The Venture poll, the majority of students on all three campuses would vote for the Democratic candidate in their district (for a breakdown of the results see the Election section on page 4).

In response to the lack of enthusiasm, the Harris Coun-ty Democratic Party has part-nered with college organizations and young volunteers to moti-vate students to the polls. To ensure they target their youth base, HCDP has enlisted the sup-

A Different Kind of RecipeBy DEYADIRA TREVINO With rising obesity rates, a Houston nonprofit seeks to teach school children about nutrition in a fun and hands-on manner. “Recipe For Success is dedicated to combating childhood obesity by changing the way children understand and appreciate food,” said Gracie Cavnar, founder of the Recipe For Success Foundation, which is currently working with six area elementary schools. RFS offers a Seed To Plate program in a variety of formats for schools to incorporate into their curriculum to create a campus-wide health culture. Cavnar believes that this program, which is currently impacting 3,000 Houston children in hundreds of RFS affiliate schools and community centers, offers something beyond what most children are learning about in school. “Weight patterns and food attitudes are set by age 11. Children at the elementary

level need something more than just gym class,” said Cavnar.

Pictured aboved Chris Garcia, Houston City Club. Houston’s finest chefs help teach children about their food from Seed-to-Plate.Photo provided by Recipe for Success

leader and team nutrition leader who collaborate to execute and implement core initiatives, which includes bringing professional chefs into classrooms and having students raise an organic garden. “Kids come out with a real solid understanding of what food is really about. We’re not preachers; we make food fun,” said Caynar on the S2P programs. “We don’t teach them how to make ants on a log or happy face pancakes. We teach them how to make

The S2P programs operate under the guidance of a RFS team

ratatouille or pesto from their own garden. We are changing lifestyles and creating sustainable change.” Much like the gardens they help cultivate, RFS is growing. RFS will soon go national offering a S2P training and certificate program in late 2010 for those wishing to add this program to their school. Also, RFS will be venturing into city farming in Houston. Hope Farms will cultivate 100 acres of farmland to provide Houstonians with affordable fresh produce. Gracie Cavnar is working on a book series to be release late 2010 titled Eat It! Food Adventures-Trade Routes & Foodways with Marco Polo, Volume 1-Leaving Home.

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see POLL, page 5

“”

Weight patterns and food attitudes are set by age 11. Children at the elementary level need something more than just gym class.- Gracie Cavnar.

2 The Venture October-November, 2010 [email protected] uhelgato.com

NEWS/SPORTS

The Venture is now at seven different campuses, UH-Main campus, UH-Clear Lake, and on five Houston Community College campuses. So be prepared, because the Venture is going far! In this Election issue,

Letter from the News Editoryou will find our first ever News Poll, along with an election sec-tion. There are different voting graphics, which emphasize the importance of voting on Nov. 2. Get out there and vote! You will also find events that will be taking place through-

By NORMA VASQUEZ

El Gato Media Network UH-Central * UH-Clear Lake * HCC

Executive Director Photo Editor

Faculty Advisor

Opinion Editor

Sports Editor

Copy Editor

Entertainment Editor

News Editor

Raymond [email protected]

Anna [email protected]

Edgar [email protected]

Darlene [email protected]

Norma [email protected]

Ivan [email protected]

Jesus [email protected]

Dr. Fred [email protected]

It’s hard to imagine that a place where 80 percent of its inhabitants are unemployed; the average income is a little over $6,000 annually; and the life expectancy is from 48-52 years of age due to poor nutrition, disease and inadequate medical care is in the midst of Mount Rushmore. This is the reality for the Oglala Sioux of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Pine Ridge residents dwell in horrifying statistics with sub-standard housing. Almost 40 percent of homes do not have electricity, 13 percent do not have plumbing and over 9 percent do not have functioning kitchens. A home on the reservation is typically a trailer rather than a house or apartment. Black mold severely infests the walls of the already deteriorating housing, affecting the people of Pine Ridge with more illnesses. “Black mold is rampant throughout the nine reservations in South Dakota. We have no relief. It’s a national disaster area. Nowhere else in the western hemisphere is life

expectancy so short,” said Russell Means, a Pine Ridge resident and Native American activist in the documentary “Wounded Heart: Pine Ridge and the Sioux.” “Trailers are so hard to heat. They’re so thin and they’re made that way because they’re mobile” said Naomi Sitting Bear, a Pine Ridge resident, in an interview with USA Today. “I’m living in a trailer and it’s really hard in the wintertime. Because [trailers] are so thin, you gotta have double heating, you gotta have your furnace and your stove.” This problem is reservation wide. “The biggest need is houses. We have large families on the reservation. We have no economy. Our poverty is high and the only thing people have here is each other,” said Jerome High Horse, construction manager on Pine Ridge, to USA Today. Diets on the reservation are harmful to its residents. Due to commodity food, mostly containing flour and low protein, diabetes is rampant among the

Oglala Sioux. The prevelance of obesity and heart disease is high as well. Pine Ridge residents are three times more likely to die from diabetes compared to the rest of the country. Mothers who suffer from malnourishment are five times more likely to have a stillborn child than other American mothers. Alcoholism is huge problem on the reservation. While the reservation itself prohibits the sale of alcohol, the bordering Whiteclay, Neb. does. Whiteclay, a town of 14 according to the 2000 Census, consists of only four liquor stores and no other business. Each day; this town sells 12,500 beers to the inhabitants of Pine Ridge. That amounts to over 4.5 million beers each year. “There’s more money spent on convicts per day than is spent on healthcare for Native American people,” said Dean LaVallie, publisher of Lakota Journal. “It’s unfortunate. This is an atrocity that this is going on.” Education wise, about 70 percent of Pine Ridge has at least a high school diploma but only a mere 12 percent of these high school graduates hold a college degree. “I see my people digging through trash - my people, the descendants of my ancestors who on a field of battle defeated the U.S. and made them beg for peace,” said Russell Means. “They’re reduced to digging in trash.”

For more information on the Pine Ridge Reservation, visit http://www.backpacksforpineridge.com/Stats_About_Pine_Ridge.html

The Poorest Place in AmericaBy DARLENE CAMPOS

Photo by: Aaron HueyA park in Pine Ridge

NBA Power RankingsBy JESUS ACEVEDO

The defending champions got better in the offsea-son with the acquisitions of Matt Barnes and Steve Blake, and all signs point to a possible three-peat for Kobe and company. Only question is can Andrew Bynum stay healthy?

The addition of Lebron James and Chris Bosh im-mediately improves the Heat and catapults them to title contenders. Can the Three Amigos learn to play cohesively?

Older, but wiser. The Celtics are the team you can never count out. Doc Rivers will monitor his play-er’s minutes to get them prime for the playoffs and with the addition of Shaquille O’Neal and Jermaine O’Neal the frontcourt is beefed up. Look for Rajon Rondo to elevate his game to all-star potential.

Dwight Howard’s offseason workout included practicing post moves from Rocket’s great Hakeem Olajuwon. Howard’s improvement will keep the Magic among the top teams of the Eastern Confer-ence but will it be enough to knock off the Celtics or the Heat?

Expect the same from Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd, but can Caron Butler elevate his game to com-plement Dirk’s? The addition of Tyson Chandler solidifies the frontcourt along with a full season of Brenda Haywood giving them a tall team to match up with the Lakers.

If Kevin Durant can translate the success he had in leading Team U.S. to a gold medal in the FIBA Championship games, the league is in trouble. The Thunder are a young and the emergence of Russell Westbrook as a premier point guard could see them a solid number two behind the Lakers.

The Trail Blazers had 50 wins last season while managing injuries to Brandon Roy, Greg Oden, Joel Przybilla and even coach Nate McMillan. If they can stay healthy and Roy and Andre Miller can co-exist, all signs point to another 50-win season and deep playoff run.

With Jerry Sloan at the helm, expect to see the same pick-and-roll offense that has garnered him 1,000 wins, all with the Jazz. While losing Carlos Boozer to the Chicago Bulls was a huge loss, the acquisi-tion of Al Jefferson should make Jazz’s fans forget sooner than later.

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Expect the Bulls to be a better defensive team under new coach Tom Thibodeau, who was responsible for the Celtics stifling defense past few years. A busy offseason saw the Bulls add Carlos Boozer and sharp-shooting Kyle Korver to a team that includes Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. This team has high expectations, but can it deliver?

How successful can Yao Ming be in his return after missing and entire season will be the biggest question. To start, the Rockets will limit him to 24 minutes a game as he works his way back. The ad-ditions of Brad Miller and Courtney Lee give coach Rick Adelman plenty of weapons off the bench.

1

Los Angeles Lakers

Miami Heat

Boston Celtics

Orlando Magic

Dallas Mavericks

O k l a h o m a City Thunder

Portland TrailBlazers

Utah Jazz

Chicago Bulls

Houston Rockets

2

3

8

7

5

4

6

9

10

out the month for Día de los Muertos. This issue includes pictures of murals on the East End from our photography department, Xpozure. Our next issue will be out in January; good luck on exams and have a great break!

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and countries work along with or in defiance to each other. Some federations are doing their part to rest and preserve their nation’s top talent such as Mexico, who will use a youth team with five veterans for the 2011 Copa Amer-ica. In the end the players have a say if they report to camp or not. “I preferred to stop,” said Xavi after the World Cup. “It didn’t bring me joy. I wasn’t happy.”

The Venture 3 SPORTS

World Football: Lighter Squads, Fatter PocketsBy EDGAR VELIZ

The start of the 2010-2011 European Football seasons has seen figures like Xabi Hernandez, Wayne Rooney and Arjen Robben miss matches or loose form after their World Cup campaigns, yet with the new seasons under way, how long until more players break down? “It was a complete acci-dent in the World Cup,” said Man-chester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on the injury that plagued England captain Rio Ferdinand. “These things are never easy.” Rio Ferdinand is just one of numerous players that were sidelined this past World Cup. In-juries along with fatigue were noted as a handicap for numerous teams going into the World Cup. Managers and players both suf-fered from the intense preparation. “It was my responsibility. I have no excuse,” said former Italy manager Marcello Lippi after Italy was eliminated from the World Cup. “It is evident that this team was not completely prepared.” The red flag for Italy came shortly after a 2-1 defeat to Mexico. The Italian players played off the defeat claiming to have “fa-tigue” from their pre-tournament training, which was conducted at altitude to prepare for South Africa. Barcelona management had their eyes glued to the tele-vision as a core group of their team represented Spain, Mexico, France, Ivory Coast and Argentina.

With the end of La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey, Barcelona played more than 50 matches, which did not include pre-season friendlies. Adding the seven games Spain played to win the World Cup means the six Span-ish Barcelona players partici-pated in over 60 matches from September of 2009 to July 2010. Playing at a high level for the long period of time has brought players to ask for longer vacations. Xavi missed Barcelona’s 1-1 tie with RCD Mallorca in October and only featured 15 minutes in the 1-1 tie with Mexico in August. Now that the World Cup is over Europe is focusing on qualifying for the 2012 Euro-

pean Championships along with the club season. CONCACAF, AFC and CONEMBOL will host their domestic competition in the summer of 2011. FIFA will run a World Cup dress-rehearsal in 2013 with the Confederations Cup. After the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 it seems like the cycle will continue. FIFA delegates the fixture congestion to the federations, thus a universal answer to this conges-tion seems unlikely. With massive financial agreements with sponsors and television stations the future of football players is uncertain due to the rigorous club and commit-ment to playing for their country. The antique argument of club vs. country arises with ev-ery FIFA match day. Some clubs

IVAN CASTILLO The Venture

FIFA vs PES: The Classic of the ConsolesBy ANTONIO CRUZ TREJO

Just as there are rival-ries in the world of soccer, the gaming franchises FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer go head to head. The FIFA series, pro-duced by Electronic Arts, is the most popular video game soccer se-ries in the world. It is the only game licensed by FIFA, the English Pre-mier League, the German Bundes-liga and the Mexican Primera Di-vision, which is one of the main attractions according to gamers. “I’ve been a FIFA fan since 2005 when the Mexican league was finally fully licensed. I think it’s the most attractive thing about EA; they have the real kit de-signs the real rosters. This makes it a very cool game,” said Marco Garcia, an avid gamer. “It gives me the chance to play with my fa-vorite Mexican team, MLS or Pre-mier League team; it’s not like PES where I have to play with ‘Man Blue’ or ‘North London’ instead of Manchester City and Arsenal.” Although EA and FIFA have the advantage on the num-ber of licensed teams and leagues, PES has managed well enough to compete with EA without having half of the teams that FIFA has. Konami, the producer of Pro Evolution Soccer, found a loophole on EA’s license exclu-sives. EA had the opportunity to create the official UEFA Cham-pions League game from 2004 to 2007, but UEFA decided not to renew its contract and instead ac-

cepted Konami’s offer to add the content of the Champions League to PES, a move that has become a major success for the franchise. This first contract with UEFA opened the door to the PES producers to add an extension to this first contract to include the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Su-per Cup. With those contracts in hand Konami went further to attract more fans, this time by adding the most important tournament in South America: the Copa Libertadores. This addition to Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer is the most exciting part of this year’s release. “Finally, I’m going to have a chance to play my favor-ite Chilean team (Universidad de Chile) on the Libertadores,” said Adrian Macias, a student at Houston Community College. “I think PES is seriously think-ing about fans from South Amer-ica this time, not like FIFA, who keeps ignoring our teams.” The real argument comes

about when choosing the best graphics, game-play, online ca-pability and strategy, which are the main parts of both games.

Zach Gomez and his brother Martin are avid gamers of soccer games and both have been comparing the games on their demo editions to help them de-cide which one they should buy. “I like the graphics from PES. They are way more realis-tic than the ones from FIFA, and the strategies in PES are more ad-vanced, which help the overall game play. However, on all those extras

[email protected], 2010

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like the career mode and practice mode I think FIFA is better,” said Zach Gomez, a Sears employee. His brother, Martin, a student at Houston Community College, thinks different. Martin said that while the graphics are better on PES, he enjoys the fun factor that FIFA provides because he is not one to keen on strategy. “I have to say the online feature on FIFA has been better than PES in the last editions and surely the 2011 version will be just as great,” said Martin. “The game play is better on FIFA; it is smooth-er and more realistic. For those reasons I choose FIFA over PES.” In a poll conducted by The Overtime Page, 68 percent of the people chose FIFA over PES. FIFA had the early advan-tage on gamers as their 2011 re-lease launched October 1, while PES will be released to the pub-lic October 19 on all platforms.

“”

I think it’s the most at-tractive thing about EA; they have the real kit designs the real rosters. This makes it a very cool game.

- Marco Garcia.

Happy Halloween!

4 The Ventureuhelgato.com

ELECTIONS 2010 October-November, 2010

Did you know?On August 27, 2010 a fire destroyed the building that stored 10,000 Harris County voting machines. County Clerk Beverly Kaufman collaborated with 14 counties and a city to borrow enough voting ma-chines to ensure all polling locations will be open on November 2.

The Houston Police De-partment announced that they are endorsing the incumbent Governor Rick Perry over former Houston mayor Bill White on October 7. Police leaders cite their preference for Perry due to the shortage of police officers during White’s terms as mayor. White held a press conference the following day to pass off any speculation that this may hurt his campaign. It was an-nounced that 98 percent of sheriffs protecting Texas borders. He has also received endorsements from the Deputy Sheriffs Association of Bexar County and the Fort Worth Police Officers Association would be supporting candidate Bill White for his election.

White also had the sup-port of Adrian Garcia, current Houston sheriff, who spoke on his behalf. “Perry needs to quit play-ing politics with public safety, do his job and secure borders,” said Garcia. “Local law enforcement needs support.” Much of the press confer-ence focused on Perry’s border views. “Our problem in this state is not local law enforce-ment but Rick Perry’s ten years of failure to secure the border,” said White. “Instead, to earn a headline, he creates a myth then fabricates a solution.” White also commented that Perry “appears to have broken

Perry Endorsement Jabs at White

Q & A with Jerry Peruchini Harris County Democratic Party

Director of Latino Outreach

If elections were held today, would you vote for the Demo-crat or Republican in your district? Democrat Republican Neither

58%

12%30%

62%

5%23%

52%

8%40%

Do you approve or disapprove of the job President Barack Obama is doing? Approve Disapprove No comment

49%

12%39%

42%

13%45%

48%

2%50%

The Venture News Poll

The Venture polling unit: Erika Andrade, Xavier Hernandez, Alina Moreno and Brenda Rojo

Q: What is the HCDP, and how do you differ from the national party? A: What’s really neat about HCDP is that we’re one of the few county parties that is actually up and run-ning 365 days a year. We have an executive director that’s a paid position, and then we got a completely volunteer staff as well as a permanent office. In what’s considered a red state, that’s fantastic.

Q: How have the Obama approval ratings affected the HCDP?A: According to Gallop, within our party, he is at 77 percent. The Republicans rate him at 14 percent. We have used it to motivate our base to come back and support our president.

Q: The price of college tuition is a concern for many students; what is HCDP doing to support students pursing higher education?A: The Democratic party has been a champion over education of children and in general. The Democratic party has continued to support higher education be-cause we elect progressive legislators who have the best interests of students at heart.

Q: Why is it important for Latinos to show up on election day if their key issues are not being deliv-ered on?A: Your vote is your voice in politics. The best way for us to see Latinos get comprehensive immigration reform passed and to see the DREAM Act finally passed, is to cast the ballot. The Latino community is the future of Texas.

Q: What initiatives does the HDCP have to engage the Hispanic community in Harris County? A: One of the first things HDCP did was hire me; I’m the Latino Outreach Director for this campaign season. What we really try to do is bring back our base voters to the polls. It’s not a secret that voting is habitual, so when you become a regular voter, it becomes a pattern in your life. Some of the things that we’ve done is to participate or host community events, we’ve been to back-to-school fairs, and we’ve held voter registration drives. We really push to educate our Latino base about the importance of voting and having the voice heard.

By XIOMARA MUNDO

[email protected]

Texas Governor Rick Perry (R), is fighting off a chal-lenge from former Houston Mayor Bill White (D) in the November 2 Guberna-tiorial race.

the law by using government resources for his re-election cam-paign.” Perry responded to the accusations on Oct 9, by saying “I work a bunch” to WFAA News 8 from Dallas Texas. When asked about his schedule Perry said he keeps his personal schedule sepa-rated from his work schedule. White commented on Perry’s responses that same day by stating, “We need a governor who’s going to pay attention to the business of Texas.”

An interview could not be con-ducted with the Harris County

GOP. Calls to the HCGOP went unreturned at post time

For more information on the HCGOP:

www.harriscountygop.com

Where to VoteHarris County

http://www.harrisvotes.com/

Fort Bend Countyhttp://www.co.fort-bend.

tx.us/

Montgomery Countyhttp://

www.co.montgomery.tx.us/election/

Brazoria Countyhttp://gov.propertyinfo.

com/tx-brazoria/

Galveston Countyhttp://www.

galvestonvotes.org/

Liberty Countyhttp: / /www.co. l iber ty.

tx.us/elec1110.pdf

For more info contact Erica Lee - [email protected]

The question, “what does it mean to be human?” should not be open-ended like “what is art?” or “what is love?” The question regarding humanity should result in a concrete list of qualities and liberties shared worldwide; there should not be compromises or open interpretations between na-tions. Written in 1948 in response to the Holocaust, the

remember, and no, I know their first only because my mother tells me about them. There is something wrong with seeking comfort in isolation and denial; something wrong with the individualistic mindset found in America, where everything is cut to fit the same pattern, yet everyone obsesses to fashion it “uniquely”; something wrong with not talking to your neighbor, unless there is a disaster.The writers of the UDHR men-tion a “human family,” and it is only with this mindset that one can embrace human rights. There is no room for discrimination, for scapegoating. As we know, there is a difference between theory and practice, preaching and doing. It is difficult for nations to adopt such philanthropy, when there are other political interests— whispering daemons, let me call them— turn-ing them from such ideal. The same applies to interpersonal relationships (we know countries communicate as individuals). As long as we remain aloof to our surroundings, avoiding collectiveness like it will swallow

I think our country needs more access to education, and

educators. We don’t need or want outsourcing but rather we need educated people here to keep jobs here. If people prepare here we won’t send jobs overseas and I feel we need to put money into education. This is the main area about Obama that I am impressed with. -Madhu KaloniUHCL

“ I feel it could be a lot better, Obama is more into what people think about him and I don’t think it should be that way. There are more important concerns in that world, so I don’t think he is doing a

good job.” -Steven RodriguezUHD

The Venture 5uhelgato.com

OPINION/ LIFE & [email protected]

October-November, 2010

Do you approve or disapprove of the job Barack Obama is doing as president?

I think he is trying to do his best but he has failed on some of his promises tht he made to

the Hispanics, such as the

immigration reform. -Araceli PosadaUH

“ I have experience with the socialist type of health care because I am from Greece and I have had disappointments with that system. I am not happy with the way Obama is performing and I don’t see much improvement in the areas of the recession or the

unemployment. ” -AnnetteUHCL

“ I feel the president is doing good and his best, given the circumstances he was given. Considering that we have a very divided nation with Democrats and Republicans, it is hard for the president to get two extremes to come together

on one thing.”-Juan TrujilloUH

“

”

”“

“ President Obama is performing great and sound because he has done a lot of things that most presidents haven’t done in years. He has done a lot for people who might not have anything but now might have

something to live on. ” -Ashton Dwayne CarterUHD

United Nation’s “Universal Decla-ration of Human Rights” (UDHR) is a key document in the history of global human rights. Quoting from the official UN website, www.ohchr.org, the preamble states: “Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,…it is essential to promote the develop-ment of friendly relations between nations…” As long as we are residing on Earth, we are human, beings of flesh and bone— mortal, and most tragically, tortured—Can government really protect us? Or should we rely on some religion to rescue our soul? People argue that religion has been used to frighten people into submission; it is no wonder why separation of church and state was such a struggle throughout world history (and doubtless still is today): If there is no higher au-thority than government, those in power owe no one an answer—yet, the Middle Ages prove that rulers seem to be above, or at least out

The Value of Humanity Measured IndividuallyBy ERIKA ANDRADE

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of reach of God’s punishing hand! I suppose Hell should be filled with la chusma (the masses) while Kings and presidents arrive with polished boots in Heaven, having helped God in his job as ruler of humanity. Let us hope neither is true. Shall we expect then, this “Kingdom of Heaven” to truly come and wipe Earth clean of corruption, crime and violence? Or should we still light up a candle in faith that the United Nations’ Hu-man Rights Council will jump to save our skin? When the 72 immi-grants were slaughtered in Mexico, should we have said a prayer asking for justice, and forgiveness for housing so much hatred in our human hearts, or put in a written protest to the UN? In this age of globaliza-tion, we are all responsible for our condition. We cannot blame only those in power— for there are as impotent, incompetent, and lazy as you and me. Think about it. When was the last time you stepped outside yourself to do something productive for your surroundings? Do you know your neighbor’s last name? I can honestly say, I cannot

port of the Harris County Young Democrats and the Harris Coun-ty Stonewall Young Democrats. Jerry Peruchini, UH alumnus and representative for HCDP, said, “UH Democrats, TSU Democrats and Rice Demo-crats have all been really ef-fective in helping us to register voters and helped to promote par-ticipation in the electoral system.” The Harris County Re-publican Party failed to respond to requests on their youth initiatives.A low student voter turnout could be a boost for the HCRP since younger voters trend to-wards the Democratic Party. The unscientific poll conducted over a seven-day pe-riod from October 4 to October

10 consisted of face-to-face inter-views with 100 random students per campus for a total of 300.

POLLcontinued from page 1

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us individually, pretend we live in a perfect country, and leave the re-sponsibility for those brave enough to carry its hunchback load, we may wake up to find ourselves hopelessly alone in time of need. With the way govern-ments are running right now, and how they have ran before, can we really trust them to protect our right to “life, liberty and the secu-rity of person”? (Article 3 of the UDHR) They have proved haughty even when claiming God blessed their reign; they prove deceiving now that they supposedly work worldly together for our benefit. The truth is, we can only rely on each other, and hope to preserve this dysfunctional human family for a generation or two more. As long as there is apathy between individuals, humanity will continue to kill itself. Let us remember that we have a right to exist, and help each other survive. Human Rights Day is December 10, dare we care?

S p e c i a l Thanks:

To graphic designer Jairo

Razo, who designed the

voting graphics along with the skeleton on pg. 8. Need help with Spanish or English? As a fluent, native Spanish and English speaker who’s pas-

sionate about literature, I am familiar with the connections and differences between English and Romance languages. I offer sessions tailored to any level you’re haveing trouble with.

LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT6 The Venture

The Truth about the Born Liars: A Band in ReviewBy DARLENE CAMPOS Since 2006, the Born Liars have been filling Houston with raw, rough, and rigorous music. This local quartet made from former members of Gun Crazy cites the Who, the Kinks, Chuck Berry, Johnny Thunders and the Rolling Stones as their influences. The Born Liars are just four years old and they have already been making Houstonians head bang to their fast paced beats. Composed of singer and guitarist Jimmy Sanchez, bass and backing vocals Bill Greer, lead guitar and backing vocals Scotty McNeil, and Shane Launder on drums, the band has received a large fan base in Houston. They receive airplay on KTRU, the official radio station at Rice University. They perform live in small venues throughout the city with crowds varying in size. Their first album titled Exit Smiling was released on CD in 2006. Three years later, Ragged Island, their newest album, was released only on vinyl and contains immense rock and roll tracks from ‘Little Match Girl’ to ‘Get Me Home’. In 2009, Houston Press chose Ragged Island as one of the best Texas albums of the year, despite the fact that the album was not even released in CD format. In addition, the Born Liars also ranked #8 on best releases by the Houstonist, calling singer Jimmy Sanchez ‘the Joe Strummer of Houston punk’, an honor considering Joe Strummer’s fame with British punk band the Clash

DARLENE CAMPOS - The VentureBorn Liars perform at Walter’s on Washington.

[email protected], 2010

in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Born Liars performed live at Walter’s on Washington on October 17th, backed by the Talk Sick Brats, Chelsea Hotel, and the Safes. Though the crowd was minor since it was a late Sunday evening, the Born Liars loaded the venue with hard rock, entertaining the flock of music lovers in the audience. The energy was wild and fierce as the band members continuously argued over which song to play next before agreeing to disagree and then started the next tune with a rapid force. It was as if Walter’s on Washington had suddenly transformed to legendary rock music club CBGB’s in New York City which spawned the Ramones, Talking Heads, the Cramps, and several others. Their popular track ‘Go Back One Day’

was played with profound vivacity from the band members, followed by heavy guitar riffs and drumming. Overall, it was a fantastic show to be at on a Sunday night. After the show, Sanchez relaxed outside with a few other attendants. I had my camera with me and politely asked if I could take a photo with him after being so impressed by the performance of the Born Liars. His reply was a simple, “sure!” with a smile on his face. Ragged Island is available for purchase at Sound Exchange and Cactus Music. Exit Smiling is available on Amazon.com. The next live show will be held at Rudyard’s on 2010 Waugh Dr. on Nov. 24th at 10:00 pm.

[email protected]

by Jairo Razo

The Houston Ship Channel- 6601 Harrisburg

JAIRO RAZO XPOZURE

KATY UMANA Xpozure

ORPHA PALOMARES Xpozure

Selena- 7037 Capitol

Journey to the Murals in the East End Art has never made me feel calm or peaceful. Quite the opposite actually. On the few occasions that I’ve been to an art gallery, I get confused and disori-ented because nothing is as what it seems. Besides, I never really “fit in” with the art crowd. Turtle-necks make me break out in a rash and I can’t get the tight jeans past my thigh. If you’re like me, you want art that doesn’t require a fake British accent. Just a few minutes away from UH in the East End are over 20 murals that the everyday man and woman can appreciate. Many of the paintings can be seen while passing on the street. You won’t find fine wine or any French art in this neighbor-hood gallery, but you can find a

decent taco truck. Art and tacos from the comfort of your car? Only in the Barrio!

6311 Gulf Freeway

The Venture 7October-November, 2010 EL PULSOErrores en el Proceso de ResidenciaPor BRISEHYDA MARTINEZ Muchos esperan por largo tiempo la oportunidad de solicitar la residencia legal en los Estados Unidos. Lamentablemente, cuando se les presenta la oportunidad, com-eten errores que les complican el proceso o que les traen como conse-cuencia la negación de la residencia. A continuación se en-cuentran algunos de los errores más comunes cometidos, ya sea en el proceso de aplicación o en el momento de la entrevista. Hay varios caminos para obtener la residencia, uno de estos es la petición por medio de un fa-miliar. Si alguien aplica o solicita la residencia por medio de la madre, solo califican los hijos solteros. Cuando alguien pide a su esposo(a), uno de los errores más comunes es que no toman en cuenta que si el matrimonio es legítimo, los reportes o declaraciones de im-puestos deben de hacerse juntos. “Hay que tomar en cuenta que por ley, después de seis meses de estar viviendo en unión libre, esas personas ya están legalmente casados, por lo tanto hay que tener discreción a la hora de llegar a la entrevista. Algunos no saben esto y van acompañados de su pareja,” dijo Aura Espinosa, presidenta de Familias Inmigrantes y Estudiantes en la Lucha (FIEL). Errores al llenar la solici-tud también son muy comunes. El proceso se complica y alarga cu-ando el solicitante se equivoca al escribir la dirección de su casa o cuando el nombre de los padres no aparece en el acta de nacimiento. A veces la gente se deja guiar por personas que solo están

ahí para llenar papelería, como los notarios públicos que no tienen información precisa y actualizada sobre lo que pasa con inmigración. “Es mejor acudir a una organización pro-inmigrante que ayude a la comunidad porque tienen más acceso a asesoría le-gal por lo tanto los asistentes o el personal están más informados que un notario,” dijo Espinosa quien también trabaja para la or-ganización América Para Todos, organización dedicada a ayudar a la gente en el proceso de la prepara-ción de la solicitud de residencia. Algunos se dejan guiar por gente que no sabe y da infor-mación incorrecta. Es frecuente escuchar a personas que dicen, “es que me dijeron que hiciera eso.” A la hora de la entrevista, los nervios pueden traicionar al so-licitante. El nerviosismo también provoca que la gente hable de más y de información que no es requerida. “Les aconsejo que se asesoren bien, no confíen en cu-alquier persona que les dice que tiene experiencia. Afíliense con una organización que tenga trayec-toria porque esas personas saben como ayudarles mejor. A la hora de la entrevista traten de no pon-erse nerviosos y de no dar más información de la que les están pidiendo. Den respuestas concre-tas; contesten con sí o no, o pidan que les repitan la pregunta para tener la oportunidad de contestar correctamente,” dijo Espinosa.

uhelgato.com

Gringuito, se escribe con “g”. También con “g”, se escribe “gigante”, y “gigantes” son los sentimientos que tengo guardados para él. Morenazo, escrito con “m” como “mío”, una palabra dorada, pero ¿por qué dorada? Hay billones de hombres en la tierra, pero él es “mío”. Tesoro, se escribe con “t” y con “te”, necesario para decir al gringuito mío, “te quiero”. Hermoso, comienza con “h” como “hace” porque no se qué mismo él me hace. Corazoncito, escrito con “c”, suena casi igual que “se”. Aunque hay hartos misterios en esta vida, por lo menos “se” que lo amo. Amor, los demás se dicen simplemente ‘aahhh-moor’. Pero cuando yo digo “amor”, digo “mi gringuito”.

Gringuito

brisehydamartí[email protected]

Por DARLENE CAMPOS

[email protected]

Canciones que probablemente no habías escuchado…y que tienes que escucharMexican Institute of Sound – Alocatel Este grupo trata de combinar los clásicos de la música mexi-cana con un nuevo toque de electrónica. Dj Rivero – BoriquaUno de los compositores his-panos de música electrónica mas populares, que combina el ritmo latino con el beat de electrónica.Cidhino y Doca – Rap Das ArmasAunque esta canción ya tiene tiempo en la radio sigue siendo una de las mas populares para bailar y también una de las mas pegajosas. Juan Magan – Verano AzulLos chiflidos y el beat hacen que esta canción sea una de las mas pedidas al momento de la fiesta.

Por DJ SANTOS

Follow UsSearch UH El Gato to friend us on facebook.

Follow us on twitter UHELGATO

Sussie 4 – StarsLa combinación de rock y techno hacen a este grupo y a esta canción una de las mas populares en México.El Presidente – Café con LecheA pesar de los años esta canción no pasa de moda, al momento de tocarla en la fiesta es seguro que no dejaran de bailaran. Erick Rincón- La AlbercaEl combina la cumbia con electrónica, dándole un toque original a la música. Algo que no se escucha seguido.Radio La Chusma – CruisinEste grupo es difícil de descri-bir ya que su música es original y la manera en que componen las letras los hacen únicos.

Platilina Mosh - Pervert Pop SongEste grupo Mexicano hace un gran uso de los ritmos del rock en español y el llamado electropop.

Espero que hayan disfrutado de la música, si tienen alguna pregunta mándenme un correo electrónico con cualquier pre-gunta y sugerencia a

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http://www.myspace.com/djgen-eration18

8 The Venture

Elections 2010

ComicsPepe by Felipe Campos

October-November, 2010

Confused Chicano by Raymond Ruiz

10 Reasons why college students do not voteBy RUTH MONTANEZ

NOVEMBERPOLITICSREGISTERREPUBLICANRICK PERRYRUNOFFTEXASVOTE

BALLOT BOXBILL WHITEDEMOCRATELECTION GOVENORGREEN PARTY INDEPENDENTISSUES

Stick with Me by Joy Lester

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TBH CenterDesfile de Catrinas: Lourdes Lopez

Moreno presents an original group of hand built skeleton sculptures that de-

light and revel in their Mexican identify.November 2 - 12, 7pm - 9pm

Houston, Tx 77003333 S. Jensen

Monte Beach ParkDay of the Dead

November 1, 3pm - 8pm915 Northwood, Houston Tx 77009

Casa Ramirez Folkart GalleryFREE classes on traditions of Dia de

los Muertos & building your own ofrenda.

October 30 10 am241 West 19th st., Houston, Tx 77008

MECADia de los Muertos: Honoring Our

Past Celebrating Our Future.October 30, 11:00 am - 7:00 pmOctober 31, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

1900 Kane StreetHouston, Texas 77007

The General Consulate of MexicoXI Day of the Dead Altars Exhibition

November 2 - 54507 San Jacinto St.Houston, Tx 77004

Heights Books-LibrosDia de los Muertos poetry reading

Featuring: John Milkereit, Gilberto Arriaga and Oscar Pena.

October 30502 E 20th St Suite D

Houston, Tx 77008

Dia de los Muertos

1. Can’t relate to candidates 2. Did not register on time3. Not interested in politics4. Do not know what issues are being addressed, uni-formed 5. Believe present political system does not work6. Believe that all candidates will not do what they promise7. Voting is not a priority when they have exams to worry about8. Don’t know where the polling place is9. Have relocated for college10. Think their vote won’t make a difference

Locate the word