Topic: University of Houston

Kids on the margins need unpacking of societal norms

Kids on the margins have long had to deal with societal pressures and the need to conform to certain norms. But a recent focus on bullying and gender norms is a reminder that society needs to do a better job of recognizing and responding to such pressures.

From Wilt Chamberlain to Jeremy Lin: 10 NBA 'firsts'

Jeremy Lin's rise on the NBA radar provides the impetus to look back at Wilt Chamberlain's highest-scoring game and nine other NBA 'firsts.'

Jerry Sandusky waives preliminary hearing on child sex abuse charges

The former Penn State assistant football coach waived his right to a preliminary hearing on sex abuse charges Tuesday, meaning the case will go to trial.

Susana Martinez, N.M. gov., says grandparents came to US illegally

Susana Martinez has made headlines recently for her push to repeal a state law that lets illegal immigrants get a New Mexico driver's license.

Oprah Winfrey: The greatest existential philosopher ever?

Oprah Winfrey shares with the great existentialists an indomitable pursuit of two fundamental questions: Who are we? What can we become? And she has shed light on the possibility for a far more hopeful, productive answer to these questions than our traditional existential heroes.

The astronaut who learned how to see

Story Musgrave flew on six space shuttle missions -- and on every one of the shuttles that NASA is retiring this year. In a career of standout performances, he never forgot to savor the experience.

NCAA tournament: Morehead State joins Top 10 Cinderella teams

One of the most enjoyable things about the NCAA tournament - for basketball fanatics and casual observers alike - is the Cinderella story. This list looks some of the best upsets in NCAA tournament history.

On Gulf Coast, nail-biting over future of domestic oil drilling

Stricter deep-water drilling regulations mean Gulf Coast waters are likely to yield less oil this year. Energy firms may shift attention abroad.

New energy: climate change and sustainability shape a new era

A new energy revolution – similar to shifts from wood to coal to oil – is inevitable as climate change and oil scarcity drive a global search for sustainability in power production. But even the promise of renewable energy holds drawbacks.

Edward Albee: American playwright's goal is to stir humans to change

Albee views drama as a catalyst and creates plays that hold up a mirror to human behavior and make people think.

Gulf oil spill aftermath: Will region regain lost jobs?

A federal moratorium on deepwater drilling imposed after the Gulf oil spill is expiring this fall, but economists warn that oil companies may not be prepared to restore the thousands of jobs that were lost.

Gulf oil cap will be installed today

Gulf oil cap could finally stop crude from gushing into the Gulf of Mexico nearly three months into the crisis.

Amelia Earhart's watch brought to International Space Station

Amelia Earhat's watch, which the famed aviator wore on two trans-Atlantic flights was brought aboard the International Space Station 82 years to the day after her first flight.

Gulf oil spill: Could NASA come to the rescue?

As the Gulf oil crisis grows, NASA’s unrivalled expertise and experience in extreme remote environments make it a great candidate to fix the leak.

Gulf oil spill: Did Big Oil run roughshod over regulators?

Why didn't the US Minerals Management Service require that Big Oil install secondary blowout preventers on oil rigs, as other countries have? Congress is investigating this and other issues.

How to stop the BP oil spill: What else can be tried now?

BP has failed to manually shut the blowout preventer, and it could take three months to drill a relief well. Before then, BP will try to put a giant hood over the leaking wellhead, or perhaps even install a second preventer. But no short-term options have a proven track record to stop an oil spill.

Oil spill: Gulf of Mexico disaster 'growing by the moment'

The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has tripled in size in 24 hours. Company officials remain confident that they can contain it before it hits land, but environmentalists are increasingly doubtful.

Oil rig explosion unmasks 'dangerous myth' of safety, lawmakers say

The Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion comes three weeks after the Obama administration proposed opening up parts of the Gulf for deepwater exploration. Two Democratic senators are raising broader safety concerns.

Toyota recall having big impact on company's reputation

Several surveys suggest that since the Toyota recall, the automaker has fallen sharply in customer esteem.

'We need to come clean': e-mails could further damage Toyota

Internal e-mails at Toyota suggest a reluctance to address sudden acceleration. The documents come to light at a time when Toyota is trying to rebuild its image.

The Autobiography of an Execution

A death penalty attorney writes with candor about the painful burdens of his job.

‘Tea party’ movement: lessons from earlier uprisings

While movements like the tea party have fervor and anger, historians caution that such groups can quickly lose momentum and influence.

New Economy cities: Houston aims to move beyond the oil age

Houston is banking on its strong ties to the global marketplace and renewable energy to move beyond the oil age.

Eureka! Real science breaks into TV shows

Once ignored or abused to spice up plots, bona fide study now fills prime-time lineups.

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