Strong defense helped the Cougars fend off the Cincinnati Bearcats last week and helped the team stay just outside of the top 5 in the rankings. | File photo/The Cougar

The college football landscape is ever changing and the polls from Associated Press and Amway Coaches help keep fans up-to-date on who’s the top teams in the country.

The Center for Student Media has decided to join in with our own CSM Poll, collected from members of The Cougar, Coog Radio and Coog TV.

In the second edition of our weekly CSM Poll, a top-five team was toppled and a new power player made their way into the ranks of teams on course for the College Football Playoffs. Some shifting in the bottom-half of the rankings resulted in some familiar faces returning to the rankings and one conference found four of their teams ranked inside the top 10.

1. Alabama Crimson Time (6 First-place votes) (3-0) – 48-43 W @ #19 Ole Miss. Next week: versus Kent State

2. Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0) – 45-24 W @ #13 Oklahoma. Next week: Bye week

3. Louisville Cardinals (3-0) – 63-20 W versus #2 Florida State. Next week: @ Marshall

4. Michigan Wolverines (3-0) – 45-28 W versus Colorado. Next week: versus Penn State

5. Clemson Tigers (3-0) – 59-0 W versus South Carolina State. Next week: @ Georgia Tech

6. Houston Cougars (3-0) – 40-16 W @ Cincinnati. Next week: @ Texas State

7. Stanford Cardinal (3-0) – 27-10 W versus USC. Next week: @ UCLA

8. Michigan State Spartans (3-0) – 36-28 W @ #18 Notre Dame. Next week: versus #10 Wisconsin

9. Washington Huskies (3-0) – 41-3 W versus Portland State. Next week: @ Arizona

10. Wisconsin Badgers (3-0) – 23-17 W versus Georgia State. Next week: @ #8 Michigan State

11. Texas A&M Aggies (3-0) – 29-16 W @ Auburn. Next week: versus #15 Arkansas

12. Florida State Seminoles (2-1) – 63-20 L versus #9 Louisville. Next week: @ South Florida

13. Georgia Bulldogs (3-0) – 38-27 W @ Missouri. Next week: @ Ole Miss

14. Tennessee Volunteers (3-0) – 28-19 W versus Ohio. Next week: versus #18 Florida

15. Arkansas Razorbacks (3-0) – 42-3 W versus Texas State. Next week: versus #11 Texas A&M

16. Miami Hurricanes (3-0) – 45-10 W @ Appalachian State. Next week: Bye week

17. Baylor Bears (3-0) – 38-10 W v@ Rice. Next week: versus Oklahoma State

18. Florida Gators (3-0) – 32-0 W versus North Texas. Next week: @ #14 Tennessee

19. LSU Tigers (2-1) – 23-20 W versus Mississippi State. Next week: @ Auburn

20. Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-0) – 34-32 W versus #22 Oregon. Next week: @ Northwestern

21. Utah Utes (3-0) – 34-17 W @ San José State. Next week: versus USC

22. San Diego State Aztecs (3-0) – 42-28 W @ Northern Illinois. Next week: Bye week

23. TCU Horned Frogs (2-1) – 41-20 W versus Iowa State. Next week: @ SMU

24. Texas Longhorns (2-1) – 50-42 L @ California. Next week: Bye week

25. California Golden Bears (3-0) – 50-42 W versus #14 Texas. Next week: @ Arizona State

Dropped from rankings: Oklahoma State, Oregon, Ole Miss, Notre Dame, Iowa.

Others receiving votes: North Dakota State (3), Oklahoma (2), UCLA (2), Ole Miss (1), USF (1)

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“CSM Poll: Cougars stay 6th, Louisville leaps to 3rd” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar

UPDATE 1:47 p.m.: The University of Houston’s tweeted out that water tests completed by the City of Houston have come back negative on Friday at 1:40 p.m on Thursday afternoon. The tap water on campus is safe to drink.

According to the statement, full operation of on-campus dining services and retail locations will fully resume on Friday morning. Until then, they will continue to operate on  a limited basis for the remainder of Thursday.

—–

The campus’ water is being tested as we speak.

An emergency alert was sent at 4:51pm from the University of Houston Emergency Operations Center, explaining that progress is being made regarding today’s water crisis. Campus water will likely have the green light before tomorrow morning.

“Out of an abundance of caution, until the City of Houston ensures that the water it supplies to the UH Main Campus is safe to consume, we continue to recommend that our campus community avoid drinking tap water on campus,” The alert said. “The lines were flushed overnight, the water was clear this morning, and we are awaiting the results of tests on water samples delivered to both the City of Houston and an independent lab.”

While UH awaits the results of the tests, many restaurants and other food locations’ menus will be reduced or entirely unavailable.

“Food service locations on the UH campus will either remain closed or offer a limited menu,” The alert said.

Students might have to stay away from the tap water, but UH has made some emergency options available.

Massive water tanks can be found in the residential halls, according to the alert. Water bottles have also been delivered to various parts of campus, and there are also the food trucks regularly present around campus.

Even after students and businesses can start using the water again, it might not smell or taste like they prefer.

“Taste and smell are aesthetic qualities, and are not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency,” Gary Norman, spokesperson for the City of Houston’s Public Works Department, said.

Students can find dining options here: univofhouston.campusdish.com. Continue to check the thedailycougar.com and www.uh.edu/emergency for updates on the water crisis.

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“UPDATE: Campus waiting on results of water tests” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar

The Cougars tied for 5th place in the inaugural CSM Poll after their 42-0 win over Lamar. | File photo/The Cougar

The college football landscape is ever-changing and polls from the Associated Press and college football coaches help keep fans up-to-date on who’s the top teams in the country.

The Center for Student Media has decided to join in the fun with our own CSM Poll, collected from members of The Cougar, Coog Radio and Coog TV.

Each participant in the poll submits their rankings of teams, 1st through 25th. The CSM Poll uses the same point system as the AP Poll: A team earning a first-place vote earns 25 points, second-place vote receives 24 points and on down to the team receiving a 25th-place vote with one point.

The inaugural CSM Poll features a consensus top pick, a tie in the top five and some interesting teams receiving votes.

Let’s get into the rankings.

1. Alabama Crimson Tide (8) (2-0) – 38-10 W versus Western Kentucky. Next week: @ #19 Ole Miss

2. Florida State Seminoles (2-0) – 52-8 W versus Charleston Southern. Next week: @ #9 Louisville

3. Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0) – 48-3 W versus Tulsa. Next week: @ #13 Oklahoma

4. Clemson Tigers (2-0) – 30-24 W versus Troy. Next week: versus South Carolina State

T5. Michigan Wolverines (2-0) – 51-14 W versus UCF. Next week: versus Colorado

T5. Houston Cougars (2-0) – 42-0 W versus Lamar. Next week: @ Cincinnati

7. Stanford Cardinal (1-0) – Idle. Next week: versus USC

8. Wisconsin Badgers (2-0) – 54-10 W versus Akron. Next week: versus Georgia State

9. Louisville Cardinals (2-0) – 62-28 W @ Syracuse. Next week: versus #2 Florida State

10. Washington Huskies (2-0) – 59-14 W versus Idaho. Next week: versus Portland State

11. Michigan State Spartans (1-0) – Idle. Next week: @ #18 Notre Dame

12. Iowa Hawkeyes (2-0) – 42-3 W versus Iowa State. Next week: versus North Dakota State

13. Oklahoma Sooners (1-1) – 59-17 W versus Louisiana Monroe

14. Texas Longhorns (2-0) – 41-7 W versus UTEP. Next week: @ California

15. Tennessee Volunteers (2-0) – 45-24 W versus Virginia Tech. Next week: versus Ohio

16. Georgia Bulldogs (2-0) – 26-24 W versus Nicholls. Next week: @ Missouri

17. Texas A&M Aggies (2-0) – 67-0 W versus Prairie View. Next week: @ Auburn

18. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1-1) – 39-10 W versus Nevada. Next week: versus #11 Michigan State

19. Ole Miss Rebels (1-1) – 38-13 W versus Wofford. Next week: versus #1 Alabama

20. LSU Tigers (1-1) – 34-13 W versus Jacksonville State. Next week: versus Mississippi State

21. Baylor Bears (2-0) – 40-13 W versus SMU. Next week: @ Rice

22. Oregon Ducks (2-0) – 44-26 W versus Virginia. Next week: @ Nebraska

23. Arkansas Razorbacks (2-0) – 41-38 W @ then-#12 TCU. Next week: versus Texas State

24. Florida Gators (2-0) – 45-7 W versus Kentucky. Next week: versus North Texas

25. Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-1) – 30-27 L versus Central Michigan. Next week: versus Pitt

Others receiving votes: Miami Hurricanes (8), TCU Horned Frogs (5), Boise State Broncos (4), Cincinnati Bearcats (2), Pitt Panthers (1) and the North Carolina Tar Heels (1)

sports@thedailycougar.com

—
“CSM Poll: Alabama consensus 1st, Cougars T-5th in inaugural poll” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar

Shasta’s Cones & More is a little slice of heaven right at the center of campus. | File photo/The Cougar

Cold scoops, hot coffee and warm smiles greet anyone who walks into Shasta’s Cones & More, an ice cream parlor that serves the University of Houston’s most reliable late-night coffee (well, later than 6 p.m.) this side of Bauer.

Between Blue Bell — the establishment’s original stock — and Ashby’s Sterling ice creams, the choices are overwhelming. Honorable mentions from the Shasta’s staff include Lime Sherbet, Anniversary Cake and the coconut-chocolate Eskimo Kisses.

Scout’s Honor Mint Cookie

Find yourself craving Thin Mints in July? Usually, you are out of luck, but Shasta’s is here to help. The flavor’s mint green base is the perfect complement for the faux Thin Mints (Ashby’s version features rounded cookies) and chocolate swirl within. It’s great in a cup, cone or in a milkshake.

Raspberry Chip Cheesecake

Three amazing flavors — raspberry, chocolate chip and cheesecake — come together for this award-winning creation. Pro tip: It’s not a permanent flavor, so get it when you see it. The slight whip of fruitiness is refreshing on UH’s many hot days, but the cheesecake and chocolate leave this flavor grounded firmly in ice cream territory. No tangy gelato here.

Cookies ‘n Cream

This Blue Bell classic deserves its title as the creamery’s best-selling flavor. After all, according to the company, they came up with the idea first. Blue Bell bakes the chocolate cookies they crush and fold into the vanilla base themselves, so everything about this flavor is 100 percent Blue Bell. It’s extra sweet and lightly chocolatey, and the cookies turn soft enough that you’re enjoying the ice cream without the need to chew.

Mocha Almond Fudge

No worries, chocoholics: This coffee-based flavor by Ashby’s has fudge in every bite. Chocolate-covered almonds and a heavy fudge swirl dominate the flavor, so even those who shy away from coffee could enjoy this pick-me-up delight. The almonds provide a satisfying crunch to the smooth ice cream texture.

Blueberry Muffin Top

Ice cream for breakfast? Yes, please! Here, the blueberry swirl and pieces of muffin and streusel form a perfect marriage with the vanilla ice cream. Pair with a Shasta’s latte for a bona fide breakfast with a shorter wait time than the Starbucks downstairs.

—
“We all scream for these tasty flavors of Shasta’s ice cream” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar

The Student Program Board’s yearly Glow Party is always a highlight at the beginning of the fall semester. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

The first weeks at the University of Houston can be more than just unpacking until exhaustion and finding classroom “CPH 1020.” Peek through these events to see how the Powerhouse will wow you during the Weeks of Welcome with showcases of facilities, friendship-making opportunities and athletic pride.

Game Night

SPB and the Residence Hall Association present an occasion to either cheer your fellow residents to victory or hand them all an order of defeat in “Super Smash Brothers.” And, to put your creativity to the test, there’s also “Cards Against Humanity.”

8 to 11 p.m., Aug. 18, Moody Towers

Gulfgate Shuttles

No need to drive back to Katy or fly to Colorado to get necessities you may have forgotten! Just jump on the university shuttles and get to the Gulfgate Shopping Center (only a few miles away) to stock up.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 18, Student Center Circle Drive; repeat on Aug. 28

Screening of “The Jungle Book”

Enjoy the visually spectacular adaptation of a classic on a 30-foot screen among friends. Dive into the wilderness and get that last bit of relaxation before the new semester.

8 to 11 p.m., Aug. 19, Outdoor Leisure Pool at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center

Women’s Soccer: UH vs. Texas Southern University

The 2016 soccer season begins here and the team will need all of your support to make every game a winning one. Go Coogs!

7 p.m., Aug. 19, Carl Lewis Complex

Party in the Park

Rock out with the crowd to live performances from students and learn more about what SPB is (and how to get involved) in this electrifying event.

4 to 7 p.m., Aug. 20, Lynn Eusan Park

Glow Party

Light up the night and make the first week of school a lit one as you dance to the DJs’ bombastic tunes. Come dressed to move and glow.

8 p.m. to 11 p.m., Aug. 25, Lynn Eusan Park

—
“Weeks of Welcome events to kick off the semester right” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar

While the menu at The Nook may seem endless at times, we’re here to help narrow it down to the best of the best. | File photo/The Cougar

Whether you’re a coffee-shop newbie just dipping your toe in the vast sea of espressos, or a seasoned café veteran with an order resembling battle tactics, it’s safe to say that coffee has quickly become an essential for college students.

Located on the edge of campus, across from the Calhoun Lofts, The Nook is an eclectic café that offers an assortment of snacks, juices, spirits and, of course, coffee. While I can’t claim to have tried every drink on their always-evolving menu, I’ve downed my share of lattes, espressos and frappuccinos over the past three years – and not just during finals season.

Check out this compilation of The Nook’s top-notch sips and test them out for yourself.

Caphin

The iced Vietnamese coffee specialty, café sua da, was bottled and crafted into a student favorite by UH alumnus Huan Le. Since its Houston debut, it’s quickly become one of the most popular drinks at The Nook.

Caphin is strong-brewed coffee pushed through a metal filter, a “phin,” into sweetened condensed milk then bottled and served chilled.

The Nook offers seasonal flavor variations, including pumpkin spice and Caphin “Black” for hardcore coffee needs. Pour it over a complimentary glass of ice and sip on this sweet concoction for a delicious relief when the Houston heat has you beat.

You’re also supporting a local company when you purchase Caphin. For me, that makes it even sweeter.

Almond Joy Latte

One of The Nook’s best ideas was taking popular candy bars and slapping the word “latte” at the end of them. That’s right, take your pick from their numerous coffee-steeped renditions of your favorite candy and your taste buds will not be disappointed.

The Almond Joy Latte, however, holds a special place in my sweet-tooth thanks to the double-whammy of creamy coconut syrup and milk chocolate.

The only way this dreamy combination gets better is when you add in rich espresso and foamy milk – which, of course, The Nook does. After all, it is a latte…or is it a candy bar?

The Rattlesnake

Before you stop reading about this drink just because the name’s got you nervous, take a deep breath and ponder what you’re dealing with here: white chocolate, hazelnut, caramel drizzle, layers of coffee and whipped cream. Feel better now?

The Rattlesnake is a signature Nook creation, and the only thing that bites is its intense sweetness.

While the best part may or may not be the thick whipped cream and caramel/chocolate drizzle on top, this drink is a definite must-try even if coffee isn’t the dominant flavor.

The Nook “Cougar Blend” Coffee

If frothy lattes and whipped cream creations aren’t your cup of tea — er, coffee — The Nook has you covered with their original coffee brew appropriately titled, “Cougar Blend.”

Dark and full-bodied, this rich coffee will have you coming back again and again during those long hours of studying and cramming.

The best part is you actually can come back to the coffee pot as much as you want for this delicious brew. The Nook’s self-serve coffee bar that you gain access to when you purchase an in-house mug for only around a dollar.

If that’s not the best deal on coffee you’ve ever heard of, please tell me your secrets.

House-made Mimosa

The Nook squeezes all of their juices on-site before serving them. Their tangy-sweet orange juice is no different.

When you order the mimosa, they combine this ridiculously fresh orange juice with some bubbly champagne from their impressive bar in a tall glass of perfection.

Voilà, you’ve got one of the tastiest brunch-time favorites. Just add some eggs Benedict and a serving of juicy, mid-morning gossip to get your day off to a good start.

—
“Top five drinks at The Nook Café” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar

Getting involved in a student organization is a great way to meet people and make the most of your time at UH. | File photo/The Cougar

The University boasts more than 400 registered student organizations, fraternities, sororities and leadership programs. It might seem overwhelming with all the choices, but there’s a place for every student to find a community.

Metropolitan Volunteer Program

For students who want to help others, MVP is a great choice. Their stated mission is to “create and provide service opportunities for students by collaborating with campus and community partners.” Membership is completely free and extremely rewarding for participants in any number of community projects they perform during the year.

Student Government Association

If your focus is toward giving back to the UH community and providing for student needs, SGA is a great way to do that. Become a voice for your fellow students in your college or school by running for a senate seat and bring awareness to the needs of the many.

Frontier Fiesta

The biggest, and proudest, tradition at this school doesn’t just happen without a team of hardworking students who make sure everything operates without a hitch. Beginning in 1940, Frontier Fiesta is one of the longest-running traditions at UH and is a centerpiece of student engagement. It takes a strong team of committed individuals to pull off this epic occasion, and you can play a big part in that!

Student Program Board

SPB is responsible for a large number of engaging events during the year, such as concerts, movies and board game nights to help students unwind. What if you’re interested in getting involved, but don’t know how you’ll fit in? Worry not: SPB has a quiz on their website to help you find the suitable committee. This will help you find the best place to make use of your talents and passions for the betterment of students.

The Center for Student Media

One of the best ways to get involved and give back to the community is by telling its stories! With several branches of student media — The Cougar newspaper, Cooglife magazine, CoogTV and Coog Radio — you’re sure to find a place where students just like you are eager to learn and grow outside of the classroom. And the best part? You don’t have to be a certain major to to be a part of any of the three organizations. As long as you have passion for what you do, there’s a spot for you.

—
“Get involved in student organizations to enrich UH experience” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar

TDECU Stadium will be the place to be this fall, as the Cougars look to build on a history 2015 season. | File photo/The Cougar

Tom Herman, you have our attention. Students, Houstonians and even parts of the entire nation are starting to take notice of the upstart Cougars.

But while the Cougars build on a season that saw them finish at 13-1 with a win in a New Year’s Eve bowl game, fans will have plenty of reason to pack the stands this season for seven games in the city of Houston — including six at TDECU Stadium.

The schedule is stacked

Following the historic 2015-16 season, it doesn’t get easier for the Cougars, as their season opens with a bang against the University of Oklahoma, one of the four teams to make the College Football Playoffs last year.

The Sooners return a number of their key players, including quarterback Baker Mayfield and running back Samaje Perine, who will be sure to test the Cougars defense early and often.

But beyond a marquee matchup in the opening week, Houston will run the gamut of tough opposition the rest of the season both in and out of their conference schedules.

The Cougars will welcome the University of Louisville in the back half of the season, while they host their first home conference game with a grudge match against the University of Connecticut, the only team to beat the Cougars last season.

The atmosphere is buzzing

While two of the Cougars’ six games at home are already announced to be in primetime slots on ESPN, nothing beats the pure energy of being inside of TDECU Stadium. The entire gameday atmosphere is crackling around the stadium, and don’t expect that to change in the second year of the Tom Herman–Era.

Tailgating has quickly become a fan favorite, as a long section of Cullen Boulevard is closed down to make way for fans, students and alumni to celebrate and prepare for kickoff.

The Cougars were undefeated at home last season, but they’ll need the support of every single seat filled to replicate that performance.

The Cougars are rising

After pulling in a recruiting class ranked in the top 40 nationally, the excitement surrounding the team is even higher than last season — if that’s possible.

Murmurs of a possible playoff berth should the Cougars march through their season undefeated are even starting to be heard.

What’s undeniable is that Tom Herman has turned this program into a powerhouse in the state and even helped to thrust the Cougars into the conversation of Big 12 expansion. If you’re not on the Cougars bandwagon yet, there’s no better time to hop on than the present.

—
“The hottest ticket in town: Cougar football brings heat” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar

Residence halls are one of the primary locations where campus carry is restricted, with the exception of Calhoun Lofts. | File photo/The Cougar

The University of Houston Police Department Chief of Police Ceaser Moore, Jr. sent out an email Friday afternoon reminding students, faculty and staff of the implementation of the campus carry policy, which will go into effect Monday afternoon.

“This is the result of debate and deliberation by the Campus Carry Work Group, robust input from a number of concerned campus members and thoughtful implementation by many UH administrators,” Moore said.

In the email, Moore reiterated the areas on campus where guns are and are not allowed. The policy excludes guns from being allowed in any of the residence halls on campus except for Calhoun Lofts, as well as any research labs with potentially harmful materials, all sporting venues on campus, as well as additional areas.

The UHPD police station will serve as a secure storage facility for registered weapons to be stored.

Moore also reminded students of the responsibility of concealed carry and that any form of open carry on campus isn’t allowed.

“It is the responsibility of the licensed handgun holders to carry their weapons properly (i.e., concealed),” Moore said. “We remind you that the open carry of handguns anywhere on campus remains prohibited.”

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“UHPD sends out information prior to adoption of campus carry” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar

It’s scorching out there – thinking about the numbers alone could make someone sweat. Avoid the punishing sun whenever possible, but don’t give the same treatment to these five events that will fire up your weekend.

Castle of Dreams: A Studio Ghibli Tribute Art Show

Animator Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli have mesmerized countless viewers with their worlds, all of which are hand-drawn and full of heart. See fans show their love for Japan’s animation powerhouse with cosplays and artworks at the Texas Art Asylum (1719 Live Oak St., Unit L). The event will span over two days – Saturday from 3 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. – and there is a $2 per person, cash only, cover charge. Kids five and under are free. All proceeds will benefit The Center for Recycled Art.

An Intimate Evening with Citizen Cope

A bit of blues, touch of soul, tinge of folk and dose of rock unite when Citizen Cope helps listeners drift into the night with his solo acoustic performance. If this sounds like an ideal way to end the day, by 7 p.m. Saturday get down to the House of Blues with ticket(s) in hand.

Houston Pride Festival and Parade

Show your colors or display that you are an ally at the 38th Houston LGBT Pride Celebration with excitement. Around – and maybe more than – 700,000 people will be in attendance, so be at Houston City Hall by noon Saturday to fully enjoy the festivities. The Parade will start moving at 8:30 p.m., beginning at Milam and Walker streets. Both events are free. Tickets are needed for festival’s VIP area.

Waterway Nights

Presented by Texas Children’s Hospital, the event courts joy and smiles with live music, children’s activities, strolling entertainers and, yes, a fireworks show. From 7 to 9 p.m. this Saturday, the 6-member progressive country band Sawdust Road will bring the tunes. The event is free for all attendees!

To the Cinema

Summer movie season is now in full force. Besides the hits like The Conjuring 2 or Finding Dory, four new films will land in theaters this weekend, chief among them the long-in-development sequel of a patriotic sci-fi fare, Independence Day: Resurgence.

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“Weekend highlighted by live music, Pride” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar