Halloween is the season for tricks and treats … costumes and candy … and experts and events at the University of Houston. UH professors are available to discuss topics related to All Hallow’s Eve. The campus also is hosting a variety of events for students and community members.
The Sociology of Scares: Sometimes, the things that scare people the most, brings them closer. Whether it’s watching a horror movie, entering a “haunted” theme park or listening to urban legends, people bond over scary experiences. Sociology lecturer Luis Salinas can discuss the social aspect of being scared. Contact him at lsalinas@uh.edu or 713-743-3957.
Literary Alternatives to Horror Movies: Instead of watching a horror movie marathon, try reading the stories of authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, William Faulkner, Henry James and Flannery O’Connor. Honors College Dean William Monroe can recommend Gothic literature to give you the creeps. Email pemery@uh.edu to schedule an interview with Monroe.
Selecting the Perfect Hallow-wine: Too old to trick or treat? Stay home and enjoy some Hallow-wine. Chris Taylor, director of the Beverage Management and Fred Parks Wine Cellar at UH’s Hilton College of Hotel Restaurant Management, has some recommendations. Contact Taylor at dctaylor@central.uh.edu.
Creepy Chemistry: Make slime, smoky drinks and other weird, spooky things. What more could anyone want to wow guests at their Halloween party? Chemistry professor Simon Bott can offer tips or provide demonstrations on a variety of safe tricks to spice any Halloween party. Bott can be reached at sbott@uh.edu or 713-743-2771.
The Eyes Don’t Have It: Colored contact lenses can enhance any Halloween costume. It's important to understand, however, that all contact lenses, are classified as medical devices by the Food and Drug Administration and require a valid contact lens prescription from a licensed eye care practitioner. A poorly fitting lens or improper care and handling can lead to eye infections and even permanent vision loss. Clinical associate professor and director of the Cornea and Contact Lens Service at the College of Optometry Katrina Parker, O.D., can be reached at kparker@central.uh.edu or 713-743-1956.
Fall Fest at UH Student Centers: UH students can celebrate the season Oct. 26 – 30 at the University’s Student Centers. During Fall Fest, the campus community will explore aspects of Halloween through films, food and fun. For details on Fall Fest events visit the Student Centers website.
Magic, Demons, Witches: Honors College professor Jesse Rainbow can address society’s interest in the supernatural, as well as magic, possession and witchcraft as they relate to Christian and Jewish traditions.
HallowReading: UH’s undergraduate literary journal Glass Mountain presents HallowReading at 7 p.m., Oct. 27 at UH’s A.D. Bruce Religion Center. Student writers Karina Sokulski, Josh Davis and Lena Melinger will share works, and community members are invited to bring Halloween-themed prose, poetry and music. This event is free. For more details, visit the Glass Mountain website.
Black Out TDECU Stadium: The Cougar football team seeks to continue its winning ways on Oct. 31. The Coogs will don special black uniforms for its match-up with Vanderbilt University at TDECU Stadium. Fans also should expect a Halloween-themed halftime show from the Spirit of Houston Marching Band. Visit the Cougar Football website for more details.