the Rice Thresher Vol. XCIV, Issue No. 18 SINCE 1916 Friday, February 1, 2008

TAYLOR JOHNSON/THRESHER Black Student Association President Alicia Burns-Wright speaks before the Sid Richardson College commons during dinner Monday. The BSA went to Sid to protest the racialiy-themed vandalism and Sid's traditional 40s Party that took place over the weekend of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

by Lily Chun to urine on a photocopy machine. Alicia Burns-Wright, President of the Black black community at Rice. On Monday, the In the wake of these incidents, people on Student Association, said the 40s Party, BSA ate dinner at Sid to protest the 40s Party THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF campus responded with mixed reactions as which was banned in 2004 but still held and to ask the college to discontinue it. On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, nearly the complicated issue of race relations at as an unregistered party every year since, Sid senior Kelli Newman said she was also two weeks ago, an act of racially-charged Rice resurfaced. From the Black Student was offensive because the 40-ounce bottles offended that the 40s Party occurred even vandalism happened at Sid Richardson Col- Association to President David Leebron, of malt liquor consumed at the party are though it was banned, especially considering lege. The office of Sid College Coordinator everyone had something to say. stereotypically associated with poor black the fact that it was held so close to Martin Kelly Penrod was vandalized with Oreo people. Luther King, Jr. Day. cookies littered on the floor and crammed Reactions Though there is no evidence to prove "Just imagine as a minority this happen- in student mailbox locks as well as a racist This act of vandalism brought attention that the party and the vandalism are linked, ing," Newman said. "It's like they wanted message written on the door. This incident to an unregistered party thrown at Sid Burns-Wright said the occurrence of the 40s to continue the tradition even thou, |h it was repeated two days later when more the night before, which had a theme that Party on the night of Martin Luther King, Jr. was banned." Oreo cookie crumbs were found in addition carried offensive connotations for blacks. Day was enough to cause anger within the see REACTION, page 10 Enrollment growth matches V2C plans Bicycle thefts continue

by Dale Swartz for Admission, RAVA, conducted sions decision in mid-February. Rice Background investigations reveal thieves 1000 more interviews this year than stopped the interim plan because THRESHER STAFF last. Similarly, nearly 1,000 more it would not be able to evaluate a more than just petty criminals Applications for the Class of 2012 prospective students visited the larger number of applicants in that jumped 11 percent, allaying fears that campus, participated in tours, and short a period. by Sarah Rutledge profiles reveals that the majority of bicycle thieves on campus are more the elimination of Interim Decision met with students. Munoz said all of Munoz said the decision to THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF would adversely affect the number these factors resulted in increased eliminate interim decision was not than petty thieves. RUPD chief Bill of prospective students. Rice exposure to high school stu- a reaction to the recent decisions of When Rice University Police Taylor said most of these thieves There were over 9,700 ap- dents, and ultimately led to more schools like Harvard, Princeton and Department originally began collect- are habitual drug users and steal for plicants for 2008, compared with applications. the University of Virginia to abandon ing bikes across campus during the drug money. about 8,960 in 2007 and 8,700 in early admissions. These schools did winter break, it was nothing more "It's the easy way of getting the 2006. Additionally, the number of so because they felt such programs than a countermeasure. With Rice money they need to buy their next students who applied early deci- disproportionately benefited upper- experiencing a rash of bike thefts, hit," Taylor said. sion rose 28 percent. APPLICATION class white students. Critics also say RUPD Captain Phil Hassell said. He Hassell said that the bicycle "Put simply, this is the largest that these policies limit the options of collected unfastened bikes to cut off thieves communicate amongst applicant pool in the history of Rice NUMBERS students needing financial aid by not all resources for bike thieves setting themselves about opportunities at University," Vice President for En- allowing them to compare different their sights on the Rice campus. Rice. One of the apprehended thieves financial aid awards. "If you have roommate in an apart- confessed while in custody to hearing rollment Chris Munoz said. 2008: Over 9,700 Munoz credited new recruiting Historically at Rice, approximate- ment and you all are fairly clean, but about Rice from others. applicants techniques for much of the success. ly eight percent of admitted students you have one roommate who leaves "He said he heard from them that He said there was a more concerted 2007: About 8,960 come from the early admissions pool. food lying around, it's just going to at- Rice is easy picking, so that's what effort to target students by selective- 2006: About 8,700 This figure is low compared to peer tract roaches and rats." Hassell said. he did," Hassell said. ly buying names of those who took institutions, Munoz said. There is an "The same analogy for these thieves: RUPD also learned from a thief in standardized tests like the PSATand effort to make Rice more attractive You've attracted somebody to cam- custody that bicycles were being sold SAT. Enrollment staff also improved to those interested in applying early, pus that not only victimizes you but at pawn shops near the Greyhound internet-based communications with "I'm not saying [these things] but Munoz said this is balanced by is victimizing other people." Bus Station on Main St. prospective students by making sure were never done, but the frequency the desire to ensure that all students Not surprisingly, this coun- Of the four apprehended bicycle they were informed of Rice-related and quality of our efforts this year make an informed choice, since early termeasure was met with a lot thieves so far, all have more extensive deadlines and had easier access to made a big difference," he said. admission is binding. of student resistance, especially criminal records than petty theft. marketing materials. This was the first year that Rice Rice is also lower than its peers after RUPD had enacted a similar One thief has been convicted Student and alumni efforts also did not offer Interim Decision, which in terms of the number of members measure with unsecured laptops in twice for a burglary of a vehicle, played an important role, Munoz let students apply at the beginning of of the freshman class who are Fondren Library last fall. But a re- evading the police, delivery of a said. The Rice Alumni Volunteers December for a non-binding admis- see ENROLLMENT, page 6 cent Th resher examination of RUPD see BICYCLES, page 6

INSIDE

OPINION Page 2 Scoreboard Academic deadlines Battle of the Bands Women's Swimming Today is the last day to complete late reg- Today is the deadline to enter KTRl l's Battleof Page 12 Rice 225, Houston 117 A&E LSU 119, Rice 216 istration or add courses, adjust variable credit the Bands. Send a demo with your email address, Not your average cartoon Men's Basketball courses, drop courses wtihout a fee and desig- cell phonenumber, band name and members and Page 14 Southern Miss 71, Rice 53 nate a course as "Audit" or vice versa. drop it in KTRU's office before 5 p.m. SPORTS Thank God for baseball Weekend Weather SA deadline extended Year of the Rat Friday "I've been pulled over by the cops and have told Sun, 46-64 degrees The deadline to register to run in the SA The RiceChinese Students and Scholarsclub them I go to Rice ... I have to show my Rice ID to Saturday elections has been extended to this coming is putting on a Chii icse New Year celebration this prove I go to Rice. It shouldn't have to be that way." Partly Sunny, 59-70 degrees Monday. So run for office! Sunday at 6 p.m. in the RMC's Grand Hall. — Gary Anderson (Jones '07) on black male Sunday athletes at Rice. See story, page 1. Partly Sunny, 63-73 degrees THE RICE THRESHER OPINION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1.2008

you know, i wr evtH CtAtSegwe, PAftTY TWErttes IS A YW'Ife K/6HT.' You Swoiwv uwt#sxwi> TOTnut cewte ~n> mv PATTY fi//*wr stc*' "hustle < «•» 1T WOUCP 6ET WAD ABOUT TMe WET* " 'VHAT ULOULV 7«SUS -THIS wtekswp, ** TVEW* Of "MOi JfctfTY' MtvJ," " camrttuwivr mAmtxsra--—— . AWESoMt ThCHS. / P{)RTY 7Hos.r peot>u Acs smfi/p/ WtlK"... Soon the Rice Thresher D* ucn'r ee Waiting for Sid Over the last week, campus has been shocked by the racially themed vandalism of the Sid Richardson College coordinator's office (see story, page 1). But what is even more shocking is Sid's apparent unapologetic attitude in wake of complaints about the college's 40s Party. While we do not wish to minimize the vandalism, in reality it could have LETTERS TO THE EDITOR been caused by anyone off of the street. Rather, it is Sid's reaction to the anger about the 40s Party that indicates a willing ignorance about and make sure to give credit where there is a very important action race on campus and a conscious decision to ignore the welfare of many BSA calls for end to credit is due. that needs to be taken, and that is students at Rice. While the problem may have originally begun with just registering to vote. Please take that a few students who threw the party, the college as an institution has been first step to make your voice heard, complacent in letting the party exist despite serious complaints and as an racist party, behavior Kyle Clark Will Rice sophomore and register to vote this Friday on institution has not taken the proper steps to try to heal wounds inflicted To the editor: campus in front of Fondren Library by last week's events. The Black Student Association or in the Rice Memorial Center. Your For those who do not know, over the past few years Sid has often held would like to stand with President voice can change the world. a 40s Party during the weekend of Martin Luther King Day — a party cel- Leebron and Dean Forman in RUPD bike policy not ebrated by drinking 40 oz. bottles of malt liquor, a stereotype of black and strongly condemning the actions poor people. And no. fried chicken and watermelon were not served. Sue Dimenn Deigaard of the individual or individuals who part of j job description Brown '91 There is no evidence to draw causal ties between the vandalism and wrote a racial slur on the Sid Rich- 40s Party. However, the vandalism undeniably has brought attention to the ardson College coordinator's door. To the editor: party, which was held the same weekend. We hope that those who did this Vanessa Johnson took the words If people cannot see how this par ty could be easily construed as racist think about the people whom their right out of my mouth in her editorial Students should buy given the date, theme and past complaints, then they are willingly igno- actions have affected. This situation regarding the "collection" of bikes by rant, and willful ignorance is not something that an institute of higher has made many students, including the Rice University Police Department bikes, not strangers education should tolerate. myself, feel uncomfortable and at- ("RUPD bike policy violates student We hope that people at Sid realize that even if 40s Party was not tacked. And though we cannot know rights," Jan. 25). To the editor: intended to insult or hurt people at Rice, it did insult and people were if the Sid Richardson "Forties" party, A few weeks ago my bike got I was amazed at the number of hurt. And a general rule of thumb should be that if you hurt someone, which includes drinking malt liquor stolen, leading me to mourn the loss bikes stolen from campus during the you apologize — especially if the hurt was accidental. After all, a refusal on Martin Luther King Day, is con- of one of my few valuables. But a hot Christmas break. Maybe the campus to apologize and work to improve the situation implicitly supports the nected to this horrific act, we stand tip from a roommate led me straight police can set up motion-activated harm caused and will only lead to more anger. in opposition to it as well. to the thief: RUPD. After asking Bill digital cameras similar to the ones used But so far, rather than reach out to the black community and Rice as a We are aware that there may be no Taylor why RUPD had not bothered for deer feeders, which would capture a whole, Sid seems to have circled the wagons. ill intent related to the party, but it is to tell us this measure was in effect, picture of anyone around the bike. We understand that people at Sid may feel attacked in wake of calls to clear that it at least originated to poke the response I got was less than For those of us that have been end 40s Party, taken aback by unexpected anger. After all, the Thresher fun at the stereotypical black person encouraging and, regrettably, speaks around campus a decade or two, many found itself in a somewhat similar situation in Sept. 2006 when a well- who drinks malt liquor. Any party that to the competency of RUPD. I, and I remember a Rice safety officer who intentioned but misguided, satirical Backpage was seen as attacking black started in such a way should have no am sure others, did not come t o Wee used to have a yearly bike auction at the students, along with other racial groups. place at a university like ours. We are to be taught a lesson by the police Rice stadium where students, faculty We also understand why black students may be quick to anger. Rice does extremely offended, and we are calling about taking care of our things, but and staff would get the opportunity to not exactly have a positive history when it comes to race relations. But when for Sid to discontinue this party in the RUPD seems to think that it is their look at the bikes and buy one or two students matriculate, they become part of this history — they can benefit future, out of respect for their fellow job to do so. for between $5-25 each. There are now from the accomplishments of students before them but also must be wary Wee students. It seems that with all that is going almost 80 students looking for bikes. of their sins. However, many students ignore Rice's heritage and refuse The BvSA is also asking anyone on at Rice—including but not limited Why not give some charity back to the to learn from mistakes of the past, whether 40 years ago or 4 months ago. who knows anything about this to a missing student, vandalism at students from which the bikes came We hope that over the next week, people at Sid will offer an olive branch incident to come forward. Please Sid Rich, and at least one aggravated and save the students that have been and hear out the complaints about 40s Party. 'Hie answer, though, is not do it for your fellow students, who assault last semester—RUPD would victims some hard-earned cash? RUPI) through forums, which only seem to be talkathons for people who have know it is unfair that the individual keep in mind that we have bigger could register the bikes sold at the auc- already made up their minds and rarely produce any meaningful results. or individuals are able to carry problems than bikes deemed im- tion light there, which would further After all, since the scandals of Hustle and Flo-Week and the Backpage, on unpunished for the discomfort properly locked. insure tiie chances for recovery in the Rice has had as many forums as downtown Rome with little to show for it. caused to us. No, my bike was not registered future. As a parent of a college student, Instead, students themselves must take responsibility on a personal level when it was "collected," nor was it prop- I would have a hard time shelling out to ensure that all racial and ethnic minority groups feel welcome at Rice. Alicia Burns-Wright erly locked accordingto RUPI), but it is another $3(X) to replace a bike that just Students — not masters, not deans, not administrators — must become the Jones senior also a piece of crap no thief would steal got stolen. Ch;irity is charity whether agents of change. Only then will Rice see any progress. Black Student Association President anyway, a theory I have tested several it is inside the hedges or outside. Let's times. If a bike owner wants to leave help these students get back "on the his or her bike locked to itself, or even road again." Coffee lounge useful, unlocked, that is a decision said owner is allowed to make, and it should not How to spend $100 million Ixirry J. Miggins be the decision of RUPD what we do aided by student input Engineering Technician We reported in Sept. that as part of the Vision for the Second Century, with our own property. Facilities, Engineering and Planning Rice plans to spend $850 million on campus construction projects, a fact To the editor: that has become painfully obvious for anyone trying to walk across campus I am surprised that the Thresher Anna van Devender without encountering a green fence. However, we very are glad to learn failed to mention the involvement of Brown senior that not all of Rice's massive fundraising plan will be purely dedicated to students in creating the Fondren CONTACTING THE construction. The university recently announced plans to raise $100 million coffee lounge ("Fondren, food and for new scholarships (see story, page 1). the pavilion," Jan. 25). If the Thresher Registering to vote a THRESHER We think that this money should be put towards two main goals that had contacted members of the would help students afford Rice and help Rice's national reputation. Student Association's Student Life crucial rite of passage Letters Committee, who devised a plan for • Letters to the editor • Rice should eliminate loans for students with need-based aid. We a coffee lounge and met with library To the editor: should be sent to the 77? resher know that Rice has just doubled the income threshold for the no-loan staff last October to explore the pos- I still remember the day I regis- by e-mail to thresher®rice. edu. policy, meaning that students with family incomes below $60,000 are not sibility of actually creating one, we tered to vote. I had just turned 18 Letters must be received by required to take out loans to pay for tuition. However impressive this may could have answered some of the and my dad was running for City 5 p.m. on the Monday prior to be, it still puts us behind schools like Amherst College, Pomona College questions the newspaper debated. Council in our little Midwestern a Friday publication date. and Swarthmore College, which have replaced loans with grants in their First, according to the Library town. It is a moment that had little • All letters to the editor financial aid packages. Even Darthmouth College has increased its income staff, there is no room on the significance for me at the time. I did must be signed and include threshold for its no-loan policy to $75,000, essentially eliminating tuition for first floor for a lounge. And as for not do it out of civic responsibility college and year if the writer families making less than that. utilizing the new pavilion, placing or some rite of passage; I did it out is a Rice student. And with the planned fundraising, it would not take Rice much to institute a coffee machine there defies the of family responsibility. Basically, • Letters should be no lon- the plan. In the 2006-'07 year, students were granted $1,886,287 in need- whole point of a library lounge: I still lived at home, and I did what ger than 250 words in length. based federal loans. An investment return of just two percent per year on the The pavilion is not in the library. I was told. I am embarrassed to The lit resher reserves the planned $100 million would cover this payment. Eliminating loans would put Students in study rooms can now admit now that it was several years right to edit letters for space, Rice on par with these peer institutions, making us even more competitive. load up on caffeine and resume before I voted in another election. I content and length. Furthermore, eliminating loans would grant students great flexibility after studying without having to leave just did not see the point at the time. • The Thresher also graduation, not having to be tied-down by student-loan payments. the building. But slowly I realized the power I reserves the right to place However, we encourage this plan only if it would still allow Rice to keep Thirdly, putting a cheap coffee had, the gift I had been given by so letters on our Web site. tuition affordable for those upper-middle-class students who may not receive machine on the fourth floor avoids many from generations long ago, complete aid coverage, but whose families could not pay tuition without even more competition with the many with their lives. I realized I Subscribing severe lifestyle changes. As we have said before, Rice's lack of a distinct coffee house — whose peppermint had no right to complain about the • Annual subscriptions are economic gap between the haves and the have-nots gives campus a unique mochas I happen to love — because decisions my government made if available for $60 domestic sense of community that makes Rice special. the machine not only serves bev- I was not going to make my voice and $125 international via erages of a lesser quality without heard, and I realized my voice could first class mail. • Rice should eliminate application fees. Even ignoring those students that quirky human touch but is also help change the world. who receive a fee waiver, this would only cost $485,000 per year. Eliminating Advertising completely out of the way of people When I was a student at Rice, this fee could lead to some top students applying to Rice who otherwise • We accept display and who are merely attempting to find the students seemed to almost pride would overlook the university. But, more importantly, it also could encourage classified advertisements. the nearest source of espresso. themselves on their political apathy. a large number of students to apply to Rice as one of their various random Advertisements must be Finally, this is an experiment, Getting that Texas ID without the applications, because of the lack of a fee. This would drive up Rice's selec- received by 5 p.m. on the and if students accidentally spill "Under 21" stamp was always a more tivity and our ranking. And while we hate for the university to have to play Monday prior to a Friday hot chocolate and damage the significant rite of passage than regis- games with the numbers, Rice needs to do whatever it takes to ensure that publication date. Please con- library carpet, we can either re- tering to vote. Maybe because they it remains in the top 20 rankings, something it may risk with the increase tact our advertising man- think the lounge or discontinue it. felt they would change the world in in the size of the student body. ager at (713)348-3967 or In the future, I would encourage the other ways. Regardless, I am thrilled [email protected] for Thresher reporters and editors to to see that that apathy is changing more information. Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the Thresher editorial staff. better consider all possible sources into awareness this year. However, THE RICE THRESHER OPINION FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1,2008 Guest column Guest column Party theme offensive to MLK legacy Holiday potential lies in In an apparent oversight, the You see, King fought not only I imagine that the large majority Thresher article on racist vandalism for the rights of blacks, but for of Forties Party attendees did so at Sid Richardson College failed the rights of all poor people in the out of ignorance and the desire to groundhog's tiny paws to mention that the crime nation as well — from Hispanics fit in. On their part, they probably coin- I just took a look at the cal- cided with a Sid tradition, in the southwest to the did not take the time to link their den matters of real importance endar and noticed that one of one that was apparently poor whites of the Appala- participation in this get-together are invested in the walnut-sized the least important days of the cancelled two years ago chian Mountains. Sadly, with the national day of respect for brain of a large species of ground year is rapidly approaching: but has persisted nonethe- his life was cut short a slain civil rights leader. squirrel. Punxsutawney Phil Groundhog Day. On will keep us in genu- less: the 40s Party. only weeks before the However, a small segment of the Feb. 2, the poor report- ine suspense. I am No, this party has scheduled Poor People's party, be it one or two people, must ers assigned to cover almost certain that the nothing to do with the March on Washington, have known exactly what they were this tedious event will readers of this column decade. Instead, it has to which would have ce- doing when they flouted a college- assemble in an obscure care more about the do with consuming 40oz. mented his legacy as a wide ban on the party. It was most town in Pennsylvania to odds of having two bottles of malt liquor, a champion of every eco- likely this small segment who, wait for a small animal Irish extravaganzas beverage associated most Kelli nomically disadvantaged emboldened by alcohol and the to crawl out of its hole. than about having closely with people of American — the same disrespectful revelry, vandalized Newman But the sad truth is that six more weeks of win- lower socioeconomic sta- Americans mocked by our college coordinator's office. Groundhog Day is now ter. Now the ground- tus in general and blacks the 40s Party. In this event, these Rice students only a holiday for total Brian hog will tell us some- and Hispanics in particular. exposed their true feelings. Upon being educated of losers, fans of ground- thing we are willing to Many people, myself included, Reinhart this fact, is there any way those dwelling mammals and wait with bated breath were shocked when these events people who continued to support Bill Murray. It is time to to hear. What I am opposed to the party — despite its being occurred. All of us believe there remake this failing holiday using Wait a minute, you are saying, cancelled—can argue that the date is no place at Sid for this kind of wisdom from America's great why could we not just make it one is the fact that educated of 40s Party is sheer coincidence? behavior. Unfortunately, racism capitalist tradition. big six-week-long holiday? Like I know, I know — it is just the fun and classism do have a place at Corporate America teaches constant Saint Patrick's Days all people are still so of the Edward Forty-hands contest, Sid, and it is the 40s Party. Those us how to deal with flagging rat- the way into March? I like your and how could that be racist? Well, of us who have ignored the party ignorant that they ings and falling profits. There are thinking, but the danger of that stop and consider: Of all the days and brushed it off as yet another certainly advertising campaigns would be boredom. After all, lep- to have the 40s Party, why was this politically incorrect aspect of Rice continue to participate that could be launched — like rechauns and funky potatoes get day chosen? Of all the themes to residential college life must make Super Bowl ads — and image old after a while, even if you are in racist activities under choose for a party, why was this sure it never happens again. makeovers that could be carried in a state of permanent intoxica- theme chosen? I am not attempting to hold the out. For instance, another com- tion. It is true, though, that some the guise of tradition. party-goers responsible for the ac- As I told the Sid president three mon word for "groundhog" is places already celebrate Saint tions of the night, nor am I absolv- years ago, I am not opposed to "woodchuck." Also, "whistlepig." Patrick's Weeks. New London, ing the perpetrators of the crime having a party on this weekend. Frankly, whistlepig is a much WI changes its name to New The timing of this party is not from their responsibility. I am What I am opposed to is the fact funnier word than groundhog, Dublin for a week every March. mere coincidence. Whether it was merely asking that we all recognize that educated people are still so and I am sure ratings for "Whis- A Saint Patrick's Month wouldn't obvious to those who attended the the racist and classist environment ignorant that they continue to tlepig Day" would go through be much of a stretch. party this year is irrelevant; the truth participate in racist activities under that breeds such acts of hate and the roof. is, whoever came up with the idea the guise of tradition. And then they begin the real healing process by But I think the problem is for this party however many years claim there is no relation to the openly confronting the ignorance much worse than that. Ground- ago did so with the direct intention 40s Party and the racist, hateful that pervades Rice's campus. hog Day is looking at the end of Groundhog Day is of parodying not only the black com- words that were written on our the line. And, just like any corpo- munity, but also the larger dream of college coordinator's door. This Kelli Newman is a Sid Richardson looking at the end of ration that reaches its last dying Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. type of naivete is dangerous. College senior. breath, it has got two options: the line. And, just 'ike bankruptcy or merger. Now, a holiday cannot go bankrupt. But it any corporation that Guest column can be subject to a buyout. I think Groundhog Day should merge reaches its last dying with another holiday. breath, it has got two Racist events place Rice culture under scrutiny Think about it. If the poor little woodchuck sees his shadow, we options: bankruptcy Every year during the month of together, Sid should be joining the they want their legacy to be. What get six more weeks of winter. And February, the black community Rice community to find the person do you want to be remembered for? you know what happens almost or merger. takes time to celebrate the successes or persons responsible and bring And what type of students do you exactly six weeks after Ground- and remember the struggles of them to justice. Sid has a duty to want following in your footsteps? hog Day, don't you? blacks as we look back on give this dark incident a The university was recognized for Saint Patrick's Day. But remember, this splen- our history. This celebra- brighter ending. race and class interaction by the I think there is potential here. diferous plan is all a gamble. tion should not be viewed History, like life, is Princeton Review in 2006. Are we Groundhog Day could be a big There's suspense involved. We as important only to a sec- problematic in that it is truly representing higher educa- gamble, a giant drinking game. have the power to decide what tion of the United States, not black and white. Great tion as best as we possibly can? Does Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? If so, you have to wait six Groundhog Day means, and but to all Americans. After events and great people Finally, to those of you with weeks to bust out the soda bread we have the power to make all, blacks have been in are born from tragedies knowledge as to the perpetrators and Guinness Special Export this laughable holiday truly America since Jamestown. and adversity. There is of this heinous act, be honest to Stout. But if the little whistlepig meaningful again. We have the Nevertheless, it seems like no separation between yourselves and this community does not see his shadow, you get power to make Groundhog Day blacks must try to convince success and struggle. So and come forward. In the words to celebrate two St. Patrick's Days. something to look forward to. others to participate in Elizabeth when black Rice alumni of Maya Angelou, "without cour- Think about it. Two holidays dedi- But the real power to decide this celebration time and look back on their col- age, we cannot practice any other Leslie cated to pinching the dopes who our fates? That rests in the again. Resistance to treat- lege careers, what legacy virtue with consistency. We can't do not wear green. Two holidays tiny paws of a ground-dwelling ing Black History Month will be left behind? Will be kind, true, merciful, generous dedicated to downing Baileys rodent. Do you trust Punxsutaw- as necessary or even legitimate we happily remember the proud or honest." Irish Cream. You can't say no. ney Phil? I know I do. remains deeply rooted in American traditions, college cheers and our This revamped Whistlepig culture and can be felt on this very hard-earned degrees? Will we Elizabeth Leslie is a Baker College Day would appeal to our gam- Brian Reinhart is a Wiess College campus. Already I have been asked remember the growth in the Rice junior and Social Events Coordinator bling instincts, too. All of a sud- freshman. on numerous occasions, "WTiy is community attitude after the Sid of the Black Student Association. there a black history month?" incident, Hustle and Flo-Week The simple answer: Because ig- and the ignorant comments on norance of the black struggle makes the Backpage? Will our struggles The Rice Thresher, the official student our successes fade away and breeds outnumber our successes? And will newspaper at Rice University since 1916, is insensitive and hurtful actions. great change, great people and a the Rice Thresher published each Friday during the school year, The recent events at Sid Rich- greater community emerge from except during examination periods and holidays, ardson College have galvanized the these disgusting events? Stephen Whitfield by the students of Rice University. black community at Rice to show Editor in Chief Editorial and business offices are located exactly why the celebration of our Rvan Mintz on the second floor of the Ley Student Center, history is so crucial to the education "Why is there a black Executive Editor 6100 Main St.. MS-524, Houston, TX 77005- of all people on campus. 1892. Phone (713) 3484801. Fax (713) 348-5238. 1 This past Monday, members history month? ' NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY E-mail: [email protected]. Web page: www. Lily Chun. Editor Taylor Johnson, Editor ricethresher.org. of the Black Student Association Sarah Rutledge, Asst. Editor Ian White, Editor gathered at Sid to eat dinner to- The simple answer: Jocelyn Wright. Aw/. Editor David Rosales. Editor Lauren Schoeffler, Asst. Editor Annual subscription rate: $60 domestic, $125 gether. We did not gather there international. Nonsubscription rate: first copy to place blame on the college, to Because ignorance of OPINION Amanda Melehor, Editor free, second copy $5. intimidate its community or to start BUSINESS the black struggle makes Dan Derozier, Cartoonist Sarah Mitchell, Business Manager and Payroll a fight. We ate there that night to Jessie Huang, Asst Manager and Subscriptions The Thresher reserves the right to refuse show that we will not forget this SPORTS Joe Passaro, Distribution Manager any advertising for any reason. Additionally, the our successes fade away Casey Michel. Editor Sean Monks, Distribution Manager lit resherdoes not take responsibility for the factual incident that has so embarrassed Natalie Clericuzio, Asst. Editor and disappointed Rice's reputation content of any ad. Printing an advertisement does and breeds insensitive ADVERTISING not constitute an endorsement by the Thresher. for diversity and integration. Sid ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Joseph Ramirez, Aiis Manager Nikki Metzgar, Editor Thomas Yeh, Asst. Ads Manager also called its members to unite and and hurtful actions." Unsigned editorials represent the majority Tiffany Kuo, Classified Ads Manager show its own solidarity by wearing COPY opinion of the Thresher editorial staff. All other college t-shirts, track jackets and Nick Schlossman, Editor CALENDAR opinion pieces represent solely the opinion of the hoodies. While I find no fault in Sid Ryan Stickney, Editor author. The Backpage is satire. Sean McBeath, Editor trying to rebuild its reputation, why Or will these alumni look back on The Thresher is a member of the Associated would wearing college t-shirts do their struggles as irrelevant, since no Dylan Farmer, Staff Coordinator Collegiate Press. Boo work. Hooray weekend! anything other than bring attention changes took place on campus? to the deafening silence coming from I implore the Rice community ©COPYRIGHT 2008. that tower? Rather than just standing to sit down and think about what ' THE RICE THRESHER NEWS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1,2008 Enrollment VP Munoz: No concerns over black male athlete ratio football players. past year. For 2006-'07, 38 black "Rice athletes, in general, we owe relative amount of time each group by Stephanie Jennings Anderson said he thought this was a students enrolled; in 2007-'08, 58 them respect," he said. "We also owe spends with its own members. THRESHER STAFF coincidence and that the football team black students enrolled. 13 of those the African-American male athletes, "I feel naturally that people are did not need to actively recruit more were athletes. that they are more than athletes at friends more with people they see In response to a Jan. 11 story on diverse players. InsideHigherEd.com called "Diver- Munoz said he was unsure why Rice and respect them as people who more often," Anderson said. "When we're recruited, it's sifying through Football," which there is a high number of black have other interests as well." Furthermore, Anderson, said because of skills, not because of cited an NCAA study that said 43 males in athletics. that the summer football practices color," he said. "If more players percent of black undergraduates "While not everyone would encouraged closer friendships. just happen to be black, that can't at Rice are athletes, Vice President agree or believe that a student is Anderson said, however, that he has 'The implication is be controlled." for Enrollment Chris Munoz said able to be successful without a 1500 non-athlete friends through campus or- no concerns had been expressed to SAT, the student athletes that we that if you are African- ganizations such as the Black Student Anderson said he did not his office about the representation admit to Rice, relatively speaking, Association and the Melodious Voices consider the size of Rice's black of black males in Rice athletics and compared to other universities who American and a male of Praise gospel choir. student population when choosing that the Enrollment Office planned admit athletes, are really good," "I've heard people say that ath- which university to attend. to increase the number of black he said. "I said [before that] 95 and it is assumed that letes don't want to be friends with "Honestly, I had no idea about students overall. percent of universities would love you're an athlete, non-athletes," he said. "However, I the black percentage," he said. Munoz said that athletic enroll- to have the SAT distribution of the think it's as much of a case of non- "Originally I was set to go to the ment is based upon a minimum Rice football team." there is a problem with athletes not saying hello to athletes University of Arkansas to play enrollment requirement for Division Munoz said his concern with the as it is athletes not saying hello to football and was going to ignore 1 athletics and that this requirement release of the report was with the gen- this ... Why are we non-athletes." the offer letter from Rice, but my will remain the same as the student eralizations and assumptions about Anderson said that though their per- teacher was like, 'Oh, Rice, that's a body increases. athletes made by non-athletes. saying this is awful?' ception of isolation between athletes good school, you should consider "Overall, in terms of student Munoz said that many Rice ath- and non-athletes is wrong, he under- going there.'" stands where it could come from. Anderson added that he knew that body, we're going to grow, but in letes had gone on to be successful in — Chris Munoz many areas besides athletics. "I think [non-athletes] see the the opportunity to play football would terms of athletes, there will be little Vice President for Enrollment to no growth," he said. "That, in '"hie implication is that if you are athletes at certain times such as meal not last forever and that he wanted to and of itself, will make a change [in African-American and a male and it is times, see a group of athletes sitting receive a degree from a good school. the percentage of black males who assumed that you're an athlete, there together and think that we don't have However, he said people had as- are athletes] — a smaller portion is a problem with this," he said. "Why Former football player and track any non-athlete friends," he said. sumed he was attending Rice because overall of the undergraduates will are we saying this is awful?" team member Gary Anderson However, Anderson said that he of athletics. be athletes." Munoz said that Ricc as a commu- Oones '07) said he thinks that any could not think of one of his teammates "I've been pulled over by the cops There has been an increase in nity has to wrestle with the negative division between black athletes and on either the football or track team who and have told them 1 go to Rice," the overall black enrollment in the stereotypes of athletes. non-athletes results because of the did not have a non-athlete friend. Anderson said. "Usually, they're like, Another statistic that the study 'hah,' and I have to show my Rice 11) highlighted was that 35 out of the 47 to prove I go to Rice. It shouldn't have black athletes, or 74 percent, were to be that way." New 0-Week director eager to start planning for next year

by Jocelyn Wright to continue to grow into a more and more meaningful experience for the THRKSHKR EDITORIAL STAFF new students," Hermance said. Some students spend their sum- Hermance said her experience mer in high paid internships, others as a former Baker advisor her lounge on the beach. Baker College sophomore year and 0-Week coor- junior Megan Hennance will spend her dinator her junior year will prove summer preparing Rice for about 700 invaluable. new freshmen as Student Director of Orientation Week for next year. Hermance said she hopes to work through some of the issues with some of the changes to this year's 0-Week, mainly coordinating sister gn tups and Passport to Houston. As Student Director of Orienta- tion Week, Hermance will help oversee the college coordinators

LAUREN SCHOEFFLER/THRESHER and the committees they are on, and organize matriculation. She will also serve as a point of contact between Baker College junior Megan Hermance If you can read this, you may be aware new students and their parents "As a former coordinator, I knowa Evan Davis, Program Director of Houston Teach for America, speaks to Rice students last Wednesday as part of over the summer for questions and Literary Awareness Week about her experiences teaching English in a southeast Houston school. She also talked concerns. She said she is excited lot of what goes into planning 0-Week about Teach for America's drive to get more men and minorities to sign up for the organization. about meeting the new college co- so I feel I can be a point of reference ordinators, who will be chosen in forthisyear's batch of coordinators," the coming weeks. Hermance said. "It's given me a lot "I think that each of this year's of experience with organizing and coordinators have a lot of new ideas getting people on track and planning and a fresh perspective, so mostly I events." just want to foster that and combine 0-Week will be the week of Aug. that with my own experience and 17. An 0-Week coordinator retreat knowledge of how things run to not is planned for later this month, and so much change 0-Week but help it advisor training will occur in April.

Students never sleep through Want to fill HIS LECTURES this space? But they always dream. Write ror the Congratulations to A1 Napier of Rice University; nominated by his students as a source of inspiration and a 2008 winner of the Acton Foundation Excellence in Entrepreneurship Education Award. Thresher.

Recipient ACTON FOUNDATION thresher@ 2008 Excellence for Entrepreneurial Excellence in Teaching actonfoundation.org rice.edu — THE RICE THRESHER NEWS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1,2008 Proposals for Sport Management POLICE BLOTTER The following were reported to the Rice University Police Department for the period Jan. 23-31.

Residential Colleges major now under committee review South College Quad Jan. 25 Theft Academic Buildings by Joyce Yao it was a very big step for us," "The first time I found out about Sewall Hall Jan. 23 Theft Haptonstall said. "We've... gone [the sport management optionl THRESHER STAFF through all the processes of rede- was when I literally went through Other Areas The Undergraduate Curriculum veloping the curriculum, adding the catalog and saw 'sport manage- Off Campus Jan. 25 Criminal mischief Committee is currently reviewing faculty members, and adding the ment' under kinesiology," Jedlovec Off Campus Jan. 26 Posession of marijuana proposals for an independent sport academic rigor necessary. We've said. "Unless you do a thorough Off Campus Jan. 28 Aggravated robbery management major. Under these pro- exceeded the guidelines set on search or stumble across it, you posals, the sport management major almost every stage and feel that won't find it." would not fall under the umbrella our program is very strong." Haptonstall said a sport man- degree of kinesiology that currently Haptonstall has been largely agement major would help future STUDENT ASSOCIATION covers the concentrations of sport responsible for implementing im- students in their career fields by management, health sciences and provements to the major over the accurately defining their field of sports medicine. past four years. He said the kinesiol- study in college since there are no The Student Association met Monday. The following were discussed: The Committee will vote on a pro- ogy and sport management depart- other requirements except sport posal when it meets later this month. ments have been working on the management courses. • Director of Elections Andrew Bowen said submissions for petitions to The issues currently under dis- program's proposal for almost two lammarino said this is so because get on the ballot for spring elections are due Monday at 5 p.m. Approval cussion at the UGCC are primarily years, with the goal of providing for historically Rice has always had sport of the election code will take place at 10 p.m. Thresher blurbs for candi- directed at the logistics of a sport Rice students with a degree that can management as only a curricular dates are due Tuesday. management major. Committee accurately reflect their field of study track program. He said the degree of member Christine Moran said the when they graduate. specialization required by the kine- • Students interested in running for a position can find an application on two biggest issues discussed at siology program was comparable to the SA website at sa.rice.edu. the meeting last Monday were the majoring in sport management. placement of a sport management 'At Rice University, "Students studying in the sport • Wellness Center Director Emily Paige said students are encouraged to major within the School of Humani- management program are currently participate in the National College Health Assessment. The test will compare ties and the sustainability of the we have the potential majoring in it without it being of- student health at Rice with that of peer institutions. The survey will be avail- program that currently does not ficially called a sport management able Monday and students have three weeks to complete the 60-question have any tenured track professors to develop the major," lammarino said. survey. Students can e-mail [email protected] for the survey. or a permanent director. Hapotonstall said the kinesiol- "It's not that people don't agree most respected ogy major could also be misleading • SA Sports and Health Committee chair Tommy Mings said the committee and that the sports management with [the proposal], there's just undergraduate sport hopes to organize an all-star soccer game this semester. The committee been a lot of technical questions program reflected efforts to give stu- will look into listing the health clubs and organizations available at Rice dents a degree that more accurately about it," Moran, a Martel College management major in on the wellness center website. junior, said. reflected what they studied. "We have a lot of students who • English Professor Terrence the world, and I am • Julia Bursten, a member of philosophy society Rice for Thought, said the graduate and go on to get an MBA, Doody, committee co-chair, said the group will host a philosophy conference Feb. 8 and 9. Bursten, a Lovett or go to law school, where almost all proposal had the support of the Dean committed to lead that College senior, said the group needs additional funding to provide for the of them have to explain in interviews of Humanities Gary Wihl and there speakers invited to attend the conference and asked the SA for $200. why they have a Kinesiology degree," have been plans made for the hiring charge.' The SA voted to table the decision until Monday. of tenured track professors. — Clark Haptonstall Haptonstall said. Although current plans do not However, Doody said there are Director of Sport Management include any proposed changes to the • Rice University Police Department Chief Bill Taylor said students should many committee members who take care to register their bikes to deter thefts to campus, which h^ive sport management program except would still like to see more stability increased since winter break. In response to several students' inquiries for the name change, Kinesiology before sport management officially about providing a database for the confisoated-by-RUPD items, he said Professor and Chair of Health major Matt McCabe said he hopes a major, since there have been cases the SA should head the efforts to provide . \e database and Operation ID Sciences Nicholas lammarino said the program will be able to raise where departments have dissolved at the individual colleges. in the past. an independent sport management more funds and increase the level of major would also increase the pro- research done in the realm of sport The current sport management • Brown Senator Patrick McAnaney said clubs have generally accepted gram's visibility on campus. Since management. program centers largely on. the the recent Recycling Bill but they want a better system of organizing the sport management is currently "[It] will help enhance [student] work of Sport Management Direc- recycling methods. Until the system is instated, the bill will stay on hold. tor Clark Haptonstall. Uncertainty listed under kinesiology, students desire to use the degree productively, over whether Haptonstall, who have been overlooking the program and become either a sport manage- • Internal Vice President Matt Youn, a Brown College junior, said the has helped to revamp the kinesiol- as an option of study because Ki- ment professor or a worker in that SA and the Student Center are creating Monday night tournaments, and ogy program and shape the sport nesiology is not readily associated career field," McCabe, a Will Rice winners of the tournaments will play in a regional tournament held at the management major into something with Sport Management. College senior, said. University of Houston. The next tournament will be Monday at 7 p.m. distinct, would stay at Rice was also "I've been here five years, and I've Jedlovec also thinks that an of- a primary concern at the meeting. had a lot of juniors and seniors take ficial sport management major will • The SA approved Parliamentarian Chris Warrington's voluntary departure Doody said the lack of associate sport management classes that didn't enhance student connection with professors to take over as chairs know we had sport management as sport teams in Houston. from the elections committee. The senate approved Hanszen senior Evan of programs made this particularly an option," Haptonstall said. "When "We currently have contacts with Mintz to replace Warrington. problematic. students look at the list of majors in sport teams and organizations such • Director of Communications Stephen Rooke said the petition to become Haptonstall said he sees no rea- the catalog, sport management is as the Dynamo, Rockets and the the next Sammy the Owl is available on the SA website. son to leave Rice. not listed." Astros," Jedlovec said. "The new "At Rice University, we have Hanzsen College senior Ben major will form a more beneficial The next Student Association meeting will be Monday at 10 p.m. in the the potential to develop the most Jedlovec, a kinesiology major, voiced relationship between Rice and the Farnsworth Pavilion. respected undergraduate sport similar concerns. organizations." management major in the world, and I am committed to lead that charge," Haptonstall said. Rice's sport management pro- gram has reached the highest level of academic achievement, having JOHN E. PARISH been granted approval status by the

North American Society of Sport • Management and the Sport Man-* FELLOWSHIP # agement Program Review Council, Haptonstall said. 1 v Sport management, which fo- for Summer Travel cuses on the business aspects of ^ V sports instead of the scientific and - r- - medicinal aspects that kiniseology focuses on, has been available at Rice Wiess College announces competition for the 2008 as a track program under kinesiology John E. Parish Fellowship. The winner of the Parish • * ' ~ v * since the early 1980s, but proposals to make it an independent field only Fellowship will receive support of approximately 2 recently came to the attention of months travel during the Summer of 2008. The the administration. The kinesiology purpose of the fellowship is to enhance the department was one of the first to ALL you* emphasize internal concentrations, undergraduate education of the Fellow by such as sport management, within broadening the range of experience via individual the major. I"he sport management concen- travel. All full-time returning undergraduates at AHAV tration's popularity increased in Rice are eligible. For further information, call the recent years as the program devel- oped under Haptonstall's leadership, Wiess College and with almost a hundred students coordinator (713-348-5743), or see the web page at currently enrolled in the kinesiology- sport management track, students www.ruf.rice.edu/~parish. have been requesting a more stream- lined major that is independent of kinesiology. "We are very proud of this Deadline for application is Friday, February 15, 2008 INASSM Program Approval) since www.rice.edu/coffeehouse THE RICE THRESHER NEWS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1,2008 , ENROLLMENT 12,000 Wm% - rj From page 1 11,300

accepted early, currently 25 percent The greatest is to repeat these levels By comparison, Cornell University of growth in future years. To maintain and Dartmouth College are 35 per- current levels, the enrollment office cent, while nearly 50 percent of the will need 11,300 applicants to the classes at University of Pennsylvania, class of 2013, an increase of over Princeton University and North- 16 percent over 5 years. Rice has western University are accepted to continually expand its applicant early. Generally, those who apply pool in order to prepare for the ad- dition of 1,000 new students when to a binding early decision program 10,000 9,700 have a high degree of passion about Duncan and McMurtry Colleges their school choice, and some have open in 2009. argued that a high proportion of early "Academically, there is no place decision matriculants could increase for students to hide here [when the quality of the experience for those they matriculate] ... so we want to 8,960 i/i in the class. make sure the increased numbers C of students we're looking at all o 8,700 meet our high academic standards," rtJ 'The number of African- Munoz said. U Rice is raising money to entice "Q. QL Americans, while top-quality applicants. A fundrais- < ing campaign, currently underway, increasing, is still lower aims to raise $100 million in new 2006 , 2007, 2008 2013 scholarships. 8,000 Year than we want.' Diversity is also a crucial issue — Chris Munoz when examining Rice's projected Vice President for Enrollment enrollment growth. One area the Applications on the rise administration is focusing heavily on is geographic diversity. Currently, 48 The number of applications for undergraduate admission grew dramatically over the past year due to Munoz said he does not see percent of Rice undergraduates are increased advertising and a new PR strategy, with around 9,700 applicants for fall 2008 matricula- Rice's position as a problem. In his from Texas. In the early discussions tion. To be able to fulfill plans for growth as laid out in the Vision for the Second Century and properly on growth plans, there was some eyes, the early admissions program fill the two new colleges, Rice will need around 11,300 applications for the fall 2013 matriculation. has an important role in Rice's debate on moving this closer to 40 overall admissions strategy, but percent from Texas and 60 percent he also stresses the high quality of from outside, primarily by increasing Munoz also noted that being from diversity; approximately 25 percent tion of minorities here, it's truly the students they see in the regular the non-Texas proportion. Texas does not translate to a lack of of students who enroll in each class remarkable," he said. "But the admissions pool. This is one of the Munoz said these changes would diversity. Demographic shifts in the are from the city and the surrounding number of African-Americans, primary reasons the admissions not become visible for another three Midwest and Northeast and related metropolitan area. while increasing, is still lower than office keeps the number of early to four years and that, as the number migrations to Texas have left many In the short term, Munoz sees un- we want. It's a fact that [President decision acceptances low. of students increases, so will the elite colleges from those regions derenrollment by African-Americans David Leebron] is emphatic about This year's augmented applicant number from Texas, although the recruiting much more heavily in as Rice's greatest weakness. changing; he brings it up in every pool brings challenges, Munoz said. percentage will remain constant. Texas. Houston itself reflects this "If you look at the distribu- meeting I have with him."

[and] she had to do something," Taylor said. "She's an officer who BICYCLES is very competent and capable, BICYCLE THIEF PROFILES From page 1 but you don't always expect some- one to come and hit you upside the head." Wiess College thief One thief has been convicted levels with these career criminals- The thief ran away and is still twice for a burglary of a vehicle, turned-bicycle-thieves, with some on the loose, though he left behind • Burglary of a vehicle evading the police, delivery of a con- crossing the boundary into attack- the tools he had used to cut the • Evading the police trolled substance, criminal mischief, ing RUPD officers. At 2:42 a.m. bikes loose. Presently, the tools are possession of a controlled substance last Wednesday, a police officer being examined for fingerprints. • Delivery of a controlled substance 1 to 4 grams and driving with an spotted a man attempting to steal a Taylor said he is confident that the invalid license. After attempting to bike from the Wiess bike rack. He automated fingerprint technology • Possession of a controlled substance steal an unregistered bike, he came had already cut at least two bikes will lead to the identification and • Driving with an invalid license back to campus and was charged loose, Taylor said. The officer then arrest of the perpetrator. with criminal trespassing. interrupted him and, while trying Taylor said recently the major- He returned to campus again to handcuff him, got into a light in ity of the thieves have been white, Thief 2 Friday and attempted to steal a which the thief hit the officer over though he did not want to profile the bike from the Wiess College bike the head. criminals. Hassell said the thieves • Robbery with a weapon rack. After cutting the lock, he rode are not from any particular area • Unauthorized use of a vehicle away on the bike, evading police for of Houston. almost ten minutes, Taylor said. The 1 If you have roommates Hassell said he thinks the crime • Delivery of a controlled substance thief then crawled under the fence around Rice has escalated in the • Two counts of possession of a controlled substance around the South power plant before in an apartment and past few years partly because of the being chased down by the police fallout from Hurricane Katrina. Due • Two counts of prostitution/pimping officers and handcuffed. you all are fairly clean, to the hurricane over two years ago, • Evading arrest with a vehicle "[The officers] started looking many people relocated to Houston around, trying to find the bicycle, but you have one from New Orleans. and one officer looked up, and roommate who leaves "We got a lot of good people from there it was, hanging on the fence," New Orleans, but a lot of criminals Thief 3 Taylor said. food lying around, it's came from New Orleans, too," Has- • Auto theft Taylor said the man had in his sell said. "Add (hose criminals to our possession a hash pipe with hash just going to attract criminals and there's going to be a • Driving with a suspended license residue intact. He said finding drug spike in crime, and that spike has • Possession of a controlled substance users who steal to purchase drugs roaches and rats. been across Houston." is not uncommon. The same analogy for Taylor said the increased crime • Driving while intoxicated Another apprehended thief has may also be due to criminals going • Theft from the elderly on his criminal record robbery with these thieves: in and out of jail. Many thieves a weapon, unauthorized use of a repeatedly come back to Rice after • Theft by check vehicle, dangerous drugs, deliv- You 've attracted going to other areas of the city, • Theft and evading arrest ery of a controlled substance, two he said. counts possession of a controlled somebody to campus As a result of the thefts, RUPD substance, two counts of prostitu- mobilized its efforts in stationing Thief 4 tion — meaning that he was most that not only victimizes officers at the entrances to cam- likely a pimp — and evading arrest pus. They also installed decoys, • Theft with a vehicle. you but is victimizing attaching bikes via cables to the Another thief brought into cus- other people.' racks with officers looking on for • Three or more counts of driving while intoxicated tody has been convicted of auto possible thieves. • Assault with bodily injury theft, driving with a suspended "The patrol guys were catching • Possession of a controlled substance license, possession of a controlled - Phil Hassell them as they were either coming on substance, driving while intoxi- or leaving campu s, so we didn't catch • Criminal trespass in a habitation cated, theft from the elderly, theft by RUPD Captain them through the [decoy bikes]," check, evading arrest and theft. Hassell said. "They were caught by • Two burglaries of a coin-operated machine The last individual brought into the patrol being watchful." custody has been convicted of theft, The officer felt nauseous after- Hassell said that, as a result of the three or more convictions of driv- wards and suffered injuries similar to increased security and registration ing while intoxicated, assault with those of a concussion, Hassell said. measures, bike theft on campus is Hassell said he hopes to increase years and didn't know you were bodily injury, burglary, theft, pos- Taylor said while most criminals already declining. the awareness among the residential required to register your bike by session of a controlled substance, surrender themselves upon arrest, "We're always going to have colleges about the importance of university rules," Hassell said. two instances of criminal trespass this man was surprisingly unwilling bikes being stolen as long as we students registering their bikes to Hassell said he wants RUPD to in a habitation and two burglaries to comply with the orders. have bikes that are unsecured or prevent future theft. look into having a more detailed of a coin operated machine. "I think what happened is, she improperly secured, but not quite "Somebody had brought up the database describing the bikes and But the situation is reaching new got there, she saw him, he saw her that number," Hassell said. fact that they were here for four other objects RUPD confiscates. THE RICE THRESHER ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1,2008

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- : « mm JOHN SANDERS/THRESHER Roe v. Wade established a woman's right to choose ... how many sprinkles to put on her cookies

Lovett College seniors Jen Shiv (left), Emery Gullickson (center) and Baker College sophomore Julia Lukomnik (right) decorate cookies as Rice for Choice celebrates the 35th anniver- sary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision last Thursday. And the abortion debate has been settled ever since.

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Sponsored by the Rice Objectivism Club For more information, contact [email protected] THE RICE THRESHER NEWS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1,2008

NEWS IN BRIEF

the rules more consistent with Morgan said Rice Parking was IP address. renovations, carving out new offices Parking changes other lots across campus, such working with Facilities, Engineer- Leonard, a Jones College ju- and color-coding each of the distinct as Lovett Lot. ing and Planning on the details of nior, said the address pointed to departments. planned for North Lots "If there was a really good the signage plan. Work has already someone's personal DSL Internet The address also discussed the reason to have different rules, it started and temporary signs have account with a domestic ISP net changes in the RMC basement, with In an effort to reduce morning would be good to have them, but been erected. Morgan said the service provider somewhere in the new Graduate Student Lounge traffic, Rice Parking announced if not then it would be good to be project could be completed as the United States, but that was all and expanded 24-hour access area, changes to select parking rules consistent," Morgan said. early as the end of next week but they knew about the person who which provides vending machine in the North project lots to Changes to parking rules were will likely take a few more than brought down the web site. access at all hours. Prior to this be implementedover the next also made to reduce the conges- that. Rice Parking will send out —Jocelyn Wright expansion, students who swiped few weeks. tion in the North Lot from faculty an e-mail when all the changes in at the RMC's south side base- The North Visitor Lot will and staff who were displaced by are complete. ment entrance could only access merge with the North Lot during the disappearance of Abercrombie — Jocelyn Wright State of the Student the Student Organization Resource the workday and will no longer Lot at the beginning of the year Center. be open to visitors. This newly due to construction. Union address held But change over the past years merged North Lot will open to Morgan said the signs were has also included office changes on visitors and students after 5:30 being changed to end problems Student Association If students are still curious why the second floor, which now houses p.m. on weekdays and all day on caused by poorly designed visi- the office of the Dean of Judicial the Center for Civic Engagement weekends. The North Annex Lot tor parking signage that draws web site shut down Affairs Don Ostdiek is now olive after Alumni Affairs and Career will simultaneously house North visitors into the lot opposite the green and the hallway outside Services moved to O'Connor House Lot parkers and visitors who pay one in which they are supposed by attack his office is purple, they should after summer 2006. The Center for by credit card. to park. The signs will also clearly have attended the "State of the Civic Engagement includes the Parking Manager Mike Mor- note that visitors can only park in The Student Association web Student Union" address yesterday Community Involvement Center, gan said the changes in parking North Lot after 5:30 p.m. and on site was brought down for about afternoon in Farnsworth Pavilion. Leadership Rice and the Center times were implemented to make weekends to clear up confusion. two-and-a-half hours from 8 p.m. At the address, Director of the for Civic Research and Design, all to 10:30 p.m. Friday evening by Student Center Boyd Beckwith and of which underwent renovations a denial of service attack. An un: Associate Director Pam Shefman during summer 2007. Rice Bfvd. known person from an unknown IP summarized the many changes The address also covered chang- address was requesting between and construction projects the Rice es to furniture throughout the RMC, 5 and 30 web pages per second Memorial Center has undergone in North recent renovations of Sammy's, North lot from the SA web site for a number the past few years. 13th Street and Coffeehouse and Annex Lot Visitor Lot of hours, which brought the web Most recently, the Academic Ad- the creation of the new University site down until Director of Tech- vising, Student Judicial Programs Copy Center in the location of the nology JI) Leonard implemented and International Programs/Study old Blair I^ounge. a temporary fix by blocking the Abroad suite underwent major — Evan Mintz

RICE UNIVE

Poverty, Social Justice Human Capabilities Program

(PJC) Internship Summer 2008

The Poverty, Social Justice, and Human Capabilities Program aims to give students a rigorous understanding of human well-being, both in the US and internationally. Well-being reflects not just levels of income and assets, but also human capabilities - what people are able to do and be. The program therefore acknowledges the central importance of a variety of additional influences on well-being, such as gender equality, racial and ethnic disparities, health status, education, human rights, political freedoms, and material necessities like food and shelter. A key goal of the program is to enrich students' understanding of poverty and inequality, so that, regardless of their choice of occupation, they will maintain a longstanding commitment to enhancing the well-being of all people.

This interdisciplinary program combines high caliber undergraduate courses with opportunities for students to work with agencies that help disadvantaged communities and people. The summer internship program places students with organizations where they work directly with clients to enhance their capabilities. In the summer of 2007, Rice students interned at the following Civil organizations: Houston Food Bank, Healthcare tor the Homeless, Communities in Schools, SEARCH Homeless Program, Planned Parenthood, and Salvation Army Family Residence Health Center.

INTERNSHIP DATES 80 Introduction Poverty, last e, md Friday, April 25, 2008, 12pm Opening Event Monday, June 2. 2008 - Friday, July 25. 2008 Internship Friday. September 5, 2008.4pm Closing Event

INTERNSHIP EXPECTATIONS • All internships are full time positions with a 40 hour work week. • Interns should not accept other employment during this period or combine this internship with another offered through Rice or elsewhere. • Interns are required to attend the opening and closing events.

STIPENDS APPLICATION PROCESS Students will be awarded $4000 for participating in this program. • Applications available at w ww.rice.edu/pjc Stipends may be slightly higher for internships outside of Houston • Please submit applications via email to where the cost of living is higher. Stipends will be awarded in Christine Medina, [email protected] ' installments, with each payment contingent on satisfactory • Application deadline: Monday, February 29, completion of all requirements to that point. Failure to meet any of 2008 the requirements may result in the forfeiture of part or all of the • Decisions will be announced in April. stipend. • Seniors graduating May 2008 are ineligible to If interested join our facebook group Poverty Justice, & Capabilities Program (PJC) 10 THE RICE THRESHER NEWS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1,2008

"It's just one of those things individuals' problem." night. Newman said the forum that happens at Rice, and you just Sid Master Melissa Marschall has would open lines of communica- REACTION go," Mensah said. "This was the other ideas for how to move forward. tion and show that the race issue From page 1 first year I heard about it, and I "One of the things we'd like to will not die. just went." talk about is how do we develop "We need to talk about diver- Davis said out of the 30-40 a culture where people feel com- sity," Newman said. "A lot of times Newman said she felt like people not make the connection between we don't talk about it. Because we are being ignorant of what message the theme of the party and the date people present at the party, most of fortable discussing these sort of them were not aware of the racial issues," Marschall said. "There don't talk about it, something like their actions were sending and on which it was held. the 40s Party continues, and these taking political correctness too "While I understand the cor- stereotype associated with it. were a couple of messages on our Mensah said he also did not listserve presenting different per- people that have racist feelings in lightly. She also said that people relation [between the theme and their hearts. No one's going to say who choose to be politically incor- the date of the party] is completely know of the stereotypes associ- spectives about this issue." ated with 40-ounce bottles of malt Newman and Davis were two this out loud, but there are people rect should not be surprised at inexcusable, I don't feel like it who have these feelings and having the commotion surrounding the was a malicious party," Ericson, a liquor when he attended the 40s individuals who posted messages Party. But after learning of the through the Sid listserve. something like the 40s Party makes 40s Party. sophomore, said. "I think the main this more acceptable." "You can't throw a party like this thing people were trying to do — stereotype, Mensah said that as a In her e-mail, Newman ex- Marschall also said the Rice and allow all this politically incorrect whether or not it was appropriate minority, he did not think the party pressed her anger toward Sid about community needs more commu- stuff to happen and then, when an or successful — was to make fun was a good idea. the events of the weekend, espe- nication between students and incident [like the vandalism] comes of racism, not to make fun of any "Once the meaning behind cially given previous complaints those in leadership positions. up, act shocked and say, 'How did particular race." the party was explained to me, I about 40s Party. Monks, a Sid senior, agreed that this happen? There's no place for understood that people were upset communication is pivotal to mov- this at Sid,"' Newman said. with it," he said. "Whatever you do, ing forward. Sid senior Matt Davis disagrees especially on campus, you have to that there is a need for people to be be sensitive towards others. You "If we don't talk about these politically correct all the time espe- have to be aware of cultures." issues, they will remain buried cially when so many college parties forever," Monks said. "I think mock other cultures or groups. Now what? people are working really hard to "We have all kinds of themed To put the past behind them make sure we are at the forefront of parties, and they might be offen- and move forward positively, Sid confronting all these feelings that sive to some, but don't attend if it President Sean Monks asked the have been a part of our society for is," Davis said. "In the end it's just entire college to wear their Sid T- a long time." fun — and politically incorrect, shirts and sweatshirts on Monday For Clack, addressing indi- yeah — but we're in college. It's to show support and solidarity for vidual problems with diversity a time when we're allowed to be a united community. is the best way to deal with the politically incorrect." However, Newman said she racism, though she said dealing Davis, who has attended the thought the gesture was inap- with individual problems can be a mixed can of worms. party annually since 2004, said Black Student Association President propriate. Director of Multicultural Affairs "You can't really change peo- when he thinks of a 40-ounce bottle Alicia Burns-Wright "I feel like this is a time when we Cathi Clack of malt liquor, he simply consid- should be ashamed as Sidizens," New- ples' views in an hour and twenty ers it a poor person's drink, not a Ericson said that though she man said. "The diversity facilitating Davis said he replied to New- minutes in terms of an O-Week stereotype exclusively identifying does not think the 40s Party was hasn't worked. This stuff shouldn't be man's initial letter to the Sid com- workshop," Clack said. "It's an black people. Davis said the party a racist party, she does think the happening. And when they try to say munity because many people were ongoing process." was not attacking any group of party should be moved from the [the perpetrator is] someone outside upset over Newman's message. Newman said she could imagine people. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day week- of Sid, that's just wrong." Davis said he had no problem circumstances of racism occurring "Saying [the 40s Party] is rac- end or cancelled altogether. Director of Multicultural Af- expressing his opinions and ac- at other schools, but the thought of it ist is kind of ridiculous, in my Sid senior Andrew Sinclair, who fairs Cathi Clack said people have cepting the consequences that happening at Rice is surprising. opinion," Davis said. "I would say was also present at the party, said been split between whether or came with it. "It's really unfortunate that at worst it's politically incorrect. the presence of a three-day week- not the perpetrator of the vandal- "Most people don't want to talk we're so intelligent, but this still My whole opinion of all that kind end where no other public parties ism is from Sid, but also the most about this situation because they exists," Newman said. "If this was at of stuff is, if someone didn't go to were being held on campus made it important course of action at the don't want to be accused of being University of Georgia or University the party, it really shouldn't be a perfect time to hold 40s Party. moment is to find the perpetrator racist," Davis said. of Texas, I could imagine this, but any of their business. If it bothers In fact, Sid junior Kwasi Men- of the vandalism and stop blaming In order to facilitate conversa- I feel like we should have higher them, don't go." sah, who is black, said he went to Sid as a whole. tion about the topic on a space standards." Sid Socials Chair Liz Ericson, the party simply because it seemed "It's not a Sid problem," Clack besides the listserve, a forum who was at the party, said she did like a fun thing to do. said. "It's just an individual or was held in the Sid commons last

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MICHAEL ROG/THRFSHfR The magic treehouse

The 2008 treehouse built by architecture students in January perches on a tree outside Anderson Hall. Architecture students build a treehouse every year in the spring. THE RICE THRESHER NEWS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1,2008 11 New design kitchen to help engineers cook up ideas

The design kitchen will have conferencing facilities would also a project and assembly test area, give students the opportunities to large machine shop, drill presses, interact with industry mentors both a PC milling machine, saws, grind- in the Houston area and around the ers, CAD designs, simulations, world. Currently, Rice engineering 3-D printer and a small wet lab. projects have very few industry Sinclair said there will be a large mentors outside the Houston area. multipurpose room that can be They are limited from building ties used for classroom presentations, with people outside the Houston project demonstrations and design area since there's no way for stu- competitions. There will also be a dents to interact. large computational facility opposite Once the design kitchen opens, the machine shop. Beyond the tradi- Keller-McNulty said almost all stu- tional engineering tools, the kitchen dent engineering projects will be will also have three conference based there. The space that is freed rooms and a student lounge. up will be used for faculty research The facility will be dedicated and for a limited number of student entirely to the students and will be projects that require equipment not open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. found in the design kitchen. Keller-McNulty said she hoped to Keller-McNulty said the design set up a student government system kitchen will meet LEED standards to draw up rules and organize the because it will feature a green roof, running of the design kitchen. which is par tially to completely cov- Initially, there were some issues ered in vegetation and soil that will

COURTESY RICE NEWS with the preliminary design of the help insulate the buildling. Once A $2.4 million gift from alumnus Kenneth Oshman (Wiess '62) will help turn Hicks Kitchen into a LEED certified kitchen because Keller-McNulty the kitchen is up and running in the interdisciplinary engineering design kitchen. said when she asked students fall, she estimates it will cost about for their thoughts, they said they $250,000 a year to maintain. by Jocelyn Wright of you spend all of your time on design kitchen will facilitate similar wanted less socializing and meeting Wiess College freshman Dan THRESHER EDITORIAL STAR theory of one sort or another solv- collaborations in the future. space and more space to work. The Nelson, who is an engineer, said he ing very difficult problems and you Although Keller-McNulty ac- plans were adjusted accordingly. was excited about what the design With the hopes of providing do labs," Oshman said. "The labs knowledged concerns that cross- "The collaboration with students kitchen could offer for engineers. more opportunities for cross- are hands-on, equipment-oriented disciplinary projects might bring and professors of the practice in- "I think it sounds like it will be disciplinary engineering design, and offer a slightly more real down the level of the projects for volved in designing this is a classic really useful for making new con- Hicks Kitchen will be converted experience but the fact is that the the students involved, she said that, example of why deans should not nections between new engineers into the Oshman Engineering design kitchen experience is sort in the real world, experts in several be exclusively involved in design," both undergraduates at Rice both Design Kitchen, which is set to of a clean sheet of paper where you areas often pool their knowledge to Keller-McNulty said. with faculty and other people who open this fall. The $5 million cost say let's go design something and create something that they could Sinclair said he hopes the are visiting," Nelson said. of the renovation is being offset make it work." not have produced alone. Adition- by a $2.4 million gift from alumnus Dean of Engineering Sallie ally, Associate Dean of Engineering Kenneth Oshman (Wiess '62) and Keller-McNulty said the design Bart Sinclair said future engineers another donation from National kitchen's facilities, which will in- would need to have necessary Instruments. clude rooms with video-conferenc- collaborative skills and be able WHAT WILL BE IN THE DESIGN KITCHEN? Oshman said he hoped the de- ing capabilities, would provide engi- to work with people from various sign kitchen would give engineers neers with the opportunity to work international backgrounds. Project and assembly test area more practical, real-world experi- with students from other countries. "Previously, an engineer could Large machine shop ence by giving them the opportu- For example, Keller-McNulty said be fairly insular," Sinclair said. Drill presses nity to spend more time making there are six design teams col- "Today's engineer is more likely to designs that could be used in real laborating with students in Paris deal with international issues and PC milling machines life instead of theoretical designs because Rice has a Schlumberger [ people of] other backgrounds and 3-D printer in the lab. fellow, bioengineering professor cultures and will need to be able Small wet lab "In the experience of an en- Fathi Ghorbel, in Paris. Keller- to interact with them on a profes- gineer going through Rice most McNulty said she hopes the new sional basis." Archi-Arts to be recycleable, held at the Meridian

by Yan Digilov Hinton said she hopes that "plastic," which was chosen to encourage FOR THE THRKSHKR creative and scandalous attire, will Wondering why "plastic" is attract as wide an array of exorbi- scrawled across the windows of tant costumes as last year's theme, Anderson Hall? It's the theme for "delirious." Archi-Arts 2008, an off-campus "We want everyone to get as into party hosted by the Archi-Arts the theme as they can," Hinton, Club, the group in charge of a Martel sophomore, said. "One fundraising for the sophomore aspect we like about it is that it is architecture students' class trip to really easy for students to think of Paris. This year's party will be held a costume." in the Blue Room at the Meridian Architecture student Kevin Lin downtown on Feb. 9 from 10 p.m. said the costumes could range to 2 a.m. from the mundane to the insane. Tickets and t-shirts designed by He suggested dressing- up as sophomore architecture students Paris Hilton, a plastic object, or in will be sold at the colleges for $10 a plastic bikini. each starting Feb. 4. Tickets will be "We are thinking people will $12 at the door. Transportation to make suits out of credit cards, or and from the party will be free. wrap themselves in Saran Wrap," Catalyzing new ideas Lin, a Baker College sophomore, said. Students meet in the Baker Commons last Thursday to discuss Catalyst, a planned Rice undergraduate science Aside from giving students an review. It will contain peer-edited, faculty-reviewed articles on topics of a scientific and technological basis for 'We are all about excuse to don their skimpiest, the purpose of engaging public interest. The publication, which is planned to be a 40 page full color glossy, will most plasticky attire, Archi-Arts be funded largely by the Dean of National Sciences, Dean of Engineering and Dean of Undergraduates. Baker sustainability here has been held since 1922 as a College sophomore David Ouyang (right) is Catalyst's Student Research Executive Editor and Baker College fresh- at the architecture fundraiser for the sophomore ar- man Yohna Moon (left) is Worldwide Research Exeuctive Editor. chitecture students' trip to Paris. department.' Lin said he and his classmates hope the proceeds from Archi-Arts will help offset the cost of the annual — Mandi George sophomore architecture trip. The trip costs about $20,000, most of READ THE THRESHER. Wiess College sophomore the money for which comes from donations and the Archi-Arts party. WRITE THE THRESHER Architecture student Mandi Lin said last year the architec- George said the decorations would all ture students raised approximately be made out of recyclable materials. $ 1,500 from the party. This year, Lin LOVE THE THRESHER. "We are all about sustainability said the sophomore architecture here at the architecture depart- students hoped to raise $3,000 from t-shirt sales and $2,000 from BE THE THRESHER. ment." George, a Wiess College sophomore, said. the party. Architecture student Ashley' RICETHRSHER.ORG / [email protected] i m tjn. iniiiiirin'itifiiSI'f i ^'"^51iirny|8i uTt'Tnir" ' "f fts

12 THE RICE THRESHER ARTS ft ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1,2008 Complex Persepolis not a typical animated film

by Amanda Melchor SCENE THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF Persepolis is a distinctive animat- Thresher editors' ed film that weaves a compassion- recommendations for ate tale that seamlessly guides the viewer from lighthearted situations arts and entertainment and laughter and to hear t wrenching W around Houston through horror and loss. Even audiences February 8. who know better than to expect a Pixar film with a cute, anthropo- morphic protagonist and a typical happy ending may not be prepared CONCERT for the film's unexpected emotional complexity and relatability. Yonder Mountain 'Persepolis' String Band •••• of five • x: paying at the What a flat dulh place the world Film Center would be without mountains. And the music world too. This Based on an autobiographical graphic novel of the same name, the mandolin and banjo plucking movie is a coming-of-age tale follow- COURTESY SONY PICTURES CLASSICS folk rock band closes the gap ing nine-year-old Marjane Satrapi. Persepolis chronicles the memories of Maijane (voiced by Chiara Mastrolannl) during the Islamic Revolution as she deals between bluegrass and rock on She grows up amidst the Islamic with the universal struggles of a young woman entering adulthood. Revolution in Iran. An older Maijane Saturday. The show starts at narrates the story as she recounts effectively in poignant detail. color change allows the viewer not with her principles and knowledge. 9 p.m. and tickets are $20. her experiences and emotions. Marjane's typical teenage rebel- only to be visually stimulated but also The rest of her life and story has yet The medium and style raise the lion — right down to her affinity to follow along with and experience to be lived and told. After reliving question of their efficacy: Can an for Adidas sneakers, Iron Maiden the intensity Marjane does. Marjane's experiences with her and Warehouse Live animated movie—nominated for an and defying authority — contrasts seeing the world through her eyes, Oscar alongside Pixar's Ratatouille with the larger political rebellion the viewer is not rewarded with an 813 St. Emanuel and Sony's Surf's Up — really con- she and her family confront. Her The film acts as explicit, final ending. www. warehouselive. com vey the intensity of a story that not defiant attitude continues through One of the main appeals of the only chronicles the transformation her adulthood, setting her on a jour- a study of morals film stems from a distinct paradox: of a young, idealistic girl into an ney that forces her to question her and behavior in a Marjane's universal experiences experienced and politically-aware principles and identity. The film acts and her individual story. We all woman, but also the complexity as a study of morals and behavior world that is understand what it is like to feel Brown Bags & of a nation's political revolution in a world that is constantly chang- isolated, confused at the intricacy Beethoven and its effects? The answer is a ing — but not for the better. Yet the constantly of the world and thrilled at the resounding yes. film's pace and attitude refuse to be CHANGING. prospect of entering adulthood The lack of computer animation bogged down by its grave setting and bucking authority. But few Who doesn't love lunch and a differentiates the movie from other and situations. of us experience these changes animated features currently in the- The color of the movie is crucial The only real weakness in the while the world shifts rapidly and powdered white wig? A wind aters. Little to no computer-generat- to the storytelling. The story of film is its ending. The title of the violently around us. trio, a string quartet and a ed imagery exists in the film, but the Marjane's past appears in black film originates from an ancient, Unlike less somber films, Perse- brass quintet will perform characters' expressions and designs and white while the color depicts half-finished ceremonial Persian polis succeeds at addressing seri- successfully convey emotion and her present. But more significant city in what is present-day Iran. ous issues while portraying the Beethoven's most popular empathy. Political turmoil, death, color changes occur that indicate And in a way, Persepolis and its universal struggle to understand works alongside a Beethoven execution, women's oppression important events and themes in the tale are only half-finished. After one's identity. 'Hie movie — like real impersonator on Tuesday at and depression are just a few of the film. Characters fade to black with experiencing her transition from lile — is an effective mix of humor issues Marjane tackles and Perse- white outlines to highlight important child to young adult, Marjane again and tragedy thai reaches viewers noon. The concert is free and polis presents beautifully and themes or moments in the film. This ventures out into the world armed on multiple levels. audience members can buy or bring a delicious sandwich. Design Life Now exhibit showcases other modes of art Jones Hall 615 Louisiana by Rachel Green THRESHER STAFF www.houstonsymphony.org x Art does not always come in a frame; il can appear as a doodle on a piece of scrap paper or in the lines of a light fixture. The Contemporary Art Museum. Houston's latest exhibit, Design Life Now: National Design Triennial, features the latest, most inventive and most bizarre EXHIBIT designs from 2003-'06 and leaves every type of viewer filled with wonderment and the oc- casional chuckle. A Sense of Wonder The exhibition includes works from several genres, including home furnishings and inte- VCY Take a picture, it'll last longer. rior design, architecture, clothing, technology, Bill Brandt, whose first printmaking and graphic design and advertise- ment. Nike shoes, images of Google Earth and important photo was taken the now-famous silhouetted iPod listeners are- back in 1928 and really has found alongside more unfamiliar works, such as Orlando Pita's wigs. lasted, is one off the most Many of the pieces have a practical bent, such influential photographers of as the military training applications created by the University of Southern California's Institute for the 20th century. Some of his Creative Technology and Graham Hawkes' Deep work will be on view starting Flight submersible that is "piloted" underwater Saturday. in a manner that reduces the disturbance of ma- rine life. Other works seem to have been created purely for the pleasure of the viewer or just the Museum of Fine Arts Houston artist himself. The humorous trompe l'oeil, or 1001 Bissonnet "trick of the eye," furniture of Jason Miller, the sculpture-cum-wearable jewelry in Terre du IMC www.mfah.org by the Ladd Brothers and the Kidrobot Smokin' Ixibbit Stool, in which a rabbit smoking a ciga- rette greets visitors as they enter the exhibit, are whimsical above all else. Many works blur the line between practical and amusing. The best example of this is Hunter Hoffman's SnowWorld video game. Hoffman, a professor at the University of Washington, created a seemingly simple video game where the player throws snowballs at penguins and snow- men in Antarctica. However, when set to the happy tunes of Paul Simon and placed in the ...... — IV' •<«., * hands of a six-year old burn COURTFSY CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON patient, SnowWorld has been The Design Life Now exhibit includes the best new designs in architecture, furniture, clothing, printmak- Ing, graphic design and advertisement, breathing new life into old definitions of art. It is being shown a See DESIGN, page 13 the Contemporary Art Museum, Houston. 13 THE RICE THRESHER ARTS 6 ENTERTAINMENTFRIDAY . FEBRUARY 1,2008 All I ever want to be is a DESIGN music video vixen From page 12 IA Wi After years of scholarly pursuits, and the camera trails a nice-looking proven an effective method of pain all I want to do is be in a music video. girl throughout her day until the distraction for severe burn therapy. Just picture it. final 30 seconds when the two love- Design Life Now succeeds because Me, in bed with my cat who lorn youths get together. the works appeal to an incredibly wears tiny jammies, and I could stand being in diverse audience. There are little we are dissatisfied with the position of love inter- black dresses for the fashionistas, our relationship. So, like est but honestly, it really kayaks for the ouidoorsmen and Bjork in her video for doesn't have the same blogs for the Internet savvy. There "Triumph of the Heart," cool factor as living with are tables you might find at IKEA I go on a drunken bender a cat that wears human or light fixtures you might find at that infuses me with new clothes. Why waste the Urban Outfitters. There is even R NTS life and love for my cat. fulfillment of my greatest a robot that might hit on you, if Walking on the side of dream on an enactment you are lucky. The whole exhibit the road while pink hearts Nikki that doesn't take advan- is lighthearted and exciting with stream alongside my tage of everything the new curiosities literally around head, my cat pulls up in Metzgar medium has to offer? every corner. his car and we do a happy Videos automatically dance together. have one big opportunity Or me, spinning around with my for awesomeness: the music. Some- How does what a WV/IHV l\ I W hands in the shape of a gun, causing times when riding the bus with my all the backup dancers to collapse headphones in, I feel like Natalie person CREATED in a circle around me like Feist in Portman experiencing a critical the video for "1234." epiphany in one of her movies. The relate to what Or me, covered in silver paint effect of the right song is what I I know about and back bending or dancing with imagine motivates people to make an umbrella under a shower of B NDS out — and do other stuff — to mu- the world? sparks like Rihanna in "Umbrella." sic. It can make any moment seem Actually, no one should picture that. epic. So it only makes sense that The traditionalist may shun a I would be a very sad approximation the visual representations of songs M C design exhibit at an art museum, of Rihanna in leather hot pants. should be epic too. wishing to keep art conventional. But Realistically, 1 couldn't be the Some incredibly noteworthy even though it displays the latest and ^0 IHM.I; performer in any music video. directors including Spike Jonze greatest inventions and innovations, Despite a brief stint in high school (Heingjohn Malkovich) and Michel Design Life Now is also successful choir, I haven't truly mastered more Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the from a purely artistic standpoint. than a three-note range. Nor have I Spotless Mind) have worked magic- 'Hie works, like any other success- mastered the art of dance, which all directing music videos for artists ful display of good artwork, evoke the above videos would require. such as Daft Punk, The Chemical response, whether it is awe, disgust Luckily, there are plenty of roles Brothers and Notorious B.I.G. The or confusion. They make viewers available for women who have no OK Go video where they hop around question the inspiration of the de- musical talent. Perhaps the most on treadmills inspired the Common signers and, in turn, question their indecent example is Nelly's video for lyric "Be on the treadmill, uh, like own inspirations. How does what a 'Tip Drill," in which he rains money OK Go!" Even four-minute videos person created relate to what I know on mostly-naked video vixens, and can have as much influence on pop of the world? How could 1 come up concludes by sliding a credit card culture as full-length films. with something like this? through one woman's ass crack. So if I ever get to be in a music- If an exhibit can ask why people I've always refused to wear a thong video I hope that it depicts something create, how exploring the world onscreen though, so that probably ambitious or impossible. Although, both visually and scientifically won't work for me either. However, I me being in a video is fairly impos- provides us with new perspectives, have always wanted to be showered sible in the universe as we know it. and of just what our fellow humans MUSEUMS with champagne. The answer for me probably lies are capable, then the medium of Hi ere also exists the in-between in YouTube. creation does not matter. Design Write about category of Generic-Love-Interest. Life Now does not answer these what interests Videos that feature these women questions for the viewer, but it sure follow a familiar formula: A male Nikki Metzgar is a Baker College sen ior makes it seem like there is a real performer strums an acoustic guitar and Arts and Entertainment editor. answer out there somewhere.

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2-1-OS

JFINALIY! Now that I can live For god s sake Ellen, stop playing inconspicuously amongst humans, Guitar Hero on your show1 Why \ 1 I need to find an amazing human won't this writer's strike END ? way to celebrate1

m - er Sports Friday, February 1, 2008 Page 14 THE RICE THRESHER Cougars stymie Owls' comeback Rice travels to Alabama to take on streaking Blazers tonight upcoming road trip, they must avoid starts by Justin Hudson like their first half against UH. From the tip, THRESHER STAFF the Cougars seemed to be in control of the On the verge of yet another blowout loss, game, shooting 50 percent from the field en the women's basketball team pulled off its route to a 34-23 halftime lead. Rice's offensive best stretch of basketball in a long while in production came from sophomore guard Tara the second half of last Saturday's game against Watts and senior forward Tiffany Loggins who the University of Houston. But that inspired combined to shoot 6-7 in the half while the rest stretch only made the score appear respect- of the team went 3-24. Worse yet, the Owls shot able — the Cougars (11-9, 5-1 Conference 0-9 from the three-point line. USA) hit key shots And in what has down the stretch to become an all-too- win 70-64. familiar pattern, things With the loss, Rice IN FOCUS: WOMEN'S worsened for the Owls in (8-12,1-5 C-USA) has BASKETBALL in the second half. The now hit rock bottom. Cougars opened with a Record: 8-12,1-5 C-USA At 1-5, the Owls find 13-6 run that seemed . themselves tied for Last week: After trailing by double digits, to put the contest out last place in C-USA, the Owls nearly managed an impressive of reach. But with the and to make matters comeback, only to fall short in the final score 47-29 with nearly worse, their next two minutes and lose 70-64. seven minutes gone I chances to climb out by, the Owls finally of the cellar will come Next up: Rice visits Birmingham to take woke up. A layup by on the road. Tonight on UAB, which is 5-1 in C-USA. senior point guard at 7 p.m., Rice takes Kadie Riverin sparked on the University of a three minute, 9-0 Alabama-Birmingham, and Sunday the Owls Rice run that rejuvenated the Owls and brought will be in Memphis to face the University of them back within striking distance. Memphis at 2 p.m. But just as quickly as Rice seemed to be Ip. -. \ 'V,, ' UAB (9-10, 5-1 C-USA) may be just gaining momentum, UH snatched it back. under .500 overall, but the Blazers have been The Owls had back-to-back defensive lapses red-hot in conference play, winning five of six that led to wide open Cougar baskets, in addi- games. Memphis (5-14,2-4 C-USA) might look tion to a layup off a UH steal which made the like an easy opponent, but the Tigers have score 53-38 with 9:40 left. already doubled their conference win total The ebb and flow continued, as a basket from a year ago, having beaten both Tulane and free-throw shot by freshman forward University, the defending C-USA regular sea- Morgan Mayse began an 11-2 Rice run over son champion, and East Carolina, the defending the next four and a half minutes to make the THRESHER FILE PHOTO C-USA tournament champion. score 55-49. Senior guard Kadie Riverin may be leading the team with 3.6 assists per game, but her 17 points For the Owls to be successful on their See WOMEN, page 18 and three assists could not help the Owls last Saturday as they lost to UH 70-64.

THRESHER SPORTS/commentary Women's tennis begins season with sweep

by Rhodes Coffey evenly matched squads. the overall match score at two by Next to finish was junior Emily overtaking Madura Ranganathan 6-0, THRESHER STAFF Baseball brings a reprieve Braid, who, after returning from a 7-5 at the top of the ladder. However, As the weather finally cleared up semester of studying abroad, fell in Karas could not seem to win any of this past weekend at Rice, the stage straight sets to Idalina Franca. the numerous long rallies, allowing from the Houston blues was set for the women's tennis team to On center court, No. 99 Chao tied See TENNIS, page 17 start off its season hosting three chal- That sound can only mean one I know, reading the sports lengers in three days. And, mimicking thing on this campus (well, two, but section is probably not the most the beautiful sunshine under which it 0WL00K - THE WEEK IN SPORTS we'll ignore the sound of hammer- cheerful experience right now. played. Rice outshone its competition pounding-metal from behind the Our men's basketball team opened with wins against the University of construction fences outside my the post-Morris Almond era doing North Texas, Lamar University and Friday, Feb. 1 window): The misery is over. Base- its best impression of a wander- the University of Texas-San Antonio ball season is almost here. •Swimming vs. New Orleans ing band of nomads mixed with at Jake Hess Tennis Stadium. the Washington Gen- Over at the new 5 p.m. — Rice Pool The Owls (3-0) look to extend erals, injuries have and improved Reck- In the final home meet of the year and the final meet ever at Rice Pool, their momentum this weekend in racked our women's ling Park, there is the Owls look to down the Privateers. the Sunshine State, although their basketball team — no offseason. After opponents should be a bit tougher let's hope there a medi- two straight close-but- •Women's Track at Houston Invitational than last weekend. Florida State cal wing at the new no-cigar finishes in All day — UH Athletics/Alumni Center University, the 21st-ranked team in Autry—and the swim- Omaha, the team feels the country, should provide Rice's mers simply can't catch a pain that hunger Saturday, Feb. 2 first real test of the dual-match season a break, as they keep doesn't begin to de- when the two teams go at it today in • Men's Basketball vs. Tulane facing women who will scribe. Four College Tallahassee, Fla. 7 p.m. — Reliant Arena undoubtedly soon be Ben Jedlovec World Series appear- The Seminoles are led by No. 16 enjoying a summer ances in six years. The Katie Rybakova, a freshman who • Men's and Women's Track at Houston Invitational outing to Beijing. top-ranked program was ranked the sixth-best under-18 All day — UH Athletics/Alumni Center And it's not like the in the country over player in Florida in 2007. Rybakova local pro franchises have done the last decade. Fourteen play- was not a member of the Seminole much better. The Rockets, who ers drafted, including one with • Men's Track at Houston Invitational squad that trounced the Owls 6-1 began the season with a new a $1.4 million first-round signing All day — UH Athletics/Alumni Center in their meeting last year. And two coach and sky-high expectations, bonus. Most schools would deal days after the Florida State match, enter the second half on the with the devil for that kind of Sunday, Feb. 3 Rice heads east to Jacksonville, Fla., outside looking in at the playoff success. Many coaches would for a meeting with No. 75 Jackson- picture. And the Astros' shiny new soak up the attention, and many •Women's Basketball at Southern Miss ville University. superstar is losing some luster as players would adopt a laissez-faire 2 p.m. — Sharp the House launches an investiga- attitude through the winter and North Texas may not have tion into whether or not he lied to into the spring. But head coach featured anyone ranked in the Tuesday, Feb. 5 federal officials over accusations Wayne Graham wants more. top 100, but that did not stop the Mean Green from coming out •Men's Tennis vs. Lamar of steroid use. The 2008 season presents a strong in doubles last Saturday. 3 p.m. — Jake Hess Tennis Stadium Yet, there is a light at the end of new set of challenges for the 71- Two of the three pairs of Rice dou- the Houston winter. On a January year-old Graham and his squad. bles partners fell; only sophomore afternoon, students wander back New NCAA regulations mandate Wednesday, Feb. 6 Julie Chao and junior Dominique from class reliving vile problem sets a later start date and force the Karas were able to hold onto an •Women's Tennis vs. Texas A&M and pondering the reproductive players to balance their Rice 8-7 (7-5) win. 3 p.m. — Jake Hess Tennis Stadium habits of zcbrafish when a unique courseloads with a ridiculous sound pierces the frigid air schedule of five games per week. Momentum shifted back to the "Ping!" The season kicks off Feb. 22 Owls in singles play when senior Thursday, Feb. 7 Tiffany Lee set aside Catalina Cruz And again, after a moment of with a three-game series at I^ong •Women's Basketball vs. SMU See PING, page 18 with a 6-2,6-1 display of dominance. silence, "Ping!" From this point on, the match went 7 p.m. — Sharp Gym back and forth between the two THE RICE THRESHER SPORTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1,2008

-

WHERE THRESHER SPORTS EDITORS ARE TOD LAZY TO NOT RIP OFF LAYOUT BY OR, HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE LIGHTER SIDE OF SPORTS CASEYMICHEL

Whether from North Carolina or the North Pole, go Tar Heels! Two weekends ago, sports fans Before I go any further, keep know where to look. Or, in Brown erasing any lingering doubts about cally root for the Terrapins. Yet his the country over turned their col- in mind that I am in no way sophomore Patrick McAnaney's Mr. McAnaney's allegiances.) allegiance — despite any lack of lective eye toward two preeminent knocking the Cheeseheads of case, where to listen. So, when the then-top-ranked rationality — is to the Tar Heels. contests — the AFC and NFC Wis-cahn-sin, nor am I My friends and I were standing and then-undefeated Powder Blues For some odd reason, national, Championship games. From seeking to deride any of outside last weekend, reminiscing faced off with the University of state and city boundaries blur the grizzled gunslinger Brett their brethren from other about joyous jaunts and Maryland last weekend, in the realm of sport affiliations. Favre's possible final hur- states. One of the most painting the ping pong we all knew where Mr. That is what makes the industry rah to the Pats' run for the pathetic, heart-rending table. But every couple McAnaney's eyes would great—mass, fanatic appeal results ages, intriguing story lines scenes I witnessed last of minutes, the stillness be glued. And thus it in a dedication that is more die hard abounded. week had to be a fresh- of the cool January air was no surprise when, than Bruce Willis. Whether you are Needless to say, the man —obviously lonely was shattered with a upon the Terps tak- from Dallas or Durham, it's OK matchups did not disap- and friendless since, resounding screams ing the game, a tirade to root for North Carolina, just as point —after all, how often well, he's a fresh- of either pure joy or of "CRAPSH!&#*#!!& it's OK to sit in your Jeep and cry do we get to see Jimmy man — clad in green- unadulterated agony. *BALLS"ensued. An- about the Packers, even if you've Johnson go giddy over and-yellow jersey/ These primal screams, other heart broken, never set foot in Wisconsin. Your frozen water on national blanket/pajamas/ falling on our ears from Casey Michel another spirit deflated, propinquity, or lack thereof, to your television?—and America pair of slippers, all four floors up, came another fanatic team will never force you to waver. marked off one more day plastered in Packers from none other than thrown to the After all, absence makes the on our countdown to the insignia and topped Mr. McAnaney, a fanatic wayside by a heart grow fonder. Super Bowl. off with a triangu- in every sense of the word. team's failures. As long as it's not absence Well, at least most of lar mass of foam You see, Mr. McAnaney has a Fortunately for us from the Super Bowl, that America did. cheese on his sad one-sided love affair with a school all, it was not Duke is. There were a couple of little head. he never attended from a state that knocked off stragglers last week, a few Although this in which he has never lived. Mr. UNC — we would Casey Michel is a Brown people strewn through- boy was obviously McAnaney loves the University of have surely put Mr. College sophomore and does out living rooms and distraught over the North Carolina Tar Heels men's McAnaney in a not like to discuss his obses- college dorms for whom ousting of his one true basketball program. straight-jacket for a sions. However, if pressured, the highlight of the sport- love, he need not fear: It would be easy to call this couple of weeks. But he would love to explain ing world was not seeing T raining camp is just mostly-irate Irishman a front- in an ironic twist, why, should the Mar- Philip Rivers get stuffed around the corner. runner, but that would not be Maryland is iners get Erik harder than a Thanksgiv- And just like the fair. Granted, he also roots for Mr. McAnan- Bedard, Pe- ing turkey (exactly what sunrise, Favre will Notre Dame football — again, he ey's home ter Angelos he deserved, might 1 return again. neither attends nor lives near the state, and is the best add). No, these rare individuals Anyway, back to the fanatics school — which up until this year there- owner those take the meaning of fan a bit of last weekend. Kind of like Big- would have cemented his status as a fore he J in all of more literally. These people are, of foot or Miguel Tejada's integrity, bandwagoner. (This year's 3-9 deba- should aASMTBio. base- course, fanatics. they're out there. You just have to cle at least had the positive effect of 1 o g i - ball.

THE WORST OF THE WORST

For those of us here at Page 2.5, striving to be the worst I WANT YOU is what we do. When confronted with questions as to what they felt was worst, a few of the best athletes Rice has to offer — including Scott Zivick — chimed in with their opinions. Let's have a look at what they had to say ...

' • 3SS

Cross Country/SA Swimmer president

•MM

Chronicles of Night of the Worst movie? Swimfan Riddick Living Dead 2

Worst TV Tila Tequila Tila Tequila Tila Tequila show? is thoroughly entertaining

I.. . _ - ;... . • Anything ... Some techno by Britney remix of "Umbrella" Spears/ Beethoven N'Sync

Eyeglass To cover Rice baseball for the Thresher cleaner in CD holder for It's a gift, how , present? my stocking. my car can it be bad? Watch future stars play baseball. Individually Write about it. wrapped Hang out with Wayne Graham. How the hell We don't Get paid. UH should I smell know? Interested? Email [email protected] m >:-v< • 'S ' *'>;r >' :' 16 THE RICE THRESHER SPORTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1,2008

. I Men's tennis struggles against unranked USF to open season

by Casey Michel their energy and intensity if we hope of Texas and No. 8 University of Il- to have a shot." linois in the preseason. They were' THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF healthy — senior Filip Zivojinovic's While most teams relish a break back ailments were a thing of the in the action of a grueling season, the THIS WEEKEND past, and junior Tobias Scheil's men's tennis team can argue that its foot was holding up well. And their break came at the most inopportune two sophomores, Chong Wang and time — right at the beginning. After Rice vs. No. 20 N.C. State Bruno Rosa, were dominating nearly watching its first dual-match get every singles match. Rosa even won washed out last Saturday, then-No. When: Today at noon the 2008 National Collegiate Tennis 32 Rice struggled to maintain any Where: Raleigh, N.C. Classic Jan. 20 and subsequently level of competitiveness the next day History: The Owls hold the earned a spot in the ATPTour Pacific against the unranked University of all-time advantage, having Life Open Qualifier. South Florida inTampa, Fla., falling won three of the four meet- Wang and Rosa got Rice off to a 5-2 to open the spring season. quick start by taking the opening The Owls, who dropped nine spots ings, although none of the doubles Miiller match 8-2 at the No. in the rankings to No. 41, will face current Owls have everfaced 3 position. But soon after, the Owls' their toughest tests of the season the Wolfpack. play turned lethargic. The pair of this weekend. Rice heads to Raleigh, Zivojinovic and junior Christoph N.C., today to take on 20th-ranked Rice vs. No. 10 UNC Miiller, ranked 34th in the nation, North Carolina State University, which fell 8-2 in their meeting with USF's played into the Elite Eight in the 2007 When: Sunday at noon Michael Nusslein and Lucasjovita, NCAA Tournament. As if this stop in Where: Raleigh, N.C. and the Bulls clinched the doubles the Tar Heel State will not be difficult History: Rice is only 1-3 point with an 8-5 victory over Scheil enough, the squad must recoup to face and No. 45 senior Ralph Knupfer. against the Tar Heels in No. 10 University of North Carolina While the Owls may have come Sunday in Chapel Hill, N.C. theirfour meetings, and lost out slow due to the lack of action While wary of his team's upcom- 4-2 in their last meeting on on Saturday, Ustundag attributed ing opponents, assistant coach Efe Feb. 9, 2007. the poor doubles play to a lack of Ustundag (Baker '99), says he hopes consistency in the pairings. last week's surprise loss will energize "I think we've been playing around the Owls. a lot to find the right combinations," "Maybe [the loss to USF] will be Going into last weekend's match Ustundag said. "Maybe we haven't a rude awakening for us," Ustundag with the Bulls, it seemed that the been patient enough, but at the same said. "I hope so, because the road will Owls would come out victorious time we don't have too many options just get tougher. [Our opponents] are just by showing up. They had all or time to play around with." very, very talented teams, and very the momentum after playing close Already down a point on USF's THRESHER RLE PHOTO intense teams, so we have to match matches with both No. 7 University home court. Rice seemed unable Junior Tobias Scheil struggled last Sunday, dropping his singles match in to put up a good fight.' Scheil was straight sets against USF as the Owls, ranked 41st in the nation, lost 5-2. swept in straight sets 6-2, 6-4, at No. 6, and Wang soon dropped his match to somehow get up for singles in not been the only thing remarkable against Nusslein by the same score. 10-15 minutes and, quite frankly, that about the sophomore - so too is his Down 3-0, Miiller could not gather wasn't the case." ability to lead. Opponent Date Location Time any momentum, and his 6-2,6-3 loss Rosa was one of the few bright "He's been fantastic from the sealed the Owls' fate. NC State Today Raleigh, N.C. 1:00 p.m spots for Rice, refusing to relent start, and I like the fact that he's "I think we gave South Florida a in his assault on No. 84 Mahmoud leading by example," Ustundag UNC Feb. 3 Chapel Hill, N.C. 6:00 p.m. chance to think they could win the Hamed. Rosa downed the Bulls' said. "I just hope that some of the match, and that may have fired them Jake Hess 12:00 p.m. top player 7-5, 6-4, at the No. 1 guys realize that, and actually try to Lamar Feb. 5 up even a little bit more," Ustundag position to take his eighth singles match it. He's certainly one of the | Arizona Feb. 8 Jake Hess 3:00 p.m. said. "So, when that happened, [those match in a row. best players in the country — his players] that really were down had For Ustundag, Rosa's play has potential is great." jm mmtm# wk g„ mmm138Feb . 10 Jake Hess 1:30 p.m. Miami (Ffa.) gSsniml »•<' • Old Dominion Feb. 16 Norfolk, Va. 1:30 p.m. William & Mary Feb. 17 Williamsburg, Va. 1:30 p.m. Texas Feb. 24 Jake Hess 12:00 p.m. San Diego St, March 3 Jake Hess 11:00 a.m. ; UCLA March 5 Jake Hess 4:00 p.m. UC Irvine March 7 Tulsa, Okla. All Day Florida State March 11 TBA All Day LSU March 18 Athens, Geo. All Day Rice Invite TBA Jake Hess TBA Tulsa April 2 JakefHess 1:30 p.m. TCU April 4 Fort Worth, Tex. 2:00 p.m. SMU April 6 Dallas, Tex. 12:00 p.m.

Join Us for the Rice University Spring

Study ALroad Fair LAUREN SCHOF.FFLER/THRESHFR When Owls and Longhoms scrum

The Rice rugby team will play in one of their toughest matches of the season this week, as they face Texas Friday tomorrow at 2 p.m. on IM Field 7 to begin their D-l competition. The Owls have played one contest thus far this sesaon, besting Texas State 15-10 at home on Oct. 27. February l lO'OOam " ^lOOpm BUY ONE S Grand Hall medium sanckvich, chips & drink 1 GET ONE | Memorial Center 8200 S. Main aarrlvi < ii or pizza ##||f - 713-665-0011 I milt- son Ili of H u t- arid I milt* north of fi I O, just itt iow from Siipi i I iM m i. Slim* viMir Uici' l|l> card FREE! or l»i inj4 t his ad in After 3 p.m. fverydo/ I THE RICE THRESHER SPORTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2008 17 Men remain winless with flop at Southern Miss 7~TT7 by Kushagra Shrinath The contest against Southern spread out across the team, as the THRKSHF.K STAFF Miss (10-10,2-4 C-USA) started out leading scorer of the run only put well for Rice. Playing without lead- in four points. To compound mat- As the losses keep piling on, ing scorer and rebounder Paulius ters, Rice's inconsistent offense H there seems to be no end in sight Packevicius, the Owls jumped out went scoreless for the last 4:22 of for the men's basketball team. Af- the half. ter another disappointing second Rejuvenated by the break, the half — this time against the THIS WEEKEND Owls took a slim 32-30 lead early University of Southern Missis- in the second half on a layup by sippi last Saturday in Hattiesburg, sophomore guard Bryan Beasley, Miss. — Rice (3-16, 0-6 C-USA) Rice vs. Tulane but a quick score by the Eagles on extended its winless streak in confer- their next possession led to a 16-9 ence matches to six games. Rice was When: Tomorrow at 7 p.m. run that put the game out of reach. led by sophomore guard Lawrence Where: Merrell Center in Rice would not trail by less than five Ghoram's 14 points, six rebounds Katy, Texas points in the second half and lost by and four assists in the contest, while Last meeting: Despite eighteen to finish out the game. guard Jeremy Wise paced the Golden The Achilles heel for the Owls Eagles with 17 points. being tied at 48 with 6:11 was, once again, turnovers. The The schedule will not get any left, the Owls could not team added to their league-worst easier for the Owls as they prepare hang on against the Green total with 21 turnovers, including six to square off with Tulane University by Beasley and five by Ghoram. By tomorrow night at the Merrell Cen- Wave on Jan. 19, falling contrast, Rice stole the ball only six ter in Katy, Texas. The Green Wave 61-56 in New Orleans, La. time from Southern Miss. (14-6, 4-2 C-USA) features David The game was a textbook Gomez, who leads the team in scoring example of how Rice has played with 14.2 points per game. Gomez also in recent weeks. A strong first posts a team-leading 5.8 rebounds per to a quick 15-7 lead alongside in half was offset by several cold game. The Owls lost by a slim margin conjunction with an impressive 11-0 stretches of shooting leading to when the two teams last faced each run. However, the Golden E)agles a double-digit loss at the end of other, falling 61-56 in New Orleans, countered with an 11-0 run of their the game. To add insult to injury, La., on Jan. 19. Trailing by twelve at own towards the end of the half, Rice went to the free-throw line halftime, the'Owls battled back in the turning a 25-17 deficit into a 28-25 just fourteen times, while send- second half and even led by one before lead heading into the halftime. 'Hie ing their opponents to the charity folding in the final minutes. scoring from Southern Miss was stripe thirty-eight times.

Date Opponent Score Top Scorer Top Rebounder Top Assists Jan. 23 Houston 69-60 (L) Packevicius (20) Packevicius (16) Tied (3) Jan. 26 Southern Miss 71-53 (L) Ghoram (14) Braimoh (5) Ghoram (4) IAN WHITE/THRESHER Sophomore Julie Chao, ranked 99th in the nation, helped the Owls start the Date Opponent Location Time Last Meeting season 3-0 with wins against North Texas, Lamar and UTSA last weekend. Feb. 2 Tulane Merrell Center 3 p.m. 61-56 (L), Jan. 19, 2008 The Owls carried their momen- tum into singles, as Lin, Braid and Feb. 6 East Carolina Greenville, N.C. 7 p.m. 83-74 (W), Feb. 3, 2007 TENNIS Chao quickly pushed Rice to a 4-0 Feb. 9 SMU Dallas, Texas 5 p.m. 75-66 (W), Feb. 24, 2007 overall lead and clinched the vic- From page 14 tory through dominant singles play. Feb. 13 UAB Reliant Arena 7 p.m. 83-74 (L), Feb. 14, 2007 The Owls finished the day 5-2 and Feb. 16 UCF Reliant Arena 4 p.m. 53-51 (W), March 8, 2007 North Texas to take a 3-2 lead. improved to 2-0 in just two days of 'Hie last two matches went to competition. Feb. 20 Tulsa Tulsa, Okla. 7 p.m. 73-65 (L), March 3, 2007 three sets each, with sophomore Capping off the long weekend, Feb. 23 Houston Hofheinz Pavilion 7 p.m. 69-60 (L), Jan. 23, 2008 Rebecca Lin battling Rachel Wilhelm Rice squared off against UTSA on and freshman Varsha Shiva-Shankar Monday. The Owls made quick work March 1 UCF Orlando, Fla. 6 p.m. First meeting on Feb. 16 pitted against Amy Joubert. After of UTSA on Monday, demolishing March 5 SMU Merrell Center 7:30 p.m. First meeting on Feb. 6 giving up the first set, Shiva-Shankar the Roadrunners 7-0 to remain un- recovered to win 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. defeated on the season. Home games in bold With the overall score knotted at "The girls were excited for the three, all eyes turned to Lin and Wil- 3-0 start," head coach Roger White helm. Fortunately for Rice, Lin iced said. "By that third match, I saw some her opponent in a thrilling three-set high level confidence ball-striking. match, ending with a 4-6,6-4,6-4 win The confidence, the toughness, and to secure a Rice victory. knowing they can get it done are

/ • , ;• <' .... At the time, Lin said she had no the things that will really matter in mm *- -If* idea that the match was still even. the spring." rl w "Actually, I did not know that it Lin also said that beyond the - * •' would all depend on my match," Lin victories, the Owls also gained > ' •*

FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF ABOUT A BOY AND HIGH FIDELITY, NICK HORN BY #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

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G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS IAN WHITE/THRESHER (0) AVAILABLE AS A N AUDIO A DIVISION OF PENGUIN GROUP (USA) INC. Junior Dominique Karas lunges to return a shot in last Sunday's contest with Lamar. The Owts downed the Cardinals 5-2 and BOOK AND »-BOOK. WWWMYSPACE.COM/NICKSBOOKS would go on to trounce all three opponents they faced last weekend. Rice faces No. 21 Florida State today In Tallahassee, Fla. . • • THE RICE THRESHER SPORTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1,2008 BY THE 1. Chao/Karas (Rice) d. Joubert/Ranganthan (UNT) NUMBERS 8-7 (7-5) Swimmers split double-dual meets 2. Cruz/Wilhelm (UNT) d. Lee/Lin (Rice) 8-4 Jan. 24-Jan. 30 3. Franca/Kazarova (UNT) d. Braid/Shiva-Shankar by Tracy Dansker crucial points with second-, third- and the Conference USA Swimmer of (Rice) 8-6 THRESHER STAFF fourth-place finishes. These spots the Week for the third time this year Singles were often filled by freshmen Kait on Tuesday. Junior Carlyann Miller 1. Chao (Rice) d. Ranganthan (UNT) 6-0, 7-5 2. Kazarova (UNT) d. Karas (Rice) 2-6, 6-4,6-3 Today, the swim team will bid Chura, Sarah Korellis and Ashten dominated the 50-yard freestyle with a 3. Lee (Rice) d. Cruz (UNT) 6-2, 6-1 adieu to Rice Pool, its home for the Ackerman, who all swam either season besttime of23.65seconds, one 4. Lin (Rice) d. Wilhelm (UNT) 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 season-best times or close to them. of the top times in the conference. 5. Franca (UNT) d. Braid (Rice) 6-1, &4 last 57 years. Rice's meet against the 6. Shiva-Shankar (Rice) d. Joubert (UNT) 4-6, 6-4, University of New Orleans tonight at Miller and Massengale were an 64 it 5 p.m. will be the last meet held at integral part of the 400-yard free- home this season, and the last one THIS WEEKEND style relay alongside junior Diane RICE S LAMAR 2 k before the completion of the new Gu and sophomore Pam Zelnick. Jan. 27, 2008 - Jake Hess Tennis Stadium €r Autry Court this fall. The Owls and The foursome took second place MEN'S BASKETBALL ny Privateers have already met once this Rice vs. in an impressive 3 minutes, 28.65 Doubles 5 season, at the Phill Hansel Duals on New Orleans seconds, only a half second behind SOUTHERN MISS 71 RICE 53 1. Chao/Karas (Rice) d. Martinez/Gutierrez (Lamar) It Jan. 26, 2008 - Hattiesburg, Miss. 9-7 Oct. 27. New Orleans did not put up the Tigers. The 200-medley relay of 2. Ashrafi/Gutierrez (Lamar) d. Lee/Lin (Rice) 8-4 much of a fight against the dominant When: Today at 5 p.m. Hyde, Zelnick, Gu and sophomore 3. Braid/Shiva-Shankar (Rice) d. Aranda/Harbuzi Southern Miss 28 43 — 71 (UNT) 9-8 (7-2) Owls, who won 244-101. Where: Rice Pool Angela Wo also took second place. Rice 25 28 — 53 Hyde, Miller, Gu and junior Skylar Singles Although Rice should have an Last Meeting: The Owls 1. Chao (Rice) d. Martinez (Lamar) 6-4, 6-2 easy time closing out its old home, Craig teamed to grab first place from Southern Miss (10-9, 2-3 C-USA) 2. Gutierrez (Lamar) d. Lee (Rice) 6-2, 6-1 trounced the Privateers UH in the 200 freestyle relay, touch- Stone 5-5,7-1017, Wise 3-9,11-1117, Norton 4-10, 3. Karas (Rice) d. Harbuzi (Lamar) 6-4, 6-2 the team will be hard-pressed to 5-7 15, Beasley 3-10, 4-4 10, Stephens 2-4. 2-6 6, 4. Lin (Rice) d. Ashrafi (Lamar) 6-1, 6-1 match the blistering pace it set last 244-101 at the Phill ing the wall a full three seconds Craft 3-7,0-0 6. 5. Gutierrez (Lamar) d. Shiva-Shankar (Rice) 4 6. week in a double-dual meet at the ahead of the competition. Totals: 20-45, 29-38 71. 60,1-0 (11-9) Hansel Duals on Oct. 27 6. Braid (Rice) d. Aranda (Lamar) 6-4, 6-1 UH Rec Center. Junior co-captain Natalie Kirch- at the UH Rec Center Rice (3-16, C-USA) Going up against LSU and host hoff noted that the team's im- Ghoram 7-12,0-014, Foster 4-12,0-010, Britton 2-8, RICE 7 UTSA Q UH, the Owls set 19 season-best pressive results are all the more 2-6 6, Beasley B. 2-4,2-6 6, Talbert 3-4,0-0 6, Britton 2-8, 2-6 6, Szalay 3-4, 0-0 6, Perka 1-2, 0-0 2. Jan. 27, 2008 - Jake Hess Stadium times. However, with numerous important because of the timing Totals: 22-47, 6-14 53. swimmers out due to injury and ill- "We had some great swims," of the race. Doubles Three-point goals — Southern Miss 2-14 (Horton 2-6); ness, Rice could only manage a split, head coach Seth Huston said. "We had really solid perfor- 1. Chao/Karas (Rice) d. Scida/Dedering (UTSA) 8-0 falling 216-119 to the 19th-ranked "[They were] some of the best mances," Kirchhoff said. "When Rice 3-12 (Foster 2-7, Szalay 1-7). 2. Lee/Lin (Rice) d. Hasking/Drabkova (UTSA) 9-8 (7-2) swims of the season." you're swimming really fast right Rebounds — Southern Miss 30 (Craft 9, Stone 6, Beas Tigers while demolishing the Cou- 3. Braid/Shiva-Shankar (Rice) d. Wallin/Phillips f gars 225-117. Not surprisingly, Massengale now that is a good sign — you're on ley 5, Stephens 5. Horton 3); Rice 29 (Ghoram 6, Britton (UTSA) 8-6 had strong swims in both distance the right path, you're going to swim 5. Beasley P 3, Talbert 3, Beasley B. 2, Foster 2). Singles Even though they lost, the Owls 1. Chao (Rice) d. Scida (UTSA) 6-0, 6-3 grabbed many first-place finishes events, but she also swam the 400 fast in four weeks because that's Assists — Southern Miss 10 (Beasley 4, Wise 2, 2. Karas (Rice) d. Wallin (UTSA) 6-2, 6-2 away from LSU—including victories individual medley for the first time ideally what we want. We want to Stephens 1, Horton 1, Craft 1, Bain 1); Rice 9 (Ghoram 3. Lee (Rice) d. Drabkova (UTSA) 6-1, 6-1 since her sophomore year and posted 4, Foster 2, Talbert 2, Beasley B. 1). 4. Lin (Rice) d. Dedering (UTSA) 6-2. 6-2 in both the 1,000-yard and 500-yard peak in four weeks when we're at 5. Braid (Rice) d. Hasking (UTSA) 6-2, 6-2 freestyles by senior Brittney Mas- the team's best time for the event conference so we can really race well 6. Shiva-Shankar (Rice) d. Phillips (UTSA) 6-3, 6-2 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL sengale — but Rice scored more all season. Massengale was named and also qualify for NCAAs." UH 70 RICE 64 MEN'S TENNIS Jan. 26. 2008 - Sharp Gym USF 5 RICE 2 UH 34 36 — 70 Jan. 27, 2008 Tampa, Fla. Rice 23 41 — 64 Doubles 1. Estrada/Daudt (USF) d. Knupfer/Scheil (Rice) UH (11-9, 5-1 C-USA) 8-5 Jackson 5-12,4-5 15, Taylor 5-11,4-6 14, James 5-8, 2. Nusslein/Jovita (USF) d. Muiler/Zivojinovic 3-5 15, Mclntyre 3-8, 2-2 10, Hill 3-7, 00 6. Meyers (Rice) 8-2 3-4. 0-0 6. Obaze 14, 0-0 3. Joseph 1-1. 00 2. Totals: 26-57, 13 18 70. 3. Rosa/Wang (Rice) d. Hamed/Addetley (USF) 8-2

Rice (8-12, 1-5 C-USA) Singles Riverin 6-24, 5-7 17, Loggins 09, 4-6 17, Watts 5-6, 1. Rosa (Rice) d. Hamed (USF) 7-5, 6-4 3-3 14, Mayse 3-7, 1-1 7, Carter 1-4, 2-4 4, Carmon 2. Jovita (USF) d. Muller (Rice) 6-2, &3 1-2. 1-1 3, Hudson 06, 2-2 2. 3. Adderley (USF) d. Knupfer (Rice) 4-6, 7-6 (5), Totals: 22-61, 18 24 64. 107 4. Zivojinovic (Rice) d. Toledo (USF) 2-6, 6-0. 6-0 Three-point goals — UH 5-13 (Mclntyre 2-4, James 5. Nusslein (USF) d. Wang (Rice) 6-2, 6-4 1-2, Jackson 12, Obaze 1-3): Rice 2-14 (Watts 1-1, 6. Estrada (USF) d. Scheil (Rice) 6-2, 6-4 Loggins 1-1). These boxscores brought to you by:

Rebounds — UH 31 (Taylor 7, James 4, Jackson 4, Hill After a coup d'etat instigated by Thai food, Stephen 4. Mclntyre 3. Meyers 3): Rice 44 (Mayse 9. Hudson has been replaced as E.I.C. by Dylan and Evan. 6, Loggins 6, Carmon 5, Carter 4. Riverin 4). "Extra peanut sauce!" - Casey "For what?" Nikki Assists — UH 18 (Jackson 8. Mclntyre 4, Taylor 2, My favorite Shark Princess visits the Thresher to see James 1, Hill 1, Scott 1, Meyers 1); Rice 9 (Riverin 3. her bff Germ sometimes. Watts 2. Hudson 2, Carmon 1, Fulton 1). I guess it's okay that Johan Santana signed with the Mets. The Yanks will still have the promising young arms of Joba. Kennedy, and Hughes, without another •A'.'ll.'.l.'.ll.'l salary burden signed on. It looks like Gossip Girl has been moved to Mondays, but sadly it's impossible to tell when/if there will ever RICE 225 UH 117 be a new episode. The website is entirely useless in Jan. 26. 2008 - UH Rec Center this situation which is really really pathetic. ARIEL SCHNITZER/THRESHER A Shout-out to Sarah Cartledge's crazy roommate. Senior swimmer Brittney Massengale took first place in the 1,000-meter freestyle last Saturday as the Owls competed Watch out for the ultra-super-duper-sized weekend Rice 225 against LSU and UH at the UH Rec Center. Rice will face New Orleans today at 5 p.m. at Rice Pool. coming up: filled with preparations/celebrations for UH 117 the Super Bowl, Super Tuesday, and Mardi Gras. Can you handle it? I don't think you can. a little bit, which helped us." The pooch is back. lead down to four points during the LSU 216 RICE 119 Just because Jan. 26, 2008 - UH Rec Center final seconds, but the Owls' pres- Had the Owls at least stayed Algebra seems WOMEN sure defense was unable to come close to UH in the first half, their Natrual doesn't up with the turnover it desperately second-half offense would have been LSU 216 Equal anything. From page 14 Rice 117 Jalepeno cheese poppers are quite possibly the best needed to complete the improbable more than enough to carry them to pub offering that is deep fried. Even though Schoe The contest remained tight as UH comeback. the win. disagrees wholeheartedly and prefers corn dog bites. Or just plain old Haribo gummi bears. MmmMmm found its footing. Cougar forward "They had some buckets that fell, Rice shot 43 percent from the WOMEN'S TENNIS My boxscores! Whitney James hit a three-pointer and ours didn't," Riverin said. "But I field. Watts finished the game with I hate BronnyBron with 4:17 remaining to put her team think we definitely stepped up a level 14 points on 5-6 shooting and three RICE 4 UNT 2 Anyway, I'm kind of chilling until I can go home and Jan. 26, 2008 - Jake Hess Tennis Stadium sleep. up nine. Rice cut into the UH lead from the way we've been playing [in steals, and Loggins and Riverin Giant upset? Nah. 35-9, Pats. over the next minute and a half, as the second half]." logged 17 points apiece. two free throws by Riverin and a Head coach Greg Williams Even with the defeat, Williams Mayse layup got the Owls within (Hanszen '70) said he believes the said he was pleased with his team's five with 1:31 remaining. With Rice Owls' improved defensive intensity performance down the stretch. needing a defensive stop to get back helped in their comeback attempt. "We kept our energy level up and ACADEMY AWARD' NOMINATION^] into the game, the Cougars put in "When you get behind some- I was proud of the way we hung in BES"^NIMATCE^E£rURE ' a layup to shut the Owls out of the times, you get a little more sense of there in the second half," Williams game for good. Three-pointers by urgency defensively,"Williams said. said. "It's something that we can aags Watts and Loggins trimmed the UH "We took [UH] out of their rhythm build on." SljfNfto JJork 5;hnrs of Tommy John surgery makes Aardsma, and Joe Saver y back in Rice TAKE THE KIDS AND sure the doctors have him ready to uniforms, you can't help smiling as DON'T FEEL GUILTY contribute in time for the mid-season the wintry depression of problem sets PING playoff push, when a typical pitcher and papers begins evolving into a re- "LIKE NOTHING YOU'VE From page 14 takes another month or two before newed sense of hope and motivation. even touching a baseball. Another And, if that's not enough, the rumors EVER SEEN! AMINDBLOWER! Beach State, the nationally ranked pitcher recovering from lingering say post-game home run derby will team that has produced Rockies arm troubles works himself into the undoubtedly be jaw-dropping. Don't k MARJANE IS A SASS QUEEN TO RIVAL (UNO.' shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and best shape of his career so he can leave early. W -Peter Travm, ROLLING STONE Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays Rookie of help carry the pitching staff back to Rice could use some positive the Year candidate Evan Longoria in Omaha. The freshmen and transfer publicity right now. With struggling recent years. recruiting class draws rave reviews athletic programs, construction PERSEPOLIS But Wayne's Warriors are already and has game-changing talent unlike fences cluttering the campus and A FILM BY MARJANE SATRAPt AND VINCENT PARONNAUD// well ahead of the game. Even at 10 anything we have ever seen. But a missing classmate, Rice students I WWWSOHYCIASStCS COM (iff a.m. on Saturday, when only the most that's what we've come to expect need something to be cheerful about I" • -13, - f„j sow I'ICTCIIES tunics v* disciplined students are out of bed, from Graham's players. And just in time, Rice baseball is back. CINEMARK an Owl shortstop keeps the batting While we turn the page on January, Thank God for Wayne Graham. And NOW ANGCUKA FILM CENTER CINEMARK £) MARKET ST. D| •%/• 510 Texas Avenue Six Pines Rd @Uke Robbins cage company, doggedly practicing we bear in mind that this Saturday's thank God for baseball season. "l-AT inu (713) CALL-AFC SOO-FANDANGO <2117) his swing as though he were writing biannual alumni game is the start of a CALL THEATRE FOR SHOWTIMES. his senior thesis (voluntarily, I might special time of year. With players like Ben Jedlovec is a Hanszen College AMPAg MEMBERS YOUR MEMBERSHIP CAW) Will ALLOW YOU AND A QUEST TO ANY PERFORMANCE add). A veteran pitcher coming off Lance Berkman, Jose Cruz Jr., David senior and baseball writer VIEW THE TRAILER AT WWW.PERSEPOLISMOVIE.COM THE RICE THRESHER CALENDAR FRIDAY FEBRUARY 1,2008 19 — CALENDAR feb. 1-8 FRIDAY l SUNDAY z More friendly fun facts Operagain from Registrar David Tenney! i-M The Shepherd School's Sunday Fun facts 1-5: performance of their Opera 1: Today is the last day to com- Scenes begins today at 2 p.m. plete late registration or add courses. Happy new year! 2: Today is the last day to adjust THRESHE If you happen to be on a lunar variable credit courses. calendar, you're in luck! Today 3a: Today is the last day to drop is the Chinese New Year. So courses online without a fee. celebrate traditionally with the 3b: Today is the last day to drop Rice Chinese Students and courses without a fee. Scholars Club. "Will be lots of "I'm reading pages right now, I 4: Today is the last day to performances." Hits the fan at have no time to engage in penis designate a course as "Audit" or 6 p.m. in the RMC's Grand Hall. vice versa. debate." OWL-CON!!!l MONDAY Pre-registration for Fastwarp's "f am not the News Editor, so I am Owl-Con ends today! Com- not bound by rules..." plete yours now. For only $8, Let's talk about feelings Rice students, faculty and staff Have a deep talk with IT as they can register for the WHOLE visit your neighborhood (i.e. "You look sad. Have a cock ring." WEEKEND (next weekend, building) to discuss how they Feb. 8-10). That's three days make you feel. They're mak- of board games, tabletop ing the rounds during lunch "You wearing tights is not enough games, role-playing games, (noon-lp.m.). This week: to make me want to come." LARPs (Live Action Role Play- Sewall Hall 590/550. ing) and supplementary activi- ties (a.k.a. "more"). designdesigndesign WEB! "So it's actually sodomizing it? The Rice Web Design and De- That's interesting..." bang.rice velopment Club is holding its Entries for KTRU's Battle of the Web Design Discussion Group Bands are due today at 5 p.m. today from 4:15—5:15 p.m. "CS3 is Gandalf, reincarnated, on You must send a demo (C!) in Mudd I^tb 201 Conference PCP. Super strong and completely preferred, or cassette) labeled Room. If you can't find thv. unaware of his inhibitions." with your e-mail address, cell room — the fact that this is phone number, band name and mentioned implies the room members. Make sure to note is hard to find — call J.D. at "For Thresher editors there are what your affiliation to Rice is 832.282.9214. (i.e. band member who is Rice only six days a week: Monday, student, faculty or staff). For Tuesday, Whursday, Friday, more info, go to ktru.org or TUESDAY Saturday and Sunday." contact rachelo@rice. edu.

SUPER It's Super Tuesday, children! SATURDAY It's politics! Something important is bound to happen. JUST LOOK AT ALL THE Hmm... that's about it. Why is it called Punxsutawney? Except for Pub's Trivia Night, Celebrate the world's oldest, 8-10 p.m. at...wait for it... PUB. FUN YOU COULD BE HAVING poshest groundhog, Punx- sutawney Phil! He's been predicting the weather for 120 WEDNESDAY EVERY WHURSDAY NIGHT... years. Pretty amazing, consid- ering that the average lifespan of a groundhog is less than Back to grassroots cinema ten years. For more info, you Rice's Cinematheque brings can visit the official Web site of back the glory days when film the Punxsuiawney Groundhog societies were born: people just Club, www.grouadhog.com. talking about things. In this meeting, explore how reality "Operas are amazing, shut yer and film are connected in docu- face!" — Amanda mentaries and fiction. They ii:i:i=ki:i=ui^:uH=a=i»i« Hie Shepherd School Opera meet 7-9 p.m. in the Rice Media Scenes' performance is tonight, Center's Film Auditorium. 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the Wortham Opera Theater. This next part 1 copied from the online HOW TO SUBMIT LSAT GRE GMAT MCAT OAT OAT PCAT TOEa description (it's the scene list): WEDNESDAY CALENDAR ITEMS 'A recital of scenes from opera Deadline is Monday at 3 p.m. theater, featuring excerpts Tame that Shrew, Willy! prior to Friday publication. from works including Brit- (a.k.a. Shrew by Shrew-west) ten's "A Midsummer Night's Actors From The London Submission methods: Dream"; Mozart's "Le nozze di Fax: (713) 348-5238 Figaro," "Don Giovanni," and Stage, an international travel- ing troupe, will be performing E-mail: [email protected] "Die Zauberflote"; Debussy's Campus Mail: "Pelleas et Melisande"; Strauss' Shakespeare's 'Taming of the Shrew," (his famous classi- Calendar Editor "Die Fledermaus"; Bizet's Thresher, MS-524 "Carmen"; Bernstein's "Can- cal adaptation of 'Ten Tilings dide"; Offenbach's "Les Contes I Hate About You") tonight, Submissions are printed on a d'Hoffmann"; Floyd's "Of Mice Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 space available basis. and Men"; and Rossini's "Ix? p.m in Hamman Hall. All the roles are played by only five Comte Ory."' A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: actors, who hail from the Royal Just so everyone knows, abbrevs Shakespeare Company, The Don't worry, it's super^lassy are tots back in style. Casey's Royal National ITieatre of Great been busting them out all night. Ix)vett's annual Casino Party is Britain and Shakespeare's tonight from 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. in Globe Theatre. Tickets are $10 th the Lovett Commons. I'm not for Rice students, $15 for Rice Top Ten Three phrases to bust out Saturday, February 16> sure exactly how you should this week for no apparent reason: faculty, staff and senior citizens, 10:00 AM I Registration begins at 9:30 , dress for its "Alice in Won- and $20 for general admission. 1. Tot.s belig. Space s Um((ed derland: llirough the Liquor 2. For shits and giggles On campus at Rice University! Register today! Glass" theme, but an outfit con- 3. IDKmyBFF Jill structed entirely from playing cards would be pretty awesome. FRIDAY BEST WORD(s) EVER: Make sure to bring ID — you & eiectile dysfunction (n) have to be 18 to participate. The inability to become aroused 1-800-KAP-TEST | kaptest.com/practice KAPLAN Prizes for the games will be K-Tran's Birthday over any of the choices for provided by Hungry's Cafe, Yeah, I'm talking to you. Happy President put forth by either party Kaplan. The smarter way to prep. TEST PREP AND Two Rows, Chicken Kitchen Birthday. Maybe we'll bust out during an election year. •T*%t ivmws are i*gisi*M tudwwki of dwiMA. *GR0160/ ADMISSIONS and Buffalo Wild Wings. a little bit of West Side story... THE RICE THRESHER BACKPAGE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1.2007 Campus shocked by racial strife not caused by Backpai

IM HOMO | In a startling turn of events, Rice has been wracked by serious charges Food in Nmdren a slippery slope of racial ignorance on campus. But in a diversion from what Rice has been

j*.L .t.iM; used to, the charges are not being directed at the Backpage..

•• HIMi "When I first heard that the BSA was having a sit-in at Sid, I turned to * r rn M*J i the Backpage to see what they were so angry about." Brown College junior .'lis .u. James Brantley said. "But it was nothing more than a mediocre mockery -iv<|ls* U iiuifMa/i.iKmrrnU'irti*n' of library policy and some hastily done Photoshopping. What a gyp." *3 #• tiVi .it<»iWKV Indeed, upon hearing complaints about the use of racial slurs and i" U^IK.1. -J /•* fknm i. «r»*UW»-/ racial stereotypes, Dean of Judicial Affairs Don Ostdiek instantly called T* :,1 < <*Vt«»rf*\ **•U *3 r* *» to his office Thresher Editor-in-Cheif Stephen Whitfield and Executive I.*-*. •«..» VM*ri jrnrcftMtfev *}•«; Editor Evan Mintz. f»j(:u4ri< 1l wxv:^ . IHkJt KK ftnnrt/ .»>'••(»> ...r' « Vb "I just assumed the Backpage was responsible," Ostdiek said. "I really •' M I* Hi; don't know what to think." "It wasn't us!" Whitfield said. "This really sticks in my craw." Various student groups have decided to arrange forums to discuss the li distressing events on campus.

I. d«u *Mm> I Ml«I a/ol. 1% vJ ThA-rrlip-fc#* wj»TT"11 ,,rM "When I heard that it wasn't the Backpage, I really didn't know what Mlu'i A<. Upon hearing about complaints of racial X. ' f »fM j* It* Dr»kM'« ItTw • » to do," Martel College senior Bill Nahill said. "I'm just not sure if I feel K A. - . HT.f ignorance on campus, two students turn I* ««»;• u ;AM intM'VlM. comfortable at a university where events like this can happen and not *«•'*. ••rfav^nmulV 4 H»TV.cjiiir w:-wt(jrtnn ilci u. —Us. Mi r.jiki , oilt:nu »< a«.V

1990: Leebron marries Y. Ping Sun, 1979: Leebron earns his JD from 2004: Leebron becomes a woman way out of his league. ron is Harvard Law School, where he president of Rice enced by t was President of the Harvard Law 1996: Leebron becomes change stu Review. Dean of Columbia Law e 1995: Leebron writes "An Overview i983-'89: Leebron teaches as a of the Uruguay Round Results." law professor at NYU law school.

/

i993-'°4: Obama teaches as a law 1995: Obama writes his memoir, professor at the U. Chicago Law School Dreams of my Father

2004: Obama becomes a U.S. Senator 1991: Obama earns his JD from 1992: Obama marries Harvard Law School, where he Michelle Robinson, a woman 2008: Obama becomes president of was President of the Harvard Law way out of his league. the United States? Review The Backpage is satire and is written by Evan Mintz [email protected] CLASSIFIEDS (713) 348-3974 HELP WANTED HI JMANISM is a life-philosophy based EARN $30 FOR ON-CAMPUS STUDY: on concern for fellow human beings, I .earn to use Microsoft Access (2 - 3 PART-TIME NANNY needed - medical but without supernatural beliefs. I .earn hours total time). Must be an under- center area. Duties include afternoon more about our many events promoting graduate with NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE pickup of 14 month boy from daycare reason, science, ethics, and fellowship. WITH ACCESS or other database (car required), meal prep at home & play HumanistsOfHouston. org. programming. Contact [email protected] activities until parents return from work. tor more info. Senior Mondays Min 15 hours per week (Mon-Fri) ©com- ATTENTION: WORKING mom is look- petitive hourly rate. Home and daycare ing for a responsible Mother's Helper to PART TIME pet sitter needed for grow- within a mile from Campus. References provide babysitting, afterschool care, and ing business. Applicants must pass FEATURING WILLY'S WAFFLES required. Call 832-289-9502. transportation to afterschool activities for background check & supply references. delightful and fun-loving children several Contact Alexis at alexis@cubbiesbone. mm • • i —m PART-TIME ASSISTANT in translating afternoonsa week. IYior experience and or 832-338-8307 for more info, www.ctib- SUPER TUESDAY PUB NIGHT English and Vietnamese. Fluent in Eng- references requested. $15/hour. Contact biesbotie.com. lish and Vietnamese. College Education. Kathy at w.j(X)[email protected]. PRESENTED BY THE BAKER INSTITUTE Knowledge of both cultures. Computer/ HOUSING MS Office Skills. Must be able to tyix* in EARN $800-$3200a month to drive brand JObL^ Mb Vietnamese. Email/Internet Capabilities. new cars with ads placed on them. www. l JPPER KIRBY. 2 bedroom, one bath apt. careers@languageusa. com. AdCarClub.com. Small building at 2301 Norfold. Hard- wood floors, central air and heat, on-site Super Hero Trivia ! KUMON IS the world's largest supple- BLIMPIE SUBS (Rice/Medical Center laundry, limited access gates at building. mental education program, with over 4 Area) Help wanted on evenings and No Dogs Please. $750with one-uear lease million students. Kumon is a long term weekends. Flexible hours. Car a must. and deposit Available mid to late Eebru- program designed to help students de- Contact Adil 7137% 0404. ary. Andover-713 524 3344. velop math and reading skills, good study Wft habits and independent learning skills. River Oaks Kumon is seeking Instruction CLASSIFIED ADS The Rice Thresher Assistants. One or more of the following Attn: Classifieds FAT THURSDAY Rates are as follows: areas of expertise is required: excellent 6100 Main St., MS-524 mathematics skills, excellent reading 1-35 words: $15 Houston, TX 77005-1892 & THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES comprehension skills, experience with 36-70 words: $30 Phone: (713) 348-3974 young children, and keyboarding profi- 71-105 words: $45 ciency. Center hours are Mondays 3:30 Fax: (713) 348-5238 PUB NIGHT fa to 7:(K)pm, Wednesdays 2:00 to 6:00pm, Cash, check or credit card pay- The Thresher reserves the right Thursdays 3:30 to 7:00pm, and Saturdays ment must accompany your ad. to refuse any advertising for any 10:00am to 12:00pin. Training is provided. reason and does not take respon- 1 PHIL'S PHRIDAY: 4-7 Positions star t at $8 per hour. Please email Deadline is Tuesday at 5 p.m. sibility for the factual content of resume to lisa [email protected]. prior to Friday publication. any ad.