A A W9 fflwmumm >P-ED ^ ^ 1 IPS* B p| ill|||IB AmM t r P. 14 ^ ;VttV" i." •' iBSttR » W. « i » .<< KW» ' live water for Christmas mmi The Wake is only half-dead Texas two-step Matt Youn was paid handsomely for his column on the Mattel's student-written fall production gets down to the 77>e volleyball team qualifies for the NCAA volleyball tour- tragedy of the commercialization of Christmas. details, sometimes too much. nament for the second time in Rice's history.

thVOLUME XCVI,e ISSUE NO . 1Ric4 STUDENT-RUe N SINCE 1916 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008 Owls will play bowl

W •- •« / game in r

Houston w ASB0V>\ mrnmm. • " BY YAN DLGILOV THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF

At a Wednesday press conference, athletics director Chris Del Conte of- % 'M ficially announced that Rice had ac- cepted an invitation to play in the 2008 Texas Bowl Reliant Stadium on Dec. 30 at 7 p.m. The game will be the final chapter in the saga of a se- nior class that has made an imprint on nearly every column of the foot- ball team's history books. "To be able to come and have our student athletes, our fans, our faculty, and students to participate in a bowl game right here in the city of Houston, we couldn't ask for anything better," Del Conte said. "Rice belongs in a bowl and not on a plate." After finishing the regular season Rice Athletics Director Chris Del Conte, Texas Bowl President John Huff, Texas Bowl Manager Heather Houston, and Coach David Bailiff spoke Wednes- 9-3, Rice considered offers from both day at a press conference to announce Rice Football's participation in the Texas Bowl after the team secured their spot in a win over the University of the GMAC Bowl, to be held on Jan. 6 in Mobile, Ala., and the Texas Bowl. Houston. The game will be held at Reliant Stadium on Dec. 30th at 7 p.m. The Owls' opponent has not yet been announced. The decision to forgo a road trip for a game less than three miles away was well received by members of the team that went undefeated at home all year. Alumni give $15 million2008 Commencement "It was the bowl we wanted," head coach David Bailiff said. "It's another opportunity for the city of Houston to to engineering dept. speaker announced go watch these Rice Owls. It is going to be another opportunity for Chase [Clement] and Jarett [Dillard] to hook BY SARAH RUTLEDGE whom have lost their husbands, with up at home." Donation to establish the Rice Engineering THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF financial assistance, education and Speculation over the Owls' op- job training to regain their pre-war ponent began even before the offi- Leadership Center to focus on communication The commencement speaker this status. cial announcement was made. The May for the class of 2008 will be Salbi is also the author of Between Texas Bowl is usually affiliated with BY MICHELLE JIN so you get programs started and Zainab Salbi, the founder and CEO Two Worlds: Escape from Tyranny: Conference-USA and the Big 12 Con- THRESHER STAFF it's difficult to continue them in a of Women for Women International, Growing Up in the Shadow of Saddam, ferences, but it is highly likely that a sustainable way. A gift like this al- the Commencement Speaker Com- a memoir about growing up in Iraq representative from the Big 12 will not The engineering department lows us to build some permanent mittee announced this week. The during Saddam Hussein's regime, be filling the spot. will soon expand the diversity of its infrastructure." organization provides women in war- and The Other Side of War: Women's The team most expected to take program content to include social The Rice Engineering Leader- stricken areas of the world, many of Stories of Survival & Hope. the other slot is the University of lessons in leadership. Rice alumni ship Center will focus on integrat- This year's announcement is four Notre Dame, which is unaffiliated John (Lovett '73) and Ann (Jones ing ethics, sustainable technology months ahead of last year's, which with a conference, but could be giv- '75) Doerr donated $15 million to es- and humanities with engineering, was made in March. en at at-large bid. The Fighting Irish tablish the Rice Engineering Lead- as well as enhancing students' According to Assistant to the Pres- are one of the most storied football ership Center, which is expected to professionalism. ident Mark Davis, Salbi will speak programs in the nation, but have open next fall, Dean of the George "|The Center] will be focused without payment. The university struggled since star quarterback R. Brown School of Engineering on things that transcend the will donate an as-now undetermined Brady Quinn departed in 2007. Sallie Keller-McNulty said. boundaries of the department," amount of money directly to her char- Other opponents could be selected The Doerrs' contribution will be Keller-McNulty said. "An example ity Women for Women International, from the Atlantic Coast Conference, designated to helping Rice students would be communications. What he said. Committee chair and Bio- the Big Ten Conference, or the Big remain at the forefront of new de- do we do to help our students de- chemistry and Cell Biology Professor East Conference. Rutgers University, a velopments in engineering. The velop really great communication Mike Gustin said the committee had Big East member, has also been men- gift, specifically for the engineer- skills? It's not just about writing, discussed establishing a tradition tioned in contention for the spot. ing department, was a rarity, since it's not just about oral communi- of donating money to the speaker's "I really want a tough opponent, donations of such magnitude often cation — it's how you and I techni- cause. because that makes you up your go to the university as a whole, cally can interact, or how you as The committee met in April, be- game," senior wide-receiver Jarett said Keller-McNutly, who also men- an engineer can explain to a poli- fore last year's commencement, to Dillard said. "Everybody in a bowl tioned the donation will fill a need tician something in engineering. brainstorm ideas for speakers. Gustin game is going to be competitive, but in the department. It's aimed at how our students can said Salbi's name was brought up at you want that opponent that nobody "It's very difficult to find fund- gain really strong intercommuni- the committee's first meeting. gives you a chance with, that you ing to support cross-cutting edu- cation skills." Sid Richardson College senior don't even have a shot, and every- cational needs," Keller-McNulty Some of the Center's education- and committee member Ian Feldman body is telling you that you are going said. "You can get grants for that, al focus will be embedded in class- Zainab Salbi said he ran across Salbi's name while O see BOWL, page 15 but they have short time horizons, o see ALUMNI, page 7 2006 Commencement speaker E5 see SPEAKER, page 10

Out of class and out of this world Bad music and black lights OMG it's finally over! INDEX Opinion 2 The Dean's and President's cosmic-themed The Architecture Society is holding a dance Today is the last day of classes. Take a break News 4 study break will offer students a few hours party this weekend titled Soft Space, Hard during dead week from now until Dec. 10, when Arts & Entertainment 11 of fun and free food at the beginning of dead Rave. The party will begin tomorrow at 10 p.m. exams begin. There will be no Thresher until Jan- Sports 1A week. The event will take place in the RMC in Anderson Hall, and will be completely civi- uary, but it'll be fine. We promise no news will Calendar 19 this Sunday from 7-10 p.m. lized and appropriate for the holidays. happen while we're gone. Backpage 20 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5,2008 EDITORIAL THE RICE THRESHER the Rice (Ihresher ATE mnrassgy vara I Don? HAV£ Emergency alert system ANY mey. only works if used Probably everyone would agree that Rice's comprehensive alert system would be good for notifying students of impend- ing natural disasters, campus closings and crimes in the sur- rounding neighborhoods. But what about the on-campus presence of a gun-wielding man fleeing the Rice University Police Department? We feel that when a man accused of physically assault- ing his undergraduate girlfriend evades police custody by vaulting from the roof of Brown College (see story, page 7), students should be notified of his whereabouts, and we don't TOWNlT mean in an e-mail an hour later. Nevertheless, we are very F/ND TH/rr appreciative that at least some college masters provided the electronic communication, considering others did not even 1 cwi.pr', bother with that limited notice. w We consider the lack of common response among the mas- Bur Y00 ters relatively excusable, because we find it disturbing that ANYTH/N6, the administration put the burden of distribution of informa- tion as important as the whereabouts of an escaped criminal ... / on the masters in the first place. The point of setting up the Im university-wide alert system in the first place was to make it easy for those at the highest level of the administration to contact students immediately in the event of an emergency. That said, we fully believe that sending a timely text message to every registered phone on campus would have been much easier and more considerate than trying to disseminate infor- mation through multiple parties and hoping it would arrive intact and simultaneously to each and every student. Speaker choice good, but system needs more fixes LETTERS TO TH E EDITOR thresher-ops@rice. edu How is it that Stuyvesant High School can book This Ameri- can Life radio show host Ira Glass for its commencement and death camps as part of a racial cleans- campus art nice but misplaced," Nov. Rice University cannot? We have a few ideas about this. Holocaust mention ing initiative, the Holocaust has no 14) is singular and fallacious. Today, the Commencement Speaker Committee announced disrespectful, glib place in a political argument. This Brought to fruition through the mu- nificence of Elizabeth and Albert Kidd, that the speaker for the 2009 Commencement will be Zainab sort of rhetoric belongs on the Back- To the editor: this project is a promising preview of Salbi, the founder and CEO of Women for Women Interna- page, where post-ironic mockeries of When I worked on the Thresher, I political discourse are appropriate. art to come. Like other privately fund- tional, an organization that helps female survivors of war to always enjoyed reading Caroline May's But in the opinion section it is just ed projects at Rice such as the John rebuild their lives through providing them financial assis- columns. It was great to have a regu- sad. By calling such arguments "elo- and Anne Grove, the Kidds and Rice's tance and education (see story, page 1). Though Salbi's father lar conservative writer who was not a quent," May shows that she is either Arts Committee probably enjoyed spe- cial freedom in their selection of this served as Saddam Hussein's personal pilot, Salbi herself is mouthpiece for the Rice College Re- ignorant or horribly cruel. publicans, but an independent voice. project; that's just how private money not associated with Hussein, as is evident from her body of If it is merely ignorance, May is While I almost never agreed with her, lucky enough to live just a few blocks works. If the MOB is feeling jealous or humanitarian work. May's columns helped me refine my away from the Houston Holocaust Mu- neglected, then maybe it should try to As a candidate for commencement speaker, Salbi is a good own arguments, and she was never seum. Perhaps she could visit the mu- be less controversial in order to im- choice. We are sure her credentials will make her a great afraid to express her own opinion. She seum and write her next column about press outside donors. If the Kidds had wanted to support the MOB, I'm sure speaker and that her heartfelt service is something Rice grad- stirred up campus and made people how the suffering of millions is not a angry, and it was great. However, her tool for her own personal agenda. they would have. uates can surely learn much from. column two weeks ago was beyond Everyday practical problems But we have to point out the truth, and sometimes the truth the pale ("Global warming consensus Evan Mintz should be handled through other de- hurts. How many people have heard of Salbi, and how many only, not fact," Nov. 21). Former Thresher Executive Editor partments at Rice. Suppose the Kidds have heard of Ira Glass? For the past few years, Rice has been Her arguments about global Hanszen'08 had donated $500,000 to keeping tu- moving in the direction of achieving greater name recogni- warming are not the issue. Instead, ition down for students. In today's her flippant use of the Holocaust is market, would that really have made tion. If Rice wants to be a well-known, top-tier university, it not only reductio ad Hitlerum of the Art installations a difference for all students for long? should book well-known, top-tier speakers. worst kind, but also horribly insult- reflect artistic value Special donations are for special And Rice has a tendency to choose commencement speak- ing. For May, the systematic murder projects, not general ones. These or- ers who are less well known—sometimes these speakers are of millions of innocent men, women To the editor: namental boats make a long lasting our own alumni. A year ago, discontent brewed when students and children seems to be nothing The argument that the donations statement about the value of art and more than a throwaway line in a cli- for Fondren's Lino Tagliapietra instal- metaphor, and at least this message realized that the Commencement Speaker Committee began ched political rant. Unless politicians lation could have been put to better use is subtle and symbolic enough to be assembling late in the fall semester and had former Rice Presi- are marching millions of people into on the Marching Owl Band ("Funds for generally appealing and inoffensive. dent George Rupp mere weeks before the event ("Former Rice O see LETTERS, page 3 President Rupp chosen for Commencement, " Mar. 21). Real- izing that this was unacceptable, this year's Commencement Lily Chun & Dylan Farmer The Rice Thresher, the official student news- Speaker Committee assembled in April and booked the speak- Editors in Chief paper at Rice University since 1916, is pub- lished each Friday during the school year, er a good six months beforehand. CALENDAR except during examination periods and holi- And while this year's effort was an improvement over the NEWS days, by the students of Rice University. Sarah Rutledge Editor Sean McBeath Editor fiasco of last year, we think the committee can do more to book Catherine Bratic Asst. Editor Letters to the Editor must be received by speakers that are better known. The way we can achieve this Margeux Clemmons Asst. Editor PHOTOGRAPHY 5 p.m. the Monday prior to publication and Cindy Dinh Asst. Editor must be signed, including college and year if is by forming Commencement Speaker Committees earlier — David Rosales Editor the writer is a Rice student. Letters should not Jocelyn Wright /Issf. Editor Ariel Shnitzer/4ssf. Editor Zach Castle Designer exceed 250 words in length. The Thresher re- not just a few months earlier, but two years earlier. In order to Lauren Schoeffler Asst. Editor serves the rights to edit letters for content and Jenny Sun Designer length and to place letters on our Web site. book someone on the level of celebrity status, a few months is Melissa Tsang Designer WEB just not enough time. If this committee were formed during the John Michael Cuccia Editor Stephen Wangdssf. Editor Editorial & business offices are sophomore year of a class—that is, two years before they grad- OP-ED located on the second floor of the Ley Stu- Amanda Melchor Editor dent Center: uate—there would be enough time for these committees to find Kay Fukui Cartoonist BUSINESS Manager qualified and available speakers to speak at commencement. Sarah Mitchell 6100 Main St., MS-524 SPORTS Yvett" Pan Payroll Manager Houston, TX 77005-1892 Phone (713) V<8-4801 Again, it's not that Salbi is a bad choice; she is a good Editor Jessie Huang Subscriptions Manager Natalie Clericuzio Fax (713) 348-5238 Yan Digilov Editor Gustavo Herrera Distribution Manager choice, and an improvement over last year's hastily picked Sergio Jaramillo Distribution Manager E-mail: [email protected] Web site: wwwricethrpsher.nrg speaker (Rupp graciously accepted the position last minute, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Charles Avry Distribution Manager and frankly, we should have been thankful anybody spoke at Julie Armstrong Editor Unsigned editorials represent the major- Joe Dwyer Editor ADVERTISING ity opinion of the Thresher editorial staff. all). Choosing Salbi shows that the Commencement Speaker Joseph Ramirez Ads Manager All other opinion pieces represent solely the opinion of the piece's author. Committee has made great changes in their selection process COPY Thomas Yeh Ads Manager Nick Schlossman Editor Tiffany Kuo Classified Ads Manager in that the speaker was chosen a good half-year in advance The Thresher is a member of the Ryan Stickney Editor Associated Collegiate Press. Way to go Kay and that the speaker is not from the Rice community. We just BACKPAGE Anna Wilde Editor © Copyright 2008 want to puint out that we can — and should — always be look- Timothy Faust Editor Eric Doctor Editor ing for ways to improve. Op-Ed Tis the season of giving, not materialismBoard member's support of $450 BILLION. WHAT is that num- early advertising and Christmas decora- The estimated cost to provide clean ber? The estimated cost for the rest of tions. There are people who despise the water worldwide is $10 billion. Four Proposition 8 impacts campus the Iraq War? The amount of money Christmas music of Bing Crosby blast- churches ended up giving $500,000 to needed to bail out all the faltering ing from the speakers and the holiday the cause in 2006, and more churches THE PASSAGE OF Proposition 8 in eliminate the civil rights of our own stu- companies in the United States? Ac- lights tripping them on their way across gave a sum totaling $3 million last California, a ballot measure that dents and staff, not to mention count- tually, $450 billion is approximately the living room. On the other hand, year. Hopefully, this year's total can stripped existing marriage rights less other Americans, I must question if how much Americans spend on there are people who love the holiday reach even higher levels. from same-sex couples, was a pain- our commitment to diversity is nothing Christmas each year. Each year, we atmosphere, Christmas cheer, spiked The Advent Conspiracy's proposal is ful and troubling moment for les- more than lip service. shop for hours in crowded malls and eggnog and trips to the ice skating rink. that people spend less money on gifts, bian, gay, bisexual, transgender, stress over figuring out the best gifts Either way, one cannot deny the ridicu- and instead spend that money to build queer and allied people. For the fair 4i for friends and family — and don't lous amount of money put into this clean water wells around the world. minded and progressive members of forget the standard Black Friday ar- holiday. And for what purpose? Was Then, to give more to family and friends the Rice community, this devastat- ticles about accidental deaths and Christmas made so that we could all not through presents bought at the Gal- ing measure signifies the reality that Simmons repre- mass chaos. We stretch our budgets buy gifts for one another? Was it made leria, but through extra time spent with they, their families and their friends and seek the best deals to spend so that your aunt could buy you another one another. With these steps, we can must continue to wait to be granted sents Rice and his those dollars and cents on numerous sweater vest from Banana Republic? Or attend to the poor and needy in the the same rights we are all guaranteed actions certainly purchases of video games, DVDs, de- should we consider the greater mean- world instead of attending to our own as citizens of America. signer clothes, jewelry, furniture and ing of Christmas? material interests. After all, consumer- reflect upon the other items all for the sake of provid- Christmas originated as a day to cel- ism doesn't lead to joy in the world. board, adminis- ing a gift for someone for the holiday. ebrate the birth of Jesus, who changed This is the season of advent. You After all, you wouldn't want to be the the world (whether you believe in his don't have to believe in Christianity or tration and our jerk who didn't give a gift to someone teachings or not). The day celebrated any other religion to believe that people university as a who gave you one, would you? love and peace on earth, and yet in our in this world could use help, and you times, this purpose seems largely to have are free to buy whatever you want and whole. been placed in the background. The give however you like. This season, I message is lost, but there are churches hope you will consider spending less on who are seeking to bring this purpose material goods and giving more to help Caitlin Maclntyre 99 back. Cue the Advent Conspiracy. out. Check out www.adventconspiracy. In 2006, five pastors, including org for more information (and a video Proposition 8 devalues the rela- While I completely understand Chris Seay of the Houston-based that explains the purpose of the move- tionships and demeans the love of the Simmons has the right to donate mon- church Ecclesia, helped start the Ad- ment way better than I can). Maybe we gay and lesbian students in our class- ey to anyone he pleases, I also think we vent Conspiracy (advent is the church can contribute to once again making rooms who are forced to question when as a community of students and facul- MattYoun season leading up to Christmas). The Christmas a day about changing the their partnerships will be given equal ty who are affected by the passage of goal was to help end the lack of clean world for the better. value to those of the students in the this divisive proposition have the right Christmas is a holiday that is water in the world, which kills more desks next to them. Straight allies are to hold Simmons accountable as well. loathed by many and loved by many. people globally than anything else. Matt Youn is a Brown College senior left with a sinking disappointment as A donation of that size could have People complain about the much-too- Remember that number $450 billion? and Student Association president. they wait and wonder when they will helped the "No on 8" campaign as it see their friends or family members re- fought for families and sent a message ceive the benefits they themselves are that love has value no matter the gen- U freely given without question. der of the parties involved. Simmor ; Spanish" a misnomer, diverse language represents Rice and his actions cer- tainly reflect upon the board, adminis- *4 THERE IS NO such thing as Spanish. tu verbs with -i or how tu barely ex- from Ecuador to Chile, they never made tration and our university as a whole. If living in Guatemala, Peru and Chile ists between Guatemalans? it past South America, so if you asked I am ashamed that my school is under during the last eight months has Where these vocabulary, accent someone in Mexico how to say the same Proposition 8 the guidance of a man who apparently taught me anything, it is this: There's and grammar differences come from sentence, it's certain he or she would seeks to tear apart families, who deval- Guatemalan, Peruvian, Chilean, Ar- is fascinating from a cultural and tell you something different. devalues the ues love and who would put the future gentinean, Bolivian, Uruguayan and linguistic standpoint. Let's take the In Argentina "Spanish" is spoken relationships and happiness of some of our students in so forth, but no "Spanish," except for first example. Some of the words like Italian because, well, there's a jeopardy. I am troubled that this man, maybe in Spain. are purely Chilean genus — pololo, big Italian influence. In Guatemala demeans the love who says the LGBT friends I live, eat, which means boyfriend (novio, what many men will not use tu between of the gay and les- learn and spend my life with are not many of us learned as the word for each other because tu has come to equal members of this community, is boyfriend, means "fiance"), caretear, take a homosexual connotation. In- bian students in making decisions for my school. That which means to go partying and stead they use vos, a practice that is not acceptable to me and I hope it is poncear, which means, loosely, to is leading to the slow extinction of our classrooms. unacceptable to Rice University. make out. But some words have in- tu in Guatemalan. All over the vast As co-president of Rice's Queers credible outside influences that Chil- Spanish-speaking world the same 99 and Allies, I can speak for the group eans took and reworked to become an processes of language individualiza- when I say this news is certainly un- integral part of their language. Lolita, tion have taken and are taking place, acceptable to us, and we believe it is Julia Lukomnik a word used to mean a teenage or ad- pulling the Spanish spoken in these With students at Rice University our responsibility to take some sort of olescent girl, comes from the famous countries further and further apart. feeling the pain of Proposition 8 and action. Please feel free to write a let- For those of you who are confused, Nabokov novel of the same name My point in writing this article is many even taking a stand and attend- ter to Simmons and drop it off at the as you have a right to be, let me give where the main female character is to point out that "Spanish" should be ing a protest in the Houston area to Queers and Allies office in the RMC, an example: if I told a non-Chilean a twelve-year-old. 1Cachai?, which viewed not as a unified language, but raise awareness, I was shocked and dis- and we will make sure he gets it. I Spanish speaker, mi pololo estaba means "Did you catch that?" in refer- as a set of dialects — mutually intel- heartened to discover that a member of want an explanation. I want an assur- ponceando con lolitas cuando fue a ences to understanding something, ligible manners of speaking within a the Rice Board of Trustees, Laurence E. ance that my community, the LGBTQA caretear, 1cachai? it's a safe bet that comes from the English word "catch." language. This may be something lin- Simmons, had donated $25,000 to help community, is valued by the Rice he or sho=e would have no idea that In no other countries are these words guists are already doing, but it needs aid the passage of this discriminatory Board of Trustees and our rights will I was trying to say, "When my boy- present, because it is Chile's specific to also be something that anyone initiative. While the university touts be protected and our presence valued. friend went out partying he was mak- relationship with the outside world studying or teaching "Spanish" rec- the value of diversity and professes a I want this injustice corrected and our ing out with lots of teenage girls, do that has brought them to existence. ognizes. Especially living in Texas for commitment to creating a safe space efforts focused on ending oppression you get that?" And if I told someone in In other cases country-specific the majority of the year, it's easy to for all people, a powerful leader in our rather than adding to it. I want all of Central America Nacio la gwawa en la vocabulary may come from internal familiarize oneself with the Mexican community is undermining a group our voices and identities to be valued chacra he or she wouldn't understand sources. I'm referring here to indig- dialect and assume that's all there that is vital in making up this wonder- by this university, regardless of who that I was saying, "The baby was enous populations. In Peru, Chile and is to know. But in reality, there's so ful mosaic of unique perspectives and we love or who we are, and I certainly born in the country." And that's just Bolivia it would be common to hear the much more. And who doesn't want to experiences — lesbian, gay, bisexual don't think that is too much to expect. the vocabulary. How about accents - second example — nacio la gwawa en la cachar todo, understand everything? and transgender people. When some- where Spaniards use lisps and Argen- chacra - because both gwawa and cha- one who makes decisions about where Caitlin Maclntyre is a Brown tineans sound like Italians? Or gram- cra come from Quecha, the language Julia Lukomnik is a Baker College Rice is going an .1 how the world will see College junior and Queers and mar - in which Chileans terminate of the Incas. While the Incas spanned junior and abroad in Chile. us decides to participate in an effort to Allies co-president. OLETTERS

With its controversial political views the Thresher, Logan Beck and Josh According to band member Aar- is that through this censorship our and halftime performances, the Rutenberg for covering the issue Absence of lyrics on Dessner, the Rice administration administration has exercised a MOB, of all groups, ought to extend of arts on campus in such an even- displays censorship had asked their singer. Matt Bering- power that should have extremely some tolerance to projects (even ex- handed fashion. We hope to see er, to leave out the naughty words limited use in a healthy academ- pensive ones) that try to say some- more articles in the future. To the editor: because of the presence of donors ic community. Dessner said that thing about Rice. One quick note of correction, The chorus of the penultimate and alumni. Have they themselves they've played this song at conser- however: The film collaborations encore song "Mr. November" from not heard and issued curse words vative Baptist schools and other Jacob Poteet that the Visual and Dramatic Arts the National's performance during before? Do they not know what col- colleges in addition to their regular Martel junior department and the University of Homecoming weekend lacked a little lege is like? Do they really value touring schedule, and he said the Texas Film Program are currently of the zing that it carries at the band's censorship more than free speech? band never received complaints or developing originated from Dean other performances, and it wasn't just The administration certainly oper- censorship requests. Rice may not VADA article Wihl and are part of a larger, city- because the band was playing in the ated within its bounds in making have an upper limit on academic requires correction wide initiative on film through the sunlight. If you were listening close- this request and were probably just performance, but it certainly ap- Houston Film Task Force. ly, you may have heard fans familiar trying to ensure that donors would pears to have one on its commit- To the editor: with the song filling in the rest of the donate, but I doubt that hearing ment to free speech. The Visual and Dramatic Arts Brian Huberman chorus, which generally includes the the f-word at a concert is really that Jacob Poteet Department would like to thank VADA chair word "fuck" several times. shocking. What's truly shocking Martel junior FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5,2008 4 NEWS THE RICE THRESHER President Leebron visits Iran with educational delegation hibited from using certain types of BY CINDY DINH equipment, he said. THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF 1 "Those are obstacles our country SSBSfc 2 has to evaluate and see the trade-offs In times of international turmoil BBSGSSSf: i*,, between a policy of isolation and a and political hostilities, connections policy of engagement," he said. between countries can still be forged Other considerations include through neutral institutions like uni- what opportunities are available versities. Last month President David for students and faculty, particu- Leebron and five other American uni- larly females. While restriction of versity presidents traveled to Iran to dress might be an issue due to the visit the Iranian minister of science country's majority Muslim popu- and research technology as well as lation, Leebron also wanted to be four universities highly regarded for assured that the area would be a their science programs. positive, safe place for faculty and "The basic idea was to start a con- students to visit. versation about where science is go- ing in the 21st century and lay some "We saw nothing in our visits that groundwork for increased interac- would undercut that," he said. "I tions between Iranian and American think the Iranians are very proud that universities and faculty and institu- the majority of university students tions," Leebron said. are women, but on the other hand the success rate for women in graduate Leebron visited Iran through studies is significantly less." the Association of American Uni- versities, joining five other Ameri- There are already a number of Ira- can public and private university nian students and faculty members presidents. The other universities at Rice, and Leebron cited the Iranian represented were Carnegie Mellon community in Houston as a potential University, University of Florida, source of strength for the university. University of Maryland-College "The more [the students] can un- Park, Cornell University and Uni- President David Leebron, third from right, took part in a trip sponsored by the Association of American Univer- derstand the issues around a country versity of California-Davis. sities. His travelling companions were the presidents of five other American research universities. like Iran, the more they can be pre- This delegation visited four uni- pared for whatever that is that lies in versities in Isfahan and the capital the future," Leebron said. city of Tehran, including Sharif Uni- also encouraged by the warm recep- the government. However, Secretary However, he noted that the status He plans to visit faculty to iron out versity of Technology — which is re- tion we received and the very strong of State Condoleezza Rice and the De- between governments does matter the next steps and hopes to possibly garded as the MIT of Iran, Leebron interest in fostering understanding partment of State knew about the trip when it comes to obstacles between arrange a visit from the presidents of said. They met with university presi- and relationships." and were supportive of its goals. student and faculty exchange. Since Iranian peer institutions. dents and top administrators, toured Due to previous engagements Leebron said this trip operated in- the United States currently does not "I'm hoping that there might be facilities and nanotechnology labora- with the James A. Baker III Institute dependently of a political agenda. have diplomatic relations with Iran, a reciprocal visit from some of these tories, and had a discussion with stu- for Public Policy's 15th anniversary, "Even when governments are hos- certain challenges arise when it university presidents to the United dents at the University of Tehran. Leebron attended four of the six days tile to each other and they have im- comes to travel. For example, there States and [that they will] make a Leebron said the trip left him op- of the trip, which accomplished the portant contentious issues between are no outbound flights from Iran to point of visiting Rice," Leebron said. timistic, despite ongoing tensions be- preliminary goals of understanding them, universities can play a valu- the United States, which means Ira- Besides traveling to Iran, Leebron tween the United States and Iran. the state of Iranian research and con- able role in educational exchange nians board U.S. flights from other has also traveled to India, China, "There have not been a lot of sideration of possible exchange and and cultural interaction, dialogue countries. Conversely, Americans Mexico, Argentina and Chile on busi- prominent delegations of Americans collaboration, he said. Though there and understanding," he said. "Any traveling to Iran might feel uneasy ness trips this academic year. These visiting Iran in recent years," Leebron are current political contentions be- decision to engage in this kind of trip since there is no U.S. embassy in business trips help identify university said. "Although we remain cognizant tween the American and Iranian gov- or deeper relationships with Iranian the country. In addition, the United partners and establish relationships that there are serious issues dealing ernments, Leebron said the delega- universities is not an endorsement of States cannot export technology to and to improve Rice's international with the Iranian government, we are tions did not serve as emissaries of policies of the Iranian government." Iran and students in Iran are pro- visibility, he said.

jjSBH

*

m *£ Ti I TTIBBi • J| • • i , Q - JL3LI

* * . .5.;...

Cutting-edge science education, management skills, and work experience in less than two years!

Choose from M.S. Degrees in: Environmental Analysis & Decision Making Nanoscale Physics Subsurface Geoscience

i Get the tool-set to be successful in business and industry www.profms.rice.edu FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5,2008 THE RICE THRESHER NEWS 5 Sid wins intercollege recycling contest

BY BIANCA WALKER its from the recycling center may have FOR THE THRESHER motivated students to participate in the project. Inter-college competition in- The results speak for them- cludes not only sports, but also sav- selves, Escalera said. Besides Sid's ing the Earth one Coke can at a time. 1.5 percent increase from their Last month, Sid Richardson College pre-competition aluminum contri- outshone the other colleges in a bution, Wiess College recycled 26 November-only aluminum recycling pounds, and Will Rice College fol- competition with 54 pounds of col- lowed closely with 23 pounds. Two lected material — more than twice the colleges which had no recycling amount of runner-up Wiess College. before the campaign, Brown and Overall campus recycling increased Lovett Colleges, were able to estab- by 52 percent. lish recycling programs. The project was the latest sus- While the competition was decid- tainability-oriented effort from the ed in terms of greatest weight of alu- class ENST 302: Environmental Is- minum contributed, the class group sues: Rice in the Future. Sid senior also collected information about the Kassaundra Escalera, sophomore rate of aluminum recycled before Paige Bailey, junior Meghan Binford their competition and campaign. Ev- and Will Rice College sophomore ery college succeeded in increasing Abby Banks-Golub chose to run the its rates, except Wiess, where recy- contest as part of their final project cling decreased by 7 pounds. on recycling. The students focused "The best we can do is hope that it on aluminum recycling because of has had an effect," Banks-Golub said. its ability to be recycled infinitely, The other group members, along Escalera said. with Johnson and Sociology Profes- "[The class] uses the campus as sor Elizabeth Long, who teaches the a laboratory for learning about sus- class, hope the competition has a tainability," Director of Sustainability lasting effect on Rice and that stu- Richard R. Johnson said. dents will continue to recycle alumi- During the course of the class, the num at the rates they have been dur- professors encourage the students to ing the competition. become aware of environmental is- "Many major environmental ini- sues and to find ways to solve them. tiatives and success stories are con- Projects such as the aluminum-re- nected in some way to this class," cycling competition fit in with the Johnson said. course's focus on enhancing sustain- The sustainability policy adopted ability on-campus. by Rice University in April 2004 was The class group arranged for the drafted by students from the ENST college with the most recycled alumi- 302 spring 2004 class. num waste in November to be award- "Sustainability plays a critical role ed the proceeds from the aluminum in the process of helping to green our recycling center, which totaled $100. campus," Johnson said. "It's a real joy Students enjoy Taiwanese food, games, and entertainment at the Night Market held last Saturday in the Grand "It is always good to introduce to work with [students]. The students a competitive aspect to recycling," are the ones to make the difference." Hall of the RMC. The event was sponsored by the Rice Taiwanese Association. Martel College Eco-Rep Rachel Carl- Banks-Golub recommends every- one to take the initiative to recycle. son said. "A lot of people only recycle ""1 •••"" IBBBSSBBB'''''''S'• '&!"' • when it is convenient." "Recycle — it's one of the easiest She said many students need an things you can do to make a differ- incentive to recycle, and that the prof- ence," she said. Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellows Program

Of Bermmn Mavj RIC

THRESHE ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT GRADUATE STUDY LEADING TO THE PH.D.?

"I'm reading pages right now, I have no time to engage in penis IF SO, READ ON. debate." The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellows Program (MMUFP) a! Rice University has three goals. First, it seeks k "/ am not the News Editor, so / am not bound by rules..." increase the number of minority students, and others with a demonstrated commitment 10 eradicating racial J disparities, who will pursue Phl)s in core fields in the arts and sciences. In doing so. the program aims to reduce "You look sad. Have a cock ring." over time the serious under-representation on the faculties of individuals from certain minority groups, as well as to address the attendant educational consequences oi these disparities. Second, it seeks to nurture these students to "You wearing tights is not enough be the researchers, teachers, and mentors of the highly diverse college student bodies ot the future. I hird. it seeks to make me want to come." to encourage stud\ abroad experiences as part of their research agenda. I he tields that the Andrew \V. Mellon Foundation has targeted for support are: Anthropology, Art History. Classics, Computer Science, "So it's actually sodomizing it? Demography, Earth Sciences, Ecology, English. Fthnomusicology, Foreign Languages, History. I iterature. That's interesting..." Mathematics. Musicology. Philosophy. Physics, Political Theory, Religion and Sociology.

"CS3 is Gandalf, reincarnated, on Applicants should normally be completing their sophomore year as a student at Rice I Diversity Juniors are PCP. Super strong and completely invited to apply as Associate Fellows. Selection will be based on a number of attributes including but not limited unaware of his inhibitions." [ to academic standing and potential, life experiences and interests, commitment to building bridges in multicultural settings, and interest in pursuing graduate education. Students who participate in the program receive a yearly "For Thresher editors there are only six days a week: Monday, stipend of S2.000, work closely with a faculty mentor for two years, and are also eligible for participation in Tuesday, Whursday, Friday, summer fellowship programs at the end of their sophomore or junior years. Finalists will be interviewed. Saturday and Sunday." Announcements will be made in March.

For more information and to download the application go to: IUST LOOK AT ALL THE http://riee.edu/mellonmays -UN YOU COULD BE HAVING Application deadline is January 23. 2009 •VERY WHURSDAY NIGHT... CONTACT: Dr. Roland It. Smith. Jr. or CUoria Bean of the Associate I'rovost Jniversity -56X8 iiTITI . I :UH q »!• FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5,2008 6 NEWS THE RICE THRESHER SA poll shows Health Services has limited reach

BY MELISSA TSANG "But if I had the need to, I'd feel like Ml would utilize Student Health Services if it were How convenient was your last appointment with they're pretty open for me to go use Student Health Services with respect to your THRESHER STAFF off-campus." and pretty accessible." schedule? When they are feeling under the Of those who did use student health N/A -1 have never made an appointment weather, 42 percent of Rice students services, 56 percent of respondents re- Strongly disagree said they would contact their parents ported that scheduling appointments prior to seeking treatment from health was convenient or very convenient. Disagree Very convenient services or using online resources "I haven't used it that much, only like WebMD, according to the Student once during 0-Week when I got re- Health Services survey conducted by ally bad bug bites," Hanszen College Neither agree nor disagree Convenient the Student Association last month. sophomore Courtney Ng said. "I think SA Senators Ryan Fleming and Le- they're really attentive and very help- Neither convenient nor inconvenient ticia Camara collaborated on the poll ful because I didn't even have an ap- in order to address concerns about stu- pointment, I just walked in and they dent awareness and utilization of Rice's took care of me right there." Inconvenient Student Health Services, and to identify While sick visits and vaccinations Strongly agree areas of possible improvement. top the list for services most used by EE3 "We got together with the people students, the number of visits to Stu- Very inconvenient from Health Services to figure out dent Health Services for contraceptive how they could improve their service counseling and testing for sexually m toward students, especially with the transmitted diseases were 18 percent student population increasing with and 14 percent, respectively. Fleming Who are you most likely to contact in the event of Duncan and McMurtrey [Colleges]," said one of the reasons for the poll was Who are you most likely to contact for a health emergency? Fleming, a Sid Richardson College to increase awareness of the different treatment when feeling ill or under the weather? sophomore, said. "This was a way for STD tests Health Services offers. Emergency Medical Response (EMS) us to tell what issues students might Parents have with Health Services, to see what €4 student opinion is, to find out what Student Health Services Parents services were being under-utilized, This was a way for and what students were doing in us to tell what issues • I • order to treat themselves whenever students might have Web site (e.g. WebMD) Hospitals in the Medical Center they got sick. " Although moving Health Services with health service, off campus and outsourcing services ... and [to find out] Health Reps Student Health Services would be cheaper for the university, what students were poll results showed that 71 percent Hospitals in the Medical Center Health Reps of students said they would not go doing in order to treat to Health Services if it were located themselves whenever |l% off campus, Camara, a Jones College sophomore, said. they got sick. Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Web site (e.g. WebMD) The poll also covered the time it Ryan Fleming |l% |l% took for students to schedule an ap- SA Senator pointment. Next-day or same-day appointments were the norm for 38 n The last time you tried to make an appointment Select the services for which you have utilized percent of poll respondents, while 16 with Student Health Services because you were Student Health Services percent scheduled an appointment sick, how soon could you get an appointment to Sick Visit two days later. Camara said calling Camara said the SA will work with see a doctor? too late to schedule an appointment Student Health Services and especial- and missed appointments when stu- ly the residential colleges' Health Rep- N/A — I have never made an appointment Vaccinations dents do not cancel or forget to go re- resentatives to encourage students to main two of the biggest problems with use Health Services more often. scheduling appointments. "What we really want to change is Same day Physical examinations # "Early calling and remembering] the outbreak awareness on campus," to cancel," Camara said. "Those are Camara said. "So basically if there's a Next day Sports injury the two things the student population mono outbreak on campus, students really needs to remember to do. If we know really quickly the basic steps of get that done, I'd be happy. I would re- how to avoid getting mono." 2 days later Contraceptive counseling ally be happy." The poll was posted on the SA web- Of the students surveyed, 36 per- site Nov. 17 and ended Nov. 26, and cent said they have never made an ap- with 450 student votes, participation 3+ days later Treatment for sexually transmitted diseases pointment with Health Services. exceeded initial expectations of 200 to "I don't use them that often be- 300 votes and surpassed the 348 votes cause I never really had the need to," counted during the SA's poll on Fon- Skin condition Jones sophomore Chase LeCroy said. dren Library services in March.

Be A Professional Peacemaker.

milllll iltliiL* ' f ill H i t U ^ • H f t • * * jk /he ( enter For Dispute Resolution And Conflic t Alanagcinent At SA1U'> Location In Phmo Improve your marketability and open up new career possibilities with a Master of Arts Degree in Dispute Resolution "one of 31 Best Careers of 2003" according to U.S. News & World Report.

214.768.9032 or www.smu.edu/resolution

ANNHITH CALOWKLI. SIMMONS SMU SCHOOL OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DKVKLOPMKNT Brown College sophomore Kevin Rivas reads the names of AIDS vic- tims in front of a memorial quilt on AIDS day. SMU** not dfccrimoata 00 tf* hwtt erf rac«, com rttyton t-ahonaloogin star. ag* (feaMity, o» *wan itatu* -SMU'* "oromrtmtnt to opportunity nr*«wr:mi^tmn m the ba% ot orientation FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5,2008 THE RICE THRESHER NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF • ALUMNI FROM PAGE 1 RUPD pursues on Sep. 28. RUPD stopped him and bumpy skin from acne or acne for driving the wrong way on a scars. At first, the man grabbed room courses, and others may be ly as they can and mount different felon on campus one-way street. After finding that the student's feet, which she stand-alone programs. The faculty kinds of programs and activities he had a felony warrant against pulled away. and the Center's external advisory that will benefit our students in Rice University police started him, RUPD brought him into the Next, he picked up his cell committee, chaired by Ann Doerr, developing the skill sets for lead- their Thanksgiving break with a station, Hassell said. While they phone and moved it around as are in the midst of figuring out the ers and for entrepreneurs," Keller- chase when they received a call were taking Young out of the pa- though he were trying to take pic- specifics, but in the meantime, McNulty said. trol car, he bolted and was even- that a wanted felon was on campus tures of her feet. The student left engineering faculty and staff are The Doerrs were in talks to give tually found under a porch by at Brown College the evening of about 30 minutes after the inci- excited about the donation and its the donation for several years, search dogs. Nov. 24. It was the same man RUPD dent. She sent a text message to implications for students, Keller- until the gift was finalized a few apprehended with the help of the Young was described as white, a friend so that she would have McNulty said. weeks ago. Houston Police Department's dogs 6' i", around 160 pounds with an excuse to leave after her friend "Whenever we have a large gift and helicopter Sept 28, Police Cap- brown hair and brown eyes. While texted her back, Hassell said. a like this, you always have a lot of tain Phillip Hassell said. his hair was braided into cornrows This is not the first time a man conversation, to try to mold the Rice University Police Depart- when RUPD first apprehended him, with a foot fetish has been on cam- gift into what benefits Rice Uni- ment received a call the night they believe that his hair is now un- pus. Hassell said the men tend to Whenever we have a versity and what also meets the before that the man, Drake Young braided. gravitate toward the library where passion of the donors," Keller- had assaulted his girlfriend off- Young has been charged with they can observe people's feet large gift like this, you McNulty said. campus, striking her several times assault and felony escape. He is while they study. Some will take always have a lot of Including this gift, the Doerrs in the face, but he left before RUPD still at large, but RUPD is working their cell phones and try to photo- conversation to try have contributed $22.5 million to arrived. At 10:44 p.m. the follow- to apprehend him, Hassell said. graph feet under the table. Rice's Centennial Campaign, which ing evening, Young returned. His "We weren't able to catch him, Hassell advised students who to mold the gift into aims to raise $1 billion by 2012. now ex-girlfriend stayed with the but we have his car, and there's a noticed someone looking at or try- what benefits Rice They also provided $2.5 million in warrant out to arrest him as soon Brown masters that evening be- ing to take pictures of their feet to University and what seed funding for computational cause she was afraid to return to as we can find him," Hassell said. call RUPD immediately. He said it research of cancer programs and her room in the college. —Jocelyn Wright would have been better if the stu- also meets the pas- the financial means to endow two RUPD spotted Young on the dent had texted or called RUPD sion of the donors. chairs, currently held by Computer roof of Brown near the college and asked somebody to come by Science Professors Krishna Palem commons. He then jumped off instead of staying there for half an Sallie KeUer-McNulty and Keith Cooper. the roof, took off and ran to- MOB leads hour. Dean of the George R. The Doerrs earned their un- • • wards Hermann Park along the "I don't think there's any rea- Brown School of dergraduate and masters degrees light rail tracks. HPD joined the Thanksgiving Day son to sit there for 30 minutes Engineering in electrical engineering at Rice. chase with a canine unit and a parade when there's someone making John Doerr is a venture capitalist city helicopter unit. Although you feel uncomfortable," Hassell and Ann Doerr is an environmen- police were unable to apprehend Rice's Marching Owl Band was said. "We would prefer people call 99 tal activist. The gift comes from the Young, they did find and seize selected to march in Houston's 6000 immediately so we can get Benificus Foundation, a private his car, Hassell said. annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day him before he does something like charitable organization established Young was first spotted on parade. The MOB's portion of the that again." "A gift like this allows us to by the couple whose previous do- campus nearly two months ago parade was movie-themed and fea- — Jocelyn Wright build some permanent infrastruc- nations have supported schools tured a saxaphone-playing Darth ture of people and programs to and health-related initiatives. Vader, Marilyn Monroe, and danc- help our faculty think as creative- ing reels of movie film. Though the MOB has marched Son of Libyan in parades before, including Mar- leader visits Rice di Gras in Dallas and New Orleans, this was the band's first time to Saif al-lslam al-Gaddafi, a spe- lead one, according to MOB di- cial envoy from Libya, visited Rice t ntcKen rector Chuck Throckmorton. He on his own accord last Wednes- credited Public Affairs Director day in pursuit of stronger Libyan- Kitchen Greg Marshall for landing them American relations. Gaddafi is the www.chickenkitchenhouston.com t the position. chairman of the Gaddafi Interna- # Throckmorton said that he tional Charity and Development would like to see the MOB partici- Foundation. He is also the son of pate in another Thanksgiving pa- the current de facto leader of Libya, rade, but that he wouldn't make it Muammar al-Gaddafi. a regular MOB appearance. Gaddafi visited various sites Drake Young Wanted Felon "I don't like to take people away throughout Houston and the Unit- from their families every year," he ed Spates in the past month. said in an e-mail conversation. "He's trying to foster relation- — Thresher Staff ships between Libya and the Unit- ed States," said a member of his security detail who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity Foot fetishist of his job. • • harrasses student Gaddafi toured the Rice cam- pus before meeting with President A man with a foot fetish ap- David Leebron. While his visit was All day Saturday any regular size chop-chop proached a female student unannounced, a member of his se- while she was studying at the curity detail said that Gaddafi was Brochstein Pavilion around 3 seeking increased study-abroad and drink for$5.55 p.m. Friday, Police Captain Phil- exchanges as well as new diplo- when you show your Rice university ID lip Hassell said. matic relations. According to Hassell, the stu- "We keep it hush-hush," he said. CK RICE VILLAGE CK DOWNTOWN dent described the man as a 5-foot — Catherine Bratic 2516 Rice Blvd McKinney Place Tunnel 5-inch Asian male in his late 20s to Tel: 71 3-523-2323 9030 Main ST Suite T-240A early 30s with dark, short, spiked Tel: 713-752-2323 Drake Young Wanted Felon hair, yellow teeth, possibly a grille

Peter A. Canovas Jr. has been working in the Texas Medical Medical Center Optical Center area since 1980. He has a Masters in Ophthalmic Optics from the American Board of Conveniently Located on the corner Opticianry and is a Registered of Greenbriar and Holcombe Dispensing Optician with the Texas Department of Health.

2240 Suite B W Holcombe Blvd, •r© »a Houston, TX 77030 713-664-5678 mw « «< # Quality Eyewear Student and Faculty Baker College junior Bradley Houston sings at an AIDS day concert in discounts are remembrance of those who died of HIV/AIDS. available FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5,2008 8 NEWS THE RICE THRESHER

RUPD POLICE BLOTTER The following Items were reported to the Rice Univer- The Outer Loop gets re-lit sity Police Department for the period Nov, 18-Dec. 3. RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES « • Despite the fact that the Outer currently in place and are on the op- BY MARGEUX CLEMMONS Baker College Nov. 18 Theft THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF Loop is by law under the City of Hous- posite side, the part closer to Rice. Baker College Nov. 19 Theft ton's jurisdiction, FE&P began plans One successful test has already been Nov. 23 Drug violations-arrest Night-time joggers and commuters for improvement that would abide by completed. Once installed in Febru- Brown College will not be left in the dark in Facili- city regulations. Rice is not receiving ary, the four fixtures will draw from Baker College Nov. 27 Theft ties, Engineering and Planning's next any aid from the City of Houston for a temporary power source. This pre- project. Light fixtures along the outer this project. liminary implementation will allow ACADEMIC BUILDINGS loop will be installed beginning Feb- those involved in the project to de- Fondren Library Nov. 23 Theft ruary in order to increase the safety termine whether or not the changes Fondren Library Dec. 1 Theft of Rice's hedge-lined border with the will succeed in lighting the entire outside world, FE&P Communica- NUMBERS loop sufficiently. OTHER BUILDING tions Manager Susann Glenn said. Although FE&P is exploring Brochstein Pavilion Nov. 28 Assault (see story, pg. 7) The impending improvements are LEED-certified fixtures in an effort not the first of Rice's collaborations An survey administered by to make the proposal as sustainable with the City of Houston to positively students in University Cours- as possible, no final decision has PARKING LOTS impact the space. es 219: Survey of Sexual Vio- been made on the type of lighting to West Lot Nov. 29 Criminal mischief "We're interested in installing the lence reported that: be purchased from Graybar Electric. lights, even though it isn't our sole Other challenges for the project in- OTHER LOCATIONS responsibility, because the enhance- • 50 percent of females feel clude the need for a practical power College Way Nov. 19 Failure to stop and give in- ment of the path has a direct impact unsafe on the Outer Loop source and electrical feed, neither of formation in quality of life on campus," Glenn which are available in the present at night. Off Campus Nov. 21 Credit card abuse said, referring to the jogging track on infrastructure along the path. New Off Campus Nov. 23 Assault the Outer Loop. "It is an opportunity • 40 percent of males feel power lines will need to be installed to work collaboratively with the City unsafe on the Outer Loop in order to reach the new lighting be- cause there is currently no existing of Houston as we did with the decom- at night. posed granite pathway." electrical system where FE&P plans Chris Douglas, Sid Richardson Col- along the path at night and of the to install fixtures. lege senior Whitney Sandin, Brown 5 percent who reported feeling very Plans for the installation be- • 10 percent of participants gan last year when a group of In order to avoid a high one-time College junior Pierre Beasley and safe, none were female. Additionally, feel very unsafe running concerned students met with Rice cost, FE&P plans to divide the Outer Sid junior Anna Roberts. The group approximately 50 percent of females the Outer Loop at night. University Police Department Chief Loop lighting makeover into several met with Flumach to discuss how and 40 percent of males reported feel- Bill Taylor as well as FE&P staff to spaced-out installations. The addition they might be of service to the al- ing somewhat unsafe on the Outer • 80 percent of students discuss the lighting around Rice's of supplementary fixtures is contingent ready rolling project. In order to Loop at night. Eighty percent of stu- perimeter gravel path, where many would feel safe with im- on whether or not FE&P finds the test encourage FE&P to continue with dents said they would feel safe with Rice students and local residents proved lighting. installation successful and decides to the plans and support their efforts improved lighting, and 70 percent jog daily. The group composed a carry out the project, Glenn said. with evidence, the group conducted said they would consider running the list of problems and potential solu- • 70 percent of students While FE&P Senior Project Manager an anonymous survey of 122 un- Outer Loop at night after the installa- 9>\ tions for the space. said they would consider and Engineer Bob Flumach began man- dergraduates at Rice, including 60 tions. The UNIV 219 group hopes their Glenn said the path is currently lit running the Outer Loop at aging plans for the test experiment, the males and 62 females. The survey results will promote a continuation of sporadically and that tnere are two is- night after the installation student in University Courses 219: Sur- asked students whether or not they the project. sues that impact the quality of light of lights vey of Sexual Violence, led by Wellness felt safe jogging along the loop and "We wrote a report to encourage along the Outer Loop: one, that many Center Director Emily Page, indepen- whether or not they felt less safe at the powers that be to install the light- of the lamps have been replaced over dently assessed a need for improved night, Solomon said. ing," Solomon said. the last year, improving lighting in Outer Loop lighting. The results of the survey showed He also said several students in some areas; and two, that the height FE&P staff are currently testing Students in the group included that although most students felt safe his class planned to make efforts to of the existing city fixtures are locat- a preliminarv design along one sec- Jones College senior Alex Solomon, on the Outer Loop during daylight see the project through, suggesting ed well above the tree canopy, caus- tion of path iur four new lights that Wiess College senior Rachel Kinney, hours, 10 percent of participants re- further surveys for students after the ing dark spots. feature a lower height than those Baker College seniors Billy Haig and ported feeling very unsafe running test fixtures are installed. i) $)

f •

MONDAY FRIDAY Mission Monday Night Football Mission TGIF S5 Burrito/Beer Combo / any burrito - any beer S1 beers / S2 margaritas S1 chips & guac or chips & small queso All Day 5pm to close SATURDAY TUESDAY Mission College Football Day Taco Tuesdays $5 Burrito/Beer Combo / any burrito - any beer SI Tacos / chicken, beef, pork or shrimp All Day « All Day

WEDNESDAY SUNDAY Mission Hump Day Mission NFL Day S1 beers / S2 margaritas $1 beers / $2 margaritas All Day S1 chips & guac or chips & small queso All Day THURSDAY Taco Thursdays SI Tacos / chicken, beef, pork or shrimp • MISSION All Day QD BURRITO. Ko^e c.h-oLc*ej$. MfQ^vor.

RICE VILLAGE • 5510 Momingside limei Blvd. Suite 120 • Houston, TX 77005 713.520.7240 phone • 713.807.0496 fax

We Validate Parking!

Valid only at Rice Village location. Offers good thru Dec, 31,2008. An project designed to encourage intellectual mischief mysteriously queso, guac & avocado are always extra appeared in Duncan hall on Nov. 24. It consisted of 300 paper airplanes. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5,2008 THE RICE THRESHER NEWS 9 Financial committee looks at proposed accounting changes BY MELISSA TSANG "None of the activities in club ac- THRESHER STAFF counts are being reported in Rice's financial statements or in our tax re- In preparation for the upcom- turns that we file every year," Collins ing administrative changes for club said. "The main reason we're doing financing, the Student Association it is for compliance reasons, to make created a Club Finance Committee on sure our financial statements and tax Oct. 26 to serve as a liaison between returns accurately reflect all activity club treasurers and the university and to do the necessary tax compli- administration. ance returns of issuing W-2's and The committee is responsible for 1099's for individuals and vendors." representing student club interests Advantages of moving club fi- when working with Vice President nances into Rice's BANNER finan- for Finance Kathy Collins and Dean cial system include not requiring of Undergraduates Robin Forman in clubs to pay fees when accounts regard to club accounting policies do not meet the required balance and finances. The committee will or are overdrawn and to facilitate also work closely with the Graduate better record-keeping. Collins said Student Association. because of recent technological Jones College junior Michael Lin advances, the university is better heads the Club Finance Committee, equipped for a smooth transition to and members include Brown College the BANNER system. senior Akshay Dayal, Brown junior "In 2009 we'll be able to do direct Tiffany Wu, Jones senior Lily Baner- deposits for reimbursements to stu- jee, Hanszen College senior Sarah dents, which wasn't available to stu- Mitchell, who is also the Thresher's dents in past years," Collins said. "We business manager, and Jones junior established more tools on BANNER in Rachel Orosco. terms of processing payments." Lin said the diverse representa- Collins first raised the issue of tion, with representatives from both moving all club financial activity into large-budget and small-budget clubs the university's BANNER system over included among committee members, the past summer with Forman. reflects an attempt to represent all club However, even with administrative opinions and bank account sizes. changes, both Lin and Dayal agreed "The treasurers that were in this that the university administration #J committee are of a huge variety," does not want to change clubs' finan- Lin said. "We're all from different cial autonomy. kind of clubs. We wanted a big va- "We've gotten pretty strong affir- riety because of representation, mations of their will to not interfere and we wanted to make sure that with our finances in any way other we have all the other clubs' opinion than making sure we can access f) sin what we're trying to do and what them," Brown senior Dayal said. "So we're trying to propose." with that in mind, I don't think auton- Of the four meetings for which the omy is really going to be in much dan- committee has convened so far, half ger. Of course, we're holding them to have been with Collins. At the com- their word on that." mittee's first meeting, Forman was Collins aims for clubs to finish also present. transitioning into Rice's financial "He was very enthusiastic about system by early next year. this committee," Dayal said. "The calendar is that we would Lin said the committee has only transition by the end of February," Baritone Paul Witt, a Baker College freshman, sings Aria: Quia fecit mihi magna in Stude Concert Hall Wednes- recently begun working with Collins Collins said. "We would use January day. The concert was a collaboration between the Rice Chorale and the Shepherd School Chamber Orchestra. and started off by first delineating as a training period. The procedures potential issues within the clubs and we are discussing with the colleges understanding each other's intents and SA clubs include making avail- f and purposes. able to student groups all of the "We understand each others' payment methods that Rice employ- opinions, agendas and goals in this ees now have. We're also putting Baker Institute 2009 Summer in DC Intern Program committee," Lin said. "Of course, together a handbook, a reference you have sort of a different goal but guide to explain procedures and it's in the same direction, so as long who to contact in the Controller's The James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy is seeking as that's laid out I'm sure that every- Office for assistance." applicants for the sixth cohort of the Jesse Jones Leadership thing can be negotiated." Though there are still issues that Dayal said that issues raised dur- need to be worked out, the committee Center Summer in Washington DC Policy Research Internship ing meetings ranged from training for is working closely with Collins on a Program. The program will provide stipends sufficient to support the new system to accessing funding rough draft proposal for club financ- a select group of Rice undergraduates conducting policy-making on BANNER, Rice's network system ing that is modeled after that of col- research at government agencies, private think tanks, and NGOs in DC in summer containing employee, student, de- leges, Dayal said. partmental, and budget information. "We're working with a draft of 2009. Those accepted must be currently enrolled as full-time undergraduates through "It's a lot of different things," what the colleges are going through fall 2009. Those selected will attend a seminar on public policy and global affairs Dayal said. "A lot of aspects of the with that as a template, to determine coterminous with their internships in DC, write a research report for publication and proposals we've been discussing [in- what would be best for all the clubs," clude] training, ways we can access Dayal said. presentation before Rice faculty and researchers at the beginning of fall semester our funding for making reimburse- Both Lin and Dayal said the uni- 2009, and also organize a public policy education activity for academic year ments and purchasing items. Con- versity has been very receptive to stu- 2009/2010. Applicants are individually responsible for selecting and establishing trol has been brought up across the dent opinion and input. internships and residency in DC. Interested students should send the following board but a lot of the things are still Student Association president being determined." Matt Youn said he is confident that materials by January 31 to Dr. Steven Lewis, Washington Internship Committee. Most of the proposed university he close collaborations between the Baker Institute, MS-40: administrative changes are related committee and university adminis- to ways of accessing club funds, tration will lead to a solution that is Dayalsaid. satisfying for both sides. 1. A letter of application with your campus and home addresses, telephone "Essentially, the university wants "I hope the committee will work numbers and e-mail addresses; to bring accounts within the Rice fi- well with Kathy Collins to formulate nancial system for tax purposes and the best plan for the clubs in general 2. A short essay of no more than 600 words describing your career goals, your at Rice," Youn, a Brown senior, said. general accounting purposes," Dayal internship plans (including the organizations to which you have applied or said. "The changes being made are "After seeing some good results from basically how we can access our the work that the college treasurers intend to apply), and how these tie in with the mission and policy research funds and how clubs can manage did with Kathy [Collins), I am confi- programs of the Baker Institute; money in general. We want to basi- dent that the Club Finance Commit- cally best shape those policies for all tee will have a good plan by early 3. A resume; other clubs to access and ease of use next semester." of their money." The committee plans to hold an 4. An official, sealed transcript; Collins said the intensifying regu- open forum with treasurers from any latory climate due to an increased college to voice their opinions and amount of federal scrutiny on uni- ask questions. 5. One letter of recommendation, preferably from a Rice faculty member or versity finances has compelled the Lin encouraged any students who researcher, who can discuss your ability to conduct policy research. university to introduce these changes interested in working with the SA to better document all student clubs Club Finance Committee to contact Questions should be addressed to swlewisCc? rice.edu financial activity. him by email at wl/f@>rice.edu. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5,2008 10 NEWS THE RICE THRESHER Dean Burrus wins award for electrical engineering work % •

"It's like when you get a degree," BY MICHELLE PHILLIPS he said. "Well, it's for four years of FOR THE THRESHER work. This is the same feeling you get when you receive a good grade Most households take electronic • • on a paper." devices such as their Xbox and MP3 player for granted. But here at Rice, Burrus recalls being captivated by Wiess freshmen Erin Walsh, Effie Rahman and Jessica Manriquez finish students and faculty alike have some- electricity in high school. Christmas decorations in front of the Victoria's Secret fashion show in one to thank personally. "It was sort of magic, because you couldn't see it, and yet it did all kinds the Wiess Commons Wednesday. In recognition of 40 years of out- standing instruction and ground- of important things," Burrus said. breaking research in the field of • • digital signal processing, the Insti- a tute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers will award Dean of the [Electricity] was sort m George R. Brown School of Engi- of magic, because you neering C. Sidney Burrus (Hanszen '57) the Jack Kilby Signal Processing couldn't see it, and Medal this June. The IEEE is the in- yet it did all kinds of ft ©©MUM ternational professional society for electrical engineers and the largest important things. The professional society in the world, idea of understanding Hi, U D "To process data, you have to turn Sidney Burrus Dean of the electricity fascinated the signal into a string of numbers," Pisses® Burrus said. School of Engineering me. DSP is what enables this transfor- 3$ mm Utagih mation, changing analog files into since 1965, said he was pleasantly Sidney Burrus digital ones that can be compressed, surprised by the news, which he Dean of the School of D and allowing the data to be analyzed received a week ago. According Engineering and studied. to the IEE web site, every year, The Jack Kilby Signal Processing up to three individuals or groups n 3 sif/ji Medal is named for the only electri- are awarded this medal to recog- cal engineer ever to receive the Nobel nize outstanding achievements in Prize. Kilby invented the integrated signal processing. circuit, which has become an essen- Burrus said being at Rice was "The idea of understanding electric- tial feature in digital signal process- an important factor in receiving the ity fascinated me." ing research, for which he received award. Over the years, Rice has be- This was what motivated him to the Physics Nobel Prize in 2000. come internationally known for its major in electrical engineering as an Several of Burrus' friends re- advances in the field of digital signal undergraduate at Rice, he said. ceived the award when he attended processing, he said. Burrus claims he has been at Rice the conference previously, he said. Burrus acknowledged the help "forever." He teaches one course per This summer, it will be his turn to be and support he has received from semester and conducts research. He applauded. his fellow faculty members in his 40 said he intends to continue this for as Burrus, who also received his years at Rice. He has served as a re- long as he can. Masters in Electrical Engineering searcher, dean, and professor, as well "Until my brain totally quits," at Rice and has been teaching here as Lovett College master. he said. OSPEAKER FROM PAG El

looking at speakers for the Clinton people find out more about her, Global Initiative. Members of the they'll see she's truly inspirational," committee watched clips of network he said. interviews with Salbi and found her During planning, the committee well-spoken and articulate, he said. discussed possible changes for fu- Gustin said Salbi's humanitarian ture years. Gustin said the committee efforts, which began in Bosnia in the was looking for a general philosophy early 1990s, concentrated on rebuild- when discussing potential candi- ing communities in war-torn areas dates for the committee to follow in of the world. Women for Women future years. International, since its founding in "Why should we value one over an- 1993, has provided aid to women in other?" he said. "We wanted a sustaining Bosnia-Herzegovina, Rwanda, Koso- idea about commencement speakers." vo, Nigeria, Colombia, Afghanistan, He said the committee also fo- Iraq, the Democratic Republic of cused on connecting the speaker Congo and Sudan. to the Rice community beyond the "Her message is more international brief speech. Though Rice does not than Iraq or the United States," he said. award honorary degrees to speak- Jones College senior Teddy Bucher ers, the committee sent a motion INTERWEBS! said Salbi might not be a household to President David Leebron's office name, but students will be interested about an award given to a gradu- in hearing about her humanitarian ating student who exemplified the efforts. He acknowledged that not ideals of the speaker and had made Where you can crash and get everyone would be pleased with any a difference in the community. The decision made. President's office approved this your news at the same time. "Some people might be like, motion and Salbi will present an 'Who's that?"' he said. "On campus, award in her name at May's Com- there are different views of what com- mencement ceremony. The specif- Register online now and get the mencement speakers should be. We ics about the award, including the news right in your inbox. It's like wanted someone who could deliver a exact name of the award, have not been finalized. exploring the universe from the message, who made a difference." He said the large amounts of Feldman said this award will con- comfort of your own home. money needed to secure a celeb nect speakers to students in a way rity speaker would not guarantee a that the traditional commencement meaningful message. speech does not allow, given its lim- "There are other ways to impact ited time frame. the university than through a 15-min- "Not only will we be able to give ute speech," Bucher said. something with meaning to the Student Association President speaker, it'll recognize the student Matt Youn, who also serves on the and tie it in to the community," he committee, said the decision had little said. "It brings the focus back to stu- to do with Salbi's name-recognition. dents as well." "One thing we wanted to make Gustin said the committee also sure was that whoever it was, we discussed matters of timing. Many wanted to judge how good a speech speaker candidates must be booked WWW. RICETHRESHER •ORG they'd give rather than how pumped months or even years in advance to people would be about the an- accommodate busy schedules, and nouncement," Youn, a Brown Col- meeting in April might not be early lege senior, said. enough. He suggested forming com News. Everywhere. The Thresher: Gustin said students would be im- mittees as early as a class' sopho- pressed by Salbi's credentials. more year to begin contacting the "She's not well known, but as candidates. • • arts& 11 t • ^ENTERTAINMENT Tomb Raider: Underworld shines despite some nagging problems BY JOE DWYER THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF - * • " 'm • • [Editor's Note: While Tomb Raider: Underworld was released across all platforms, this review only covers the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC versions of the game.] It was only two short years ago that developer Crystal Dy- namics resurrected the troubled Tomb Raider franchise with Tomb Raider: Legend and then followed up with a solid re- make of the original Tomb Raider just one year later. Can F.idos • • and Crystal Dynamics pull off a three-peat this year with Tomb Raider: Underworld?

v~'~ to- . Tomb Raider: Underworld • • • yi V ; v Developer: Crystal Dynamics Platform: All current-gen systems 0 • Underworld may be the best-looking and most ambitious Tomb Raider title yet, but it still suffers from some problems that have hampered the series since its inception. Here Lara plans her next move in the game's massive Mexico stage. Underworld wraps up Legend's story arc about Lara's quest irai®P^Pi BP to find her mother and for the most part is engaging and en- joyable. The game's biggest weakness is the stubborn camera, is balanced by the mammoth size of each level. The Mexico around objects or to help Lara rappel down steep drops, both which has always been an Achilles' heel for the franchise. It is stage, for example, is so big that Lara has to use her motorbike welcome additions that are used creatively in several of the more workable than in previous titles but overall feels claus- to get around. game's puzzles. trophobic and too close to Lara, often resulting in suicidal Thanks to motion capture, Lara's movements are more Compared to Lara's previous outings, Underworld is a blind jumps and inadvertently preventing players from appre- fluid and realistic than ever, with a revised and expanded much easier game. The puzzles aren't that difficult, and once ciating the stunning views and vistas in the game. moveset that allows players to make more intuitive decisions players get the hang of the revamped combat controls, blast- This is a shame because the environments in Underworld throughout the game. In previous titles, Lara was only able to ing fools is a snap. It is possible to blaze through the game are the most realistic and detailed in the series to date. There swing from horizontal poles, but in Underworld she can climb on Hard in a single six-hour sitting, although completionists are not as many unique locales as in previous titles, but that up and leap from them. The grapple can now be used to wrap O see TOMB, page 13 Four Christmases earns its "The Wake" is a complex web of drama

BY JULIE ARMSTRONG relationship between any two char- effort into the production, first and place on the naughty list THRESHER EDITORALSTAFF acters in the play, including several foremost by memorizing a whopping f characters the audience never sees, number of lines. A role in a highly #' BY JACKIE AMMONS must visit every single parent: her Students taking a break from and then to inspect each interaction dramatic student-authored play is a THRESHER STAFF sex-obsessed mom (Step Brothers' studying this weekend by sitting under a microscope. The results are challenge, and they clearly take their Mary Steenburgen), her surpris- down in front of the T.V. for some ca- not pretty, especially since the four parts very seriously. The weakness, Four Christmases may advertise ingly classy dad (Pride and Glory's thartic viewing might as well replace siblings' prnblems make Faulkner's however, appears in the one-dimen- itself as a funny, family-oriented Jon Voight), his New Age mom (Hot that Lifetime movie with a visit to the characters look like the Cleaver fam- sionality of their performances. Christmas movie, but it falls short Rod's Sissy Spacek) and his redneck Martel College Commons. But even ily. The considerable redundancy of Shepherd School graduate stu- on both claims. With comedy rooted dad (Lucky You's Robert Duvall), among the Spirit Committee's decora- their hopelessly dysfunctional and dent Kris Wettstein successfully con- in slapstick bathroom humor punc- along with all of their siblings (in- tions, they'd better not expect to find profane rants allows the play to sur- veys older brother Michael's dry, cow- tuated by bursts of tacky innuendo, cluding Flicka's Tim McGraw and Christmas cheer. pass the two-hour mark, making it ardly wit, but he maintains the same it will leave the audience both dis- Iron Man's Jon Favreau). This gives about twice as long as it needs to be. tone throughout the entire play. The gusted and uncomfortable. a total of four Christmas celebra- Deeply emotional and philosophical character reveals past horrors and tions, hence the title of the film. discussions convey a meta-plot that receives crushing emotional blows Why Academy Award winner spans a lifetime, and the estranged from his sisters with a look of distaste Witherspoon accepted a role in this siblings slowly and awkwardly pull and a stiffness of gesture that seem film is a mystery. In this movie, her more and more skeletons from the shallow compared to the defensive talent gets lost in a flat character The Wake closet — or the liquor cabinet — as guilt they attempt to express. B whose most outstanding qualities they near the event that has brought Martel freshman Elena White Four Christmases are her cute face and sweet de- them together in the first place: their aggressively portrays the bitter and • meanor. The same goes for the four • • V2 mother's funeral. formerly suicidal sister, Sarah; un- other Academy Award winners in Now Playing: Martel Most of the action takes place in fortunately, she does not always the film — Duvall, Spacek, Steen- Commons, through the last hour. Because the audience need to. Sarah analyzes her truly Starring: Reese Wither- burgen and Voight — whose distin- Dec. 7 will have difficulty sitting through a disturbing feelings of hatred for the spoon, Vince Vaughn, guished skills as actors go to waste family epic whose emotional depth benefit of her siblings like a detective )on Voight, Sissy Spacek in this unpleasant motion picture. dwarfs the tiny stage without provid- solving a mystery, complete with de- Vaughn's part, on the other ing much dynamic activity to fill it, it tached pacing and pointing. This at- hand, is no surprise, as he fits quite From death to alcoholism to argu- is helpful that the language flows lyri- tempt to appear emotionally numb The film introduces audiences well into the role of the annoying, ments over rape and domestic abuse, cally in its best moments and at least prevents this "evil" sister from com- to Kate (Rendition's Reese With- prattling klutz with no emotional Martel's new student-written play makes sense in its worst. Revelations, ing across even as cold, and thereby • t erspoon) and Brad (Fred Claus's sensitivity, with his most notable by Brown College senior Klara Wojt- insights and spells of dry humor makes her unconvincing. Vince Vaughn), the modern couple scene in the movie involving his kowska, co-directed with Martel se- sprinkle the play and help keep the Eva, played by Martel freshman whose commitment is to never com- reenactment of an egomaniacal Jo- nior Tony Parce, progresses like ten audience's attention where the hy- Marielle Schweickart, suffers from mit to each other — or each other's seph in a Christmas Nativity scene. melancholy country songs combined perbolic plot cannot. the opposite problem of inconsis- families. Annoyed by the friction Vaughn's character in Four Christ- into one...and translated from Polish. The actors have put noticeable tency, especially during her drinking of both of their divorced sets of mases is simply a reproduction of Wojtkowska seems to have felt scenes. At times, her slow progres- parents, Kate and Brad never visit • see FOUR, page 13 the need to identify every possible sion into and out of intoxication is • • their families and instead go on va- clever and convincing; at others, cations over the holidays. One year, NUTCRACKER however, she launches into crazed unfortunately, they are caught in DICKENS O see WAKE, page 13 the act of leaving for vacation and 'i•'1 'J|4Mr* , *i*v yi *?'^ MORE DICKENS Now through December 28th, The 35th annual Dickens on Houston Ballet is putting on the Strand festival returns Sat- Still not enough Dickens in their production of Ben Ste- ART urday and Sunday. Live per- your life? Check out Michael venson's The Nutcracker. Over • • formances, character Appear- Wilson's adaptation of A 73,000 Texans flocked to see it Openingtomorrow is Innovation ances and a book signing by Christmas Carol — A Ghost last year, makTng it one of the by Limitation at the Nauhaus Dickens'" great-great-grandson Story of Christmas now ballet's most successful pro- Alt Gallery. The entire exhibit THE are some of the events planned playing at the Alley The- ductions. so it must be good. is housed in a 24-foot moving for the weekend. Tickets run atre. For a complete sched- Showtimes are at 2:30 p.m. truck and features work from WEEKLY $ia, but some events may cost ule of showtimes. check the and 7:30 p.m. but specific show several Lubbock artists. Open SCittf extra. The gates stay open from Alley website. Student tick- dates varyso, once again, check neon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and so a.m. to 6 p.m. ets start at $13.50. 1 the site. Tickets start at Saj. Sundays. Admission is free Editors' picks for events outside the hedges, both DICKENS ON THE STRAND ALLEY THEATRE WOKTHAM THEATRE CENTER NAUHAUS ART GALLERY around Rice and in the 2215 STRAND, GALVESTON 615 TEXAS 501 TEXAS.AVE. 223 E. IITH ST. Houston area, for this week. WWW. GALVESTON HISTORY. ORG WWW.ALLEYTHEATRE.ORG WWW. HOUSTONBALLET. ORG WWW.TVLASCOLLABORATtVE.COM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5,2008 12 A&E THE RICE THRESHER Slumdog Millionaire is right on the money

BYFAHEEM AHMED stealing and begging just to get by. lie in its vivid cinematography, upbeat THRESHER STAFF He has overcome incredible odds to soundtrack (featuring M.I.A's "Paper make it on the show and is now on the Planes") and its child actors. Boyle's With the Academy Awards just a verge of winning 20 million rupees camera pans the trash-ridden, destitute few months away, Hollywood often (around 500,000 American dollars). underbelly of Mumbai and the soaring releases a slate of films competing Doctors, lawyers and teachers have pinnacles of the Taj Mahal, making the for a late Best Picture nomination. never reached the final question, but scenery, costumes and architecture of Among this year's releases is Slum- jamal inexplicably knows all the an- India burst with color. Each of the flash- dog Millionaire, directed by Danny swers. The police and the game show backs takes the audience to an unfamil- Boyle, known for reinventing the host believe that Malik is cheating, but iar place, and yet, they will still feel like typically dark drug genre by mak- Jamal has a different theory: it is des- they have traveled on this intimate jour- ing it comical in Trainspotting and tiny. Using cinematic flashbacks, direc- ney with Jamal the entire time. Viewers also making zombies freakily fast in tor Boyle shows us that the clues to the will love the young child actors; three 28 Days Later. answers for every question correspond different sets of actors played Jamal, with key events in Malik's life. Selim and Latika respectively through- The movie spans three major time out the film. periods: Malik's early childhood, his We are introduced to a funny and adolescence, and his late teenage years. precocious Jamal (Ayush Mahesh Throughout his childhood and adoles- Khedekar) who will do absolutely any- cence, he is accompanied by his older thing to get a famous Indian actor's s Slumdog Millionaire brother Salim (Say Salaam India's Mad- autograph. Salim (Azharuddin Mo- • • • • hur Mittal) whose greed and temper hammed Ismail), on the other hand, often clash with Jamal's innocence. A is a tad bit wiser and willing to exploit large part of their rivalry has to do with Jamal to turn a quick buck. He even # Starring: Dev Patel, Mad- Latika (the gorgeous newcomer Freida locks Jamal in a suspended outhouse hur Mittal, Freida Pinto Pinto), a fellow orphan girl that Jamal with only one way out. It is both awe- has befriended. Salim believes Latika some and disgusting. It is rare to find is a nuisance and will constantly get talented child actors who develop Slumdog Millionaire has a very in the way whereas Jamal is convinced such depth of character. Psychology graduate student Anna Stupina that she is the love of his life and soul- original premise, centering on the Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire Scopin' and physics graduate student Daniel Stark Indian version of W7?o Wants to Be mate. Due to various unsavory circum- is full of moments that make audiences browse the display of student and faculty <# a Millionaire?, the wildly popular stances — drug lords, pimps and child laugh, cry and believe in the power of out the American game show. Jamal Malik abusers — Jamal, Salim and Latika are true love. This is truly an entertaining works at the annual Visual and Dramatic (played admirably by newcomer Dev separated. Jamal now is on a quest to work of art and a great flick to take your merchandise Arts Print Sale at the Print Palace in Sewall Patel) is an orphaned teenager who find Latika, whatever the cost. loved one to over the holiday break, Hall 20i on Monday afternoon. has spent the majority of his youth The strengths of Slumdog Millionaire even if it is just to ogle Freida Pinto. Australia epic in length and scope <#

BY JACKIE AMMONS landscape of the Australian outback audience's attention with its fabulous Hey YOU, THRESHER STAFF captured by the film's talented cine- panoramas and exceptional actors. matographer, Mandy Walker. Filmed Australia's length makes it a film to do you have distinct opinions The newly-released film Austra- entirely in Australia, the movie's set- watch only once in a while, but the oth- lia is nothing short of fantastic. Its ting in the colonized Australian cities er aspects of the film, such as Kidman, about music? breathtaking cinematography, genu- and the outback jungles and deserts Jackman and the cinematography, how would you like to enforce inely believable actors and epic plot brings a unique perspective to the make it one that will certainly capture are sure to attract Academy Award world down under. numerous awards, including several of your own musical tastes on all nods and happy audiences. Accentuating the film's pristine February's Academy Awards. vistas, Australia's musical score, of Houston? composed by David Hirschfeldcr, is no less impressive. The sound- then B track's cascading lyrics succeed in matching the other outstanding as- The actors and pects of the film. JOIN KTRU rice radio Australia In combination with the moving actresses are • • • • • score and cinematography, Australia second only to • <1 brings to life a spiritual aspect of the as a NEW DJ! country. The Aboriginal witch doc- the breathtaking Starring: Hugh jackman, tor King George (Crocodile Dream- Nicole Kidman, Bryan ing's David Gulpilil) adds his and landscape of the applications due friday, january 23, 2009 Brown, David Wenham his grandson Nullah's (newcomer Australian out- 5pm at ktru studios, 2nd floor, rice student Brandon Walters) own native singing voices, tribal costume and makeup to back captured by center, sign up for an interview when you • • Australia tells the story of World the sights and sounds of the film, cre- the film's talented submit your app War 11-era Englishwoman Sarah Ash- ating an element of mystique within ley (The Golden Compass' Nicole Kid- this reality-filled war movie. cinematographer, recruitment meeting for ktru info, station man), who flies to Darwin, Australia, The only downside of Australia to visit her philandering husband and is its length. Lasting almost three Mandy Walker. tours & pie: wednes. january 14, 2009 10pm, his bankrupt ranching company. hours, Australia reaches for the epic kelley lounge, RMC After her husband's murder, length of Gone with the Wind. When 99 • • Sarah takes over the ranch and the audience believes that the film is sets out to break the corrupt beef about to end, it always seems that one Its soon-to-be-awarded qualities monopoly of King Carney (Along more problem or extension of the plot also make the film enjoyable and en- for more information visit ktru.org Came Polly's Bryan Brown) and Neil arises so as to extend the film's view- tertaining for audiences. It combines a Fletcher (Married Life's David Wen- ing time. Still, in spite of Australia's pleasurable viewing experience with ham) with the help of "the Drover" length, the movie manages to keep the a heart-filling, history-based message. (Happy Feet's Hugh Jackman). Amidst Japanese attacks on Austra- lia, Sarah and the Drover also man- age to aid the half-Aboriginal, half white children the government has ACT NOW! forced to leave their families. The respective roles of the hard- Holiday Mini Term headed but proper Sarah Ashley and the roguish but gentlemanly registration ends Drover appropriately fit Kidman and Jackman, as both actors not only fill and classes begin their roles, but also add to each oth- ers' characters with great on-screen chemistry. The fact that Kidman is December 1V originally from Australia adds yet an- other perk to the film and lends credit classes run through January 8 to her character's believability. Kidman's character finds a per- fect complement in her costumes, register today with Sarah Ashley transitioning 713.718.2000 from her flawlessly pressed travel- ing suits to her rumpled, dirty riding hccs.edu blouse and cowboy hat. Jackman's Drover also gracefully evolves from the scruffy cowboy wearing a ratty m work shirt to the James Bond-style suit for a dinner party. The actors and actresses in Aus- Houston Community College's Mini Term classes let you make the most of your holiday. tralia are quite impressive but are HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE second only to the breathtaking w FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5,2008 THE RICE THRESHER A&E 13

Hey Hobart, had you met our new wait. Isn t Necron neighbor, the final boss from Necron? Final Fantasy IX? He says he's •*** wo** %V.eVt the personif ication oe of Death. Crap! I m just going to have to guess! I m also eternal M: B Hey, I was wondering if I could borrow some sugar?

I KNEW IT!!! m." 4" (••I P sty f mm BSM • FOUR FROM PAGE 11

his other distasteful roles in movies and great actors and actresses such like Fred Claus and The Breakup. as Witherspoon, Spacek and Duvall, More annoying than Vaughn in Four Christmases boils down to an un- Four Christmases is the cheap hu- committed couple visiting their crazy mor dropped into the film via three families on Christmas and eventually instances of baby vomit, numerous finding some sense of commitment. punches in the stomach, wrestling While it attempts to be moving and to matches and sexual innuendo. The have some kind of emotional depth, innuendo remains present through- the plot only ends up being boring, out the entirety of the film, with Kate's sappy and rather trite. mother being simultaneously attract- Four Christmases is painful to ed to Kate's boyfriend and the church watch. lust as it is painful to con- pastor, Brad's mother sleeping with tinuously bear the film's ever-present Brad's best friend, and Brad's broth- baby vomit, it is painful to see qual- er's only interactions with his wife in- ity actors sacrifice themselves to this volving sexual jokes. While the movie mess of a movie whose only hope of attempts to make this humorous, it is success is that holiday movie-goers uninspired as a comedy and uncom- will fall for the word "Christmas" fortable as a family Christmas film. in the title. This film is more than Yet another of the film's many enough annoyance for audiences to flaws is that it relies on the all-star cast handle sanely; in fact, only one of the to compensate for its lack of creative movie's Four Christmases would be plot. Without its distasteful humor far too much. •Star OTOMB "To challenge the conventions of how you experience both three-dimensional space and view- FROM PAGE 11 ing a canvas" is the goal of Tess Hilgefort and Rene Graham, two second-year graduate students will spend many more hours poking which it was found and was some- The halls of in the School of Architecture. The final project for their Psychology of Perception class is their around each level to find all the arti- how related to a real-life artifact. perception first attempt at installation artwork. Using a digital projector, they traced lines on the difficult facts and relics. Underworld does away with all of canvas of Anderson Halt's main hallway. Than, with the help of 38 rolls of masking tape, they However, the sheer number of that, cramming over 50 generic arti- painted red tapered lines across the floor and the walls with oil-based and latex paints. artifacts and relics provides another facts and relics into each stage, and Two red footprints tell viewers from where to observe the installation. Looking with both point of contention with Under- most can be found just by breaking world. In past titles, there were only open pots. Collecting them is now al- eyes open yields two slightly incompatible images. Close one eye and squint, the artists advised. Hilgefort and Graham have a handful of each buried in hard-to- most a chore, and ail they unlock is a used traditional cues of recession and vanishing points, volume and perspective, to fool the viewer's eye. The lines are as mini- reach spots throughout all the lev- bunch of low-resolution concept art. malist as possible, creating additional planes of perception as the onlooker fills in the itlusionary space. Creating a three-di- els, and finding them took patience Tomb Raider: Underworld is still a m mensional space in three dimensions sounds ambiguous, and it is assuredly more difficult than doing so on a two-dimensional and skill. Upon collecting a certain fun game despite these flaws; it just canvas. If you look for it, though, the red lines do appear to jut out at an angle from the wall on which they are painted, creating number, players were rewarded with feels a little thin in comparison to outfits, cut scenes, character bios, past titles like Legend and Anniver- an imaginary pane of glass — but squint hard. weapon upgrades and even wacky sary. Past Tomb Raider and adventure Unfortunately for the artists, "hell week" left the halls papered with the final project blueprints of Archi students, which cheats like textureless mode. Each fans will love it, and if nothing else, it somewhat detract from the overall effect. Bad timing, but excellent effort. relic was also unique to the area in makes a solid stocking stuffer. 0 WAKE KTRU pick of the week: Radio Myanmar FROM PAGE 11 tangents that appear more likely to be BY MIGUEL QUIRCH the Burmese state-controlled radio classical Burmese folk music, like the wears a 2007 high school varsity induced by amphetamines than alco- sport sweatshirt and gets drunk on FOR THE THRESHER station: Myanmar's Voice. "Tribal Drums and Male Vocal" track. The album begins with an army song A group plays traditional drums while hol. Sometimes she seems to have for- Schnapps that looks like water. Radio Myanmar (Burma) opens complete with a rousing brass line and a man sings with accompaniment. gotten altogether that she is drunk. It is, of course, not the realism of a door to sounds that are not often joyous singing in Burmese. The song Co-director Parce is by far the best the details, but the questions raised heard in this part of the world. would generally be played at the start of actor on stage, probably in part be- about society and family that the di- 44 the broadcast, and listening to the CD's cause he has the pleasure of playing rectors want to emphasize. Viewers tracks in order gives a good impression the most entertaining character. He who focus on the play's messages will of a typical day of Burmese radio. There are over 40 loses himself in schizophrenic Da- be able to overlook many of its flaws; The Union Solidarity and Devel- vid, managing to make Wojtkowska's those who require greater suspension opment Association (USDA) of Myan- tracks that range most poetically far-out lines touching of disbelief will not. mar publishes its decrees in all forms from government instead of unintentionally humorous. In general, "The Wake" would Radio Myanmar of the country's media. Recited on One final actor worth mentioning seem more appropriate as a novel (Burma) Myanmar's Voice at the beginning of broadcasts to is Wojtkowska herself, who does not than as a two-hour play. Its emo- each day, these statutes appear on the appear on stage but whose voice is tional insights and intellectualism numerous tracks labeled "National advertisements for featured twice in startling voiceovers abound and astound, but the num- Artist: Various Objectives" or "Burmese Objectives." that create the most surreal and origi- ber of relationship issues and dra- Label: Sublime Frequen- jewelry shops and These tracks, recited in English and nal moments of the play. Wojtkowska's matic events covered simply do not cies Burmese, feature government propa- Burmese renditions articulation and characterization are fit into the format or time available, Release: May 13, 2008 ganda emphasizing the USDA's goals. of popular perfect, and they make up for the pos- even in the guise of tortured discus- There are over 40 tracks that range sibility that the voiceovers will pull sions among bereaved siblings. from government issued broadcasts in Western music. viewers out of the world of the play. Wojtkowska is clearly a talented Burmese and English to classical, folk The attempt to fit so much content writer, and her semi-successful craft- The album's assortment of radio and pop styles to bouncy advertise- 99 into "The Wake" leaves unattended ing of a great deal of confused con- recordings from Yangon, Myanmar, ments tor jewelry shops and Burmese details for the birds. The greatest of tent into a production is a solid effort from the spring of 2007, as well as renditions of popular Western music. these is the age of the characters. and worth its free price of admission. tracks from 1994 through 2002, show- Another track is a clip of Avril Radio Myanmar (Burma) proves Although they look and behave like In addition to its opening night on case Sublime Frequencies' signature Lavigne's "Complicated" rendered to be a professionally done collec- 20- or 3o-somethings, they eventually Thursday, Dec. 4. at 8 p.m., the show style of interspersing "legitimate" into Burmese. The track feels like a tion from Sublime Frequencies that reveal that they are middle-aged or runs on Saturday at 7 p.m. and on recordings with soundscapes, am- karaoke mix, with weak recording will provide listeners an opportunity older, which the play does not make Sunday at 2 p.m. It might, at least, bient noise and radio-swill inter- and occasional sound skips. to hear the sounds issuing from the remotely apparent. Additionally, encourage the audience to tell their ludes. The album presents a broad Some of the most compelling piec- radio sets in one of the most repres- Eva brings home groceries in Whole loved ones they care, which makes it spectrum of programming from es on the album are those that feature sively-governed nations on earth. Foods bags despite being broke, appropriate for the season, after all. ..

Football defeats Houston to capture Bayou Bucket

by Meghan Hall the first time since 1949. THRESHER STAFF Rice earned their fifth consecutive win at home two weeks ago against The football team's senior class Marshall. The Owls and the Herd was honored before the Owls' final were tied 7-7 at halftime, but Rice ac- regular season matchup against The cumulated more than 300 yards of to- University of Houston on Saturday. tal offense in the second half to blow As they stood before a record crowd the game open and take a 35-10 vic- of over 35,000 fans, the players were tory. The offensive star of that game faced with one final chance to cap- was senior quarterback Chase Clem- ture the Bayou Bucket, one of the few ent, who threw for four touchdowns previous historic imprints the squad and ran for a fifth. had been unable to make. Their sixth win tallied an official After one of the most meaning- attendance of 35,534, the most at Rice ful Bayou Buckets in recent history, Stadium in eight years, and was the the bowl-bound Owls crossed that tenth Rice victory in 32 games of the accomplishment off the to-do list. Bayou Bucket series. For the first time in four years, Rice The Rice offense fired all day long, brought home the trophy with a con- and the Owls' 56 points were the most vincing 56-42 win over their cross- ever in a matchup against Houston. town rivals. This was largely due to more heroic ef- The contest held major Conference forts from Clement, who threw for 381 USA title implications: Coming into yards and five touchdowns; he also the game, Houston was in control of ran for one more. However, happy fans its own destiny, since a win over Rice also had to thank sophomore tight end would have sent the Cougars to the James Casey, who was responsible for Conference USA Championship game his own share of the scoring. against East Carolina University. Even Casey rushed for Rice's the first Rice could have gone to the champi- touchdown of the game and then onship had a win over Houston coin- threw a touchdown pass to junior tight cided with a University of Tulsa loss end Taylor Wardrow for the final score. to Marshall University the same day. Casey — who finished with 172 receiv- Unfortunately, news of Tulsa's vic- ing yards, three throwing yards and 10 tory over the Thundering Herd came rushing yards — also caught three of in as the rivalry game at Rice Stadium Clement's touchdown passes. was coming to a close, but the Owls, "I am very thankful to have [Dil- who are currently on a six-game win- lard] on the other side of me all ning streak, had much to celebrate. the time," Casey said. "I probably Head coach David Bailiff hoists the Bayou Bucket in the air after Rice's first defeat of the University of Houston in Their nine wins represent the most couldn't do much if [Dillard] wasn't four years. Rice's nine wins this season are the most the team has had since 1953, and it is the first time the Owls by an Rice squad since 1953, and the over there drawing so much coverage. have gone undefeated at home since 1949. The Owls will play in the Texas Bowl on Dec. 30 at Reliant Stadium. Owls went undefeated at home for S3 see FOOTBALL, page 17 Volleyball earns national bid Women's XC finishes ' Team ends regular season at Autry Court with victory over TCU 22nd at national meet , by Dylan Farmer THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF by Natalie Clericuzio Bevan was surprised at the high THRESHER EDITORIAL SAFF level of performance across the board Prior to last weekend's match at nationals. against Texas Christian University To complete one of the best sea- "I'm happy to make it to nation- at Tudor Fieldhouse, only the up- sons the women's cross country team als two years in a row," Bevan said. perclassmen on the volleyball team has ever had, the team placed 22nd "[But,] I'm a little disappointed: I felt could remember the last time the overall out of 31 squads at the NCAA we could've finished higher. We tied Owls played a home contest on Au- National Championships in Terre Baylor, which was 19th and ran rea- try Court. But even the seniors had Haute, Ind., on Monday, Nov. 24. sonably well. We're trying to under- no recollection of the last time Rice Considering the temperature at race stand why we weren't a little better. received an invitation to the NCAA time was 42 degrees, well below the The median time this year at nation- Tournament. Houston average, the Owls ran an im- als was 21 seconds faster than a year The Owls (23-7) closed out the reg- pressive race. ago. Same course, colder, and wind- ular season last Friday with a 3-1 win The Owls' invitation to the meet ier and it ran 20 seconds per person over the visiting Horned Frogs, but marked the first time a Rice team has faster.Jt just doesn't make sense why the victory party extended through ever made it to nationals two years the whole country performed better the postseason selection show Sun- consecutively. And in conjunction at nationals...It's mind boggling." day night, when the NCAA officially with second-place spots at both the The Owls also improved on their announced that Rice was one of the Conference USA championship and average times from last year, with the 64 teams invited to the national com- South Central Regional, the showing first, second, and fifth-place runners petiton. This is the second time that revealed Rice's ability to compete at all running faster than their counter- the volleyball team has qualified for the top levels of collegiate running. parts. In fact, according to Bevan, if the NCAA tournament in its 27 year Head coach Jim Bevan credited the team last year ran at the speed history — the last time was in 2004. much of the team's success to leader- of this year's team, they would have Rice is one of four teams in the ship from seniors Lennie Waite and ended up eight spots better than their Austin regional, which is hosted Laura Hudson. actual i6th-place finish. by No. 3 national seed University "Lennie Waite has made a huge The cool weather likely affected of Texas. The Owls' first game will transition from soccer player to team Rice's performance to some degree. be tonight at 5 p.m. against Wichita leader," Bevan said. "She performed Mericle, for instance, typically is State University, and the winner will exceedingly well, improved tremen- known for her "kick" at the end of face either UT or Lamar University. dously, and ran much better at Na- the race, according to Bevan, but for Wichita State brings an impressive re- *> tionals. Laura Hudson has come so whatever reason, she was unable to sume to the contest at Gregory Gym- #88 9R*» ARIEL SQGLLTZER/TH far based on the past four years. It's sprint ahead this time. nasium — the i3th-ranked Shockers wonderful to have two people like "Nicole ran a good race, but she (29-1) were undefeated before falling Sophomore setter Meredith Schamun sets a ball for junior middle that for leadership and experience." just couldn't kick," Bevan said. "I to upset-minded and eventual cham- blocker Natalie Bogan during Rice's win over UAB on Nov. 7. Junior Nicole Mericle, the South- don't know why...[but) weather was pion Missouri State University in the Central Regional Athlete of the Year, probably a factor with her muscles semifinals of the Missouri Valley Con- led the Owls with a s8th-place finish being too cold." ference tournament, which was held this season so they have a lot of confi- man setter Mary Elizabeth Hooper and a time of 21:00. Sophomore Alli- Mericle also believed the cold may in Wichita last weekend. dence, I'm sure." averages 10.5 assists per game, and son Pye finished just behind Mericle, have affected her race. Volpe knows her team can play Wichita State has been dispatch- senior libero Kelly Broussard has 591 placing 65th with a time of 21:05. "I locked up really badly the last with the Shockers, but she said the ing opponents with ease thanks to an digs so far this year. Waite finished third for the Owls and 400 meters or so," Mericle said. "I players understand the challenge offense that averages an MVC-leading Despite Wichita State's notable 112th overall. Junior Britany Williams don't know if that was due to cold they will be facing. 13.7 kilis per set, most of which come credentials, the Shockers will be and sophomore Becky Wade rounded weather or what, but...it was cold, I "They had a really good season," from junior Emily Stockman. She has tested by a Rice team with its own im- out Rice's top five, finishing with felt it." Volpe said of the Shockers. "[But| it's a total of 404 kills on the season, pressive array of talent. Seniors Karyn times of 21:41 and 22:05, respectively. Without the extra boost at the definitely a match we think we can nearly 150 more than anyone else Morgan and Jessica Holderness, and Hudson and freshman Keltie John end of the race, Mericle likely added win. We played them in the spring, so on the team, and her 3.71 kills per junior Natalie Bogan all logged over also completed the race, finishing about 30 seconds to her overall time, we know we can be competitive with set lead the MVC. The Shockers also 300 kills during the regular season close behind the top five with times the difference between her nationals them...However, they have won a lot boast a strong supporting cast: Fresh- S3 see TOURNEY, page 18 of 23:17 and 23:32. S3 see CROSS, page 18 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5,2008 THE RICE THRESHER SPORTS 15 Owls stuck at two wins f by Brody Rollins Owls devoted even greater portion of FOR THE THRESHER practice time to crashing the boards. This showed up in their wins against After visiting Provo, Utah, and Cal Poly, which they outrebounded Austin in the past two weeks, the 39-25. and North Florida, 41-31. Owls, 2-4 on the year, return home to In Rice's game against Texas last the renovated Tudor Fieldhouse this weekend the team rebounded the ball weekend before they break for finals. well, but they could not keep pace The Owls need just two victories to with the eighth-best team in the na- eclipse their win total from last year tion. The Owls played well in the first after picking up wins against North half and were down just seven at the Florida University and Cal Polytech- break, but the jet-lagged Longhorns, nic Institute at the Basketball Trav- just back from the Maui Invitational, elers Invitational hosted by Brigham took off in the second half and won Young University two weekends ago. the game 77-56. Rice opened against the Univer- Much like in their loss against sity of Texas at San Antonio last BYU, the Owls struggled shooting the night, but the score was unavailable ball, hitting on just 25 percent of their at the time this article went to press. shots in the second half. The team's The Roadrunners came into the con- leading scorer, junior guard Cory test with a 3-2 record on the season Pflieger, was held to just six points, but had yet to post a win against going two of 10 from the field. a NCAA Division I opponent. The Freshman forward Lucas Kuipers Roadrunners came close against had the best game of his young sea- Iowa last week, but they lost by six son and registered career highs in points after leading with less than nearly every category. Kuipers' game- eight minutes to go. high 19 points was also the single- In Saturday's matinee matchup, game high for Rice so far this year. the Owls will take on Texas State After coming off the bench, Kuipers University, a team they beat last sea- quickly jumped into the mix, hitting son 88-71 in San Marcos. The Bob- four three pointers and making seven cats return their top three scorers of his 11 shot attempts. from last year but have struggled of Thus far, the Owls have been re- late, losing games to the University lying on big nights from different of Wyoming, University of North- players to make up for poor shooting ern Colorado, and the University of nights. In the team's close 61-53 loss San Francisco. Leading the way for to Lamar on Nov. 25, another fresh- TSU is senior guard Brent Benson, man, guard Connor Frizzelle, scored who averaging nearly 21 points per a game high 18 points on a night game and shooting am unfathom- when the team made 29 percent of able 62 percent from the three point their shots. line. Benson led the nation in three- Rice's search for an offensive pointers made as a freshman and identity has led to no player averag- sophomore at Coastal Georgia Com- ing more than 10 points per game but munity College and finished with the seven players averaging more than second most all-time at the junior five. At times, the Owls' struggles on college level. offense are the result of not having Rice heads into this week's series a player capable of beating his man of games after going 2-1 in Provo, los- one-on-one and creating shots for ing only to host BYU. The Cougars, himself. Last year's leading scorer, who extended their home winning Patrick Britton, developed into the streak to a nation-best 50 games, team's main scoring threat late in

proved just too much for the Owls the season; hopefully this year that ARIEL SHNITZER/THRESHER to overcome. player can step up earlier, since the After not rebounding the ball well Owls' diverse scoring has been more Sophomore Suleiman Braimoh goes up for a jumper against Lamar in Tudor Fietdhouse. The Owls fell to the in their home opener against Port- inconsistent than balanced in the undefeated Cardinals by a score of 61-53 after being held to a season-tow 29 percent shooting on the night. land State University on Nov. 15, the early going. O POSTSEASON FROM PAGE 1

to lose. That is going to make all mains, a task that no Owl squad has versed, and the second time around, NCAA competition. student body coming out and enjoy- these Owls up their game and play to accomplished since 1953 — to win a going bowling feels a little different. All eyes will be on the Clement- ing themselves." their potential." bowl game. The senior class will have "In 2006, we were just happy to Dillard duo, both of whom have the With the final battleground set, For Dillard, the chance to play his one final shot to cap off their recently be there," Dillard said. "Now, we are daunting task of running an NFL com- the Owls need only to wait as the play- final game in Reliant Stadium seems unprecedented success with a win in focused on what are we going to do bine schedule as soon as they play ers prepare to perform on the biggest like destiny. In their first game as a venue that is perhaps the finest of there, what we are going to do when their final game in a Rice uniform. stage of their careers. It is expected Owls, Dillard and quarterback Chase all NCAA bowl game facilities the lights are on and the ball is in After over 35,000 fans packed Rice that they will find out the identity of Clement sat on the sideline at Reliant Under former head coach Todd play. I think the guys are focused this Stadium for the Bayou Bucket, one of their opponent in the coming week. Stadium as redshirt freshmen and Graham in 2006, the Owls were in- year on winning." the largest crowds in Rice history is "Whoever it is, we will be thrilled watched Rice defeat the University of vited to the New Orleans Bowl after A win in the Texas Bowl would tie expected to attend on Dec. 6, which to play them," Bailiff said. "I am anx- Houston in the 2004 Bayou Bucket. a 2006 8-4 season, where the squad the school record with ten for the sea- is another part of the 2008 campaign ious to find out who we are playing, The historic duo could not rep- suffered a convincing 41-17 loss. The son, a tally achieved only once before that makes it feel different than 2006. so we can start looking at the video licate the success of their first-ever team entered a state of flux after Gra- in 1949. The burden of history will "Everything that the Rice fans and get to work on them." game until last week, when they ham left the team the following sea- weigh heavily on the shoulder of the have brought to the table is phenom- The game will be televised on NFL crossed defeating the Cougars off son, going 3-9 in 2007. One year later, senior class in their final opportunity enal," Dillard said. "It went from al- Network and broadcast on KTRH 740 their to do list. Now, only one item re- the numbers in the columns are re- to take the field with one another in most no people at game to having the AM and ESPN 97.5 The Ticket.

Medical Center & Optical

Chips & Drink With purchiK of anv medium (Sr Y *££ F* sandwich or pizza After 3 p.m. ewyday 2240 Suite B. Shew your RICS ID or Bring this ad in 8200 8. Main 71MJM011 W Ho I com be Blvd. 713-664-5678 ' inn wit* at (to #»d 1 iwf>nf}10 in tirri lanjr. Houston, TX 77030 Student and Faculty Discounts 3005 \Y««lffliaer $ MwtiKHr "I FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5,2008 16 SPORTS THE RICE THRESHER Swimming succeeds at Cornhusker Invitational Winless through first six meets of the year, Owls take first place in nine-team meet held at University of Nebraska A

Sophomore Erin Mattson competes in the butterfly during the Phil Hansel Dual Meet at the UH Rec Center Nov. 6. Rke won its first meet of the season over the holiday weekend at the Corn- husker Invitationals, hosted by the University of Nebraska. After winning several events at the meet, freshman Shelby Bottoms earned Conference USA Swimmer of the Week accolades.

by Tracy Dansker a feel for having to come back and get freshman Alex O'Brien in seventh, and Day three started off with a bang dominated those two races." THRESHER STAFF up and go every day; swim fast in the sophomore Sarah Korellis in thirteenth. as Wo, Miller, Craig and Zelnick out- Rice's dominance continued on morning to get in and having to set Bottoms won her first collegiate event touched their opponents to finish first day four. Craig took second in the The swim team proved head coach themselves up in preliminaries for a when she swept the competition in the in the 200-yard medley relay with a 200-yard backstroke, followed by Seth Huston right: They showed that good finals positioning." 200-yard individual medley. Junior An- season best time of 1:45.25. Rice domi- Chura in fourth, junior Justine Lin they can have unbeatable depth. While The Owls began day one of com- gela Wo, Zelnick, sophomore Erin Matt- nated the next two events: Bottoms in 11th, and Delaloye in 13th. In the they have struggled to win dual meets petition by grabbing first place in the son, and Miller finished the day by tak- won her second collegiate event when 100-yard freestyle Zelnick edged out in the past few months, the Owls had 400-yard freestyle relay with a season- ing third in the 400-yard medley relay. she grabbed first place in the 400-yard the competition to take first place. no trouble destroying their competi- best time of 3:29.78. Those swimming individual medley supported by team- Behind her were teammates Miller tion at the Cornhusker Invitational included junior Pam Zelnick, senior U mates Ackerman in second, O'Brien in in third, Bottoms in 10th, and fresh- hosted by the University of Nebraska Skylar Craig, freshman Shelby Bot- fourth, sophomore Kait Chura in sixth man Alison Godbe in 17th. The un- Nov. 20-23. toms and senior Carlyann Miller. The and fellow freshman Louise Gliga in derclassmen led the charge in the This meet organization was similar only other event held that day was the Across the board, eighth. Wo then won the 100-yard but- 200-yard breaststroke, where Ack- to the way the Conference USA Cham- mile swim, in which Rice took six of the everybody was swim- terfly despite being seeded last after erman took second, O'Brien took pionships will run in February. In the top 20 scoring spots. In the top 10 were the preliminaries. Craig and Mattson fifth, freshman Alexandra Ernst took morning the team swam in preliminar- freshman Nicole Delaloye in fourth and ming their best times came in fourth and fifth in the 100- 12th,and Godbe finished 20th. The ies and those with fast enough times senior Caitlin Warner in sixth. of the season. yard butterfly. Rice also had impres- Owls last swim of the meet was the made it to the finals the same evening, Rice returned on day rwo with just sive finishes in the 200-yard freestyle 200-yard butterfly. Gliga won her where they had an opportunity to score as much effort in the next five events, Swimming head coach and 100-yard backstroke, where the first collegiate event with a career points. At the end of each day. Rice three of which they won. Zelnick, Seth Huston team was able to take four of the top best time of 2:03.93. Mattson came in came out on top. After competing in 21 Craig, senior Diane Gu, and Miller 10 spots in freestyle and four of the fourth, followed by Ackerman who events over four days, Rice won the en- finished in first place in the 200-yard n top 20 spots in backstroke. Delaloye, swam back to back events in sixth. tire meet with 1,200 points, 121 points freestyle relay with a season best time Miller, Bottoms and Warner wrapped The Owls travel to Puerto Rico for ahead of runner-up North Texas. of 1:35.19. Zelnick and Miller tallied a up the day by taking second place in their winter training trip this December. Huston saw the meet as a good test total of 43.5 points by placing 1-2 in the The whole team contributed to the the 800-yard freestyle relay. While there they will swim against Ma- of the team's competitive endurance. race 50-yard freestyle. Delaloye broke Rice win, Huston said. Bottoms earned Conference USA calester College and then return home "In a way it was like a rehearsal the five minute mark for the first time at "Across the board everybody was Swimmer of the Week recognition for to face Southern Methodist University that could potentially be more tax- the collegiate level when she snatched swimming their best times of the sea- her performance on January 16th. This will be their one ing than [the] conference [champion- second place in the 500-yard freestyle, son, which again, is what we were "[Bottoms] handled everybody home meet of the season and the last ships]," Huston said. "[The team] got followed by teammates Warner in fifth. pointing towards," Huston said. in those events," Huston said. "She meet at the current pool.

Internationa! Service Project

The Community Involvement Center is looking for dedicated and enthusiastic students to participate in an amazing two-week immersion experience to San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala this summer (Approximately May 10-24, 2009). Si 51 Check out the CIC's website (http://www.rlce.edu/service) for wore information and to apply.

Applications are due by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, AK1EI SHKimK/THRtSHlR January 28th. MartelllU, Mattel, Martel junior Lauren McCauley sprints toward a first down during Questions? Please contact Sarah Hodgkinson Wednesday's Powderpuff Championship. Martel won the contest ([email protected])/(713 348-6409) Martel, MartelllU.. 12-6 over Baker, capping off their undefeated season. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5,2008 THE RICE THRESHER SPORTS 17 Women fall to Arkansas, down Furman over break

by Yan Digilov with spotty shooting. We could easily be 1-4. We have come THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF Unforced turnovers and bad shoot- from behind a couple of times." ing choices by the Owls were really to The lone loss of the season in which Two hard-fought games in differ- blame for the lead that Furman held the Owls were totally outplayed came ent venues resulted in two separate until 10 minutes into the second half. at the hands of loth-ranked Baylor Uni- outcomes for the women's basketball Rice's shooting percentage fell by near- versity on Nov. 23. team in the past several weeks. A sec- ly 10 points from the first half to the "It was really a learning experience ond-half surge was enough to give the second, a difference that would have for us," Fulton said about the game. home team a win against Furman Uni- crippled the Owls if they had not fin- "They were so aggressive on the re- versity at Tudor Fieldhouse on Nov. ished 74 percent from the foul line. bounding, and aggressive taking it to 25, but the Owls could not prevent the As young squads often show, how- the hole. They really showed us how it University of Arkansas - Little Rock ever, a team's strength one day can be should be done, and we really learned from taking a home victory of its own its folly the next. In the case against from it." the Saturday afterwards. UALR, the Owls went six for 15 from The Owls lost by a score of 83-58, Freshman point guard D'Frantz the free-throw line, while shooting 50 but showed that they were capable of Smart stood out as the scoring leader percent in the first half and nearly 40 running with the powerhouse Bears for Rice in both games. She also regis- in the second. Unfortunately for them, early in the match. The difference in tered six assists in each game, along the turnovers continued. physicality of the teams' post players, with five rebounds against Furman and "Many of them were sloppy," Wil- though, gave Baylor a distinct edge. six against UALR, despite being the liams said. "They didn't press us Though Williams may be happy shortest player on the court. the whole game. We just fumbled with where the team finds itself early in mm***** "She has consistently gotten bet- passes, telegraphed passes, and had the season, it remains to be seen where ter," head coach Greg Williams said. unforced turnovers." the majority of the squad's offensive "Point guard is the hardest position to Rice had one last chance at the end production will originate. Smart is cur- come in and play as a freshman. We of the game to overcome a three-point rently the team's leading scorer, but the never would have projected her scoring lead with 10 seconds left, but Smart, undersized guard has never assumed that many points this early." who played a pivotal role in putting the the role of scorer in the past. Her scoring has also come at some squad within striking distance, passed Questions also still loom about of the most opportune moments. the ball out-of-bounds. Rice's low-post presence. Freshmen Against Furman, with 13 seconds left It was an unlikely turn-of-events Megan Elliott and Candace Ashford in the game, she made a key free-throw in a game that featured numerous have seen playing time, but have not to make it a two-possession gam-' at swings in momentum. The Owls' final exhibited the consistency to allow for a 66-62, which turned out to be the final efforts came as a response to a 14-2 run game plan that utilizes the low-post. score of the contest. by the Trojans. Rice contained UALR's "Megan Elliott has shown that Earlier in the match, Smart was the top scorer, sophomore Chastity Reed, she can come off the bench and make first to break a back-and-forth deadlock in the first half, but finished with 22 things happen, both with scoring, re- that carried into the second half. Her points after helping the home team bounding, and her hustle," Williams consecutive three-pointers pushed the mount their comeback. said. "Candace Ashford has had her Owls to a nine-point lead, their biggest The Owls had a commanding 31-24 moments, but she struggled the last of the game, with six minutes left. lead at the end of the first half and led couple games." Freshman forward Brianna Hy- until Reed exploded with a flurry of As the season progresses, it will be polite and senior forward Maudess baskets starting midway through the important for these young talents to Fulton were the other big factors in second half. develop as consistent scorers and ef- the decision, scoring 17 and 13 points, Though the loss was the second fective rebounders. respectively. They remained the lone in the last three games, Williams said The Owls return to Tudor Field- consistent strength in the game, over- that he is happy with where the team house tomorrow to take on the Univer- whelmingly outplaying the Furman is at this point in the season. "We are sity of Texas-Arlington at 5:30 p.m. im- it posts, while Rice's guards struggled If * 4Er * 3-2," he said. "We could easily be 4-1. mediately following the men's game. f * V/,<' ; K >• #

ARIEL

Freshman point guard D'Frantz Smart goes up for a layup during the Owls' 83-58 loss to Baylor Nov.23. Rice is now 4-2 on the season. O FOOTBALL FROM PAGE 14

Everything I do is because of him and the last regular-season game of 2008. how good of a player he is." Clement is now in first place on the Casey had 12 receptions, enough for C-USA career lists for both touchdown him to break the single-season C-USA passes and total touchdowns. He also record with 104. He was also named stands in 13th place on the NCAA all- C-USA Offensive Player of the Week. time touchdown pass list. "Chase Clement, Jarett Dillard and For Dillard, who caught four pass- James Casey — talk about guys just es for 43 yards, it was only the sec- continuing to make plays when we ond game of the season in which he need (hem," head coach David Bai- did not catch a touchdown pass. He liff said. "And the other teams know needs one more to overcome DeAnge- they're coming. They just keep making lo Williams of Memphis for the over- Iplays], and just keep playing harder. all C-USA touchdown record. The amazing thing, too, offensively The game was also remarkably and defensively, is that we get better free of turnovers: Senior linebacker each week. We're into week 12 and our Brian Raines, who just returned from football team continues to improve." a forearm injury, intercepted a pass The scoring went back and forth from Houston's Case Keenum in the at the beginning of this high-octane second quarter, and the Owls recov- affair, which saw Houston finish ered a Houston fumble in the fourth. with 634 total yards of offense and "I saw the quarterback throw the Rice with 591. The Owls began to ball and then saw it was tipped, and pull away with a three-touchdown then 1 caught it," Raines said. "I was second quarter and took a 35-21 ad- shocked. And then the next thing vantage into halftime. Rice let up was "Run!", so I took off and then slightly after building the rest of they pulled me down out of bounds. a convincing lead, scoring its last Couldn't catch one with two arms, touchdown in the first four seconds but I catch one with one. I couldn't of the fourth quarter before Hous- believe it." Visit our NEWEST store ton came back to score two more The Owls got to see the actual NOW OPEN AT touchdowns and close the final gap Bayou Bucket after the game as it re- Whole Earth 2501 Post Oak Boulevard to seven points. turned to Rice. • Junior running back C.J. Ugokwe "It was awesome to be able to hold Provision Co. was the rushing leader with 110 yards, that trophy up and bring it back to ENTER OUR RAFFLE Rice in my senior year," Clement said. his third 100-yard game of the season. FOR FABULOUS PRODUCTS. 2501 Post Oak Boulevard. "Everybody was into the game "We all had high aspirations. Looking 713-526-5440 across the board," Clement said. "We at last year and what that did in terms FREE Giveaways, 2934 South Shepherd Drive. had several guys getting the ball and of motivating us after the bowl year. Prizes, Coloring contest and being a part of the offense. It was a 1 think we all had high expectations more. Check our website at 713-526-5226 and we knew coming into this year www.WholeEarthProvision.com complete effort and it was awesome www.WholeEarthProvision.com we could do something special if we to see us play four quarters." Jacket Rice broke several records during got after it." 18 SPORTS THE RICE THRESHER FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5,2008

COMMENTARY (PAGE 2.5 STYLE) End of the year choose your own Casey Michelcolumn adventure Here's how it works: pick a paragraph from each pair and make your Michel-esque pun-filled super column! START HERE:

A.) B.) A.) B.)

What sport, above all others, em- You don't know Jack. Seriously, Now, there may be a few of you inbred in- (In the interest of full disclosure, 1 bodies the fire of the human spirit? you don't. That's not an insult - grates who chuckle at the thought of croquet should point out that I have the afore- What sport combines more grit, guts it's the truth, and you know it. being the epitome of human achievement. mentioned greatness in my bloodlines and gregariousness than Odysseus or But lest ye forget, there were also people who — my grandfather, Jean-Claude Michel, Achilles ever knew? What sport pro- laughed at Picasso, Petey Pablo and Puff, the is the inspiration for the annual Jean- pels men, women and children be- A.) Magic Dragon. If these cultural and intellec- Claude Michel Memorial Croquet Tour- yond their hardened limits and into tual giants had bowed to the gaggle of giggles, nament in Seattle, Wash. Please, don't the world of excellence and legend? But it's recently come to my un- the modern world would be without their un- be jealous, but feel free to deride your derstanding that, inexplicably, there surpassable talent and gifts, to say nothing of grandparents for not attaining the impor- are those who have not partaken in the greatness of "Freek- tance that mine did.) this greatest of sports. I can't help but A-Leek." feel the deepest pangs of sympathy, and although 1 may not know you A.) personally, I feel that it is ray duty to A.) B.) enlighten you as to the courage and Truly, croquet is the sport of kings temerity that croquet exemplifies. and the king of sports. Its impact is Maybe you got it from ray last It's cool though, because I often compared with the invention of B.) name, or maybe you have actually don't know Jack either. fire, and it inspired both the Taj Ma- experienced the ethereal, emotive re- hal and, if his autobiography is true, When he finds a new center field- sponses that this exercise engenders. Einstein's theory of relativity. Clearly, er, DH, and first baseman, we'll know Regardless of the reason, you get my Casey Michel eternal props for your correct answer, the world would be a worse place Jack. When he decides the future of SPORTS Eonok without it. Raul Ibanez and Adrian Beltre, we'll and I'll be mailing you the transcripts of some "Ozzie Guillen as Obama's B.) get an idea about Jack. When the Mariners' new manager strides to the Press Secretary" outtakes. JackZduriencik, is the latest North- plate on Opening Day, we'll have for- west gunslinger. A scouting man by mulated an opinion on Jack. trade, the Zduriencik - whose name sounds more like a Polish indepen- A.) I mean, unless you're listening to dence movement than a baseball lifer B.) — made his reputation by stockpiling But the Mariners weren't looking "Freek-A-Leek." But that's on a whole different level. the Milwaukee Brewers' farm system for favorable posturing. If they were, For those who've yet to enjoy the in ways that would make Billy Beane Kim Ng would be helming the Mari- game's unimaginable bliss, I can only Casey Michel is a Brown College ju- proud. As Scouting Director of the ners' future. Nor are M's CEO How- hope that you come out of your shell and once-moribund Brew Crew, Zdurien- ard Lincoln and M's president Chuck nior and former sports editor. The real play a round with us, because in the end, versions of his columns can be read cik oversaw a greater facelift than the Armstrong looking to update to a 21st it's the greatest thing you shall ever do. Joan Rivers Experience, helping Mil- century, numbers-only mantra. If online at www.ricethresher.org waukee eclipse the playoff threshold they were, Tony LaCava or Jerry Di- for the first time since M*A*S*H went Poto would be steering the Mariners off the air. back toward respectability.

we hoped. " BCROSS The team's success this season FROM PAGE 14 bodes well for next season, despite the inevitable loss of two seniors, performance and her 20:25 race the pre- Bevan said. vious week at regionals. "We had a strong season," Bevan Bevan was happy with the team's said. "We had a good year and our ex- overall performance, even if they did pectations have risen; the bar has risen Call and you could save. not finish as highly as they would have and that's a good thing." liked. He noted that the team followed Mericle felt that although the team's their strategy for the race, but the strat- finish at nationals was not what they egy just did not pan out as expected. were hoping to accomplish, the season "The plan was to run a typical first was still a success. Class dismissed. mile and not get caught up in trying to "It was disappointing, but it wasn't be in front of everyone," Bevan said. really anything sad to beat ourselves "We believed people would run too up about because we got to the na- fast and we would make up ground. tional meet and that was something I was very happy with our position that wasn't exactly a given because of after the first mile and 1 thought we'd all the injuries we had on the team [this be good to move up at least 80 spots. season]," she said. "So it was good to be However, no one blew up, and we back there again and to be the first Rice only went up 10 to 20 spots - not like team to make it two years in a row."

their older team members was what I Convenient local office OTOURNEY really noticed [whil" we watched the se- FROM PAGE 14 lection show together]. They were really Money-saving discounts glad the seniors were able to do that. Low down payments and freshman Ashleigh McCord was For the rest of the team we hope to make only six kills shy of that mark with this a tradition for Rice volleyball." Monthly payment plans 294. Combined, the talented group has Rice opened well against the Horned 24-hour service and claims vaulted Rice to the top of the Conference Frogs, jumping out to an early ten-point USA pack with 14.61 kills per game. lead and first-set win. TCU was at the Coverage available by phone The difference in the match may tail end of a brutal three-week road well come down to defense, where trip that saw them win only one game the Owls have notable amounts of in five matches, but even so, the Owls quickness. The team is last in C-USA had a tough time keeping their oppo- in blocks per game, but makes up for nents down in subsequent sets. The Local Office it with a wide conference lead in digs Horned Frogs managed to grab the sec- per game, which should help to coun- ond frame thanks to several inaccurate ter some of Wichita State's potent at- shots from the Owls' front line — Rice's tack potential. Wichita State, on the hitting percentage was a measly .137 for other hand, is in the middle of the the set. Bogan and Holderness brought MVC pack in both categories. the team back in set three, sparking sev- Compared to the excitement sur- eral rallies with four kills each. rounding the NCAA tournament selec- TCU was down only three points at CALL FOR A FREE RATE QUOTE, tion, The Owls' win over TCU seemed 1/4-11 before the Owls ran away with an lackluster. Nevertheless, Volpe said the 11-/4 run and the set win. The Horned Geico Direct match meant much to the upperclass- Frogs rebounded in the fourth set, men who had not played a contest at pressing Rice to a 25-25 tie. A McCord 5404 Bellaire Blvd. Autry Court in nearly two years. kill after a Lam serve gave the home "[The team was] so happy to see team a one-point advantage, and a bi- Houston, TX 77401 all their hard work come to fruition," zarre play subsequently gave the Owls Volpe said. "They knew we had a good the 3-1 match victory: l,am's next serve 713-665-4667 season but they just needed the reward was clearly headed out of bounds, but of selection to the tournament...The un- some discounts, «M*ag*S payment plans and fwtwes ar» no» av«MMe m all stales or in ali GHC.0 companies, Government fmployees it hit TCU's Katelyn Blarkwood in the Insurance Co GflCO General Insurance Co CifICO indemnity Co. Gfif.O Casualty Co These companies ate subsidiaries of Bert^ee Hattavnay Inc derclassmen were really happy for the head before she could get out of the <3[iC0 auto insurance is not available in MA, GKO Washington, DC 20076 O 2007 GClCO. The GEICO gecko mage € GCICQ '999 'Ml seniors. Sheer joy of younger folks for way, giving Rice the final point. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5,2008 THE RICE THRESHER CALENDAR 19

MONDAY CTND FRIDAY the Calendar If an obstacle is just an oppor- tunity in disguise, does that Do you remember that course DEC. 5 - 19, 2008 mean that opportunities are "Who is not a Jew?" Lump this 3 p,n». the Monday prior to pub- challenges in disguise? into that category. lication. Submissions are print- ed on a space available basis. SATURDAY CTND Do you have an interest in engineer- The Houston Museum of Natu- FRIDAY ing and/or places other than Ameri- ral Science opens its newest ca? Visit the "Engineering Opportu- exhibit, "The Birth of Christian- Posathat, yo. nities Abroad Study Break," tonight ity: A Jewish Story," today. The Fax: 713.348.5238 DROP you like 3rd period French at 8 p.m. in the Brown College Com- story examines the origins of CmU11. wQ«I)(0inM»«vyU HACER (Hispanic Association for mons. On the subject, I received Christianity and their description Campus Mail: Calendar Editor If you're a first-semester student at Cultural Enrichment at Rice) is host- Thresher, MS-524 Rice (freshmen and transfers), you this communique (I shortened it): mentions the Dead Sea Scrolls. ing Posada, their annual Christmas "Take a break from your studies Apparently, they are connected. can still drop a class today. Forms performance-type deal, in the RMC's Nan moat THE Bono*: are due at 5 p.m. to the Registrar's and join us at this event highlight- Maybe visit the exhibit (rhyme Grand Hall tonight at 6:30 p.m. En- ing a range of programs including time!) and find out how. Go to Take that i9-muir,ble-mum- Office and can be printed off their joy a celebration of Hispanic culture ble Oolphins! We went unde- website. No signature required IIT Bombay, Nanojapan, the DAAD www.hmns.org for more info. and DINNER (I don't know if that's RISE program, INNOVATE, and feated lor a whole season, (except your own). an acronym, but it was capitalized also! I don't know anything paid internships abroad through Nothing says Christmas like... in the e-mail I got) of traditional IAESTE." about football, or I'd be bust- Prizes are tubular Latin American food. (Maybe TC? A Muppet Christmas Carol. It ing out mad trivias to brag Probably not. But I love that stuff.) plays tonight — with How the on our team. Bottom line? The drawings for the prizes given Tickets are $5 for the non-Ricers and Grinch Stole Christmas — as one We rock, we etc etc and bang out by the Registrar's Office starts $4 for Rice students. TUESDAY of the Starlight Movie Night fea- your mom. today. More info online. tures. Same bat time, same bat place. (7 p.m. in the Rice Sta- Sketch-tastic SUNDAY 'NO EXAMS." says Registrar dium.) Did you know that the Rice Sketch Comedy is a funny A cold rain beats down on the "bat" phrase originated with ad- 1 vertising for the original Batman thing that involves free pizza and burnt-red tiles of Rice University. (free?) comedy. 'Tis the season I thought that perhaps it used Lightning flashes. In the darkness, television series? True story. to go to the RMC's Grand Hall to be just the President's professors bare their teeth at the Al- from 7-9 p.m. study break len Center, wondering how they let this happen. Students cower in the Perhaps my memory is going. It's WEDNESDAY 1J BELITTLE The North Pole is a real place. safety of their rooms, poring over in the RMC/Ley Student Center/ books, glancing nervously at their Just ask Tom Hanks. Brochstein Pavilion. It's growing doors, furtively through the win- Finals are over! That's all. Rice's Starlight Movie Night movie: like the blob: first Dean Forman, dows. Finals are coming... CAMPUS Polar Express. Starring: Tom Hanks now the Pavilion. What next? as a joyriding ghost narrator/cab- Hosted by the President's Office, bie/guy on a train, other people as the Dean's Office, and the (Office) voices of characters. Polar Express of the Rice Program Traditions WEDNESDAY 10 • FRIDAY arrives at the Rice Stadium tonight Committee (Office), come let them EVENTS at 7 p.m. (The usual no glass, no break you in between study peri- ods, from 9-11 p.m. 'Where did all the students go?" Oh, A Christmas Fory.

Leonidas scans the desolate Rice "But I didn't say 'fory.' I said a email campus. From the darkness, a bad word..." A Christmas Story SATURDAY [email protected] MONDAY small boy stumbles, almost humor- is tonight's Starlight Movie Night ously. His eyes glaze like donuts as movie. It's at 7 p.m. in the Rice Who has any clue what this is? he drops into Leonidas' six-pack Stadium. And given how many I don't! Study Days! arms. "They came from the dark- times I've advertised these, I have It's like Owl Days except possibly ness...," the boy whispers, "finals." to ask: Does anyone actually go? "Soft Space [Hard Rave]" is hosted more interesting! No finals to- by Archis ("Archies"? Regardless, day. As a point of reminiscence, they are filled with mysteries) to- do you remember before Owl or, SO MY WW R£AUY AREN'T GOURMET ANfr ESTABLISHED Ik CHARLESTON, IL WE'8£ NOT FRENCH EJTH« MY Stffci JUST TASTE night 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. in Anderson Weekend was downsized from IN 1983 TO ADD TO STUDENTS GM A LITTLE 8FTTES. THAT'S ALL! I WANTED TO CALL IT JIMMY TASTY SANDWICHES, BUT AND GENES AL DATING ABILITY aim* ioirv Hall. (It's where the architecture the weekend and the Student Ad- MY MOM TOLD ME TO STICK WITH GOURMET happens.) Sidebar: the official host SHE THINKS WHATEVER I DO IS GOURMET. fc'JT mission Council was really run by I OON T THINK CITHER Of US KNOWS WHAT IT is "architecture society @ rice." students? Good times.... MEANS. SO LET'S STICK WITH TASTY! Since 1• 1• 10 S3

Ga,°RLD'S GRERT^.S«tS _As.so\ MET SANDWICW*

8" SUB SANDWICHES Corporate Headqaarters Champaign. It GIANT CLUB SANDWICHES My club sandwiches hate twict the meat oi cheese, try it ill of my tasty sab sandwiches are a full 9 inches of ait my fresh baked thick sliced 7 grain bread or ny famoes homemade French toea 1 fresh teggies and ihe finest homemade french bread' meats & cheese I cae bay! And If it matters to yoa. we site everything fresh everyday in this store. right here where you can set it (Ne mystery meat here!) #7 GOURMET SMOKED HAM CLUB I tall 1/4 poind of real applewood smoked ham #| PEPE* PLAIN SLIMS* prsiralene cheese. Itttice. tomato & real mayo' Deal applcwned smoked ham and prBtolone cheese lay Sub minus the veggies and satire garnished with lettuce. tomato. and mayo. #8 BILLY CLUB* SUM 1 Ram S cheese Choice roast beef, smoked ham. provolone cheese. #2 810 JOHN* SUM 2 Roast Beef Dtjoa mustard, lettuce, tomato, £ maya Medium rare choice toast beef, topped with SLIM 3 Tana salad yummy mays, lettacc. and tomato SLIM 4 Turkey breast #9 ITALIAN NIGHT CLUB" SLIM 5 Salami, capicola. cheese Real ganoa salami. Italian capitals, smoked ham. #3 TOTALLY TUNA" SLIM 6 Bnublc piovolone and provolone checse all topped with lettuce, tomato. Fresh hoascmade tana, mixed with ccteiy. onions omoB. mayo, and our homemade Italiaa tinaigrette and nut tasty sauce. then topped with alfalfa sprouts, (Tou hay ta order hot peppeis. jast ask1) cucumbcr. lettacc. and tomato. (My tuna locks!) Low Carb Lettuce Wrap #10 HUNTER'S CLUB* #4 TURKEY TOM'" I tall I It pouad of fresh sliced mediant tare Fresh sliced turkey breast temped with lettacc, roast beef, provolone. lettuce, tomato & mayo tomato, alfalfa sproats. and mayo (The original) #11 COUNTRY CLUB* #5 VITO* Same ingredients and price of the sab or club without the bread. Fresh sliced turkey breast, applewaad smoked ham. the original Italian sab with genoa salami, provolone. pronolane. and tons af lettacc. t ornate. and mayo! capicola. onion, lettuce, tomato. £ a real tasty ItaliiB (I *ery traditional, yet always etceptioaal classic!) Tinaigrette. (Hat peppeis hy revest) #12 BEACH CLUB * ® #6 VEGETARIAN $ Fresh baked turkey breast, provoloae cheese. avocado layers of provolone cheese sepaiatod by real spread, sliced member, sprouts lettuce, tomato, and avocado spread alfalfa spouts. sliced cbcamber. maya! (It's the real deal and it ain't even California.) lettuce, tomato, and mayo (Truly a gourmet sub not BOX lUHCHtS. PUTTERS. PMHTUS! far vegetarians only peace dude!) Of IIvm 080!IS will include a delivery #13 GOURMET VEGGIE CLUB* charge of 48c pet rteat (•/-lie). Double provolone real avocado spread, sliced

lacon.lettiee. tomato, t mayo ^^j^CalPja cucumber alfalfa spiors. lettacc tomato. & mayo (The only better BIT Is Mama's IIT) * * JIMMYJOHNS.COM * * (Try it an my) grain whole wheat bread. This veggie sandwich is world class!) #14 BOOTLEGGER CLUB* • SIDES * Roast heel, turkey breast, lettuce, tomato. I mays ry&\ la American classic, certainly not invented hy J.J hut Mature Themes: Sexual Situations * Soda Pap $134/51.49 THE J.J. definitely tweaked and fine tuned to perfection! and Strong Language * Sunt chocolate chip oi oatmeal raisia cookie. . SI.50 #15 CLUB TUNA* * Real panto chips or jumbo kosher dill pickle $1.20 GARGANTUAN" The same as aur #3 Totally Taaa eieept this one his * Iitra toad ol meal $1 50 This saadwtch was invented by a lot mere Fresh housemade tana salad prorelone Jimmy John's brother Naey. It s huge sprouts, cucumber lettuce. & tomato GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! * tnra cheese or antra avocado spread SO 75 enough to feed the haagriest of all banians! Toas of ganoa salami, sliced * HotPtppars free #16 CLUB LULU* smoked ham caplcsfa. roast beef, fresh sliced turkey breast baton, lettace. tomato JANUARY 6-18,2009 • HOBBY CENTER turkey & provolone, ismmed into A mayo (JJ s anginal turkey I bacon club) one ol our homemade (ranch burs FREEBIES (SUBS f, CLUBS ONLY) thea smothered with oaioas mayo #17 ULTIMATE PORKER" tnien. lattica. alfalla sprout*, tamata. maya. sliced lettacc tamata 4 aor homemade BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com • 71J.629.J700 Real applewaod smoked ham and bacen with lettuce, cacombti. Dijon mustard, oil4 vinegar aad oregano. Italian dressing lomate 4 mayo what could ho hotter! Groups of 20 or more 888.4S1.5986 Text SPRING to 299669 for Weekly SPRING AWAKENING Updates and Offers! WE DELIVER! 7 DAYS A WEEK Special discounts for Rice students and faculty brought to you by the Rice Program Council. Visit broadwavacrossamerica.com/groups and enter the code RPC2Q09. HOUSTON 2401W. HOLCOMBE BLVD. 713.741.

BROADWAyVjACROSS AMERICA "YOUR MOM WANTS YOU TO EAT AT JIMMY JOHN'S!" MIIS lilt till till Mil JIMM< JIHU UllUtaiSI lit Hi IIIHIS HSflttl Wt limit tin «i|kt 1« Mlkt lar Chinfil f v - - ' • , 20 BACKPAGE THE RICE 1HRESHER FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5,2008 $)

upper echelon of both academics and MOB members behind the scenes — athletics. a MOB mob, if we may. How can any An open letter to the That's not to say that there haven't organization refresh itself and hope lice m been the occasional bright spots to remain relevant in an environment throughout your history. The 1973 A&M like this? halftime show is the required stop on If we play Notre Dame in the Texas J> review the MOB nostalgia bus, but recent per- Bowl, the MOB will perform along- formances have had their moments side the famous University of Notre too. The "Todd Graham's Inferno" Dame Band, led by Ken Dye — who week of show last year was juvenile but mar- directed the MOB for 17 years. Under velous, and the fact that you received his tenure you performed at the 1984 nov. 30 significant news coverage for Tulsa's Olympics, the 1985 Presidential inau- formal complaint for calling Todd Gra- guration and Paris's 1993 Carnivale. ham a douchebag certainly reinforced Currently, Dr. Dye's Notre Dame band student association the perception of the MOB as a band is one of the most prestigious ensem- There was no willing to push the envelope. bles in the nation. Their routines are SA meeting Dear MOB, over to his pet's cage, and screamed Since the athletic department (and dazzling. If we put on a show like we M this week,"but MOLet's start things off on a positive B particularly the football team) has did in New Orleans two years ago, we at the stillborn guinea pig fetus Cola f that didn't stop will be embarrassed. & .1 SA President note. You are the backbone of student had delivered as a surprise present. been performing at a caliber to attract f ^ wk / I Matt Youn from athletic support at Rice. Whether it's Amid the ripples of its bruise-colored some degree of national attention, the % "m- M presiding over an a Saturday home football rivalry or slimy flesh our young editor discov- MOB needs to follow suit and step up Here's what the Backpage recom- a Wednesday night women's basket- its own game. During halftime, you mends: 3 worth Pavilion ered that a delightful thing, like small ™ for an hour. He ball game, you're there in full force. pet ownership, isn't always nearly as and you alone are, ostensibly, the • Drop the "fedornaments." A little attempted to pass It's pretty remarkable that a group fun as it's cracked up to be. This is ambassadors of Rice University. But bit of flair is nice, but it's getting a resolution to commend him- of some of the "nerdier" kids at Rice sort of how we feel about you, and we to many of us, MOB halftime shows ridiculous. Marching bands are in self, but couldn't get the motion are among its most ardent sports don't think we're alone. rarely feel representative of Rice as a some ways a more visual experi- seconded. fans, and without you many weekday Spectators like to see — as the name whole. You need to remember that you ences than a musical one and too home games would have embarrass- would suggest — spectacle. They want are not performing the MOB Halftime much individuality kills it. ingly low student attendance. to see huge crowds of people moving Show; you are performing the Rice • Wear black shoes. No real mobster misclass k But unfortunately that's not the in unison. Why else would anyone Halftime Show as presented by the would be caught dead in black point of this letter, MOB. On December have created the "Cha Cha Slide"? Un- MOB. For whatever reason the MOB pants and tennis shoes. "[He's] God's gift to women... 30, Rice (ranked #28 on Sports lllus- fortunately, Rice can't pretend that it has separated itself from the rest of • Plan halftime shows long before who don't like having sex." trated's power rankings!) will take on can hold its own against 380+ member the student body to such an extent game day approaches. Bits and Lovett sophomore another team — we don't know who marching bands that practice eight that it created its own MOB subculture pieces of the 2009 schedule are al- yet, but we hope more than anything hours a week, but we certainly can and lost touch with the "mainstream" ready set, and in a few months it'll "I only want to go to it's Notre Dame (ranked #75) — in a get down with the idea of tripping up Rice student. MOB members grow up, all be concrete. Why not start writ- Brown Men's Night Out matchup that would have been consid- the bigger boys with a few well-placed get married, have MOB babies, and ing shows in February? because I want to see Cox ered some sort of weird joke even three irreverent barbs; thus, the MOB is a send them to Rice — without missing • Why not offer Rice students the at a nightclub." years ago. This will be the biggest stage scatter band. a "Louie, Louie". This loyalty could be chance to write a halftime show once Brown junior, re: Brown master that you've had in several decades. And you try, you really do try, and something tremendous. Instead, it's a year? It's a fantastic opportunity Please don't screw it up. for that we give you credit. But every just unsettling. and we're sure it'd appeal to a wide "Of all the things I could The MOB maintains a reputation as single halftime show, it seems, is remi- Both of us expressed interest in- cross-section of our community. shove into the back of my one of the most creative, unique, and niscent of a third-grade Nativity play, terest in joining your ranks before we • Strive to be described with these throat, a cold ice cream bar amusing bands in the country, with a complete with a half-assed cardboard arrived at Rice. Tim actually went to buzzwordy adjectives: dedicated, is not high on the list." . penchant for caustic wit and hilarious manger. Home game fans scramble for a meeting, but the former marching poised, astute, cunning, focused. antics. This reputation is probably re- the Chick-fil-A booth or find a reason enthusiast was scared away within Most importantly: disciplined. Lovett junior lated to the fact that hardly anyone has to take a bathroom break as a bunch of minutes. While we recognize that • We seriously can't hear you on the seen you perform outside of Rice in the people on the field stand around and many people at Rice find a home in the intercom and your witty wordplay. "You can't just go, 7 have past twenty years. play a song or two while a few other MOB, we believe that with the number Spare the complex world event reasonable suspicion; I can Don't get us wrong — most people, guys find some farfetched reason to of former band geeks among the stu- analyses for your POLI discussion reach into your pants now/ ( us included, like the concept of the chase one another around the field. dent body the band has the potential class. You have to describe how it MOB. But there's a significant differ- Usually you try to get something to fall to be something so much more than it felt, and you have to have ence between liking the "concept" of from the stadium's upper tier; some- currently is. People beyond the hedges don't training and experience." something and enjoying its manifes- times it works. In the background we A little bit of Backpage snooping get to see you outside of the halftime LOVE professor tation in real life. Take, for example, hear the MOB announcer deliver a lead us to observe a startling lack of show. You have a five-minute window Tim in fourth grade. Tim really liked monologue that has an equal chance widespread internal communica- to uphold Rice's honor. Fight on for it. the "concept" of owning a guinea pig, of being about the opposing team as tion and discipline within the MOB. LOOKITALL THAT MISCLASS so after too much begging and plead- it does global warming or fast food or Some members don't know the Sat- Respectfully, [email protected] ing he brought home adorable, fuzzy the war on Christmas or some other urday show plans until the Thursday Cola for his tenth birthday, whereup- inane bullshit that we can neither MORE PLEASE before the game. It's almost as if the T/u /$(( c/yt>(iyc on he discovered that all guinea pigs hear nor understand. This circus act is MOB is run by a small group of elite you may text your misclass to: • do is shit everywhere. One Sunday not becoming of anything that repre- morning, little Tim woke up, waddled sents a team suddenly thrust into the The Backpage is satire and is written, poorly, by Timothy Faust and Eric Doctor. The 920.2S7-751S Backpage reflects the consensus opinion of Timothy Faust and Eric Doctor. CLASSIFIEDS @ rice.edu HAVE A CAR? Looking for a fun, easy PURE WIGS AND EXTENSIONS needs EARN EXTRA MONEY ; Rice student EARN MONEY SELLING our music. Be- HELP WANTED job that pays really well? The Thresh- part time help Mon through Sat. Con- needed for some typing, checking come a Liverpool Dreams distributor. er is looking for a new office manag- venient availability. No experience websites and helping to finish a proj- www.LiverPoolDreams.com EVENINGS/WEEKENDS JOB AVAILABLE er! Duties include office maintenance needed. Contact John at 713-526- ect. You can work at your own conve- at Rice! Join other Rice Students in and snack shopping. Contact Cathe- 3822.. nience. Call 713-634-8759. LOCAL PET SITTING company seeking calling alumni to tell them about the rine ([email protected]) if interested. responsible and friendly individu- Annual Fund. $9/hr plus bonuses, in- UNIQUE I-BEDROOM IN 1930s his- APT FOR RENT. 1/1 large hardwood als for holiday season employment. centives. Flexible evening shifts Sun- ABB GROUP INC. is looking for part torical building. Minutes from Rice floors, ceiling, fans, washer, dryer. Must have reliable transportation! day -Thursday. Contact: 713-348-4363, time workers for the post of ACCOUNT campus. Completely restored to its One quarter mile from campus in All applicants subject to background [email protected]. REP/SALES REPS/PAYMENT REPRE- old glory with all new appliances, South Hampton. Bissonett and checks. Please call 713-301- 5781 or SENTATIVES and Bookkeeping. It wooden floors, central a/c, dishwa- Woodhead. Quiet. $675 + dep. 713- email us at www.ricevillagepets@ya- THE WEEKLEY FAMILY YMCA is looking pays $2500- $4000 a month plus ben- ter, washer/drier, city views, carport 806-9228. hoo.com for more information. for Swim Instructors and CERTIFIED efits and takes only little of your time. $995/mo. carlosmeyers@hotmail. lifeguards and to work morning, af- Please contact us for more details. com 832 545-8933.1118 autrey st. GREAT PART-TIME POSITION for stu- 19 OTHER ternoons, evenings and/or weekends. Requirements -Should be a computer dent! 6-9 hours weekly - $i2/hr. Lifeguard Candiadates must have literate, have 2-3 hours access to the NEED APPLE IPHONE application Childcare/homework help needed ATTENTION!! HOUSTON INTERNA- CURRENT certifications in : lifeguard- internet weekly,must be over 22 yrs of developer for project over holiday for 9 year old boy after school Mon- TIONAL Folk Dancers (HIFD) invites ing (YMCA or Red Cross), CPR °VR, age, must be efficient and dedicated.If break, with potential part-time hours day, Tuesday, and every other Fri- Rice Students and Faculty to weekly and First Aid. Lifeguard classes held you are interested and need more in- in spring and beyond. Contact Tory day from 3 to 6 pm. Must have re- recreational dancing from around April i9th-26th and May ioth-i7th . formation, contact Catherine Millan, Gattis (Alum '91), [email protected] liable transportation and a clean the world! No experience or partner Training will be provided for Swim Email: [email protected] driving record as he will need to needed! Every Friday, 7:30 pm-10 pm, Instructors. Contact Holly Jenkins at MEDICAL CENTER PRACTICE needs help be picked up from West University First Unitarian Universalist Church, [email protected]. UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT TO tutor with data entry and scanning, $10/ Elementary. Male or Female, refer- 5200 Fannin at Southmore. Students two middle school students. English, Hour. Fax resumes 713-366-7980 ences please. Contact: Helen M. $1; Faculty $4. For more information: MONTESSORI SCHOOL NEAR Museum Math, and Science. Located at 4020 Schilling, MD; day: 281-586-0542 www.folkdancers.org, houstonfolk of Fine Arts needs substitute teachers Swarthmore. 2 evenings each week WEBSITE DESIGN! RICE student want- or home: 713-661-3022. Email: [email protected], view three vid- and part-time assistants. References (7-9 PM). Fees negotiable. Contact Mi- ed to help with website design. Call [email protected]. eos at www.YouTube.com, 713-723- required. Ideal for flexible schedules. chael 713-665-5038 (H) 832-325-6504 713-634-8759. 6332. First visit is FREE! Experience with children a plus. Con- (W). Please send your resume to tact Niki at 713-520-0738. [email protected].

ADVERTISING $5,ooo-$45,ooo PAID. EGG DO- BABYSITTER NEEDED FOR family just CLASSIFIEDS SUBSCRIPTIONS We accept display and classified advertise- 1 3 5 words $15 Annual subscription rates: NORS for up to 9 donations. +Exps. moved back to Houston close to Rice. ments. The Thresher reserves the right 36- 70 words $30 $60/year domestic N/Smokers, ages 19-29. SAT>noo/ Want some daytime availability and to refuse any advertising for any reason. 70-105 words $45 $125/year international via First Class Mail Additionally, the Thresher does not take ACT>24/GPA>3.O Reply to: info@egg- some evenings for parent night out. responsibility for the factual content of any Cash, check, or credit card payment must Non-suhscription rate: donorcenter.com if qualified. Flexible, good kids, need responsible ad. Printing an advertisement does not con- be recieved before the advertisement can be First copy free person(s) ASAP. Call 713-534-1309 stitute an endorsement by the Thresher. published.The deadline for each issue is 5 p.m. Second copy $5 CONDOMINIUM AVAILABLE FOR Rent on the Tuesday prior to publication. Submit Display advertisements must be received by at information online at Jessie Huang at City Plaza Condominiums 1330 FREE BOARD FOR right person. Garage 5 p.m. on the Monday prior to publication. www.ricethresher.org/thresherclassifieds/ The Rice Thresher Old Spanish Trail Beautiful Condo- apt. in Rice area in exchange for child- PO Box 1892, MS-524 Joseph Ramirez & Thomas Yeh minium, New Washer & Dryer Fresh- care; children ages 9,7, and 4. Must Tiffany Kuo Houston, TX 77251-1892 Advertising Managers Classifieds Advertising Manager Phone 713-348-3967 ly Painted Two Bedroom (or 1BR/1 be mature and love kids; will work 713-348-3967 713-348-3974 Fax 713-348-5238 Study) one Bath Hardwood Floor Con- w/school schedule. 713-349-8770 for [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] tact: Surya Yadav at 8o6-577"5359- interview, Rebecca.