VOLUME 104, ISSUE NO. 20 | STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916 | RICETHRESHER.ORG | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020

How did Inferno Gallery lose its flame? department initially had conversations about THROUGH THE CRACKS ELLA FELDMAN putting Inferno on hold in May 2019, when Sperandio turned his office into Matchbox FEATURES EDITOR they thought Sewall Hall might undergo Gallery and Art Space in 2009 to rectify Rice’s construction to make space for VADA faculty lack of a student-run art space. He said the First, it was an office. Then it transformed displaced by the destruction of the Rice decision to rethink Inferno was the result of into Matchbox Gallery, a 1,600-square- Media Center. Despite learning in fall 2019 many factors. foot gallery nestled into the Sewall Hall that the Media Center demolition is slated for “We had a lot on our plates and it fell courtyard. The space was the only student- the end of 2020 and the gallery space would through the cracks,” Sperandio said. run art gallery at Rice, overseen by the visual be available for at least another year, they Although Sperandio said he noticed a and dramatic arts department. In 2018, after decided to move forward with temporarily lot of student support for Matchbox in its a decade that saw numerous exhibitions, closing Inferno in order to rethink the early years, he said that recently, student renovations and leadership changes, gallery’s organization and mission. Boyle enthusiasm and attendance has dwindled. Matchbox rebranded as Inferno. During the said the department plans to appoint a new “Without a lot of student energy, things 2018 - 2019 school year, Inferno hosted six student gallery director in time for the 2020 - like this just can’t exist. The students are exhibitions and evening gallery openings 2021 academic year. driving Matchbox, so they need to drive,” that featured music, wine and a delectable Christopher Sperandio, associate Sperandio said. array of snacks from Trader Joe’s. professor of painting and drawing and Last fall, Sperandio was awarded Then, the fire quietly went out. This founder of Inferno, said that getting Inferno teaching release by the Humanities Research academic year, for the first time since its back up on its feet is a top priority for VADA. Center and took the semester off to spend inception in 2009, Inferno Gallery has been “I think it’s a shame that the gallery time in Leipzig, Germany and prepare two on a non-construction-related hiatus, with wasn’t up and running this year, but we all books for print release. He places some of the no student gallery director to chart its course. had a lot on our plates,” he said. “We want fault for the VADA department’s inability to According to Rachel Boyle, an to get it going again … it’s always been really get Inferno Gallery up and running this year administrator in the VADA department, the important to the department.” on his absence at the start of the school year. SEE INFERNO PAGE 8

illustration by tina liu Rice bans travel abroad SA advocates for COVID-19 RACHEL CARLTON fall are in the works, but Kirby said that the SENIOR WRITER administration has been focusing on the accomodations for students current semester. The Rice Crisis Management Team “We’re making plans for a whole bunch of ANNA TA coronavirus on campus. announced on Tuesday morning that eventualities,” Kirby said. “What happens if MANAGING EDITOR The resolution explicitly points to the all university-sponsored international around graduation … it seems unwise to have University of Virginia’s responses to the spring break travel and any other official a mass gathering? Or even now, we know The Student Association introduced a global outbreak. A Feb. 6 memo from UVA international travel would be suspended due people from China or Italy won’t be able to new resolution recommending that Rice directs faculty to provide services to self- to the concern over COVID-19, colloquially come and see … their child graduate. Could implement student accommodation policies isolating students returning from abroad, known as coronavirus. we do it virtually?” in the case of an outbreak of COVID-19 including providing class notes and “We wanted to have a general policy that According to Beata Loch, director of cases, colloquially known as coronavirus, leniency on attendance and late policy. said … our most important thing is the safety the study abroad office, the suspension of at Monday’s SA Senate meeting. Resolution The SA’s recommendations for of our students,” Kevin Kirby, vice president international travel does not affect students #15 also calls for Rice to “strengthen its accommodating affected students follow for administration, said. “So it was an easy who are currently overseas. public health efforts in response to the UVA’s model, including implementing live decision to say no international travel.” “For now, the most prudent decision is concerns surrounding coronavirus.” streaming service in classrooms for students Domestic spring break trips — including to advise students to stay on their programs, Will Mundy, current SA external vice unable to come to class due to quarantine, Alternative Spring Breaks — as well as where they can be best supported as president, added the resolution to the relaxing attendance and late assignment domestic and international summer programs needed,” Loch said. “We have received agenda late Monday night in response policies and increasing mental health are not currently subject to the suspension, assurances from all of our overseas partners to the events over the weekend, which services for those directly or indirectly according to Caroline Quenemoen, associate regarding health notices shared with their included a report that a Rice staff member affected by the coronavirus epidemic. dean of undergraduates and director of student population, the implementation was quarantined and others were asked to According to Wickerson, the resolution inquiry-based learning. of precautionary measures and close self-isolate. could pass as early as next week as long as Kirby said that the the Centers for Disease monitoring of the local situations.” “I think Rice should start to think about there are no requested edits. Control and Prevention hasn’t yet provided Some students have seen changes in their how we should respond to [a potential “[Passing this resolution next week] guidance regarding domestic travel. international plans. Jennifer Fu, a Duncan outbreak] now rather than later,” Mundy might be a necessary action as the “If we ever got to that point [of highly College senior, said that Fulbright China said. “[The accommodations would allow] contingency planning is happening over restricted domestic travel], our country’s suspended her program based out of Wuhan students who need to be quarantined to still the next couple weeks and we want to make in trouble,” Kirby said. “We’re not University indefinitely. engage in the classroom without sacrificing sure that this [resolution] is a part of that contemplating that at all for anything. We “There was a monthlong window in their academics for their safety. It does seem plan,” Wickerson wrote in an email. expect normal operations until something February when I didn’t know if the program like the administration is willing to listen to Mundy said any feedback on the gets dramatically worse.” would get completely canceled for 2020-21,” what we need for accommodations and that resolution can go through college Quenemoen said in an email to Center Fu said. “[It] was really stressful because I what we propose will be taken into account SA senators or directly to him. The for Civic Leadership-affiliated students began the application process in July 2019 when they’re making their final plan.” resolution was not originally on the SA that international travel through the CCL and have gone through several hurdles to get According to SA President Grace Senate agenda, but the document was for the upcoming summer will proceed as to the semifinalist stage. It’s a strain on time Wickerson, they were invited to be a part of disseminated through the SA Listserv and planned, barring any further expansion to for something that might not even happen.” the Crisis Management Team’s contingency will be available online at the SA website the university’s travel ban. And Lorraine Singleton, a Jones College planning group, which is charged with in the Senate presentation, according to Longer-term plans for summer and next SEE TRAVEL PAGE 3 planning for a potential outbreak of Wickerson. 2 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020 THE RICE THRESHER NEWS 96% of employee donations went to Democrats for 2020 SERENE LEE THESHER STAFF Top Five Highest Democratic Presidential Candidate

Rice faculty and administrators have Recipients in 2020 donated $791,014 to various political campaigns and organizations since the 2012 election cycle, with the majority of donations going to Democratic candidates, according to a review of the Federal Election Democrats Commission Records. Republicans The sum was comprised of more than 6,000 individual donations made by 330 different members of faculty in the past eight years. Top recipients of these donations include TX-07 Congresswoman 2020 Presidential Candidates Presidential 2020 Lizzie Fletcher and presidential candidate and senator Elizabeth Warren. Congressional In the current election cycle, 96 percent Contributions in 2020 Contribution Totals of all contributions have gone to Democratic campaigns, with 4 percent going to the Republican Party. The 2012 election cycle saw Total Donations to Democrats and Republicans Since 2008: the highest percentage of donations to the Top Individual Recipients in 2020: Republican Party, with 29 percent, during the Top Individual Recipients in 2020: eight-year period between 2012 and 2020. House:Lizzie Flet Lizziecher ...... Fletcher (D-TX)...... $22,700$22,700 Elizabeth Warren...... $14,627 Senate: Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)...... $14,627 Beto O’Rourke...... $8,070 President:Shannon Hutc Betoheson...... O’Rourke (D)...... $8,070$7,100 House:Mark Kelly Shannon...... Hutcheson (D-TX)...... $7,100$6,765 The great thing about Senate:Colin Allred...... Mark Kelly (D-AZ)...... $6,765$6,550 House:Sri Kulk Sriarni...... Kulkarni (D-TX)...... $5,920$5,920 our community is that Senate:Sara Gideon...... Sara Gideon (D-ME)...... $5,600$5,600 we remain a welcoming Senate:Lindsey Graham...... Lindsey Graham (R-SC)...... $5,600$5,600

place where everyone ... Contribution of Amount can visit and engage in civic discourse. Nathan Cook DIRECTOR OF GOV. RELATIONS Democrats Republicans Year of Contributions infographic by Dan Helmeci This heavy skew toward the Democratic or ideology — can visit and engage in civic “I think being in a liberal environment of political engagement on campus Party is representative of the political discourse and not be subjected to threats, isn’t just ‘we vote for Democrats,’” Scannell, is bipartisan communication and alignment of Harris County, which is obscenities, harassment or disruption,” a junior from Martel College, said. “It’s also a unfortunately, that may just be Rice’s becoming increasingly Democratic in recent Cook said. question of how we want society to work for weakest link in our student body.” years, according to research by the Rice Anne Chao, adjunct lecturer in us, and what ideas we want represented in Thomas Keller, interim chairman of Kinder Institute. For example, in the 2018 Humanities, was one of the top donors during our education and society.” Rice Republicans, also noted he doesn’t Senate election, candidate Beto O’Rourke this eight-year period, donating more than Representatives from Rice Republicans see the importance of his professors’ received 700,200 votes from Harris County, $140,000 to various political organizations said that the large Democratic population political alignment. beating Ted Cruz by more than 200,000 and campaigns. Her top donation of $25,000 at Rice is nothing to be surprised about. “As long as the professors do their jobs votes, according to the New York Times. went toward Hillary Clinton’s Victory Fund Morgan Bates, a sophomore from Wiess well, I couldn’t care less who they donate to Rice Director of Government Relations in 2016. Chao said she found it valuable to College, mentioned that although this in their own time,” Keller Said. “The majority Nathan Cook said he was glad to see support candidates she felt strongly about, majority leaning comes at no surprise to her, of my professors do a good job of keeping Rice faculty and students get involved in and was determined to help candidates like she feels heavy criticism for being part of the irrelevant and disruptive political non- politics at Rice. Clinton win the election. Republican Party. sequiturs outside of the classroom. However, “The great thing about our community Maddy Scannell, president of the Rice “It’s no secret that conservative students classes are not completely free of these is that we remain a welcoming place where Young Democrats, said she would like to see on campus are heavily stigmatized,” annoying distractions, and whenever they do everyone — regardless of political affiliation more faculty involvement. said Bates. “The most important element occur, they are always liberal in bent.” RUPD urges calm after coyote sightings on campus BRIAN LIN Rodriguez said that this is the first SENIOR WRITER instance in his 18 years of service at RUPD that coyotes have been spotted on campus, The first on-campus coyote sighting in but said there have been recently been two decades prompted Rice University Police reports of coyote sightings in other areas Department to issue a warning, according to of Houston. The rising presence of urban Chief of Police Clemente Rodriguez. coyotes in Houston may be attributed to the In a campuswide email, RUPD urged expansion of housing developments into the students and staff to avoid approaching, city’s outer-lying areas and the displacement feeding or running away from an coyote. of coyotes from their natural habitat. Rodriguez, said that the growing presence “I do know there have been several of urban coyotes around the campus and in neighborhoods around the city of Houston Houston poses minimal harm to Rice, and that have also seen coyotes in the area,” that the coyotes are becoming a natural part Rodriguez said. “It could be related to of the city ecosystem. ILLUSTRATION BY Yifei Zhang natural habitats being diminished due to “I want to be sure everyone understands construction and growth.” at this time the coyotes on campus have need to learn to respect them and live with Annex Lot, north colleges area and Sewall In most instances, coyotes are posed no threat to our community and we them without too much worry of cause for Hall, likely followed the Buffalo Bayou into apprehensive of people and will shy away simply want people to be aware of their concern,” Rodriguez said. “I don’t think the heart of Houston, Rodriguez said. from crowds, Rodriguez said. Those who presence so we can respect them and coexist anybody should have any worries about the A coyote can be seen sprinting across the are jogging or walking with a pet during with them for as long as they are on campus,” coyotes, no more than you think about other north colleges area near McMurtry College sunset or sunrise have a higher likelihood Rodriguez said. wildlife on campus.” in video captured by McMurtry sophomore of encountering a coyote, Rodriguez said. If Neither Harris County Animal Control nor An RUPD officer reported seeing two Alyson Resnick. someone encounters a coyote they should RUPD will catch wildlife coyotes, Rodriguez coyotes on campus on Friday, but the “Coyotes tend to follow water paths like not feed the coyote or run away from it, said. Trapping or killing coyotes is ineffective department is uncertain of the total number rivers and creeks and bayous as they move Rodriguez said. in reducing the coyote population of an area, of coyotes in the area, Rodriguez said. RUPD around, so It’s possible that they were just “You don’t want to run away or anything as such measures upset the hierarchical did not receive any further reports of coyotes naturally moving along the [Buffalo] bayou like that, but just try to let them move along,” balance of coyote packs and cause an on campus over the weekend. and made it onto campus,” Rodriguez said. Rodriguez said. “If they’re not moving along, increase in their rate of reproduction. The coyotes, which have been spotted “To get to campus, they had to have navigated just kind of shoo them [away] and usually “This is where their home is and we near Kraft Hall for Social Sciences, North through some part of the city.” they’re gonna want to avoid you.” NEWS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020 • 3 Panel discusses xenophobia sparked by coronavirus

CHRISTINA TAN by Asian Americans. Panelist An Nguyen, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF an Asian studies professor at the University of Houston, emphasized the need for shifts After six Rice Alert emails about the novel in higher education, in particular in hiring coronavirus COVID-19 and rising fear about tenure-track faculty in Asian studies. the spread of the disease, student clubs on “When I got this gig at the University campus organized to address another aspect of Houston, I was so happy,” Nguyen said. of COVID-19: xenophobia toward Asians and “48,000 students — 17 percent of a student Asian Americans. Last Thursday, faculty body of Asian descent. [But] the Center members and students gathered to listen of Asian American Studies over there has to panelists speak about the topic and offer existed for 26 years ... and they have never, potential solutions. ever hired a full-time faculty [trained] in The event, co-hosted by the Asian Pacific Asian American studies or ethnic studies.” American Student Alliance and the Chinese christina tan / THRESHER While the Thresher cannot confirm the Student Association, featured four panelists Immigration Station and the Chinese said. “We're hearing the kind of rhetoric — full history of hiring at the UH, there are associated with Rice and the University of Exclusion Act. that what needs to happen is insularity — currently no full-time tenured professors at Houston. Alina Zhu, an undergraduate from “Everyone from this whole section of the exclusion to keep everything out.” the center and the center only offers a minor Shanghai, China, spoke about xenophobic globe was kept out because of the stereotypes Marte-Wood also said that fear around in Asian Studies. incidents she witnessed on campus that and sentiments — that these people are COVID-19 can be traced back to general After over an hour of conversation, she had previously mentioned in a Thresher different from us, and therefore they bring anxiety in America in the 21st century. audience members were asked to make op-ed, such as a professor asking a Chinese disease or they eat dogs,” Stephen Chao (Will “Think about the slippage between comments or raise further concerns. student to stop coming to class. Rice '02), a family physician, said. the terms fear and anxiety ... when you Peter Wang, the vice president of APASA, “I think a lot of us can be put in English professor Alden Marte-Wood read something — public policy, the said that he began to plan the event with uncomfortable situations,” Zhu, a Will Rice said that rhetoric around closing borders newspaper, a YouTube clip, a meme ... co-president Jiayi Sun after seeing a viral College sophomore, said. “I don't know and restricting travel reflects the racism symptoms [of anxiety] are emerging,” post about the virus from University of how many times, if I cough, I hear someone towards Asians and Asian Americans seen Marte-Wood said. “So if you think about California, Berkeley. The post in question say, 'Hope you don't have the coronavirus.' throughout history. the fear around COVID-19 [and] relate lists “xenophobia” as a “common” and Recognizing that even at an institution “What's fascinating is ... the subtle it to anxiety, it's also an expression, a “normal” reaction to disease outbreak. like this ... discrimination against Chinese ways in which these kinds of rhetoric from manifestation, a symptom of certain kinds “The overall discourse about the students is still too common.” the past get transformed and reemerge in of 21st century American … anxiety.” coronavirus, jokes and comments made Panelists compared the xenophobic relatively innocuous ways, ways you might Panelists agreed that American education toward Asians and Asian Americans reactions to COVID-19 to previous racist not necessarily associated with outright has not done enough to inform Americans inspired us to host an event,” Wang, a Sid incidents, such as the Angel Island xenophobia [or] blatant racism,” Marte-Wood about the discrimination historically faced Richardson College junior, said. Coronavirus Updates Timeline: NEWS IN BRIEF Jan. 29 Feb. 28 Feb. 29 March 1 March 3 Water main break Faculty senates Rice Rice suspends Rice Rice clarifies Rice cancelled announces university announces the situation sponsored affects Rice campus removes 60-hour rule possible about staff a travel travel to international RYND MORGAN SAVANNAH KUCHAR & RYND MORGAN ban for any countries Coronavirus member with travel over sponsored that the CDC exposure possible spring break ASST NEWS EDITOR ASST NEWS EDITORS travel to placed at risk by a staff Coronavirus and suspended China levels at 2 or 3 member exposure all other foreign Following the burst of a major water The Faculty Senate voted to remove travel pipe in east Houston, some locations on the requirement that undergraduate campus and some students off campus students complete 60 credit hours infographic by Dan Helmeci lost access to clean tap water for 24 hours. outside of their major coursework, at FROM PAGE 1 into contact with the undergraduate In addition, classes were cancelled on their Feb. 19 meeting. students or go into any residential college,” Thursday after 5 p.m., and several off- The Committee on Undergraduate TRAVEL Elizondo said. “They said this with the campus students were impacted by a boil Curriculum presented this junior, said that the possibility of her intention that the student body was not water notice to Houston residents. recommendation to the Faculty Senate going to Italy this fall is shrinking. affected, but the student body also includes The city of Houston sent out a for discussion in January. Their two other “The whole situation is very stressful, as I about 3,000 graduate students. They also notice warning people to boil water proposals, one to create a working group have planned to study abroad since freshman didn’t disclose where this person did have due to concerns about contamination. to study what a broad liberal education year,” Singleton said. “I am unsure of how to contact, which may include the [Biosciences According to Rice Crisis Management, the means for students at Rice and another fill some major requirements because I could Research Collaborative] or lab spaces which filters on campus were still working and to require CUC approval for any major only get some classes abroad. Right now, I’m the [graduate] students frequent.” the water in certain campus buildings, department’s attempts to raise their just trying to have a lot of backup plans.” Elizondo said that the university such as residential colleges, was still safe required number of credit hours, were The message on Tuesday followed statement didn’t acknowledge that the to drink. also approved at the Feb. 19 meeting. three prior alerts from Feb. 28, Feb. 29, and graduate student population was at risk. Associate Vice President for Facilities The previous 60-hour rule affected March 1, respectively, updating the Rice “It’s like being concerned about Engineering and Planning Kathy Jones some Natural Science students and community about travel ban changes as something and believing that your employer said that the residential colleges and the a few Engineering students, driving well as a suspected coronavirus case of a doesn’t care about it at all,” Elizondo said. Rice Memorial Center had clean water the degree requirements for those Rice staff member. “I think that even though it’s important to during the water main break and boil students beyond the 120 hours On March 1, the Crisis Management protect the identity of the person involved, I water notice because they are serviced normally required, according to Advisory Committee clarified that the also think that they shouldn’t just brush the by a water well on campus. All of the David Caprette, co-chair of CUC and individual had contact with a possible feelings of graduate students under the rug.” buildings west of Alumni Drive, except neuroscience professor. According to positive case of the coronavirus, but that the Undergraduate student Tomás Jonsson Kraft Hall, and a few buildings east of General Announcements, the previous individual’s contact with the Rice campus said that he thought the administration Alumni Drive are only served by City of exceptions to the 60-hour rule were was limited. The individual in question has done a pretty good job at updating Houston water lines, according to Jones. students pursuing Bachelors of Science had contact with 17 people, who have been students, but that the alerts have left out Kelly Dong, an off-campus student, in Engineering, Bachelors of Music recommended to self-quarantine. The test some information. said that the boil water notice sent by and Bachelors of Arts in Architecture, results regarding the individual’s health “When news first broke of the Rice could have done a better job of who were required to complete only 45 status will return later this week, according possible case, I was concerned that explaining the implications of the water credit hours outside of their major. to the latest alert. the [administration hadn't provided main break for students. At the January Faculty Senate Some non-undergraduate students [information] on which residential colleges “The texts that we received meeting, Senator Dave Messmer said have taken issue with communications or buildings were affected,” Jonsson, mentioned the water boil notice in he thinks the working group should from the university. Maryam Elizondo a Will Rice sophomore, said. “After the passing but didn't give any real detailed complete their research on broad liberal (Brown College '19), a full-time research most recent message, those concerns instructions. I know a lot of OC people education before the 60-hour rule is scientist, said that the alerts regarding were mostly assuaged, [but] it might be who skimmed over it and either didn't removed. According to the minutes from the Rice employee’s self-quarantine were beneficial for Rice students to know what understand what a water boil is or this meeting, Caprette responded to this not inclusive of graduate students. that country was in case they have friends simply ignored the text and continued concern by saying that the rule should “[Crisis Management] said that the or family there, or if they are thinking of to drink the water in their homes,” be removed immediately because of its person who may be affected did not come studying abroad.” Dong, a Will Rice College junior, said. negative impact.

Dynamic and Energetic Teachers wanted. Pay rate is $24 to $38 per hour. We provide all training. Email your resume to [email protected] 4 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020 THE RICE THRESHER OPINION STAFF EDITORIAL Clubs need sustainable funding read more online: Basmati Beats, one of the a cappella titles for a university that won’t take the time groups on campus, recently won first to recognize or compensate them for their Why I don’t want to be a Republican place at a national competition, an already success, at least not outside of Twitter or impressive feat made only more difficult university marketing. Rice’s Student Center “The reason that I’m a Republican is not that I don’t by the lack of funding received from the website sets the expectation that clubs are care about people, but because I believe in people’s university (see p.5). They’re not alone: Most solely responsible for coming up with creative ability to succeed on their own.” clubs are not consistently funded by the ways to fundraise, suggesting nominal university on a yearly basis except for some fees for students’ group membership as a NOAH FONS JONES COLLEGE FRESHMAN club sports and blanket tax organizations, potential means of raising additional funds. which include the Student Association, the While we agree that fundraising can be a Thresher, Rice Program Council and eight vital factor in a club’s success, the time and Russia tampers with American democracy: the sequel other organizations. workload required to find money for travel We as a blanket tax organization and housing should not take away from the “The president is setting the stage for Russia to make a killing on appreciate the funding we receive — without already numerous creative endeavors that are their sequel to disrupt democracy. In an attempt to obfuscate the security of guaranteed funding, it would undertaken to further the substantive value how he has benefited from their assistance, Trump be difficult for us to grow as an organization of the club. Furthermore, the prospect of and provide quality content to the campus placing yet another financial barrier in front is abandoning his responsibilities in favor of from year to year. However, because blanket of students trying to pursue passion projects becoming Russia’s useful idiot.” tax funds come from mandatory fees that outside the classroom is a glaring backpedal FREDERICK DRUMMOND every student pays, in order to become a from the university’s recent strides toward DUNCAN COLLEGE JUNIOR blanket tax organization, clubs must be financial inclusivity. Additionally, offering voted on by the whole campus and ostensibly grants to student organizations in an attempt must serve a large portion of the student to cover these kinds of financial costs isn’t body. The high standards set for blanket helpful when the grants are either strictly Do-err or Don’t-err? tax organizations means that the last time capped or only offered for hyper-specific costs “Leadership, the nebulous and ever-changing buzzword a blanket tax organization was formed and exclude funds for travel for competition. that it is, gets thrown around so frequently these days was likely over 30 years ago, when the Rice Given Rice’s willingness to capitalize on that it means practically nothing—so what does this Student Volunteer Program was created. students’ talent and creativity, it seems only institute actually do?” In the meantime, smaller clubs like natural that Rice also help fund opportunities Basmati Beats often have to raise funds by for students and student organizations so RACHEL LISKER themselves, either by charging members they’re able to showcase what Rice has to MARTEL COLLEGE SENIOR yearly, fundraising through ticket or food offer beyond the hedges. With sustainable sales or seeking funding elsewhere. But funding, clubs with serious potential want to submit a letter to the editor or an opinion? email us at these clubs are making incredible strides can continue to thrive unencumbered by [email protected] with a draft by Sunday night. as well: winning awards and competitive financial strain.

OPINION It’s time for Rice Management Company to get serious about a CBA On Monday, Feb. 17, the Student Rice Management Company for favors. In lawyers. HCEDD is building on years of made clear that we affirm HCEDD as rightful Association passed Resolution #8, calling actuality, HCEDD is a broad-based coalition hard work by residents, community-based negotiators and signatories of a CBA. Students on the Rice Management Company to of at least 28 organizations with strong researchers and the City of Houston, not to have done what they are “supposed to do” make the Houston Coalition for Equitable credibility for community-driven work. mention generations of resilient community to express their will on campus, yet there Development without Displacement an I have attended HCEDD’s public building, to do more meaningful community remains a deep divide between the course equal decision-maker in the negotiation community meetings since the fall because engagement than Rice Management of action that Rice students support and the of a Community Benefits Agreement for I believe in the democratic and inclusive Company could hope to do alone. HCEDD is one that, as far as we know, Rice Management the South Main Innovation District. The community organizing HCEDD is doing. They the community, and they are serious about Company still plans to take. resolution also urges Rice Management hold meetings after working hours in Wesley coming to the table to negotiate a CBA. That’s why the past two weeks of silence Company to publicly release updates AME Church, a familiar space in the Third But that night, Thacker and LeVasseur from President David Leebron and Rice and information on their progress with Ward community, and stream meetings live refused to even say the name HCEDD. Management Company have been deafening. developing and signing the CBA. on Facebook. Every week, they welcome new It felt like they were trying to make our It’s time for Rice Management Company to In the two weeks since the Resolution members from across Houston and spend new neighbors in Third Ward — and their alter its course of action to align with the was passed, Rice Management Company has time catching them up. Decisions are made tireless work to protect and revitalize their student body’s position. HCEDD and the been silent. with consensus, and people speak their community — into a joke. Rice Management student body have given Rice Management The last public contact Rice Management mind. Members bring in years of personal Company’s current plan will cut HCEDD out Company everything it needs to be what Company had with the student body was experience with development and systemic of the picture — they proposed to negotiate it claims to be — a good neighbor. If Rice Monday, Jan. 27 when the SA hosted an injustice in Third Ward, as well as expertise a CBA exclusively with the City of Houston. Management Company doesn’t take this Innovation District community impacts in urban planning and development. At Mayor Sylvester Turner has appointed opportunity, Rice will leave a legacy of dialogue, which included a presentation by meetings, local politicians, professors the city’s chief development officer, Andy destroying communities in our name. Rice Management Company representatives in urban planning, affordable housing Icken, who has a track record of neglecting Allison Thacker and Ryan LeVasseur. developers and neighborhood residents all community interests, to oversee the process. Thacker and LeVasseur argued that working converse and ideate together. The coalition’s Rice Management Company is conveniently with a community group would make it working groups are creating realistic, well- forgetting that a development agreement difficult for them to do their job. They tried researched goals for development that meet that does not include a community coalition to portray HCEDD as a random group of the needs of people across Houston. Last is, by definition, not a true Community agitators with baseless demands that could week, the coalition democratically elected a Benefits Agreement. not represent the communities adjacent negotiating team composed of experienced In response, many students like me have to the Innovation District. They explained community leaders. In the next few weeks, attended SA meetings and asked our college ALEC TOBIN their stance condescendingly, with the they will continue finalizing a detailed list senators and presidents to support Senate MARTEL COLLEGE aid of childish clip art that cast HCEDD of community priorities for the Innovation Resolution #8. The Student Association, SENIOR as one person in a line of people asking District in collaboration with a team of representing the Rice student body, has STAFF Christina Tan* Editor-in-Chief OPINIONS DESIGN The Rice Thresher, the official First copy is free. Each additional Anna Ta* Managing Editor Elizabeth Hergert* Editor Tina Liu* Director Dalia Gulca A&E Designer student newspaper at Rice copy is $5. NEWS FEATURES Joseph Hsu Features Designer University since 1916, is published Rishab Ramapriyan* Editor Ella Feldman* Editor Katherine Hui Sports Designer each Wednesday during the school Editorial and business offices are Amy Qin* Editor Ivanka Perez* Editor Anna Chung Ops Designer year, except during examination located on the second floor of the Rynd Morgan Asst. Editor Dan Helmeci News Designer periods and holidays, by the Ley Student Center: Savannah Kuchar Asst. Editor PHOTO Yifei Zhang Illustrator students of Rice University. 6100 Main St., MS-524 Channing Wang Editor Chloe Xu Illustrator Houston, TX 77005-1892 BACKPAGE Letters to the Editor must be Phone (713) 348-4801 Simona Matovic* Editor & Designer COPY BUSINESS OPERATIONS received by 5 p.m. the Friday Email: [email protected] Vi Burgess Editor Karoline Sun Business Manager ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Bhavya Gopinath Editor Lindsay Josephs Advertising Manager prior to publication and must be Website: www.ricethresher.org Katelyn Landry* Editor Phillip Jaffe Editor Mai Ton Social Media/Marketing signed, including college and year Manager if the writer is a Rice student. The SPORTS ONLINE Jackson Stiles Distribution Thresher reserves the rights to edit The Thresher is a member of the Michael Byrnes Editor Ryan Green Web Editor Manager letters for content and length and ACP, TIPA, CMA and CMBAM. Madison Buzzard Editor Mateo D’Agaro Asst. Web Editor Sarah Herring Office Manager to place letters on its website. © Copyright 2020 Ben Baker-Katz Asst. Editor Priyansh Lunia Video Editor *Editorial Board member 5 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020 THE RICE THRESHER FEATURES Basmati Beats overcomes challenges to win first place at national competition

GRACE WEI that the lack of consistent funding for THRESHER STAFF travel and competitions available for clubs makes it harder for Basmati Beats Basmati Beats’s journey to the top to attend national competitions and bring hasn’t been easy — along the way, they’ve recognition to Rice’s arts and music. struggled to find resources on campus Selvan also said administrative similar to those available to groups at support would help give Rice more name other universities. But on Feb. 22, the recognition. group worked past these challenges to “We’re a team from a school of [around] win the first place prize at Gathe Raho, the 4,000 undergraduates competing University of Iowa’s national South Asian against other huge state schools like a cappella competition. [The Pennsylvania State University] and In the two weeks leading up to the [University of California,] Berkeley,” competition, they practiced for three Selvan said. “Many students at the hours each day in the two weeks leading competition we won either didn’t know up to the competition, according to team where Rice was or hadn’t heard about Rice. captain Jiya Ghei. Given that our success inevitably elevates “Our practices are frequent and Rice’s name in the musical sphere, I wish grueling, so when the moment comes, the Rice administration would support we’re beyond excited to perform and leave Basmati Beats more.” it all on the stage,” Ghei, a Wiess College Fagbemi said she feels that the success sophomore, said. channing wang / THRESHER of Basmati Beats merits more support and All their time and effort ultimately paid recognition from the university. Basmati Beats performs at Dhamaka on Nov. 23, 2019. Last month, the South Asian a cappella off in their win among five other groups. group took home a number of prizes at a national competition despite funding issues. “This year alone, we’ve won five “Winning was obviously the highlight awards, but [President David] Leebron of this competition and I think almost backgrounds, including Akash Majumdar, “I was on the team when we first didn’t even know we existed. [After all of us cried on the stage when it was a Masters of Business Administration competed. I would’ve never thought that Acapellooza this year,] he tweeted, ‘Who announced. It was like a dream,” Ghei student. Majumdar, who revived the in three years, we would be a team that not knew we have four (maybe five) a cappella said. “We also were asked to perform at a cappella group Vandy Taal at his only placed, but also won a competition,” groups on campus?’ and a member of our the airport by the Southwest [Airlines] undergraduate university, Vanderbilt, said Selvan said. “I also feel that Basmati team had to tweet back that, yes, we exist, employees, because they saw our trophy, that he found Basmati Beats on Facebook, Beats has grown to be a team that is taken and we are an award-winning team.” which was so fun.” listened to their Spotify and reached out seriously at these competitions and by Selvan, the member who responded to Laura Fagbemi won the best soloist about joining. other more established teams … We can no Leebron, said that Basmati Beats’ success award for a non-South Asian song for her “I’m in the business school, so the longer say we’re the underdog, and that is contributes to Rice’s image but the group performance of “Stone Cold” by Demi typical age of my classmates isn’t around something I wouldn’t have expected if you feels unsupported by Rice. Lovato and “Havana” by Camila Cabello. what mine is. I turn 23 in September,” asked me freshman year.” “I don’t blame Leebron for forgetting Fagbemi had previously won the best Majumdar, the music director of Basmati However, team members say that about us — I’m sure it was unclear at soloist award at Jeena, another South Beats, said. “I found a similarly aged their rise to the top has been filled Acappellooza how many teams there are Asian a cappella competition that took community in Basmati Beats and made a with obstacles, in particular the small at Rice,” Selvan said. “While I wish he had place last November in Austin. lot of really good friends in the team.” amount of resources available to them in responded to my tweet or given a shoutout “It truly felt amazing to win the solo As music director, Majumdar is comparison to the teams they compete to Basmati Beats and our win on Twitter, award because there was another non- responsible for picking and mixing against. the lack of response points to a larger issue South Asian soloist who we all thought the songs that the group will perform. While groups at other universities have of teams that aren’t club sports not getting was really incredible … so [winning] really Majumdar said that the process is rehearsal facilities with instruments and funding and the arts at Rice in general not validated the amount of soul and emotion democratic and said that this year the sound equipment, Basmati Beats has to being valued or funded.” that I worked to put into my solos,” group has emphasized singing songs in reserve spaces at the Gibbs Recreation Despite these obstacles, Ghei said that Fagbemi, a Hanszen College sophomore, Tamil and Bengali in addition to more and Wellness Center or public spaces at Basmati Beats is looking ahead to their said. commonly used Hindi songs. residential colleges, according to Ghei. next project: working on putting out an Although Basmati Beats won two major “We typically start with the one song According to Fagbemi, these difficulties EP on Spotify. This EP will be their third, awards at the competition, Fagbemi said that we’re all really excited with [and] then have put Basmati Beats at a disadvantage following 2017’s Prakasa and 2019’s Sakti. that the highlight of the trip was spending find a South Asian song that matches the for competitions. In addition, they will perform at a concert time with the group afterward. tempo, matches the theme,” Majumdar “While the other [teams] at the Gathe in April. With all these events, Ghei said “After the competition, we all went said. “And [then we’ll] see if there’s a Raho competition were able to consistently that it can get stressful and hectic. to [a team member’s] house, where we cogent way to make them work together.” rehearse at their campuses with the “At the end of the day, however, all were staying for the night, and we just Many members, like Majumdar — who necessary equipment and facilities, we of the stress goes away when you’re celebrated and hung out until nearly 5 has been on the team since 2018 — stay for had our first run-through with the piano at singing with the people you love and a.m.,” Fagbemi said. “I think that was multiple years. Bharathi Selvan (Hanszen the competition,” Fagbemi said. acknowledging you’ve come so far with all my favorite part of the whole Gathe Raho ’19), who joined in 2016, said that the team Additionally, Basmati Beats has your hard work,” Ghei said. experience.” has improved significantly over the past to fundraise for the majority of their Editor-in-Chief Christina Tan The group includes members from all three years. expenses, according to Ghei. Ghei said contributed to this story.

Hidden treasure: Rice Escape room brings adventure to campus

ELLA FELDMAN & IVANKA PEREZ our patience, creativity, intelligence and FEATURES EDITORS teamwork skills. “Easy,” we thought to ourselves. “We solve problems all the time Imagine this. After hearing rumors of at the Thresher. This will be a breeze!” a treasure hidden somewhere on campus We were terribly, terribly wrong. by William Marsh Rice, you and your In the hour and a half that followed, friends decide to venture down into the we fumbled around the dimly-lit room storied steam tunnels to search for it. tucked into the lower level of the Oshman While you’re down there, you realize that Engineering Design Kitchen, hunting for the place is booby trapped. You and your clues that would help us solve a series of friends have one hour to unlock a series puzzles. We deciphered a verbal code in of puzzles to find the treasure without a tape recording, found a secret language setting off any traps. using a blacklight flashlight, used an That was the plot of the latest project electronic tuner to decipher the notes that from Rice Escape, a student-run club that emitted when we banged on open pipes designs and engineers escape rooms — a with a ping-pong paddle and vigorously type of adventure game where a group played a computer game that looked like solves a series of puzzles in an attempt to it was from the ’90s. “escape” a room — on campus. On three occasions, we requested channing wang / THRESHER The Rice Escape team was kind enough a hint from Samuel Cheng and Myra Samuel Cheng and Myra Ramdenbourg, the founders of Rice Escape, stand in their latest escape to open up a coveted escape room time Ramdenbourg, the co-founders of Rice room. The adventure game was open earlier this semester for groups of students. slot just for the Thresher. On the morning Escape, who were watching us struggle of Feb. 21, our managing editor, Anna via video camera. By the time our allotted extra minutes Cheng and Ramdenbourg room was open in the OEDK from Jan. 22 Ta, and our photo editor, Channing hour was up, we were still quite a few granted us, but we did not escape. Yikes! to Feb. 22 to groups of students with a Wang, joined us features editors in a puzzles away from completing the room. We’ll stick to solving crosswords. suggested donation of five dollars. puzzle-solving journey that would test We got a couple steps closer in the 30 At least we weren’t alone. The escape SEE ESCAPE PAGE 6 6 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020 FEATURES

ESCAPE FROM PAGE 5 she’s done based on multiple factors. This year, Cheng and Ramdenbourg “I was just there like, ‘Hey, we build Groups of three to eight students could “I really like solving puzzles,” turned their passion for escape rooms into escape rooms, but we don’t have a room,’” sign up through a link shared on Facebook, Ramdenbourg said. “And so when I rank a club, and began gathering members Cheng said. which was fully booked within hours after escape rooms, I think about the storyline from various academic disciplines at Rice, The presentation turned out to be a it went live. Around 50 percent of students and then the set design and the puzzles. I such as visual and dramatic arts, electrical twist of fate. After the event, the OEDK who attempted the escape room were feel like all of those make up a really good engineering, architecture and music, to reached out to their club and offered to let unsuccessful, according to Cheng and escape room.” channel their academic interests into the them build an escape room in their student Ramdenbourg. And regardless, successes Ramdenbourg was so passionate about escape room. lounge. Once they secured the room, the and failures are entertaining for them to escape rooms that she submitted a proposal team began booking reservations, giving watch. to Rice Ventures, a student-run startup them only nine days to actually create the “I feel like some people might think that accelerator that aims to give students’ escape room. Over Thanksgiving break, the game master — the game masters are entrepreneurial ventures a platform, asking the team built an entire wall to partition off the people that run the room — is a boring to start an on-campus escape room. The I started making the escape room from the rest of the OEDK, role, but it’s actually super fun,” Cheng, a proposal was declined, but Cheng, who was escape rooms at my using burnt styrofoam to mimic concrete. Hanszen College senior, told us when we sat a member of Rice Ventures, reached out and Although their partnership with the down with them after our time was up. “It’s expressed his interest in helping her start last internship. I made graduate school program didn’t work out, it like running a reality show.” an on-campus escape room. an escape room for the did inspire their theme: steam tunnels. Cheng grew up watching Japanese For their first gig, the two partnered with whole company. “[From the beginning] we already escape room shows, but didn’t discover the Center for Energy and Environmental knew that we were going to do steam his passion for escape rooms until he met Research in the Human Sciences, a tunnels, partly because that was [our] grad Ramdenbourg, who became obsessed when graduate school program. They only had a Myra Ramdenbourg association with environmental science, she did her first one in high school. $200 budget to create their first escape room WILL RICE COLLEGE JUNIOR and the director [of the program] at the time “After that one time, I kind of fell in love,” in the Solar Studios, the storage containers did research on how [Hurricane] Harvey Ramdenbourg, a Will Rice College junior, outside Hanszen, yet both said they loved affected the steam tunnels,” Cheng said. said. “I started making escape rooms at my the experience. Their team had all the elements to make However, they aren’t short on ideas — last internship. I made an escape room for “They had a moldy room and they were a great escape room — except for a room. Ramdenbourg has filled a book with her the whole company. I just, I’m obsessed. like, ‘Use this moldy room.’ So our theme After their agreement with the CENHS fell own ideas for escape room themes, and And after I graduate, I also want to [make] was to escape the mold and it was literal through, the team no longer had a place to says she’d love to make one with a Rice an escape room.” mold,” Cheng said. “But it was a lot of fun host their escape room and spent most of Coffeehouse theme. The steam tunnel Ramdenbourg, who says she’s done because we just ran it and … we got to meet fall semester searching for one. By chance, escape room will be open at the end of this about 40 to 50 escape rooms by now, has a a lot of people, talk to people and they they were invited to an event at the OEDK to week for a few final runs before the club website where she ranks the escape rooms seemed to like it.” discuss their project. moves on to its next themed room: space.

Crossword by Sam Rossum Answers will be posted on Thresher Staff ricethresher.org and on the Duck, duck... Thresher Facebook page. Bolded clues and colored squares 1 2 3 1 2 3 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 correspond to the theme.

2 4 5 16

6 7 18 8 19 DOWN 1) Use a skillet 20 9 10 22 2) Meditation syllable 3) Soft spot for a couple? 4) _ _ _-mo 23 11 25 25 26 5) With vigor 7) Skyward 27 27 12 29 30 31 10) Goose-nap? 15) Controversial Midtown construction project 28 13 33 16) Bay bobber 17) Car or Cola preceder 18) How-_ _ _: instructional

34 35 36 37 14 15 16 17 18 19 books 19) Mexican peninsula 42 20 21 36 22 23 24 20) Distant 21) New Jersey’s largest city 24) Stickler 46 25 26 48 27 28 29 30 25) Business Development Loan, briefly

26) Thompson of “Westworld” 31 32 33 34 35 28) Sociologist Du Bois 30) Poetic rhythm 55 36 37 59 38 39 32) Word sometimes repeated twice before goose 34) Wall St. watchdog 61 40 41 63 42 37) “Annabel Lee” poet 39) Sushi tuna 41) Tin on a table 64 43 44

ACROSS 12) Plasticky paramour 23) ___ d’etat You ___” 1) It rises in el este 13) Have some foie gras, e.g. 25) Go baaaaaa 36) Fills with cargo 4) Cookie also known as a 14) “I’m afraid I’m not ___ to 27) “What are you waiting 38) “Scram ye foul goose” Caramel Delite discuss that” for?!” 40) “The School of Athens” 6) Wearable Lemon 20) “Brokeback Mountain” 29) Pond gunk and others (Alt.) 8) Some wearable tech, briefly director Lee 31) Chugged 42) Wild goose ___ 9) Like many succulents 22) Time’s 2006 Person of the 33) Ouija response 43) Sea beasts of lore 11) Relieve Year 35) Nirvana tune “Come As 44) Like 101 courses: Abbr. FEATURES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020 • 7 Black at Rice: Elhadji Diop weaves stories through art

THOMAS RUSSO created the Students of Rice University again finds it difficult to open up about the voice and representation of the Black FOR THE THRESHER Instagram account. Though he no longer his experiences. community. manages the account, Diop said he would “You look in a room and like, ‘Wow, “There are few of us ... but for those who With Travis Scott moving into the sneaker feature an assortment of Rice students and I’m the only Black person here.’ It’s not are here, we are proud and representing,” world and Rihanna taking over the realm of their often-overlooked stories. a bad thing but sometimes it’s isolating,” Diop said. “I know a lot of other... Black beauty, more and more unexpected people “Being a Rice student, you can talk about Diop said. “I’m not able to talk about my students who are doing so much and have been dominating the world of fashion. whatever you want and it’s just as valid of an experience. I’m Black, but I’m more so achieving a lot as Black students.” But Elhadji Diop is here to prove that it’s experience,” Diop said. “That is an authentic African American. And I’m not just African Diop encourages everybody to strive to not only celebrities who can start their own Rice experience and people want to hear American — I’m Senegalese.” learn more about the diverse cultures that fashion lines with the recent release of his about that … we’re interesting individuals.” While being different has at times been surround them. new streetwear brand, MOO.D. Diop’s eclectic extracurriculars parallel difficult for Diop, it has also led him to “If you don’t understand something, “For me, fashion has always been his diverse upbringing. Diop grew up in value authenticity and individuality. Being just ask someone about their experiences,” something I’ve struggled with,” Diop, a a majority-Hispanic area of Atlanta with underrepresented at Rice has pushed Diop Diop said. “People should just be genuinely Duncan College junior, said. “I still don’t think francophone Senegalese parents. to become comfortable with his background interested in hearing about experience I’m fashionable, but I really appreciate it as a “French is a really good way in which I and himself. they’re unfamiliar with.” form of art and expression.” connect with my family,” Diop said. “Spanish “I may not always be the most represented The embroidered hoodies, the Diop recently dropped his first wave of is more how I connect with my general person in a room, but I can always be the photography, the dancing and the languages customized and designed hoodies, the Lazy. community as I did grow up in a large most representative of myself and give that are all interwoven by a common thread: Line, in January. The mission of his line, he Hispanic community and wanted to find a authentic experience of myself so that people Diop’s desire to tell stories. said, is to help others overcome negative and way to tie in with that.” can learn … my perspective,” Diop said. “I’m a storyteller, that’s common in all stigmatized feelings by wrapping them up in The large Korean presence in Atlanta Diop said he is proud of all of his Black the things I do,” Diop said. “I love telling the cozy embrace of a comfortable hoodie. and the Korean supermarket next to his peers for engaging in activism, spreading my story and the stories of other people, “I think a lot of people have a perception house were similarly influential for Diop, awareness of the Black experience and just especially people without voices and who of being lazy as a negative thing,” Diop said. propelling him to study Korean in high being authentic — endeavors which increase can’t do so.” “I wanted to make these hoodies to express school and later participate in the study something I struggle and deal with. Being lazy abroad program, Rice in Korea. is okay — don’t feel ashamed to be lazy.” “My goals and aspirations are to try to In addition to releasing his own learn about other people’s cultures through clothing line, Diop is triple majoring in their language,” Diop said. sports management, managerial studies Despite Diop’s interest and best efforts to and kinesiology. immerse himself in the diversity and stories of When Diop wants to unwind, he dances. the people that surrounded him, Diop said he Diop is involved in various dance clubs at Rice was often a minority among minorities. but mostly dances at Soreal Dance Studio, “I was very much a minority in a lot of an off-campus studio where he performs in cases,” Diop said. “No matter where I went showcases and competes in competitions. ... there were very few people who had my “I dance a lot; dancing is a big part of my complexion or my experiences.” identity,” Diop said. “I love salsa, merengue, Even though Diop was born in Atlanta bachata, all those Latinx dances, they’re so proper, a majority-Black area, he moved much fun.” to the suburbs when he was six years Diop is also a professional photographer. old. Since then, Diop has been in schools In addition to taking students’ graduation and neighborhoods that were majority photos, covering Rice cultural events and White, Hispanic or Asian. Due to the working in the Houston community, Diop demographics at Rice, Diop said he once channing wang/ THRESHER ‘The Bachelor’ builds community

IVANKA PEREZ wouldn’t,” Shepherdson, a Martel College FEATURES EDITOR senior, said. “But I think it’s a really good social excuse to bond over something In 2002, the first episode of “The which just doesn’t matter.” Bachelor” aired, capitalizing on the Chris and Jaime Mize also prefer elements that made romantic comedies watching “The Bachelor” in a group. The such a big hit. Eighteen years later, resident associates at Brown College used the show still has a captive audience. to watch the show by themselves before Although some of the watchers have realizing that many students at their stayed with “The Bachelor” since its college were watching as well. Now, their inception, the show has also gained new Bachelor watch party hosts up to 25 people watchers along the way — including in the elevator lobby of the Brown tower. students all across Rice, many of whom “It’s way more fun with a group,” Chris attend weekly “Bachelor” watch parties at Mize said. “Honestly, without the group, their residential colleges to keep up with I’m pretty sure we would fast forward this season’s bachelor, Peter Weber. through some of it — like the date parts.” The Hanszen College watch party For Jaime Mize, watching “The began as an informal gathering, according Bachelor” with students amplifies the to Morgan Seay, who hosts the watch experience because of how passionate party in her suite. As more people started they can get. joining, one person suggested getting the “It [used to be] just Chris and I Hanszen movie committee involved to screaming at it, but now it’s like 25 people fund and publicize the event. screaming at it,” Jaime Mize said. “Now it’s just like 20 people shoved into The Mizes aren’t the only RAs who host our suite,” Seay, a Hanszen sophomore, “Bachelor” watch parties. Before they said. “We’re sitting on the floor, sitting on became RAs, Kerri Barber, Jones College our couch, people will bring pillows and RA, was already hosting “Bachelor” watch stuff and we’ll just eat snacks and watch parties. She initially used to host watch ‘The Bachelor.’” parties for “Scandal,” but found that there At the Baker College watch party, was low attendance. The next year, she Spoorthi Kamepalli said students are switched to “The Bachelor,” and there was always chatting throughout the show, hardly enough space for all the attendees. discussing the events that occur. “That movie room — I mean, there’s 15 “There’s definitely dramatic gasps. We chairs — [and] it was packed,” Barber said. all have commentary going on throughout, “People were sitting on the floor ... people and we do random polls like, ‘Who do you were sitting in between [chairs], people think is going to make it next round?’ so were sitting on the stairway. I probably I think it’s definitely very interactive,” had like 30 students in there.” Kamepalli, a Baker junior, said. “We all To keep in theme with Jones’s motto, love talking through the episode.” JIBA, Barber calls the watch parties Becky Shepherdson, an exchange “JIBAchelor watch parties.” She’s created student from Cambridge University, said a “JIBAchelor nation” Facebook page with she discovered “The Bachelor” after her Jones students and alumni, listens to four Orientation Week advisor described it as podcasts on “The Bachelor,” and even has the American version of Love Island, a a fantasy league for the show. Now, she’s similar show based in the United Kingdom. found that even students who don’t watch For Shepherdson, part of the appeal of the “The Bachelor” get involved. show is watching it with a group. This story has been cut off for print. To “I wouldn’t watch it by myself. I know I read more, visit ricethresher.org. 8 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020 THE RICE THRESHER

Travis Scott’s store opens Sneakerheads and students flocked to the opening of the ASTROWORLD rapper’s lifetyle boutique last month in Rice Village. ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT See more at ricethresher.org Women making waves: A women’s history month playlist

LIA PIKUS are making particularly notable waves both rapper Noname’s music has been towards the genre’s past. Her 2019 album THRESHER STAFF in and outside the world of music: acclaimed by a wide audience since her “Titanic Rising” was the soundtrack to my Charming, witty and confident,Megan feature on Chance the Rapper’s mixtape 2019 fall semester, and you know what: I March is a wonderful month. Spring Thee Stallion has enamored audiences all “Acid Rap.” However, after announcing her think I listened to less George Harrison for it. peeks its head around the corner, break over the world, growing to global prominence retirement from music (for reasons which I Brittney Denise Parks, known by her stage provides a respite from the chaos of college after introducing the viral phenomenon of don’t have the proper space to get into in this name as Sudan Archives, is the exemplar life, and once again I get to make what I “hot girl summer” in 2019. Hailing from our article), Noname now dedicates her time to of a triple threat. A self-taught violinist, believe to be the one perfect March Madness very own Houston, Megan grew up listening activism, hosting a nationwide book club singer-songwriter and self-producer, bracket (which, despite my conviction, to chopped and screwed rap, a homegrown with meetings all over the country, selecting Sudan Archives draws her inspiration from always flops immediately). Another amazing genre created by the legendary DJ Screw. books that uplift voices of color and “speak Sudanese fiddling and R&B, making music and arguably more important thing about Even while directly continuing Houston’s on human conditions in critical and original that has carved out its own unique niche in March: It’s women’s history month, a time to musical legacy, Megan also effortlessly ways.” You can follow the club on Instagram the avante-garde. Her first full length album formally celebrate the brilliance and bravery flips male-dominated narratives of the past, to keep up on the selections or subscribe to “Athena” was released in 2019, and although of women of the past who have paved the embracing her sexuality with open arms the club online — all proceeds go towards I only included one track on the playlist for way for women present. and empowering her female audiences to establishing chapters of the book club consistency’s sake, I highly recommend a Like most spaces, the music industry do the same. From her clever lyricism to her inside prisons nationwide. full album listen-through. is a space in which male voices have been flawless execution, Megan Thee Stallion is For somebody like myself who grew up This article has been condensed for print. systemically privileged over women’s, a hands-down one of the best rappers making on ’70s psychedelia, Weyes Blood is an To read the full story, visit ricethresher.org. reality which continues to affect artists and music right now, and she’s only on the rise. artist whose music hits especially close listeners alike. Although the field is surely The best way to describe Indian to home. Mixing psychedelic pop with becoming more equitable, I still sometimes American artist Raveena’s music is the thought-provoking lyrics, Weyes Blood is find myself scrolling through playlists, some feel of a gentle hug on a firefly-lit summer’s ushering in psych-rock’s future by looking of them my own, in which only a small evening. Sweet and enveloping, Raveena’s fraction of the included artists are women. mellow psychedelia draws her listeners Shifting power dynamics starts with simply into her own little bubble of reality through listening to more women, especially queer softhearted lyrics and tender soundscapes. WOMEN 2020 women and women of color. Thus, this A survivor of trauma, Raveena has made it March, I decided to bring together some of her artistic mission to foster vulnerability To read more and listen the women that are changing the way music and love through her music, giving others is created and consumed in the present into the space and care they need to bloom out to our Spotify playlist of one huge, glorious playlist. I would love to of their own lived experiences. If you’re women making waves, visit write about every single woman included, looking for strength in softness, Raveena is ricethresher.org. but that would most likely take the entire your woman. day to read, so here’s a little bit about five Drawing from her roots performing of my current favorite artists and artists that spoken word poetry, Chicago poet and

FROM PAGE 1 an array of mediums and messages — Zeller recommended Fisher to the culture brewing in Houston accessible exploring everything from Filipino and VADA staff members she’d worked with and easy to witness. INFERNO Latinx identities to reproductive rights. throughout the year, including Boyle and “A lot of students don’t have a car, a lot “When I was selecting artists, I Maria Martinez, an events and programs of students don’t want to ride the Metro “My energy wasn’t there to help move really wanted to focus on marginalized coordinator in the department. After a late at night and openings are generally things along, and that’s probably the identities,” Zeller said. “I personally am number of email exchanges between around 7 p.m.,” Zeller said. “Sometimes biggest culprit,” Sperandio said. “Usually, a queer person, and I thought it would Zeller, Fisher and the VADA department, it’s hard to get to places, but when you everybody says, ‘Hey Christopher, what’s be really great if we could bring artists to the students last heard from the have awesome art opening on campus, going on with the student gallery?’” Rice that would actually be informative department in September, when Fisher with food and drinks and music, there’s and educational to the student body.” said Martinez told her that the status no reason not to go to that, and students The students behind the gallery Zeller said she perceived plenty of of the gallery was up in the air and that really did show up for that.” This isn’t the first time student interest support and enthusiasm for the gallery she’d keep her updated. Martinez did not For Fisher, as a non-VADA major, in the position of Inferno Gallery director from Rice students. “When we had respond to request for comment. Inferno provided an unique opportunity to has been sparse. As former Inferno our opening events, the turnout was “I apologize and deeply regret that I explore her interest in museums and art. director Suzanne Zeller (Lovett College always fantastic, and I really, really felt failed to let the students know that the “I’m pretty bummed,” she said. “It’s ’19) neared the end of her junior year, supported by the student body at Rice,” gallery has been paused this academic important to have these kinds of spaces she said she heard similar murmurings. Zeller said. “The overwhelming support year and reasons why,” Boyle said. “The on campus where students can gain Zeller, who graduated with art history that I got from students on campus department has so many exciting things firsthand experience in these museum or and VADA degrees with a concentration was fantastic, and I just loved seeing happening, I forgot to respond during gallery spaces … and it’s upsetting to not in film and photography, said she had everybody at the openings and having this busy time.” have these spaces on campus anymore.” dreamed of leading Matchbox since her conversations with them about the art. It Sperandio said this dearth won’t last junior year. She emailed VADA to inquire was very rewarding.” Relighting the fire much longer. He said VADA students have about the position and a few weeks Zeller also said working with a gallery Today, Zeller works at a photo gallery been extremely active in other projects later, in May 2018, Zeller assumed the team was tremendously rewarding. Her in Montrose and although she’s no longer this year and predicts that finding a VADA responsibility of rebranding the gallery most consistent team member was Julia on campus, she said she feels the absence major to take the reigns of gallery director as director. Fisher, at the time a Lovett sophomore. of Inferno. will be a “piece of cake.” The professor After coming up with the name Inferno Zeller said she left Rice and the gallery “I would still be going to the openings intends to make a decision in April so and a new logo over the summer of 2018, thinking Fisher, who is now a junior, as a graduated alumn[a] if they were still that programming can resume in the fall. Zeller assembled a team of students to would fill her shoes as director — a happening,” she said. “[Inferno is] a physical form for help her oversee the gallery in the coming prospect Fisher was thrilled about. In Zeller’s eyes, Inferno’s benefit to student voice, and that’s the job of the school year. Throughout her tenure, Zeller “I was instantly super, super excited students was twofold. For student-artists, university ... to help young people find and her team presented six exhibitions about [becoming gallery director], it provided an opportunity at a solo show their voices,” Sperandio said. “Hopefully, at Inferno, featuring both student and because I had been working so hard that was in reach, which she said can go a we can get some good candidates from Houston community artists. The art because I wanted the director position,” long way on a resume. And for everyone, within VADA and find somebody who that cycled through the gallery featured Fisher said. artists or not, it made the creativity and wants to relight the fire.”

THE WEEKLY SCENE FOTOFEST OPENING: SLOWED RTA NIGHT MARKET ARCHI-ARTS: AND THROWED BIENNIAL 2020 Join the Rice Taiwanese Association DUO Celebrate the legacy of late Houston legend for their biggest event of the year this Don’t miss the grand opening of the United States’ longest-running international This Saturday at 7 p.m., Anderson Hall DJ Screw at the public opening of “Slowed Saturday from 6-9 p.m. and enjoy games celebration of photography this Saturday will transform into a dynamic display of and Throwed: Records of the City Through and food from Tainan Bistro and Kamalan from 8-11 p.m. The 2020 Biennial will center sculpture, art, architecture, music and Mutated Lenses” this Thursday from 7-9 Bakery. Presale tickets are $5 and may be on the theme of “African Cosmologies: dance for Archi Arts, Rice Architecture p.m. See unconventional photography while purchased online via Google Form (Venmo Photography, Time and the Other,” with Society’s annual interdisciplinary arts enjoying live chopped and screwed mixes @RTA886). Tickets will be $7 at the door. a focus on artists of Africa and the African event. This event is free and open to the from DJ Red and a vegan-friendly menu from All tickets are good for five food vouchers diaspora. This opening is free and open to public. Houston Sauce Co.’s food truck. and five game vouchers at the festival. the public. anderson hall contemporary arts museum houston Rice Memorial Center 5216 Montrose Blvd. Grand Hall Silver Street Studios 2000 Edwards St. ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020 • 9 Rice Village’s Half Price RICE’S CRITICAL APPROACH TO Books to shutter Sunday THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES

illustration by chloe xu

JENNIFER LI meant that she spent a lot of time around FOR THE THRESHER the Village, and remembers Half Price Books fondly. Rice Village’s Half Price Books, two “I have a lot of good memories just stories tucked away in a cozy corner wandering around the second floor of filled with shelf after shelf of gently loved Half Price and just existing around so books, prepares to close March 8. To the many books,” Nguyen said. “Thinking dismay of local bookworms, the beloved about Half Price always gives me a bookstore will be closing due to a 40 general nostalgic vibe that brings me a lot percent increase in rent according to Oz of joy. The science section of Half Price on photo by yi luo Longford, a bookseller of 10 years. the second floor was pretty formative in Fern Horrillo, a Sid Richardson College senior, performs at the Rice Women’s Resource Center’s Countless people, young and old, my burgeoning interest in science.” annual performance of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues,” a collection of monologues frequent Rice Village’s Half Price, which reflecting on the femme experience, last weekend in the Sid Rich basement. has stood at the intersection of University Boulevard and Kirby Drive since 1981. Andrew Perez, a bookseller of seven It’s gonna be ... an empty years, recalls that over the years, a tight- knit community has developed around void in the Village that the quaint bookstore. Children who had can never be [filled] gotten their first books at this exact Half again. Price are still going back, now as parents, to get their own kids their first book, Andrew Perez according to Perez. HALF PRICE BOOKS BOOKSELLER “It’s a special place,” said Perez. “It’s very heartbreaking that after so long of As a significant source of affordable doing business and being a part of the books and media, the store’s closing will community and making friends with some greatly affect both the Rice community of these customers, now some of them and the Houston community at large have become … kind of like family. It’s very with its closing. Perez predicts that one sad that we’re not going to see everyone’s of the most immediate effects could be nice smiles and faces anymore.” a decrease in customers at surrounding Much of Rice Village underwent stores such as Gap, since according to changes in management earlier this him, many customers report going to year, as various investment companies Rice Village mainly for Half Price. Devin have enacted their new visions for Sadler, a bookseller of about two years, the district. Changes in the landscape predicts a slight but noticeable drop in surrounding Half Price, such as the the local literacy rates and an increase opening of upscale eateries like Politan in the local crime rates to follow Half Row and Sixty Vines, have increased the Price’s closing. Even with a Barnes overall rent in the Village. & Noble nearby on West Holcombe “Rent costs in the area have gone up to Boulevard, Longford, Perez and Sadler the point where we can no longer afford agree that there is just no replacement to stay in our current location,” Emily for everything that Half Price embodies. Bruce, Half Price Books’ public relations “It’s gonna be ... an empty void in the manager, said. “We’ve looked for another Village that can never be [filled] again,” location nearby, but have not been able to Perez said. find a viable option, as of now.” Nevertheless, the community will Bruce said that the bookstore’s recover together as customers and clients management team discussed its future with are already trying to assist Half Price the building owner, Dutch Line Properties, Workers by offering references and jobs, but were unable to come to a compromise. according to Longford, Perez and Sadler. “Our development team had several The store is offering sales going on up conversations with them, and even until March 8, ending their last two days explored an opportunity to sublease part with an offer for readers to take home a of the space, but there was no clear path bag of books for $10. Even as the shelves for the location to be profitable with the slowly empty, Perez said he still holds a skyrocketing rents,” Bruce said. positive outlook. Since the Houston Chronicle broke the “It’s time to turn the page and see news of the store’s closing last November, what the next journey will bring and many in the Rice community have shared what will become of this building … fond memories of spending time among [though] I wish we could’ve stayed the shelves with friends. longer for everyone.” “Half Price Books is my favorite Half Price Books is located at 2537 place in Rice Village,” said Lisa Lin, University Blvd., and will be open every a Baker College freshman and native day until this Sunday, March 8 from 10 Houstonian. a.m. to 7 p.m. Vi Nguyen (Lovett College ’18) said Writer James Karroum contributed that growing up in West University reporting to this story. 10 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020 THE RICE THRESHER SPORTS

FOKAM JUMPS FOR C-USA GLORY

courtesy rice athletics Senior jumper Michelle Fokam slides to a halt after completing a long jump. Fokam is known as one of the premier talents in Conference USA women’s track and field competition: Fokam has twice been named the C-USA Female Field Athlete of the Year. This season, Fokam advanced to the NCAA Championship where she earned All-American status in the triple jump and the long jump.

DANIEL SCHRAGER But according to Fokam, her academic me that I am a jumper and this is where I meet my eyes [welled] up and a few tears FOR THE THRESHER achievements have been even more should stay, and I did stay. I have been a came out, tears of joy.” important to her. jumper since then.” While that kind of success can lead Michelle Fokam triple-jumped 13.32 “I have been on the [C-USA] From there, Fokam said that it took to increased expectations, Fokam said meters at last week’s Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll every her some time to understand just how she doesn’t allow that to affect her Track and Field Championships — soon, single year,” Fokam said when asked good she was. mentality during competitions. She says she’s hoping that her triple jump will to name her most significant personal “I have always competed well in the that she goes into each meet armed with land her over 6,600 miles away. That’s achievement. [jump events],” Fokam said. “Though I headphones while listening to the entire because Fokam, a three-time NCAA All- Fokam, a psychology major from knew I was actually good my junior year Megan Thee Stallion discography, which American finishing up her senior season, Lovett College, also said her community of high school.” helps her maintain the same focus every has her sights set on Tokyo for the 2020 service work is very important to her. She This season, in addition to her time she steps out onto the track. Summer Olympic Games. said that she volunteers weekly with The customary personal success, Fokam “I do not necessarily go into [a track “This summer, I will be competing at Forge, a Third Ward-based organization has been a crucial part of Rice’s team and field] meet with set expectations for the Olympic trials in hopes of becoming that aims to “inspire and empower success. This season saw the Owl marks that I would like to meet,” Fokam an Olympian,” Fokam said. participants’ spiritual, educational and women’s track and field team win its said. “What I expect myself to do is If all goes according to her plan, a trip economic growth.” first indoor conference championship in execute my technique correctly and make to Tokyo would be the latest addition to a Fokam first became involved in a decade, and Fokam finished first and sure that I enjoy myself and have fun.” resume that already includes two C-USA track as a hurdler. However, according second in the conference in the triple Before Fokam takes on her Olympic Field Athlete of the Year awards and to Fokam, after her coach suggested jump and long jump respectively. For goal after achieving so much success at eight C-USA Championship first-place she switch from jumping over hurdles many, in a sport as individually oriented Rice, she’ll look to cap off her Owls career finishes, among many other awards. to jumping for distance, she quickly as track and field, that level of personal with a strong finish to the season. How Fokam says that her consistent success at discovered her natural proficiency in accomplishments would overshadow her season will end remains to be seen. Rice can be attributed to a combination distance jumps. team success. But according to Fokam, But according to Fokam, if she maintains of her confidence, competitiveness and “I first started triple and long jumping for her that was never a question. her mindset, the rest will fall into place. work ethic. when I was a seventh grader,” Fokam “My success does mean a lot to me, “My goals for the rest of the season “I love to compete and I love the said. “In all honesty, I wanted to be a but the team’s success means so much are to stay confident, believe in myself pressure of meets,” Fokam said. “I always hurdler, but my coach, Coach Lance, more,” Fokam said. “When I found out and jump far,” Fokam said. “If I do [that], use it to my advantage to push myself.” forced me over to the runways and told we won the conference championship good things will come.” Santiago, age 9, ‘signs on’ to Rice’s Track and Field team MICHAEL BYRNES No, Santiago (or Santi, as he’s known community to be a part of while they battle Freshman track athlete Travis Dowd, who SPORTS EDITOR by the team) won’t be running for Rice their illness. helped organize the signing day event, said this year. Instead, he’s become part of “[Santi] has recently discovered a passion the track and field team really got to know On Saturday, Rice Athletics announced the team through a joint effort between for running, so when Team IMPACT reached Santi when he spent a Saturday afternoon the signing of a new member of the men’s Rice Athletics and Team IMPACT, an out … it was a great opportunity for us to see with the team earlier this year. track and field team: Santiago White, organization that pairs children suffering [how] our men’s track team was willing to “[On] Saturday, we do long runs in the from Sugar Land. The athletic department from chronic illnesses with college athletics be that big brother and support network for morning and then we eat brunch together as prepared a typical day of signing festivities: teams across the country. According to JP him,” Abercrumbie said. “And now he has a team … and then go and play horse pool,” a press conference, some short speeches, an Abercrumbie, assistant athletic director for about 40 new family members that he can Dowd said. “[Santi] played [horse pool] with official backdrop for photos. But one thing student-athlete development, the program lean on for [additional support].” us, and now he’s into it too. He [beat] a lot of was different: Santiago is 9 years old. helps give children like Santi an additional Rice has been working with Team IMPACT people — it was really funny; he had us all for a few years, and Abercrumbie said Santi cracking up. Hopefully we can get him out to joins two other children who have been a lot more brunches and meets [this year].” partnered with Rice’s soccer and volleyball The signing day was a lighthearted event, teams. In Santi’s case, he is battling cystic with Santi fielding entertaining questions fibrosis, a lifelong disease primarily affecting from the audience after his official signing. the lungs. According to Abercrumbie, one At one point, a track and field athlete asked of the men’s track and field team’s primary “If you couldn’t run for the rest of your life, roles in the relationship will be to help Santi what sport do you think you’d play instead?” out when he’s undergoing care at the nearby Without missing a beat, Santi replied “Horse Texas Medical Center. pool.” The team roared its approval. “When he may be going through Overall, Dowd said Santi has had a treatments and [feeling] a little down, it’s an positive effect on the team. opportunity to provide a support network “He’s definitely made [the team] more for him to uplift him, so that he knows he’s lighthearted,” Dowd said. “He’s always not going through these treatments alone,” upbeat; he’s always energetic and willing Abercrumbie said. “So instead of getting to try new stuff. Like we’ll just be walking MICHAEL BYRNES / THRESHER bogged down with the treatments or being in around campus and he’s jumping off little Santiago White signs his commitment to Rice’s men’s track and field program on Saturday, the hospital rooms alone, our guys … can go ledges and making his mom yell at him … surrounded by his mother, sister, grandfather and head coach Jon Warren. over [to the medical center] and visit him.” [he’s] really funny.” SPORTS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020 • 11 Women’s basketball aims for C-USA No. 1 seed

BEN BAKER-KATZ session,” Langley said. “There’s a lot of ASST SPORTS EDITOR youth on the team this year, and there was a lot of learning of one another. I’m proud Rice women’s basketball plays two crucial of the way we’ve taken it day by day and games at home this week, one against the steadily improved.” University of Texas, El Paso on Thursday and Ogwumike said Rice learned from the other against Old Dominion University its uneven performances against non- on Saturday. Rice and Old Dominion are tied conference opponents. for the best record in Conference USA, which means that if both teams win their respective Thursday games, the Sunday matchup will decide both the conference champion and who gets the No. 1 seed in the C-USA As we’ve gotten to know tournament that starts next week. each other and grown The Owls are currently on a three-game win streak, the most recent of which came last over the course of the Saturday against Louisiana Tech University. season, I think we’re The Owls were losing for most of the game peaking at the right time against the Bulldogs, but a strong fourth ... Now is the right time quarter followed by a dominant overtime period allowed them to pull away for the for this team.” 73-60 victory. According to senior guard Erica Ogwumike, Rice lacked tenacity in its Tina Langley ALLEN SELLERS / THRESHER performance against LA Tech. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HEAD COACH Freshman forward Lauren Schwartz dribbles the ball with her left hand near several opponents “We were a bit stagnant offensively from the University of North Texas. Schwartz averages 9.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. throughout the game, and it took us a while “Our whole non-conference schedule to get into a rhythm,” Ogwumike said. “But was a pretty big learning experience,” towards the end, we knew we didn’t have two games of the regular season, they first overtime earlier this year, 66-59. Ogumike said. “We played a lot of Power much time, and we had to pull it through.” meet UTEP, a team they beat 69-61 on Jan. One point of emphasis for Rice in practice Five schools, and coming off of a season The Owls were able to win that game 23. The Miners played good defense against this week will be ball control, because the where we only lost four games, it was thanks to a strong team defense that held the Rice, including holding the Owls to just three team failed in that department early in the pretty tough to play that and still have that Bulldogs to just 36 percent shooting from the made 3-pointers on 16 attempts and forcing 21 season, according to Ogwumike. confidence and want to grow from every field. That performance mirrored the team’s turnovers. Langley said UTEP used aggressive “Controlling our turnovers is something single game. They were hard teams, and we season-long defensive output (57.3 points defense in the teams’ last matchup. that we were pretty bad at during the competed close with them. It was a little sad, per game allowed). They were also led by “UTEP is a team that presses [on beginning of this year,” Ogwumike said. “I but I think we grew from that.” junior center Nancy Mulkey, who provided 22 defense] the entire game,” Langley said. think we’ve gotten better at every game as Now, just two games away from the C-USA points. Head coach Tina Langley said Rice’s “I think we could handle that a little better the season has gone on, but it’s something to tournament, Langley said she believes Rice comeback against LA Tech was impressive. than we did last time. They change up their think about in the coming games.” can win the C-USA Tournament and qualify “Besides [a Feb. 13 loss against ODU], we defense a lot in the half-court and I think Langley said she is happy that the Owls for the NCAA Tournament. hadn’t been in that position of being down the we could value the ball and get better shots have overcome their rocky non-conference “As we’ve gotten to know each other and entire game like we were against LA Tech,” than we did last time.” display, in which they registered a 5-6 record. grown over the course of this season, I think Langley said. “So to come back and win, it Following UTEP, the Owls will end Now, Rice holds a 19-8 record. we’re peaking at the right time,” Langley said. was a great feeling for our team.” their regular season against fellow C-USA “This team learns from everything, “From everything I’ve seen, now is the right As the Owls turn their attention to the final giant Old Dominion, a team they lost to in whether it’s a win, a loss, practice or a film time for this team.”

MEN’S B-BALL WRAPS UP C-USA PLAY Visual and Dramatic Arts Department SPENCER MOFFAT “I think we were forcing tough shots,” Rice Theatre Program presents SENIOR WRITER Peterson said. “If we just remain poised and relaxed out there, I think we can hold The Rice men’s basketball team will that lead next time and get the win.” conclude its regular season this week This past Sunday, Rice defeated Middle with a pair of matchups, first facing the Tennessee State University in a game that University of Southern Mississippi in a proved to have a very different storyline All in the Timing Wednesday road game before returning than the loss against UTEP. After going home on Saturday to match up against the into halftime down five with only 24 and more... University of Texas, El Paso in the Owls’ points scored, the Owls came out slowly by David Ives season finale. Rice’s seniors — forwards in the second half but soon found their Tim Harrison and Robert Martin and guards footing. Martin and Peterson each hit a Directed by Jack Young Ako Adams and Addison Owen — will suit 3-pointer to tie the score and then took the

up for their final game in Tudor Fieldhouse. lead after following a defensive stop with

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Adams said he is looking forward to a Peterson basket. Unlike the last game

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finishing his career with his fellow seniors. against UTEP, however, the Owls would Short plays with romance, I

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not surrender this reality and monkeys “[During] my four

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years here, there’s lead, as sophomore

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been a lot of ups guard Trey Murphy I

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and downs,” Adams III and Martin each I

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emotional game, game, but I’m going to try help power Rice to the I V but I’m going to try win. Murphy hit four my best to put those

my best to put those threes and Martin hit emotions to the side and emotions to the side two, but one basket in just go out there and V and just go out there particular by Murphy

compete for my teammates. and compete for my seemed to draw the most attention from V teammates.” I Rice has won Ako Adams the crowd. Peterson two out of its last SENIOR GUARD lobbed an inbounds I II four contests after pass to Murphy, who I beginning February with three consecutive caught the pass in midair and dunked the I victories. But the final two games of the ball over a Middle Tennessee defender. I season will be crucial for the Owls, because Rice finished the game with a 77-66 win only 12 out of the 14 teams in Conference to come within one win of an overall .500 USA will qualify for the post-season winning percentage. conference tournament. Rice is currently Despite being tied for No. 12 in the tied with UTEP at No. 12 in C-USA. The two C-USA standings, Adams said he believes SHOW TIMES teams have faced each other twice this Rice can compete with anyone in the season, with UTEP winning both. UTEP C-USA Tournament. beat the Owls 72-64 on Jan. 23, and followed “We can play with any team,” Adams FEB 28-29 8 PM that up with a 68-62 victory on Feb. 22. said. “We beat [the University of] North One strong point from Rice’s recent loss to Texas, and they’re a top team.” MAR 1 3 PM UTEP was the performance put together by However, the Owls will first need to sophomore forward Drew Peterson, who solidify their spot in the C-USA tournament MAR 5-7 8 PM notched his third double-double of the by winning at least one of their next two season with 18 points and 12 rebounds. games against Southern Miss and UTEP. According to Peterson, some aspects of the The C-USA Championships will take place Ticket Information: Call 713-348-4005 or email [email protected]. team’s performance must be fine-tuned. March 11-14 in Frisco, TX. hamman hall at rice university, theatre.rice.edu. 12 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020 BACKPAGE

How to very reasonably respond to the COVID-19 Rice Alert This past week, there was a lot of unrest on campus after Rice notified the community of a staff member self-quarantining due to contact with a possible positive coronavirus case. There has been a wide range of reactions from students and parents, which makes sense — coronavirus is a growing global health issue and lots of people are worried and confused. To ease some of that confusion, the Backpage has a 100% accurate and indisputable guide to some steps absolutely everyone at Rice should be taking.

Trivialize a global health issue with Go abroad super original jokes If the situation has you stressed It is absolutely hilarious that coronavirus and confused, go abroad to really sounds like Corona beer. Please, go out find yourself. Sometimes you just of your way to make this mind-blowingly have to escape to make sense creative observation. People who are at of everything. Not to mention, extremely little to no risk of contracting flights to certain countries may COVID-19 while death rates rise in other be canceled soon, so now is your countries are in the optimal position to joke limited-time shot to see the world. about “coronavirus and lime” — it can’t be offensive if it doesn’t offend you personally! Plus, it’s totally not an obvious joke at all, so make it 20 times minimum, just to make sure everyone hears your super sick joke. Panic Corona sounds like corona! Wow! Freak out. Have your parents call Rice University 10 times. Demand the personal Another great angle for jokes is that the information of everyone associated with the coronavirus originated in China. Treating Rice Alert specifically. What’s more important, entire nationalities, and even races, as another human being’s privacy while the punchlines for coronavirus jokes is not at all situation is already under control, or your racist or xenophobic — it’s not about the desire for unnecessary information to make people themselves, it’s the abstract concept you feel better? That’s right, you feeling of disease! Can’t anyone take a joke better. Bulk buy hand sanitizer and cleaning anymore? A joke like this is bound to be products to the point where HEB limits the super nuanced and innovative and requires number of items you can buy at once — it’s so few words. Saying “coronavirus” when not rational but it just feels right, man. someone coughs? Comedic genius.

Don’t wash your hands — you’ll strengthen your immune system Why listen to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention? They’re the ones telling healthy people not to buy face masks because it will create a “shortage” for “sick people” who “actually need them” or whatever. They say one of the best ways to prevent the spread of viruses is handwashing, but that doesn’t make any sense, either! How will your immune system get strong if it doesn’t learn to fight off all the germs? Lick your hands! Touch your face! Deep fry stuff you find on the ground at the Rodeo then eat it! It’s basically self-vaccinating, right?

The Backpage is satire, written by Sickmona Matovic and designed by Simona Matosick. For comments, questions or health tips please email [email protected]. CLASSIFIEDS WANTED

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