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OP-ED p. 3 A&E P. 9 SPORTS P. 13 Joint Gaza Panel Biased Here Comes the Bride Citius, Altius, Fortius For some, the Gaza forum fell short In Its goals to present Despite solid casting, Bride Wars fails to deliver the The men's track and field team dominated last Friday's an unbiased view of the current conflict. goods of wedded bliss. Leonard Hilton Memorial, taking first place in three events.

thVOLUME XCVI,e ISSUE NO . 1Ric7 STUDENT-RUe N SINCE 1916 FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2009 McMurtry, Duncan t 0-Week plans drafted BY TIMOTHY FAUST THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF

The residential college system is something so inseparable from the modern operation of , so ingrained into our personal habits and social traditions, that any change on the level of the addition of a new college becomes a matter of titanic significance that affects thousands of students. When two new colleges root themselves Wiess College students gathered in droves at the Wiess Masters' house to watch Barack into this little patch of — in the same year, Witnesses to history even — the importance of their proper introduc- Obama's inauguration as the 44th president of the United States. tion into Rice life escalates exponentially. For this reason, groups of students, masters, administra- tors and faculty have worked eagerly for months to ensure that the opening of Duncan and McMurtry Former Wiess colleges next fall is as appropriate and effective a Jewish studies program, process as possible. Last year, a population committee headed by RA "Dr. Bill" dies Dean of Undergraduates Robin Forman and com- prised of college masters, resident associates, ad- minor proposed for fall ministrators and students drafted a series of pro- of cancer at 65 posals regarding possible ways to populate the two BY VINNY SINGH AND CATHERINE BRATIC made for its establishment. In order to solidify colleges. The committee sent these recommenda- THRESHER STAFF the program, the newly-founded department BY JOCELYN WRIGHT tions to President David Leebron, who ultimately will need to hire additional faculty members as THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF chose a plan in which Baker and Will Rice colleges Rice University recently published a tentative well as fill in course gaps in the field, Henze said will move into Duncan and McMurtry, respectively, proposal to add another academic program to its at the reception. William "Dr. Bill" Wilson, electrical engineer- while their own facilities are renovated. Lovett Col- scholastic offerings: Jewish studies. Religious Studies Assistant Professor Gregory ing professor and Wiess College resident associate lege will remain in Lovett while its renovations Last Tuesday, President David Leebron held Kaplan, who along with Henze has been spear- for over thirty years, died Tuesday due to pancre- occur. Forman appeared in front of the Student a reception at his house with prospective donors heading the project, titles it as a "faculty-run" atic cancer at the age of 65. Association last semester to discuss the plan and in an attempt to raise the $10 million of funding program for now but sees it as an opportunity for Wilson is remembered as a mentor to genera- promised to keep the student body abreast of its that Rice estimates it will need to start such a students to delve into the area of study beyond tions of students, faculty and staff. development. program. If everything goes according to plan, the perspective of yet another religious studies The population committee attempted to offer the program will begin as a minor in the fall, course. Kaplan said he hopes the program will the best possible options to Leebron. "We wanted Associate Religious Studies Professor Matthias give students a cultural, ethnic and historical un- to really go back and look at previous ideas, par- Henze said. derstanding of the rich Jewish tradition. ticularly relating to Martel, to see what had gone Rice has been offered two grants for the ad- The blueprint for the proposal passed out at right and what had gone wrong," Teddy Bucher, vancement of this program. The Posen Founda- the reception, titled "Jewish Studies at Rice Uni- a senior at Jones and a member of the committee, tion at the Center for Cultural Judaism awarded versity: A Work in Progress" sets out most of the said. "It was sort of a balancing act. We tried to get Rice a three-year grant, and the American Israel program's goals. as much input as possible from students, masters, Cooperative Enterprise awarded a one-year grant The mission statement says: "Jewish Studies RAs and other employees of the university who to support Ranan Kuperman, the Alexander Vis- at Rice University provides students from all reli- would be working with and in the colleges." iting Israeli Scholar in Political Science. gious backgrounds the opportunity to study and On Jan. 16, Forman sent an e-mail to all under- While the program has not been formally an- experience the rich culture and the historical ex- graduates informing them of the plan as it then nounced because its funding has not yet been perience of the Jewish people." stood and encouraging them to participate the fully secured, tentative plans have already been B see JEWISH, page 6 opening of both colleges. In an interview with the Thresher, Forman emphasized that the Duncan and McMurtry plans are part of a set of ongoing discussions and that some details of the process Wihl to leave Rice for Wash U may not be resolved until Orientation Week. However, many aspects of the new col- BY MARGEUX CLEMMONS nected to the art and science community in Hous- leges' plans, pertaining to both their initial THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF ton," Hubbard said. "He created two programs 0-Week and the weeks and months beyond, with two major museums, and he did that in a very Bill Wilson have been settled. After five years as the dean of humanities, Gary strategic way." Electrical engineering professor Wihl is leaving Rice to accept a position as dean of These programs include a lecture series hosted 0-Week the faculty of Arts & Sciences at Washington Uni- with the Menil Collection, a program in collabora- Former Wiess Masters John and Paula Hutchin- For Duncan and McMurtry, 0-Week 2009 will versity in St. Louis. tion with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston that son and current Wiess Master Michael Gustin all adopt a form never before seen as the new colleges Wihl was hired in 2003 and was contracted includes hiring individuals to act both as MFAH remembered Wilson as an invaluable resource enter a unique "mentor/mentee" relationship with through 2010, but was recently actively recruited curators and Rice professors in art history, and a when they first became masters. the established college sharing their facilities. by Washington University, University Art Director pilot medical humanities program. "If every master at Wiess could have had Bill While each college will have an 0-Week distinctly Molly Hipp Hubbard said. Wihl also helped establish the Campbell Lec- separate from that of their associated college, Wilson as a mentor, the college system could have "Somehow [Washington University] got word ture series with the help of a $1 million contribu- been perfect," Hutchinson said. a close connection with an established college of how successful he has been at Rice, and they tion from alumnus T.C. Campbell ('34). The series Gustin described Wilson as a Wiess insti- would give McMurtry and Duncan some guidance contacted him completely out of the blue;" said invites scholars to present original material in lit- tution. in their formative days. Hubbard, who worked with Wihl as the director of erature studies over three evenings and is sched- "He knew so much about Wiess and was part "By sharing events in separate 0-Weeks," For- special projects. "It's a big step up for him." uled to occur annually for 20 years. of the history of Wiess," Gustin said. "I can still • \ 9 man said, "[the new colleges] take advantage of During his time at Rice, Wihl started Rice's doc The Dunlevie Summer Writing Fellowship, see him out in the Acabowl wearing his golden- [Baker and Will Rice's] worldviews to help them torate program in art history and recruited several which was also created under Wihl's leader- rod shirt." get started." new art history professors for the program. ship, provides $1,500 each to 15 students and an Former Wiess RA [toward Hudlow said Wilson O see O-WEEK, page 5 "He decided that Rice needed to be more con- Osee WIHL. page 6 Osee WILSON, page 6

Sex in the City Starting on a Strong Note Seriously, You Need a Haircut INDEX Opinion Join Open Magazine at 7 p.m. tonight in the Let's Rock(appella), yo. The Rice Philhar- The Times Barber Shop will be offering $8 2 News Wiess movie room for a totally non-awkward monics join with the Princeton Footnotes haircuts from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday in the RMC 4 screening of the movie Shortbus, a comedy and the A&M Apotheosis for their first Grand Hall Lobby. And you know you need a hair- Arts & Entertainment 9 about New Yorkers struggling to differentiate concert of the semester at 9:30 p.m. Saturday cut. All of your friends will appreciate you taming Sports 13 between love and sex. Nothing serious. night in the Wiess College Commons. that thing on your head. Calendar 19 Backpage 20 FRIDAY, JANUARY 23,2009 2 EDITORIAL the Rice ^Thresher tevME is ,, Duncan, McMurtry Tri* "tcoNoms US QUI O-Weeks well arranged, £jCo/^MY VIZ but hurried The freshmen coming in next year at Duncan and McMurtry colleges will be in the unique positions of defining their colleges' VT OF identities, traditions, and unique nomenclatures. And according to the plans, they will have some help, as Baker and Will Rice colleges OPINES! will be having separate yet collaborative orientation weeks with Duncan and McMurtry, respectively, (see story, page 1). The plan in and of itself—with 0-Weeks maintaining their sepa- rate identities amidst an atmosphere that will foment Rice's two newest colleges — is admirable, if not entirely perfect. We respect the administration's desire to avoid the situation that arose with the inception of the most recent college, Martel, which was popu- lated almost entirely with those who didn't mesh in the other eight colleges' lives. This stew of anxiety and awkwardness did not foster OiJCfclWfc an ideal situation, and while Martel has since come into its own, its iM rue beginnings were impeded of lack of planning. FAMILY Invitation-only transfer process, coupled with and entirely new freshman class, is better than the previous maneuvering. Likewise, landing ambassadors from the Original Nine at the New Two will help engender a camaraderie and necessary relationship between ecfcyiTs the entire collegiate living. But when we said it wasn't perfect, there was a reason. The ad- the ministration, we fear, does not realize just how rushed the entire OKK. 0-Week process is. Seeing as the 0-Week coordinator selections happen later this month, it would seem that those who are heading UM toward Duncan and McMurtry as coordinators, chosen from the re- evr! jects pile, would be behind the ball. A snowball effect will occur, and as we know very well at the Thresher, when one thing is held up, the entire process stalls. UVa f EMPLOY-Tnr MEN All in all, the of 0-Week protocol at the new colleges seems a bit pressed. There was legitimate reason, at least, as the South Colleges renovations were only finalized recently. Still, the administration could have a contingency plan for this kind of things. Instead, the college commons might not be the only things not sufficiently completed by the time the Duncan- ers or McMurtles matriculate.

Economy Jewish studies minor Wofc&v/iN6 holds promise for future WBfMC programs Mow WHKT The idea of the planned Jewish studies minor, set to be imple- ,"wrTH°M mented after achieving $io million in donations, has convinced us that the administration's focus on academics is expanding and VufE. extending in the right direction (See story, page l). As the first spe- cific religious studies program at Rice, a diverse student body will have the opportunity to extend their knowledge into new realms, and potential students will have yet another reason to look at Rice with intrigued eye. But let us not stop here with this sole program. We hope that this new curriculum, slated to begin next fall, will be the harbin- : ftfF. ger of better things ahead. There is no reason for us to assume ,rV. *•-' VHPfll %• • •> v m' 'JgfeSaj, • , that this will be the last minor established at Rice, let alone the lone religious studies program offered by the university. Howev- er, we would like to call for the continued growth in both areas. GRoup Resume Session] For example, the fact that Rice does not offer a Middle Eastern studies program is something of a travesty. If the Jewish studies minor requires only an additional three professors, a Middle East- ern studies program would require even less, for the necessary Lily Chun & Dylan Farmer Editors in Chief The Rice Thresher, (he official student news- classes and faculty — not to mention interested student body — is paper at Rice University since 1916, is pub- already in place. A bit of reorganization, a la the Business minor or NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY lished each Friday during the school year, except during examination periods and holi- Catherine Bratic Editor David Rosales Editor the Film track of the visual arts major, is all that would be needed days, by the students of Rice University. Margeux Clemmons Asst. Editor Ariel Shnitzer Asst. Editor to create the major. Cindy Dinh Asst. Editor Lauren Schoeffler/lssf. Editor letters to the Editor must be received by If President David Leebron's Vision for the Second Century Jocelyn Wright Asst. Editor 5 p.m. the Monday prior to publication and Zach Castle Designer WEB must be signed, including college and year if is truly to include an increasingly varied student body, it will be Kylie Klein Designer John Michael Cuccia Editor t he writer is a Rice student. letters should not necessary to continue this promising trend. The goal of having a Nick Morales Designer Stephen Wang/lssf. Editor exceed 250 words in length. The Thresher re- serves the rights to edit letters for content and student body comprised of 10 percent international students can length and to place letters on our Web site. OP-ED BUSINESS be more easily attained, and Rice's desire for diversity can take Amanda Melchor Editor Sarah Mitchell Manager Editorial & business offices are Kay Fukui Cartoonist one step closer to fruition. Following the implementation of the Yvette Pan Payroll Manager located on the second floor of the Ley Stu Jessie Huang Subscriptions Manager dent Center: Jewish Studies minor, the next logical step will be the other major SPORTS Gustavo Herrera Distribution Manager religions of the world, and from there, the university can boast a Natalie Clericuzio Editor Sergio Jaramillo Distribution Manager 6100 Main St., MS-524 Yan Digilov Editor Charlie Ary Distribution Manager Houston, TX 77005 1892 religious studies program it can be proud of. We cannot wait to see Phone (713) 348-4801 Fax (713) 348-5238 what step they take next. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ADVERTISING Julie Armstrong Editor E-mail: thresher(fi>rice.edu Joseph Ramirez Ads Manager Web site: www.ricethresher.org Joe Dwyer Editor Thomas Yeh Ads Manager Cathleen Chang Classified Ads Manager Unsigned editorials represent the major COPY ity opinion of the Thresher editorial staff. Erratum Editor Nick Schlossman BACKPAGE All other opinion pieces represent solely Ryan Stickney Editor Timothy Faust Editor the opinion of the piece's author. The story "10,818: Applications for 2013 class surpass 10,000, Anna Wilde Editor Eric Doctor Editor break records" in the Jan. 16 issue of the Thresher was credited I1ie Thresher is a member of the CALENDAR Associated Collegiate Press. Coo-coo-ka-choo. to Michelle Jin but should have been credited to Melissa Tsang. Timothy Faust Editor ©Copyright 2008 The Thresher regrets the error. I Op-Ed Forum fails to give balanced viewpoints Housing problem indicative of

THE "CRISIS IN Gaza" forum held Not only did the professors on the women and homosexuals, President last Thursday was far from the kind of panel fail to point out Hamas' destruc- David Leebron went to Tehran and vis- neglected graduate experience balanced conversation that had been tive mission statement, but no one ited with government officials and in- promised. Rather than presenting both even mentioned . dividuals affiliated with the university ONE OF RICE'S Vision for the Sec- previously agreed that the prices the Palestinian and Israeli perspective While for many years academics system. How can it be that we are more ond Century goals is to improve seemed to fit the demand. As an RA the on the most recent events in Gaza, three and self-proclaimed experts refused to willing to seek out the voice and opin- graduate student programs by pro- graduate apartments is both the land- of the four professors were pro-Palestin- admit any connection between Shiite ions of those who wish us destroyed viding "attractive campus ameni- lord and the employer, putting RAs in ian and the lone Israeli speaker was far Iran and Sunni Hamas because of the than we are our own allies? In today's ties that will contribute to a stron- a potentially vulnerable position. from enthusiastic about having to rep- sectarian divide, today only someone world we are so concerned about euro- ger sense of community among our But the real surprise is that to get a resent the Israeli voice on the panel. As willfully blind would fail to recognize centrism and notions of western impe- graduate students." My recent or- contract (almost) respected I had to go a result, students left the forum having Iran's sponsorship of Sunni terrorist rialism that we are beginning to silence deal with the new graduate apart- up every rung of the ladder of the Of- heard a wildly one-sided point of view organizations. Iran, a country whose ourselves for fear of insulting those ments, in which contracts between fice of Administration. I went through on the Arab-Israeli conflict. government has denied the Holocaust who seek to silence others. students and the university were ig- a grueling one-month process just to and called for the annihilation of Israel During the question and answer nored, suggests that the university get the matter resolved. First, I talked while killing Americans on the battle- session at the end of the "Crisis in Gaza" may need to put more energy into to the graduate housing manager. field in Iraq, is indeed the prime spon- forum, the question was asked, "Why meeting this goal. Second, I talked to Housing and Din- sor of Hamas as well as Hezbollah but do America and Israel have this special ing Vice President Mark Ditman, but you wouldn't have known that from lis- relationship?" to which no compelling he expressed no interest in address- tening to the "Crisis in Gaza" forum. answer was given. The fundamental ing the issue. Third, I attempted to What is perhaps more dishearten- reason the United States and Israel are meet with the Dean of Graduate and ing is the seemingly abundant number such close allies is because of shared Postdoctoral Studies Paula Sanders Daniel Ledeen of professors at Rice readily available to values. Israel is the only democracy in but was told this was not an academ- defend the Palestinian point of view but the Middle East and the only country ic matter and so she would not meet The audience flowed out of Herring not one who can defend Israel's right to in that region of the world that doesn't with me. Fourth, I met with Vice Pres- Hall with a full dose of pro-Palestinian exist. Bringing Ranan Kupperman from persecute any of its citizens based on ident for Administration Kevin Kirby, propaganda absent any defense for not Israel for a semester was perhaps a first race, religion or gender. Like the United David Splinter but instead of fixing or implementing only Israel's incursion into Gaza but, step in bringing about a more balanced States, Israel provides its citizens a com- new contracts, he asked us to ignore more fundamentally, Israel's right to perspective but this was at best a futile pletely open forum to debate, discuss, For months, graduate students the original contracts. Sixth, I spoke exist as a Jewish state. No speaker on stop-gap measure. As we here at Rice and to vote without fear of punishment have been signing pre-leasing con- to Kirby again, and students were the panel discussed Hamas' self-pro- continue on the road of dialogue and As we engage in debate on this campus, tracts for rooms in the Rice Gradu- given rooms similar to the ones they claimed mission to wipe Israel off the multiculturalism let us ensure that we we must not be afraid to express these ate Apartments, which opened last originally pre-leased (one-bedroom) map as part of its larger dream to mas- aren't leaving important and valid view- values and accord ourselves the same weekend. These pre-leasing con- but only guaranteed for one year, sacre the world's . A brief glance at points out of the discussion. platform we provide those who seek to tracts state: "This agreement is be- instead of until graduation as is the Hamas' charter reveals an anti-Semitic Even with Iran's incendiary com- bring about our permanent silence. tween you, , the Resident, and standard at the new apartments. organization whose sole purpose is the ments about Israel and the Jewish peo- Rice University ... You agree to rent destruction of Israel with zero possibil- ple as well as its incredible list of hu- Daniel Ledeen is a Sid Richardson apartment number that is as- (t ity for any peace agreement. man rights violations towards laborers, College senior. signed to you ... If [you] cancel [my] reservation after June 1, 2008, [you] will forfeit [my] deposit of $350.00" To get o contract In November, five graduate stu- U.S. should re-examine support of Israel dents were told by the Rice Gradu- (almost) ate Apartments manager Abeer Mus- IT ALWAYS MAKES me chuckle to see rope cannot help but shed a rainstorm Hollywood makes its bread and but- respected I had tafa that their pre-leasing contracts how different Americans are from the of tears for the failed pet projects of its ter out of these fantasies. Hamas is would not be honored. Although rest of the world. Take the current situ- states. The United States came into be- not Rocky. Hamas is Rocky's alcoholic to go up every these students signed pre-leasing ation in Gaza. Newspapers in ing under very different circumstances: brother-in-law. And so the United contracts over nine months ago, rung of the are calling for investigations into war It was once an underdog itself, so its States, as a socio-cultural block, will their reserved rooms would instead crimes Israeli armed forces are commit- empathy is not guilt-induced; it is a never support it. To gain acceptance, ladder of the be given to students signing up just ting against the citizens of Gaza. Euro- form of vanity. Hamas has to prove that the alcoholic two months ago. The affected stu- Office of Admin- peans love the underdog, though it was In its own way, Israel is an under- brother-in-law can train and beat Rocky dents would be moved to less desir- not always that way. They say that the dog. It is surrounded by mostly hostile to the final match and then end up with istration. able rooms in the apartments. two World Wars sharpened their sensi- states (or neutral in the best of cases). It an even more surprising win. It cannot The reason given to us for this bilities and made them see with clarity is constantly pestered by rocket fire and do that by launching rockets into Israel decision was that there was excess ff the guiding light of cosmopolitanism the threat of wider war. Why does the any more than Paulie can beat Rocky demand for certain rooms and that built on entirely new principles. The United States empathize with the state by throwing bottles of whiskey at him. most of the affected students were American academy, being ever fasci- of Israel and not with Hamas? Both are It has to be disciplined, it has to hone its resident assistants who worked for So how can Rice University be- nated with the deep and rich historical democratically elected. Both are under- abilities and, it has to demonstrate that the apartments part time. This rea- gin to fulfill its Vision for the Sec- heritage of our sophisticated ancestors, dogs in their own way. Why does the it has something to go on other than be- soning directly conflicted with what ond Century goal of strengthening fell over itself to follow suit. United States not project its image onto ing an underdog. 1 was told when I began to work as the graduate student experience? The U.S. empathizes with a very dif- .Hamas as does Europe? I do not want to say that I condone an resident associate: By committing First, as the size of graduate hous- The geopolitics are complicated, but Israel suspending accepted rules of to moving to the new apartments I ing has just doubled, graduate stu- the answer is simple: Hamas doesn't engagement, nor do I want to say that could have first pick of apartments. dents need an advocate for their have what it takes to win. It is the under- they are, since I am not there. The Moreover, there was no RA contract, interests outside of academics. Sec- dog who will lose, the black horse that evidence so far demonstrates only the written explanation or precedent ond, the university should question n ends up breaking its ankle as it turns depravity of war; war is always that that we were told about saying that why a student had to speak to a vice the last corner. The United States toler- way. Every country in the world that one gives up the right to have one's president twice before a contract ates many things that Europe does not, has been at war has been just as, if contracts respected when accepting between them and the university JL but the U.S. sensibility finds it impos- not more, depraved. We are in a some- this part time employment. was acknowledged. Third, the uni- sible to accept someone who is guaran- what liberal university by Texas stan- Arturo Munoz versity is based on the Honor Code, teed to fail because of a lack of mettle dards, so it is easy to sympathize with When I brought up the con- cerns of the five affected students so as students fulfill their responsi- ferent type of underdog: the one that and discipline. lost causes and call all who are not at a weekly graduate housing staff bilities, the university should also will win eventually. European sensi- The United States likes Rocky. It's sympathetic ignorant or biased. They meeting the graduate housing man- consistently uphold its promises. bilities are guilt-induced: the redraw- great to see someone be underesti- are neither. ager said that the RAs were to blame ing of borders, the oppressive colonial mated only to end up with a surprising for the demand for certain rooms, David Splinter is an economics regimes, the economic and political win. But in our eyes, they must have the Arturo Munoz is a Hanszen apparently because the RAs had graduate student. meddling — the liberal media in Eu- mettle. They must have the muscle. College junior.

CAMPUS REACTION "When Duncan and McMurtry Colleges open in the fall, some students will be offered a chance to live in and shape the new colleges. If you were asked to join one of the two new colleges, what would you do?"

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"I might consider it. It's cool to be a "I'm attached to my college. Being a "I've really gotten into my college: "I identify with my coitege and like part of something new and take part the opportunity is great, but I don't the people, the culture. It's not really it. I wouldn't change it for a strange in a legacy by forming new colleges know if I'd be willing to live there." something you transfer." environment my last year."

9 Halle Rasm Tsz Wong Susan Wu Nathan Smith vett College Lovett College sophomort Jones College junior Martel College senior 4 NEWS THE RICE THRESHER FRIDAY, JANUARY 23,2009 McMurtry speaks on futuredubs to begm switch to of books in internet age BANNER at end of month BY CINDY DINH pa Nu treasurer Akshay Dayal said. nology: iPods, Blackberries, comput- BY MARGEUX CLEMMONS its waning popularity. THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF Informed with the requirements THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF McMurtry blamed the convenience ers, iPhones. It's endless, and books and changes, Dayal, who is also on of internet searches, the cheap price of are not competing." The changes to Rice's club finan- the Student Association's Club Fi- Try as he might, Pulitzer Prize win- books sold online and the installment The author said he still loves his cial structures, which have been a nance Committee, said he does not ning author Larry McMurtry ('60), just of more and more computers in librar- bookshop and that people still frequent point of contention for many stu- see any formidable differences be- can't quit the written word. ies as contributions to what he sees as it, but that it has become temporal and dents, will finally be executed. tween the old system and the BAN- no longer a commercial enterprise. The author, who also co-wrote the the death of the book. Rice student organizations and NER system. Brokeback Mountain screenplay, offered "If there's a better tool, people are "People come in and hold a book colleges are about to face change as "The method of doing every- words on the business of books and the going to use it," McMurtry said. "But as though holding a talismanic object they usher in the new BANNER sys- thing is changing, but the actual future of reading in 2009's Friends of it is a sadness that it ends up depriv- from a past culture," he said. tem to perform all of their future fi- functionality is still the same," Distinguished Guest ing people. Mostly, we have no peo- McMurtry also mentioned that his nancial transactions. The first clubs Dayal, a Brown College senior, Lecture series on Wednesday. ple who buy books for imagination. customers are rarely young and that and all colleges will make the official said. "Hopefully features can be During his speech, McMurtry prod- What's being left behind is a very many individuals spend hours sitting switch on Jan. 31. added as we go along." • I • among his collection but leave without ded at the dominant role of the internet beautiful culture, and 1 don't know Last semester all student organi- Given the complexities of the purchasing anything. in today's book sales. what to make of it. 1 think it's gone, zation treasurers were informed of finance structures of the clubs in- Still, the prolific writer said that "I never denied that cyberspace and and 1 don't think it will come back. the upcoming transition to the BAN- volved, Collins emphasized how there may still be some hope for the internet are beneficial," McMurtry said. 1 hate to be gloomy, but that's what NER system, an in-house account for there is no one-size-fits-all time table. book as we know it, although he was "They can find jillions of books and pop it looks like from my viewpoint — 55 all Rice colleges, student clubs and Some clubs are sponsored by depart- noncommittal as to what role the virtual up jillions of quotations, but they can't years of bookselling." sports clubs. Previously each club ments and have their own funding. e-book and quick, sometimes careless cancel mortality." Affirming the timelessness of the had a separate bank account at finan- Additionally, club sports will have blog culture would play in the future of McMurtry received his M.A. in Eng- human love for narrative, McMurtry cial institutions such as Chase Bank. their own separate administrative lish from Rice; during his speech he also said the nurturing of life-long read- imaginative literature. Vice President for Finance Kathy support for the BANNER system, sim- dubbed the university his intellectual ers is cut short. "You never want to count a good Collins has been working with stu- ilar to the one currently in place for home. After Rice, he received a Wallace "[Children] love being read to, book out," McMurtry said. "It may dents and Dean of Undergraduates the clubs in the Jesse H. Jones Gradu- Stegner Fellowship, allowing him to love being absorbed in stories," he be republished by accident or repub- Robin Forman to iron out the de- ate School of Management. enroll in Stanford University's creative said. "But when they reach 10, 11 or lished because the movie has been tails of this transition. A large part Dealing directly with the Control- writing program. He has published 29 12, they are hit by a tsunami of tech- pretty successful." of the change was due to the legal ler's Office has some student organi- novels, 39 screenplays and two essays, ; obl gations of filing tax records, zations disappointed, preferring the many of which depict Texas and the Collins said. autonomy of having direct access to American West. "It is not good financial manage- their own bank accounts. McMurtry won a Pulitzer Prize in ment for Rice to continue the prac- "Most of [the treasurers] like the 1985 for his novel Lonesome Dove, off of tice of having accounts from outside system we have now, because it allows which a famous television mini-series banks set up under the Rice taxpayer for a lot of flexibility," Frank An, Rice was based. His other works include the ID number," Collins said. "It means Student Volunteer Program treasurer novels Terms of Endearment, When the the activity is not captured in our fi- said. "But you get more accountability Light Goes and his most recent work of nancial statements or tax returns that if you use the Rice system." non-fiction, Memoir. we file." An, a Hanszen College senior, A rare-book collector, McMurtry also The BANNER system will con- said he believes clubs that have owns a book store called "Booked Up" solidate all of the colleges and club primarily petty cash transactions in Archer City, Texas. He said the store, bank accounts into one system un- would not be too bothered by the which houses approximately 350,000 der the Controller's Office. It differs transition to the BANNER system. volumes, was once a successful busi- from the previous system in that it As club treasurer, he sees the ad- ness, but sales have declined since the offers a comprehensive record, Col- vantages of having a convenient boom of dot-com companies. lins said. She added that BANNER location on campus to perform the McMurtry's talk continued with would make it easy for club finances club's financial transactions. thoughts on the culture of the book and Larry McMurtry Pulitzer-prize winning author to transition from one club officer to "It's a lot easier to go here [to the another and the Controller's Office Cashier's Office] than go to the bank," pays the bills and handles the tax An said. "And it would eliminate the reporting process. need for a cash box as well. We just CENTER FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT "The main advantage from the fill out a form and get two officers' student's perspective is the record- signatures [for reimbursement]." keeping history," Collins said. "The However, he fears that with more university's advantage is having red tape involved in club reimburse- DISCOVER. LEAD. VOLUNTEER. all the activity occurring under one ments, students would be less likely place, and making sure the appropri- to use their money to make initial ate tax reporting is done." purchases for club activities. The BANNER system will allow di- "[Reimbursements] take a lot of rect deposits for reimbursing individ- time," said An, who is president of ual students, and the online features Rice Taiwanese Association. "You let users download financial records have to wait a couple of days for into an excel spreadsheet. them to approve it so students might CCE Fellows Training to use the BANNER not be willing to use their own mon- system began last Friday and will ey up-front." continue throughout the semester The reimbursement turnaround for clubs as they make the transi- will be 48 hours with checks printed Summer 2009 tion. Collins said she aims to get three times a week, Collins said. as many clubs trained and using "From the RTA point of view, we the new system before new treasur- keep a lot of our money from Boba ers are elected for the coming year, sales instead of [immediately] depos- with Feb. 28 as the target date for iting it," An explained. He said Col- colleges and sports clubs to finish lins' recommendation for clubs is to Interested in receiving a $4,000 stipend the transition. deposit money into the club accounts "We're trying to get current col- and then fill out the forms for reim- to condvict an independent research or lege treasurers to be up and running bursements. on the new system and pass the baton "But if we need the money right to the new treasurers in the spring," away, for instance somebody's ac- design project with a faculty member she said. count is about to bounce, (hen it's An e-mail was sent to all club bad," An said. and a Houston-based community presidents last Thursday request- Colleges can make petty cash re- ing a sample batch of student or- imbursements via their college coor- partner in the summer? ganization accounts to volunteer to dinator and student clubs can turn to transition to BANNER along with the the Office of Student Activities. colleges at the end of the month to "We are working on this together allow for trouble-shooting before so that nobody is surprised that their the remainder of the Chase Bank ac- accounts are closing or if they've counts are closed. been writing checks and now they're Apply to the CCE Fellows program. One of the clubs volunteering for bouncing," Collins said. "This is the test-run is Eta Kappa Nu, an elec- meant to be a collaborative effort to trical engineering honor society. get it done promptly before the se- "I want to see it in action," Eta Kap- mester ends." Applications due January 30, 2009 vn GRADUATE STUDENT ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Graduate Student Town Hall with PresidentLeebromThursdayJan. 29, 6 p.m., McMurtry Auditorium (Duncan Hall), Food provided. Application available at http://cce.rice.edu • Graduate Student Association Council Meeting - jan. 27, 6 p.m., postra rice.edu • 713-348-2223 Graduate Lounge. FRIDAY, JANUARY 23,2009 THE RICE THRESHER NEWS O O-WEEK FROM PAGE1

This partnership is apparent from "We wanted these new colleges to the top down: It seems likely that at get exposure to how all nine colleges Shelah Crear is the new director of First Year Programs least one member of each new college's on the campus operate, not just the one team of 0-Week coordinators will rep- they would be living with. The ambas- BY TIMOTHY FAUST resent the associated mentor college sador program allows them to see how THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF and help the interactions between the other colleges use their budget or write two 0-Weeks operate more closely and their constitution and make next year a Hidden away in Lovett Hall, smoothly. The coordinators will be se- formative year for these new colleges." Entrance A, in a little alcove left lected by representatives from Baker Applications for ambassadors of the drinking fountain and and Will Rice as well as the Office of the are due to the Office of the Dean of across from the floor-to-ceiling Dean of Undergraduates, according to Undergraduates Feb. 6. Interested wooden doors of the office of the Forman's e-mail. freshmen, sophomores or juniors can Dean of Undergraduates, new These new college coordinators will contact Assistant to the Dean of Un- Director of First Year Programs, be asked to live in the new colleges for dergraduates Matt Taylor (ptt@) for Shelah Crear, prepares to make the 2009-'i0 year for purposes of de- more information. history. With a record number veloping continuity and structure, but In addition to the ambassadors, the of applicants for the class of whether they will become permanent current plan calls for giving approxi- 2013 ("10,818", Jan. 16) and the transfers has not yet been decided. Ap- mately 100 students from the other nine quickly-approaching opening of Shetah Crear Director of First Year Programs plications for Duncan and McMurtry colleges, selected by random invitation Duncan and McMurtry colleges, coordinators are due to their respective and voluntary commitment, the oppor- Orientation Week 2009 stands to the purview of various campus place that they'll be at the start of mentor colleges on Jan. 28. Questions tunity to transfer to Duncan and Mc- be a larger and more complicated staff including Assistant to the their second semester. How do we can be directed to Director of First-Year Murtry for the 2oio-'n academic year. operation than any 0-Week in re- Dean of Students Kate Noonan fill those first 8-10 weeks?" Programs Shelah Crear (screar(g)). "While [random invitation] isn't the cent memory. and former Assistant Director Crear believes that the answer During 0-Week, the mentor colleges perfect solution to populate the new Her office is comfortable and of Student Activities Holly Wil- lies in peer mentorship. will have the delicate task of demon- colleges, it's the best solution so far," well-lit, if a little bare, but Crear, liams, who left Rice in September "After talking with each of strating and explaining Rice traditions Baker College President Chris Golds- a Dallas native and adopted Aus- 2007. Under Crear, all activities the presidents," she explains, "I to both their own new students and the berry said. "It's much better than a draft tinite and Longhorn by educa- and programs directly involving thought it was interesting how new students of their mentee college. At system or a volunteer-only system — to tion, has an enthusiasm for her the first-year experience will be many of them had an individual the same time, they will have to give the be honest, I don't know if a perfect solu- responsibilities that fills every consolidated under one office. in their life who pushed them mentee colleges enough freedom to es- tion exists." corner of the room. Crear, a Ph.D. student in edu- along and got them involved and tablish themselves as separate entities. Forman agreed with Goldsberry. "Orientation holds a special cation at Texas A8tM University, showed them how they could Baker and Will Rice will expose Dun- "The consensus is that there should place in the hearts of all students, joined the Rice staff this past get plugged in and acclimated can and McMurtry to the little things be some allowance for transfers who regardless of the size of the cam- summer and has spent the 2008- to Rice." that define their own college — such feel strongly about shaping the new pus," she explains. "Everyone '09 school year learning the ins In her first year, Crear hopes as cheers and traditions — but the new colleges, but we prefer that most are se- remembers their orientation ad- and outs of the Rice first-year to cultivate these successful rela- colleges will be charged with creating lected by random invitation," he said. viser regardless of whether they experience. She lauds Noonan tionships and develop a more ho- and developing their own rituals and loved them or hated them." and Student Director of Orienta- listic sort of collaboration across sharing them with the rest of campus. Masters and RAs The former director of Greek tion Megan Hermance, a Baker campus groups and keep each Baker has discussed ways of introduct- College senior, for smoothing her Neither Duncan nor McMurtry will life at the University of Texas year's first-year students safe, ing Duncan to the college cabinets, for transition from observer to facili- open with a pre-selected master, so and orientation at the University comfortable and active. example, so that they may experience tator, and speaks excitedly about the masters of the mentor colleges will of North Texas, who is perhaps Crear acknowledges the chal- a variety of methods of college govern- her plan for the future: giving serve as step-masters next year. How- more accustomed to working and lenges of cutting her teeth with ment, Goldsberry said. first-year students the opportu- ever, the addition of 75 mentee college living at larger universities, is the next year's colossal, record-break- nity to dive into Rice life as soon "This is certainly no hegemony," new students, 15 ambassadors and one first person to hold the position ing group of incoming students. as possible. Will Rice master Mike Wolf said. "The or two live-in 0-Week coordinators will of Director of First Year Programs "It's exciting, and some days question is... what we have to do so that place the masters of Baker and Will Rice at Rice. In past years, the respon- "After 0-Week, everyone gets even overwhelming, but nobody McMurtry emerges with its own identity in sensitive positions next year. sibilities of the position, which immersed in their classes," she in recent history can say they've include 0-Week, mid-year orien- while we retain ours?" "We have a responsibility to help notes. "There's a gap of time where been a part of something like tation for transfer students and our students thrive academically, intel- everyone's trying to plug in, but this. It's a great opportunity for IMPACT Rice, have fallen under Ambassadors and new faces lectually and socially," Wolf said, "but they're certainly not in the same the campus." While the 75 brave first freshmen of our paramount responsibility is to keep each Duncan and McMurtry will have people safe." the responsibility of shaping much of To maintain student safety and ac- their own college, they will not be left commodate the larger residential popu- alone in their LEED-certified homes. lations of the new colleges, Duncan and Thirty ambassadors will be selected McMurtry have three RA apartments. through an application process to live For the 2009 *10 year, the Office of the in the new colleges for the 2009*10 aca- Dean of Undergraduates in conjunction demic year, but will not rescind their with the Baker and Will Rice masters prior college membership. Instead they will select a third RA for the new colleg- will serve to represent their own college es, who will focus on the McMurtry and Call and you could save. to the founding class of their temporary Duncan residents. Forman indicated residence and ensure that each of the that, so far, faculty interest in serving as established colleges has some influ- an associate or RA in the new colleges ence on the development of the fledg- has been encouraging. ling ones. In the spring of 2010, the 75 first- Class dismissed. "The position of ambassador to the years and 100 non-residential 20i0-'n new colleges was created," Forman transfers of each new college will select said in his email, "in response both to their first master. recognition that the birth of new col- Forman explained that this plan leges is a campus-wide event and belief allows the new colleges to make their that the foundations of these new com- own leadership choices. munities will be strengthened if they "Our goal is to allow them, as are informed by the wealth of ideas, quickly as possible, to make those de- experiences, and institutions that char- cisions that give them a college iden- acterize their nine sisters. tity," he said. • Convenient local office • Money-saving discounts RUPD POLICE BLOTTER • Low down payments The following items were reported to the Rice • Monthly payment plans University Police Department for the period Jan. 14-21. • 24-hour service and claims RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES • Coverage available by phone Jones College Jan. 14 Theft Wiess College Jan. 16 Alcohol Violations Martel College Jan. 16 Theft Jones College Jan. 18 Criminal Mischief Jones College Jan. 19 Theft Local Office

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OTHER LOCATIONS Houston, TX 77401 Laboratory Road Jan. 17 Alcohol Violations, Driving Under the Influence 713-665-4667 College Way Jan. 18 Driving While Intoxicated diuounU. twmgev payiwil pbm, and fraurn art" km avdaM.'m all st.iws ut in ail OHIO itunpomts (jowroment Jan. 18 Driving While Intoxicated InsuMiKe Co tiUCO (ler-wal ImuBWCt Co. GIXO idemntj Co WKO Casualty Co these companies aisid'jneso' onkshw Hatfwwuy Ik Off Campus GfKOautc insuiance fs no? jva»te in MA GEICO: Washington, DC 20076 <0 2007 GK0. Tbe GtICO gecko image © GHC0 1999 2Qt.t? FRIDAY, JANUARY 23,2009 6 NEWS THE RICE THRESHER •JEWISH OWIHL FROM PAGE1 FROM PAGE 1 The program will also include in- formerly worked with Wihl as Direc- tant thing is for us to find a really' great opportunity to work with a faculty ternships with various institutions in tor of Special Projects. dean for the school of humanities." PROGRAM member from an introductory humani- Houston such as the Holocaust Mu- Provost Eugene Levy will assemble Wihl will begin his new position on ties course to write a research paper seum Houston, and it will encourage RANKINGS a search committee for a new dean of July 1 and will be accompanied by his over the summer. its students to participate in study humanities. The committee will con- wife Sarah Westphal-Wihl, current Rice Will Rice College senior Dana Hoff- abroad programs in order to foster en- U.S. News and World Re- sist of one or two students, at least associate professor of German Studies. man participated in the program three thusiasm in those who want to cultur- ports top 20 National uni- one staff member, outside faculty and Westphal-Wihl will be an associate pro- years ago and said she found it a re- ally and educationally tour Israel. versities with Jewish studies warding experience. a representative from either the board fessor in the Department of Germanic Kaplan said the initiative for es- programs: "The program was good for me of trustees or the community, accord- Languages and Literatures in Art & Sci- tablishing the program arose from because it was a great opportunity as ing to Vice Provost of Academic Affairs ences at Washington University, accord- • the interest of students. Most of the a freshman to write about something Carol Quillen. ing to Washington University press. courses that will be included in the worthwhile and to think that one could The committee will collaborate with "I think he's been a magnificent • Princeton University Jewish studies program already ex- actually make money in the humani- a search consultant to identify7 and nar- dean," Hubbard said. "What he did ist. However, currently they offer no ties," Hoffman said. row-down a list of potential candidates, was really elevate the school of hu- • Yale University distribution or credit for most majors, Additionally. Wihl was instrumen- three to ten of whom will take part in a manities. I know it was a very hard and therefore, many students feel they tal in raising funds for the depart- comprehensive interview process, Quil- decision for him because he loves • Stanford University don't have the time to fit the extra work ment's S8o million campaign, which len said. Rice, he very much appreciates how into their schedules. Kaplan said. included an anonymous S20 million "1 wouldn't rule out the search being Rice has been supportive of him and • University of donation for new professorships in completed by the fall, but we won't rush he loves and all the programs he has "We finally decided to gather all the humanities, said Hubbard, who the search." she said. The most impor- helped create." these courses together and try and get • Columbia University Rice to establish it as a minor," he said. Henze said at the reception that • Duke University the establishment of a Jewish studies O WILSON program at Rice would put the uni- • University of Chicago FROM PAGE 1 versity on the same footing as other high-caliber universities. Henze told • Dartmouth College ways do things for students instead supported an array of student initia- was a vital part of Wiess. those at the reception that Rice was he was always the one to let students tives, from new lighting and sound sys- "It's impossible to be a Wiessman one of the few top 20 schools without • Northwestern University identify what they were interested tems for residential colleges to funding and not look at Dr. Bill as a grandfather such a program. or a brother or a teacher," Hudlow said. in and help them as they developed for Open Magazine. • Washington University in Kaplan admitted the obvious ini- "He was like the godfather of Wiess." those interests." "The gift really speaks to what Dr. St. Loius tial difficulties that will be faced in the Wilson is also remembered as an Hutchinson said Wilson's influence Bill was trying to do," Hudlow said. establishment of the new program, es- excellent teacher and active part of extended from Wiess across campus. "He always felt if you were there to of- • Cornell University pecially since Rice offers few minors, academic life at Rice. Hutchinson said Wilson helped both KTRU and RTV5 in fer a little bit of knowledge and physical and the trend is still relatively slow in Wilson won the George R. Brown Prize their fledgling stages. He lent his exten- help then the students of Rice could do • John's Hopkins University catching on with the students. The for Excellence in Teaching countless sive collection of audio equipment, now anything or be anything." Faculty Senate approved the creation times and was recognized twice by the housed in the "Dr. Bill" Closet at Wiess, After retiring in 2006, Wilson re- • Brown University of minors in Nov. 2005. If the Jewish Student Association as an outstanding to students for performances from Jam- mained an active member of Wiess. studies program continues forward, mentor at Convocation. fest to Jazz Nights. Hudlow said Wilson Gustin said Wilson, a huge supporter of • Emory University it will have to be approved by the Fac- Electrical and Computational Engi- would bring student bands to the re- theater who had helped students with ulty Senate before it can begin. • Vanderbilt University neering Technician Michael Dye said he cording studio at new Wiess and help the technical aspects of productions, remembered Wilson would bring a pot them record demos. remained on the Wiess listserve and Brown College sophomore William of coffee to his 8 a.m. class to motivate Alumna Sarah Wulf (Wiess '08) returned to assist Wiess with its 2008 Garcia enthusiastically recalls classes his students. said Wilson tirelessly archived every production of "Hello, Hamlet!" he took in The Literature of Evil, taught classes like these, especially if the "This was what he liked to do to moment at Wiess. Wilson had his own In order to keep in touch with stu- by Kaplan, and a class in German Jew- courses offer more useful credit. get his 8 o'clock class going because darkroom where he developed photo- dents, Wilson kept his own Facebook ish Literature and culture, taught by Lauren Henderson, a Will Rice Col- undergrads are not exactly the most graphs of events around the college to profile page. David Brenner, a professor from the lege senior, and former Hillel presi- functional at 8 o'clock in the morning," post on a board in the commons. He also "There probably aren't many University of Houston who came to dent, said she wished the program Dye said. had a set of three video cameras, which 70-year-olds on Facebook, but Dr. Bill Rice University for a semester. had been in place when she began her Wilson took on many leadership he used to tape virtually every show on was on there because it was sort of his "I walked into the class knowing studies at Rice. roles in the faculty, including acting as campus to make videotapes, CDs and nature," Maurer said. "He kept in touch absolutely nothing about Jewish cul- "If Rice had had a Jewish stud- « speaker of the Faculty Council in the DVDs for students to send home. with people and was very warm and in- ture, and because of David Brenner's ies program when I had applied, that * late nineties, chairing the curriculum "He showed up at almost every ac- viting. Even after he moved to Vermont, class, I feel I now have a unique definitely would have encouraged my committee and acting as chief marshall tivity, and he was everyone's number there was a Wiessman who went and understanding of how a culture in decision to come here, and I probably for Commencement. one fan," Wulf said. "It was really ex- crashed on his couch for a few days af- diaspora is able to maintain its iden- would have been at least a Jewish Wilson was involved in virtually ev- citing to be able to look on the wall ev- ter spending weeks biking." tity and what that identity may be," Studies minor," Henderson said. en- aspect of student life during his time ery week and know that new pictures Gustin said plans for a memorial Garcia said. Though Garcia is not Jew- She said she plans to continue her as a RA at Wiess. according to Gustin. would be up and be able to see what service for Wilson are underway. ish, he said would love to see more post-Rice studies at Rabbinical school. Former Wiess President Jon Har- students were up to and what hap- ris Maurer (Wiess '08) said Wilson was pened at Wiess." critical to accomplishing many of the In 2000, to celebrate Wilson's twen- A ONE-DAY COURSE IN AUSTIN AND HOUSTON projects around the college. tieth anniversary' as an RA, Wiess Col- "He was someone who was always lege Coordinator Nancy Letness said there and happy and excited to be a re- alumnus Keith Meehan (Wiess ^l) do- PRESENTING DATA AND INFORMATION source for students while letting them nated S100.000 to commemorate Wil- learn on their own." Maurer said. son, who requested the money be used given entirely by EDWARD TUFTE, author of four wonderful books Hutchinson said Wilson sought to to support innovative student projects give students the opportunities to de- that would improve undergraduate life on analytical design. Everyone taking the course receives all four books, velop leadership skills. at Rice. Other alumni matched Mee- including Tufte's latest book, Beautiful Evidence. "He did everything he could to han's gift, resulting in a $200,000 en- make those opportunities available." dowment for the Dr. Bill Wilson Student Hutchinson said. "Rather than al- Initiative Grant. The grant has since Eduwrd II I'uftC EDWARD R TUFTE VISUAL EXPLANATIONS y.\ m Envisioning Information v W H » - « V W tf U j* xv,.'n SECOND EDITION FQNDREN T 1 •+ -*• "IT The Visual Display x : / : '• Lib r a r y of Quantitative Information s. < • = ^ EDWARD H. Turn RICE UNIVERSITY

Fondren Library Research Awards The Fondren Library is pleased to announce new TOPICS COVERED IN EDWARD TUFTE'S ONE-DAY COURSE INCLUDE: awards funded by the Friends of Fondren Library fundamental strategies of information design use of PowerPoint, video, overheads, handouts for undergraduate and graduate students who evaluating evidence used in presentations multimedia, website design demonstrate extraordinary skill and creativity in the statistical data: tables, graphics, semi-graphics credibility of presentations business, scientific, legal, financial presentations application of library and information resources to animation and scientific visualizations original research and scholarship. This year, there effective presentations: on paper and in person complexity and clarity is one award of $1,000 and one honorable mention award of S500 for each category. For information THE ONE-DAY COURSE WILL BE OFFERED ON THREE SEPARATE DATES: about how to apply, please see http://library.nce.edu/ MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2009 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2009 research-awards. Hyatt Regency Austin Westin Oaks, Houston Individual or team projects in any subject area or TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2009 Special course rates for media will be eligible for consideration. Hyatt Regency Austin full-time students. For information about Edward Tufte's mnrco j . * FRIENDS OF , , . , ' u ,uucs c°uise, Presenting Data and Information, FONDREN LIBRARY or about the books, call 800 822-2454 or visit www.tufte com Graphics Press LLC Post Office Box 430 Cheshire. Connecticut 06410 FRIDAY, JANUARY 23,2009 THE RICE THRESHER NEWS Former Human Genome Project director blends faith, science

BY ANNA WILDE term BioLogos to describe his ideals, istries, InterVarsity Christian Fellow- THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF pointing to the Greek etymological ship, Reformed University Fellowship, roots of bios, life and logos, the Word. Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship, Rice To many, science and religion are Collins plans in the upcoming months Graduate Christian Fellowship, Can- polar opposites. Dr. Francis Collins, to unveil an informational Web site to terbury Episcopal Campus Ministry, former director of the Human Ge- share his ideas about the coexistence Houston Lutheran Campus Ministry nome Project and a devout Christian, of faith and science in the universe and Baptist Student Ministry. Church- hoped to dispel this notion of abso- that will reflect his created term. es in the Houston area, including St. lute separation by speaking to the Paul's United Methodist Church, Hous- Rice and Houston community at the if ton Chinese Church, First Presbyterian Veritas Forum Wednesday evening in Church, Houston and private donors the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Do you have to choose such as the John Templeton Founda- Management's Shell Auditorium. tion also contributed. Over 1,300 people attended the fo- [between the world- The Veritas at Rice planning com- rum, more than half of whom were Rice views of science or mittee consisted of campus and Hous- students and faculty. Five overflow sites religion]? Is it pos- ton-area ministers Andy Dennis, Billy were made available for those who were Crain, Brad Fuerst, Doug Lew, Chris not able to view the event in person. sible to find harmony Sneller, Josh Bell, Mike Karim, Peter Collins, who previously served as between the two? Ou, Emily Everett, Todd Bryant and co-director of the Human Genome Kurt Ritz. Sociology Professor Michael Project , related his work in science Dr. Francis Collins Lindsay, Martel College senior Collin to the development of his faith. His Former Director of Human Mueller and Brown College senior Abby book. The Language of God: A Sci- Genome Project Van Wyk were also part of the team. entist Presents Evidence for Belief, Collins, who had been serving on 99 which tells the story of his path from President Barack Obama's transition- atheism to Christianity, was pub- al team up until the inauguration, lished in 2007. The Veritas Forum was started in also shared his views on science and "Do you have to choose [between 1992 by students at Harvard Univer- public life at the James A. Baker III the worldviews of science or reli- sity to facilitate the pursuit of Veritas, Institute for Public Policy before the gion]?" Collins asked. "Is it possible which means "truth" in Latin, as en- Veritas Forum. to find harmony between the two? I couraged in the founding mission of Veritas was followed by a ques- argue that it is. To pick one over the the university, according to the Veritas tion-and-answer session moderated other is limiting when trying to an- Web site. This academic year the fo- by Sociology Professor Michael Emer- swer questions." rum has been active at 38 college cam- son and a reception and book signing Collins detailed his extensive puses in the United States, Canada, at the Raymond and Susan Brochstein educational and professional history Great Britain and the Netherlands. Pavilion. Follow-up discussion ses- while explaining his personal religious Rice previously hosted Veritas in sions were led by students at each background: a lack of concrete faith February 2002. The weeklong series college during dinner Thursday. until his late 20's. After gentle prod- was one of the longest in Veritas' his- For some attendees, Collins ac- ding from a patient about his religious tory, according to Dan Cho, executive complished his goal of not only open- beliefs, Collins sought out a Method- director of the Veritas Forum. About ing scientists' eyes to the importance ist minister neighbor who provided a year ago, Veritas and a team of of religion, but vice versa. him with the book that solidified, for campus ministers began planning "(The talk] made me seriously con- Collins, the undeniable existence of a shorter but more influential visit, sider the science aspect and alterna- God — C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity. with hopes of continued activity in tive to intelligent design," Jones Col- After Wednesday's talk, a free copy of the years following the event. lege junior Mary Grace Hager said. r ^ c > the book was made available to each "We want to be a catalyst to the For others, the Veritas Forum did 1 attendee bearing a Rice ID. community," Cho said. not solidify the connection of science Collins synthesized his views on He emphasized that the national and religion. evolution and creation in a light- Veritas Forum is not always involved "The speech didn't affect my reli- hearted manner. in follow-up events, but plans are al- gious views because I've never felt that JOEL KHAN/THRESHER "Evolution is God's plan for giving ready in the works for a solely Rice- science really absolutely disproves or rX" -A upgrades," he said. led Veritas event to take place next proves anything in that realm," Martel I sclent an, Dr. Francis Collins Collins argued that the tradi- year or the year after. College sophomore Miguel Quirch said. a tional term for this science-faith This forum was coordinated and "The speech did a decent job showing synthesis — theistic evolution — left funded by Rice University campus min- that science isn't an absolute factor in :> , *• n faith and a lot to be desired. He suggested the istries, including Agape Christian Min- proving or disproving religion."

CENTER FOR STUDENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

eer Expo January 28, 2009,11AM-4PM in the Grand Hall (RMC) Over 40 organizations participating* Bring copies of your resume Dress is professional or business casual

'See RICEIink for detailed list of employers FRIDAY, JANUARY 23.2009 8 NEWS THE RICE THRESHER Panel discusses current Israeli-Palestinian crisis in Gaza

BY CATHERINE BRATIC THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF

Despite their reputation for be- ing politically apathetic, over 300 Rice students joined community members in Herring Hall audito- rium last Thursday to learn more about the current Israeli-Palestin- ian crisis in the Gaza Strip, while another 150 were turned away due to fire codes. The conflict, which reached its peak over Rice's winter break, was the subject of a panel entitled "The Gaza Crisis," sponsored by the Rice Student Forum on Israeli-Arab Af- fairs, Hillel and the Muslim Student Association. In his introduction to the Q&A ses- sion, RSF1AA president Yan Digilov, who is also the Thresher sports editor, described the planning of the event as a result of a chance encounter when all three groups found themselves in the Raymond and Susan Brochstein Pavilion planning individual events on the topic. Despite the groups' differing back- grounds, Digilov said that they did not find collaboration challenging. "We found it remarkably simple to work together, to trust one anoth- er in the name of peace and collab- oration," Digilov said. "Today we send a message to the university, to the community, and to anyone who Audience members look on in last Thursday's panel, entitled "The Crisis in Gaza," where four professors discussed the merits and Inherent problems will listen: Not only should these hosted by the Rice Student Forum conversations take place, but they juxtaposed in the current Israeli-Gaza conflict. The discussion, followed by a round of questions from the crowd, was can and they will." on Israeli-Arab Affairs, Hillel and the Muslim Student Association. A six-month-long ceasefire be- tween the ruling countries of Israel and Palestine expired on Dec. 19. Ten Israeli soldiers and three Israe- situation at the panel which was mod- Israel's airstrikes as an overreaction. fundamentally alter what was at hand. Shortly thereafter, Palestine's rul- li civilians were killed in the opera- erated by Jill Carroll, director of the "This is a profoundly dispropor- "What remains is a decision of ing party, Hamas, began to launch tions, as well as 1,300 Palestinians. Boniuk Center for the Study and Ad- tionate reaction to what could have belligerence," he said. "We can rockets into the Israeli-controlled Both sides have been accused of vancement of Religious Tolerance. been legitimately framed as a vio- still accept the idea of an indepen- Gaza strip. In response to those war crimes by human rights organi- History assistant professor Dan- lation of laws of war," Cohen said. dent Jewish state, if anything be- attacks, Israel launched a series zations and the United Nations. iel Cohen discussed the situation "If I punch your nose, you're not cause it exists, and not agree even of air strikes against Hamas under Four professors presented their from a human rights perspective expected to burn down my house," for one second with what's going the codename Operation Cast Lead. differening perspectives on the in his opening remarks, describing he said. on today." § Timothy Fitzgerald, history lec- When asked to propose solutions I turer, said he believes that much for the region, the speakers had vary- of the confusion is a result of bias ing answers. Makdisi insisted that instilled by the media. Israel must first accept all of its citi- "There's an initial phase where zens, not just its Jewish members. there's a flare-up and reporting of "The only long term solution is proximate events, a flurry of activ- for Israel to become a state that guar ity, and it's relatively quickly estab- antees the equality of all its citizens lished that one party [Israel] is act- regardless of religious affiliation and ing in self-defense," Fitzgerald said. gives them equal rights," he said. He also objected to the common as- Kuperman demanded a bilateral sertion that the conflict was intractable. solution in order for ceasefires to "Some historians say in this part be lasting. of the world, people have always "The only way that international or been fighting - This offends me as ganizations succeed is if all of the par a historian," Fitzgerald said. "Any- ties are willing to cooperate," he said. one who takes even a cursory look "There are many Israeli Jews at the region can see how this can -- not a majority - there are many be denied. Arabs, there are many Americans, Ranan Kuperman, Alexander many people around the world who Visiting Scholar in Political Sci- do believe in a common vision of ence, sympathized with the need nonviolence and a nonexclusive Israel felt to defend itself. future," Makdisi added. "Once that Film your academics, the residential colleges, "The Gaza Strip, since it was message gets across around the created in 19/49, has always been world, things will be changed." a source of terror against Israel," After the event, some students sports, traditions, or another aspect of your Kuperman said. "The Israelis have and sponsors of Hillel lamented tried many ways to deal with (the that the event had not been more life—tell your digital story! problem posed by Hamas], and ev- impartial and better representative ery way that they tried has failed." of the Israeli perspective. Kuperman said Israel was forc ed "All of us at Rice really want to to resort to military actions to effec- know what is happening in Gaza," tively solve its problems. said Lauren Henderson, Hillel Reli- Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three 3-5 minutes videos, History professor Ussama Mak- gion and Education Chair and Will disi described Palestine's actions Rice College senior. "It's difficult to along with prizes for videos with a focus on: as an attempt to liberate themselves get to the bottom of the situation from the oppressive rule of Israel. when you're not hearing all sides of "(The Palestinians living in the the story." • Alternative Spring Break or civic engagement experience • Gaza Strip) have been occupied for However, Hillel did participate decades," he said. "They are living in the selection of speakers, and • Promotion of a residential college or student organization • in a ghetto. They have been deprived Henderson said that overall, they by any measure of anything resem- were pleased with the way the • Super-short (video under 30 seconds) • bling normal life." Given those situ- event turned out and hope to work ations, it was natural for them to re- together again soon. • Environmental or sustainability issues • act with force, Makdisi said. MSA president Shamoor Anis, • Academic or research work • "Palestinians naturally and un- meetingonceagain in the Brochstein derstandably resist the idea of Is- Pavilion with Hillel's Henderson, raeli domination and demand free- said the event achieved its goal. dom," he said. "The purpose of this event was Full details on the contest, including information on campus Following opening remarks from to tell people about the crisis in each of the speakers, the audience Gaza, and to increase awareness resources, is available at http://www.rice.edu/service. posed questions to the panel speakers. about the current crisis," Anis said. One person asked how the prin- "And I definitely think that people ciples of modern warfare had af- learned a lot about how it originat- Completed videos are due by Monday, April 6. fected the expectations of human ed, how Israel and the Palestinians rights in the conflict. justify their actions, and a consid Cohen responded that the erable amount about the conse- changing nature of warfare did not quences of this crisis." arts& ^ENTERTAINMENT 9 •: ft?."; A review of * the ratings

When my friends and I make plans to see a movie and wonder which shows are good, we often start by saying something like, "Well, the Thresher gave it four stars!" For us and other readers, the star rating is an easy way to learn something about a movie — or or game — without read- ing the review.

Brian Reinhart

For the critics assigned with writ- ing critiques, though, the number of stars can mean something entirely different. It can be a subjective rat- ing of the work's merits, a sign of BY FAHEEM AHMED like part of the action. are seriously good (read last week's review of The how much the author liked the work THRESHER STAFF My Bloody Valentine follows the tragic massa- Unborn), Lussier knows that the plot of this film or even a mathematical rubric of cre that takes place in the fictional mining town of is ludicrous and embraces it. The result is an ex- some kind. What relationship does It's official: Everything needs to be made into Harmony, where a deranged miner once murdered tremely entertaining horror movie. the numerical ranking have to the 3-D! Just like the groundbreaking innovations of 22 people on the eve of Valentine's Day. Ten years The murders are so violent that viewers may text of a written review? How do we movies with sound and color in the early 20th cen- later, Jensen Ackles ("Supernatural") returns to his actually find themselves chuckling in amazement. decide to hand out the stars? tury, 3-D technology is completely revolutionizing old town and the murders resume. Is the deranged Every 15 minutes, when audiences are thinking A review is an entirely subjec- the American cinema experience, and My Bloody miner back for revenge or is a copycat killer acting there is no way the murderer will be able to top tive affair, composed of paragraphs Valentine uses the technology admirably. in his place? his previous kill, he does. Highlights of the ridicu- upon paragraphs of somebody's Traditionally, 3-D has been reserved for adven- lously awesome kills include a shovel through a thoughts. No review is "correct" ture rides at Universal Studios or nature exhibits at girl's face, a pickaxe through an old dude's jaw and about anything, as movies rarely the IMAX, but now it has the potential to rejuvenate a midget speared into a ceiling tile. This is not the have objective, measurable mea 'is the incredibly stale and unoriginal horror genre. movie for people who are easily grossed out by fake on which to judge their success. Imagine a burning car crashing through the m blood and exaggerated gore. Instead, the reviewer's job is more flatscreen into your living room, a running back All in all, My Bloody Valentine delivers exactly difficult than imagined. One does t t diving across your coffee table or, hell, two girls My Bloody Valentine 3-D what it promises: a few authentic startles, loads of not simply judge art against an ob- making out on your leather sofa! 3-D movies are • • • gore and a tremendous amount of gratuitous female jective standard: rather, he or she I ft perfectly suited for the genre, and it is truly remark- nudity. The actors are decent enough, although a has to guess who will be interested able that other horror gurus never thought of film- more versatile actor than Ackles could have helped. in it and tell those people whether Starring: Jensen Ackles, Jaime King ing in three dimensions. Also, the use of 3-D animation shows the medium's or not they should be as well. My Bloody Valentine captivates the audience Released:Jan. 16 growing pains; in several instances it could have My own written reviews, there- from the moment the opening credits roll inches Rated:R been better utilized to scare the crap out of the au- fore, often divide time among a dis- from their faces. Bleeding hearts, gouged eyeballs, dience. The use of 3-D in My Bloody Valentine is a cussion of what exactly the work is splattered guts and flying pickaxes soar into the good start, however, and this technology will un- — an analysis of the merits of the theater, much to viewers' horror and delight. De- Right off the bat, it is obvious that director Pat- doubtedly catch flame in the horror industry. Let it work — and some sort of guess as to spite the fact that My Bloody Valentine uses the 3-D rick Lussier (Scream) made this movie purely for be shouted unto every corner of the kingdom: within its intended audience and whether as a gimmick to startle the audience, it completely fun and entertainment. Unlike other crappy horror 10 years, watching a movie in 2-D will be analogous it will satisfy expectations. What immerses viewers in the film and makes them feel movies that delude themselves into thinking they to watching a movie in black-and-white. role does the star rating play in all of this? For Roger Ebert, possibly the • • greatest film critic alive, the star Austin's Achachay making cold hot since 2008 rating is a message specifically di- rected at a film's target audience. Ebert uses his star rating to indicate BY JULIE ARMSTRONG along the way, Allen returned home violin and friend Aaron Stein- man on keyboard — the Thresher if the movie achieves its stated goals THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF guitarist. The band went on to win to Austin, Texas, to further his career KTRU's Battle of the Bands two years as a musician. That's when drummer enjoyed a brief interview with rather than to answer the much Who knew even Rice graduates in a row and even tour throughout Ryan Greenblatt and bassist Charlie Greenblatt, Allen and a pitbull ter- trickier question of whether or not • • could become rock stars? the United States in the summer of Carsey joined the story, creating rier named Denali. he actually liked it. Thus, despite Anyone acquainted with Rice 2007, chugging slowly across the Achachay (pronounced "ah-cha- their obvious buffoonery and low- alumnus Jordan Myska Allen (Sid continent in "Funkwagen von Tat- chai"), a funk rock group whose Rice Thresher: So how did you brow humor, Ebert gives Zack and '08) has been hearing that message kraft," their less-than-dependable MySpace profile claims they can guys get together? Miri Make a Porno and Paul Blart: for a while. Throughout his college tour van. "turn cold hot." The motto makes Ryan Greenblatt: Last year I Mall Cop top recommendation. career, the ebullient, long-haired Since his graduation nearly a year more sense in the context of the their moved to Austin after Tulane to For me, the star rating works in religious studies major persistently ago, Allen has continued strumming name, which is Ecuadorian slang for play music full-time, and Jordan the opposite way. (But I agree with proclaimed his desire to be a rock to the rhythm of his own guitar and "damn, it's freezing." came back from Central America to Ebert that Zack and Miri was terrif- star, even listing "roquerismo" has managed to pursue his dream. Before Achachay rocked Wil- do the same thing. We have this mu- ic.) Stars are an extremely subjec- as a second major on Facebook. After several months spent traveling ly's Pub last Thursday night — tual friend named Zack — like, we tive measure of exactly how much While most Rice students searched through Central and South America along with former Moxie member O see RATINGS, page 12 I liked something, regardless of any for internships and slaved in re- and making music with new friends Davies on guitar, Sid Richard- other criteria. search labs, Allen formed the funk son College junior Laura Liem on For example, when I reviewed rock band Moxie with Evan Da- the Paul McCartney album Electric vies (Brown '08), Andy Whitten SPACE Osee RATINGS, page 12 (Brown '07) and Aaron Taffett (Sid THROWING '08), acting as a lead vocalist and TITANIC Creating Space City, USA is an Come to 18 Hands Gallery ' « ~ „ v, JS •.,/,' ' • ongoing exhibit presented by tomorrow at 9 a.m. to watch Night of the Titanic is a 25-min- The Heritage Society in collab- CHILDREN Houston potter Albert Goldre- ute full-dome program now oration with the Johnson Space ich try to break the world re- showing at Burke Baker Plan- Center History Office and the Battle Play Set is Aram Nagle's cord for consecutive number etarium that uses computer University of Houston's Hous- parodic take on the Iraq War, of hours working at a potter's animation to put viewers on ton History magazine about using child-sized toy army men THE wheel (the current record is the deck of the Titanic dur- the early years of the manned to create an interactive, room- 17). All bowls thrown during ing its final moments. Stu- speceflight program and sized diorama. Gallery hours WEEKLY the event will be donated to dent tickets run $6. Check the Houston's role in its evolution. are Monday through Friday, to SCENE the Empty Bowls Program. museum Web site for all the Admission is free. Check the a.m. 5 p.m. and Saturday, 12-5 Admission is free. current showtimes. Web site for hours. p.m. Admission isfrae. Editors' picks for events outside the hedges, both 18 HANDS GALLERY MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE THE HERITAGE SOCIETY LAWNDALE ART CENTER around Rice and in the 249 W19TH STREET 1 HERMANN CIRCLE 1100 BAGBY STREET A 4912 MAIN STREET WWW. HERITAGESOCIETY. ORG WWW. LAWNDALEARTCEMTER. ORG Houston area, for this week- www. 18HANDSGALLERY. COM WWW.HMNS.ORG FRIDAY, JANUARY 23,2009 10 A&E THE RICE THRESHER Bride Wars' Hudson and Hathaway all fluff, no stuff

BY JACKIE AMNIONS learns that Liv prefers Vera Wang THRESHER STAFF couture and that it's Emma's life- long dream to wear her mother's « • Wedding movies are arguably wedding dress, tulle-filled tid- the ultimate form of chick flick, for bits such as "You don't alter Vera they are simultaneously romantic, (Wang] to fit you, you alter your- sentimental and funny. The newly- self to fit Vera!" just don't boil released Bride Wars puts a spin on down to telling the audience any- the stereotypical wedding plot by thing substantial about Liv's or capitalizing on the misfortunes of Emma's characters. , Chris During a season filled with seri- Pratt ous Oscar wannabes, Bride Wars Released: Jan. 9 is a relief from the overwhelmingly Rated: PG solemn films that have dominated Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway get into some serious shenanigans as Liv and Emma in the vapid Bride Wars. theaters recently.

U Narrated by famous New York wedding planner Marion St. Claire (The Women's ), Bride Wars is not Bride Wars doubles the typical wedding movie fun by present- your typical chick ing two weddings and two brides, flick. In fact, it is Emma (Rachel Getting Married's Anne Hathaway) and Liv (My Best not your typical the morning... Friend's Girl's Kate Hudson). The film, as audiences two best friends have dreamed of getting married in New York's Pla- usually don't ex- za Hotel in the month of June ever IF YOU'RE AN EARLY RISER... AND YOU NEED TO KNOW since they were little girls and have pect to see brides WHAT'S UP ON CAMPUS, finally found the right guys (Want- going absolutely ed's Chris Patt and "Reba'"s Steve * Howey) to complete their perfect nuts chasing each wedding pictures. There's just one other. problem: The wedding planner ac- cidentally books their ceremonies on the same day, and madness n • ensues from this fatal flaw in the brides' plans. Bride Wars is not your typical l> i# Conceptually, Bride Wars is abso- chick flick. In fact, it is not your lutely ridiculous. The film's plot re- typical film, as audiences usually lies heavily on Emma and Liv's cat- don't expect to see brides going ab- fights, the locations of which range solutely nuts chasing each other, from a male strip club to the two unless it's on the reality television brides' actual wedding ceremonies in series "Bridezilla." While Bride the Plaza Hotel. Although it belongs Wars is a reprieve from the more to the romantic comedy genre that serious films released recently, it targets girls and women. Bride Wars is still not that funny: rather, Bride steers away from the witty dialogue Wars lacks the intelligence to be usually found in romantic comedies witty, resulting in strained, slap- HA VE THE LA TES T NEWS RIGHT IN YOUR INBOX and instead reduces itself to the kind stick comedy that unsuccessfully WAITING FOR YOU... of physical, slapstick fights typical tries to have two classy actresses * • of children's movies. Hudson and Hathaway — play In addition to this juvenile, unclassy characters. This failed one-dimensional backdrop, Hatha- attempt at comedy denies Bride way and Hudson's characters have Wars any true credibility or real no substance. While the audience appreciation from audiences. • •

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 23,2009 A&E THE RICE THRESHER 0 RATINGS KTRU review-in-brief: » % FROM PAGE 9

Arguments ("Electric Arguments eclectic but electrifying," Jan. 9), I The Crying Light really disliked five of the 13 songs last album, with such lyrics as "One BY ROSE CAHALAN on the CD. Those five tunes amount day I'll grow up, I'll be a beautiful THRESHER STAFF to a whopping 31 minutes — exactly woman, / but for today I am a boy. half the length of the album! Simply Every week at KTRU, eager DJs Now his thematic focus has shift- doing a mathematical breakdown scribble out short reviews of music's ed from questions of the body to of music I like and dislike, I would cutting-edge . KTRU's Music those of the earth, with landscape need to give Electric Arguments a 50 Department uses these reviews to imagery recurrent in The Crying percent rating, or 2.5 stars. Instead, judge the quality of the albums it re- Light. The first track, "Her Eyes are 1 assigned it a near-perfect score of BR Allen, Liem and Davies show Willy's some acoustic love on Thursday. ceives and to provide information for Underneath the Ground," sets the 4.5. Why? the DJs who play them. Each week, a album's prevailing tone of loss and The purpose of this high rating DJ polishes one of these reviews so rebirth by putting a modern spin was to communicate three things: that KTRU's riches can shine for the on the Persephone myth. "Another (1) I am really, really happy to own World," which envisions a wistful Q ACHACHAY the CD; (2) I don't care that there larger Rice community. FROM PAGE 9 goodbye to a barren planet, would are some crappy songs, because Where has singer-songwriter have fit well on the soundtrack of both know him really well — who called the Ho Bus, because "H" the good ones buoy the album in Antony Hegarty been since rocket- Wall-E: "I'm gonna miss the birds, introduced us. and "0" were all that was left of awesome fashion; and (3) Electric ing to indie stardom with 2005's / singing all their songs / I'm gonna Jordan Allen: We met and just "SCHOOL." Arguments is superb, warts and all. Am a Bird Now, an almost complete- miss the wind, been kissing me clicked. We started jamming to- JA: Her wiring is a little shitty. In other words, the 4.5 out of 5 rat- ly unknown record that beat out so long," croons Antony wistfully. gether and ended up playing a Every time we have to start the car, ing says, "I only liked half of the big names like Coldplay and Bloc Chamber arrangements by avant- 20-minute song. That was at the Ryan turns the key while I pour songs, but I still thought this was Party to win the United Kingdom's classical composer Muhly aug- end of August. starter fluid into the engine and an amazing album, so you should prestigious Mercury Prize? One an- ment the vocals with lush touches think "Please, God, don't let it ex- buy it anyway." Thresher: Ryan, what's your swer comes in a song title from his of strings and woodwinds while plode and rip off my arm." Gamespot.com, a video game re- history with music? new release The Crying Light: "An- managing not to smother them. In- RG: She can run on vegetable view site, has a review breakdown RG: 1 grew up in Houston, and I've other World." This album sounds stead, each mirrors the other, as in oil, but we have a problem with the in which they rate games on a scale been playing drums since 1 was eight. as ghostly and distant as an alien the title track when violin vibrato solenoid. of 1-10 in categories like game dif- I had older friends who were into transmission — but its emotional and Antony's trembling voice seem Thresher: I like to think cliches ficulty, graphics, sound effects and music, and they all had their own in- register feels entirely human. for a moment to meld into one oth- struments. Drums were what was left. are cliche for a reason, so I have to so on. The reviewer then plugs the erworldly instrument. My dad kind of thought it would be ask: What does music mean to you? numbers into a calculator and re- If all of this makes the album a phase, but it's been 14 years now. I Why is it important? ceives a strict mathematical aver- sound a bit sentimental, that's played in rock and jazz bands in high JA: Music should be a way for age as the game's overall score. because it is. Antony's style is un- school and in the Tulane Jazz Combo. people to enjoy and share each But there is an additional category: ashamedly dripping with emotion, And if you asked me whether I'd rath- other's thoughts, movement and "tilt." This is the place for the re- and at 59 meandering minutes, The er be blind or deaf, I'd definitely say energy, and it needs to change with viewer to adjust the final rating if Crying Light requires patience. blind. Music is such a big part of my society. As cultures change, they're the mathematical average seems The Crying Light life, I'm the guy who doesn't notice putting out new messages. We unfair. For instance, if you play a But his voice alone may be when the light turns green because I'm evolve and grow, and music should game with terrible graphics (say, Artist: Antony & The enough to keep listeners mesmer- messing with my iPod. be growing and evolving, too. a 4 out of 10) and no sound at all Johnsons ized. Antony synthesizes male and female qualities to sing with equal Thresher: Do you feel over- Thresher: Will Rice senior Allee (0 out of 10), but it's your favorite Label: Secretly Canadians measures of power and vulnerabil- whelmed as young musicians in Rosenmayer asked The National, thing ever, and you don't want to Release: Jan. 19 ity, and the result is something with Austin? and it's only fair that I ask you. give it a really low rating, you'd add which everyone can identify. He JA: I think we have an advantage What is your spirit animal? a high "Tilt Value" (say, a 9 or a 10) displays marvelous range in "Shake because we're a different genre than JA: I'd say I want to be an imagi- to skew the final average. That Devil," a mournful ballad that usual. There's a lot of country rock nary animal, but I also want to ex- I view star ratings as my "tilt." Hegarty, the singular force be- grows into a bluesy breakdown, and and indie rock, but there aren't that ist. I used to like wolves and foxes. They reflect not just my subjective hind Antony & The Johnsons, is again in the propulsive, electric- many rock funk bands. And we've had I like wolves because they're in- view of where a work falls on an himself a study in contrast: Despite guitar fueled "Aeon," in which he good luck with shows, we've played dependent, but they also travel in arbitrary scale but also my attempt a towering physical presence, he sings soprano, growls and shouts, with some great musicians. There are packs, they're social. to clarify my bottom-line personal has a nimble, octave-hopping voice > all in under five minutes and with- a lot of opportunities. The only prob- RG: I've been told I evoke the opinion ofthe work. If I devotesome that has evoked comparisons to » out ever seeming insincere. While lem is that Austin musicians can be wolf. Maybe because I'm hairy. I re- space to praising the good parts of soul goddess Nina Simone. Perhaps few performers today possess such flaky and never get back to you. ally like that TV On The Radio song, a really bad movie, or vice versa, I the only transgender musician to chameleon-like versatility, fewer Thresher: Could you give an ex- "Wolf Like Me." The video is sweet. will use the star rating to set a base- gain a relatively mainstream fol- still can channel so many traits ample of one of your songs? JA: I think I could also be a dol- line. The written review is all about lowing, he focused on finding an while remaining genuine — and JA: "Rock People" is a groovy jam. phin, or an elephant. Dolphins are introducing a work of art, discuss- authentic self while rejecting the that makes Antony a rare bird. "Rock people go to the mall wear- smart, caring and frequently naked. ing its merits and flaws and maybe conventional gender binary in his ing suspenders. / Rock people shop Thresher: Anything else you'd even analyzing its meaning. In the at The Gap. / Rock people are bad like to say? Are you recording? Got star rating, all that talk about the lovers, / ask Jenny, she knows. / Rock any shows coming up? work's value gives way to a much KTRU TOP 35: WEEK OF 1.18.2009 people rarely call you back." RG: We'd like to record an EP simpler question: did I like it? pure ear gravy. 100% viscous. Our other song on MySpace is sometime in the next couple of called "Why So Serious?" At some months, but we want to have the Brian Reinhart is a Wiess College artist point I'd really like to cover "Jizz In facilities to do a good job, so we're sophomore. album label various My Pants." Or the entire Chili Pep- trying to save money for that. radio myanmar (burma) sublime frequencies JA: We do have some shows fight bite pers album Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Editor's note: In the midst of so emerald eyes self-released Thresher: So who plays what? coming up. We're playing on Jan. 29 many opinions on the purpose and golden cities golden cities esotype records at the Red Eyed Fly in Austin. We've accuracy of the star ratings, many JA: I play guitar and do most of tobacco fucked up friends anticon the singing and songwriting. Casey played there twice before, but this'll of which have made their way to the veil vagranz funckarma n5md plays bass. Ryan usually sticks to be our first Thursday show, which is ears of A&E, the Thresher realizes menahan street band make the road by walking dunham drums and back-up vocals, but to- more like playing a weekend show. the demand for a revised system. kuti, femi day by day mercer street night he's singing lead on a song for Also, you should vote for us in the We're working on it as we type, but kevin ayers what more can i say... reel the first time. Austin Chronicle's "Best of Austin" it's a confusing process, and we'd the complete studio record- online poll! It closes on Jan. 31. love your input! Please feel free to mars no more records Thresher: How do you guys get ings: nyc 1977-1978 write a Letter to the Editor or to con- around? Has Jordan found a re- gang gang dance saint dymphna the social registry You can check out Achachay tact us at [email protected] placement for the Funkwagen? lines, the flood bank acute records online at myspace.com/achachay. with any ideas you may have. RG: We have an old school bus pumice quo soft abuse fulton, m..clark, tim, 2 minute film noir lopez, torn zbs audio calypsoul 70: Caribbean various soul & calypso crossover 1969-1979 strut hearts of animals cave lights artstorm records @522® d| baba James the house of good juju funketabla pinhas, richard & merzbow keio line cuneiform 09 church ofthe ghetto p.c. asphodel sugar minott dance hall showcase vol ii wackie's Ugeti, lukas afrikan machinery tzadik various bollywood steel guitar sublime frequencies presto state ofthe art concrete grooves oculous sinister oculous sinister s/r drunk with the old man of nurse with a wound the mountains jnana records group doueh guitar music from the west- ern Sahara sublime frequencies Chips & Drink yasushi miura magnitude no. 8 karidome alva noto With purchase ot anv medium unitxt raster-notion various doubledown merck sandwich or pizza eden & john's east After 3 p.m. everyday river string band some coid rainy day east river records sorrels, rosalie strangers in another country red house Stew your RICE ID y Bringtms jd in another world secretly Canadian OHM* mmm ayresol, thomas hell level self-released dj sun para alternate take Sid junior Laura Liem, who played with Moxie in earlier days, 1 mlsistfcalRka i»*d 1 tite rrrh it IN K'Xi IWTl !«w: various bachata roja: acoustic bacha- returns to the stage for some joyful fiddling with Achachay. ; ta from the cabaret era iaso ivv Wfn'ltrimrf Moiitrcwf 7l MZMIVJ j-Uve then what happened? barely breaking even » SPORTS 13 Men's track team starts season with key win Strong performances from freshmen and upperclassmen alike spur Rice to victory over UTSA, Houston

by Jonathan Myers freshmen by far were Chaney and little shaky, but overall he seemed THRESHER STAFF Shurbet. They just had super starts. to be ready to challenge Baker for That's really great of Shurbet to run dominance in the event. If you witnessed last Friday's sub-50 on that track." Looking ahead to the rest of the Leonard Hilton Invitational at the But Rice did not win the meet season, Warren took the same men- University of Houston, you would just on the backs of the new faces for tality to track as he had with the cross have watched a men's track and the Owls also had excellent efforts country team, highlighting a win at field meet that was a competition in from some sophomores. Chris Kato the conference meet as the main goal name only. Rice used incredible in- took home second place in the pole for the team. dividual performances in all events vault with a vault of 15*7", and fel- "The only meet we need to make to earn an impressive 82.25-point low vaulter Garrett Stafford rose 15*1" a statement at is conference [set to win, easily besting the University to finish in fourth. Meanwhile, Clay begin Feb. 27 at Houston's Yeoman of Texas-San Antonio's runner-up Baker won the individual title in the Fieldhouse]," Warren said. "We'll total of 68.25 and Houston's third- shot put by throwing for 52'6", and definitely run everybody that's place grab of 65.25. Ugo Nduaguba had a triple jump of healthy at the Frank Sevigne Clas- Head coach Jon Warren (Jones 49*2" to finish second, even though sic [in two weeks in Neb.j and at the '88) said even though Houston's he only took three jumps due to a Texas A8(M Invitational [in three showing was incomplete, the same "minor twinge" in his leg, according weeks at College Station, Tex.]." was true for Rice. to Warren. In the meantime, the squad "We had a couple of our 800-me- The upperclassmen also pro- will pick up some athletes from nrm: ter guys not run, as well as some vided excellent results for the team the football team to fill its need at heptathletes," Warren said. "Overall, with a couple familiar faces from short distance events. Juniors Chris we ran most of our team, and those the men's cross country team scor- Douglas, John Welch and possibly that did compete did pretty well." ing big points. Senior Justin Max- Ahmad Sweeney, all wide receivers The amazing effort put forth by well turned in a first place finish or defensive backs, will look to run the freshmen continued to impress in the 5,000km run with a time of the loom and 200m events, while Warren. The several standouts in- 15:02, while junior Simon Bucknell lanky freshman punter Kyle Mar- cluded Clayton Chaney, who ran won the mile in 4:16. tens will have a go at the high jump. the 60m hurdles in 8.13 seconds to Warren said he felt that these Martens' best jump in high school finish third, Collin Shurbet, who three were Rice's top performers. was 6'6", and he finished fifth in finished fourth in the 400 with a "Obviously the best performanc- the high jump at the South Dakota time of 49.08, and Jack Spinks, who es were the winners in Bucknell state meet his junior year. had a solid high jump of 6 feet, 4.25 (and] Maxwell," Warren said. "It The Owls will hope to maintain inches. was an impressive win, a very good their momentum when they partici- "It was the first indoor meet of start for us across the board." pate in the Houston Indoor Invita- their lives for most of them, and Alex Zinchenko, a freshman from tional on January 30, but if their sea- obviously the first college meet of Lisbon, Portugal, arrived on campus son's beginning is any indication, the their lives, so they definitely per- before the start of the semester and run-up to the conference meet will Junior Justin Maxwell runs to the finish in the 5,000m on the way to a win, ' med well given the circumstanc- threw the shot put for the first time require little more than fine-tuning hetping the Owls take first at last Friday's Leonard Hilton Invitational. es,'' Warren said. "The two best on Friday. His technique appeared a for this well-oiled machine. > Initial women's meet brings two provisional times by Natalie Clericuzio year in May...it's quite an opening," respectively. Mericle improved upon THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF Bevan said. "Even more impressive is her starting mile time by 12 seconds, there's always fine-tuning that goes while Williams earned a lifetime best After winning both the conference on in field events and there's a lot by 9 seconds. Sophomore Allison Pye indoor and outdoor championships last more that she's capable of." rounded out the top five with a fifth- season, as well as earning a N0.1 rank- Bevan credited Ince's great im- place finish of 5:01. ing in Conference USA, the women's provement to several factors, includ- The mile was not the only strong track and field team entered the 2009 ing maturity, technical soundness, event for the distance runners. Soph- season with plenty of expectations. and better overall athleticism. omore Becky Wade, who spent most With a win in their first meet of The other Rice competitor who of the cross-country season sidelined the season last Friday, where they completed a provisional qualifying with injury and illness, won the defeated the University of Texas mark was senior Lennie Waite, who 5,000km with a time of 17:25. Fresh- and the University of Houston, pe- won the mile with a time of 4:48. man Michaela Reynolds also ran well rennial track and field powerhous- Bevan said Waite's season-open- in the event, finishing fifth overall es, the Owls proved they could still ing time was the fastest he could in 18:03, her second-best time in her outmuscle the best. remember during his 25-year tenure career. In the Leonard Hilton Memo- at Rice. Bevan noted that Wade's strategy rial Invitational at Houston's Yeoman "[Waite] came to the sport a little served her well in the race. Fieldhouse, Rice began its indoor late, so she's a little more mature, "Becky's where she was last year season with excellent performances she's a better athlete, [and] she knows she got through all of her problems in several events. what to expect," Bevan said. "She's in the fall and she ran with other run- Perhaps most impressively, soph- very fit and she's worked very hard ners for two miles and then ran as omore Ari Ince won the pole vault over the last year." hard as she could for the last mile," with a provisional qualifying vault Because she has been around as Bevan said. "She put 15 seconds be- and lifetime best of 3.95 meters. This long as she has, Waite said Yeoman tween her and the next runner in the jump marked a nine-inch improve- Fieldhouse has become familiar last mile. That was her strategy." ment on her previous best vault, and territory. Perhaps the best display of team- continues the strong Rice tradition "I feel like I'm at home in the mile, work by the distance runners came in pole vaulting begun by All-Amer- especially at the Houston stadium, in the distance medley relay. Fresh- . • I icans Beth Henshaw (Wiess '04) and because we have raced there so many man Sophie Peeters began the race Rachel GrefT. times," Waite said. "I walk in there, for Rice, finishing near the middle Ince's performance impressed and 1 have a routine, and I know what of the pack. In the 400m-leg, junior ARIEL head coach Jim Bevan, especially to do, and I'm really comfortable on Britney Blodget maintained the considering it took place indoors. their track and running there." Owls' place. Junior Brittany Wash- Sophomore Ari Ince clears the bar while pole vaulting last weeked "When you consider it wasn't out- Waite was not the only Owl to ex- ington ran a strong 800m for the Owls, passing two competitors near at the University of Houston. Ince's vault of 3.95m was a nine-inch doors with tailwind, and it was the cel in the mile. Juniors Nicole Mericle first meet of the year, [and[ she hasn't and Britany Williams finished second the handoff of the baton. improvement over her previous personal best, set last season. vaulted [in competition] since last and third with times of 4:55 and 4:57, O see TRACK, page 14

Sunday, January 25 Friday, January 30 Men's Basketball vs. East Carolina 1 p.m. — Tudor Fieldhouse Women's Basketball vs. Southern Miss Swimming vs. Houston, New Orleans 2p.m. — Tudor Fieldhouse 5 p.m. — Baton Rouge, La. Wednesday, February 4 Women's Tennis vs. Sam Houston St. Men's Track at Houston Women's Basketball vs. Houston • 1:30 p.m. - Jake Hess Tennis Stadium All Day — Yeoman Fieldhouse on UH campus 7 p.m. — Tudor Fieldhouse Wednesday, January 28 Saturday, January 31 Wednesday, February 18 UpcominOWLOOg SportsK Men's Basketball vs. Tulane Women's Track at Houston Men's Basketball vs. UTEP 7p.m. — Tudor Fieldhouse All Day —Yeoman Fieldhouse on UH campus 7p.m. — Tudor Fieldhouse FRIDAY, JANUARY 23,2009 14 SPORTS THE RICE THRESHER Seniors honored versus SMU in season's only home meet (9 by Tracy Dansker it was almost a little surreal. I never 9.42 seconds. She was the only Rice THRESHER STAFF thought this day would come." swimmer to win an individual event With all of the team wanting to against the Mustangs. The faux wooden wall was paint- swim especially well at home, the Warner, a fellow distance swim- ed with an artistic array of owls, Owls put together some impressive mer, also had a strong swim in the the windows were decorated with races but fell to Southern Method- 500-yard freestyle and took second balloons and the fans were on their ist University last Friday. Ranked place with a time of 4:58.45. Sopho- feet, cheering and waving signs. 18th in the nation, the Mustangs more Ashten Ackerman grabbed Maybe it was because it was the lone took first place in 12 out of the 14 third place in the 100-yard breast- home swim meet of the season or races, racking up a total score of stroke with a season-best time of maybe it was because it was the last 167 points to Rice's 93. 1:07.21. In addition, freshman Al- swim meet at Rice pool. But without However, the score does not re- lison Godbe swam a season-best a doubt, the support and loud atmo- flect the entirety of Rice's effort. in the 200-yard individual medley, sphere was due in part to honor the For the past two years, Rice and finishing second in 2:09.20. In the team's graduating seniors who have SMU have fought it out at Confer- 200-yard butterfly, sophomore Erin contributed endless amounts of en- ence USA championships for the Mattson also had an impressive thusiasm and talent over the past conference title, with Rice placing second place finish. Rice ended the four years. second both times. Friday's dual night on a high note by taking first After this season, Natalie Kirch- meet setup highlights the discrep- place in the 200-yard freestyle re- hoff, Diane Gu, Skylar Craig, Jenni- ancy between the two teams - Rice lay, swam by Gu, Craig, Miller and fer Hill, Carlyann Miller and Caitlin has depth, but SMU has star swim- junior Pam Zelnick. Warner will trade their Speedos mers that consistently snatch the Delaloye said she believed that for business suits. With the help top spots in races. the team swam well but was not in of head coach Seth Huston and as- Hallmark said she felt that de- peak condition for a meet due to sistant Jada Hallmark (Sid '01), the spite Rice's strong performances, training schedules. underclassmen successfully pulled the style of the meet did not show- "I think we could have done bet- off a fabulous ceremony for their case the team's accomplishments. ter as a team, but we were pretty seniors. "We had some really good swims tired going into it," Delaloye said. "I Kirchhoff said the senior cer- and we had other people who were think we can definitely step it up." emony, replete with a teammate- definitely showing that they were kind Rice's first opportunity to rebound lined tunnel and bouquets of flow- of torn down from training," Hallmark will come with a two-day, triple-dual ers, was like a dream. said. "We hung in there and raced meet against Louisiana State Univer- -"'Si! ~ "Senior recognition was a lot well, but the times didn't reflect that." sity and the University of Houston in of fun," Kirchhoff said. "It felt like Despite the loss, a few Owls had Baton Rouge, La., on January 30th. deja vu - I remember when we hon- standout performances. Freshman This will be the third time the Owls LAUREN SCHOEFFLER/THRESHEB ored the class three years ahead Nicole Delaloye destroyed her pre- have faced the Cougars, having lost of us, and then two years ago, and vious best time in the 1,000-yard both times, and they are hoping to then Brittany [Massengale] last freestyle by almost 20 seconds, finish the season with at least one Sophomore Ashten Ackerman swims the 200-yd breakstroke during year, and now it was our turn and winning the event in 10 minutes, win against their crosstown foes. Friday's swim meet against SMU at R>r<» Pool. The race was the only home meet of the season and the final rt eet held at Rice Pool. • • Rice grad student places OTRACK FROM PAGE 13

11th at Houston marathon Taking the baton for the final time in the 60m hurdles in 8.73, fin- • I • 1600, Mericle began to pull away. ishing in sixth place. • I by jonathan Myers After 1000 meters, she had caught The weight throwers - junior Ka- THRESHER STAFF up with the Houston leader, and for tie Dollinger, sophomore Tina Rob- the rest of the run she continued inson and freshman Brittany Brown Most undergraduates at Rice do to pull away. Mericle's anchor leg - all improved on their lifetime bests. not venture into the dark bowels be- brought the Owls a first-place finish Dollinger reached her first final of her neath Keck Hall that house Valhalla, with a time of 12:10, ahead of run- career with a throw of 11.23 meters. • I the graduate student pub. We all ners from Houston and the Univer- Finally, the 4x400m relay team surmise that amidst the crazy paint- sity of Alabama-Birmingham. showed promise for improvement ings on the wall and the loud music The other first-place finish for upon last season. The team was pumping against the walls, some Rice came in the 800m. Freshman missing Washington, as Bevan of America's brightest graduate Keltie John ran a lifetime indoor wanted her to rest and not overex- students are sharing a beer or two, best of 2:13. Waite followed John tend herself in her first meet of the discussing ideas far beyond under- closely, finishing in 2:14. year. However, the team still fin- • I graduate comprehension. Junior Shakera Reece started ished fourth overall with a time of What undergraduate students do her sprint season well, finishing 4:00.44. not know, however, is that there is an third in the bom in a time of 7.52, Overall, Bevan said that the meet elite runner among them. Colin Car- a lifetime best and a high finish was a good first of the season. roll is his name, a native Connecti- between two strong Texas sprint- "I was very pleased," Bevan cuter who rises every day at 5:30 a.m. ers. Washington, who ran in the said. "It's nice when you win a and runs loops around the Buffalo distance medley relay, also ran the meet. Even though this wasn't very Bayou. At the Chevron Houston Mara- 400m and finished third just under much about team scoring, we did thon last Sunday, his time of 2:30:26, a minute in 58.64. Sophomore Sar- beat Texas, Houston, UAB and Lou- was good enough for a i3th-place fin- ah Agara placed third in the triple isiana Tech, four good schools.... ish overall, 11th among men and the jump, with a length of 38'9.5". Last- The biggest things are we came out fastest by any Texas resident. ly, sophomore Kimberly Stanford of the meet pretty healthy, we won The winner of the marathon was started her year off with a stronger the meet [and] we competed hard." Ethiopan Deriba Merga with a time (I of 2:07:52, who finished fourth in the marathon at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and led all runners through the PR A CLOSER LOOK: firt hour and 45 minutes of the race in Colin Carroll, a mathematics graduate student, ran the fastest time by a LlU Women's Track Results from Leonard Hilton Beijing. Not bad company to run with. Despite hanging with some of the Texas resident in last Sunday's Houston marathon, finishing in 2:30:26. Event 1st Place 2nd Place fastest runners in the world at the <> marathon, Carroll candidly admitted 60m 7.39, Anderson (UT) 7.49, Stewart (UT) that this was his first marathon. Despite his long history in run- crap," Carroll said. 200m 24.96, Darrington fTSU) 25.56, Prentiss (JSU) "I've done some half marathons ning, each of the 26 miles in the race But not everyone was as support- and other long road races, but this was nerve-wracking for Carroll. ive. When he was approaching the 13- 400m 58.09, Scruggs (UAB) 58.12, Taylor (SH St) mile mark, Carroll asked for people was my first marathon last Sunday," "With the field that was run- 800m 2:13.95, John (Rice) 2:14.99, Waite (Rice) Carroll said. ning, it would have been a stretch in the crowd to call out the time, as 1600m 4:48.00, Waite (Rice) Despite his lack of entries into to finish in the top 50 of a half mara- there was no clock at the mark. He re- 4:55.41, Mericle (Rice) marathons, Carroll is no greenhorn thon," Carroll said. "I found myself called humorously one retort from a 5000m 17:25.53, Wade (Rice) 17:40.10, john (UAB) > t§ to serious running. He ran through- behind the lead women at the start, member of the crowd. 60m hurdles 8.34, Adigun (UH) 8.59, Cobb (La. Tech) out high school and continued during as well as the men. It was hard to "He told me that it doesn't matter his years at Williams College in Wil- figure out how and where to pass, what time it is, you're still 10 minutes 4x400 relay 3:49.75, la. Tech 3:51.17, UT liamstown, Mass., where he earned but it was weird to feel great at the behind the leader," Carroll said. DMR 12:10.58, Rice 12:17.40, UH his undergraduate degree in 2007. He beginning (and] know you're still After his experience in his first mar- High Jump vowed to continue to run while at Rice going too fast." athon, Carroll plans to continue run- 1.91m, Hooker (UT) 1.75m, Hancock (TSU) as a graduate student in mathematics, The pro-Rice crowd and the sup- ning marathons. He signed up for the Pole Vault 3.95m, Ince (Rice) 3.45m, Mathews (TSU) though he thinks it is impossible to port in Rice Village helped Carroll Marathon on April 20, which Long Jump 5.91m, Malone (UT) run hills around here. keep up his pace as well as his spirits. will provide him plenty of hills. No mat- 5.76m, Ogunniyim (UH) Triple |ump "I just like getting out and run- "I could see some people from ter what challenges may present them- 12.15m, Williams (La. Tech) 11.83m, Gates (TS) ning off stress," Carroll said. "When Rice, as well as some people from selves, Carroll's success Sunday sug- Shot Put 16.07m, Brown (UT) 14.33m, Pulliam (UH) you run for that long of a time, and the math department that came gests that he will meet these with the Weight Throw for that far, the only thing to train for out, which is great when you're same vim and vigor he showed at the 19.33m, Marshall (SFA) 17.53m, Brown (UT) is a marathon." just running along, feeling like Houston marathon. FRIDAY, JANUARY 23,2009 THE RICE THRESHER SPORTS 15 WOMEN'S TENNIS 2009 Owls start the second part of their season as underdogs, but hope that their spot in the rankings is meant to be closer towards top

Freshman Ana Guzman (left) and junior Julie Chao (right) upset the seventh seed squad from UT last semester.

by Prem Ramkumar them. We just have to go out each the upset against seventh seed Da- FOR THE THRESHER day, just play our game, and keep vidson and Larsson from the Uni- improving." versity of Texas. In singles, Guz- The Owls kick off their spring sea- The fall 2008 season began with man and Braid downed UT's players 9 son after a strong showing this past the Midland Collegiate Invitational Zein-El-Abdin 6-1, 7-5 and Julie Wie-

fall under new head coach Elizabeth from Oct. 10-12 in Midland, Texas. gard 6-4, 6-4. LAUREN SCHOEFFUR/THRESHEft w Schmidt. The 68th best program in Chao, Braid, Lin and Guzman all "The biggest thing I took from the nation looks to improve upon won their opening rounds in the the fall season is that we have a Junior Rebecca Lin goes up for a serve against Lamar on Jan. 16. their ranking this year and earn a first tournament of the year. Guz- great group of girls who want to go bid to the prestigious NCAA tourna- man particularly stood out because out and compete," Schmidt said. ment behind the leadership of junior she nearly pulled off the upset "They go out and do the best they A Julie Chao and seniors Emily Braid against fifth seed Madeleine Geibert can. Each tournament they got bet- n WOMEN'S and Rebecca Lin. of Nebraska, losing 2-6, 6-2, 1-0 (5). ter and better, which is great to see TENNIS SCHEDULE Last season, women's tennis Soon after, the Owls moved on as a head coach. We always talk LJ went 17-5 and finished as the 64th to the Holiday Inn Astrodome Rice about being strong in the face of ad- Date Opponent Location best team in the nation after start- Classic from Oct. 17-19 at Jake Hess versity, whether it is a hurricane or ing at 74. The Owls have room to Stadium where Chao, Lin, Braid a worthy opponent." 1/16/09 Lamar Jake Hess Tennis Stadium and sophomore Varsha Shiva- improve this year after a season The team is improving both on 1/17/09 Texas A&M- Corpus Christi Galleria Athletic Club A that did not meet their expecta- Shanker all reached the singles and off the court. Off the court, the tions. The semifinal matchup in the championships in their respective women went on a retreat to an alum- 1/24/09 University of Texas Austin, Texas Conference USA Championships on flights. All but Chao, who lost a 6-1, ni ranch where team bonding be- 1/25/09 Sam Houston State Jake Hess Tennis Stadium April 19, resulted in a close 3-4 loss 6-3 decision to Lee College's Ana came the unspoken goal. With team to the 50th ranked Marshall, but the Veselinovic in Flight 1, left with a chemistry improving daily, the Owls 1/31/09 UT - Arlington Jake Hess Tennis Stadium team still managed to have its best singles championship. The success are putting together the important 2/01/09 Texas State Jake Hess Tennis Stadium season since 1983. in this tournament demonstrated pieces to form a cohesive unit. 2/06/09 Saint Mary's Moraga, Calif. £ Elizabeth Schmidt took the helm the high talent level and resilience Though Schimdt said that team of the tennis team after the resigna- the Owls possess. unity is important, tennis is a sport of 2/07/09 Fresno State Fresno, Calif. tion of storied coach Roger White. individuals. One of the team's key play- 2/11/09 Prairie View A&M Jake Hess Tennis Stadium Schmidt is a previous player for the ers is Chao who has been pre-ranked a Lubbock, Texas University of California-Los Ange- 23rd in the Southwest Region by the 2/14/09 les and coached at the University Intercollegiate Tennis Association. 2/15/09 Texas Tech Lubbock, Texas of Notre Dame prior to coming to Our modest goal is to The Owls kicked off their 2009 2/22/09 Washington Seattle, Wash. ^ the Owls. campaign by blanking Lamar 7-0 reach the top 35, and 2/28/09 Western Michigan Kalamazoo, Mich. "I love |my new job|," she said. "I on Jan. 16 behind two three-set think Rice is a great place because I feel we can reach singles victories from Guzman and 3/03/09 Ohio State Columbus, Ohio of its academic and athletic tradi- Chao and strong doubles play from that [goal]. 3/14/tf Louisviile Louisville, . tion. It's a combination of both." sophomore Jessica Jackson and Jessica Jackson Schidt also said that she really Varsha Shiva-Shanker. On Jan 17, 3/21/09 South Alabama Jake Hess Tennis Stadium the ladies took on Texas A81M Cor- enjoys being around her hard work n 3/27/09 Texas - Pan America Jake Hess Tennis Stadium ing players. pus Christi and came out with a 3/2S/09 Tulsa Jake Hess Tennis Stadium "We have lofty goals," she said. 5-2 victoy behind clutch play from "Our team wants to win Conference The final tournament of the fall Jackson at the third singles spot 4/05/09 North Texas Jake Hess Tennis Stadium 2008 season opened on Oct. 24 at with a win over the Islanders' Nina USA and be ranked in the top 40. 4/11/Of Northwestern State Jake Hess Tennis Stadium Every day I just want us to improve the Bayard H. Friedman Tennis Cen- Ciric 6-4, 6-0. though, to find things to improve ter on the Texas Christian University "I was very nervous since it was 4/12/09 SMU Jake Hess Tennis Stadium my first match at a university, but upon so we can get better both on campus when seven of the first nine 4/16/09 Conference USA Tournament Jake Hess Tennis Stadium and off the court." matches materialized into wins for after I was able to relax and have 4/17/09 Conference USA Tournament Jake Hess Tennis Stadium Other additions to the team in- the Owls. A particularly important fun," Jackson said. "They were re- clude freshmen Ana Guzman and tournament because it serves as the ally great matches. I built my confi- 4/18/09 Conference USA Tournament Jake Hess Tennis Stadium first test among other teams in the re- dence by playing doubles with Var- Alex Rasch, both impact players 4/19/09 Conference USA Tournament Jake Hess Tennis Stadium from Guatemala. They bring a new gion, the ITA Southwest Regional set sha, and the next day I was better dimension to the Owls locker room the stage for a pair of victories from situated for the singles match." 5/08/09 NCAA First &Second Round TBD Rasch and Shiva-Shanker. As the younger players on the and contribute to a more diverse 5/09/09 NCAA First &Second Round TBD culture as they both not only add The most promising victory on team continue to develop their tal- to the talent level but also to the opening day was the upset of UT's ent and the new coaching staff ad- 5/10/09 NCAA First &Second Round TBD team's personality. 15th seed Sarah Lancaster and Mag- justs to the university, the veterans As teammates, though, the gie Mello by Shiva-Shanker and have conveyed a clear goal to the squad puts an emphasis on team Braid in an 8-6 decision. By the end rest of the squad. fight and passion we play with. UT is ranked 16th in the nation and will before the individual. of the tournament, the Owls were "Our modest goal is to reach Even if you aren't a tennis fan, I prove to be a good test of how prepared "Wo are trying to build on last playing tough consolation matches the top 35, and I feel we can reach think it's a brand of sport all can en- the squad is to face the nations best and year and win conference," Schmidt that they used to build upon their that," lackson said. "We play re- joy and hopefully be inspired by." make a run at the top of the rankings. said. "There are several good teams confidence for the upcoming sea- ally well together and what most The Owls travel to Austin where On Saturday, they return home to in the conference, but we are one of son. Chao and Guzman pulled off people don't know about us is the they take on the Longhorns on Jan. 24. play Sam Houston State University. FRIDAY, JANUARY 23,2009 16 SPORTS THE RICE THRESHER F! Strong play in face of adversity not enough for Owls

second half, but freshman forward it was quickly nullified on the other Megan Elliott, who led Rice with 17 side of the court by a UAB three. points, hit a three-pointer to hold onto With 46 seconds left, the visitors the lead. The game remained close, gained a four-point lead, yet Mayse and Memphis finally gained a 63-62 struck again with a three-pointer to lead on a fast break after another pull within one only seconds later. Af- Home turnover. The Tigers held on to ter UAB missed a free throw, the Owls the lead for a 72-69 victory, giving Rice had 15 seconds to make a shot to win it's third conference loss of the year. the game. Even though Smart did not return But luck had another plan for the for the following game at home, the home squad. After a missed shot, squad gained confidence from their an offensive rebound, and another previous performance without their missed shot, the Owls fell 69-68 to young leader. the Blazers. Their confidence was tested, "Nobody keeled over or rolled though, just hours before Sunday's over," associate head coach Carlos game. The night before, head coach Ouintero said. "Everybody from the Greg Williams fell ill with an unspeci- get-go felt that we could win this. 1 fied illness. He was taken to St. Luke's think a lot of our players fought hard. Hospital for tests, and the squad We had our chance at the end of the found out during shoot-arounds that game. We battled and that's all you he would not be present during the ask for." game against UAB (7-11,2-3 C-USA). The Owls played again yesterday (i W Misfortune affected the Owls' lead- at the University of Central Florida, t ers on and off the court, but the team but the results of the game were not showed great resilience in Sunday's available at the time of printing. contest. Senior forward Emery Carter They will try to improve their for- set the tone on defense with a block tunes again against the University of against UAB's 6's" freshman center on Southern Mississippi on Sunday at Senior guard Maudess Fulton went 5-11 from the field and finished with 13 points against Memphis on Friday. UAB's first possession. On the other Tudor Fieldhouse. end, junior guard Tara Watts started the game off with a three-pointer for by Yan Digilov win. Three players hit double-digit struggled to minimize turnovers at the the Owls. THRESHER EDITORAIL STAFF scoring in both of Rice's contests, while point guard position all year, and Fri- Rice outplayed the Blazers in the the Owls' bench scored a combined 63 day was no different as Home finished first half and finished with a 36-32 lead Even the best teams need to be points against the University of Mem- with eight turnovers on the night. going into halftime. The Owls played lucky sometimes to keep winning. The phis on Friday and the University of But what Home lacked in ball near-perfect ball, grabbing rebounds opposite can be said of the women's Alabama-Birmingham on Sunday. control, the rest of the team made up on both sides of the floor, forcing turn- basketball team. The Owls (5-12, 0-4 The offensive production stemmed for in aplomb. Uncharacteristically, overs and taking strong shots. BY THE Conference USA) have been struggling from some of the most confident play they shut down Memphis (8-10,1-4 C- Mirroring the game against Mem- NUMBERS throughout the season to string to- the team has exhibited all season. USA) defensively from the start of the phis, the second half stayed competi- gether solid, 40-minute performances, "I just see us really progressing," match, limiting the Tigers to only 25 tive, and the Blazers slowly hammered JAN. 16 -18 byt even when they succeed, adversity said senior guard Maudess Fulton, percent shooting in the first half. closer as the game wound down. Mid- finds a way to catch up with them. who finished with 13 points against The Owls showed signs of a dry way through the half, the Owls hit an- The first of a series of setbacks oc- the Tigers. "We just have a certain en- spell in offensive production as the other dry spell offensively, and the vis- BASKETBALL curred last week, when freshman point ergy that we didn't have before, and 1 first 20 minutes finished, and the Ti- itors came within one. However, after guard D'Frantz Smart sprained a foot feel like people want it more." gers started closing the gap. However, two offensive rebounds with about five The Owls dominated play for most Fulton's uninhibited temperament minutes left, Fulton nabbed a bucket ligament and was forced to sit out for MEMPHIS 72 RICE 69 to make it a three-point game. the first time in her college career. Smart of the match against Memphis at Tu- aided her in making several successful # leads the team in scoring and assists, dor Fieldhouse. A stringent defensive drives to the basket to finish the half The Owls finished the night with Memphis (8-10,1-4 C-USA) 27 45 72 t Rice (5-12,0-4 C-USA) 33 36 69 # but also plays a leadership role and is effort complemented the squad's of- with a 33-27 lead. an astounding 16 offensive rebounds t currently out on a day-to-day basis. fensive production. Rice maintained its intensity at the and 41 rebounds total. Despite the im- Field goals - Rice 26-62 (Elliot 6-12, Fulton 5-18); Memphis 23-76 (Leonard 6-18. Thornton 510) However, last weekend's absence Junior Shyrelle Horn took control start of the second half, but Memphis pressive showing, the Blazers stayed of the young point guard seemed only of the ball to start the game in place did not let up. The Tigers made it a in the game due almost entirely to the Three-point goals - Rice 3-15 (Elliot 2-5); Mem- to fuel the rest of the team's desire to of the injured Smart. The Owls have one-point game halfway through the offensive effort of senior point guard phis 4-12 (Leonard 2-5) Britney Jones. As her team struggled Rebounds - Rice 47 (Carter 15); Memphis 57 to keep up, she exploded in the sec- (Lonlack 11) ond half and finished the night with 24 points. Assists - Rice 8 (Fulton 3, Home 3); Memphis (Goldsmith 2) McKinney made it a five-point game with two minutes remaining af- UAB 69 RICE 68 ter making two free throws. She start- ed the game at the point guard posi- UAB (7-11, 2-3 C-USA) 32 37 69 Rice (5-12, 0-4 C-USA) 36 32 68 tion and played for all but five minutes with only one turnover. But Jones con- Field goals - Rice 26-64 (Elliot 6-14, Mayse tinued to dominate the Owls and gave 6-13); UAB 26-54 (Jones 11-18, Peterson 6-11)

the Blazers a lead with 1:30 left. Three-point goals - Rice 8-20 (Mayse 3-3, Elliot Then the fireworks began. 2-4 ); UAB 8-18 (Peterson 4-7) Sophomore forward Morgan Mayse, Rebounds - Rice 47 (Elliot 8); UAB (Brown 5) who finished the night with 17 points, hit a three-pointer to tie the game, but Assists - Rice 17 (McKinney 8,); UAB 12 (Jones 5)

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CK RICE VILLAGE CK DOWNTOWN 2516 Rice Blvd McKinney Place Tunnel Tel 713-523 2323 9030 Mjfm ST Suite T 24(fA Tel: 71 3 752 2323 FRIDAY, JANUARY 23,2009 THE RICE THRESHER SPORTS 17 Men's tennis flexes muscle in home competitions by Casey Michel against their first viable foe, No. 33 Texas Chris- THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF tian University. Doubles, perhaps this season's biggest ques- Only a week into its season, the men's tennis tion mark, proved an easy win for Rice, as Miil- team is racking up the accomplishments. Downing ler and senior Tobias Schiel downed TCU's their first conference opponent? Check. Trouncing i2th-ranked doubles team. Freshman Sam Gar- a ranked foe? Check. Dropping only three points forth-Bles then opened singles with a 6-0, 6-2 vic- in their first five matches of the season? Check. tory over Zack Nichols. Despite losses by Rosa and It is official: After their hottest start in years, junior Chong Wang, Miiller, Scheil, junior Dennis the Owls have begun their 2009 campaign, one Polyakov and freshman Isamu Tachibana staved fraught with high expectations highly-ranked op- off their opponents to clinch the Owls' fifth win of ponents, in the best way possible. the year. "It was definitely a start that we were thinking "It was a good, strong, concentrated effort," was more possible than not," assistant coach Efe Ustundag said of the play against TCU. "We're Ustundag said. "Being 4-1 right now would have just going to have to keep the intensity with us at been, not a shock, but a little bit disappointing ... home and bring us on the road." It's a fun team to be a part of this year." The ease with which Rice began the season, As they do every season, the Owls, ranked 24th however, is officially at a close. Beginning to- in the nation, began their spring season at the morrow against Florida Atlantic University, Rice MET indoor facility in downtown Houston. The will embark on a seven-week road swing that first challenger was the University of Memphis, will take them from coast to coast, with multiple a Conference USA rival whose lineup featured stops in between. No. 102 lorge Vazquez, named C-USA Player of And unlike the opponents they faced in last the Week on Tuesday. Unfortunately, Vazquez's weekend's double-headers, Rice's upcoming honors came at the expense of Rice junior Bruno foes will not be the kind that simply roll over Rosa, whose No. 26 ranking may fall after his before the matches begin. On Sunday, the Owls straight-set loss to the Tiger. will take on No. 13 University of Miami, argu- But Rosa's gaffe would be the only one of the ably their most difficult non-conference chal- contest, as the rest of the squad dispatched the Ti- lenger of the year. Leading the Hurricanes will gers in convincing fashion, highlighted by senior be Daniel Vallverdu, currently ranked third in Christoph Muller's three-set, come-from-behind the nation in singles and tops in doubles with win at No. 2. teammate Carl Sundberg. As the afternoon wound down, Rice un- But Rice may have an ace up its sleeve: Rosa leashed on the University of Texas-San Antonio, and Vallverdu faced each other last season, with sweeping the entire slate. The Owls continued Rosa finding a way to best the then-No. 7 Hurri- their momentum the next day with consecutive cane in straight sets. And if the tricks he used last 7-0 wins over Lamar University and Prairie View year do not work, Rosa can reach into his past A&M University. dealings with Vallverdu to find something that But those contests were mere warm-ups for will suffice. Wednesday's battle. Set amidst a backdrop of "He's one of my best friends, [and] I've known junior Chong Wang serves the ball against Prairie View A&M University at lake Hess Stadium dirt mounds and backhoes, Rice christened Jake him since we were really young," Rosa said. "If I this weekend. The Owls swept the competition 7-0. It was one of three sweeps in the weekend. Hess Tennis Stadium's 2009 season, one marred win, I'll call him up for a beer. If I lose, I'm just by the destruction of two courts, with a contest going to go." Men drop difficult games against conference foes

by Brody Rollins three from beyond the three-point line. Vaden, who broke UAB's single season scoring the UAB roster. Similar to the Owls situation last THRESHER STAFF "Midway through when they extended their record last year, currently averaging nearly 19 season, the Dragons are down to just six schol- lead, 1 think we lost our defensive concentra- points per game. arship players due to injury. After picking up their first win in Conference tion and focus," head coach Ben Braun said. Vaden started his career at the University The Owls next homestand begins Wednes- USA play in over a season last week against "They have a lot of options and you have to be of Indiana with current UAB head coach Mike day when they will face Tulane University at Southern Methodist University, the Owls took really organized. 1 thought we didn't communi- Davis. During his two years at Indiana, Vaden Tudor Fieldhouse. The Owis will be looking a step backward Saturday, losing 77-52 to The cate like we were when we were playing defense made 60 consecutive starts, and during his to avenge a lo-point loss they suffered at the University of Central Florida. in the first half." sophomore year he led the team in scoring while hands of the Green Wave earlier in the year. The loss drops the Owls to 6-11 overall, and There were some bright spots for the Owls. being named an All Big Ten honorable mention. Tulane (8-10, 2-3 C-USA) is coming off a 76-75 1-2 in conference play. Freshman guard Connor Frizzelle played a near Apart from Vaden. the Dragons have two overtime win against the University of Tulsa, Playing their first game without injured flawless first half, scoring 12 points on 4-4 shoot- other players averaging over fifteen points per but they remain at the bottom end of the C- freshman forward Lucas Kuipers, who broke his ing, with two assists and no turnovers. His com- game, which is nullified by the lack of depth on USA standings. wrist during practice last Thursday, the Owls bination of accuracy from outside the arc and struggled to find a rhythm on offense and shot dribble penetration off of pump fakes kept the just 33 percent in the game, compared to over 50 Owls in the game while others were still finding percent for UCF. their shot. Kuipers, the team's third leading scorer with "Connor's midrange game in the first half 8.8 points per game, will miss the next six to was really good," Braun said. "He took one eight weeks. His return coincides with the start dribble, burst to the basket, pulled up in the of (he C-USA tournament in early March. lane, pulled up at the elbow and knocked The Owls played well in the first 20 minutes shots down." against UCF and rallied late in the first half Frizzelle would finish the game as the Owls to bring the game to a 30-30 standstill head- leading scorer with 14 points in the game. ing into halftime off a pair of free throws by He put up an even more impressive perfor- sophomore forward Suleiman Braihmoh with mance against Memphis in their next game and .1 seconds left. finished the night with 16 points. In the second half, the Owls were unable to The Owls lost on the road to the 22nd ranked penetrate the zone defense employed by UCF Tigers last Wednesday night 80-52 at the FedEx (hat led to 5 of 26 shooting; 13 of those shots Forum. Memphis (14-3. 4~o C-USA) jumped out coming from behind the arc. to an 11-2 lead early and never looked back. "We did our best to break the zone," junior The Tigers' lead would grow to as much as guard Cory Pflieger said. "We got open shots, 22 in the first half before Frizzelle hit a jump- but just couldn't knock them down." shot for three of his game high 16 points. Friz- Before the game got away in the second half, zelle also led the team with nine rebounds. I'lliegei electrified the crowd after completing a Senior guard Rodney Foster added 13 points, four point play on a jump shot at least three feet including the first 11 of the game for the Owls beyond the college line three-point line. The play who struggled against the high pressure de- would give the Owls their last lead of the game at fense of Memphis. 39 38, with just over 17 minutes to play. The Owls were held to just 44 shots and UCF pulled away from the Owls shortly turned the ball over 21 times. afterward, going 011 a 14-0 run that put them Memphis was led by holdovers from last ahead 56-42 midway through the half, ler- year's final four squad, Willie Kemp and Robert maine Taylor, the conference's leading scorer, Dozier, who scored 14 and 13 points respectively. contributed eight of those points en route to a While the offense struggled throughout the game high 20 points. game, the Owls improved numerically on de- Defensively, the Owls played well early, limit- fense, holding the Tigers shooting percentage ing Taylor, to five shot attempts in the first half. under 45 percent. "lermaine's one of the top players in the The defense also limited number six recruit league and we wanted to get the ball to Cliff ear- in the nation as rated by Rivals.com, Tyreke Ev- ly to get him in foul trouble," sophomore center ans, to just 5 points, well below his season and Irey Stanton said. team leading average of 17 points per game. I he Owls were able to do just that, drawing Evans was one of four players signed in the laylor into picking up two fouls in the first thir- 2008 class by head coach John Calipari, which ranked number four overall in the nation. teen minutes of action. REN SCHOEFFIER/TNRESHER I here was also a stretch during the first half The Owls play Memphis just once this sea- when the Owls held the Knights scoreless for son, a good thing since Memphis is the heavy nearly four and a half minutes. After halftime favorite to win the conference title. Sophomore Suleiman Braimoh goes up strong for a dunk against SMU on Jan. 14 at Tudor the UCF offense took off, shooting over 60 per This Owls return to action this Satur- cent from the field and 83 percent behind the day against UAB, where they will face one of Fieldhouse. Braimoh joined the starting five in the Owls' first conference win of the season. arc. During their 14-0 run, UCF went three for C-USA's top players in senior swingman Robert FRIDAY, JANUARY 23,2009 F 18 SPORTS THE RICE THRESHER

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Freshman Michaela I ffl Sophomore Clay Baker prepares to let go during the weight toss at An Owl sandwich Reynolds, left, and sophomore Becky LI It Oil. the Leonard Hilton Memorial Friday at the University of Houston. Wade, right, sandwich a Blazer during Sunday's 5000km.

UJ u THE LEGACY DESIGN COMPETITION $5,000 Prize CD f c I CT> as This is a design competition to create a permanent donor recognition tribute for Rice University's Legacy Society. CL £ Legacy Society members are individuals, corporations and foundations who have given gifts to Rice University totaling $4.6 million or more, the same amount William Marsh Rice left in his will to establish the university. CD CO O 11 Competition Is Open to All Rice Students O *c c Individuals or teams may participate, but all participants must be enrolled at Rice. CD c CD Submission Rules O CD • The design must cost no more than $50,000 to construct. JZ • The design must be able to have names added to it in perpetuity. Approximately 50 names will initially appear on the design. • The design will be a permanent monument to honor philanthropy. • The design should require minimal annual maintenance and cannot include a water feature. • The design must include an explanation of what the Legacy Society is. CO • The design should be placed in an area of campus where the campus community and visitors can easily see the installation. However, the university reserves the right to accept the design and placement suggestion but choose an alternative site. • All designs submitted will become the property of the university and will not be returned. • Deadline: noon on Monday, March 16, 2009. Office of Resource Development-MS 81 O 5620 Greenbriar (across the street from the stadium)

Display Board Requirements • All entrants are required to submit designs on one 30 x 40-inch mounted board (lightweight foam core board preferred). CO • Write your name and contact information on the back of your board. Jurors desire to judge the designs without knowing the identity of the entrant.

Jury will include President David W. Leebron, faculty, alumni, staff and design experts.

Please note: The university reserves the right to reject any or all submissions. The winning design team or indivdual cfe will be required to sign an agreement granting to the university certain rights, including, among others, ownership of the design and the ability to modify it.

"Texas received me when I was penniless, without friends or even acquaintances. And now in the evening of my life, I recognize my obligation to her and her children. I wish now to leave to the boys and girls struggling for a place in the sun the fortune I have been able to accumulate."

, . ... >>, - 3 . I , . t A:. 1 FRIDAY, JANUARY 23,2009 THE RICE THRESHER CALENDAR 19

special Rice-only preview (with food!) at 6:30 p.m. Talk to your RPC representative or hit up the the Calendar Information Desk for free tickets. Continued from the Backpage JAN. 23-30, 2009 'Green Wave" pun

John Locke taught us that we are FRIDAY MONDAY 26 all born as blank slates ("tabula 2 rasa") upon which the world can MAKE YOUR OWN sculpt any image. This egalitar- Woop woop! That's the sound It's my half-birthday! ian message usually holds true, of . but as the boys from Tulsa will In ancient , tribute joke... show us tonight, some people You've probably heard some- OFFICER 220 I'll let you off easy with a six- are born inherently inferior to thing by KRS-One (Knowledge pack of beer. Send me a half- others. Come watch the men's Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Ev- birthday e-mail, and you could basketball team crush these eryone), even if you don't know win up to a dollar! Does anyone Oklahoman oafs tonight at 7 CUTOUT DOLL! it. One of the most influential even read this page? p.m. in Tudor Fieldhouse. MCs of all time kicks off the first leg of the 20th anniversary of the BARBER DAY "Stop the Violence" movement Dikembe Alert! at the Meridian tonight. Doors Is there any sight more dear to open early (7:00 p.m.) and tick- a Rice student's heart than that The Philadelphia 76ers travel to ets are pricey ($20 in advance, friendly old man in the Rice Me- Space City to play our beloved $25 at the door). morial Center with a smile on his Rockets and my favorite center face and scissors in his hands? from the Democratic Republic of He's the prelude to either a horror Congo. My guess is that the Rock- And some people think mod- film or a cheap haircut. If you're ets will crush the Sixers, 140-33. ern music is accessible! shaggy and have $8, get yourself Some people might guess that I'm in front of the Grand Hall between not a very good sports analyst. Guest composer Joan Tower 10:00 a.m and 5:00 p.m. They are correct. Tipoff is at 7:30 and friends from the Shepherd p.m. at the ; tickets School faculty present the latest start at $15 for terrible seats. installment of "SYZYGY" tonight Feel-good flick of the year at 8 p.m. in Duncan Recital Rice Cinema, long known for Hall. Pronounced "siz-uh-gee," its adherence to a regimen of "SYZYGY" is defined classically soppy romantic comedies and by the appearance of the sun, animated family movies, keeps THURSDAY 29 moon and earth aligned in a the trend going with tonight's straight line. At Rice, however, screening of City of God. Set it has something to do with the in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, [This Day In History] performance of new music. Fun! Brazil, the movie explores the Today in 1963, the Pro Football life of Rocket, a young fishmon- Hall of Fame inducted its first ger's son, as he fights for a life members. Three of the 13 in- free from the "desperation and ductees (Curly Lambeau, Don violence inherent" in his crime- Hutson and Cal Hubbard) were SATURDAY 2 4 and poverty-torn home. Come Green Bay Packers. Another was on, Rice Cinema; stop lobbing Jim Thorpe, who played profes- softballs at us. Tickets are free Four-part threesomes sional football, basketball and and the film starts at 7 p.m. baseball. He also won Olympic The Rice Philharmonics, in their gold medals in the decathlon f first on-campus a cappella con- and pentathlon and is almost cert of the semester, host the universally regarded as one of £ Princeton Footnotes and Texas TUESDAY 27 the all-around best athletes of A&M's Apotheosis. I didn't see the 20th century. the Phils at all last semester (which I regret, as 1 have a fresh- Want to run for office? man in the troupe) but now that _ roaming redhead and fellow The Student Association elec- FRIDAY ^ Wisconsinite Kyle Clark is back tions opened last night. If you 30 the sexual tension which holds want to run for office in the the Phils together should keep SA, Rice Program Council, Rice For some reason this fundraiser every audience member on the Student Volunteer Program, a didn't work as well with Com- edge of their seats. It gets real billion other clubs, or pass an at 9:30 p.m. in the Wiess College amendment or blanket tax, you puter Science students. _ commons. need to let me know ASAP. Pe- At 5 p.m. today, sophomore archis titions are due Feb. 2. Email me auction themselves off as a fund- Take photos of Officer 220 stopping parking viola- with questions at tim.faust@ raiser for ArchiArts. Recent stud- Happy Birthday, Mischa! rice.edu. ies have concluded that architec- tors, posing with attractive females or just goofing off ture majors are among the most around campus and send them to the Backpage! Our As I know you've been anticipat- attractive students on campus ing for months now, it's Mischa (not counting varsity athletes, favorite entry wins a special Backpage prize package: Barton's birthday! The English WEDNESDAY 28 and right before Coffeehouse em- a backrub, a flower or G.I. Joe and twenty bucks. starlet of "The O.C." turns 23 to- ployees) so this would be a great day, which is still totally within way for all you gentlemen to score my dateable range. Maybe this Gonna guess that this one a date. For bonus points, show up year she'll return my e-mails. with a lot of money and bid on isn't about FEMA. an archi with a significant other. Passport to Houston and RPC's What could possibly go wrong? Arts and Entertainment commit- SUNDAY 25 tee join forces, like Power Rang- ers, to bring us a Megazord of a Jaber-wocky bargain (please shoot me for this Monday, Jan. 2® joke). Join other Rice students Thomas laber, pianist and con- Glutton for punishment? \V,1I„\ \V„ffU! Ny •* for Rice Night at the Ensemble ductor extraordinaire, and friends t'lll o{ ill Carlos Mencia is the least funny Theater for the world premiere rock the stage tonight at 8 p.m. in HIP mosl cMjcious even! of tlie year is comedian I've seen, but at least of "The Man Who Saved New Or- Duncan Recital Hall. It's a "20th leans," about a man who finds Anniversary" concert - I'm not he's got balls. Not many folks Tuesday, Jan. 27 could steal so many jokes so himself stranded in Houston af entirely sure what's turning 20, ter Hurricane Katrina. There's a but I'm glad it's lasted this long. brazenly - including the "Hi, Marlel College Pul»Niglil Mom!" bit he stole from Hill Cosby. Hill Cosby! Of all people! If you're looking to punish your- self or pay off some sins or some- HOW TO SUBMIT CALENDAR ITEMS Wednesday, Jan. 2® thing, swing by the Toyota Cen- ter at 7:00 p.m. with $/(5 in your The deadline for submission is 3 p.m. the Monday prior to publication. Super I nm I I nvta hand and pain in your soul. Submissions are printed on a space available basis.

Submission methods Thursday, Jan* 2© Call your mother Fax: 713-3485238 Email: [email protected] Live Performance lnj... Today in 1915, Alexander Gra- Campus Mail: Calendar Editor •+*, ham Bell opened the first trans- Thresher, MS-524 , f arolme \ ike ( rooil nujlil Sleeps continental phone service. Now, 96 years later, we have Note from the editor: cell phones and Skype, and you My hope is that by putting the Backpage on the calendar which iFriiday, Jan. 3© have no good reason not to call again I would like to note is the Backpage backpage - people Mom or Dad or some other spe- will send me their events. It's easy! I'll even include Facebook I Mill s I Mil nl.i IJ: l[un 11" cial person and say hello. invites. Please, I'm desperate... ladies. FRIDAY, JANUARY 23,2009 < 20 BACKPAGE THE RICE THRESHER rice in . The Backpage RUPD Fun Page review CATCH THE BICYCLE THIEF ADVICE FROM OFFICER 220 week of Dear Officer 220, tested my roommates or parents will This year at NOD, I drank too much and find out. What should I do? jan. 18 hooked up with a boy from my floor, and - Burning Question let's just say it ended poorly. We used to just be friends, but now I want more. He Dear Burning Question, student association I doesn't seem interested at all. How can hey man!!!!! just play it cool thats just I make him see me that way again? what life is about uv gotta HANG LOSE Then* was no — Where's the Love? 0!! iam sure ull be fine!. if it itches =+ SA meeting this scratch it!!!!!!!!!!! "220" !!!!!!!!!! week because of MU< Day, but Dear Where's the Love? that didn't stop <4> looks like u got urself a reel NODDY Dear Officer 220, SA President boy there !!!!!! haha !!!! look some- I'm not sure if this is the right place Matt Youn, in a times a man has got 2 do what a man to ask this question, but I got busted steroid-induced by RUPD for pot last week, and now I fit of rage, from A has gott 2 do bak when i lived in!! CAL learning what !!! i ran in with a chik who wanted a might wind up on Judicial Probation. love means. Bit More of the 220 MAGIC and lets What can I do? just say i had to -SLASH HER — Blaze of Glory TIRES- if u kno what i mean •i !!(!!! "220" !!!!!! Dear Blaze of Glory, AS MY BOYS NWA say fuck the police Dear Officer 220, !!!!!!! i cant really say this bcuz im a I hooked up with cop !!! OK so neway WE GOT U SUCK- a girl after Pub ER WE GOT U GOOD aha!!! ! no iam "'just' a praking cop but eat my shirt Officer Ruth needs to catch the bicycle thief! Can you help her catch Night and now I think I might be at !!!!!! sorry !!!!!!!!! + no worries tho !!! him and avoid running into a 40s party, wire strung up between risk for an STD. I'm afraid that if I get haha !!!!!!! "220" !!!!!!!!!! trees by Will Ricers, traffic cones, construction and Baker 13? DECIPHER THE MESSAGE RE-STACHE OFFICER ANDERSON

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Oh no! Officer Anderson seems to have lost his trademark mustache! Can you help him out and draw him a new one? RUPD confiscated this lost cell phone from the sixth floor of Fondren Library and received this text There's more RUPD fun to be had on the Calendar page! message, probably from a drug dealer. Can you crack the code and save the day? The Backpage is satire and is written, poorly, by Timothy Faust and Eric Doctor. It al- ways makes me chuckle to see how different Americans are from the rest of the world. CLASSIFIEDS @rice.edu THE RICE CHILDREN'S Campus is MEMORIAL AREA FAMILY seeking part- THE WEEKLEY FAMILY YMCA is looking Jenkins at hollyj@ymcahouston. ©HELP WANTED looking for part-time classroom as- time help. Job Description: experi- for Swim Instructors and CERTIFIED org. EVENINGS/WEEKENDS JOB AVAILABLE sistants working with children ages enced female who can care for our lifeguards and to work morning, at Rice! Join other Rice Students in infant - 5 years old. Work schedules 14 year old Daughter. Safe and good afternoons, evenings and/or week- ©HOUSING calling alumni to tell them about the can be tailored to fit. Please contact condition car required. Hours are 3-6 ends. Lifeguard Candidates must Annual Fund. $9/hr plus bonuses, Karen or Connie at 713-348-5437. during school year and noon - 5 in have CURRENT certifications in : FREE HOUSING FOR a Korean Female incentives. Flexible evening shifts summer. Job will include driving, er- lifeguarding (YMCA or Red Cross), student wanting to live with senior Sunday -Thursday. Contact: 713-348- LOOKING FOR A female writing tutor rands, laundry and light housekeep- CPR -R, and First Aid. Lifeguard citizen. Couples welcome. Minutes 4363, [email protected]. for a 4th grade girl. Call 281-277-1588 ing. Looking for a commitment of at classes held April i9th-26th and May from Rice campus. Please call 713- to discuss. Prefer English Major. least one year. Call Joe at 832-265- ioth-i7th . Training will be provided 591-4126 or email mcho@wireless- ATTENTION GRADUATE STUDENTS! 3275 or Patty at 713-299-1828. for Swim Instructors. Contact Holly wisdom.com. Stats driving you crazy? Save time MEDICAL CENTER PRACTICE needs and sanity! Statistical help with your help with data entry and scanning, ADVERTISING Dissertation or Thesis. Experienced $io/Hour. Fax resumes to 713-366- CLASSIFIEDS SUBSCRIPTIONS We accept display and classified advertise- 1-35 words $15 Annual subscription rates: 7980. Statistician. General statistical con- ments. The Thresher reserves the right 36-70 woitls $30 $60/year domestic sulting, experimental design, data to refuse any advertising for any reason. 70-105 words $45 $125/year international via First Class Mail Additionally, the Thresher does not take analysis. Free initial consultation. FAMILY LOOKING FOR a babysitter responsibility for the factual content of any Cash, check, or credit card payment must Non-subscription rate: Reasonable rates. Jon 800-697-6019. for 4 year old boy & 3 year old girl ad. Printing an advertisement does not con- be before the advertisement can be pub- stitute an endorsement by the Thresher. First copy free bi-weekly on Saturdays from 5-9 lished. The deadline for each issue is 5 p.m. Second copy $5 on the Tuesday prior to publication. Submit RICE ALUMNI SEEKING after school PM. Residence within two blocks of Display advertisements must be received by at information online at ?essie Huang 5 p.m. on the Monday prior to publication. nanny for 2 daughters (ages 3, 6) 3 Rice University. Please email robyn. www.ricethresher.org/lhresherclassifieds/ The Rice Thresher PO Box 1892, MS-524 days per week from 4 to 6pm in West [email protected] with short Joseph Ramirez ft Thomas Yeh Cathleen Chang Houston, TX 77251-1892 overview of your background and Advertising Managers U. Car + good driving skills required Classifieds Advertising Manager Phone 713-348-3967 experience with children. 713-348-3967 713-348-3974 to pick girls up from school/activi- [email protected] Fax 713-348-5238 [email protected] [email protected] ties. Contact [email protected]. •I