OP-ED P. 3 A&E Rl6 SPORTS P. 22 The minibus equation Late night dining Grin and Bear it Houston needs to start thinking small when it comes to public Check out this map of late night dining options. You'll need it The soccer team begins its quest to the NCAA Tournament transportation. when you're hungry at3 a.m. tonight, battling both Baylor and the injury bug.

thVOLUME XCVIIe, ISSUE NO . 1Ric STUDENT-RUe N SINCE 1916 FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2009 Rice ranks top in quality

BY CINDY DINH THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF

We're number one! As detailed in the Princeton Review's new The Best 371 Colleges, Rice ranked at the top in the "best quality of life" cat- 1 .PImImH t y- * - egory. - .. . The rankings were based on a T survey of 122,000 students attend- ing the 371 colleges featured in the book. The quality of life ranking was an aggregate of students' assess- ment of food on- and off-campus, dorm life comfort, campus beauty, ease of getting around campus, re- lationship with the local commu- J nity, safety on campus and the sur- m • rounding area, interaction between students, friendliness and happi- ness of students and how smoothly the administration is run. mmm IP* 'Vl"

This university offers McMurtry is McMurtrians and their advisors mingle outside of their tent commons, waiting for a dodgeball game to begin on the best combination Wednesday. To find out how the McMurtrians and their rival Duncaroos are being welcomed into the college system, in tents! turn to our four-page spread on Rice's two newest members, which begins on page 11. of a beautiful cam- pus, a small, friendly environment and the opportunities of a big city. Brockman receives over Rayzor Hall welcomes David Leebron $11 million in NIST grant President Spanish Resource Center

man Hall will incorporate vibration sible only in the center. ff BY JOSH RUTENBERG BY JOCELYN WRIGHT THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF and noise-controlled underground THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF Hernaiz said he would be meet- labs, as well as better temperature, ingwith the Department of Hispanic President David Leebron said Despite a tough economy and humidity and airflow controls. The new Spanish Resource Cen- Studies in the coming weeks to dis- the quality of life ranking reflects cutbacks in spending, Rice received Brockman Hall is also in the ter, which opened this summer, will cuss what sort of activities, such as the kind of community Rice is. $11.1 million in funding this summer process of obtaining the U.S. Green offer students an opportunity to film festivals, seminars, talks and "This university offers the best from the National Institute of Stan- Building Council's Leadership in learn about Spanish language and conferences they should organize. combination of a beautiful cam- dards and Technology to aid in con- Energy and Environmental Design culture through an extensive refer- "The activities we organize are pus, a small friendly environment struction of the Brockman Hall for (LEED) Silver certification by doing ence database and educational ac- usually in response to the demands and the opportunities of a big city," Physics. things such as recycling construc- tivities, hosted in conjunction with of the faculty and students of the Leebron said. Rice competed for and was tion waste and installing more ef- the Department of Hispanic Stud- university that hosts the Spanish Re- He said his conversations with awarded one of NIST's construction ficient bathroom facilities. ies, Spanish Resource Center Direc- source Center," Hernaiz said. "The transfer students showed him that grants as part of federal stimulus Biochemistry and Cell Biology tor Miguel Hernaiz said. faculty of the department comes up students saw Rice as a friendly, funding. A previous donation from Professor Kathleen Matthews, who Funded by the Ministry of Educa- with ideas and initiatives and sug- supportive community. the A. Eugene Brockman Charitable stepped down last year as dean of tion of Spain and located in Rayzor gestions, and we will try to organize "lt'r part of our culture," Lee- Trust allowed for construction of Natural Sciences, has been work- Hall 321, the center is free and will the activities and funding." bron said. "We're getting better at the building. With a new, additional ing for nearly a decade on the proj- be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays Last spring, Hernaiz said the being small and dynamic." source of funding, money originally ect, Dan Carson, dean of the Wiess from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to students, Spanish Resource Center, which He attributed the residential col- slated for use on Brockman Hall con- School of Natural Sciences said. faculty, staff and the Texas commu- was previously hosted at the Uni- lege system for undergraduates as struction will be freed up for use on The construction of a new phys- nity, Hernaiz said. versity of Houston, cooperated with the most important contributor to other projects, a spokesperson for ics building will provide a central- Sid Richardson senior Mayra two other centers in the southern quality of life. the development staff, who asked to ized location for faculty and stu- Martinez is majoring in Hispanic United States to host a full-day sem- Leebron added that the residen- remain anonymous, said. dents of the Physics and Astronomy Studies and believes the center inar on Spanish writer and philoso- tial college system and Orientation Brockman Hall, which will serve department, which was spread from will be a great addition to the Rice pher Maria Zambrano. Week help facilitate a sense of be- as a new research facility and nex- Herzstein Hall to Dell Butcher Hall. campus, but hopes it will expand The center also organizes ser- longing, and that opportunities us for the Physics and Astronomy Carson noted that the central- its services to the surrounding com- vice teaching activities, normally to bring people from different col- department, began construction in ization was a necessary step. munity as well. for teachers in elementary, middle leges together, such as the space February. The building is scheduled "In spite of [the faculty's] enor- "I hope it will be promoted in and high schools who either teach at Brochstein Pavilion and athletic to be completed by early 2011, and mous successes, location has pro- HISD schools," Martinez said. "The Spanish as a second language or events, abound. will house physics researchers from vided challenges and confusion," center is a good start, but it needs to bilingual programs. Hernaiz said In addition to its first-place the Department of Physics and As- Carson said. "To consolidate will be advertised on- and off-campus." that although the center is hosted ranking, Rice placed eighth for tronomy, as well as photonics and be a step forward." The center, which is one of 14 in Houston, it could also organize "happiest students," up from 15th nanoengineering researchers from Like at the recently-finished in the United States, houses a col- activities away from Houston to ac- last year, and nth for "race/class the Department of Electrical and Bioscience Research Collabora- lection of 2,500 books, 500 refer- commodate the needs of other cities interaction," down from second Computer Engineering, Director of tive, not all researchers will move ence materials such as dictionaries, in Texas. last year. Director of the Office of News and Media Relations B.J. Al- in right away. grammar books and encyclopedias, There are Spanish Resource Cen- Multicultural Affairs Catherine mond said. "Some researchers will have on- resources for teaching Spanish as a ters throughout the world in over 30 Clack said she was not aware of any In addition, the new building going projects, and may not want to foreign language and a movie col- countries, some of which have been particular incident that might have aims to provide a better atmo- move in immediately if it will affect lection of over 400 Spanish films. around for over 15 years, Hernaiz said. caused the student pride and sur- sphere for conducting sensitive them," Assistant Vice President for Hernaiz said he was still working Though the Spanish Resource Center feit of activities on campus. experiments. According to the Con- Facilities, Engineering and Plan- out which materials could be loaned in Texas was previously hosted at the O see QUALITY, page 7 struction at Rice Web site, Brock- ning Doug Tomlinson said. out and which ones would be acces- O see SPAIN, page 4

Heads up, red cups And away we go! B.Y.O.P.P. (Bring Your Own INDEX Of all the orientations in all the world, The oatmeal-slinging, cheer-battling and Pom-Poms) Opinion 2 none quite compare to 0-Week. After six mock beer biking is over. Monday is the News 4 days of orienting yourself to campus, first day of classes; hopefully you paid For all you aspiring cheerleaders, auditions will Arts & Entertainment 15 Saturday marks the beginning of your Dis- attention during those academic advis- be held at 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. RICE! Sports 19 orientation. Freshmen, beware. Upper- ing sessions. Thus begins another 14 FIGHT! NEVER DIE! BLUE, GRAY IN THE SKY! Calendar 23 classmen, let's party. Remember to keep weeks of problem sets, research papers STAND! CHEER! DRINK MORE... err, you get the Backpage 24 your red cups inside. and sleeping through 8 a.m. classes. idea. 2 EDITORIAL THE RICE THRESHER FRIDAY, AUGUST 21,2009 the Rice (Thresher

Here we have New colleges promise McMurtry, 0 1 one of two growth, opportunities brand-new LEED-certified It's been nearly four years since President David Leebron first unveiled his plans to bring a pair of new colleges into colleges! Rice's fold. It's been two years since students first began no- ticing the signs of construction, from the green fences to the towering cranes. It's been a year since we first began see- ing the skeleton of the structures thrown up, beam by beam, e mortar and brick and wood alike. At long last, five days ago, McMurtry and Duncan Colleg- es finally opened their doors to their first classes and began their first foray into the incomparable Rice college system Rooms conserve (see story, page n). They represent the spearhead of Lee- energy by automatically bron's Vision for the Second Century, a plan to expand Rice's turning off wateful girth and reputation. Sure, there's a tent outside McMurtry lights or A/C that tends to leak when the sprinklers are a bit too strong. systems! And yes, Duncan may have a couple other projects awaiting generqton construction — namely, a servery, but also a fountain (that Rice is saving the will hopefully not spray over McMurtry's tent). Earth, one new But these construction issues were incurred by Hurricane building at a time! Ike's wrath, and were, by and large, unavoidable. As such, there should be no hard feelings toward the administra- tion if the floors aren't quite as polished or if the sundeck lounges are missing a few chairs. After all, we're sure you're ctoft still enthralled with those bathroom pods — complete with flush-buttons! — to pay too much attention to the technical difficulties the card readers have from time to time. Print version of GA ensures integrity Certain concerns do remain. The two new colleges are directly tied to the increase in class sizes, which comes Today, I am going to justify ing it only available in PDF format late, it is still your word against about without a proportional increase in faculty. However, killing trees. on their Web site. theirs — what evidence is there that Upon first glance, this seems you didn't change the GA to suit as Dean of Undergraduates Robin Forman says, the increase like a perfectly logical and admi- your needs? in student-faculty ratios will be "infinitesimal." Meanwhile, rable action. The Registrar's Office Don't get me wrong — I am not Will Rice and Baker Colleges will have their work cut out saves both money and trees by not trying to paint the Registrar's Office for them in balancing their influence on the two new col- printing and binding copies of the as an Orwellian organization that leges. Thus far, they seem to be doing a remarkable, admi- GA for every student, and most does not want students to graduate. students from previous classes use However, this worst-case scenario rable job — anyone who attended the lead-up to Tuesday's the Registrar's Web site to check is not entirely far-fetched; the Bush Rice Rally could see that the Duncaroos and McMurtrians Eric Doctor up on their academic requirements White House had a well-document- were among the most animated and passionate colleges anyway. However, the "dead trees" ed history of altering transcripts dispensing cheers. The Rice University General An- edition of the GA serves a very spe- from press conferences to better re- Rice learned a difficult lesson with the inception of Mar- nouncements that I received on the cific purpose: It is your protection flect the administration. When we first day of Orientation Week three against the Registrar. live in a world in which print media tel College in 2002, when the ninth college sprung with the years ago still sits on my bookshelf, When you submit your final ap- has gone to the wayside, the word vagabonds and social outsiders of other colleges. This time right between an unopened differ- plication for your degree from Rice, of authority is taking over the word around, however, it appears that the administration has the ential equations textbook and The you get to choose to graduate with of the general populace. correct path in mind — inviting a microcosm of the student Elements of Typographic Style. I the requirements from either your While I greatly appreciate the population to join Duncan and McMurtry's ranks as the don't consult it very often, but un- matriculation year or your gradua- fact that I have a copy of the GA sit- til the day 1 graduate from Rice that tion year. Seeing as how you have no ting on my bookshelf, I realize that years progress, offering the empty spaces to those who best General Announcements book is not idea what the requirements will be with today's financial and social represent the holistic Rice experience. going anywhere. four years into the future when you obligations we may not be able to These two colleges will always be linked in Rice lore, My General Announcements is matriculate, most students gradu- afford every student that luxury. and rightfully so. Their similarities are self-evident. From my Bible for Rice; it is the final word ate with the requirements from their However, it is entirely necessary "smart" air conditioning to (eventual) LEED certification, on whether I have fulfilled the re- matriculation year. Those require- to print archival copies. Each aca- quirements for graduation from this ments are set in stone — or rather in demic department and residential the two do a heady job of reducing Rice's carbon footprint university. If I am ever in doubt as ink — in the GA. college should receive between five while enlarging our ranks. Yes, they removed large swaths to what is required from my declared The great problem with fully and ten copies, and the library and of Rice's greenery, but have you seen their roofs? More so majors, 1 can open up the GA and electronic media is that it can be Registrar's Office should also keep than that, though, they share a pair of incoming classes who reassure myself that, yes, I do only changed. Someone in the Registrar's copies accessible to students. own one of the most unique opportunities Rice students ever need to complete six hours of upper- Office can decide that they actually Sure, a couple of trees might level social sciences. see: shaping their college's identity. Picking college govern- meant to say that 60 hours of upper- have to bite the dust for this to The class of 2013 will be the first level credit are required for gradua- come to fruition. But aren't a few ments, designing college crests and concocting public par- without the GA sitting on their book- tion instead of 48, or that this course dead logs worth our students' aca- ties fall on the shoulders of these freshmen, whose exposure shelves. As part of the university's is required for your major instead of demic protection? to Rice has been unlike any seen in nearly a decade. Howev- environmental initiatives, the Reg- that one. er, we hope that the newly-minted freshmen do not see this istrar's Office has opted for a com- Even if you print the GA in your Eric Doctor is a Lovett College senior pletely paperless GA, instead mak- as a pressure-packed burden; rather, we hope they see this room the second after you matricu- and design director. as a once-in-a-generation opportunity. From all that we've seen during Orientation Week, we have every confidence that they will succeed in ways not previously seen, and that Casey Michel The Rice Thresher, the official student news- Rice will long cherish Duncan and McMurtry. Editor in Chief paper at Rice University since 1916, is pub- lished each Friday during the school year, except during examination periods and holi- days, by the students of Rice University. NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY Cindy Dinh Editor Ariel Shnitzer Editor Letters to the Editor must be received by Parking deal evidence Josh Rutenberg Editor 5 p.m. the Monday prior to publication and Jocelyn Wright Editor DESIGN must be signed, including college and year if Jaclyn Youngblood Editor the writer is a Rice student. Letters should not of Rice's generosity Eric Doctor Director exceed 250 words in length. The Thresher re- OP-ED serves the rights to edit letters for content and WEB length and to place letters on our Web site. The deal Rice and H-E-B have crafted, allowing H-E-B em- Christine Pao Editor Cristina Tortarolo Cartoonist Stephen Wang Editor ployees to park for free on West Lot, may seem strange at Dennis Qian Asst. Editor Editorial & business offices are located on the second floor of the Ley Stu SPORTS first glance (see story, page 4). Rice seems to be reaping no BUSINESS dent Center: Natalie Clericuzio Editor benefit out of the agreement — had the university installed Yvette Pan Manager Yan Digilov Editor Jessie Huang Subscriptions Manager 6100 Main St., MS-524 an H-E-B olive bar in the Rice Memorial Center, the deal may Jonathan Myers Assistant Editor Charlie Ary Distribution Manager Houston, TX 77005-1892 seem more even-handed. Gustavo Herrera Distribution Manager Phone (713) 548 4801 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Sergio Jaramillo Distribution Manager Fax (713) 348-5238 One day, Rice may see a return on this display of kind- Joe Dwyer Editor E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.ricethresher.org ness. But if that day never comes, we won't mind. The ADVERTISING COPY area where H-E-B employees park are often empty, and Cathleen Chang Ads Manager Unsigned editorials represent the major Anna Wilde Editor Molly Slattery Ads Manager ity opinion <>f the Thresher editorial staff never full, thus negating any impact the H-E-B employees Rose Cahalan Editor Jessie Huang Classified Ads Manager All other opinion pieces represent solely the opinion of the piece's author. may produce. Rice is simply helping a neighborhood busi- CALENDAR BACKPAGE ness, during a time in which economic times are harsh all Brian Reinhart Editor Kyle Barnhart Editor The Thresher is a member of the Associated Cristina Tortarolo Editor Collegiate Press. Hoedown .. throwdown! around. Any little bit can help, and Rice's generosity should © Copyright 2009 be commended. Op-Ed Minibus system can aid mass transit Collapse of print journalism STANDING ON A street corner near ine expanding this system across a people get where they wanted to go the Pacific Ocean in Lima, Peru, I wider area of Houston and charg- led the Ontario Highway Transpor- not completely irreversible asked someone which bus could ing a small amount for rides. This tation Board to rule it practically il- take me downtown. He pointed to a is what a minibus system could legal to carpool in their city. By al- I SAW THE implosion from the in- enemy, that turned newspapers into small 10-seater van pulling up be- look like. lowing ride seekers to pay drivers, side out. The collapse of journal- the coal locomotive, a useful but heav- hind us. A few of these minibuses Small businesses run minibuses PickupPal violated their Public Ve- ism, the creaking and crumbling ily-outdated — and environmentally would pass every minute and cost in cities around the world. They hicles Act, which only allows car- and crashing of an industry that unfriendly — means of transport. about a quarter. can quickly adapt their routes in poolers to pay drivers if they limit keeps politicians to task and ath- To wit: Is there inherent value to response to changes in travel de- travel to between home and work, letes in the glare. I saw the faces be- a newspaper or a magazine? To the mand. They can also tailor their do not cross city boundaries, have hind it, the dinosaurs who were too physicality of the ink and the paper? service with adjustable fares to go a the same driver every day and pay slow or too unaware to update the Perhaps, for historical reasons. The little off route to your doorstep. the driver at most once a week. business model when they could. creation of digital information is a But here in Houston you cannot This is how legal monopolies, foreign concept to much of Ameri- enjoy these services. To ride Harris like most city buses, tend to defend ca, whereas the block-and-palette County METRO you usually need to "their" market share. But even if technology is obvious to anyone walk a healthy distance to the bus these innovative programs cause who took third-grade art class. stop, and then it is often 20 min- some loss of ridership on city bus- David Splinter Online media is no longer the utes between buses. So if Lima and es, they can help fulfill the goal of digital elephant in the room; it's hundreds of other cities around the mass transit: moving people where as real as Brett Favre's idiocy. (For I'd seen them before, but never woild get to have minibuses, why they want to go. proof, check out ricethresher.org for in such a system. And after using not Houston? up-to-the-minute updates on perti- them to ride to and fro, I can hon- While Houston is fortunate to Casey Michel if nent news and sports stories). The estly say that if there were mini- be one of the few American cities giants of the magazines know this, buses in Houston and I had to wait legally allowing a type of mini- I was in the middle of it this and they know it well, which is why less than a minute for one, I would bus, there are so many restrictions How can we start summer, in the New York magazine their ideas, wide and varied and rad- probably sell my car. that none operate, as far as I know. district, gleaning the lessons learnt ical, are more than enough to quell Like most people, I hate wait- Specifically, Houston allows jitneys, bringing the from the movers of the publishing my nerves. Granted, to avoid getting ing for buses. Economists have a minibus carrying between four minibus solution world. They admitted their failings. blackballed, the details can't be quantified this distaste: People and fourteen passengers. Jitney within reach? To They told me what to expect in the hashed out in this column. But you would pay six times as much to re- was an old colloquialism for five immediate future. They made sure know the Kindle? Yeah, get used to duce time spent waiting for a bus cents, the fare in the early 1900s for make jitneys that my job prospects were ground- it, but don't blanche when you meet than time spent riding the bus. these vehicles. feasible in Houston, ed in reality, stuck in the mud of the its new and improved cousin. This is why subways seem so much However, many restrictions recession and the layoffs. The plans are laid out, leading more appealing than regular city keep jitneys from actually serving we should allow I sat with them, face-to-face, mi- out of this mire and into a dichoto- buses; they circulate about every Houstonians. According to local them to schedule crophone-to-audience, and heard mous print and digital future. A five minutes. regulations, jitneys must operate service, adjust rates them lay out their plans for rejig- future in which journalists may not without a fixed schedule, meaning gering journalism's foundations. be looking over their backs as the for going slightly off if they cannot run effective carpools And I didn't see worry. I didn't axe of unemployment comes down 1 between your neighborhood and route and operate see the sallow, empty drones I was on their heads. While that axe is downtown. Otherwise, we could vehicles older than promised. I didn't see the hapless still out there, swinging with its Small businesses run see some minibuses offering ser- executives rustling the leaves for Bunyan-like force, it will soon tir^. vices like wireless internet.and cof- five years old. the Mad Max leftovers. See, there will always be both minibuses in cities fee for morning commuters. I saw reason to hope. the need and the desire for journal- around the \yorld. Jitneys also cannot go off route Not Obama-style hope, the kind ism. No one's disputing this claim. 99 They can quickly or adjust rates, meaning they can- the fills you up and lifts you out — Just look at you, right now, stroll- not charge extra to take you to your but a prescient, calm hope, one that ing the Inner Loop or lounging at adapt their routes in doorstep. Probably most ridiculous The monthly METRO report es- doesn't translate into puffed-up Brochstein or peddling down Kirby response to changes is that jitney vehicles cannot be timated in May that total ridership speeches and inevitable compro- (please be careful). This, the dead more than five years old. would fall 10 percent in fiscal year mise. It was the kind of hope that tree edition of a 93-year-old paper, in travel demand. All of these restrictions mean 2009 relative to the previous year. gets you thinking, the kind of hope is what Rice students were reading They can also tailor that the Harris County METRO The decrease in gas prices explains that reminds you why you chose to under Woodrow Wilson, when the their service with maintains a monopoly on running some of this fall, but it shows that work in an industry that everyone is Dodgers abandoned Brooklyn and buses with schedules. As you may we should allow entrepreneurs already eulogizing. when the Berlin Wall disintegrated. adjustable fares to expect, this monopoly operates in- more of a chance to offer Housto- They only barely talked of the You're looking at the product of de- go a little off route efficiently. METRO was almost 90 nians mass transit options. present. Sure, they touched on the cades of work, hundreds of thou- percent tax-subsidized in the fiscal So how can we start bring- downsizing, how people with dozens sands of man-hours dedicated to to your doorstep. year 2007, with operating expenses ing the minibus solution within of years of experience, not to men- bringing you all the news between But here in Houston of $436 million and fare collec- reach? To make jitneys feasible in tion entire magazines, had found the hedges. you cannot enjoy tions of only $53 million. Granted, Houston, we should allow them to themselves in the Manhattan soup And it will change soon, too, with METRO may help reduce some schedule service, adjust rates for lines. They sugar-coated nothing. newer-better-faster online content these services. congestion and allow low-income going slightly off route and operate Instead, they focused on the crux of coming to you in waves over the residents a means of transporta- vehicles older than five years old. the issue, and the reason why misan- next few years. tion, but METRO'S funds come You can see on a daily basis thropes are too short-sighted to see So don't give up yet. Not on the 99 from a regressive 1 percent dedi- that minibuses work on campus. the way things are going. industry, and certainly not on us. cated sales tax. Private minibuses also work in cit- The issue at hand, for those un- Because while the implosion's hap- Rice University's Transporta- Thankfully, entrepreneurs have ies around the world. It is time to der the rocks, is the inevitable tran- pening, the reconstruction is taking tion Department currently caters found a way around restrictions on allow minibuses to expand mass sition of paper to digital. The Great place, even as we speak, from the to students preferring short waits, transportation solutions with Zipcar transit options in Houston. Recession hurt, but that was out inside out. running medium-sized inner loop and Web sites like NuRide and Pick- of the industry's hands. It was the buses every few minutes, instead of upPal, which coordinate carpooling. David Splinter is an economics omnipresence of the Internet, a Casey Michel is a Brown College larger buses less frequently. Imag- PickupPal's potential to help graduate student. would-be partner turned death-knell senior and Thresher editor in chief.

CAMPUS REACTION "What does the addition of Duncan and McMurtry Colleges mean to Rice?'

"I hope that it's a lot of acceptance, "I think that both colleges are doing "Right now they're increasing the "We're going to have to hire more and that it's not a "Martel is not a a really good job this year of incor- class sizes without increasing faculty, make more classes, expand college" situation. I don't think it will porating the new colleges well into professors [or] class space. Sched- all our programming, but beyond be because of the way they're set up the college system, making them ules are going to be even more that I think it's done a lot to equal- and I think all of the new students feel that they're already so impor- crammed, so personally ... I don't ize the gap between north and are really going to be welcomed." tant to the community." really favor the new additions. south colleges."

Kate Coley Michaela Reynolds Daniel Mollengarden Matt Amdahl Hanszen College junior Lovett College sophomore Brown College senior jones College junior 4 NEWS THE RICE THRESHER FRIDAY, AUGUST 21,2009 Financial aid simplifies job Rice offers West Lot spaces to aid H-E-B employees search with new board BY SARAH RUTLEDGE to help [with the new store]," Del- THRESHER STAFF Conte said. "It was a lot that wasn't BY CINDY DINH the list of jobs as well as create a pro- on RiceLink, which is managed by In an unconventional venture being used." THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF file with skills and work experience the Center for Student Professional beyond the hedges, Rice is hoping Finding work in this economy and upload a plain-text resume. Development. Integrating the university with to have established a beneficial re- can be a job in itself, from scouring "It provides a high tech bulletin Lassus said the Office of Finan- the Houston community is one of lationship with a local business by classified ads and bulletin boards board that all students on campus cial Aid is trying to make it easier the Vision for the Second Century's appealing to their pocketbooks. The to relying on word-of-mouth or can benefit from," Lassus said. "It re- for students who qualify for federal ideals, DelConte said. In addition, employees from a recently-opened random online postings. Finding a places the need to go to different de- work study to find jobs on campus. he said he hopes the store will offer H-E-B Grocery Store, located on job on campus, however, has been partments to look for job postings." A few of the positions on the job Rice athletics a sponsorship in the Buffalo Speedway and South Blvd., streamlined to a single Web site on Department supervisors can post board are available only for students future, though nothing has been set have been parking in West Lot free the Rice Financial Aid Student Job and take down jobs at their own dis- who qualify for work study, but, as in stone yet. of charge since the beginning of the Board. Students can now go online cretion instead of waiting for IT to of publication, two-thirds of the jobs Martel College senior Sarita month, and will continue to park to search for jobs on campus such post them. Lassus said she hopes listed are available for all students. Panchang said she was unaware there until next Monday, Aug. 31. as office assistants, research assis- this easier-to-use Web site will en- According to Student Financial that Rice was offering free parking The employees are parking in tants, lifeguards or class graders. courage more departments to use it Services Assistant Director Yvette to H-E-B employees. West Lot 5, the lot adjacent to the "I only know a little about the Students can access the job as another form of advertising jobs Scales, the number of students who police station and post office, off situation, but Rice's decision seems board at jobs.financialaid.rice.edu in addition to listserves, bulletin receive financial aid and qualify for University Blvd. Parking Manager mostly just a business strategy," she by signing in with their NetID un- board postings, and word of mouth. federal work study has increased. Mike Morgan estimated that the said. "That's probably all it should der the tab "Applicants." Using the NetID to log in for both Though the Office of Financial Aid H-E-B employees use 50 to 100 park- student applicants and supervisors is still processing applications, be taken as." The Web site launched in June ing spaces at any given time. He means the system is more secure she estimates 500 students will 2009, replacing the previous site, said since the lot normally has 180 and simplifies the screening pro- qualify for federal work study this College Works by Web, which was spaces and is infrequently used, it cess to ensure only people who are year, about 30 more students than managed by an outside technol- parkers should not be impacted by affiliated with Rice can post jobs, last year. ogy company. The job board is now the spaces temporarily in use. hosted by Rice Information Technol- Lassus, who is in charge of manag- "Between the time when stu- I haven't seen West Administrative Services Direc- ogy and is customized to meet Rice's ing and approving postings to the dents apply for financial aid in Lot 5 completely full. tor Eugen Radulescu said typically needs, Quality Control Analyst for job board, said. The jobs posted February or March, to the time they high-demand parking lots on cam- Very few students the Office of Financial Aid Deborah are all on-campus positions, which start school, people have been los- pus boast few open spaces, but West Lassus said. Students can log in with differentiates the Web site from the ing jobs and may now qualify for park there, if any. It's Lot 5 is an unpopular place to park. their NetID and password to browse career job and internship postings financial aid," Scales said. "I haven't seen West Lot 5 com- easier for students pletely full," Radulescu said. "Very to park closer to the few students park there, if any. It's shuttle. MISTAKES OF YOUTH? easier for students to park closer to the shuttle." Eugen Radulescu This parking arrangement was Administrative Services CAN YOU CLEAR YOUR facilitated through the Athletic Department, which is leading a 99 campaign to secure sponsorship RECORD? from the store, Athletics Director Chris DelConte said. This summer, The H-E-B store is still in its the football team took part in a opening phase and needed extra Remove criminal offenses from Youth Impact Program, where stu- help to open, Radulescu said. The & dents from Houston's Third Ward West Lot serves as an overflow lot your record that may affect your career spent time with football players for these employees, and is in use and learned about college oppor- throughout both day and night tunities. DelConte said the football shifts. From the parking lot, H-E-B EXPUNCTIONS, NONDISCLOSURES, team also went door-to-door in six runs a contracted shuttle to the boroughs in hopes of gaining more store for its employees. JUVENILE SEALING season ticket holders. As part of a Morgan said if parking issues more concerted sponsorship effort, did arise as a result of this tempo- the team hopes to use local busi- rary parking, he would negotiate a JOAN CAIN ATTORNEY AT LAW nesses to rally community support solution at that time, likely moving by displaying posters and other parkers to the Greenbriar Lot or 832-724-7565 [email protected] Rice regalia, he said. West Lot 4. He also encourages stu- In regards to H-E-B, DelConte dents to contact [email protected] SugarLand said he sees the store as potentially should they run into problems. Serving Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, Waller beneficial to Rice and that offering "At this time, it's not anything parking space free of charge was we proactively see as something counties the neighborly thing for Rice to do. that needs to be implemented," "We said we'll do what we can Morgan said. OSPAIN CENTER FOR STUDENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FROM PAGE 1 University of Houston, Hernaiz said they had come to a mutual agreement that it was time to move on. "Rice was of course the best possible candidate because of the reputation and infrastructure Rice could offer us," Hernaiz said. Although the Spanish Resource Center will focus mostly on Spanish Over 45 culture, Hernaiz said he was open to the possibility of collaborating with organizations other Spanish-speaking countries. "It's only natural since it's funded by the government of Spain participating! and the taxpayers of Spain that we focus on Spain, but we're open to doing things in cooperation with other Spanish-speaking countries," Hernaiz said. He added that the center's col- lection of materials included some titles from Latin American coun- tries. Hernaiz said he was also con- scious of Rice's interest in Latin America and the U.S.-Latin Ameri- Rice Career Expo can population. "It has been called the triangle Tuesday, September8, 2009,11AM-4PM — Spain, Latin America and the U.S.-Latin American population in the Grand Hall (RMC) with many things in common like language and culture," Hernaiz Bring copies of your resume said. "Spain is after all just one part Dress is professional or business casual of the Spanish speaking popula- tion in the world, and the Spanish- speaking population is growing tre- *See RICEIink for detailed list of employers mendously in the U.S., so it is only natural that we want to be part of that equation of Spain, Latin Ameri- ca and the U.S.-Latino population." FRIDAY, AUGUST21,2009 THE RICE THRESHER NEWS 5

RUPD POLICE BLOTTER Comp exam results remain The following items were reported to the Rice Univer- sity Police Department for the period July 1-Aug. 12.

RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES steady despite class growth Brown July 8 Theft Brown July 24 Theft BY JOCELYN WRIGHT unsure what the standard of writing came with trying to host a huge data- THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF at Rice really is." base on Owlspace. ACADEMIC BUILDINGS Even though the size of the fresh- The exam results for 2008 and "I liked the little review they wrote George R. Brown Hall July 15 Theft man class increased substantially, 2009 are significantly better than that was tailored to my essay," Duncan Jesse H. Jones School July 18 Criminal Trespass the percent of students passing the those for the 2007 incoming class, freshman Hannah Bosley said. "I think Herman Brown July 29 Burglary composition exam remained at 71 per- when only 62 percent of the incoming it helped me improve my writing." Herring Hall Aug. 6 Theft cent, indicating both the reliability of students passed. Barrett attributed All students who received a "not sat- BRC Site Aug. 9 Criminal Trespass the exam and the consistent strength this to a number of factors, including isfactory" or who elected not to take the Failure to Identify of the incoming class, Program for the false rumor circulating among exam must take COMM 103 before they Geology Aug. 10 Criminal Trespass Communications Excellence Director incoming students on Facebook and graduate. Barrett said there are now Deborah Barrett said. online discussion boards that every- four full-time faculty in the Program Although the percent of internation- one passed the composition exam. for Communication Excellence, which OTHER BUILDINGS al freshmen increased by 67 percent For the first time, the composi- will make it possible to accommodate Fondren July 1 Theft this year, Barrett said this did not make the COMM 103 needs of students as the Ze-Row House July 9 Criminal Mischief any difference in the exam results, a freshman population continues to grow. Tudor Field House July 16 Theft trend consistent with last year. U Twelve sections of the course, each of A.P. Brown Hall July 27 Theft "It seems the exam performance which are capped at 15 students, will be Brochstein Paviltion July 31 Criminal Trespass is pretty consistent across the de- I liked the little offered in the fall and 12 sections will be Rice Memorial Center Aug. 11 Burglary of a Motor Vehicle mographics of our students," Bar- review they wrote offered in the spring, allowing 360 stu- rett said. dents to take COMM 103 this year. that was tailored to PARKING LOTS Of the 904 incoming students re- Although this number is slightly North Colleges Lot July 5 Burglary of a Motor Vehicle quired to take the exam, 136 elected my essay. I think it lower than the total number of incom- Greenbriar Lot not to take it, which Barrett said is helped me improve ing students who need to take the July 19 Burglary of a Motor Vehicle also consistent with last year when my writing. course, Barrett said she did not an- Greenbriar Lot July 21 Theft the option not to take the exam was ticipate any problems because many West Lot Aug. 3 Failure to Stop and Give first made available. Barrett said she Hannah Bosley students wait until they are sopho- Information had proposed making the composi- Duncan College freshman mores to take the course. One section Greenbriar Lot Aug. 12 Theft tion exam optional a year and a half of COMM 103 has already been filled ago since some students were not tak- and several others already have up- OTHER LOCATIONS ing the exam seriously when they did W perclassmen registered. Entrance #13B July 2 Alcohol Violations not want to take it. Barrett said some students also Entrance #22 July 6 Alcohol Violations "It wasted the students' time and tion exam was hosted on the Program wait to take the course because they Disorderly Conduct our time and it didn't really give a for Communication Excellence Web are appealing their exam results. Off Campus Driving While Intoxicated fair reflection of the student's per- site instead of the Massachusetts "We estimated we could place all July 23 formance if a student is just doing Institute of Technology Web site, a but about 15 students [in COMM 103], so Evading Detention it because she thought she had to," switch that made reporting grades to we're pretty well covered," Barrett said. Laboratory Road July 24 Burglary of a Motor Vehicle Barrett said. the increased class significantly eas- "If we see that we need more sections Entrance #18 July 28 Failure to Stop and Give Duncan College freshman Ariel ier, Barrett said. Instead of reporting we will add a couple in the spring." Information Slick felt confused when she received grades and feedback on Owlspace, as A group appeared on Facebook her score on the exam. had been done previously, students with rumors circulating about the dif- "I made high scores on both the were able to log onto the Web site us- ficulty of the composition exam. AP Language and Literature exams," ing their NetID and password to view "I heard it was impossible," Bos- Slick said. "I was bummed by my their results. Barrett said this process ley said. "But I think hearing that composition exam results, but I was eliminated the complications that made me study that much harder." Can you design a better-looking advertisement than this?

the morning... l/l/e will pay you to design for us!

I IF YOU'RE AN EARLY RISER... AND YOU NEED TO KNOW WHAT'S UP ON CAMPUS, E-mail [email protected] for more o v rr - r 0 0" 0 - r information V '

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HAVE THE LATEST NEWS RIGHT IN YOUR INBOX. WAITING FOR YOU... M %^ RICE Student STIMULUS PACKAGE Get a "HOOT" Kahn's Deli Caters! Smoked Turkey, Ham, We have plenty of Pepperoni, Provolone choices to make Cheese and Kahn's your end of school Signature Dressing on party scrumtiousi a Fresh Baked Bun 4.99 832-860-9068 www.ricethresher.org/register wiiaii < ?7#t *Th.c. ~\7t U a y c AVAILABLE 2429 Times Blvd. kahnsdeli.com I H 6 NEWS THE RICE THRESHER FRIDAY, AUGUST21,2009

Community Involvement Center VOLUNTEER Brothers remembered for community service

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2009-10 BY JOSH RUTENBERG of a graduate-level course on envi- THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF ronmental sustainability and tech- LOEWENSTERN FELLOWS! nology. Stone Taylor Weeks, 24, and The Weeks brothers had a long William Holt Weeks, 20, died in a streak of philanthropy. The broth- All 15 Fellows completed 4- to 12-week service placements in Latin car crash July 23 en route to Wash- ers spent Sundays feeding the ington, D.C. The brothers, both homeless. Stone participated in America or Asia during summer 2009. researchers at the Baker Institute a muscular dystrophy camp and of Public Policy, were traveling to Habitat for Humanity. Likewise, visit family and friends, and to at- Holt served in student govern-

FELLOW tend a party celebrating the release ment at his high school, where he of history professor and Baker In- started a fundraising campaign to Mabel Chan Peru ProWorld Service Corps stitute fellow Douglas Brinkley's support the Leukemia and Lym- Lila Kerr Costa Rica Projects Abroad new book, The Wilderness Warrior: phoma Society. The Stone and Holt Theodore Roosevelt and the Cru- Weeks Foundation has been set up Janice Loh China Cross-Cultural Solutions sade for America. in their memory, with the mission, Jingyuan Juo China Cross-Cultural Solutions Within the history department, "to make the world a better place Stone worked for Brinkley as a re- for all." The foundation will sup- Courtney Ng Peru Projects Abroad search assistant after graduating port causes that the brothers cham- Harrison Nguyen Vietnam Globe Aware with a B.A. in History from the Uni- pioned in life, like The Beacon in Houston, Habitat for Humanity Casey O'Grady Bolivia Projects Abroad versity of Delaware in 2007. "I dearly miss Stone," Brinkley and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Rachaei Petersen Peru ProWorld Service Corps said. "It's going to take years to re- Society. Emily Romano Peru Projects Abroad organize my scholarly life without Stone and Holt were born in him. His presence will be greatly Savannah, Geo., and Little Rock, Dennis Shung Peru ProWorld Service Corps missed at Rice." Ark., respectively. The brothers Rathi Subramanian India Greenforce When Christopher Bronk, a fel- grew up in Bethesda, Md., and low in technology, society and were very close throughout their Samon Tavakoli-Sabour Ecuador Child Family Health International public policy at the Baker Insti- lives. They enjoyed playing sports Thuy (Alex) Tran India Child Family Health International tute, needed a summer intern in together, eating sushi and singing 2008, Stone nominated his younger karaoke. Stone was researching the Rodolfo Velasquez Lim Dominican Republic Orphanage Outreach brother, who went by his middle history of the environmental move- Susan Wu Mongolia Projects Abroad name, Holt. ment, while Holt was looking into "Holt was very diligent and in- environmental technology. credibly upbeat," Bronk said. "He Friends and family created a Thanks to the generous donation of Walter Loewenstern ('58), the Loewenstern Fellowship suffered from being second-guessed Facebook page in their memory to by me and other professors, but he share stories and their support. provides funding for students' international service experiences up to $6,500. was always willing to go back to Stone and Holt are survived by the drawing board. He enjoyed the their parents, Linton Weeks, a na- To learn more about the Fellowship and this year's deadlines, visit the Community Involvement challenge." tional correspondent for NPR Digi- Center's web site at http://cic.rice.edu. Holt began working for Bronk tal News, and Jan Taylor Weeks, an in the summer of 2008, while still Artist-in-Residence at the Marchutz attending Eckerd College in Saint School in Aix-en-Provence, France. Petersburg, Fla. Bronk said Holt A celebration of Stone and Holt's transferred to Rice this summer lives was held August 2 at the both for a more rigorous academ- Washington National Cathedral. ic experience and to be closer to A memorial is expected to take CENTER FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Stone, but never matriculated. The place at the Baker Institute once ^RICE DISCOVER • VOLUNTEER • LEAD research Holt conducted on green the family is ready, Bronk said. V v>- V sL ' ' * r""" »Y computing led to the development

Come Worship with Us! West University Baptist Church invites you to worship, the study of God's Word and fellowship. We have both contemporary and traditional Sunday worship services, as well as a college-level Bible study class that is attended by many Rice University students and taught by Dr. Jim Tour. Free breakfast is always served in the class. Located two miles directly west of campus at 6218 Auden between University and Rice. Free round-trip shuttle service is provided each Sunday morning leaving at 8:15 AM and 9:15 AM on the loop in front of Rice's Allen Center. See www.wubc.org for details, or call 713-668- 2319. Contemporary Worship: 8:30 AM Bible Study Class: 9:45 AM Traditional Worship: 11:00 AM FRIDAY, AUGUST21,2009 THE RICE THRESHER NEWS 7 Rett professor leaves legacy of compassion

BY SARAH RUTLEDGE Thought with a donation from the to the subject. Kelber's vision of a religion and philosophy as being a person even at the cost of giving THRESHER STAFF Jewish community in Houston. department that would integrate re- intertwined. Because both subjects one's own life," Parsons said. "This Once that position was created, ligions from across the world, as well fascinated her, Parsons said she is a kind of self-giving that could Edith Wyschogrod, a former re- they hired Wyschogrod. as applying varying methodologi- eluded the label of religious stud- hurt you." ligious studies professor, died July Wyschogrod was a prime candi- ies professor. This philosophy, however, tran- 16. She was 79. date for the position, as she was al- Parsons said the religious stud- scended beyond mere text. Parsons Wyschogrod, a native New ready well known in academic circles, 44 ies department today owes much to said Wyschogrod treated everyone Yorker, started her career teach- Parsons said. She was also a mem- Wyschogrod. The department placed with respect and exhibited humility, ing philosophy at Queens College ber of the highly selective American She defined altruism fifth in the nation for faculty schol- despite her fame. of City University of New York. She Academy of Arts and Sciences. arly productivity by Academic Ana- She also liked to help others over- advanced from lecturer to a perma- "They got her here at a crucial time as loving a person lytics, owned by the State University come obstacles. Interestingly, her fa- nent member of their faculty and, for our department," Parsons said. even at the cost of of New York, and boasts 12 faculty, vorite religious symbol was the Hin- in 1967, to chair of the department. Wyschogrod aided in the de- giving one's own life. many selected from across the globe du god Ganesha, who helped others She held this position until 1992, partment's transformation by at- to teach about their religions. in the same way. when she joined the Rice Religious tracting a larger number of gradu- This is a kind of self- During her career, Wyschogrod She was at once a well-read Studies Department. ate students. giving that could hurt joined the American Philosophical academic with a seemingly end- At the time of Wyschogrod's ar- Parsons said in addition to draw- Association and the Hegel Society less supply of knowledge, a person rival, the department was more ing students for her international you. of America, edited the Postmodern who refused to hear others speak of of a theological seminary than an renown, Wyschogrod looked after William Parsons journal and served on the editing her too highly and a professor fas- academic religious department, her graduate students by ensuring Religious Studies Professor staff of various other religious and cinated by tattoos from a cultural Religious Studies Professor William they would be placed at universities philosophical publications. and religious perspective. Hardly Parsons said. The department pri- or similar ventures and made the 99 After leaving Rice in 2003, she re- one-dimensional, she was a true in- marily focused on Christianity and necessary phone calls to colleagues turned to New York. She also served tellectual whose absence will be felt Western thought and the faculty across the country. as a guest professor at Williams Col- from Rice and the larger academic numbered fewer than 10 professors. "Talk about a faculty adviser cal approaches to them, was helped lege and Villanova University. community, Parsons said. Seeking to transform the depart- being wholly committed to their along by Wyschogrod, Parsons said. Wyschogrod's philosophical "She embodied her work," he ment, Religious Studies Chair Wer- students," Parsons said. "They Though raised in the Jewish faith, work, which focused on ethics and said. "She lived her work." ner Kelber, Dean of Humanities Al- swore by her. She trained them she taught classes that drew from a altruism, addressed the question of len Matusow and President George very well." variety of religious traditions. "the Other." She argued for altruism Rupp, a former religion professor, Her eclectic approach to teaching "What were important to her as a potentially self-sacrificing love established the Jay Newton Rayzor and understanding religion tied in to were ideas," Parsons said. for someone. Chair for Philosophy and Religious the department's changing approach In the same way, she viewed "She defined altruism as loving O QUALITY Why Major in Computer Science? FROM PAGE 1 Choosing a major in college is one of the most important decisions that "Rice has the best balance be- you will make in your life. The Computer Science (CS) Department trains tween academic and extracurricu- technical leaders versed in the skill of "computational thinking". This kind lar activities like the fun musicals of thinking involves taking an ill-defined problem, conceptualizing a precise and plays," Isidro said. model of the problem, reasoning about this model, and constructing a She added that the small student population was beneficial since computational solution based on this reasoning. How do our majors put compl 60 students can develop stronger rela- this skill to use after they graduate? tionships with other people. Some students, such as Will Help solve the major challenges facing the world. The world Rice College junior Karthik Soora, feel the ranking is consistent with faces significant problems in the areas of health, energy, what is offered at the university. and the environment. Bioinformatics applies computational However, they said it comes with techniques to problems like designing new drugs or a cost. understanding the causes of cancer. Estimating the impact "We are essentially buying a of various new energy technologies. "Smart" technologies higher quality of life," Soora said. have the potential to reduce energy consumption and alleviate many environmental problems. 44 Work on Intellectually stimulating technical problems. Though solving global problems is an exciting goal, careers It is a kind of valida- in CS can also provide day-to-day challenges such as tion from people that understanding the dynamics of social networks or creating matter. realistic special effects for the next Hollywood blockbuster. Using computational thinking to solve complex technical David Leebron President problems is an activity that many people enjoy. Make lots of money. Starting salaries for CS majors 99 are excellent. In fact, one recent Computing Research Association survey rated CS majors as having one of the highest average starting salaries out of 16 technical and He said the $90 fee to access the new recreation center, which is in- non-technical fields. For those interested in larger salaries, cluded in undergraduate tuition, can sign on with start-up companies or even start their as well as the pay gradient to park own. CS majors can also apply their technical training to close to the colleges, helped pay for lucrative fields such as commodities trading or patent law. improvements in the quality of life on campus. "It's stressing to have so many Computer Science Clubs charges," Soora said. Will Rice sophomore Trishna ACM Programming Competition - Each year, a group of Rice CS undergraduates attend Narula said Rice is very focused this international programming competition sponsored by IBM and ACM. The team consistently places <51 on the undergraduate experience, in the top ten. The first meeting will be held August 28 at 4 PM. Duncan Hall. Room 3076. For more which might change in future years with new additions to the information, contact the faculty advisor, John Greiner ([email protected]). university. "We have a pretty small gradu- Csters is an organization for anyone interested in Computer Science, but was originally founded to ate student population, but I'm not support female enrollment at Rice. For more information, visit www.ruf.rice.edu/lcsters/ or contact Emily sure how the quality of life will be Fortuna ([email protected]). once we expand or have the [pos- sible) addition of the Baylor College CS Club provides intellectual stimulation and serves as an information network for individuals of Medicine," Narula said. While rankings from other interested in Computer Science. Weekly lunches geared toward undergraduates are hosted within groups may have arbitrary criteria, the department. To find out more, contact Emily Fortuna ([email protected]) or visit www.ruf.rice.edu/ Leebron said the Princeton Review -geeks/. ranking was unique since it was based on student surveys. "It is a kind of validation from www.cs.rice.edu people that matter," Leebron said. The rankings help increase the university's visibility nationally and internationally, he said, which RICf UNIVERSITY might help recruit more applicants from abroad. For example, he said X® COMPUTER the number of undergraduate ap- plicants from China has quadru- SCIENCE pled over the past two years.

I THE RICE THRESHER FRIDAY, AUGUST21,2009

K I U \ IV 1 i\S I I

NEW MINOR IN POVERTY, JUSTICE, AND HUMAN CAPABILITIES (PJHC)

The Program in Poverty, Justice, and Human Capabilities (PJHC), which is housed in the Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality, provides students with a multi-faceted understanding of human well-being, both in the US and internationally. The new interdisciplinary PJHC minor emphasizes a "capabilities approach", which considers what people are able to do and be—for example, live to old age and engage in economic and political activities—rather than strictly what they have or do not have. A key goal of the PJHC minor is to enrich Rice students' understanding of poverty and inequality and train them to be future leaders in solving global problems in human well-being. Furthermore, the program aims to promote dialogue among all disciplines about how to address issues of poverty alleviation and human well-being.

The PJHC minor combines high-caliber undergraduate courses with internship experiences for students to w ork in the summer or as part of a study abroad program with agencies that help disadvantaged communities and people. Through academic and experiential learning opportunities, students explore a deeper understanding of the structural factors underlying poverty, human well-being, and potential policy solutions.

PJHC MINOR CORE REQUIRED COURSES

HUMA 280/SOCI 280: Introduction to Poverty, Justice, and Capabilities1" This course provides an introduction to the study of poverty, justice, and capabilities. The course considers theory and policy oriented towards improving human well-being in the US, Asia, Africa, and other countries. Readings address not just material deprivations but also gender, racial and ethnic disparities, health status, education, human rights, and political freedoms. • % ' M: SWGS 422: Gender and Global Economic Justice* This course explores theoretical approaches to gender equality, human well-being, and justice in local and global societies. Topics include: material, cultural, and social influences on human well-being; the organization of productive and reproductive work, paid and unpaid work; children, family, and gender relations; globalization and economic justice; and the capabilities approach to human well-being. OR SWGS 250: International Political Economy of Gender

POL1 338: Policy Analysis OR SOCI 470: Inequality and Urban Life Offered Fall 2009

ELECTIVES OFFERED FALL 2009

BIOE 301: Bioengineering and World Health, Richards-Kortum This course provides an overview of contemporary technological advances to improve human health. The course opens with an introduction to the epidemiology and physiology of the major human health problems throughout the world. With this introduction, we examine medical technologies to prevent infection, detect cancer, and treat heart disease. We discuss legal and ethical issues associated with developing new medical technologies. The course is designed for non- engineering/non-science majors. Cross-listed with GLHT 301.

BIOE 362: Bioengineering for Global Health Environment, Richards-Kortum This course provides an overview of contemporary technological advances to improve human health. The course opens with an introduction to the epidemiology and physiology of the major human health problems throughout the world. With this introduction, w e examine medical technologies to prevent infection, detect cancer, and treat heart disease. We discuss legal and ethical issues associated with developing new medical technologies. The course is designed for engineering and science majors. Cross-listed with GLHT 362.

ECON 450: World Economic and Social Development, Gillis Examines past and future development in advanced and poor countries, emphasizing resources, population, entrepreneurship, education, and planning.

ENGL 342: Survey of Victorian Fiction, Michie A survey of many genres of the nineteenth-century novel, this course will try to come to terms with some of the insistent questions posed by and through the fiction of the period, including responses to poverty and class conllict and the tension between the public and private sphere. Although this is a three-credit course, there is also a one-credit trailer, open to all but especially designed for students interested in the study of poverty, where we will look at non-fictional sources dealing with \arious social problems and will think through their relation to the novel. Cross-listed with SWGS 372.

HIST 455: History of Human Rights, Wildenthal Seminar v. ill explore the history of human rights through disciplines of anthropology and legal philosophy as well as historical case studies of individual states and human rights organizations. Students will undertake independent research on an issue, location, and period of their choosing.

PHIL 307: Social and Political Philosophy, Sher What makes a societ} just? On what grounds may the liberty of individuals be legitimately limited? What social ends may a state legitimately pursue?

POLI 438: Race and Public Policy, Branton Study of minority group politics and how race structures contemporary US politics. Includes myths and realities of minority groups, symbolic politics and race, pluralism as a model of US democracy, the intersection of class, race, and gender, civil rights movements, group consciousness, public opinion regarding minorities, and responses of national institutions to race issues.

SWGS 101: Introduction to Women and Gender, Forbis and Labuski An introductory survey of issues in the study of gender, such as women's social, political, and legal status in the US and globally; feminist perspectives on sexuality, race, the body, globalization, labor, and culture; and the implications of these perspectives for social and critical theory. The course also introduces the concept of engaged research and the public service components of feminist activity.

SWGS 422: Gender and Global Economic Justice, Strassmann This course explores theoretical approaches to gender equality, human well-being, and justice in local and global societies. Topics include: material, cultural, and social influences on human well-being; the organization of productive and reproductive work, paid and unpaid work; children, family, and gender relations; globalization and economic justice; and the capabilities approach to human well-being.

RF.QI IREMENTS FOR MINORING IN PJHC For more information contact: Diana Strassmann, Director Students must complete 3 required core courses. 3 elective courses, and a or Christine Medina, Program Manager paid, noncredit service learning internship. Alter taking HUMA 2K0/SOCI Program in Poverty, Justice and Human Capabilities 280 and at least one approved elective or one of the approved gender-related Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality courses, students who have declared the minor are eligible to participate in a Humanities I 13, MS-9 service learning internship program approved lor the minor. More detailed [email protected] information and a complete Ii>t ol the approved elective courses ma\ be 713-348-6152 found at vvvvvv .rice.edu pjhe. www.rice.edu/pjhc RICE Unconventional Wisdom FRIDAY, AUGUST 21,2009 THE RICE THRESHER NEWS 9

NEWS IN BRIEF K RadioShack

Fondren unveils fessor of Management, said many positive things were happening to new "One Search" the school - being ranked in the tool for users top 25 business schools, based on post-graduate salary, by The Fi- Fondren Library has made nancial Times and The Economist, as well as in the top 40 business THE several changes to their system to make research easier for stu- schools by U.S. News and World DID THE HOMEWORK SO YOU DON dents and faculty. Over the sum- Report. The school will also be mer, Fondren introduced "One launching a new Web site soon. Search," a comprehensive search Therefore, Glick said, the school engine similar to Google that will wanted to give a good message. ^ boost mobile simultaneously pool results from "Rice is re-evaluating its pri- Fondren's catalog and the ap- orities and going through a brand S129" proximately 50 different journals change," Glick said, "We decided Boost Motorola it subscribes to, Sara Lowman, to ask the same questions, in or- Clutch'" i465 the Vice Provost and University der to align ourselves more with $50/mo. unlimited Librarian, said. the university." JJsansQ nationwide talk, text, Previously, students had to The Jones School has changed Web and walkie-talkie * $7099 its logo to the Rice shield, but ac- search the library catalog and jour- 17-4429 nals separately. Lowman said this cording to Glick, the name change Expandable 4GB tool will be far more effective and will not cause any other changes Sansa® Fuze SarDisk convenient than searching these in the Jones School's routine. He • FM tuner also said that the Jones School in- • Slot for microSD databases individually. She added s19" the search has been enhanced to tends to do more marketing this card 8GB USB include results from the table of coming year to promote their new 42-399 Flash Drive contents and book reviews. name. 25-1110 "In our survey two years ago, "It's only the language that has changed over time," Glick we most noticed that students ^ A wanted something like a Google said. "Management" used to be • pxvrpoNics oBluetooth a more popular word, but now search for Fondren," Lowman S said. She said that several uni- "business" has taken that place, 29"SAVE $10 Glick said. After discussing the Plantronics E230 versities have similar products, AUVIO but the concept is fairly new; the changes with the board of trust- Bluetooth® Headset AUVIO" In-Ear Headset University of Oklahoma was the ees and donors and soliciting 17-3662 Reg. 39.99. with Microphone first to launch such a tool, and it feedback, Glick said everybody 33-267 only did so last fall, Lowman said. supported Jones' change to a business school. "I've not heard Fondren has been developing the Offers good through 8/22/09. Availability may vary by store. See store for details. any negative response regarding tool for a year, and it has been 'Monthly Unlimited Plan Includes domestic voice calling, wakie-talkie services. Web, text messages, picture and MMS/Audio messages Additional charges apply for international this change," Glick said. in testing since April in order to services/messages Other restrictions apply. See in-store materials or Doostmobile com for details ©2009 Boost Worldwide Inc All rights reserved. Boos;. Boost Mobile and the make the search more under- Logo are trademarks of Boost. MOTOROLA and the Stylized M are registered trademarks of Motorola, Inc. All other marks are the properly of their respective owners standable. So far it has received — Michelle Phillips positive reviews, Lowman said. VISIT A RADIOSHACK STORE NEAR YOUR CAMPUS. To streamline their system, Leebron signs uni- Fondren will now use Rice NetlDs Bissonet Shopping Center Kirby Corners Shopping Center Stadium Shopping Center in place of library pin numbers versity policies 4809 Bissonet 5804 Kirby Drive 8502 South Main for login to Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Bellaire Houston Houston President David Leebron and Catalog User Services, as well Ph: 713-667-5190 Ph: 713-661-7378 Ph: 713-665-5219 as Course Reserves, Assistant signed two new university poli- University Librarian for IT Diane cies this past June. Butler said. Policy Number 812 on Re- "People don't want to have cords Management requires de- to remember five different pass- partments to retain records for a words every time they try to log specific period of time, properly on," Butler said. "We're really destroy outdated or unnecessary trying to make things more effi- records and recycle non-confi- cient, and in the long run, easier dential paper records. for us." Policy Number 813 on Whistle- Butler said that the new sys- blower Protection outlines the tem will tie into the main univer- chain of command to report po- sity system, allowing Fondren to tential wrongdoing or misconduct more easily keep track of who is and prohibits any retaliation for currently registered at Rice. people acting out of good faith to Fondren's Web site will also be report these incidents. getting an overhaul, Butler said, There were no written poli- as the library upgraded to a new cies in place previously. Leebron version of software that made the said these policies were a matter Web site more aesthetically ap- of good governance and that no pealing. Butler hopes that by next particular incidents prompted fall a mobile version of Fondren's the university to write these poli- Web site will be up and running. cies. These changes were inspired by student and faculty opinion, But- — Cindy Dinh ler said. "We're always doing surveys Rice officer hit by and listening to what people MISSING A want," Butler said. "When we fleeing driver start hearing what features people want, we do what we can to make On the afternoon of July 17, an [our services] more user-friendly off-duty Rice police officer's car for our community." was hit by another car near En- trance 3 while he and two other passengers were still inside, Rice PEACE — Michelle Phillips and Josh Rutenberg Police Captain Dianna Marshall said. The car that hit Officer ABOUT YOU? Henry Cash was being chased by Jones School Houston Police down South Main Street at the time of collision. Join us this Sunday for our changes name Houston Police have since ar- Young Adults Class and Worship. rested the suspect that hit Cash. Over the summer, the Jesse Officer Cash and his passengers H. Jones School of Management sustained minor injuries but are changed its name to the Jesse H. otherwise fine, Marshall said. Jones School of Business. Wil- liam Glick, Dean of the Jones School and H. Joe Nelson III Pro- — Josh Rutenberg FREE RIDE TO CHURCH City of Refuge is Pick up will be at 9AM at the following locations on Sunday mornings & return after Worship: a nearby church that is NORTH COLLEGES: Sally Port biblically sound, SOUTH COLLEGES: Hanszen/Baker Masters' House racially diverse SO YOU THINK YOU CAN WRITE? Ci tyOfRefuge.org Questions?: [email protected] and socially active. ricethresher.org 3150 Yellowstone Blvd Hduston , TX 77054 Ph 713.664.5033 10 NEWS THE RICE THRESHER FRIDAY, AUGUST 21,2009 Students opt for historic housing at old Will Rice similar to chief justices and student mattresses and a discounted fee of Historic Will Rice to students had "They said we should think about BY JOCELYN WRIGHT $230 plus the surcharge for parking been pitched long before Rice knew it more like an apartmer.t complex THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF maintenance representatives might be added in the coming weeks. in the lot adjacent to the Shepherd it would have more first-year stu- with a lease with regulations and dents than expected. Forman said Historic Will Rice opened up "It's more like an on-campus School of Music. Residents were also guidelines," Forman said. "If you some students had come to him this year to ensure that all incom- apartment complex than a residen- able to apply to live in triple rooms break or violate [the regulations] early in the year asking if it was pos- ing first-year students have beds on tial college," Forman said. as doubles or in double rooms as you just can't live there anymore. sible to leave the building open as campus, and it will provide tempo- Director of Events Management singles. They encouraged us to frame His- on-campus housing to allow more rary on-campus housing to about 75 in Athletics Jareel Cornbest will live Lovett College senior James Bar- toric Will Rice with this philosophy students to live on campus. When he continuing and transfer students, in the building and serve as "some- tlett said there were two big reasons of personal responsibility." first investigated the possibility of Dean of Undergraduates Robin For- thing between an RA and a property he decided to move to Historic Will Forman said the first responses having students live in Historic Will man said. Although Will Rice Col- manager," Forman said. Rice. he received were from students at Rice, Forman said he found logisti- lege and Baker College will be under Since they will be living between "First, the money I save on hous- Lovett and Sid Richardson College, cal problems with keeping the build- construction this year, the 1912 wing two construction sites with consid- ing and meal plans was important to and that more students from the ing open because too many utility of Will Rice is not being renovated, erable amounts of noise, several in- me," Bartlett said. "Secondly, I had south colleges expressed an inter- outages were expected. In early May, and will stay open this year to house centives were offered to students liv- two roommates who wanted a triple est in Historic Will Rice than those when he revisited the plan as a way these students. ing in Historic Will Rice. Forman said suite. We were able to get a triple at in the north colleges. Priority was to accommodate the larger freshman Currently, Historic Will Rice does residents were offered a discount of Historic Will Rice." given to students who already had class, he found that with a "mod- not have any of the traditional sup- 25 percent on the annual room rate, Bartlett added that since Historic a bed on campus when filling the est investment" Rice could keep the port systems of a residential college, the option of purchasing the 10-meal Will Rice is right next to Lovett, the rooms at Historic Will Rice. building running continuously. such as masters or a chief justice, per week meal plan, which is other- commons, masters and the rest of After those beds were filled, trans- and all residents will remain affiliat- wise being offered exclusively to se- his college community would be "It was fortunate that a way to fer students who had expressed in- ed with their residential colleges, al- niors, free upgraded premium cable easily accessible. house students on campus had been terest in living on campus were given though Forman said support systems in their rooms, new memory-foam Forman said the idea to open up [discussed] earlier," Forman said. beds, Advisor to the Dean of Under- "It worked out remarkably well con- graduates Matthew Taylor said. sidering the trying circumstances." Once those students had been At the point that he sent out an placed in rooms, the remaining 18 or e-mail about Historic Will Rice to so beds were split between the nine students, Forman said his office residential colleges to offer to off- thought Rice would have about 70 campus students who wanted to live more freshmen than anticipated. on campus. Currently, 33 students "It was never our plan to provide who had been assigned on-campus something everyone would be thrilled housing, 30 transfer students and 12 about," Forman said. "It was never continuing students who were plan- going to be an alternative that met ning on living off-campus will be liv- everyone's needs. We wanted some- ing in Historic Will Rice. thing that eight to ten students at Forman said the exact numbers each college would find attractive." keep changing because part of the Forman said students living in deal for students living in Historic Historic Will Rice would be more in- Will Rice was that they could move dependent and that the consequenc- back into their residential colleges if es for their actions should they get space opened up. Forman said over in trouble were likely to be more se- the past few weeks, the number of vere because the building does not students in Historic Will Rice had have all the support structures of a dropped from the low 80s to 75. residential college. "There's been a little summer "In a residential college, if RUPD melt - students letting us know that After enrolling a large than expected freshman class, the administration opened up the 1912 wing of Will Rice gets a call about noise, it's likely for any reason they won't be at Rice to students. Those willing to live in the historic wing of Will Rice were compensated for their troubles. they'll call a college leader to address in the fall - which is expected," For- the concern," Forman said. "In His- man said. toric Will Rice, they won't have the Taylor said that as beds opened corresponding infrastructure to rely up in the nine colleges, they were on, so RUPD will likely play a more offered to either transfer students direct role, and that has implications living at Historic Will Rice or stu- for the process that follows." dents living off-campus. The beds Meed computer Forman said he had voiced con- that are emptied at Historic Will cerns about this issue to students Rice are being offered to students when they first came to him about on a waiting list. Taylor said none the possibility of opening up His- of the original 33 students with on- toric Will Rice, but that they had re- campus beds who had moved to sponded that he was thinking about Historic Will Rice had moved back help? the situation incorrectly. to their original colleges. Look for the yella'mbrellas ^cS&V . ^ A<# ' -

The Help Desk provides computer assistance to students through iT-trained student workers. Look for us under the yellow umbrellas - the North Kiosk is in the Jones College South Library and South Kiosk is in Hanszen Commons. Or stop by Mudd 103. You can also email us, call us, or read our tutorials online: Incentives offered to those willing to transfer to Historic Will Rice [email protected] 713.348.HELP(4357) http://ITtutorials.rice.edu included memory foam mattress, like those pictured above. FRIDAY, AUGUST21,2009 THE RICE THRESHER COLLEGES 11

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/VENN 22ZU95* At long last, after nearly four years of planning and tens of millions of dollars spent, McMurtry College and Duncan College have opened their doors to their first freshman classes. The most environmentally-friendly colleges on campus, complete with green roofs, "smart" air conditioning and bathroom pods, McMurtry and Duncan represent Rice's strongest efforts yet to reduce its carbon footprint, not to mention its first ex- pansion of the college system since Martel College's completion in 2002.

But what is going to happen to the Bakerites and Will Ricers currently living in the new colleges? Who are the McMurtrys and Duncans, and why did they decide to give approximately $30 million each to expand Rice's college system? And what's up with that giant tent parked outside of McMurtry? Turn the page and find out. 12 COLLEGES THE RICE THRESHER FRIDAY, AUGUST21,2009 i ii' INSIDE THE NEW COLLEGES McMurtry, Duncan open with key, green similarities Tomlinson said. In addition, Duncan BY JOSH RUTENBERG around the perimeter, dwarf bam- THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF boo in the center and edges of river will contain an Emergency Medical rock, Manager of Communications Services suite to provide room for Not only did they open at the for Facilities, Engineering and Plan- EMS personnel that will serve the same time, but McMurtry College ning Susann Glenn said. The garages north colleges. The brick used in and Duncan College share many of of each Masters' House are located Duncan College was made from a the same measurements and fea- inside the servery building, further special rose blend of brick requested tures. Both measure 125,700 square reducing the new building's envi- specifically for the college, giving it a feet, for a total of 281,200 square feet, ronmental impact. unique coloring, Howard said. including the joint-servery. Each fea- Environmental efforts were not tures five floors and 324 beds, split limited to the buildings themselves. McMurtry College among 150 singles and 87 doubles. In order to save a tree rooted in what While the footprint of McMurtry While the bottom four floors of each was originally intended to be the is the same as Duncan's, the lay- college have an internal hallway, location of the Duncan College Mas- out of McMurtry's quad is the more the fifth floor is characterized by a ters' House, the construction team free-form of the two. Most of the single-width hallway with a terrace. redesigned the house into an "L" mechanical systems that feed into The new colleges also have their own shape, Howard said. the new colleges run underneath servery, complete with private din- Despite the similarities, the two McMurtry, a pathway which became ing rooms and libraries. maintain some key differences. problematic when Hurricane Ike hit In addition, both colleges will be last fall, Howard said. As a result of the most eco-friendly on campus. Duncan College last September's hurricane, the un- Each room in the new colleges is Duncan is the greener of the two derground ducts flooded, and the equipped with "smart [air condition- colleges, as FE&P expects the build- construction team had to rip up the ing] systems that learn the students' ing to obtain the U.S. Green Building McMurtry commons' foundation and comfort level, and open-window and Council's Leadership in Energy and start from scratch. Because of the infrared sensors that will put the air Environmental Design Gold certifi- storm, McMurtry's commons was conditioning unit in setback mode" cation, the second-highest possible not ready for 0-Week, and a tent was for energy conservation, Assistant certification. The layout of the Dun- rented instead. However, the tent Project Manager Spencer Howard can quad is geometrically designed, was paid for out of the McMurtry said. The bathroom pods for the new and includes a fountain adjacent to construction budget and completion colleges were also put together prior the commons, Howard said. Duncan of for the commons is expected by to construction and then shipped also houses a classroom located on the end of August, Tomlinson said. to the Rice campus for installation, the first floor, which resulted in a dif- McMurtry features tan-colored brick, Howard said. ferent layout of the television lounge similar to that of Lovett Hall. FE&P McMurtry and Duncan Colleges each feature a "green roof," an addi- Duncan, McMurtry and their and breezeways than in McMurtry, expects the building to obtain the tional sustainable measure unique to these buildings on the Rice cam- servery each feature a green roof, Assistant Vice President for Project U.S. Green Building Council's LEED pus. The greenery on the roof include irises and dwarf bamboo. complete with bicolor iris flowers Management and Engineering Doug Silver certification.

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ARIEL SHNITZER/THRESHER

The McMurtry and Duncan College bathroom "pods" were pre-assem- McMurtry College's sundeck overlooks the as-yet-to-be-completed commons. Construction on the commons was bled and shipped to the construction site, where they were installed delayed largely because of Hurricane Ike last September and is expected to conclude by the end of August. in the new residential buildings. The restrooms feature low-flush toi- lets and other environmentally-friendly features.

Duncan and Baker Colleges display their spirit side-by-side in the new Duncan College Commons. Baker will live in Duncan until the fall of 2010, Will Rice and McMurtry Colleges set up camp for Orientation Week in the tent that is currently serving as their when the south college renovations are expected to be completed. commons while construction is completed. T

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21,2009 THE RICE THRESHER COLLEGES 13 Donors hope to establish NEW COLLEGES legacy, enrich student life CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE MAY 25, 2006 Burton ('56) and Deedee ('56) McMurtry The Board of Trustees approves the construction of two new residential N> BY KATHERINE HSU colleges. FOR THE THRESHER

Burt and Deedee McMurtry, both alumni from the Rice University class of 1956, have contributed numerous SUMMER 2006 gifts to their alma mater for a variety Burt ('56) and Deedee ('56) McMurtry of purposes, but the couple has been saving a Rice fund for "something big donate $32 million for the 10th college. OS and important." "Rice President David Leebron's proposition of expanding the student body with a new residential college appealed greatly to us, and it also fit with our desire to fund something im- portant and unique," Burt said. The McMurtrys' willingness to do- nate $32 million to Rice is largely due MARCH 22, 2007 to their experiences at the university. Deedee, who lived less than 10 blocks Designs for the 10th and 11th residen- from Rice for most of her childhood, tial colleges are unveiled. attended Lamar High School before en- tering Rice in September 1952. In addi- IUUTTLTSY KIT T NTWS tion to being Rondelet queen, Deedee worked for several years in the Fondren honors including the Rice Institute company GTE, joined Jack Melchor in Library. She graduated from the univer- Service Award (twice) and the Gold a venture capital business and served AUGUST 21, 2007 sity in 1956 with a B.A. in English. Medal of the Association of Rice on the Rice Board of Trustees from Charles ('47) and Anne Duncan donate Burt, a Houston native, also at- Alumni. He was also named a Distin- 1987 to mid-2004. Meanwhile, Deedee $30 million for the 11th college. tended Lamar High School, where he guished Engineering Alumnus and actively volunteers in her community, met Deedee. At Rice, he was treasurer Distinguished Alumnus. acts as a trustee of the American Con- and then president of the Student The couple married a week after servatory Theater in San Francisco and Association, and later served on the Deedee's graduation and moved to is heavily involved with Stanford's arts Trustee-Faculty-Student committee Mountain View, Calif., in July 1957 after advisory committee. Both said their N> from i955-'57, which created the resi- a short stint in Houston for Burt's fifth lives after Rice have been forever influ- AUGUST 28, 2007 dential college system "that students year at the university. While attending enced by the university. Groundbreaking ceremony for Burton love and so many universities strive graduate school at Stanford University "Rice has been an important part and Deedee McMurtry College. to attain today" in 1957. on the Honors Cooperative Program to of our lives," Burt said. "Both my wife Burt received his B.A. in 1956 and receive his M.S. in 1959 and his Ph.D. and I lived at home during our time at B.S. in 1957, both in electrical engi- in 1962, both in electrical engineering, Rice, so it will be fun to see how the neering, among other prestigious Burt worked for telecommunications new college and students evolve." SEPTEMBER 13, 2007 ^4 Charles ('47) and Anne Duncan Hurricane Ike hits Houston, setting back construction of the new colleges. BY KATHERINE HSU FOR THE THRESHER

Charles Duncan, who graduated from Rice in 1947, never got to expe- SEPTEMBER 27, 2007 rience the college system. But with a Groundbreaking ceremony for Anne generous, $30 million gift to construct Rice's 11th and newest residential col- and Charles Duncan College. lege, the Duncans have made sure the college system will continue to grow. "The residential college system is similar to other universities' fraterni- ties and sororities, but better," Dun- can said. "The colleges give students a home and allow them to enjoy the academic, social and athletic aspects of the university equally." JUNE 2009 In speaking about his hopes for his Plans for new wings of Will Rice and namesake college, Duncan said that Rice is one of the nation's leaders in Baker Colleges finalized. the college system, as other universi- ties continuously look to Rice for in- spiration when looking at creating a residential college system or improv- ing student life on their own campus. AUGUST 11, 2009 Duncan said he hopes the col- "While I held the Secretary of the Business Coalition for Clean Air. Orientation Week advisers begin mov- lege that bears his name's predicted Energy post, I found that America To this day, both Charles and Anne ing into the new colleges. N> gold-level certification in Leadership was incredibly dependent on foreign take an active interest in Rice, its stu- in Energy and Environmental Design countries for essential materials such dents and the environment, values will motivate the nation's colleges as oil," Duncan said. "My experienc- which are reflected in the college. Al- and universities to go green and sup- es in Washington prompted my desire though the freshman class of 2013 at port environmental sustainability. to promote conservation, a view that Duncan College has not yet decided Duncan's interest in the environment I took back with me to my hometown upon any lasting traditions or char- AUGUST 16, 2009 began when he moved to Washing- of Houston." acteristics, Charles has high expecta- First freshman classes for Duncan and ton, D.C. in the late 1970s to serve the When Duncan returned to Houston, tions for them. McMurtry Colleges matriculate. VO nation under President Jimmy Carter. he served multiple times as a trustee "I truly hope that Duncan and its In 1979, Carter appointed him the Sec- and later as a chairman on Rice's Board talented students contribute as much retary of Energy, a job that required of Governors and joined the Greater to Rice as the other colleges continu- intense negotiations with OPEC. Houston Partnership, where he headed ously do," he said.

SEPTEMBER 2009 McMurtry servery scheduled for completion.

JULY 31, 2010 (ANTICIPATED) Construction on new wings of Baker and Will Rice Colleges completed. Both colleges boast extensive sundecks, offering panoramic views of the campus and beyond. FRIDAY, AUGUST21,2009 14 COLLEGES THE RICE THRESHER = Finding their identities How will the close quarters of Will Rice and Baker affect the formation of Duncan and McMurtry's identities? BY JOSH RUTENBERG and it's really exciting. I look forward to watch- THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF ing their progress." One of Forman's biggest concerns is help- As the newest additions to the residential col- ing the colleges balance a need to distinguish lege system since Martel College in 2002, Duncan themselves from Baker and Will Rice while still College and McMurtry College have already be- attempting to successfully integrate into the • .- gun forming their own unique cultures and tradi- residential college system. To accomplish this, 18 representative ambassadors will be staying tSfe It : tions. While the question of how to integrate the * ' mm new colleges has long been in the works, Dean of at Duncan and another nine will reside in Mc- Undergraduates Robin Forman and others work- Murtry, with the responsibility to bring students ing on the transition are confident that the col- of the new colleges to government meetings, ac- leges will be able to find their own identities. tivities and parties at the older colleges. Forman . m. . . 1 I 'sr "On move-in day, McMurtry and Duncan said he hopes that this will allow the new col- —I won't have independent governing bodies," leges to have a broader sense of what it means to Forman said. "It will take them some time to be a residential college at Rice, and to help them ill '! develop a sense of what it means to be a resi- plan out their future. dential college." Forman also said that upperclassmen interest- Initially, the new colleges will be dependent ed in participating in the formation of the new col- on the existing infrastructure of Baker and Will leges will have an opportunity to do so next year. Rice Colleges, especially regarding the masters "Students will be randomly selected across and resident associates who have not yet been campus and will be invited to bring along a chosen for the new colleges. Forman said he ex- roommate and possibly two or three friends," pects to see Duncaroos and McMurtrians taking Forman said. "The details are not yet set, but a larger role in their college government as the the goal is to have these students selected by the school year progresses, and predicts the inde- start of spring." pendence of each college to really take off in the The goal of inviting a random selection of stu- spring semester. dents to move into the new colleges is to encour- "By the spring, we will see very visible evi- age a community who is not just welcomed to, dence of the increasing independence of the Mc- but also expected to take part in all of the social, Murtry and Duncan populations," Forman said. cultural, athletic and intellectual activities of the Having learned from the difficulties of in- college culture, Forman said. He hopes that those tegrating Martel into the college atmosphere, randomly assigned to Duncan and McMurtry will when upperclassmen were selected from vol- represent a true cross-section of the student body unteers at older colleges, Forman and others at Rice. Forman estimates the number of selected have altered their approach with Duncan and upperclassmen will be about 200. McMurtry. Forman said the Baker and Will With the opening of the two new colleges, Rice students, masters, resident associates Forman and others who have worked for years and college coordinators have all been taking on the project are excited to see the fruits of very thoughtful approaches on how to support their labor come to fruition. Duncan and McMurtry without imposing any of "The opening of Duncan and McMurtry is their own distinctive college cultures, allowing one of the most exciting challenges I've been in- for the new colleges to grow their own indepen- volved in my 23 years at Rice," Forman said. "It's dent communities while still maintaining the been wonderful to see the entire campus share in feel of a residential college. the enthusiasm and optimism. Every time we've ARIEL SHNITZER/THRESHER "Rice has a strong tradition of having up- sought assistance or support, we have been over- •J perclassmen mentor students in a way that no whelmed with responses from students and staff. other university is able to accomplish," Forman It's been a blast after years of planning, and I'm Will Rice College freshmen Julian Yao and Luke Robison check out their new digs at said. "We are trying something new in having really looking forward to the opening of the new McMurtry College as they move in on August 16. two older colleges mentor two new colleges, residential colleges."

FRESHMEN REACTION For the ones actually inhabiting Duncan and McMurtry, the experience will be unlike any other Rice has seen in years. Here, in their own words, are their H thoughts memories. What party should your new college host?

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"Since Duncan is the newest college, we would host a superhero party so "I think a jungle party theme is "We would have a Futurama-themed we could observe the best traits of appropriate to keep with Duncan's party, because we're the newest eco-friendly theme." college." each of the older colleges." "Definitely a Woodstock party on the roof." Marianne Braun Cristina Terhoeve Lena Silva Avnee Kumar Duncan College freshman Duncan College freshman McMurtry College freshman McMurtry College freshman What's been your best memory of 0-Week so far? >

ike-

"My favorite part was the cheer war. I "I really liked matriculation, because "I think my favorite memory is of "It was nice cutting loose with liked seeing everyone out having fun it made me feel like part of a tradition matriculation. The atmosphere that cheers and anti-cheers during the and showing their college spirit." at Rice. I'm a part of Rice now." night was magical." cheer battle."

Yize Zhao Ameer Jumabhoy Alex Rodela lake Ellis McMurtry College freshman McMurtry College freshman Duncan College freshman Duncan College freshman

4- .^ENTERTAINMENT

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BY JOE DWYER no other option than to help them, Dis- increasingly irritated with the resident THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF trict 9, a grimy Soweto-inspired slum, alien population, resulting in extreme was set up outside the city to house the prejudice between the human and Surveying the summer's Aliens. Guns. Exploding heads. refugee alien population. alien races. Private military corporation All can be found in District 9, and all Multi-National United (MNU) is called are among the many reasons that you in to forcibly relocate the million-plus silver screen selections should spend your last day of Orienta- alien population to a larger camp that tion Week at this flick. is further from the city, the aptly-named Call me sentimental, but watching the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian Born from the ashes of director Neill District 10. The man in charge of this op- a movie in the theater is an emotional didn't make the film quality any better Blomkamp and producer Peter Jack- e eration is the mild-mannered and easy- experience for me. The larger-than-life than the original, it was more than ex- son's aborted Halo movie, District 9 is District 9 going Wikus van der Merwe {Hellweek's screen, the booming sounds and the citing to walk out of the empty museum a fictional documentary of peculiarly • • • • • Sharlto Copley), who kept a chummy novelty of watching a film for the first that night and see where the scenes in unique proportions. In 1990, 20 years visage until coming across a mysterious time is a thrill that seems new and ex- which Stiller ran through the museum prior to the events in the film, a large alien canister while searching one of citing each time I go to the theater. to save General Custer and where Ad- Starring: alien ship drifted over the city of Johan- Jason Cope, the district's houses. ams' chat with the Lincoln Memorial Robert Hobbs, Sharlto nesburg, South Africa. However, none The basic premise of District 9 is statue took place. Copley of the expected invasion, exploration nothing new to the sci-fi genre — a lone I also learned in May that Fast & Fu- Rated: R or Signs-inspired raiding occurred. In- man finding Jiimself at the center of a rious (Vin Diesel) films are still bad and Released: stead, the ship simply ... parked. Not Aug. 14 much larger conflict — but Blomkamp will remain so in perpetuity, even after knowing who was on board or what and Jackson have taken all the genre the franchise's fourth installment came the ship's plans were, humans cut their conventions one would expect and out. But I liked the experience of watch- way into the behemoth and discovered completely ground them down, cre- ing the movie in a drive-in theater in Jackie Ammons it contained thousands of severely ill Flash forward to the year 2010: The ating a film that is as fresh as it is en- rural Virginia, with pickup trucks lined and malnourished alien workers. With residents of Johannesburg have grown O see DISTRICT, page 18 up, couples curled up in their cars and testosterone-induced engine-revving as This summer was no exception. It we left the drive-in. It was the perfect seemed that each movie I watched over setting for a car movie. Paper Heart ultimately charming, yet flimsy the last couple months had some kind June rolled around, and all of my of personal connection to me, either girlfriends wanted to watch The Pro- BY BRIAN REINHART just not lovable. men around we become aware that the because of the screening location or the posal, so I saw it twice. As chick flicks THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF The fake documentary gives Paper whole thing is staged. Nonetheless, the individuals with whom I saw the films. go, The Proposal was great, and my girl- Heart a nearly-plausible disguise. Its film is able to carry an earnest, real tone At the beginning of the summer in friends and I discovered one important In the first scene of the new moc- throughout. May, I scoffed at the idea of seeing Night fact: Ryan Reynolds can actually act, kumentary Paper Heart, Michael Cera Partly this is because the people Yi at the Museum: Battle of the Smithso- and Sandra Bullock can make a nude (Juno), who plays himself, asks the interviews about love are honest and nian (Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Amy scene hilarious. (Who knew?) director if the movie is "a quirky com- B unscripted. Indeed, they create most Adams), successor to 2006's Night at In July, I got a taste of indepen- edy, a romantic comedy." The director of the best moments in the movie. Sev- the Museum, which was set in New dent films with (500) Days of Sum- answers that it is. "Perfect," Cera says. eral couples offer the touching stories York City's American Museum of Natu- mer. Every part of this movie ex- "That's just what America needs." Paper Heart of their first meeting, from high school ral History. My Thresher review ("Un- ceeded my expectations. Listening Of course, Paper Heart is not a nec- • • • • • sweethearts who flirted with each other inspired casting confuses, not amuses to the fantastic soundtrack — Regina essary movie, or even an important one. at age 14 and have been married for 50 in Night at the Museum," 1/12/2007) Spektor and The Smiths, to name a But it is charming, funny and heartfelt years to a gay couple whose first date al- Starring: Michael Cera, of the original film was less than stel- few — coupled with watching the nonetheless, cheerfully embracing its most ended in disaster. On a playground Charlyne Yi lar, and I cringed at the thought of sit- on-screen relationship between Zoo- own insignificance and daring to break in Atlanta, children weigh in with opin- ting through yet another havoc-filled, Rated: PG-13 ey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon- away from the cliches and celebrate ions both charming and absurd. One Jumanji-esque movie. Released: Aug. 7 Levitt, the latter having starred in young love between misfits. girl says the perfect date would be "tak- But while interning in Washington, my childhood favorites Angels in the The premise of this movie is that ing him to Applebee's and getting him D.C., I had the opportunity to see a Outfield and 10 Things I Hate About comedian Charlyne Yi (Knocked Up) is the hot wings." A boy disagrees, advis- nighttime screening of the second in- You, made for an interesting viewing filming a documentary about love and, director, Nick (Jake M. Johnson, Red- ing Yi to "go to the French Riviera and stallment on the IMAX at the actual film- experience with my friend who just during the process, falls in love herself. belt), is occasionally a little too eager to eat only seafood!" ing location, the Smithsonian Museum. broken up with her long-term boy- She begins the "documentary" a skep- remind us that the movie is supposedly Between these scenes are those trac- While the theater location for Night at friend. Tissues, anyone? tic, claiming that she will never know real, and when cameras follow camera- O see PAPER, page 18 And an indie film wouldn't be what love feels like. Yi asks a Texas an indie film without some sort of Tech professor if she could have been odd stylistic twist, and (500) Days born unable to feel love, and is told by PURPLE O see SUMMER, page 18 a friend, fellow comic Demetri Martin ASTROS (.Analyze That), that she probably is TEXANS I've never read the book, I've Yeah, they may be 10 games out heard The Color Purple is pret- of first place, but Astros games Preseason football is coming ty good, so I'm sure the same FREE are still a ton of fun to go to, and to Houston tomorrow at 7 p.m. goes for the musical based on cheap to boot. They'll be play- when the Texans host the New the book. Anyhow, you can Hey freshmen! Did you know ing the Arizona Diamondbacks Orleans Saints at Reliant Sta- catch its final performances that your Rice ID can get you ait weekend and tickets start at dium. Tickets start at $35, but this weekend at the Hobby into a bunch of places, like THE a mere $7, so there's no reason I'd pay anything to be able to Center for Performing Arts, the Houston Zoo and Muse- WEEKLY not to go root for the good guys. go watch THOR play. Hit up presented by Theatre Under ums of Natural Science and Check the site for promotions the site for tickets, and Reliant the Stars. Tickets start at $32; Fine Arts, for absolutely free? SCENE and ticket information, and Stadium is also easily acces- peep the site for showtimes Why not take advantage of a make sure to take the light rail. sible from the light rail. and other info. homework-free weekend and Editors' picks for events get out there and explore! outside the hedges, both MINUTE MAID PARK RELIANT STADIUM HOBBY CENTER around Rice and in the 501 CRAWFORD 2510 WESTRIDGE 800 BAG BY Houston area, for this week. WWW.ASTROS.COM WWW. HOUSTONTEXANS. COM WWW.TUTS.COM

t- FRIDAY, AUGUST 21,2009 16 A&E THE RICE THRESHER

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It's late. You're hungry. # Restaurant Location Type Hours What's a bloke to do? Luck- 1 West Gray Cafe 415 W. Gray Cafe Open 24 hours ily, we at the Thresher love 2 Late Nite Pie 302 Tuam Pizza 12 p.m.-3 a.m. you, our readers, enough Agora 1712 Westheimer Cafe 8t Wine Bar 9 a.m.-2 a.m. to provide you with a handy 3 Burgers & 11 a.m.-3 a.m. map of late-night eateries 4 Little Big's 2703 Montrose around campus. Wine Bar Friday and Saturday Tear out this page and 5 One's a Meal 812 Westheimer Greek Open 24 hours hang it on your wall. Frame Deli, Hot Meals 6 Katz's Deli & Bar 616 Westheimer Open 24 Hours it, even. Either way, treasure and Bar it forever ... or at least until Vietnamese 10 a.m.-3 a.m. 7 Mai's Restaurant 3403 Milam next year when we print a and Chinese or later new one. 3704 Main St (Off light rail: 7 a.m.-2 a.m. 8 Tacos a Go Gr Mexican From 0-Week faves like 59 Ensemble Station) Friday and Saturday Diner and House of Pies, to Ruchi's Taquerias 9 3102 S. Shepherd some that are a little more Las Americas Mexican Open 24 hours off the beaten path like West Desserts, Break- 10 House of Pies 3112 Kirby Open 24 hours Gray Cafe and Mai's, there's fast, Coffee Shop something for everyone. So WEST CJRAV 11 Taco Cabana 3905 Kirby Tex-Mex Open 24 hours CAflE ~ call your buddies and grab 11 a.m.-3 a.m. r.MTN 24 HOURS your stretchy pants, it's time 12 BB's 2710 Montrose Cajun Friday and Saturday seeau for some grub! Burgers, Soups, 13 59 Diner 3801 Farnham Open 24 hours Breakfast, Shakes Layout by Joe Dwyer Map by Eric Doctor Whataburger 3712 S. Shepherd Burgers Open 24 hours Pictures by Logan Beck 15 La Tapatia Taqueria 1749 Richmond Mexican Open 24 hours Chapultepec Lupita 16 813 Richmond Mexican Diner Mexican Open 24 hours I FRIDAY, AUGUST 21,2009 THE RICE THRESHER A&E 17 Streep, Adams whip up a winner with Julie & Julia BY JACKIE AMMONS School in Paris and writing the first THRESHER STAFF French cookbook in plain English. Both women find support in endearing Two generations parallel each oth- husbands (Away We Go's Chris Messi- er in the new film Julie & Julia, where na and The Tale of Despereaux's Stan- two real lives from different times find ley Tucci) and loyal friends (American a connection in the world of cooking. Fork's Mary Lynn Rajskub and Lie to Me's Deborah Rush). While Julie & Julia transitions between two different time periods and two different lives, the viewer never feels confused r>r. disconnect- / ed from the dual plotlines. Ephron Julie & Julia so carefully parallels the stories and allows enough time to tell each • • • • of them that the audience knows ex- actly what is going on at all times. Starring: Amy Adams, And while they never actually ap- Meryl Streep pear on-screen together, Streep and Rated: PG-13 Adams master the screen, engag- Released: Aug. 7 ing the audience fully in their first reunion since last year's Academy Award-nominated Doubt. Streep, of course, is her majestic Julie Powell (Amy Adams) dishes out her latest creation to friends and family in Nora Ephron's/u/fe and Julia. Talented screenwriter Nora Ephron self: She charms the camera each time has produced one of her best works, she appears in a movie, and Julie & Ju- transitioning from her more chick- lia is no exception. Even though she is turned viewers into readers. flick screenplays (You've Got Mail, much shorter and not quite as round But as much as individuals praise When Harry Met Sally) to a more his- as the real-life Child, Streep is a larger- Child for her mastery of French cook- torical — yet still lighthearted — film than-life presence in the film. Adams ing and Streep's mastery of Child's that is as enjoyable as it is clever. also does not disappoint: While not character in France, Julie & Julia was Watch movies. Based on the books My Life in as impressive as her role in Doubt, Ad- never filmed anywhere in France, ac- France by Julia Child and Julie & Julia: ams plays the part of sweet amateur cording to IMDB.com. All filming took My Year of Cooking Dangerously by Julie chef well. place in the United States, primarily Powell, the film depicts the life of Julie Not only has this movie been a in New York and New Jersey, a disap- Write reviews. Powell {Night at the Museum: Battle of success in the box offices, but it has pointing fact since France is such the Smithsonian's Adams) who reaches also caused sales of Child's cookbook a pivotal part of Child's life and the outside of the monotony of her New Mastering the Art of French Cooking to movie's plot. York cubicle to blog about her progress Get paid. skyrocket. According to the Los Ange- Nevertheless, Julie & Julia offers as she makes all of Julia Child's recipes les Times, the cookbook is now No. 1 a refreshing menu of movie magic. in one year's time. While showing the on Amazon.com's bestseller list, along It adds a little bit of history, a pinch triumphs and trials of Julie's cooking, with causing a stir in local bookstores of book appreciation and a huge Send questions to: the film cuts back to the 1940's and and a greater interest in Powell's lump of Streep's fabulous acting Julia Child's (Doubt's Streep) first at- book Julie & Julia: My Year of Cooking to create i film that is the perfect tempts at cooking at Le Cordon Bleu Dangerously. Ironically, this film has movie-gcing treat. [email protected]

A New Generation of Leaders

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HOW DID VOU SPEND YOUR SUMMER?

. • , Congratulations Summer Mentors hip Experience participants!

HOUSTON WASHINGTON, D.C. Charlie Ary, Clean Line Energy Jackie Ammons. American Enterprise Partners Institute Natalie Ashcroft, Blueprint Houston Meghan Binford, Department of Kriatina Butler, Alzheimer's Education Get plugged into the Association Cindy Dinh, Organization of Chinese Leadership Rice network. Leticia Camara, Vollmer Public Americans Relations Noemie Levy, National Science Secure your spot in one Phillip Choi, Texas Children's Foundation of the following fall 2009 Pediatric Associates Patrick Miller, Center for the Study of classes: Eddie Huang, GeoProducts the Presidency & Congress Annie Kuntz, New Living David Sorge, Ashoka: Innovators for the LEAD 101: Leadership: Theory & Practice Dan LaSalle, Institute for Sustainable Public TR 10:50-12:05 (3 credits) Peace Kevin Liu, El Paso PARIS & BRUSSELS LEAD 313: Entrepreneurial Leadership Rachel Mercer-Smith, Houston Everette Kreider, French Institute of M 3:30-5:30 (2 credits) Endowment International Relations Chaya Murali, St. Luke's Episcopal Claire Newman. French Institute of LEAD 320: Rhetoric of Leadership Health Charities International Relations TR 10:50-12.05 (3 credits) Sharion Scott, Equal Employment Ruchir Shah, French Institute of Opportunity Commission International Relations LEAD 321: Leadership Communication Kern Vijayvargiya. DICentral Joyce Yao, French Institute of MW 11:00-12:30; 1:00-2:30 (3 credits) Kelsey Zottnick, Houston READ International Relations Commission PUNE, INDIA NEW YORK CITY Jon Endean, Deenanath Mangeshkar leaders hi ip.rioe.edu Rachel Carlson. Fearless Critic Hospital Media Donna Huang, Deenanath Mangeshkar Mike Lytie, Drop.io Hospital Pedro Silva, ImagineEasy Solutions Rachel Jackson, Virgo Engineers Kevin Schell, Virgo Engineers

CENTER FOR Civic engagement RICE PISCOVER • VOLUNTEER - LEAD

+ V-* FRIDAY, AUGUST21,2009 18 A&E THE RICE THRESHER OSUMME • PAPER FROM PAGE 15 FROM PAGE 15

of Summer delivered by jumping and Pixar proved yet again that it is the ing the budding romance between Yi through time to reveal the couple's expert on children's films with its latest and Cera, after the two meet at a party rise, crest and denouement, with hit, Up, also in 3-D — all the while whet- early on in the movie. Cera's arrival is Day 40 following Day 315 following ting its audience's appetite for next sudden, maybe too sudden, but the Day 17, etc. (500) Days of Summer navi- year's Toy Story3. couple's courtship is so awkward, and gated skillfully through the non-chron- Of course, there were also the spec- so charming, that we cannot help but ological showing of their relationship, tacular box office flops of the summer. love them together. Moreover, it is clear and piecing together every different Sacha Baron Cohen's new culturally- that Cera has finally met his match in part was a joy in and of itself. confrontational film Bruno brought in Yi: an actress at least as endearingly There were other films this sum- a measly $60 million and didn't quite awkward as he is. mer that didn't quite give me an meet expectations that followed his pre- After Cera enters, the movie emotional high, but their box office vious hit, Borat. In the same way, Cam- switches back and forth between results topped the charts. Summer eron Diaz failed in her attempt to fall the original documentary-style fea- is the home of blockbusters, and into a serious role in My Sister's Keeper, ture and the love story between the this summer exceeded such expec- which garnered less than $50 million. two main characters. For the most tations. Harry Potter and the Half- And Nia Vardalos came up short of her part the movie sticks together suc- Blood Prince marked the sixth in- My Big Fat Greek Wedding fame in her cessfully, although at one point stallment of the Harry Potter saga, new Greek film My Life in Ruins, to the Charlyne writes Michael a love song grossing more than any previous tune of under $9 million, not to men- so bad that listening hurts. Michael Cera and Charlyne Yi are a match made in awkward heaven. Harry Potter movie by netting over tion her other obscure film with John Of course, a viewer thinking too $255 million in box offices, about Corbett, I Hate Valentine's Day, which hard might be able to poke holes the same haul the bachelor party received about $10,000. through just about every part of this movie The Hangover rang in, only Nonetheless, it was a great sum- plot. For instance, a moment when O DISTRICT with less of the teenage hype. mer for films. I got a good dof e of film- Charlyne concedes that "Michael FROM PAGE 15 Other male-targeted films such watching ethos, audiences waiched in- is more successful" than she is re- gaging. Just when the audience feels a car as it crashes. as Star Trek, Transformers: Revenge credible movies (for the most part) and minds us that we're actually watch- themselves slipping into that familiar The special effects are seamless- of the Fallen and Terminator Salva- box offices enjoyed significant returns, ing two celebrities trying their genre groove, sure of how the scene is ly integrated into the film and never tion hit the theaters, allowing non- even during these tough economic hardest to be normal people. Yi is going to end, District 9 throws them a detract from the experience. The ac- Trekkies to enjoy the sci-fi classic, times. Plus, I got to be sentimental, and a regular in Seth Rogen movies (Ro- filthy change-up. tors and backdrops interact remark- post-Batman Christian Bale and, of see where all the hoopla about Megan gen has a cameo here), and Cera is The intensity and pace of the film ably well with their digital counter- course, Megan Fox. Fox came from. a sort of teen movie superstar. The wouldn't be possible without great parts in a way that's only rarely, and Dreamworks released the third in- movie tries to have it both ways, cinematography, and District 9 de- exceptionally, noticeable. stallment of its Ice Age franchise with Jackie Ammons is a Brown College showing Yi delivering bizarre jokes livers in spades. Utilizing archival There is undoubtedly an underly- Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs in 3-D, senior. at a comedy club while still trying newsreel footage and live "on-the- ing theme or message of some kind in to deny that its central characters scene" helicopter news shots, Blom- District 9 — the South African setting are famous. kamp has created the most succinct was chosen for a reason, after all — but But why analyze Paper Heart so and successful fictional documen- it is largely overshadowed by the adren- much? This is not intellectual fare, tary since This is Spinal Tap. Nearly aline-pumping action sequences that nor does it claim to be. And if the half the film will have you feeling dominate the second half of the film. ending feels tacked-on, or if the like you're watching a PBS special. Some poor guy gets pile-driven through puppet shows which illustrate the The sense of realism and accessibili- a house with a pig, for crying out loud. story at important moments seem ty the film engenders is unparalleled But this isn't a loud and dumb Ste- gratuitous or silly, what does it re- by any film out right now. Hundreds ven Seagal explosion-fest; Blomkamp ally matter in the end? Paper Heart of unique and inventive camera and Jackson have created a movie that LET'S PRER is a movie that just wants to have angles are used, such as security is as smart and thought-provoking as fun. It does. It's funny, smart and feeds from around District 9 and Jo- it is excruciatingly violent. Humans has the occasional very clever sur- hannesburg, camera shots down the and non-humans alike are going to eat prise. Paper Heart is never great, barrel of a soldier's gun as they are it right up, just like cat food. (See the but it is enjoyable. firing or even from the underside of movie. You'll get the reference.) Welcome Back Rice Owls! MCAT Upper Kirby October 19"'-January 21*'. 6 30-9 p.m. Upper Kirby October 20*- April 1*; 6 30-9 p.m MCAT Verbal Accelerator Upper Kirby November 7,h- December 19"'; 2- 4 30 p.m. Upper K/rby December 15*-January 14*. 10-1230 LSAT Hyperlearninfl Upper Kirby: September 19 - November 24'". 6-9:30p.m The Rice Jewish Studies Program brings you two Upper Kirby December 1"- February 3"": 6-9:30 LSAT Accelerated new courses and a golden oldie for Fall 2009. Upper Kirby October 1 /"-November 22°*. 2-5:30 p.m. GMAT Upper Kirby: August 30'"- October 18'": 6-9p.m MAT Upper Kirby September 17'"- October 29"': 6:30- 9.30p m GRE Upper Kirby: September 81* October 21n 6:30- 9:30 p.m.

NEW COURSE - DISTRIBUTION I CREDIT /T\The ENROLL NOW RELI 203: JUDAISM IN THE TIME OF JESUS & HILLEL (PrPrinceton 800-2Review (800-273-8439) Review PrincetonReview.com DR. SHIRA LANDER Tes* names art lie trademark* of ihfiir respective owners, who are not affiliated With The Princeton Review I he Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University. TR 2:30-3:50

Questions? Email Owl depicted on fourth century BCE coin of the Jewish province Judca. 1ST YEAR STUDENTS WELCOME. No prior knowledge required! Community Involvement Center NEW COURSE - DISTRIBUTION I CREDIT JOIN US FOR THE FIRST GENERAL •Liau MEETING OF THE YEAR FOR RICE HART 338: LANDMARKS IN ISRAELI ART STUDENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM DR. ALEC MISHORY TR 9:25-10:50 (RSVP)!

Monday, August 24, 2009 - 9:00pm Questions? Email < [email protected]>

RMC Grand Hall Franz Kraus. Hu\ Hebren Watermelons 1ST YEAR STUDENTS WELCOME. No prior knowledge required! C. 1930 l ithograph. Learn about numerous ways to get involved with service projects in the Houston community though RSVP's 5 committees: Education, Hunger and Homelessness, Children, Health, and Environment. GOLDEN OLDIE - BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

Get some FREE FOOD, meet the officers and committee chairs, and talk with other Rice students who share your RELI 373: JEWISH MYSTICISM AND SPIRITUALITY passion for service! DR. GREGORY KAPLAN TR 1:00-2:20 For more information, visit the RSVP web site (http://www. rice.edu/rsvp) or contact Aiice Tsao, RSVP Chairperson, by Questions? Email e-mail ([email protected]). A hams a (hand) used for protection against 1ST YEAR STUDENTS WELCOME. No prior knowledge required! catastrophe and to guard pilgrims. Copied from 19lh c original

CENTER FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT 2SRICE DISCOVER • VOLUNTEER • LEAD I '

SPORTS 19 Baseball's amateur draft takes two former Owls Loss of ace Berry and others depletes pitching staff; team looks to new recruits for support by Jonathan Myers THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF

As the Rice baseball team walked off the field at Alex Box Stadium on June 13, reeling from a 5-3 defeat at the hands of Louisiana State Uni- versity in the NCAA Super Region- al, the players were already think- ing to the arrival of the 2010 season and the new freshman class. However, because the Major League Baseball amateur draft had N already taken place, the Owls knew that they stood a fair chance of los- ing several key components of the team who had fallen to the eventual national champions in two closely contested games. Head Coach Wayne Graham and his staff knew they would be losing the services of seniors Jordan Rogers and Jess Buenger, with both play- ers having exhausted their years of eligibility. IBM Additionally, sophomore catcher/ mm first baseman Nick DeBiasse elected to transfer to the Universiy of Central Missouri in hopes of finding better prospects of playing time. But un- certainty remained as to whether any of the five players who had been selected in the draft would sign pro- fessional contracts and forfeit their remaining years of eligibility. The Owls selected in the draft included junior second baseman Brock Holt, junior pitcher Ryan TAYLOR JOHNSON/THRESHER Berry, junior catcher Diego Sea- strunk, junior center fielder Ste- Rice baseball will not look the same next year after a pair of key starters, second baseman Brock Holt and starter Ryan Berry, were snatched away by the ama- ven Sultzbaugh and junior pitcher teur draft. However, the program will regroup with a core intact and an impressive group of incoming freshmen. Mike Ojala. Holt and Berry were selected with back-to-back picks in the ninth round, while Seastrunk was jurv he sustained earlier in the sea- selected in the 31st round. Ojala and son. Normally, the surgery requires Sultzbaugh were each taken by the a year to recover from, meaning COMMENTARY Milwaukee Brewers, in the 34th and that it would be almost pointless 41st rounds, respectively. for Ojala to return to Rice for a se- The players had until midnight on nior season that may not be physi- August 17 to sign a contract, or else cally possible. Rice sports need and deserve support the team that had drafted them would However, Ojala did not sign a lose the rights to them. Holt was the contract with the Brewers and has Orientation Week and the start for our Rice spirit to end there. In Still, success in Rice sports first to sign, inking a contract with been reported to be far ahead of of a new school year takes me back addition to the college system, Rice isn't limited to the gridiron or the the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 19, re- schedule in his rehab, possibly be- to when I was trying to figure out students have an excellent oppor- diamond. Rice's women's track and ceiving a $125,000 signing bonus. ing ready to pitch in the middle to where I wanted to go to college. tunity to support the several varsity field team has won the past three Berry, a fan favorite for his three latter part of the 2010 season. I was so unsure what I wanted athletic teams on campus. indoor and the past three outdoor C- years of both dominating perfor- Holt was the only position play- from a school that I didn't make my USA Championships, and the cross mances and bespectacled mug, ers the Owls lost, and junior Chad final decision until the absolute last country squad is perennially near took much longer to reach his deci- Mozingo is recovering nicely from minute, April 30 of my senior year. the top of conference as well. Last sion. The staff ace finally decided to his hand and ankle surgeries in the At that point, I had pro-con lists season, the women's volleyball team sign with the Baltimore Orioles on offseason. Thus, the loss of so few galore for my two final schools, a a qualified for the NCAA Champion- August 10, with a signing bonus of players, along with the addition of la the decision techniques of Rory ships for the second time in school $417,600. Seastrunk announced on many highly-touted freshmen and Gilmore. While the residential col- history. The men's tennis team also July 2 that he would be returning transfers, primes Rice for another A has a history of success, boasting 11 lege system was definitely one of to Rice for his senior year, keeping deep postseason run. the bigger pros for Rice, so was the Natalie Clericuzio Southwestern Conference crowns SPORTS EDITOR the position of catcher in familiar Freshman Michael Ratterree Owls' NCAA Championship-caliber between 1958 and 1972. hands. Sultzbaugh also did not sign was named to the Louisville Slug- baseball team. And so, to borrow from last a contract, as he looks to start off ger High School All-America team Fast forward two and a half Rice fields 14 varsity NCAA Divi- year's marketing tagline, who knew the 2010 season by torching oppos- and is expected by many to fill the years from college decision day sions sports, including seven men's Rice had such a strong and di- ing pitchers the same way he did to void at second base created by the and I couldn't be happier the Rice teams and seven women's squads, verse tradition of successful sports end the 2009 season. departure of Holt. list won out. I can't quantify how an amazing number considering squads? Now that you've got the Ojala's situation was an interest- The recruiting class is pitch- much sway Rice baseball had in the small size of our university. As low-down on our teams, you might ing one, as he underwent Tommy er-heavy, as Graham hopes to my decision, but it was surely the I'm sure you've already guessed, be wondering when you should John surgery on June 18, a normal eradicate many of the inconsisten- right amount. that means that there are 14 other make time to catch some matches. surgery used to treat the elbow in- O see BASEBALL, page 21 However, during my O-Week outlets for cheering and Rice spir- Football games are typically I was surprised to discover that I it. And with 14 different squads, widely publicized, but this year was in the vast minority for already there's a game for everyone. our home schedule gets a late having a passion for Rice sports. In When talking about Rice sports, start, with the first game not com- fact, I was surprised at the lack of the conversation usually begins ing until Sept. 26 against Vander- general awareness about varsity with our 2003 National Champion- bilt University. Mark your calen- CominOWLOOg up in SportKs sports in general. ship-winning baseball program, dars now and get ready to start Thus, to avoid the persistence which has won the past 14 confer- torturing those 'Dores. In general, of such ignorance any further into ence championships, an absolutely though, Friday nights typically this school year, 1 offer you new unreal feat. However, the baseball have a women's soccer game or a Friday, August 21 students (and returning students) a team isn't the only source of pride volleyball match going on. Satur- survival guide of essential informa- for varsity athletics. Many of you days will bring football games and Soccer vs. Baylor tion about Rice sports. know that Rice won the Texas Bowl every now and then a cross coun- 7p.m. — Rice Track/Soccer Stadium For starters, let's talk about last year. What many people don't try meet on campus. When the Soccer begins its season this evening against their in-state rivals. what Rice sports are all about. know is that the football team has seasons change from fall to winter, Saturday, August 28 As all freshmen discover during had a long-standing history of suc- we'll be listing upcoming matches O-Week, college pride is huge at cess. right here in the sports section and Volleyball vs. Oklahoma Rice. Whether in the form of a spon- For example, between 1938 competitions are always posted 7:30 p.m. — Tudor Field house taneous cheer war or at an intra- 1961, Rice competed in seven bowl online at RiceOwls.com. After opening against Nicholls State at 11 a.m., the Owls continue their march mural powderpuff football game, games, taking four, including wins Just as essential as the time of toward a second NCAA Tournament appearance against the Sooners. college pride is ubiquitous with the over the University of Alabama and these competitions is the location. college system. But there's no need the University of Tennessee. O see SURVIVAL, page 21

+ FRIDAY, AUGUST21,2009 A 20 ADVERTISEMENT THE *UCE THRESHER i

Fa 2009 Add/Drop Deadlines

Important Deadlines

Fri. Sept. 4, 2009 (Week 2) Last day to add courses online via ESTHER

Fri. Oct. 9, 2009 (Week 7) Last day to drop courses online via ESTHER

For Fall 2009: • Students can ADD courses at any time during Week 1 & Week 2 in ESTHER through Friday, Sept. 4th.

• Students can DROP courses at any time during Weeks 1—7 in ESTHER through Friday, Oct. 9th.

• During the 2-week ADD and 7-week DROP periods, there are no fees to add or drop courses.

• Students can declare a Pass/Fail at any time through Week 10 (Fri. Oct. 30th) by submitting paperwork in the Office of the Registrar.

Questions? Please visit the following links:

http://registrar.rice.edu/ http://registrar.rice.edu/calendars/fall09/ http://rice.edu/catalog/2009__2010/

f RICE OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR

+ FRJDAY, AUGUST 21,2009 THE RICE THRESHER SPORTS 21 O SURVIVAL O BASEBALL FROM PAGE 19 FROM PAGE 19

For most sports, this is yet another is Rice Stadium, the huge, 70,000-ca- some at a varsity sport. Think back eradicate many of the inconsisten- combined with the return of eight attractive feature of going to a sports pacity football arena we've all come to the athlete in your 0-Week group cies that plagued the Owls' bullpen of nine position players and sev- match. Last school year saw the open- to know well. Even if every past Rice who was still coming to activities even lastyear.Theincomingclassincludes eral reserve outfielders and in- ing of Tudor Fieldhouse, a state-of-the- alumnus were to attend a football game though they had practice during the such heralded freshmen pitchers as fielders with plentiful experience, art renovation and expansion of old along with every current student, the day, or that basketball player in your Tyler Spurlin, Chase McDowell, Kev- plus the vaunted recruiting class, Autry Court. There, students can com- stadium would still have hundreds of chem lab who still had practice that in Hahn and transfers Tony Cingra- will certainly set the bar high for fortably catch a volleyball match and empty seats. However, our stadium has evening. All Rice students are busy, but ni and Chris "Boogie" Anagnostou. the Owls as they hope to return to cheer on the basketball teams while been the site of several historic events, especially the athletes. Without them, Redshirt freshman Anthony Fazio is Omaha for the final College World downing smoothies and hot dogs. including President John F. Kennedy's we'd have no teams to cheer for, so recovering from Tommy John sur- Series at storied Rosenblatt Sta- Another relatively new addition to speech launching the Apollo program make sure to go out and catch matches gery and will also be able to lend his dium, which will be replaced in campus is Reckling Park, where the and Super Bowl VIII in 1974. if only to show them some respect for arm to the rotation this spring. 2011 by the newly-constructed TD baseball team holds court and sends Perhaps the best aspect of Rice their ridiculous time management The loss of only five players, Ameritrade Park. powerhouse squads, like Texas, sports though is that admission to skills (you know you're jealous). home crying. 1 like to consider myself every single non-playoff competition Serious'/ though, there's no ex- a bit of a connoisseur of baseball sta- held on campus is 100 percent free to cuse for not attending at least one Community diums, having visited 10 major league Rice students. There really is no more D match this year, and hopefully many Involvement Center parks as well as numerous minor convenient and economical way to more. You know you want to. And, league stadiums, and Reckling ranks meet friends as an undergrad. hey, you'll get to see me there, so in my top three favorite spots to take Free admission means students what else could you want? in a ball game, easily. have no excuse not to support the heart AMERICA READS However, the most imposing and and soul of Rice athletics: our fellow Natalie Clericuzio is a Mess College TUTORING PROGRAM oldest major athletic facility on campus students, who also happen to be awe- junior and Thresher sports editor.

Are you a work-study student?

SPORTS NOTEBOOK Are you interested in helping AMERICA children? READS Rosa pushed past No. 8 Robert tory, as Rosa snuffed out not just Rosa reaches Learn more about the America Reads Farah of the University of Southern the three match points but rattled Starting salary of NCAA semifinals California, which was coming off off nine straight games to trounce Tutoring Program, a federal work-study of winning the national champion- the Seminole. program designed to enhance the $9.00/hour When junior Bruno Rosa began ship, in straight sets. With the victory, Rosa became reading of elementary school children. play in last May's NCAA Men's Ten- In the second round, Rosa met the first Owl to make the round of Tutors are matched with children at the Make a positive nis Singles Championship, it had Florida State University's Clint 16 since William Barker made it in Nehemiah Neighborhood Center, Star of impact on a been nearly forty years since Rice Bowles, who had upset the Owl in 2003. However, the junior would child's future had produced a back-to-back Ail- straight sets in February. The first set get no further, losing to eventual Hope Mission, and Wharton Elementary American. But after running his in May turned out more of the same, champion Devin Britton of the Uni- School for weekly reading and activity way to the final 16, Rosa replaced with Bowles grabbing a 7-5 victory. versity of Mississippi 6-3, 6-4. sessions. Information and Mike Estep (Will Rice '71), an Alt- Rosa continued to sputter in the Now a senior, Rosa used the applications are American from 1969-71, as the last second round, soon finding him- Singles Championship to round To learn more, attend our information available on-line at Owl to earn such honors. self down 5-1 and a game from de- out an impressive year. In addition http://cic.rice.edu Having already led his team into feat. The Owl spun off two games to to leading Rice to a second-place session on August 26, 7:00pm in the the NCAA Tournament, Rosa joined make it 5-3 but, with Bowles serv- finish in Conference USA, Rosa RMC Farnsworth Pavilion. then-senior Christoph Muller in the ing, Rosa faced a 40-0 hole, one earned All-C-USA First Team honors singles competition. While Muller point from defeat. and finished the year ranked 40th fell in the first round to the Uni- But that would prove to be the in the nation. CENTER FOR Civic ENCAGEMENT versity of Virginia's Sanam Singh, closest Bowles would come to vie- — Casey Michel as? RICE DISCOVER • VOLUNTEER • LEAD

A new twist on "marching" band.

(Probably because we don't The march. Ever.)

Join us for our first rehearsal! Monday, August 24 at 4 PM in the Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen There will be Pizza! Meet in your college commons at 3:45 and a staff member will guide you there.

Questions? E-mail us at: [email protected] FRIDAY, AUGUST21,2009 22 ADVERTISEMENT THE RICE THRESHER RICE SOCCER 2009 Training days have come to a close and the path to the NCAA Tournament begins once again for the Owls

by Yan Digilov felt it necessary to bring in the help THRESHER EDITORIAL STAFF of a sports psychologist and put the whole team through a ropes course The injury bug happens to every over the summer. team eventually. But for the women's "I think that a lot of the things that soccer team, its presence has become we are doing outside of practice, like the all too infuriatingly commonplace. sports psychologist and team building, After graduating only one per- are starting to pay off," she said. "These •fs_ ; manent starter from last year's ros- girls are working really well together. The communication is there, and they ter, the 2009 women's soccer team *oca&* \m features many familiar faces Oi» the are fixing problems on the field faster pitch, but if the coming campaign is than they ever have in the past." k: to be remembered as a success the The longtime leaders of the team team will almost certainly have to are also noticing the change in atti- V keep away from the familiar bite of tude after some of those sessions. the injury bug. "It was probably the most valuable This year has proved no differ- two hours we have ever spent," senior ent, and every indication has thus captain Shelley Wong said. "We all far proved ominous. The worst news came out of there and got into some re- Imi for the Owls came early in June when ally deep stuff. We connect better, and Amy Beger, one of the team's bright- we trust each other better after that." BPS est freshman stars in 2008, tore her Communication and team chem- ACL while playing for a club squad in istry have been playing a huge role St. Louis. Then, after the start of sum- in the development of a squad whose mer workouts, freshman defensive expectations are higher than ever. standout Lauren LaGro was sidelined By many accounts, the 2008 roster after a bicycling injury on campus. was strong enough to earn a NCAA To prevent these bits of misfortu- tournament birth, but inconsistent play ARIEL SHNUTZtlt/TOItfSHER • -• nate from transforming into an omen, against lesser opponents like the Uni- Head Coach Chris Huston took action. versity of Houston ultimately doomed The old goes up against the new during summer practise as senior captain Shelley Wong (number 22) and freshman She sought out the help of an off- their shot at an at-large bid. Now, with standout Alex Burton (number 26) battle for the ball in midfield. Together, the duo hope to lead Rice back to NCAA very few personnel losses and the les- campus group of purported miracle Tournament for the first time since the 2005 campaign. workers that performed functional sons of last year's disappointment, the analysis on each individual player in squad is playing with a vengeance. order to identify the potential areas of One of the strongest additions Rice acquired him from the Universi- Erkel, junior Catherine Fitzsimmons "The intensity is so much stron- injury that may lurk ahead. to the squad this year comes on the ty of Memphis coaching staff, and his and freshmen additions Beth Herlin ger, because we just got our season But Huston's out-of-the-box sideline in Assistant Coach Sebastian expertise as a goalkeeping coach has and Andie Obermeyer. stolen out from under us," Erkel said. thinking did not stop at looking for Vecchio, an Argentinean national strengthened an already stellar group "We are in a unique situation "We are coming back with a lot of old an injury-seeking crystal ball. She who played keeper for the U-16 squad. of keepers featuring junior Meghan where you have three people on feelings from last year, getting kicked staff, literally, that can all be head out of the conference tournament." coaches," Huston said, alluding to Huston is hopeful that those old herself, Vecchio and Assistant Coach feelings remain as a constant lesson Nicky Adams.. for the budding squad. Volunteer Coach Craig Waibel, a "I am hoping that we learned how defensive stalwart on the profession- important consistency is and how al Houston Dynamo squad, rounds important it is to get up for each and out a staff that is very eager to see every game no matter who our op- the new look of the Owls' backline, a position is," she said. "That is one of troop that was most impacted by in- our goals: to reach a level of perfor- jury in recent years. mance that is not dictated by who we "I think our backline this year is are playing." one of the strongest it has ever been," On the field, Huston believes the Erkel said. "We have a really strong Owls are clearly more skilled than chemistry on and off the field, so 1 the teams that traveled to the NCAA v> gPjpp think that helps. We really trust each tournament in previous years. After other back there." spending years without a locker room If the ideal holds, the Owls will fea- and a coach's office, and under con- ture a returning group of experienced stant physical transition, the time has defenders that are simply working on come for the team's chemistry to unite once again getting familiar with one them in a push towards the promised LEARN ABOUT CLUBS another after being hampered by in- land of post-season play. jury for so long. "1 definitely see our team going to Seniors Stephanie Crain, Alexa the second round of the NCAA's," Erkel & ACTIVm ES AVAILABLE Coralli, Ashley Lucas and Katelyn said. "Reaching the NCAA Tournament Ostendorf make up the core of the de- should be a given this year. We have the fense along with junior Korey Taylor. talent, and it is just up to us and what But with the roster never set in stone, we want to do this year." TO YOU AT RICE! freshmen additions LaGro, Alex Bur- The team's talent will be chal- ton and Megan Aultman may be called lenged with quality competitions at upon to fill some gaps early on. home this year against Oklahoma Sophomore Chealsey Russell State University, who beat Rice /4-0 in is also returning from surgery and Stillwater, Okla. last year, the Univer- FRIDAY, AUGUST 28TH slowly getting into form, while ju- sity of Central Florida, Texas Chris- nior Jordan Holloway and sopho- tian University and the University of mores Marie Hunnell and Torrey Alabama-Birmingham. Luttrell return ready to build on the The first test of the Owls' determi- 12:30-4 PM previous year. nation comes in the form of a tough Along with the reliable leadership opening duel against Baylor Univer- RMC GRAND HALL ft CENTRAL QUAD and skill of Wong in the midfield, sity tonight at 7 pm in Rice Soccer sophomore striker Mope Ward came Stadium. Coming from the Big 12, the back from summer looking better Bears give Rice a great opportunity than ever. Burton may also see some to come closer to an at-large NCAA time playing up front, having one of bid. If Baylor beats any of their highly the stronger boots in the freshman ranked conference foes throughout class, along with some much needed the season, it would be counted as a height. Also battling for early play- win for the Owls in the rankings. ing time is freshman midfielder Julia "It is going to be a real test for us," Barrow. Her skill has impressed the Wong said. "We are such a good tech- coaches in practices and adds vital nical team, but sometimes we have WATER TAG ARENA depth to the roster. to step up and play a strong, brute Junior Kate Edwards will also be so- game. It isn't our game, but I think we lidifying the middle of the field along can do it." K DOUBLE WATER SLIDE with members of the backline like Crain, If the Owls grab a win with qual- FREE Holloway and Lucas, who will be asked ity strong tackles and physical play, Sponsored by ®®© &The Office of Student Activities to adjust to the needs of the team. it would be the ideal way to start a Off the bat, the team is respond- season which will focus more on the TIE DYE SHIRTS ing to last year's anti-climactic finish more info: [email protected] team's own ability to play up to its with a refocused attitude. ability on a consistent basis.

+ FRIDAY, AUGUST 21,2009 THE RICE THRESHER CALENDAR 23

spring, he promised the student Thresher Inside Joke #3: Thresher Inside Joke #4: Mc- body "a Sarah Palin joke in every Whursdays Murtry is the Mongol College issue." Since then he has failed to deliver, except when I take pity Every Wednesday night, the Last year we started an under- and bail him out. For example: Thresher staff hangs out and puts ground campaign to label Mc- the Calendar the whole paper together. By the Murtry the "Mongol College" by How many Sarah Palins does it AUG. 21-27, 2009 take to change a light bulb? None! time they're done, it's lunchtime mentioning it as such on the Cal- The light bulbs wen all killed by on Thursday. And nobody has endar and editorial pages. And, be tough if you're a freshman, 1 Obama's death panels. Haw haw. gotten any sleep, except for the incredibly, it actually worked. Go guess. But really, who wouldn't Calendar editor, who left just after over to McMurtry sometime and FRIDAY dinner. My job is just that hard. check out the still-under-con- want to go to a Zydeco Dance If you have a really crappy day Party? House of Blues is at 1204 struction college commons. It's a Caroline Street, near the Main today, don't be surprised giant yurt! Seriously! Welcome to the Thresher! Street Square light rail stop. A lot of people have had rotten Greetings, freshmen! As always, days on August 24. Back in the this is going to be an awesome Thresher Inside Joke # 1: Ken year 79, Mount Vesuvius erupted WEDNESDAY 26 year at Rice, and the best way Griffey Jr. is on Steroids and destroyed Pompeii; on this THURSDAY 2J to take in all the fun is to read day in 410, the Visigoths sacked the Calendar each week. We do Our newspaper's editor in chief Rome; in 1814, British troops You can play my keys anytime the research on what's happen- is Brown College senior Casey Mi- burned down the White House; in Happy Lyndon B. Johnson Day! ing here and around Houston chel, inveterate Mariners fan and 1989, Pete Rose was banned from If you're a piano fan, head over This is not a joke. In Texas, and tell you where to go. And Griffey-obsessed whackjob. If you baseball; and, finally, on this day to the Shepherd School of Mu- Lyndon Baines Johnson Day is this week, we're letting you in see Casey around, just tell him in 1992, a 17-foot-tall tidal wave sic's conference room today a legal state holiday. If you're a on Thresher inside jokes so you Ken Griffey is on steroids. Or se- caused by Hurricane Andrew de- at 10 a.m. for Kana Mimaki's state employee, you're allowed can learn how this newspaper cretly a woman. You'll be Casey's stroyed the world headquarters lecture on how pianos work. to stay home if you want. I sug- works. new best friend. of Burger King. Today is also the "Understanding of the inner gest you make a pilgrimage to Calendar editor's birthday, but I workings of the piano," Mimaki his ranch, then head over to promise I'm not horrible. Yet. says, "will lead to more healthy, There aren't actually any efficient, and purposeful ap- Luckenbach and party the night events going on today proach to the performance of away. Just to make that clear. Keep MONDAY 24 the piano." Maybe it's just me, reading, though. The fun be- but that sounds like a line from Thresher Inside Joke #5: Sex gins on Saturday. TUESDAY 25 the Piano Sutra. Advice from Misha Act classy! Two years ago, Misha Teplitskiy It's the first day of classes today! Luck be a lady, tonight! Today, on the other hand, (Jones College '07) published a Go out and have fun. Who knows? full-page editorial calling Rice would have been a much bet- Brown College's fall musical is You might even learn something. sexually anemic and saying the SATURDAY 22 ter day to have a birthday Guys and Dolls, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser. Tryouts campus was "deprived of every Two! Four! Six! Eight! Who do August 25th is the birthday of are tonight, tomorrow night and erotic emotion." "Hitting on a girl Welcome to Rice! we defenestrate? Tim Burton, the movie direc- Friday night at 7 p.m., presum- at Rice is akin to approaching an tor who wants to make all your ably in the Brown Commons, unhealthy-looking deer, at night, Have a beer. This is called "Disori- If you want to be on the 2009-10 childhood fantasies as creepy although they did not actually with your headlights on," Misha entation." It won't hurt. Promise! Rice cheerleading squad, here's as possible, and composer tell me where. I guess you're on explained, commenting that he (By the way, if you would rather your chance. Tonight and tomor- Leonard Bernstein, who wrote your own. often gave women "the look" at not party, 1 suggest doing your row night at 7 p.m. there will be West Side Story. I'm also a big Target but couldn't do so on cam- laundry. When I was a freshman, clinics to help you brush up on fan of Bernstein's Mass, which Stay afterwards for a live pus. His conclusion was that Rice I did all my laundry on Dis-O, be- your cheers, and tryouts are on features a chorus of kazoos. girls didn't know how to handle cause there was NOBODY else in Wednesday night, also at 7 p.m. appearance by the Stay Puft "horndogs" like him. Maybe Oh, and there's one other ce- Marshmallow Man the laundry room. For whatever It's all in the Fox Gymnasium, lo- lebrity birthday today. "This "creeper" would be a better word cated inside Tudor Fieldhouse. reason.) Irish actor was the first to play The Miller Outdoor Theatre for it. Bottom line: If you write a James Bond in film. Yes, Sean?" presents another free movie disturbingly sleazy column in the R-l-C-E! / I'm in elec / Pity me! "I don't know, Trebek, but your screening, this time of the com- Thresher about your unhappy sex mother's a whore." edy Ghostbusters, at 8 p.m. life, you've pulled a Misha. Wouldn't it be great if there were SUNDAY cheerleaders for each major? We could have pep rallies for finals week. Imagine! There could be I think it's going to rain today a huge crowd of English majors clapping and shouting, "Ne-ver- The Seattle Sounders Football MORE! Ne-ver-MORE!" Sorry. This Club (they play soccer, if you're is getting me excited. an American reader) is in town to take on the Houston Dynamo. Catch the match at 7:30 p.m. in Cute mice + Hugh Laurie = Robertson Stadium, located at Cinematic perfection the University of Houston. To- night's promotion is a giveaway The Miller Outdoor Theatre, locat- of free Dynamo soccer balls. ed across the street in Hermann Park, presents a free screening of Stuart Little tonight at 8 p.m. A little bit of N'awlins House of Blues is hosting a Thresher Inside Joke #2: Sarah Zydeco Dance Party tonight at Palin Jokes 8 p.m. (doors open an hour ear- lier). Admission is $10 but you When Casey Michel was nominat- must be 21 to enter, which will ed for Thresher editor in chief last

HOW TO SUBMIT CALENDAR ITEMS Prices starting at 680.00! All students and ||gff members will receive 5 The deadline for submission is 3 p.m. the Monday prior to publication. Submissions are printed on a space available basis.

Submission methods Student Contracts available. Fax: 713.348.5238 Willi available < ; J Email: [email protected] Campus Mail: Calendar Editor Study Room with Free w i-ti Thresher, MS-524 fil » 'SfRKi stflS V V Fitness center Note from the Editor: Check the Calendar every week for all your allotting-your-free-time needs, plus jokes and lots of filler added to make this take up the Concierge sen ices whole page. If you don't like the filler, submit your own event to the Calendar using tlie e-mail address listed above, and see your * No pet deposit! favorite club, concert or activity in print! Free Nevv^jurniture (of your choicej On another note: The sixth and saddest Thresher inside joke is, "Nobody reads the Calendar." Of course, it's a myth, because people are irresistibly attracted to the Calendar's sexy black-and- white look and odd page numbering. But, to help counteract (or possibly blatantly promote) this stereotype, we are proud to an- nounce the brand-new Calendar Song Reference Contest. Simply catch the song reference in this week's Calendar and send a mes- sage to [email protected] naming the song and artist, and, if you're the first person to answer correctly, you'll receive a shiny and somewhat prestigious award!

Extra-special bonus Sarah Palin joke! Q. Why did Sarah Palin cross the road? A. It is as throughout all Alaska that big wild good life teeming along the road that is north to the future. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21,2009 24 BACKPAGE THE RICE THRESHER THE 2009 BACKPAGE PURITY TEST The Purity Test is a Rice tradition that predates those "Which Jonas Brother Is Your Spirit Animal?" Facebook quizzes you all love so much. Back in the day, eager frosh would answer a series of too highly personal questions personal accomplishments while in 79. Have you ever consumed any out of the Campanile to judge their moral and sexual stature. Scores corresponded to the number of questions the pursuit of sex? amount of an alcoholic beverage? answered "no," rated from 100 (fully pure) to o (impossibly impure). You'll spend the next four years whittling 61. Have you ever had anal sex? 80. Do you consume alcoholic that score down to a single-digit scarlet number. 62. Have you engaged in double beverages more than once a month? penetration, or "DP?" (Would you 81. Have you ever binge drank? This test is a little different from last year's test. We've removed a few overlapping questions and added a few like to? We're always looking for a 82. Have you ever been drunk for a new ones to cater to you techno-savvy younguns. Scores, however, should remain comparable. For those of you third.) period longer than 24 hours? who took the Purity Test last year and want to see "how far you've fallen" since freshman year, you can check out 63. Have you ever felched or been 83. Have you tried a tobacco the old test at http://tinyurl.c0m/2008puritytest. felched? (look it up) product? 64. Have you ever participated in a 84. Do you smoke tobacco more than And please, e-mail your scores to [email protected]. The person with the lowest purity score on campus will "circle-jerk"? once a week? be highlighted in next week's issue (and probably the police blotter). 65. Have you ever been the target of a 85. Have you ever tried marijuana? "circle-jerk"? (i.e., "bukakke") 86. Do you use marijuana more than Instructions: Answer each question. Subtract one point from your starting score of 100 each time you answer 66. Have you ever traveled out-of- once a week? a question affirmatively. When you are finished, write your score in the box, bubble-in your most willing "base" state in the pursuit of sex? 87. Have you ever used a prescription and position, and circle the substances you enjoy the most. Wear the badge on Dis-0 so that upperclassmen will 67. Have you ever put an ad on the study aid not prescribed to you? (i.e., know which freshmen suck. Internet (i.e., Craigslist) requesting Adderall, Ritalin) sexual activity from a stranger? 88. Have you ever abused a 1. Have you ever told a lie? 26. Have you ever masturbated? 47. Have you ever had sex? (i.e., 68. Have you ever engaged in sexual prescription drug for recreational 2. Have you ever told a malicious 27. Have you ever masturbated penetration) conduct with someone whom you met purposes? (i.e., Xanax, Valium) lie? at school in a place other than a 48. Have you ever had sex while over the Internet (i.e., Craigslist)? 89. Have you ever used or abused a 3. Have you ever stolen anything personal room or bathroom? traveling on an airplane? 69. ? "legal" drug (i.e., Whippets, Salvia) from a friend? 28. Have you ever masturbated at 49. Have you ever had sex outdoors? 70. Have you ever engaged in sexual 90. Have you tried one drug "harder" 4. Have you ever stolen anything work? 50. Have you ever had sex in a body conduct with someone over the than marijuana? (i.e., Ecstasy, LSD) from a retail establishment? 29. Have you ever masturbated while of water? Internet? (i.e., Skype) 91. Have you tried more than three 5. Have you ever illegally downloaded someone else was in the room? 51. Have you ever engaged in sexual 71. Have you ever Tweeted an drugs considered "harder" than a piece of software, a song, or a 30. ...were they awake? activity in a bed that was neither orgasm? marijuana? movie? 31. Have you ever pleasured yourself yours nor your partner's? 72. Have you ever engaged in sexual 92. Do you use drugs harder than 6. Do you own more than $1,000 using an inanimate object? (i.e., 52. Have you ever had sex without behavior with a person who is below marijuana more than once a month? worth of pirated software, music, or vibrators, couches, subwoofers, etc.) a condom or other form of birth the legal age? 93. Have you ever sold marijuana? movies? 32. Have you ever held hands with a control? 73. Have you ever exposed your 94. Have you ever sold a drug harder 7. Have you ever gained unauthorized member of the preferred sex? 53. Have you ever had sex with a breasts/ass/genitals to a person who than marijuana? access to a computer system or 33. Have you ever hugged a member virgin? had not directly expressed a request 95. Have you ever used alcohol service? of the preferred sex? 54. Have you ever had sex in a public to see them? to lower someone else's sexual 8. Have you ever cheated on an 34. Have you ever slept in the same place? (i.e., Waffle House) 74. Have you ever tasted the sex fluid inhibitions? exam? bed as a member of the preferred 55. Have you had more than one of a member of the non-preferred 96. Have you ever used a drug to lower 9. Did you lie about your personal or sex? sexual partner? sex? someone else's sexual inhibitions? academic accomplishments on your 35. Have you ever "sexiled" a 56. Have you had more than five 75. Have you ever committed an act 97. Have you ever cheated a drug Rice admissions application? roommate? sexual partners? of bestiality? test? 10. Have you ever defaced a piece of 36. Have you ever kissed a member of 57. Have you ever achieved orgasm 76. Have you ever engaged in erotic 98. Have you ever contracted an STI public property? (i.e., graffiti) the preferred sex? during sexual activity? or autoerotic asphyxiation? (i.e., or been at risk to contract an STI? 11. Have you ever urinated or 37. Have you ever kissed a member of 58. Have you ever caused another CHOKE SEX) 99. Have you ever obtained or paid defecated in public? the preferred sex anywhere below the person to achieve orgasm? 77. Have you ever lusted after a family for an abortion? 12. Have you ever physically fought shoulders? 59. Have you ever lied about achieving member, even for a moment? 100. Have you ever neglected to wash with someone? 38. Have you ever given or received an orgasm during sex? 78. Have you ever purchased alcohol your hands after using the restroom? 13. Have you ever been taken into a "hiekey"? 60. Have you ever lied about your on behalf of a minor? police custody? 39. Have you ever given or received 14. Have you ever been convicted of a "hickey" on a place other than the a crime? neck? 15. Have you ever coerced someone 40. Have you ever undressed or into committing a crime? been undressed by a member of the 16. Have you ever a witnessed a crime preferred sex? and neglected to intervene? 41. Have you ever been nude in a hot H E L LC 17. Have you ever cheated on a tub, sauna, or shower with a member significant other? of the preferred sex? my purity Score is 18. Have you ever engaged in any form 42. Have you ever fondled the breasts of sexual activity with someone who or ass of a member of the preferred sex was in a committed relationship? or had your breasts or ass fondled? 19. Have you ever looked at 43. Have you ever sexually stimulated pornography? someone or been stimulated, possibly 20. Have you ever knowingly looked to climax, with the hands? ("handjob" at child pornography? or "fingering") 21. Have you ever looked at 44. Have you ever sexually stimulated pornography as a group activity? someone or been stimulated, possibly 22. Have you ever deliberately spied to climax, with the mouth? ("blowjob" upon the sexual interactions of other or "cunnilingus") people? 45. Have you ever put your tongue 23. Have you ever felt sexually into someone's anus, or had another aroused? person's tongue in your anus? 24. Have you ever had a sexual ("rimjob") dream? 46. Have you ever sexually stimulated 25. Have you ever had a sexual dream someone or been stimulated, possibly about someone with whom you to climax, with a part of the body The Backpage is satire and is written by Kyle Barnhart and Cristina Tortarolo. interact on a regular basis? not usually associated with sexual And there's no question about it: Backpage took McMurtry. So who got Duncan? activity?

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School level Algebra II, Geometry, Pre- ADVERTISING CLASSIFIEDS SUBSCRIPTIONS PART-TIME P/A FOR church pastor in- Cal, Chemistry, Physics, Spanish to We accept display and classified advertise- 1-35 words $15 Annual subscription rates: side Loop. Organizational and PC Level IV, English Literature and Com- ments. The Thresher reserves the right 36-70 words $30 $60/year domestic to refuse any advertising for any reason. 70-105 words $45 $125/year international via First Class Mail skills required. 16-32 hrs per week position Pay is $22-$26 per hour. Ques- Additionally, the Thresher does not take starting. Send resumes to: rgchurch@ tions? call Amanda Venta 713-854-1182 responsibility for the factual content of any Cash, check, or credit card payment must Non-suhscription rate: rgchurch.com "Pastor Assistant Appli- Apply at www.winntutoring.com, or ad. Printing an advertisement does not con- accompany your classified advertise- First copy free stitute an endorsement by the Thresher. ment, which must be received by 5 p.m. Second copy $5 cant" in subject line. e-mail Sharon White info@winntutor- on the Tuesday prior to publication. ing.com. Display advertisements must be received by HELP WANTED - part-time caregiver 5 p.m. on the Monday prior to publication. The Rice Thresher The Rice Thresher Attn: Classifieds for home hospice patient. MWF af- Attn: Subscriptions RETIREE SEEKING NEAT, well organized, Joseph Ramirez 6100 Main St. MS-524 PO Box 1892, MS 524 ternoons. 2 blocks from Rice. Prefer detail oriented individual to work part Advertising Manager Houston, TX 77005-1892 Houston. TX 77251 1892 upperclassman or grad student with time flexible hours. Approximately 6 713-348-3967 Phone 713-348-3974 Phone 713-348-3967 thresher-ad s(S)rice.edu Fax 713-348 5238 Fax 713-348-5238 medical or caregiving background/in- hours per week to assist in maintain- terest. Call Charles 713-201-6436. ing and organizing small office dealing