Special Projects

Tomás Morín’s ‘Where Are You From: Letters to My Son’ explores Brown identity in America

​​Writing to an audience that does not yet exist — some may think it’d be a bit tricky. In his latest book, “Where Are You From: Letters to My Son,” assistant professor of creative writing Tomás Q. Morín sets out to do just that, writing a series of letters to his, at the time, unborn son. Letters that, as Morín puts it, “offer advice and personal perspective on issues of love, growth and the future his son will have to face.” Morín discusses how he, as a person of color, inhabits the present day in America  — and what it means for the landscape his son will be born into.

‘Ferrari’ gives a high-octane account of automobile giant’s eccentricities

Michael Mann, best known for his distinctly American action thrillers “Heat” and “Collateral,” released his first ever film set entirely outside of the U.S. late last December. “Ferrari” is a historical biopic on the turbulent life of automobile mogul Enzo Ferrari (Adam Driver), founder of the eponymous car manufacturer. Mann brings out the best of his older films for “Ferrari” — the paranoid intensity of “The Insider” and the steely solitude of “Thief” — to craft one of his most riveting films to date. 

01-17-2024 Crossword Solution

01-17-2024 Crossword: "FREEZE!"

Spring 2024 Horoscope

01-17-2024 "Owl-American"

Men’s tennis sweeps PVAMU

Rice men’s tennis opened their 2024 season Saturday with a sweep of Prairie View A&M University at home. The Owls won both the morning and afternoon dual meet with a pair of 7-0 victories, starting their season 2-0. After the matches, head coach Efe Ustundag explained that the double-header was perfect in terms of results and preparation.

Checking in: Men’s basketball 13th in AAC at midseason

Halfway through the season, Rice men’s basketball has not won a game against an American Athletic Conference opponent. Following Jan. 12’s loss to the University of South Florida, the Owls are 6-10 on the season, 0-3 in conference play and stuck in a four-game skid, at time of publication.

Review: ‘Hall & Nash 2’ showcases what makes Westside Gunn and Conway the Machine exciting

In 2016, underground rappers Westside Gunn and Conway the Machine were beginning to build a following, releasing albums filled with intense verses over ornate instrumentals. As a follow up to their collaborative release, “Hall & Nash,” named after the ’90s pro wrestling duo, the two linked up with The Alchemist, one of hip hop’s most exciting producers, to record a sequel. However, Westside Gunn and Conway the Machine soon signed with Shady Records leaving the finished album, originally scheduled for a 2017 release, shelved with some of the tracks used on other projects over the years. Now, the original album is finally out for public consumption.

Review: ‘Mean Girls’ is kitschy, camp, questionable

“Mean Girls” reminded us of an important truth: If you are going to make a musical, you need to hire actors who can sing and a choreographer with experience. It also proves, though, that bad films can often be great fun.  

Review: Dandelion Cafe brings brunch to campus

The second location of the Dandelion Cafe, a Houston-based restaurant, is now open in the O’Connor Building for Engineering & Science. Described by Good Morning America as having one of the best chicken and waffles in Houston, the cafe is known for its variety of brunch options. While the Rice location only offers a smaller selection of their normal menu items, the variety of non-servery options, comforting atmosphere and acceptance of Tetra is sure to make the Dandelion Cafe a hit on campus. 

Off-campus housing options to explore

As room jack approaches, the potential problem of having to find affordable, convenient off-campus housing looms ever closer. Many students may think it is too soon to search for housing, but looking early is important in order to secure a lease in time. These off-campus housing options, along with their pros and cons, may help you get started on deciding where to live.

Students, staff, Elvis impersonators take on the marathon

Last Sunday morning, Rice students, staff and graduates brushed by the hedges at the Chevron Houston Marathon. The chilly weather and light breeze were perfect weather for running such a race, and if Lovetters and Sidizens happened to look outside their window that Sunday, they might have seen some of the 34,000 participants, the neon jersey of a pacer or even a priest throwing holy water onto the participants.

Snap your senior shots here

With graduation looming on the horizon, seniors have a long to-do list before they enter the real world. One of a graduate’s many tasks is securing that ideal graduation picture. With the Sallyport currently playing host to chain-link fences and construction vehicles, you may want to set your sights on some of the Rice area’s other landmarks to get the perfect shot.

24/7 Fondy presents more cons than pros

A petition was posted by an anonymous Rice student Jan. 13 asking for Fondren Library to be open 24/7. By publication, the petition had garnered 313 signatures. While we understand the desire for more study spaces, the extra labor required to support this endeavor may cause more difficulties than it solves. Instead, we have some suggestions for other study spaces and resources that those who want it can access 24/7.

Veeraraghavan receives O’Donnell Award for engineering research

Ashok Veeraraghavan, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, was awarded the 2024 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award for “revolutionary imaging technology,” and will be recognized Feb. 6. 

School of Architecture graduate named president of AIA Houston

Melvalean McLemore-Catina, a 2023 graduate of the Rice Masters of Science Architecture program, began her term as the president of the American Institute of Architects Houston Jan. 1, the first Black woman to hold the role. 

SAS results reflect need for OC housing and finance resources

The Student Association implemented changes to the Survey of All Students, including questions that collect off-campus housing data and gauge student sentiment on readiness toward personal finances and off-campus housing. 

East-West Tea rebrands to The Tea Nook

Rice’s student-run on-campus boba shop, which was previously known as East-West Tea, will reopen as The Tea Nook Jan. 17, with new menu options. 

Cannady Hall shapes up for February completion

Over a year since ground was first broken on the new Cannady Hall, the building is still being constructed. According to Dean of Architecture Igor Marjanović, the vision first outlined to the Thresher and the student body is starting to take shape.