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Thursday, January 23, 2025 — Houston, TX

Charlie Cruz

A&E 1/21/25 10:48pm

Review: “Balloonerism” is a graceful tribute to Mac Miller’s legacy

By Charlie Cruz

Mac Miller’s “Balloonerism” is a delicate balancing act — a posthumous release that feels deeply personal yet walks the fine line between honoring an artist's legacy and commodifying it. Unlike other releases from late artists, which can feel like haphazard collections of half-finished demos (The Party Never Ends by Juice WRLD comes to mind), “Balloonerism” is a cohesive, almost ethereal work.

NEWS 1/14/25 10:59pm

H&D rolls out new spring dining schedule

By Charlie Cruz

Housing and Dining unveiled a restructured dining schedule for the spring semester, introducing extended meal times and continuous weekday dining. Lunch and dinner times are staggered at different serveries — for example, Baker offers lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., while Seibel offers lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Under the new plan, at least one servery will be open at any given time between 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays.

A&E 1/14/25 10:33pm

Bad Bunny's "Debí Tirar Más Fotos" is a love letter to Puerto Rico

By Charlie Cruz

With “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” Bad Bunny kicks off 2025 with an electrifying return to his roots, creating an album that is equal parts tribute, reinvention and celebration of Puerto Rican identity. Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio doesn’t just deliver 17 tracks; he crafts a vibrant journey that honors the traditions of his homeland while fearlessly reshaping the landscape of Latin music. It’s a bold, deeply personal statement that reaffirms his place not only as a global superstar but also as a cultural ambassador for Puerto Rico.

A&E 1/14/25 10:31pm

Review: “Look Back” is short but powerful

By Charlie Cruz

“Look Back” is one of the best films of 2024. Inspired by the tragic 2019 Kyoto Animation arson attack, Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of “Chainsaw Man,” crafts a deeply moving tribute that transforms real-life sorrow into a story of resilience and connection. 

A&E 12/3/24 11:13pm

“GNX” is Kendrick Lamar’s victory lap

By Charlie Cruz and Charlie Paul

Kendrick Lamar's newest album, “GNX,” is great — but is it a classic? Released without warning on a quiet Friday morning, the album's unexpected drop has sparked conversations across the globe. With no rollout, no teasers and no lead singles, Kendrick let the music speak for itself, delivering a project that feels like a love letter to West Coast hip-hop-crafted with the unique vision and depth only he can provide. 

OPINION 10/22/24 10:58pm

Rice needs to better support students with disabilities

By Charlie Cruz

As I sit in my room, struggling to muster the energy to get out of bed, I can’t help but wonder how many others are silently fighting the same battle. It’s been almost two months since I lost access to my medication, and the toll is undeniable. Since 2022, a medication shortage has left thousands without life-saving treatment, forcing them to manage their symptoms alone. I don’t drink, smoke or vape — yet here I am, trapped in a haze of withdrawal. The most infuriating part? I can’t fix this alone. So, I turned to my accommodations — the lifeline that should have supported me.

A&E 10/1/24 11:06pm

Another shounen disappointment: The fall of ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’

By Charlie Cruz

After 271 weekly Shonen Jump chapters, Gege Akutami's “Jujutsu Kaisen” has reached its conclusion, and with it, a wave of frustration has swept across the shounen manga community. In a genre known for its iconic scenes but lackluster endings, “Jujutsu Kaisen” followed through, leaving fans in disbelief. What should have been a triumphant closing act for one of the most popular series instead fizzled out, leaving us all wondering: How did something so promising end so terribly?

NEWS 9/24/24 11:54pm

Students given Grammarly AI as Honor Council adapts

By Charlie Cruz

Rice began offering Grammarly Premium access to all students. Initially made available to graduate students, the service is now available to the entire student body in line with the Honor Council’s 2023 decision to allow ChatGPT usage with proper citation and instructor permission.

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