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Wednesday, March 26, 2025 — Houston, TX

Sarah Motteler

A&E 3/11/25 10:49pm

Review: “Ne Zha 2” takes risks – and they pay off

By Sarah Motteler

Earlier last week, “Ne Zha 2” became the first animated film to reach $2 billion in global ticket sales, making it the top grossing animated film of all time after surpassing last year’s “Inside Out 2”. A loose adaptation of the story of Chinese mythological figure Nezha as told by the 16th century novel “Investiture of the Gods”, the film follows Ne Zha, a young boy born with the power of the fiery Demon Pill, as he completes three trials to protect his hometown of Chengtang Pass and save the life of his friend Ao Bing. 

A&E 1/21/25 10:45pm

Review: Mercato and Co. delights

By Sarah Motteler

A new Italian-inspired coffee shop and grocery store hybrid has found its home on West University Boulevard. Mercato and Company, according to the cafe’s website, aims to provide customers with “a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like home” and “a friendly and quaint experience.” When I visited, I was pleased to have these claims confirmed. The delicious food and charming ambiance combined to make Mercato a place I’d want to visit again soon.

A&E 12/3/24 11:38pm

Gift ideas to save you this season

By Sarah Motteler

If you’ve got a white elephant coming up that you’re scratching your head over or a Secret Santa that you can’t seem to crack, consider one of the six options below to perish your present woes.

A&E 10/29/24 11:11pm

Have some spooky fun with these Halloween activities

By Sarah Motteler

Halloween is quickly approaching, and on its heels comes the unofficial start of the holiday season. If you’re trying to enjoy the end of autumn before your pumpkin spice is replaced with peppermint and the Monster Mash by Mariah Carey, read further for some festive activities.

A&E 10/1/24 11:05pm

Explore hidden architecture gems on campus

By Sarah Motteler

Rice’s campus is home to many notable works of architecture, from the classic Sewall Hall to the state-of-the-art O’Connor Engineering Building. However, there are still diamonds in the rough that have yet to be discovered by the wider population of the university. Provided below are a handful of lesser-known architectural wonders located within the hedges.

A&E 8/27/24 11:11pm

Nearby city niceties

By Sarah Motteler

Do you have a time in your calendar that needs filling, but don’t want to spend thirty minutes walking in the August heat or $30 on admission? Consider checking out one or more of these activities within  one mile of Rice — all free or discounted with a Rice ID.

A&E 4/16/24 11:07pm

Tribute band ‘Suede Hedgehog’ talks inspirations, legacies

By Sarah Motteler

Last Thursday, the halls of the RMC were graced with smooth melodies and funky grooves courtesy of “Suede Hedgehog,” Rice’s very own tribute band to “Silk Sonic,” a musical duo made up of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak. Although the tiny desk concert only lasted about 20 minutes the atmosphere was electric, and Coffeehouse — their venue — was packed with listeners.

A&E 4/2/24 11:33pm

English majors open Pandora’s box for senior projects

By Sarah Motteler

While waiting for a train last summer, Gabby Franklin realized what her senior project would be: a modern play retelling the myth of Pandora’s Jar. Franklin, a Brown College senior, is required — like all seniors majoring in English — to participate in a yearlong seminar course, where students produce long-form writing projects.  

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