News In Rhyme
National
Hurricane Irene hits near NYC
There was once a storm named Irene
Who got tired of the south Atlantic scene
So she went to the East coast
Destroyed New York almost
But not with the destruction foreseen
Hurricane Irene hit the East Coast and New York City forcing evacuations and causing massive flooding through the region. Despite several deaths and perhaps billions in damages, the storm didn't live up to some expectations, especially those of the mainstream media.
Obama calls joint session
Obama called for a joint session of Congress
But the Republicans see it as one big diss
So Boehner said change the day
And Obama let him have his say
And the president looks even more spineless
President Obama requested the legislative leadership for a joint session of Congress. However, the speech conflicted with a debate for the Republican Primary. Citing procedural and logistical reasons, Speaker of the House John Boehner denied the president's request and forced him to delay it one day.
International
Exxon drills oil in Russia
Russia let Exxon go to the Arctic to drill
But crude oil they better not spill
Cause if they go Exxon Valdez
Bring the habitat to its knees
A lot of wildlife it will kill.
The Russian government has granted American corporation Exxon Mobil permission to explore the Russian Arctic for a potentially vast reserve of oil. Despite the company's victory, not everyone is happy, as environmental groups point to the chance of an economic catastrophe.
More from The Rice Thresher

Muslim students and H&D prepare for Ramadan
The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins this week, falling between March 22 to April 20 this year, overlapping with events such as Beer Bike and the end of the semester. Observers fast from dawn until dusk, which is approximately 13 hours in Houston, to practice spiritual devotedness.

Beer Bike to divide races amid safety concerns
Beer Bike races will be held in two heats this year, instead of the traditional singular race, according to Anne Wang, a campus-wide Beer Bike coordinator. The change is in light of last year’s crash during the women’s race, which injured three bikers and sent one to the hospital.

Administration affirms commitment to diversity
President Reginald DesRoches announced Rice’s commitment to diversity ahead of anticipated Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action cases in a campus-wide email sent on March 3, cosigned by Provost Amy Dittmar and Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alexander Byrd.
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