Special Projects

Starbucks employees lend a hand to Fifth Ward

While one normally expects Starbucks to provide coffee, many of the coffee chain's workers were recently on the streets of Houston for a different reason. On Oct. 6, nearly 5,500 Starbucks employees, with the help of about 30 Rice students, volunteered at a variety of service projects in Houston's Fifth Ward in an effort to revitalize one of Houston's poorest communities.

Rice spirit at the Bayou Bucket

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The real Romney comes out of hiding

New center aims to improve teaching methods at Rice

Dean of Undergraduates John Hutchinson announced the creation of the Center for Teaching Excellence and the appointment of its faculty director, professor of computation and applied mathematics Steven Cox, at the Student Association meeting on Sept. 24. Cox said the CTE fellows have been selected and initial discussions have begun, but no plans have been finalized yet. 

Rice unable to recapture Bayou Bucket from UH

Perhaps playing the worst football team in college football is just what the Owls need after a disappointing outcome at Reliant Stadium last Saturday against the University of Houston. Despite a strong effort that showed grit toward the end, Rice failed to match the Cougars' offensive attack, letting the Bayou Bucket leave the hedges once again. 

The Fifth Lap

During my time here, I have grown to love fall Friday nights at Rice University. 

Business model changes in store for Pub

Its debt having doubled in the past year, the management of Willy's Pub is currently focusing efforts on creating a sustainable model of business, according to Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the Student Center and Campus-wide Programs Boyd Beckwith. 

This week's editorial cartoon

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RUPD police blotter

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Streamlined

Flooding threatens Buffalo Bayou

The Bayou City may soon need to take measures to protect one of its bayous. Last Tuesday, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston hosted a panel entitled "The Forgotten Buffalo Bayou: A Civic and Civil Discussion About a Touchy Subject," in which panelists discussed two potential flood threats to Buffalo Bayou - on the east from the Houston Ship Channel and on the west from Addicks and Barker Reservoirs.

ESTHER to archive syllabi

Course syllabi can now be posted within ESTHER and archived over the years, according to Vice Provost of Academic Affairs Paula Sanders. The impetus for this initiative came from students, Sanders said. 

This Week in Entertainment

"Halcyon"

Owlook: This Week in Sports

Results

TxDOT receives funding for expansion on U.S. 290

Road trips to Austin could be a lot less stressful in the future thanks to a new expansion project on U.S. Highway 290 in Houston.

Beazant continues recent run of dominance

Going into the fall season of women's tennis, sophomore Natalie Beazant was ranked 15th in the country for singles matches and eighth for doubles with partner junior Dominique Harmath by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. Beazant completed a great performance during the Racquet Club Collegiate Invitational in Midland, Texas, Sept. 14-16. She was the top-seeded athlete in the tournament and proved she was deserving of this ranking.  

Bond for parks improvement on Nov. 6 ballot

Houston has its very own group of Leslie Knopes who are passionate about parks and recreation. Parks by You, a nonpartisan coalition of citizens, is campaigning to pass Proposition B, a $166 million bond which will improve parks and trails along bayous in Houston.

Roasted: Black Hole

Black Hole is a caffeinated force to be reckoned with. It lures in coffee lovers with its relaxing atmosphere, reasonable prices and astronomical selection of delicious coffee and tea. This original Houston phenomenon is tucked away on Graustark Street in a cozy neighborhood and only a 15-minute bike ride or five-minute drive from Rice. 

Online comments of the week

In the loop

Inside the hedges, there are four means of transport: foot, skateboard, bike and bus. If you're anything like the rest of the undergraduate population, struggling out the door of the servery, paper cup stuffed with bacon in one hand and overflowing mug of coffee in the other, chances are the bus is your most convenient and efficient option. Luckily, there is a team of often-overlooked individuals ready to save you - and your latte - and get you to class on time. These are the Rice University bus drivers, a diverse group of workers from all walks of life dedicated to transporting students across campus. In interviews with the Thresher, they shared their experiences from the Inner Loop and beyond.