Another favorite quote post

"You are not the kind of guy who would be at a place like this at this time of the morning. But here you are, and you cannot say that the terrain is entirely unfamiliar, although the details are fuzzy."

From Bright Lights, Big City by Jay McInerney
________________

I suppose I'm a bit late to the party, but I had a hard time choosing. This has been a favorite of mine since high school, and it's probably the best I'll be able to come up with that isn't a huge spoiler.

-Russ Horres, Assoc. Fiction Editor

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Michelle Phillips - Editor-at-Large, Wiess College Rep)

"Oh, children," said the Lion, "I feel my strength coming back to me. Oh, children, catch me if you can!" He stood for a second, his eyes very bright, his limbs quivering, lashing himself with his tail. Then he made a leap high over their heads and landed on the other side of the Table. Laughing, though she didn't know why, Lucy scrambled over it to reach him. Aslan leaped again. A mad chase began. Round and round the hilltop he led them, now hopelessly out of their reach, no letting them almost catch his tail, now diving between them, now tossing them in the air with his huge and beautifully velveted paws and catching them again, and now stopping unexpectedly so that all three of them rolled over together in a happy laughing heap of fur and arms and legs. It was such a romp as no one has ever had except in Narnia; and whether it was more like playing with a thunderstorm or playing with a kitten Lucy could never make up her mind."

-C.S. Lewis: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Simple Justice (Sunkyo Lee, Duncan College Rep)

The plight of the ageing black railroadmen moved Houston deeply as he threw his energies into litigation to prevent further and faster attirition in their ranks. .....Joseph Waddy, Houston's law partner recalls..."I remember once we were in the home of a lblack brakeman in Roanoke,... There must have been fifteen or twnety brakemen sitting around with us, all of them fifty years old or more, and there was this one old-timer who must have been seventy and was all white-haired, who was carrying on about how they had to save their jobs for their children and grandchildren, so there would be other generations of black men on the railroads. And then the old timer used this phrase that filled Charlie [Houston] up emotionally. He said they also had to save the jobs for themselves and protect 'these old heads blooming for the grave.' Charlie never forgot that. The railroadmen loved him. They'd do anything he asked."

Richard Kluger, Simple Justice

The Great Gatsby (Jasmine Elliott- Editor at Large)

"He had one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced, or seemed to face, the whole external world for an instant and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor. It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself."

The Great Gatsby- F. Scott Fitzgerald

Lolita (Jo Hsu, Fiction Editor)

I'm going to break the rules (are there rules?) and post two quotes. It's an oldie, but a goodie. And honestly, I believe, it is the best opening in literary history (at least to the best of my knowledge)

"Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth. Lo. Lee. Ta.

She was Lo, plain Lo, in the morning, standing four feet ten in one sock. She was Lola in slacks. She was Dolly at school. She was Dolores on the dotted line. But in my arms she was always Lolita.

- Vladimir Nabokov

The Girl in the Flammable Skirt by Aimee Bender (Jo Hsu, Fiction Editor)

"I think of that girl I read about in the paper - the one with the flammable skirt. She'd bought a rayon chiffon skirt, purple with wavy lines all over it. She wore it to a party and was dancing, too close to the vanilla-smelling candles, and suddenly she lit up like a pine needle torch. When the boy dancing next to her felt the heat and smelled the plasticky smell, he screamed and rolled the burning girl up in the carpet. She got third-degree burns up and down her thighs. But what I keep wondering about is this: that first second when she felt her skirt burning, what did she think? Before she knew it was the candles, did she think she'd done it herself? With the amazing turns of her hips and the warmth of the music inside her, did she believe, for even one glorious second, that her passion had arrived?"

Still Life with Oysters and Lemon by Mark Doty (Lissa Glasgo, Managing Editor)

...and that is what I feel Paul and I are doing today, taking in and taking in, joined to a brethren of the lovers of this world. Who go about their seeing -- by lens and by canvas, by microscope and camera obscura, by notebook and daybook -- as if it were the most crucial work we could choose.

An Essay concerning Human Understanding (quote provided by Vanessa Johnson, Associate Poetry Editor)

"A studious blind Man, who had mightily beat his head about visible Objects, and made use of the explication of his Books and Friends, to understand those names of Light, and Colours, which often came in his way; bragg'd one day, That he now understood what Scarlet signified. Upon which his Friend demanding, what Scarlet was? the blind Man answered, It was like the Sound of a Trumpet. Just such an Understanding of the name of any other simple Idea will he have, who hopes to get it only from a Definition, or other Words made use of to explain it."

--John Locke, Book II Chapter iv Section 11 of An Essay concerning Human Understanding

[Thought I'd share a bit of poetic philosophy.]

White Noise by Don DeLillo (Coert Voorhees, Parks Fellow)

He fell silent once more. People with cameras left the elevated site, replaced at once by others.

"We're not here to capture an image, we're here to maintain one. Every photograph reinforces the aura. Can you feel it, Jack? An accumulation of nameless energies."

There was an extended silence. The man in the booth sold postcards and slides.

"Being here is a kind of spiritual surrender. We see only what the others see. The thousands who were here in the past, those who will come in the future. We've agreed to be part of a collective perception. This literally colors our vision. A religious experience in a way, like all tourism."

Another silence ensued.

"They are taking pictures of taking pictures," he said.

He did not speak for a while. We listened to the incessant clicking of shutter release buttons the rustling crank of levers that advanced the film.

"What was the barn like before it was photographed?" he said. "What did it look like, how was it different from other barns, how was it similar to other barns? We can't answer these questions because we've read the signs, seen the people snapping pictures. We can't get outside the aura. We're part of the aura. We're here, we're now."

He seemed immensely pleased by this.

Welcome (Again) / Deadline Update

To all you Ricers stopping by:
Welcome to R2! We want to get to know you. If you've got some free time, pick a passage you like from a book you love and post it (and your name, if you want) as a comment to this post. If this activity doesn't tickle your fancy (you don't have anything in mind, you don't read, you hate books, you don't feel like searching through Wikiquote), check back later for some creative writing ideas and our next activity. We'll update the blog fairly frequently, and maybe you'll find something to spark your creativity!

Also, an important note:
The deadline for cover art submissions has been changed to November 6.

Catch-22 (Stephanie McLeod, Publicity Manager/Assoc. Fiction Editor)

"'Who is Spain?'
'Why is Hitler?'
'When is right?'
'Where was that stooped and mealy-colored old man I used to call Poppa when the merry-go-round broke down?'
'How was trump at Munich?'
'Ho-ho beriberi.'
'Balls!'
all rang out in rapid succession, and then there was Yossarian with the question that had no answer:
'Where are the Snowdens of yesteryear?'"

-- Joseph Heller

This is What We're Into...+ Cherry series

Hello lovelies,

To showcase our literary interests as well as to get to know each other, we're starting a series of fun activities on this blog for R2 staff and the rest of the study body. This first one will be an informal introduction to everyone in R2. It's all about...what books we like. Just leave an excerpt/passage from a book (nonfiction/fiction) you've enjoyed with the title of the book, the author's name, your name and your staff position. It's that easy.

If you're not a staff but just want to contribute as a fellow Rice community member, feel free to leave comments about your favorite passages in the Comments section of this post!

Also, John Pipkin, author of Woods Burner, is coming to Rice on Friday, September 25 to give a reading. It will be at the Duncan College Masters' House at 4PM. Here is a little info about him:

John Pipkin currently lives in Austin, Texas, where he has worked as the Executive Director of the Writers’ League of Texas, a non-profit, literary arts organization. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, he attended Washington & Lee University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and received his Ph.D. in British Literature from Rice University in 1997. He has taught writing and literature at Saint Louis University, Boston University, and Southwestern University. Woods Burner is his first novel. His appearance at Rice is sponsored by the English department’s Minter Endowment and the Fondren Library Cherry Series.

I haven't read his book which is based on the life of Henry David Thoreau during the period when he was writing Walden, but words are it's fabulous. Here's a link to Boston Globe's review of his book: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/04/12/woods_burner/

Welcome Back!

Hey R2ers!

Welcome back for a brand new year! This blog is where you can find information on R2's meetings, deadlines, and general happenings, as well as some literary events you should know about around campus. More details on R2 can always be found on our website, r2mag.rice.edu.

Here's what you should know:

Our first meeting of the year is Friday, September 4 from 4 to 5 PM in the RMC's Meyer Conference Room. If you're interested in becoming involved in R2, you're welcome to come by and check us out!

If you're an artist, you should be working on an awesome cover for R2 this year! Submissions will be due on October 19.

If you're a writer, it's never too early to start picking out or working on your submissions! They will be due on November 30. For more information on written submissions, check out the Submissions section of our website.

If you're looking for something to do, check out Brazos Bookstore. It's very close to campus and often has stuff going on.

If you're just looking for some inspiration, try this:
Go here and click on Random Poem. Use the first line of the poem to write your own poem, story, journal entry, or whatever. If you don't like the poem, try again until you find a good first line.

We're all excited for the upcoming year and can't wait to show you what R2 can do!


"The king's a beggar, now the play is done:
All is well ended, if this suit be won,
That you express content; which we will pay,
With strife to please you, day exceeding day:
Ours be your patience then, and yours our parts;
Your gentle hands lend us, and take our hearts."

Shakespeare, All's Well that Ends Well

R2 Submission Deadline Dec 1

R2 is accepting submissions from now until Dec. 1, 2008 for our Spring 2009 issue. Any current undergraduates are welcome to submit original poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. First place in any category receives a prize of $500 and second place $250. There is no word limit on submissions. Please put your name and personal information on the cover page only. You can also use the R2 submission form (available in the English Department Office) as cover page.

Either submit online via r2mag@rice.edu, or drop off a hard copy in the English dept office (2nd Floor Herring Hall) beginning Monday, Nov. 10.

Open Mic Night Oct 30 and Cover Art Contest

1. You are invited to R2's Open Mic Night! Bring poetry, short stories, creative non-fictions, ghost tales, or anything creative you have written to share with us. The location will be at the Lovett Undergrounds and refreshments (beer and etc.) will be provided.

If you're hesitant or embarrassed about speaking in public, just think, by next day everyone will be so excited about Halloween no one will remember your awkwardness. There will also be prizes for the best readings and fun activities. And for those of you in a creative writing class, I hear extra credits may be rewarded...

2. The R2 Cover Art Contest is once again here.

In honor of R2 going green for the upcoming issue we encourage artists to keep this in mind in their submissions. The contest is open to photos, paintings, or any type of artistic mediums. Submissions should preferably be in square shape while image size should be in 600-800 jpeg high resolution format.

The deadline is November 10. To submit, please email image to r2mag@rice.edu

Welcome back!

Welcome, class of 2012, and welcome back everyone else! We can't wait for an exciting year of reading and writing. Stay tuned for updates on events, deadlines, and opportunities to get involved!

_______________________________________

Spring 2008 saw the publication of R2's 4th Edition! Grab a copy today from the English Dept at Rice, 2nd floor Herring Hall, or email r2mag@rice.edu if you'd like to arrange to have a copy mailed to you!

THE ROOM IS BRIGHTER NOW THAT YOU'RE IN IT

The 2008-2008 Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief: Megan Scarborough

Managing Editor: Jennifer Luo

Creative Nonfiction Editor: Rachel Carlson
Associate Nonfiction Editors: Klara Wojtkowska, Alex Smith, Sarah Bronson, Hajera Blagg

Fiction Editor: Alexander Crompton
Associate Fiction Editors: Brittany Henry, Jo Hsu, Charles Horres, Elizabeth Jane Labyer, Leo Carter (flexible)

Poetry Editor: Alex Altman
Associate Poetry Editors: Vanessa Johnson, Austin Ellis, Liz Mallett, Claire Newman, Stephanie McLeod, Alyssa Ibarra

Art Editor: Tara Hobbs

Layout Editor: Alice Townes
Associate Layout Editor: Lissa Glasgo

Social Chair: Whitney Morgan
Publicity Manager: Brenda Rangel and David Rosales

Editors-at-Large: Gillian Smith, Courtney Ng, Heather Beaber, Jenny Lim, Jane S.Lee, Caitlin Foran, Will Randall, Benjamin Yu

BE GOOD TO YOURSELF: GIVE YOURSELF AN R2

R2 is here. Admire the prose and poetry of your talented fellow undergraduates by reading the magazine.

Pick one up at the English Department Office, Second Floor Herring Hall, or at your college. We are also trying to constantly replenish a small stock at the Rice Coffeehouse.

Thanks for your readership! If you have any questions about the magazine (e.g. how to get involved), shoot an e-mail to r2mag@rice.edu.

Best,
R2 Staff

R2 is here. LAUNCH PARTY! friday, march 28th

530-700PM
Herring Courtyard

Winners will read selections from their pieces.

Free Booze, Free Food, Free Mags

Bring your friends.

Staff Applications Due FRIDAY (March 21st)

R2 SEEKS THE BRIGHT AND EAGER

R2: The Rice Review, our undergraduate literary magazine, is currently accepting
applications for its 2008-2009 editorial board. Applications are due THIS
FRIDAY (21st). Staff turnover occurs every year. The following positions are
available:

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
MANAGING EDITOR
COVER ART EDITOR
CREATIVE NONFICTION
EDITOR
FICTION EDITOR
LAYOUT EDITOR
POETRY EDITOR
PUBLICITY MANAGER
SOCIALS CHAIR
WEBSITE MANAGER
ASSOCIATE LAYOUT EDITOR
ASSOCIATE SECTION EDITORS
EDITORS-AT-LARGE

Applications are available for download online under “news and events” at
http://r2mag.rice.edu. They are due in hard copy by friday, march 21.
Turnover day is april 12. For questions please e-mail annwang@rice.edu.

Working on the magazine has been a very rewarding and educational experience for
students of all years and fields for the last four years. People new to the
magazine or even new to creative writing are encouraged to apply.

Best,
r2 staff

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