Don’t be fooled by Uncle Vito’s classic New York-style black and white exterior wall– eating here isn’t like stepping into aGodfather movie.I was personally intrigued that such an interesting looking pizza place dedicated to New York-style cuisine was opening,but was slightly disappointed by the lack of authenticity.

TODAY Open Mic Night with SickSpits 7 to 10 p.m. Griffin Lounge, MU This open mic night is open to all; poets, singers, guitarists and anyone else is welcome!

WithUC Davis Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef’s15-year tenure coming to a close in June,the search is on for someone to take over the fifth floor of Mrak Hall. A search committee made up of students,staff,faculty,alumni and UC regents iscurrentlyworking to find a new chancellor.But what exactly does the chancellor doand should students even care?

The next time you see a small white butterfly fluttering through town,it could land you a free pitcher of beer or the cash equivalent. Arthur Shapiro,professor of evolution and ecology at UC Davis continues his annual “Butterfly-for-Beer” contest,now in its38thyear,this month. Shapiro will reward whoever captures the first live cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae) of the year.Only adult butterflies found outdoors in Sacramento,Solano or Yolo counties are eligible.

With extremely limited on-campus housing at UC Davis,the Office of Student Housing keeps an eyeonthe local rental market.Student Housing’s33rdannual survey of the state of the rental market was released late last month. In the city of Davis,the vacancy rate increased slightly from0.7to0.8percent and the average cost of rentincreased4.36percent in2008.

Inner tube water polo was invented at UC Davis in1969by Intramural Director Gary Colberg.

After losing five games in a row to end December,UC Davis was reminded by coach Sandy Simpson that with Sunday came the beginning of Big West Conference play and a new season. The team started off its new campaign and thenew yearin commanding fashion,downing Cal State Northridge86-66in its conference opener to give Simpson his200th career victory.

Wrestling SophomoreBarrett Abel earned a major decision at149pounds and seniorTyler Bernacchi won at174pounds,but13th-ranked Oklahoma State earned wins in seven of the nine contested bouts,including a technical fall,to earn a29-7victory over UC Davis in a collegiate wrestling dual at the Gallagher-Iba Arena Sunday afternoon.

After the Aggies upset No.10Northwestern at home,they took to the mat in two big national tournaments in Las Vegas and Reno over the winter break.They also hosted conference rival Portland State at home.The Aggies had an impressive showing at the Las Vegas Invite,finishing20th out of44with Orozco placing fifth in his class.A week later the Aggies hosted Portland State at Hickey Gym,winning in convincing manner,28-15.

After playing one of its best games of the season in a73-59loss at home against Arizona State on Dec.3,UC Davis began its winter break with five straight road games. “Against Arizona State,we had one of our best performances of the year,“ saidhead coachSandy Simpson. “We played even with them and in some parts even outplayed them.“

On Christmas morning,21-year-old UC Davis senior Randy Davis left girlfriend Kelsey Hudson’s housefor a skiing session on the fresh snow of Squaw Valley. Following his first run of the morning,at approximately11:15a.m.,an avalanche claimed the life ofthis passionate competitive freestyle skier.

The New Year is here again and the Activities and Recreation Center is encouraging students to stick to their exercise resolutions with free access to all facilities during Try Before You Buy week.