INSIDE Get back on the road again with fun trip ideas across the state, get a peek at Chip Howard’s office trinkets and treasures, and check out party pics from local events.
SUMMER 2021
‘GREATEST JOB IN THE WORLD’ Memo Salinas, Texas A&M’s first Hispanic head yell leader, looks forward to a more normal — and loud — year
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 1
6/7/2021 8:05:36 AM
Inside
EVENT CALENDAR
4
Make plans for the Fourth of July, concerts at Hurricane Harry’s, Wish Upon a Butterfly at the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History and performances at StageCenter and The Theatre Company.
SUMMER ROAD TRIPS
6
Now that travel has returned, it’s time to look at fun places to visit in the state, from music- and sports-related history to great barbecue joints to the great outdoors.
COVER STORY
12
Memo Salinas grew up going to Midnight Yell Practice and Texas A&M football games. Now he’s looking forward to his year as head yell leader.
PARTY PICS
12
22
28
Photos from a Texas A&M graduation ceremony, an Aggie baseball game and the Salvation Army’s Doing the Most Good event.
WHAT’S IN YOUR OFFICE?
28
Take a look at radio host Chip Howard’s office at Crystal Park Plaza, including a few of his favorite things (like The Simpsons, Willie Nelson and Nolan Ryan).
THE LAST WORD
6
31
Can’t get that jingle out of your head? Join the club. Radio and television commercials can stick with us long after they’re over thanks to memorable melodies.
STAFF
ON THE COVER
Crystal Dupré PUBLISHER
Rob Clark MANAGING EDITOR
Memo Salinas on the Texas A&M campus. Photo by Cassie Stricker.
Darren Benson EDITOR
Linda Brinkman ADVERTISING MANAGER
2
22 Michael Miller Cassie Stricker Christina Emmett PHOTOGRAPHERS
BRAZOS 360 | SUMMER 2021
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 2
6/7/2021 8:05:42 AM
THE EAGLE | BRAZOS360.COM
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 3
3
6/7/2021 8:05:43 AM
Local EVENTS
Event details are subject to change. Please check event websites for updated information. HURRICANE HARRY’S CONCERTS Singer-songwriters will take the stage this summer. Josh Ward and Jake Worthington perform June 23; Carson Jeffrey and Cody Hibbard on June 30; Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen on July 21; Kolby Cooper on Aug. 25. Details: $12-$20. harrys.bcsclubs.com.
‘IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU’ The Theatre Company presents the Broadway musical comedy about a wedding day that goes awry. Details: June 25-27. Theatre Company, 3125 S. Texas Ave., Suite 500, Bryan. $7$20. theatrecompany.com. WISH UPON A BUTTERFLY This drive-thru event allows visitors to purchase a butterfly to release at home, along with activity packets. Guests who dress as a caterpillar or butterfly or decorate their car will get a gift. Details: June 26 from 9 to 11 a.m. Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History. Butterflies are $20 or six for $100. brazosvalleymuseum.org. ’THE SAVANNAH SIPPING SOCIETY’ Wanda Mason directs this comedy about four Southern women who “decide it’s high time to reclaim the enthusiasm for life they’ve lost through the years,” according to StageCenter. Details: June 17-July 3. StageCenter, 218 N. Bryan Ave., Bryan. $10-$15. stagecenter. net. ‘WILLY WONKA JR.’ The Theatre Company presents Roald Dahl’s tale of a child who visits the famous candy maker and his chocolate factory. Details: July 23-Aug. 8. Theatre Company, 3125 S. Texas Ave., Suite 500, Bryan. $7$20. theatrecompany.com.
4
Eagle photo by Michael Miller
FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS RELLIS FIREWORKS & DRONES SHOW Texas A&M’s RELLIS Campus in Bryan hosts a drive-in Fourth of July event after debuting it last year (above photo). Details: July 4 at the RELLIS parking lot, which opens at 6:30 p.m. Show starts at 9 p.m. WTAW will broadcast the music that is synced to the fireworks. COLLEGE STATION NOON LIONS CLUB ‘I LOVE AMERICA’ CELEBRATION The Noon Lions Club has hosted this celebration since 1960. It features food trucks, games for kids, vendor booths and art, and a laser light show at 9:15 p.m. From 8 a.m. to noon, there will be a donation drive with Salvation Army at the nearby Bob and Wanda Meyer Senior and Community Center. Details: Saturday, July 3 from 8 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. Wolf Pen Creek, with parking at Post Oak Mall, and Bob and Wanda Meyer Senior and Community Center, 2275 Dartmouth St.
KURTEN FIREWORKS SHOW The Brazos County District 2 Volunteer Fire Department presents its 18th annual fireworks show. Food trucks and vendors will be on site, and a gun raffle drawing will be held. There will be no activities or games for kids this year. Parking is free, but no trailers will be allowed. Details: July 4 from 5 to 9 p.m. Kurten Community Center. Gates open at 5, fireworks show begins around 9. FREEDOM FESTIVAL The city of Navasota’s second annual festival includes a parade starting at 6 p.m. that will travel west on Washington Avenue to Ninth Street. A concert by A Tribute to Journey: Escape will begin at 7 p.m. outside of Navasota City Hall. The event will conclude with a fireworks show at Brule Field at 9:30 p.m. Details: July 2 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. in downtown Navasota. Free.
BRAZOS 360 | SUMMER 2021
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 4
6/7/2021 8:05:44 AM
ARE B LIVE PERFORMANCES
ACK!
FOUR CONCERT EVENTS CO MING TO RUDDER THIS FA LL!
DAY, JU S R U H T E L A S TICKETS GO ON
LY 15!
MSC BOX OFFICE 979--845-1234•MSCOPAS.org
THE EAGLE | BRAZOS360.COM
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 5
5
6/7/2021 8:05:48 AM
Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio is the state’s largest cave, and is open for tours daily.
Courtesy of Natural Bridge Caverns
On the road again (finally) for summertime Traveling has returned for many of us, so it’s a good time to take a look at fun places around Texas, with specific interests in mind. Some are close enough for a day trip, some are farther out. Check venue websites for current details.
FOR THE OUTDOORSY TYPE
Texas features a variety of outdoor attractions from mountains to beaches and even places to explore underground. The state boasts two national parks in West Texas -- Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains. There are more than 150 miles of trails to hike in Big Bend, and the park boasts landmarks such as the Santa Elena Canyon and the Window View Trail, which ends at the base of a waterfall. Guadalupe Mountains is home to Guadalupe Peak, which is the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet. Along Texas’ Gulf Coast are beaches in Galveston, Port Aransas and South Padre Island. Enchanted Rock near Fredericksburg is one of the most iconic outdoor destinations in the state, featuring 11 miles of hiking trails,
6
rock climbing areas and campgrounds. Cameron Park in Waco sits along the Brazos River and is one of the largest municipal parks in the state. There are more than 20 miles of trails, a 23-hole disc golf course, a lookout point over cliffs and a zoo. Out west of Midland-Odessa is Monahans Sandhills State Park, which features free-range sand dunes with no defined trails. Natural Bridge Caverns is the largest of five caves in Texas in between New Braunfels and San Antonio. Other Texas caves include Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown, Longhorn Cavern State Park in Burnet, the Cave Without a Name in Boerne and the Caverns of Sonora. — Alex Miller
BRAZOS 360 | SUMMER 2021
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 6
6/7/2021 8:05:49 AM
FOR THE MUSIC FAN
Live music is slowly creeping toward normalcy, and that’s reason to celebrate. The legendary Gruene Hall is up and running. You can see Steve Earle & the Dukes (July 1) there and American Aquarium (July 2). Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth has Shenandoah and Collin Raye (June 25), Ramon Ayala (June 26), Kenny Wayne Shepherd (July 3) and a rock lineup of Everclear, Wheatus, Hoobastank and the great Living Colour (July 9). The Woodlands Pavilion has a busy summer schedule, including Chicago (June 27), the Black Crowes (Aug. 14) and Brad Paisley (Aug. 15). Beyond the stage, Texas has plenty of music history to experience. Austin is a great place to start, with two iconic statues. The late blues great Stevie Ray Vaughan stands by Lady Bird Lake, and country legend Willie Nelson is joined by trusty guitar Trigger on Willie Nelson Boulevard near Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theatre. Other music statues of note around the state include Buddy Holly in Lubbock and blues legend Lightnin’ Hopkins in Crockett. Texas swing master Bob Wills is honored in Turkey with a tall monument topped by two fiddles. And it’s always nice to see the Freddy Fender tribute on the water tower in San Benito on the way to South Padre Island. In Port Arthur, a historical marker was established in 2008 for Janis Joplin’s childhood home, and a replica of Joplin’s psychedelic Porsche is housed at the Museum of the Gulf Coast. The museum’s website lists performers from the area in its Hall of Fame, including Marcia Ball, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, George Jones, Percy Sledge, ZZ Top and Larry Graham of Sly and the Family Stone. — Rob Clark
FOR THE FILM BUFF
The story of the Alamo has been told in two major motion pictures, and the building itself has made appearances in many other movies, including a fun San Antonio sequence in Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985). As memorably revealed in the movie, there is no basement in the Alamo. Except there is, sort of. There’s a basement under the gift shop, and one under Alamo Hall, according to a San Antonio Current story. Paul Reubens (aka Pee-Wee) got a basement tour several years ago. No stolen bikes down there, however. A macabre vibe can be found in Bastrop, at the restored gas station that was the site of a memorable scene in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974). Known as The Gas Station, it offers barbecue lunches and loads of horror flick merchandise. And if the film means that much to you, you can rent a cabin out back and spend the night. The family house in the film was originally in Round Rock, but was moved to Kingsland. It’s now a restaurant called Grand Central Cafe near the Antlers Inn. And it looks nothing like the house of horrors captured on film. The Hotel Paisano in Marfa was headquarters during the making of Giant (1956), and stars James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson stayed at the hotel during part of the filming, along with
Photos by Alex Miller The Stevie Ray Vaughan statue (above left) in Austin was erected in 1994 on Lady Bird Lake. The Willie Nelson statue debuted in 2012, on April 20 at 4:20 p.m. (Seriously.)
TEXAS PLAYLIST
Try a Texas-city-centric mix if venturing out to see music-related highlights.
Luckenbach, Texas, by Waylon Jennings
Lubbock or Leave It by The Chicks
Amarillo by Emmylou Harris
El Paso by Marty Robbins
Abilene by George Hamilton IV
Dallas by The Flatlanders
Corpus Christi Bay by Robert Earl Keen
Pretty Little Lady from Beaumont, Texas by George Jones
La Grange by ZZ Top
Galveston by Glen Campbell
Houston Solution by Ronnie Milsap
Levelland by James McMurtry
Wichita Falls by Houston Marchman
Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone by Charley Pride Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind by George Strait
Letter to Laredo by Joe Ely
Continued on Page 8
THE EAGLE | BRAZOS360.COM
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 7
7
6/7/2021 8:05:50 AM
Continued from Page 7 other cast and crew members. The hotel’s website says they eventually found private residences, but still dined at the hotel and watched dailies of the film in the ballroom. It might make for a weird road trip, but several films have featured the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville, including The Getaway (1972) with Steve McQueen and Kevin Costner’s A Perfect World (1993). You can find several sites featured in Dazed and Confused (1993) around Austin, including Top Notch Hamburgers, the Americana movie theater (now a library), along with schools and homes, according to austin.curbed.com. The same goes for the great comedy Office Space (1999), including the interior of corny restaurant Chotchkie’s, which is inside Baker Street Pub, according to austin360.com. For sci-fi fans, there’s always Logan’s Run (1976) which was filmed in Fort Worth, including the Fort Worth Water Gardens. Robocop (1987) filmed in such Dallas sites as City Hall, Dallas Municipal Building and Deep Ellum. (Too bad it’s all disguised as Detroit in the movie.) R.C.
FOR THE DINOSAUR NERD
Remnants of prehistoric dinosaurs can be
found all across the Lone Star State. In Glen Rose, the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas,” visitors at Dinosaur Valley State Park can walk in dinosaur tracks found in the bed of the Paluxy River when the water levels are low enough. The town is also home to Dinosaur World Texas, which features more than 100 life-sized dinosaur models. The Dinosaur Science Museum on the campus of Southwestern Adventist University in Keene is home to more than 30,000 dinosaur bones. The Dinosaur Park outside of Bastrop is an outdoor museum with dinosaur skeletons and realistic life-size dinosaur exhibits. Waco is home to the Waco Mammoth National Monument, which features fossils from Columbian mammoths. Here in Bryan-College Station, the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History has an exhibit called “The Age of Dinosaurs” with full-size casts of the skulls of a Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex. A.M.
FOR THE CAR LOVER
Venture around the state to see classic vehicles, cool hot rods and vehicles that have been transformed into works of art. Clifton Classic Chassis Auto Museum in
Clifton has vintage scooters and 35 cars on display from the 1940s through the 1980s, including Corvettes, Thunderbirds, Buicks, Pontiacs and Chryslers. Just west of Amarillo, Cadillac Ranch is a roadside graffiti art attraction that has been bringing visitors to use spray paint on 10 cars that were planted in the ground since the 1970s. This roadside attraction is also along the historic Route 66. The Terrill Antique Car Museum in DeLeon has a collection of pre-World War II cars. The museum has a Coffin Steam Carriage, a CrowElkhart Cloverleaf, and an REO Speedwagon three-quarter-ton truck. The Austin Rock & Roll Car Museum is open for free on the first and third Saturday of each month and displays vehicles from hot rods to classics. The museum is known for specializing in historical race cars, cars from movies and music-related vehicles. The Art Car Museum in Houston, known as the “Garage Mahal,” features cars that have been turned into works of art from local artists and artists around the world. A.M.
FOR THE BARBECUE FAN
Central Texas is loaded with options to eat good barbecue. Bryan-College Station alone
Serving the
BRAZOS VALLEY
for over 30 years! At Service Insurance Group, Inc. we’ve been insuring Texans for over 30 years and are committed to providing the best service and most appropriate & comprehensive coverage with competitive pricing. 8
Rodney HuRt ‘77 • BRadley HuRt ’00 • nick lutz • Ryan caRR GaRy GRiffin • donna P BeeleR • katHy lanGston ‘04 • JoHn tHames Ricky GReeR • anGie dean • kacey BouRke
3840 Corporate Center Dr. • Bryan SERVICEINSGROUP.COM • 979.774.3900 (PHONE/TEXT)
BRAZOS 360 | SUMMER 2021
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 8
6/7/2021 8:05:51 AM
boasts restaurants such as Fargo’s, Cooper’s, 1775 Texas Pit BBQ, and All the King’s Men. But the region at large features some of the state’s top barbecue locations. Texas Monthly’s top-rated joint is Snow’s in Lexington. This place is only open on Saturdays. Plan to come early because it opens at 8 a.m. and often has a long line. Running the pits is Ms. Tootsie Tomanetz, who is still working at age 86 and has become an icon among pit masters in the state, being referred to as the “Queen of Texas BBQ.” She was featured on an episode of Chef’s Table. Lockhart sits as the barbecue capital of Texas with longtime establishments Kreuz Market, Black’s, and Smitty’s Market. Over in Austin, pit master Aaron Franklin has perfected brisket at Franklin Barbecue, which is well-known for its long lines that can last for several hours. So bring a chair if venturing there, and also check if the dining room is open. Franklin is one of the nation’s top pit masters and has written two barbecue-related books and has several MasterClass episodes. Austin is littered with other noted joints, such as la Barbecue, Terry Black’s, and Valentina’s. The way back to Bryan-College Station features stops on Highway 79 at Louie Mueller’s in Taylor and up-and-comer Brett’s
Photo by Alex Miller Terry Black’s is a standout barbecue spot in Austin. This plate features pork ribs, brisket, sausage and burnt ends, with corn bread, macaroni and cheese, pinto beans and Mexican rice. Backyard Bar-B-Que in Rockdale.
FOR THE ART LOVER
A.M.
Art museums can be found in every major city in Texas. The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston is one of the nation’s largest museums and is free to visitors on Thursdays. From June 27 to
Now Open in College
Sept. 19, the museum will have an exhibit called Monet to Matisse: Impressionism to Modernism. The Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas features modern and contemporary sculptures. The museum has rotating and special exhibits. Continued on Page 10
Genuine service is here for you!
Station!
Our team is ready to serve you … Business. Personal. Technology. Advice.
Visit us here ... 2531 Earl Rudder Freeway South, College Station or at verabank.com any time.
877-566-2621 | verabank.com | Member FDIC
THE EAGLE | BRAZOS360.COM
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 9
9
6/7/2021 8:05:53 AM
Continued from Page 9 Art is a main attraction for the west Texas town of Marfa. There are numerous art galleries and exhibits throughout, and a resource for galleries and exhibits can be found at marfagalleryguide.com. A notable landmark is Prada Marfa, which is a permanent land art project modeled as a boutique. It’s a common photo stop for tourists, and Beyoncé took part in a 2012 photo from there. Prada Marfa was even featured on The Simpsons in 2019. The San Antonio Museum of Art’s current exhibit is America’s Impressionism: Echoes of a Revolution, which features 19th century art from Americans who trained in France. A.M.
FOR THE ODDBALLS
There are eccentric attractions off the beaten path across the Lone Star State. John Milkovisch transformed his Houston home into a beer can house, which is estimated to include over 50,000 beer cans. The house can be toured on Saturdays and Sundays for $5. Mike Newman lived out his dream of building a castle by creating Newman’s Castle outside of Bellville. The fortress with a moat and drawbridge can be toured six days a week. The castle boasts a 62-foot bell tower and a
dungeon. Newman’s Castle isn’t the only Europeaninspired destination in Texas. The northeast city of Paris features a Texas-style Eiffel Tower, topped with a cowboy hat. This Eiffel Tower is 65 feet high, or about 1/10 the size of the original in Paris, France. In Ingram, Stonehenge II is a re-creation of the original Stonehenge monument in England. This Stonehenge is almost as wide, but only 60% tall as the original. On the way to Austin, the city of Hutto features over 3,000 hippo statues around the town. The statues are a tribute to a local legend that a hippo escaped from a circus and wandered around town back in 1915. The Hutto High School’s team name is the Hippos. A.M.
FOR THE SPORTS FAN
Aside from the standard stadiums and ballparks, there are several stops sports fans can make across Texas. The Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco features an exhibit dedicated to the Southwest Conference and the Cotton Bowl, and is also home to the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame. Nolan Ryan, professional baseball’s all-time strikeout and no-hitter record holder, has been
Courtesy of Hutto Hutto has more than 3,000 hippo statues around town. honored in his hometown of Alvin at the Alvin Museum Society with a statue and exhibit, which opened in April and features Ryan items and memorabilia. Babe Didrikson Zaharias was a multisports star who excelled in golf (winning 10 LPGA major championships) and track (winning two gold medals at the 1932 Summer Olympics). The Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum & Visitor Center in Beaumont pays homage to her accomplishments. The International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame in Arlington features five exhibits focusing on the inventors, advocates,
PRCA
50TH ANNUAL
RODEO Bryan Br
s Club
PRESENTED BY
on
fa s t L i eak
July 16 & 17, 2021
Brazos County EXPO Complex Bryan, Texas • 7:30 PM ADVANCE TICKET PRICES ADULTS $10 • KIDS 12 & UNDER $8 KIDS 2 & UNDER FREE
BOX SEAT TICKETS CALL: 979-822-7700 CATALENA
COWGIRLS
MEDIA COMPANY
10
BOOT CITY
AVAILABLE AT: LITHIA OF BRYAN CAVENDER’S BOOT CITY TEXAS ROSE BOUTIQUE THE EAGLE PRODUCERS COOPERATIVE CATALENA HATTERS
Trick Riding • Petting Zoo • Pony Rides Mutton Bustin’ • Calf Scramble
BRAZOS 360 | SUMMER 2021
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 10
6/7/2021 8:05:57 AM
champions and future of the sport. A historical marker stands in Junction at the fields where the Texas A&M football team infamously practiced for 10 days under Paul “Bear” Bryant before the 1954 season. Two baseball-related historical markers include the Astrodome in Houston, which was the first domed stadium in the world, and Downs Field in Austin. The field opened as a “separate but equal” baseball field for Black players in 1949 as an alternative to the University of Texas’ Disch Field, and was used by Anderson High School, which was the only high school for Black students in Austin during segregation. The park is still used by the Huston-Tillotson University baseball team. New to Texas in 2021 is the Austin FC soccer team, which competes in the MLS and is the city’s first major professional sports team. Also in the Austin area, fans of the TV show Friday Night Lights can visit The Pfield in Pflugerville, which is depicted as the home stadium for the show’s fictional team, the Dillon Panthers. A.M.
FOR THE COWBOYS AND COWGIRLS
Fort Worth is full of sites and museums about Texas’ cowboy roots. Within the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards are the Bull Riding Hall of Fame and the
Courtesy of Austin James/Historic Fort Worth Stockyards Every day at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. you can see a cattle drive in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, which is home to the Sterquell Wagon Collection and boasts more than 60 antique wagons, carriages and sleighs. The Stockyards also holds a cattle drive of longhorns each day at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Also in Fort Worth are the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame and the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame.
In Dublin, the Rodeo Heritage Museum tells how modern rodeo began and highlights key figures of the sport. Pecos is home to the world’s first rodeo and hosts the West of the Pecos Rodeo from June 20-26. The Buckhorn Museum in San Antonio holds the history of the oldest saloon in Texas and is also home to The Texas Ranger Museum.
THE EAGLE | BRAZOS360.COM
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 11
11
6/7/2021 8:06:00 AM
Cover Story
12
BRAZOS 360 | SUMMER 2021
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 12
6/7/2021 8:06:04 AM
Texas A&M University Division of Student Affairs Memo Salinas comes from a long line of Aggies, and grew up going to Texas A&M football games and Midnight Yell Practice with his family.
MEMO SALINAS
M
Aggie aims to inspire as head yell leader Story MEGAN RODRIGUEZ
emo Salinas recalls being hoisted up onto his dad’s shoulders at Midnight Yell Practice when he was a child, and becoming infatuated with the five Texas A&M students on the field. The 21-year-old is now one of those students. Guillermo Salinas, who goes by Memo, is the first Hispanic student to be selected as head yell leader, and was the first Hispanic yell leader when he was elected last year. The 21-year-old senior, Laredo native and agribusiness major comes from a long line of Aggies, including his father, Danny Salinas, his oldest brother, Danny Salinas Jr., and several cousins and uncles. Salinas grew up going to A&M football games and other campus events, sparking a love for all things Aggieland. He recalls his parents, Selika and Danny, picking him and his brothers, Danny Jr. and Eduardo Salinas, up from the school
|
Photo CASSIE STRICKER
carpool line on Friday afternoons in the fall to make it to College Station in time for Midnight Yell. “My brothers and my family and my friends who I’ve known my whole life will tell you that I was always a rowdy, fired up little kid going nuts,” Salinas said. “So I loved it. I was like, ‘These guys are like me. They’re just 20 years old and everyone loves them for it rather than getting mad at them for it.’” Salinas’ loved ones say he has many qualities that make him a perfect fit for being head yell leader. His father calls him “an extremely friendly, lovable, considerate guy.” Guillermo Vela, a family friend who Salinas is named after, said he is “a very good, gregarious young man.” Brig. Gen. Joe Ramirez, commandant of the Corps of Cadets, said Salinas is deeply committed to his family, faith, the university
and the country. “He fully understands the importance of being a representative for our university and the Corps of Cadets, and the fact that there’s a big responsibility that comes with that,” Ramirez said.
The road to head yell
As Salinas’ senior year of high school was ending, he knew he would attend A&M. But the decision to join the Corps of Cadets was one he didn’t make until soon before he was living on campus. Salinas said his parents encouraged him to push himself rather than taking the most convenient route. Vela, a member of the A&M class of 1964, encouraged him to join the Corps at Muster Continued on Page 14
THE EAGLE | BRAZOS360.COM
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 13
13
6/7/2021 8:06:08 AM
Continued from Page 13
in Laredo that year, and Salinas recalls many people asking him if he would be a cadet. “I just remember thinking there’s got to be something about it if all these people take that much pride in it,” Salinas said of that night. Soon after, Salinas took a walk with his then-girlfriend, who also said he should join. It was the final bit of confirmation he needed. The next morning, a family friend asked Salinas after church if he would be in the Corps. Salinas answered yes, much to the surprise of his family members whom he had yet to tell. Throughout his time at A&M, Salinas has been a part of other organizations and served in leadership positions, including in the Ross Volunteer company, the Old Army Gentleman’s Society and Maroon Coats. Being a cadet enabled Salinas to be part of Five for Yell, a group of five students the Corps of Cadets votes on to run for yell leader. The Five for Yell campaign often sweeps the positions during the student body election, and it is uncommon for the positions to be filled by students outside of the Corps. The three senior yell leaders are eligible to be named head yell leader, selected by university officials. Salinas said an interview and selection is conducted by representatives from Student Affairs, athletics representatives, The Association of Former Students, former yell leaders, the outgoing student body president and others. “It was a great group of people, and for them to listen to me and select me and trust me to lead the 12th Man this upcoming year is humbling and exciting all in one,” Salinas said. “I’m very blessed to have their trust and support going into this next year. I’m excited for the opportunity.”
Overcoming challenges
The path to Salinas’ role was dotted with personal challenges, including issues with his health. When he was running for junior yell leader and trying to be on the Five for Yell campaign, he was battling mononucleosis. He said he missed so much school his advisers were telling him he should consider withdrawing from the university. Salinas lost 25 pounds and was in and out of the hospital. His parents wanted him home in Laredo. But Salinas said he pushed through, committed to becoming a yell leader. A second health scare emerged during spring break 2020, right as the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning. A golf-ball-sized tumor was found on a gland at the point where Salinas’
14
Texas A&M University Memo Salinas said being the first Hispanic yell leader at Texas A&M comes with responsibility to represent not only himself and his family but also his community.
jaw and ear meet. A scar remains from the subsequent surgery, which required 60 stitches. “That was scary,” he said. “You go from accomplishing a dream that you’ve wanted your whole life to wondering what’s going to happen next week.” Salinas credits his family and friends with helping him through all the difficult situations. “We look back and laugh about the tough times because they’re behind us,” he said. “They don’t matter anymore, and this is where we are.” Danny Salinas said that Memo and his two brothers are fighters, and that he and his wife raised them to never make excuses for why they couldn’t do something. He said he was concerned for his son’s health during these challenges, but now he wonders how anyone could have doubted him. “He’s determined to do anything that he sets out to do,” Danny Salinas said. Danny Salinas Jr. said that Memo stayed positive through the entire experience. “He didn’t let it bring him down, which shows what type of person he is,” Salinas Jr. said. “A lot of people could say, ‘Oh, I can’t do it.’ But he didn’t quit.”
A day as a yell leader
Yell leaders are easy to spot at an event, either wearing their denim overalls
customized with their names or the all-white get-up of trousers, belt, button-down longsleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and paired with maroon tennis shoes. Football game weekends are especially exciting, Salinas said, though he notes it’s hard to focus in class on Fridays as he’s brainstorming a fable to tell at Midnight Yell, and looking forward to seeing family members that weekend. Midnight Yell means getting to bed late, and Salinas said operating on four or five hours of sleep in the days leading up to a game is typical. On Saturday, Salinas said he goes to his Corps outfit’s tailgate and also visits with his family and other loved ones before he runs into Kyle Field. Salinas said his voice is shot after every game and he’s usually sunburned. His studies are always waiting for him on Sunday. But Salinas calls it “the greatest job in the world.” “Your job is to fire up the 12th Man,” he said. “It’s gonna be hard to find another job after this that’ll be greater than this one.” The five yell leaders are important figures outside of football season, too. In addition to attending all home and away football games, the school website states that they go to several home sporting events throughout the
BRAZOS 360 | SUMMER 2021
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 14
6/7/2021 8:06:09 AM
year, as well as A&M Coach’s Nights, all new student conferences, all Fish Camp sessions and several campus events.
Breaking barriers
It was surprising, Salinas said, to learn that he was the first Hispanic yell leader. He said it’s an honor, but it comes with responsibility to represent not only himself and his family but also his community. He said he would love it if he could inspire other Hispanic students to do the same. “It’s also important for us to show that, going forward, that this is what A&M is about,” Salinas said. “It’s a melting pot of a bunch of great people who at the end of the day call themselves Aggies. It’s a big responsibility for me to — Lord willing — set the tone for future generations, and let this just be the start of a lot of great things of this nature happening.” The commandant said he first met Salinas on a recruiting trip in Laredo. To Ramirez, Salinas moving up to his new title shows others that anybody can be successful at A&M if they work hard enough for it. Ramirez said he recalls being an officer in the military and having people in roles higher than his own shaking his hand and remarking that they had never met a
Hispanic officer before. The lesson Ramirez gleaned from that experience is one he said he tries to pass on to Salinas, telling the new head yell leader that he needs to remember that he is now someone who thousands of other people will look up to. “And for me, that’s been a big part of the discussions we’ve had,” Ramirez explained. “The fact that, like it or not, you now bear that responsibility on your shoulders of being a positive role model for a lot of young Hispanic men and women out there that want to go to college and want to be like you.”
Looking ahead
Theron McAdoo met Salinas the first day they arrived on campus as freshmen and the two became friends. The fellow cadet said Salinas has a knack for inspiring people. “Memo is going to be an outstanding Aggie for the rest of his life,” McAdoo said. “He’s never going to turn his back on A&M. … He’s always going to be the first one to protect the spirit of Aggieland. I know his service to the university will live long after his days as a yell leader.” To Danny Salinas Jr., his brother is “very loving” and easygoing. “He’s a good friend and he’s a good
brother,” he added. “He’s dependable. People like that; people notice that in him.” After he graduates in May 2022, Salinas said he wants to go to law school, remarking how his parents have always pushed him and his brothers to be successful. “I think I’ve had a good amount of success in my college career,” Salinas said, “but now comes the big picture of success in the real world. … And I think that going to law school opens up that door for me to chase excellence, and continue to push myself to be my best and give my best to those around me, and hopefully one day a family.” For the time being, Salinas’ focus is in Aggieland. His term as head yell leader officially began after the April 21 Muster ceremony. This past year was quieter than past ones due to many canceled events during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Salinas said he expects things to be different in the coming semesters. “We’re going to have a great year and lots of things to look forward to with — Lord willing — COVID going away and a lot of people energized and ready to return back to normalcy,” Salinas said. “I expect a lot of passion and energy from the 12th Man this upcoming year.”
THE EAGLE | BRAZOS360.COM
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 15
15
6/7/2021 8:06:13 AM
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
St. Joseph Health Hospitals are Joint Commission Primary Stroke Centers
T
he team at St. Joseph Health is prepared to care for you or your loved one in the terrifying event of a stroke. And while treatment for strokes has come a long way over the years, surviving a stroke and thriving afterwards requires immediate action. Thanks to medications known as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which work by dissolving the blood clot that causes a stroke, strokes sometimes can be stopped in their tracks, often preventing lasting damage. “Many people sit at home and think they’re not having a stroke or that it will get better on its own,” said Amy Plotts, M.S.N., R.N., C.N.M.L. director of patient care services at St. Joseph Health. “The problem is that if it’s a stroke, every second without treatment causes more brain cells to die.” Strokes are usually painless and can often go undiagnosed until it is too late. There are, however, telltale signs that indicate a stroke. Keep them in mind by remembering the acronym BE FAST. Balance: Walking in a straight line and maintaining balance may become difficult. Eyes: Vision may suddenly be partially or totally lost. Face: One side of the face may droop or go numb. This makes it impossible to smile normally. Arm: One arm may unexplainably go numb or weak. Holding both arms overhead becomes impossible.
Speech: It becomes difficult to speak clearly or repeat what someone else says. Time: If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Research has found that every minute a stroke goes untreated, 1.9 million neurons die—and there is no telling which of your neurons will be affected by stroke. That’s why some stroke survivors suffer no long-term consequences, while others lose their ability to function. To protect your neurons, you have to stop a stroke immediately. Once you call 911, the St. Joseph Health stroke team springs into action. Before you even reach the hospital, an emergency medical technician calls the hospital to explain your condition. This allows the stroke team to gather and have a treatment planned before you’re even brought through the doors. “At St. Joseph Health, we offer the highest level of care possible,” Amy said. “We take great pride in our program and have excellent outcomes.” Those outcomes are why U.S. News & World Report and the American Heart Association recognize St. Joseph Health year after year. Quality care is also why St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital in Bryan and St. Joseph Health College Station Hospital are Joint Commission Primary Stroke Centers, a certification earned by hospitals with a commitment to excellence in stroke care. In addition, all St. Joseph Health
hospitals hold Level III Support Stroke Certification from the State of Texas, so you’re in good hands across the St. Joseph Health System. Once inside the hospital, treatment begins immediately. Depending on the type of stroke you’re experiencing, you may be given one of two life-changing therapies. “Many patients are eligible to receive tPA,” said Brad White, M.D., the only board-certified neuro-endovascular surgeon in the region, with Texas Brain and Spine Institute. “But patients must present to the emergency department within four and one-half hours from symptom onset to be considered for treatment.” The second treatment, mechanical thrombectomy, is available when strokes are caused by clots in a large blood vessel. The advantage of this procedure, according to Dr. White, is that it can be performed up to 24 hours after symptom onset. “These are truly amazing treatment options that offer a second chance at life,” Amy said. “But people have to remember to be fast. There is no way to predict how you’ll recover from a stroke. Getting treated immediately is your only chance at a positive outcome.” If you or someone you love could be experiencing a stroke, call 911 immediately.
Joe’s surgery is now intherearviewmirror. We put it there. Even before we meet one another, we know we have something in common. Because if you’re facing a neurological issue — you not only want compassion and technology, you want expert physicians with a never-give-in, never-give-up attitude. The kind of attitude that put Joe’s surgery in the rearview mirror, and put Joe back on the dance floor. We’re St. Joseph Health, taking pride in changing destinies. Find out how at St-Joseph.org/Neuro.
16
BRAZOS 360 | SUMMER 2021
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 16
6/7/2021 8:06:13 AM
FAMILY. TRADITION. LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR ALMOST YEARS 2021
DELIVERY • CARRYOUT • EVENT SPACE CATERING • CUSTOM MENU’S
www.cjbbq.com HARVEY RD./ HIGHWAY 30 LOCATION • 776-8969 TEXAS AVE LOCATION IN BRYAN • 822-6033 SOUTHWEST PARKWAY/WELLBORN LOCATION • 696-7900
THE EAGLE | BRAZOS360.COM
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 17
17
6/7/2021 8:06:17 AM
Don’t just live life...
Hear Life. Free 90-Day Trial on New Hearing Aids Unitron, Starkey, Phonak, Resound, Oticon, Widex, Siemens
All units have a 3 year Manufacturer Warranty for Service, Loss & Damage
*
Ronny D. Baker B.S., A.C.A.
Over 40 Years Experience Caring for the Hearing Needs of the Brazos Valley! Thank you for your support!
3608 E 29th St, Ste 113 • Bryan • 979-776-5875 contactus@brazosvalleyhearing.com 18
BRAZOS 360 | SUMMER 2021
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 18
6/7/2021 8:06:20 AM
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Experience our newest exhibits, education programs, virtual tours and more BY DAVID ANAYA George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
D
ue to the health crisis the Bush Library and Museum is currently closed to visitors. Unfortunately, we are unable to have our annual July 4th Celebration, but we do have photos and videos of our past events on our Flickr and YouTube pages. Personnel are currently preparing the museum for visitors, but there is no set date administered by the National Archives in Washington D.C. Please monitor our website, www. bush41.org, for more information. Explore from the comfort of your own home with our virtual tour. Simply visit our website to navigate through the museum or around the Bush Center grounds by clicking on the X markers on the ground and then use your mouse to follow the arrows left, right, up, and down. In the museum, explore a century of American and world history as you travel through the life of George Bush. View family photos, the Camp David office, White House Situation Room, a portion of the Berlin Wall, the replica Oval Office, and more. We have two exciting exhibits opening soon and on exhibit through July 5, 2022. The first is called Texas Sea Grant: 50 Years of Science & Stewardship. A hallmark of Texas A&M University is its status as a land-, sea-, and space-grant university. One of those programs — the Texas Sea Grant College Program is
celebrating 50 years of science and stewardship at the Bush Library and Museum! This exhibit will be on display in the Ansary Gallery of American History. Our second traveling exhibit is called Oceans of Plastic. Plastic pollution, particularly in our oceans, is one of the most pressing consumer and environmental issues that we face today. Oceans of Plastic is a strangely beautiful collection of art made from plastics acquired from beaches along the Texas Gulf Coast. Artist and beachcomber Shelia Rogers compiled and arranged the trash to highlight the true impact of plastics on our wildlife and oceanic
habitats. “All the Best” is the newest podcast from the George and Barbara Bush Foundation and Mrs. Bush’s Story Time from the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy can be found on our Events page. Visit our Education page to learn about the newest learning resources, resources for teachers and students, and game apps. For more information, please visit the Bush Library and Museum’s website at Bush41.org or email info.bush@nara.gov
Opening Soon! Op ening So on! NEW EXHIBITS ON EXHIBIT THROUGH JULY 2022
VISIT BUSH41.ORG FOR DETAILS
1000 GEORGE BUSH DRIVE WEST COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845 • 979.691.4000
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
THE EAGLE | BRAZOS360.COM
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 19
19
6/7/2021 8:06:23 AM
SUMMER FASHION PREVIEW Brazos 360’s seasonal guide to a more stylish you!
Visit Store for pricing and new arrivals!
20
BRAZOS 360 | SUMMER 2021
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 20
6/7/2021 8:06:28 AM
Visit Store for pricing and more great looks!
THE EAGLE | BRAZOS360.COM
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 21
21
6/7/2021 8:06:40 AM
TEXAS A&M
GRADUATION
T
REED ARENA • MAY 19, 2021
TOP LEFT: May Beth and Brandon Bess. TOP MIDDLE: Chelsea and Robin Chmiel. TOP RIGHT: Sandie Franz and Mehgan Orsak. ABOVE LEFT: Sy, Amy and Ashley Pham. ABOVE MIDDLE: Dalton St. Romain and Michelle Cano. ABOVE RIGHT: Yvette, Jeanette and Rafael Gallardo Jr. LOWER LEFT: Belise Shimwa and Ishimwe Masozera. LOWER RIGHT: Brittany Krenek. BOTTOM LEFT: Kayla Mays. BOTTOM MIDDLE LEFT: Leila Kaissi and Alex Kerr. BOTTOM MIDDLE RIGHT: Raahin Momin. BOTTOM RIGHT: Ressiel Nicole Villegas.
exas A&M University recognized masters and undergraduate students in geosciences on May 19 during a 9 a.m. commencement ceremony, one of 26 commencement ceremonies the university held in Reed Arena throughout the month of May. In total, 11,406 degrees were awarded to spring 2021 graduates. Photos by Christina Emmett
22
BRAZOS 360 | SUMMER 2021
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 22
6/7/2021 8:06:56 AM
FAR LEFT: Daniel Nguyen. LEFT: Griffin Millette. BELOW: Maria, Nicole and Ivor Hernandez. SECOND ROW LEFT: Sean Cleaves and Turner Tomanka. SECOND ROW MIDDLE: Saundie Franz.
ABOVE: Noah and Brett Sharp. LEFT: Rebecca Rice, Juan Nevarez, Martina Nevarez, Maria Nevarez, Jesus Nevarez, Aluaro Nevarez, Allen Bertagne, Juliane Bertagne. BELOW LEFT: Alexander Le and Anton Soriano. BELOW, front row: Catherine, Kaleigh, Keith, Chris and Bailee Thomas. Back row: Dick Thomas; Erin, Edwin and Nicole Bealle.
FAR LEFT: Evan Kolin, Alexandra McCartney, Isabella Garzoria. LEFT: Sabrina Yim.
THE EAGLE | BRAZOS360.COM
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 23
23
6/7/2021 8:07:12 AM
TOP LEFT: Justin and Shannon Vossos, Baci and Russ Kowzac. TOP CENTER: Kay and Rick Vernor. TOP RIGHT: Kirt Thompson and Karen Collins. LEFT: Betsy Lockhart, Donna and Charles Argabrite. BELOW, back row: Alyssa Linares; Veronica Martinez; Aidan Valadez; Gordy Martinez; Andrew and Adriana Valadez; Bucho, Savannah and Ariel Martinez; Claudia Romero; Irma Valadez; Denise Gudino. Front row: Aaron Romero; Bella Martinez; Joaquin, Santiago and Natalia Romero.
TOP LEFT: Marka and Terry Riddle, Debbie and Mike Langford. TOP MIDDLE: Back row: Terri Emory, Mason Winkelman, Lainey Emory, Luke Emory. Front row: Leslie Emory, Joan Randall, Keith Randall, Pierce Stubblefield. TOP RIGHT: Logan Collins and Avery Nielsen MIDDLE LEFT: Marty Holmes, Franklin Byrd, Chris Jones, Ross Weiland, Troy Ireland. BOTTOM LEFT: Jason, Conner, Kenson and Kendra Boehning. LEFT: Mason, Cooper, Amy and Torrey Roberts.
24
BRAZOS 360 | SUMMER 2021
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 24
6/7/2021 8:07:31 AM
TOP LEFT: Julie Duos, Staci Mulen, Ty and Remy Duos. TOP MIDDLE: Chanju Min and Junepyo Oh. TOP RIGHT: Marandy Burrow; Emily, Ella and Casey Otken; Camryn Green. RIGHT: Kaelyn Mesa and Alicia Mesa.
AGGIE BASEBALL T OLSEN FIELD AT BLUE BELL PARK • MAY 20, 2021
exas A&M baseball fans visited Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park on May 20 for the first in a three-game series between the Aggies and LSU. Texas A&M won the game, 2-1. Photos by Christina Emmett
ABOVE: Parker Emerich, Lindsey Lott, Jason Blaschke. TOP RIGHT: Frank Hufflinger, Catherine Eoms, Colleen Solomen, Butch Walls, Henry Holden, Tony Driskle and Deb Walls. BOTTOM RIGHT: Josh McKerall, Haley Clark, Alex Stabel, Grace Crow, Evan Mueller
THE EAGLE | BRAZOS360.COM
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 25
25
6/7/2021 8:07:41 AM
DOING THE MOST GOOD
LUNCHEON T
COLLEGE STATION HILTON • MAY 20, 2021
he Salvation Army of Bryan-College Station held its 10th annual Doing the Most Good Luncheon on May 20 at the College Station Hilton. The keynote speaker was Texas A&M Athletic Director Ross Bjork. The event is a fundraiser for the organization’s programs in the Brazos Valley. Photos by Cassie Stricker
TOP LEFT: Linda and Tom Hamilton. 2ND ROW, LEFT: Carolyn and Sam Lampo. 3RD ROW, LEFT: Jenna Mowad and Caroline Bruner. BOTTOM LEFT: Ray and Maureen Criswell.
ABOVE: Steve Mobley and Brian Mobley. BELOW: Trish Havel and Nita Thornton
26
BRAZOS 360 | SUMMER 2021
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 26
6/7/2021 8:07:53 AM
RIGHT: Rhonda Watson and Vicki Reim. FAR RIGHT: Latvia Benson and Trianna Levi. BELOW: Brook Schernik and Jessica Harman. 2ND ROW, RIGHT: Kathleen and Col. Ross Guieb. 3RD ROW, RIGHT: Peggy Phillips, Joe Rogers and Charmen Catlin.
ABOVE: Lori and Kenny Taylor. RIGHT: Becky Enloe, Mary Nelle Armstrong and Pixie Thomas.
THE EAGLE | BRAZOS360.COM
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 27
27
6/7/2021 8:08:08 AM
What’s in your
OFFICE? CHIP HOWARD Radio host, KZNE (1150 AM, 93.7 FM)
C
hip Howard’s office in the Bryan Broadcasting area of Crystal Park Plaza looks a lot like his radio show sounds. There’s a stack of new books on his desk, pictures of fishing conquests, a photo of a bloodied Nolan Ryan on the mound and a wall of Willie Nelson images. Howard points to a shelf of family photos and says, “Family means the most to me by far.” But he also points to Nelson: “He’s right behind the family. My wife might argue otherwise, but he’s second.” Howard’s local media career began in 1979 and his long-running SportsTalk show airs on KZNE weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. He notes that he’s not the longest-serving local radio host, not with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia in the building. “You know he’s a lot older than I am,” he says with a laugh. There’s a thick dangling pile of press passes from the many sporting events he’s covered, including from World Series, Final Four and Stanley Cup games. A cardboard cutout of a glaring Homer Simpson stands behind Howard’s desk, like an incompetent-but-hilarious bodyguard. And there’s a photo of a sailfish he nabbed in Miami. “My wife says at my funeral she’s not going to have any pictures of anything but fish,” he says. Howard calls his office messy and unorganized, but laughs when he’s reminded that the writer and photographer in the room also work with Robert Cessna at The Eagle, another of his longtime media pals, who is not known for the tidiest of desks. “It’s organized for me,” Howard says of his office. “I know where everything is.”
That’s my dad, Charles. I’m a third. He died eight years ago. He had pictures of me literally in diapers, taking me fishing when I was younger than 2. He instilled that in me for sure. We take the grandkids fishing, and I’m trying to do the same with them to bring them up right.
Story ROB CLARK | Photos CASSIE STRICKER
These are my girls [Lindsey and Lesley] at Yellowstone, and Old Faithful. They were 5 and 2 at the time. That was our first trip to Yellowstone. I love Yellowstone Park. I think that’s my favorite place to go. We went last winter, we did a winter visit. That was phenomenal. This is one of my all-time favorite pictures. They’re very embarrassed that I have this picture with their headdresses on.
28
That’s the only autograph that I have. Jack Nicklaus. That I found, I think when I changed offices, so maybe five or six years ago. I’m cleaning out stuff and I found this picture. That’s when he came and announced the Traditions Club project. We’re just standing out in the middle of a field. I saw this and I mailed it to him with a story, I said, ‘This is when you came and did the Traditions.’ I sent it off to him, and I’m telling you two weeks later he came back with it signed. That was pretty cool. I really enjoy that picture. And we didn’t talk about golf, we talked about fishing. He’s a big fisherman.
BRAZOS 360 | SUMMER 2021
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 28
6/7/2021 8:08:16 AM
The Nolan picture is pretty cool. I grew up in North Dallas and Richardson, and I’m a lifelong Rangers fan, which is very painful. … I actually covered him [at KENR in Houston] when he was with the Astros. Nolan was the only thing they had going for them that year. I’ve been around him a lot, I’ve talked to him a lot. I was at his 5,000-career-strikeout game at the old, old ballpark, the Turnpike Stadium in Arlington before they moved. I saw him pitch his fifth no-hitter in Houston.
Homer’s a big part of what I do. My family, whenever there’s a scenario that will fit with a Simpsons episode, we have Simpsons quotes by the barrelful. I don’t know if it’s good or bad that my grown daughters still quote The Simpsons. I’ve been a fan since they came on the air. I’ve seen every episode more than once. I still watch them. I still watch reruns. I find the pop culture just fascinating. I try to keep up a little bit with pop culture. It’s just so expertly written. Conan O’Brien wrote one of the best episodes, one of the most famous episodes, “The Monorail.” … I’ve had Harry Shearer on the show. I’ve had Nancy Cartwright on the show, the voice of Bart. So that was pretty cool. I need to get Homer on, get Dan [Castellaneta] on.
This one I took. This was at a concert, down at the Smart Centre in Sugar Land. I took those pictures, so my wife had them blown up. [I’ve seen Willie Nelson in concert] between 25 and 30 times. We’ve missed out the last year and a half. In fact, we saw him in Key West in February before everything went crazy last year. That was one of his last concerts.
I’m very proud of this one. That’s the biggest rainbow trout I’ve ever caught. It’s the biggest rainbow that the guides in Taos, New Mexico, have ever guided to catch. That was about 10 years ago. I was with a guide, and he had spotted the fish behind this boulder in the middle of a river. I dropped a fly, like a grasshopper, which is a top dry fly, over the boulder, and he took it. I was over here and the guide went over there and the guide netted it. And if he hadn’t done that I wouldn’t have landed a fish like that in a river that size with the water. There’s no way, I don’t think, I could’ve landed that fish if you had to fight him for 10 minutes or whatever. I’ve lost smaller fish than that before.
That is Lord Howard’s Cup, from our “Friday Fearless Football Forecast.” That is honestly the most popular thing that I do. It’s amazing how serious people are about wanting to compete. We have hundreds of people signed up to pick games every year. ... As we dub it, America’s most loved football pick ’em contest. I guess around 2000 was the first year we started getting the trophy out. We do it like the Stanley Cup. Everyone who wins the trophy gets to take it for 24 hours anywhere they want, as long as they promise to bring it back. I’m not sure what all has been done with the trophy.
THE EAGLE | BRAZOS360.COM
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 29
29
6/7/2021 8:08:30 AM
MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN G.I. Watch history come alive! WWI—WWII Tanks and Military Vehicles Vietnam Era Military Vehicles Rare Uniforms & Posters Voices from Vietnam July 17 & 18, 2021
Remembering 9/11 Sept 11, 2021
Glen Vigus
PRESERVE HONOR EDUCATE 19124 Hwy 6 S College Station, TX (979) 690-0501 | www.americangimuseum.org Open Wednesday—Sunday Programs made possible in part through Hotel Tax Revenue funded from the City of College Station through the Arts Council 30
BRAZOS 360 | SUMMER 2021
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 30
6/7/2021 8:08:31 AM
MERRY MELODIES
T
Advertisements stick with us thanks to catchy jingles
he appeal of a simple melody was A couple of old local jingles stand out in my singers chirping “Let’s go to DoubleDave’s, never more evident than in this recent memory for their exuberance. Like the longDoubleDave’s,” and a male vocalist so in need musical moment from my youngest gone department store Foley’s, and its hairof pizza that he’s almost growling the verses. daughter as she puttered around the living on-fire treatment of a Red Apple Sale: “Look The ad hasn’t changed in more than 30 room: what’s going on … AT FOLEEEEY’S!” It’s years, according to Chuck Thorp, president “Liberty, Liberty, Liberty. Liberty.” like the singer consumed poison, and the and CEO of the Austin-based company. It She has no concept of its source (Liberty antidote was sold exclusively at Foley’s. was written and produced by an Austin man Mutual) or its services (insurance). It’s just And the old restaurant Fajita Rita’s known as “the Jingle Meister,” Thorp says, catchy enough to stick portrayed an overstressed professional who was such a DoubleDave’s fan that he was in your head, and for an counting down to 5 o’clock for his chipspaid for his work in pizza. 8-year-old to belt out at and-guac fix: “I wanna throw this tie away! I Thorp acknowledges that “You either love random moments. wanna have some FU-UUN!” it or hate it.” The main point may be that you That’s the power of One of the more active industries in local remember it. the jingle. These radio jingles is, somewhat surprisingly, roofing “It’s gotta be catchy and it’s gotta stick,” or television earworms companies: Thorp says of good jingles. “Within a couple wiggle into your brain America’s Choice Roofing: “Where there’s a of months of us airing it in Bryan-College ROB CLARK and, with enough great roof in Texas, weeeee’re on it.” Station and Austin, people would walk in the rob.clark@ repetition, stay there Hilco Metal Building & Roofing Supply: theeagle.com door singing it. It was just crazy.” long after the ad ends. “Come on down and see. We got everything There have been attempts at updating the “Jingles are the key to a lot of long-term that your little project needs.” ad, Thorp says, including bebop and rock ’n’ advertising success,” says Ben Downs, vice Schulte Roofing: “The home of the bulletroll versions. All earned a thumbs-down from president and general manager of Bryan proof roof [bullet-ricochet sound].” the company’s franchisee panel. Broadcasting. “Music seems to live in a Lone-Star Roof Systems takes a different “I think the mindset is, why mess with different spot of your brain where recall is a approach, bluntly declaring in its ads, “No something that works?” Thorp says. lot easier. When you get somebody singing jingles, just roofs.” But there are plenty of businesses that have the Kars 4 Kids jingle, most people can sing “If the customer wants to pay for a jingle, done just that. Some, like McDonald’s, have along, even if it is annoying. ‘1-877-Kars 4 that is fine,” says owner Luke Bradicich. a knack for it and score hit after hit. From Kids …’ is enough to get them going.” “But when they call us they will be getting a “You deserve a break today” to “special-sauceIt’s interesting how long a jingle can stay quality roof.” lettuce-cheese” to the current “I’m lovin’ it / with us. If a young person were to inquire of Repetition can help cement a jingle Ba-duh-buh-buh-buh.” the ingredients of a Big Mac, countless adults in our brains, and so credit should go to Downs notes that some companies take a could come to the rescue by rattling off “twoDoubleDave’s Pizzaworks for its longpuzzling route: all-beef-patties-special-sauce-lettuce-cheeserunning local ad. When you hear that five“If you were a national company and you pickles-onions-on-a-sesame-seed-bun.” honk sound, you know what follows: chipper want your product to always be remembered, A quick start and a memorable why on earth would you ever change finish make a good combination. Take ‘My bologna has a first name …’ or O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, and its familiar ‘Give me a break, break me off a piece Here are lyrics from a few memorable jingles from the past several “O-O-O, O’Reillyyyy’s …” Now skip of that Kit Kat bar.” decades. Answers are listed at the bottom. to the finish line, when the ad ends A jingle even led to a moment of • “The taste is gonna move ya.” with a squealing “Ow!” Is the singer parenting clarity. A few weeks after my • “What walks downstairs, alone or in pairs ...” a huge James Brown fan, or sporting daughter’s “Liberty, Liberty, Liberty” • “Here’s to good friends. Tonight is kinda special.” a freshly stubbed toe? It makes no performance, she surprised me again. • “For the seafood lover in you.” sense. But any time it comes on in my This time it was something she must • “We’re gonna tempt your tummy with the taste of nuts and honey.” truck, we “Ow!” right along with it. have heard during my bad nightly • “Sometimes you feel like a nut. Sometimes you don’t.” Bathroom humor can also register, habit of flipping around cable news • “It doesn’t matter what comes, fresh goes better in life.” for better or worse. Whenever Pepto shows, which inevitably includes • “So kiss a little longer. Stay close a little longer.” Bismol’s ad airs – the one that commercials from an increasingly • “The San Francisco treat!” details unfortunate scenarios when political personality on one network: • “The touch, the feel. The fabric of our lives.” it is needed, including a dramatic “For the best night’s sleep in the emphasis on the worst of those whole wide world visit MyPillow. Answers: Juicy Fruit gum; Slinky toy; Lowenbrau beer; Red Lobster; scenarios – there are chuckles and com,” she sang as my eyes grew wide. Honey Nut Cheerios; Almond Joy and Mounds bars; Mentos; Big Red singalongs from the children in the Maybe I’ll turn the TV off for a gum; Rice-A-Roni; Cotton Incorporated. truck. Also the adults. while.
NAME THAT PRODUCT
THE EAGLE | BRAZOS360.COM
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 31
31
6/7/2021 8:08:32 AM
Brazos 360 Summer 2021 design file.indd 32
6/7/2021 8:08:34 AM
