12-02-12 by Maroon Weekly

12.02.12 Issue 234

attn: High School Seniors

I V E

The Tradition is Texas A&M’s most on-campus off-campus dorm, located across the street from the University. We combine the convenience of a dorm with an unbelievable range of amenities. • • • • • • • • • • •

Unbeatable location - right across the street from campus Your OWN Private Bedroom and sink/vanity area FREE high-speed Internet and utilities included Award winning Residence Life Program Fully furnished suites with mini-fridge and microwave Weekly housekeeping (yes, it’s included!) Full-service dining hall with meal plan options Academic Success Center with study rooms on most floors 24-Hour attached, covered parking garage Fitness center overlooking the pool and campus Lap and volleyball pool

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www.livethetradition.com 979.268.9000 • 866.268.3676

meet the team PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Chris Shepperd MANAGING EDITOR Chris Zebo CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mike Carreon BUSINESS MANAGER Leisha Shepperd ACCOUNT MANAGERS Greg Keith Tyler Stillwell WRITERS

Stephen Chacon Brandon Nowalk Amanda L. Reynolds PHOTOGRAPHERS Eesha Farooqi Brittany Hicks CONTRIBUTORS Defacto Productions EatBCS.com KISS 103.1 KORA 98.3 INTERNS Sarah Dean Becca St. Germain Brittany Hicks Luke Murray Ike Ntube Lauren Rohr DISTRIBUTION Caleb Holt Eugene Holub

Silver Linings Playbook Movie Review

1st copy is FREE, additional copies are $0.50 each

First Friday @ Downtown Bryan

Parker Heights @ Harry’s

Opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the editor, publisher or the newspaper staff. Maroon Weekly is not liable for omissions, misprints to typographical errors. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express consent of the publisher.

4 11 18 24 Brandon Rhyder @ Grand Stafford Theater

Maroon Weekly is an independent, student-operated publication and is not affiliated with Texas A&M University. Maroon Weekly receives no student fees or university funding.

START 12.02.12

Brandon Rhyder @ Grand Stafford

A key milestone in the career of any red dirt musician is to have an album stamped with the infamous “Live at Billy Bob’s Texas” logo on the cover. Housed in a building that was built as a stock-hold for prized cattle in 1910, Billy Bob’s Texas boasts the title as the world’s largest honkytonk. Since operations began in 1981, Billy Bob’s has been hosting top-notch musical talent for their customers. Eleven years after releasing his first album, Brandon Rhyder got his opportunity to record a live show at the storied venue. Rhyder hails from Carthage while currently living in Austin, and he received his degree in industrial technology from the University of Texas at Tyler. Even after obtaining his degree, music has always been his passion. He’s released seven albums, including his Billy Bob’s album along with two number one singles. Released last year, Rhyder is still coming off the success of the live album. The two-disc set has garnered praise from critics across the state and beyond. Rhyder implemented raw uniqueness in the live recording that isn’t typical for artists who record at Billy Bob’s. “I just didn’t want to play all previously released songs,” said Rhyder. “I wanted the fans to have something different and something with some new perspective mixed in with the songs that helped get us to where we are now.”

by Luke

songwriting legends such as Walt Wilkins. Rhyder and his bandmates brought out the new material to give the live album an edge that has made it a “must have” for red dirt enthusiasts. “There are so many great writers and performers out there that I admire, and I have wanted to record these tracks for some time,” Rhyder said. “I also relate to these songs, so I can sing them with ease and conviction, no pun intended [Conviction is the title of his third album]. It’s nice to get to sing such great tunes.” Making sure to include his radio hits, such as “Freeze Frame Time” and “Let the Good Times Roll”, Rhyder made sure to give concertgoers fan-favorite songs in his repertoire that garnered the success he’s had up to this point. “As an artist there are songs that define your career and those songs need to be played at shows and most definitely placed on a “Live at Billy Bob’s Texas” record,” Rhyder said. “We are so blessed to live this crazy dream and our fans are the reason we get to do so. I say it each night; ‘Without them, I’m a nine to fiver.’” Brandon Rhyder will be performing at Grand Stafford Theater in Downtown Bryan on December 7. Tickets are available at grandstaffordtheater.com.

Mixed into the 24 track list are several previously unrecorded songs that were written by

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Murray

Scan this code for ticket information

The Niblett Trivia Question: www.facebook.com/kiss1031

What was the name of ‘N’Sync’s first American single? Tweet your answer to @maroonweekly and @nibsradio for your chance to win! *must mention both in order to be considered*

12.06 - THURSDAY

Larynx Music @ Grand Stafford

Aggieland’s own Larynx Music will be performing in Downtown Bryan on December 6. After humble beginnings, the group is on a roll and will be performing their CD release show at Grand Stafford Theater.

Votary @ Ozona Grill & Bar

Acoustic pop rock trio, Votary, have had much musical success in College Station. Scooping up the first place prize at MSC Town Hall’s Battle of the Bands, the boys are looking to expand their sound and release an album. You can catch them on December 6 at Ozona Grill & Bar as they rock Party on the Patio.

Bob Schneider @ Hurricane Harry’s

12.07 - FRIDAY

Born in Michigan and raised in Germany, Bob Schneider fashioned a career out of singing a mix of pop, rock, and country. He will be performing at Hurricane Harry’s on December 7.

Clayton Gardner & Brian Burke @ The Tap Clayton Gardner and Brian Burke will be bringing their Americana/country music to the Tap on December 7. The two will song swap throughout the night as they perform their fan-favorites and possibly take some requests.

12.08 - SATURDAY

Paper Route @ Grand Stafford

The group of gentleman from Nashville known as none other than Paper Route will be performing in Downtown Bryan on December 8. They will be bringing their beat dropping party vibes to Grand Stafford Theater along with Valise and Scientist.

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12.09 - SUNDAY

Holiday Brass @ Christ United

The most uplifting and heartwarming season is finally here! And to deck the halls with all the charm and merriment holiday music brings, The Holiday Brass & Organ Spectacular is ringing in the Yuletide with a joyous selection of Christmas and holiday favorites. Under the direction of the Brazos Valley Symphony Music Director, Marcelo Bussiki, the December 9th spectacular at Christ United Methodist Church will feature BVSO brass musicians, the talented James Faith on organ, and the choirs of A&M Consolidated Middle School and Christ United Methodist Church.

Mic Check @ Revolution

On Sundays at 8:30pm, Revolution Cafe and Bar hosts Mic Check Poetry, an evening where local and traveling poets showcase their skill with words while you enjoy the final moments of your weekend. Every second Sunday of the month, Mic Check hosts a poetry slam.

12.12 - WEDNESDAY The Romeros @ Rudder

Two of Spains’s premiere string ensembles, the quartet The Romeros and the 13-piece chamber music ensemble Concerto Malaga, are putting on a holiday show with a fresh yet familiar twist.

Ben Morris @ The Beer Joint

Ben Morris & the Great American Boxcar Chorus may be local, but they are anything but ordinary. They have traveled their way across the state bringing great music and stage presence to audiences night after night. They will be @ The Beer Joint on December 12.

Caleb Mak @ Grand Stafford

Parker Heights @ Hurricane Harry’s

Celebrate the end of finals with Parker Heights at Hurricane Harry’s! The group will bring their unique country style and Samford sibling vocals to the stage for a night of two-stepping and end of semester celebration!

The Romeros @ the MSC

by Ike Ntube

Wanna take a Spanish adventure for the holidays but can’t afford airfare? The next best thing is going to a performance that’ll make you feel like you’re in Europe for the holidays. On the 12th, MSC OPAS is featuring two of Spain’s premiere string ensembles, the quartet The Romeros and the 13-piece chamber music ensemble Concerto Malaga, both putting on a holiday show with a fresh yet familiar twist. The Romeros are known across the world as “The Royal Family of the Guitar.” The Quartet was founded in 1960 by legendary guitarist Celedonio Romero and his three teenage sons. Now the quartet continues; with the sons and their sons as they perform all over the world at some of the most prestigious venues. The New York Times boasts, “Collectively, they are the only classical guitar quartet of real stature in the world today; in fact, they virtually invented the format.” The groups will perform both contemporary and time-honored favorites, such as “Carol of the Bells”, “Silent Night”, and “The Little Drummer Boy.”

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What better way to spend 12-12-12? It’s officially the day when all are finished with exams and everyone finally has a free head to enjoy the holidays. The Romeros and Concerto Malaga will not only aurally transport you out of country but they’ll also get you into the spirit! For tickets and more information visit mscopas.org.

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Holiday Brass & Organ Spectacular @ Christ United Methodist Church by Sarah

The most uplifting and heartwarming season is finally here! And to deck the halls with all the charm and merriment holiday music brings, The Holiday Brass & Organ Spectacular is ringing in the Yuletide with a joyous selection of Christmas and holiday favorites. Under the direction of the Brazos Valley Symphony Music Director, Marcelo Bussiki, the December 9 spectacular at Christ United Methodist Church will feature BVSO brass musicians, the talented James Faith on organ, and the choirs of A&M Consolidated Middle School and Christ United Methodist Church. The joyous holiday season is incomplete without classic carols, and the Brazos Valley Symphony has prepared a special evening of Christmas cheer.

“Hanukkah Medley & Ose Shalom”, along with “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, “The First Noel”, and “Halleluiah Chorus for Sing Along.” The holiday program includes more! Dedicated to maintaining a symphony of exemplary artistic standards, the non-profit organization – The Brazos Valley Symphony – exists to stimulate an interest in the musical arts and encourage education in the Brazos Valley. Tickets are available online and at the MSC Box Office. This particular event is not included in the regular season tickets. Tickets cost $25 presale and $30 at the door; $10 student and $10 for students at the door. For more information, visit bvso.org or call (979) 845-1234.

A small snippet of the featured musical selections will include “Jingle Bells & The Christmas Song”, “O Holy Night & We Three Kings”,

Scan this code for ticket information

Dean

Parker Heights @ Hurricane Harry’s

Blood is thicker than water, and it often serves as the glue that holds everything together. For emerging Texas-country group, Parker Heights, their roots run deeper than just those within the history of the music they play. Four of the group’s members are siblings. The Samford brothers (Dusty, Colby, and Corey), their little sister Jessie, and long-time family friend Seth Wilson make up the five-piece group formerly known as FM2865. Jessie and her brothers were raised around the music scene due to their dad having a band of his own. Dusty, the oldest brother and front-man, began playing drums with his father at the age of 10. Colby, the middle brother, took up the bass before realizing that his talents were best suited for electric guitar. The youngest brother, Corey, picked up a pair of drum sticks and never looked back. Jessie began singing as soon as she could talk and soon joined her dad and brothers in a band they had named Coolwater Country. As the siblings progressed and developed their skills and

by Luke Murray

passion for music, they formed the band that would become known as FM2865. After recruiting Seth Wilson as the bass player, Dusty took the lead as a songwriter and lead vocalist with his sister, adding her skills on the mandolin to her songbird voice. The band began their touring efforts in 2006 with shows around Texas. FM2865 released their first record, Dream Big, in 2008 as a six-man group. A successful year of live shows and growing a fan base went by when the band’s fiddle player, Jody Bartula, decided to take a different path and left the band as a quintet. Determined to push forward, FM2865 continued to tour around Texas and write more original material for their live shows. In 2011, the winds of change blew over FM2865. While preparing to record their sophomore album, the group called upon producer Ken Tondre to handle the task. Tondre, a few weeks prior to the band releasing their new album, suggested a name change for the record after stating that there were too many young bands with names that integrated the names of roads and old towns. In the quest for something original, the

name Parker Heights was presented as an option, and it stuck. The second album included their first single, “With You Tonight”, and has garnered immense praise throughout the state of Texas and beyond. The acclamation has led to radio play and booked shows at venues such as Ziegfest, The Firehouse Saloon, the renowned Coupland Inn and Dance Hall, and The Texas Hall of Fame. As their name continues to grow, so does the size of the audiences they play for and the performers they play with. They have shared the stage with names like Kevin Fowler, Cody Johnson, and even Gary Allan. Parker Heights will be performing in College Station on December 12 for the End of School Bash at Hurricane Harry’s. Tickets are available at harrys.bcsclubs.com.

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Caleb Mak @ Grand Stafford by Sarah Dean

Well, folks, the Mayans have spoken. The world is doomed to end on December 21, 2012. Even though NASA stepped in, debunked the myth, and informed us that the world will continue spinning madly on, College Station’s own Caleb Mak sees no reason to stop the party. The End of the World Party is going down at the Grand Stafford on December 12. So... the world won’t end, but when finals end, the party begins. Dallas native Caleb Mak is throwing a graduation party in style. Before he departs in December, he’s celebrating with the End of the World Party as a last hoorah. This is his last concert in College Station as a student at A&M. Celebrate the end of the world with dancing, drinks, and the free concert from Mak which will feature new tunes from his album set to drop in 2013. Finding online fame, Mak’s first single, “The Joker”, has been viewed on YouTube over 2 million times and set fire to a viral dance craze. The success Mak had on YouTube led to labels such as Sony and Universal showing interest in his music. Mak’s first record – L.O.V.E. (Life of Virtuous Ecstasy) – had fans up in arms raving over his keen ability to soften the genre lines while The Dallas Observer commented, “The pop element’s an important one -- it’s fairly integral to his sound, a la B.o.B. and others who are continuing to blur the lines between hip-hop and pop.” For more information on Caleb Mak, visit his website calebmak.com. The show is free.

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12.02.12 | maroonweekly.com | pg 13

TASTE Breakfast ‘Round the Clock

You know that moment when it’s 10:25am and you’re just waking up and the first thought you have as your feet hit the floor is, “Man, I could really go for some breakfast right now.” But let’s be real: you’re not gonna cook yourself two eggs, two pieces of bacon, two pancakes, and squeeze orange juice. It’s much easier to hop in the car and have someone else do it for you. So you do... only to realize that 90% of restaurants in Bryan/ College Station stop serving breakfast at 10:30am. What’s a gal or guy to do? Lucky for you, we’ve done some research to make that last 10% who serve breakfast all day a little easier to find. Our first stop is the Village Café in Downtown Bryan. Although it’s not posted anywhere, if you ask them nicely (with a smile), they’ll make anything on the menu for you. The quiche is worth the 10-15 minute wait disclaimer listed on their daily special board. Baked in a puff pastry crust instead of the traditional pie crust, the Village quiche is more akin in size to a deep-dish pizza slice. The flaky crust makes it an instant home run. The quiche is made in house, so the filling options are constantly changing. When one quiche is out, the cook’s whim is the determining factor in what is baked next. It could possibly consist of a vegetable medley, a cheese blend, or even something with roast beef—you just never know what delightful combination will be in store. The Village also serves fresh squeezed juices. There’s something uniquely gratifying about watching fruit go from its natural state to being sliced on the spot, squeezed, and ending up in your glass. When Fuego says they serve breakfast all day, they literally mean all day. They are open 24 hours, during which you can order one of their tasty regular tacos or opt for any of their breakfast tacos. They offer traditional breakfast tacos, such as bacon & egg, chorizo & egg, potato & egg, sausage & egg, and more variations. But among all the usual suspects, they concocted a burrito of unparalleled tastiness: it’s called the “Leggo My Fuego.” Yes! That childhood favorite, Eggo waffles, has made its way into a breakfast taco—a single Eggo, cut in half, topped with scrambled eggs, two strips of salty bacon, and a drizzle of sweet pancake syrup. If you’re up for a little drive, and/or you want to experience eating in a cable car, then head over to Wellborn and try Hullabaloo Diner. Go there for the breakfast staples: scrambled eggs, home fries, and pancakes. The scrambled eggs have a creamy, buttery texture that melt in your mouth. The home fries are perfectly crispy on the outside and somehow—against the laws of culinary physics—salty on the inside. The pancakes are thick and fluffy and cover the entire plate. A short stack consists of two cakes and would be more than enough to feed a family of four. The only sad part about their pancakes is that you can’t order just one a la carte. Now the sleeper menu item of Hullabaloo is their hot chocolate, but it’s actually not the hot chocolate that’s noteworthy. It’s the homemade marshmallow that floats atop it. The marshmallows are made by hand at the dinner and cut into squares. Initially, the corners hang over your hot chocolate cup and you’re afraid you’re gonna loose some precious marshmallow in a tragic mess. But, somehow, it all magically melts and forms a small cloud over the hot chocolate, keeping it insulated and warm. Simply delicious. Whether you’re a late riser or a fan of brinner (breakfast for dinner), make sure to make your way to these places and thank them for being non-traditional in a traditional town.

pg 14 | maroonweekly.com | 12.02.12

by Amanda L. Reynolds

12.06 - THURSDAY

Wine and Paint @ Painting with a Twist

The “twist?” Imagine going to class with a beer in hand. Well, you can do just that (or substitute a glass of wine) at Painting with a Twist. The popular art lesson teaches you how to paint(a different painting each lesson) while you sip a BYOB of choice. This is not your average art class; this is art entertainment. $35. Painting with a Twist - 1643 Texas Avenue South, College Station.

$5 Domestic Pitchers @ Daisy Dukes

Who said Thursdays were thirsty? How could they be with $5 domestic pitchers all night long at Daisy Dukes. Daisy Dukes - 217 University Drive, College Station.

12.07 - FRIDAY

Shrimp Boil @ The Tap

12.10 - MONDAY

Margarita Monday’s @ Ozona’s

12.11 - TUESDAY

Happy Hour @ The Dixie Chicken

12.12 - WEDNESDAY

Whiskey Wednesdays @ The Corner

Louisiana is a far drive. The Tap knows this; so they host a shrimp boil every Friday night. Save gas and get the bayou in BCS. The Tap - 815 Harvey Road, College Station. Mondays are fun days at Ozona. With just the change in your couch cushions, you can make Monday feel like a Friday. Served all day. Drink responsibly. Ozona’s - 520 Harvey Road, College Station. Tuesday’s 4-hour happy hour at The Dixie Chicken is 3 more hours happier than your average bar’s. That should put a smile on your face. Dixie Chicken - 307 University Drive, College Station Whiskey Wednesdays at The Corner takes hump day and stirs it up a little, with special whiskey cocktails served all night long. The Corner - 401 University Drive, College Station.

Ladies Night @ Daisy Dukes

Daisy Dukes Ladies Night isn’t just for the ladies; guys wanna be there, too, obviously. But ladies get in free all night, pay 50 cents for drinks, and can win $50 every hour. Daisy Dukes - 217 University Drive, College Station.

Happy Hour @ Naked Fish Sushi

Every day is a good day for Sushi. That is why Naked Fish Sushi and Grill offers Happy Hour from 3-6 Monday Thursday. If that isn’t good enough, they are open til 1 a.m. for all your late night cravings Thursday-Saturday.

TASTE

12.02.12 | maroonweekly.com | pg 15

2012

First Friday @ Downtown Bryan by Ike Ntube

Forget TGIF; this Friday it’s TGIFF (Thank God it’s First Friday)! Every first Friday in Downtown Bryan, the community floods the streets of Historic Downtown Bryan to celebrate local arts, to wine and dine, and to hear music both on the streets and inside venues throughout town. Seeing as this is the First Friday of December, the entire downtown will not only be filled with art and music but also holiday spirit! The city is illuminated in a sea of Christmas lights. So put on a Christmas sweater and get ready to have a holiday adventure. Plan to have dinner in one of the local restaurants, to see a concert in the newly renovated Grand Stafford Theater, or to have a beer in the Village’s alleyway while enjoying live music. All shops and restaurants in Downtown Bryan will be open and trying to lure you in with their wares. And since it’s Christmastime, you can kill two birds with one stone: enjoy a night out and also get some presents for loved ones. Maroon Weekly will also be in attendance, with a fun and free outdoor photo booth set up in front of our Downtown Bryan headquarters (next to the Village Cafe). All photos will be posted on our Facebook page for you to tag yourselves and download. We’ll also have Christmas-

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themed props for you to dress up in. With so much to see and so much to do, your feet may need a rest. For a small fee ($20 for 4 people), a horse-drawn carriage will take you on a tour of downtown. You’ll get to hear about the town’s colorful history from a local as you peacefully roll along the streets. And for the more family-oriented experience (or for those who are kids at heart), stop by Sale Park after sundown where you can watch an animated feature outside in the grass, away from the hustle and bustle. One staple of First Fridays is music. There will be live music playing on almost every street corner to soundtrack your evening’s escapades. Music will be playing at several venues across Downtown Bryan, so before you commit to just one band, have some ice cream and walk around for a bit. You may be surprised where the evening takes you. T There are also slightly unconventional venues for live music: Burr’s Unfinished Furniture Store and the Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers office may surprise you. If you like music with your dinner, or dinner with your music, LaSalle Cafe also provides live entertainment, and Cafe Capri often has a performance outside while you’re waiting in line for a coveted table.

12.06 - THURSDAY

BYOB and Paint @ Painting with a Twist

The “twist” is that you can bring your favorite bottle of wine or beverage to enjoy during the class. Come alone or invite your friends. Paint, canvas, and brushes are provided. At the end of the evening, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind creation and a newfound talent you might want to pursue. 7:00pm— Painting with a Twist—1643 Texas Avenue South, College Station-$35.

Karaoke @ Schotzi’s

Mixing alcohol with an open microphone always promises a good time, so swing by Schotzi’s for the classic “karaoke night”.—8:00pm—Schotzi’s—205 University Dr., College Station—Free.

12.08 - SATURDAY

Salsa Saturdays @ Village Café

12.10 - MONDAY

Open Mic @ Schotzi’s

12.11 - TUESDAY

Absolute Karaoke @ O’Bannon’s

Features Eﬃciency, 1 & 2 Bedroom Units Students First Resident Life Program Pet Friendly with a Dog Park On-site Spacious Floor Plans Sparking Swimming Pool with Sundeck Texas-size walk in closets Walking Distance to A&M Rec and Sports Complex Internet Included! On the University Shuttle Bus Route!

Voted Best Night of Dancing (2011 & 2012), Salsa Saturdays starts with a fun, “30-Minute Crash Course Salsa Lesson” followed by a hot night of dancing. Come prepared to sweat and to meet new people at this Aggie hot spot! Visit mambosentertainment.com for more details. —10:00pm— Village Café—210 W 26th St, Bryan—$5. Visit Schotzi’s for an opportunity to bare it all on stage. Whether you consider yourself a songbird or the next Galifianakis of comedy; showcase your talents and enjoy a few minutes of fame or infamy.—8:00pm—Schotzi’s—205 University Dr., College Station—Free. Put your vocal acrobatics to the test! Every Tuesday, O’Bannon’s Tap House pairs with Absolute Karaoke and offers up the most talented (and, more likely, least talented) crooners in College Station.—10:00pm—O’Bannon’s Tap House—103 Boyett St., College Station—Free

EVENTS

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12.02.12 | maroonweekly.com | pg 19

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5 Things to Do in Aggieland Over the Break

Does a college town spiral into a vacuum of nothingness when all the college students leave for the holidays? The answer is no. There are still plenty of people left in town, with unfortunately less to do. But, contrary to the ghost town aura cast upon Aggieland between semesters, there are still fun things happening. The best way to think of your free time during the holidays is as a time to do things you normally wouldn’t have time to do during the semester. For some people, doing what they don’t usually have time to do means doing, well, absolutely nothing. But even Netflix gets boring after a while and you wanna get off the couch. When you do, here are 5 things to do around town that you might have taken for granted. The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum has an exhibit called “Genome: The Secret of How Life Works.” The exhibit explores the nature and impact of human genes through an array of interactive displays, artifacts, and multimedia displays. It'll help you understand how the human body works at the micro level and just how fascinating and interesting the history of genetic discoveries have been over the years. Another on campus attraction to check out are the art galleries in the Memorial Student Center. The galleries host engaging, rotating exhibits and—the best part—they're free to the public. Works of art are brought in from all over the world, and in the past semester, the galleries have hung art by Salvador Dali, René Magritte, and many other great artists from

by Ike Ntube

around the globe. Mic Check Poetry hosts a unique open mic every Sunday night at Revolution Cafe and Bar in Downtown Bryan. If you’ve ever thought about performing any poetry, during the break is a great time to make your debut if you’re really nervous. Aren't a wordsmith but appreciate prose as a spectator? Then just take a seat in the audience and watch with others as poets bare their souls. Mic Check is free and open to the public. If you liked the vibe at Revolution Cafe on Sunday, check it out again on Monday for trivia night. There are drink specials all night and an award if your team wins (which is more likely with less teams during the break). The popular trivia night is renown for its variety of questions, and why not challenge your brain for fun after a semester of serious studying? Lastly, there are a lot of locations around town that are too populated to enjoy during the semester, so why not take a walk on the “wild” side. In December, it’s not guaranteed that the weather will be too cold or too hot, so visit the region's many parks, go out to lake Bryan, or watch the sun set over campus from the top of Bed Bath and Beyond (the rooftop parking lot is free and the vista is phenomenal). Want more things to do? Visit our events calendar at maroonweekly.com/events. Make sure to call places first to ensure they are still hosting their weekly events over the break.

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12.02.12 | maroonweekly.com | pg 21

Catch the Spirit @ Santa’s Wonderland

by Sarah Dean

Merry Christmas to all and to all a (very) bright night! The luminous Santa’s Wonderland is open – no matter the weather – for business this holiday season, and 2012 marks its fifteenth season of Yuletide magic and wonder. Santa’s Wonderland opens its doors during November and closes on New Year’s Eve. Located 6 miles south of College Station, Santa’s Wonderland is the ultimate Lone Star Christmas experience. Boasting 37 acres and a mile-long trail of lights, Santa’s Wonderland is the biggest and brightest Christmas attraction in Texas. Santa’s Wonderland welcomes visitors from all over every holiday season to celebrate the Spirit of Christmas as it lights up the night in a beautiful array of colors. An enjoyable time for families and folks of all ages, Santa’s Wonderland has a little holiday fun for everyone. If you and your sweetie want to get cozy and take a relaxing horse and carriage ride around the bright and shining light festival, Santa’s Wonderland has got you covered (hot cocoa is included). If you’d prefer to keep it a little more country, hop on the hayride and experience the gleaming lights just the same. Perhaps you’d like to stay within the comfort of your own vehicle. On the “off-peak” nights, – designated on the Santa’s Wonderland calendar – visitors are welcome to drive their own vehicles through the magical light trail.

PLAY

As Santa’s Wonderland has grown, Santa’s Town has grown along with it. The Texas Christmas Village is the focal point of Santa’s Wonderland. The village features retail shops in case you need to get started on

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Christmas gifts, live musical entertainment to keep the whole family happy, and Santa’s Café where Kris Kringle himself will be available for photographs. Make sure you come with an appetite as big as Texas because the Frost Bites Food Village has Texas BBQ, border fajitas, grilled kabobs, homestyle hamburgers, and chuckwagon chili. Petting zoos and pony rides are great for the kiddos. For a date night idea, get cuddly by the two comfy fireplaces and enjoy classic Christmas movies such as Miracle on 34th Street or It’s A Wonderful Life on the massive outdoor movie screen. If visitors are feeling particularly spontaneous and rowdy, they can try their luck on the mechanical bull. When Santa’s Wonderland first opened in 1998, it was a drive-thru park with a spectacle of over a million luminous Christmas lights. More and more lights have been added every year. Today, over two and a half million lights illuminate Santa’s Wonderland. To put that number into perspective, there’s about enough wire in Santa’s Wonderland to stretch from Bryan/College Station to Navasota and back again. Focusing on reducing their carbon footprint, Santa’s Wonderland has devoted huge sums to going green in the last few years. Over 80% of the Christmas lights are L.E.D. The colors are still as brilliant and vibrant but use 90% less electricity. Ticket prices, directions, and more information regarding Santa’s Wonderland can be found on santaswonderland.com. Parking is free. No outside food or drink is allowed.

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12.02.12 | maroonweekly.com | pg 23

Silver Linings Playbook

Silver Linings Playbook is an Oscar movie, which is to say a perfectly good adult drama so eager for trophies it goes twitchy and feel-good. The twist is that the movie finds such honesty in spite of its comforting fantasies. It opens with manic-depressive Bradley Cooper getting sprung from a psychiatric institution perhaps a little too soon and moving back in with his parents. He’s reading the American classics that his ex-wife teaches at a local high school, and he’s running to get in shape. His new motto, “Excelsior!” inspires him to keep himself balanced and positive. It recalls but never quite lives up to Enlightened, HBO’s layered, unsparing self-help drama starring Laura Dern, but it has its moments. The happiest surprise, at least to cynics who saw The Hangover II and The Words, is that Bradley Cooper isn’t just a pretty face. His performance swings from unfiltered chatterbox to tragic hero with the grace of a real character actor. In one of his therapy scenes, he opens up about his bipolar disorder with

by Brandon Nowalk

disarming honesty. While he was undiagnosed, his chemical imbalance came with the added grief of not understanding his own body. The regret on his face, in his voice, in his demeanor, bears the force of anything Daniel Day-Lewis does in Lincoln (to cite an Oscar rival). In fact, director David O. Russell’s biggest claim to fame might be his facility with actors. His last movie, The Fighter, surrounded Mark Wahlberg with such delightfully hammy characters that Boston came alive, and I Heart Huckabees even structures its plot after its deep ensemble. Russell gives Cooper parents in an obsessive-compulsive Robert De Niro, who gives his best performance in years, and a concerned Jackie Weaver, whose cold-blooded mama in Animal Kingdom earned her an Oscar nomination. Shea Wigham plays his brother, Chris Tucker plays an institution friend, and John Ortiz plays a buddy from the block married to a shrewish Julia Stiles. Looking at the sisters in The Fighter and the women

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here, there’s something undeniably disconcerting about Russell’s treatment of women. But then there’s Jennifer Lawrence. At first Lawrence plays a stock wannabe, a shockingly thin characterization from the star of The Hunger Games and Winter’s Bone. But the more time we spend with her, the deeper she gets, to the point that she can’t share screen-time with Cooper without stirring the audience. The plot is too neatly episodic, but by the time Cooper and Lawrence are preparing for a dance competition, everything comes together (and then some, unfortunately). With the inspirational family story, it’s clearly personal for Russell. But with his extreme dollies and warped caricatures, Russell’s an exaggerator. It’s Cooper who’s telling the truth.

Drama | R |

toptwentyfilms by Brandon Nowalk

1 Breaking Dawn pt2

15 Taken 2

The best of the multi-part emo abstinence sensation is the finale, of course. Higher stakes, more abs, and way more go-for-broke goofiness. Worth it to see Jacob get betrothed to an infant.

2 Skyfall

Right on schedule, every nine months, Liam Neeson pops out a new action thriller, each more serious than the last. Turns out this frustrating wannabe is the runt of the litter. More wolves, please!

1/2

16 Pitch Perfect

James Bond takes on a doppelganger with a vendetta in this exciting, gorgeous, and clunky re-do of The Dark Knight Rises. Good globetrotting fun, but such hype. What would M say?

Okay, so it’s no Bring It On, but we all have our weaknesses. Turns out Anna Kendrick getting in a cappella street battles over bad ‘90s pop is one of mine.

3 Lincoln

Daniel Day-Lewis leads an all-star cast in the passage of the 13th amendment, using expediency, corruption, and lies. It isn’t pretty to watch the democratic sausage get made, but with Spielberg, it sure is tasty.

4 Rise of the Guardians

1/2

Jack Frost gets swept up by the Easter bunny and other folk-superheroes in an exhausting rip-roaring adventure to defeat the boogeyman. I just hope the Owls of Ga’Hoole are looking into copyright law.

5 Life of Pi

1/2

A multi-religious boy crosses the Pacific on a lifeboat with a tiger in this New Age light-show that spans the distance from moving triumph to involving survival guide to thoughtless headache. Is pretty enough?

6 Wreck it Ralph

1/2

John C. Reilly takes a villain on a hero’s journey in this arcade version of Toy Story. More importantly, they made Sarah Silverman a Disney princess, and she tore the establishment down.

7 Killing Them Softly

This C-SPAN-dominated crime noir is funnyadjacent, heavy-handed, and blunt, but don’t confuse Andrew Dominik’s seriousness with

17 Hitchcock

Ben Affleck’s. Dominik packs a mean punch because he cares. Guy’s got soul.

8 Red Dawn

A group of boring teenagers fend off a North Korean invasion. On the one hand, it stars Chris Hemsworth. On the other, it makes the plastic John Milius original look like a classic.

9 Flight

Denzel nails addiction, all inflated swagger and toddler pout, but director Robert Zemeckis is so cheesy he stuffs his film with Foghorn Leghorn accents and the VH1 top 100. The plane landing, though: Chills.

10 The Collection

1/2

The man who escaped from a serial killer is blackmailed into rescuing a girl from his lair in this Saw descendant premiering just in time for the holidays. Gore for the whole family!

11 Silver Linings Playbook

The cult of David O. Russell is already out in force, probably going door-to-door in some neighborhoods, but dude hasn’t been interesting since Huckabees. But it’s still not out in Texas, so who knows?

12 Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina opens in Texas this week, so fingers crossed! I love Atonement and Keira Knightley and showy flourishes, so Joe Wright’s take on Tolstoy sounds delicious. Here’s hoping those crazy kids make it!

13 Argo

1/2

Ben Affleck the actor glowers to show how serious this is while Ben Affleck the director lets loose on his best movie yet. The Iran hostage crisis has never been so fun.

14 Talaash

he master of suspense gets his second biopic this year, this one overlooking his art and detailing his fascination with serial killer Ed Gein. Who knew idle chatter was enough to sponsor a whole movie?

18 The Sessions

The twist on this period American Pie is that the hero was disabled (and kept virginal) by polio. Cue Helen Hunt, smartly launching her comeback with extra nudity. She really wants the Oscar.

19 Cloud Atlas

1/2

Tom Hanks and Halle Berry keep bumping into one another throughout history in this time-skipping, gender-hopping, yellow-facing symphony. If only the filmmaking were as radical as the narrative.

20 The Perks of Being a

A cop whose son has recently died investigates the murder of an actress in this knotty Hindi crime thriller. It’s barely been reviewed, but it’s not every day a Bollywood drama hits the US charts.

Wallflower

A freshman outcast falls in with two seniors in Stephen Chbosky’s adaptation of his own novel. It’s pretty, it’s witty, it’s gay. But mostly it’s a chance to see Emma Watson spread her wings post-Hermione.

LOOK

12.02.12 | maroonweekly.com | pg 25

Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration @ Rudder by Sarah

The magic and mystery of the alluring Emerald Isle will visit College Station on December 18 when Celtic Woman arrives at Rudder Auditorium. The celestial voices of the lovely women of Celtic Woman are celebrated all over the world. With the huge success of their last holiday tour, the captivating Irish music quartet have returned for another Christmas show complete with their matchless and joyful traditional symphonic setting.

ensemble rose onto the scene and quickly became a commercial success. A genuine marvel, the unique and stirring music of Celtic Woman has led to the group’s albums and DVDs reaching multi-platinum sales, selling over 7 million units worldwide (including their 2012 project BELIEVE), achieving two Top 10 album debuts on the Billboard Top 200 album chart, and four Top 5 releases on the Top DVD Music Video chart.

This holiday season, Celtic Woman invites you to take a break from all of that autotuned nonsense blaring from your speakers. Step into an organic and untainted arena of unadulterated vocals. A Christmas Celebration features the astonishingly angelic voices of Chloë Agnew, Lisa Lambe, and Méav Ní Mhaolchatha as well as the lively Celtic Violinist Máiréad Nesbitt. Accompanying these beautiful ladies is a full symphony orchestra, whose inspiring instrumentation compliment the talented allfemale ensemble.

Celtic Woman has been revered as a spectacular concert experience, selling more than 2.2 million concert tickets. With seven Celtic Woman albums having debuted at #1 on the Billboard World Music Chart, their special brand of uplifting music has made huge strides.

2004 marked the beginning of Celtic Woman. The

Celtic Woman’s new holiday album, Home for Christmas, was released on October 9. Tickets for A Christmas Celebration are available from the MSC Box Office or online at mscopas.org. For more information on Celtic Woman, visit celticwoman.com.

LOOK

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Dean

TEXAS GRAND SLAM

11.07.12 | maroonweekly.com | pg 27

Booth

FRIDAY 12-07-12

DOWNTOWN BRYAN FIRST FRIDAY

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LARYNX CD RELEASE SHOW

BRANDON RHYDER with BRI BAGWELL

THURS. DEC. 6TH • 8:00PM

FRI. DEC. 7TH • 8:00PM

PAPER ROUTE with VALISE and SCIENTIST

CALEB MAK’S END OF THE WORLD PARTY - FREE CONCERT

SAT. DEC. 8TH • 8:00PM

WED. DEC. 12TH • 8:00PM

MARCIA BALL with CARTER BECKWORTH

GUY FORSYTH and CAROLYN WONDERLAND

THURS. DEC. 13TH • 7:00PM

FRI. DEC. 14TH • 7:00PM