February 3, 2011

Issue 193 | February 3, 2011

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News & Views Fuego is making its mark early Photos by Valerie Clark

By Erica Pitman Texas A&M University and the surrounding area of Bryan/College station is a community with core values. As such, one of the newer restaurants in town, Fuego Tortilla Grill, exemplifies these values to a T.

time at all, Fuego was opening its doors on June 1, Moler said.

In the short time that Fuego has been open, business has been booming.

“It has been incredible. We have “We are all about the food, quality and value,” grown in sales every month, but Co-Owner and Founder Paul Moler said. more than that, we have set a standard. We have the freshest The food served in most Mexican restaurants food we could find and with quality,” Moler is usually a Tex-Mex version, nothing like real said.

Mexican food. With the creation of Fuego, the idea was to bring out some quality With 24 hour quality service, Fuego has Mexican authenticity. quickly become a popular place for many college students, and it has become a part “The restaurant has been something in my of the Aggie community. Even on Monday head for about 8 years,” Moler said. “I got the nights, which are typically slower nights for idea in Mexico while playing golf. It was all restaurants, Fuego has good business. Being about the street food they serve in Mexico, open all the time is also a plus, especially in with the grilled meats. The more I started a college town where many students are thinking about it, the more I liked the idea. looking for a place to eat late.

We have the taco trucks here, but that was the closest thing to the food you get when “You get the same exact product at 3am that you go to Mexico.” you would get at 1pm. At Fuego, you will never get left overs,” Moler said. “We prepare Wanting to serve real Mexican food, Moler food as we need it. We don’t take the meat along with his business partner David off of the rotisserie chicken until we are Lovelace set to work on the Fuego creation, ready to prepare it, and we crack fresh eggs Moler said. Together with the General as needed. We believe in freshness.”

Manager David Girela and Jerry Mansera, a wonderful chef, they made an excellent On a good Saturday, Fuego can have up to team.

1500 customers, many of them students, and throughout the whole day, have “Every aspect of the business, David helped excellent fresh food served in a reasonable me with. From the colors to the design, he is time frame. very much involved and tuned in to Fuego, and we are having fun with it,” Moler said. “In this organized chaos, we have served “David Girela is the guy who really held us more than 1500 people with 80 seats and a together, and we owe a lot to him, and Jerry drive through, and I still haven’t seen anyone Mansera is the man who perfected our menu. have to wait more than 15 minutes for their He really brought the quality of our food up, food,” Moler said. and our food is now on a whole new level.”

Moving to College Station for four months The actual restaurant was in the works for in preparation and for the operation of the just under 18 months, and in practically no restaurant, Moler quickly became a part of the

community and embraced the Aggie Spirit.

“I bleed Maroon now; it was very easy for me. The community is so embracing,” Moler said. “We built the restaurant for students at A&M. When I moved down here, I really got to learn about the community and the spirit. We hire a lot of students, and we work around their schedules. The A&M students really are a cut above. We are thrilled about where we are, and we could not be in a better place for the first Fuego restaurant.”

In addition to loving Fuego food, college students and the surrounding community have embraced the restaurant partly due to its affordability.

“What is great about Fuego, you can come in on a budget and walk away full for close to $5. But we are not the cheapest in town because we believe in value. We cater to everyone; some people can come in there and spend $15. We really fit everyone’s budget, no one is left out.”

With the possibilities of more locations and franchising, Fuego’s future looks bright.

“Our goal is to continue to get better, to not to be stagnate, Moler said. “We would like to see many Fuego Resturants, but right now it is one Fuego at a time.”

For Fuego Tortilla Grill, the sky really is the limit.

www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16

MAROON WEEKLY | 3

News & Views Publisher Mick Maynard Caviar Dreams: Font

Business Manager Andrea Maynard Editor in Chief Chris Shepperd MANAGING EDITOR Chris Zebo Design/Layout Cara Matocha, C2-Studios Inc. writers Kassie Cessna Autumn Dawson Turner Dawson Mallory Dykowski Josh Howell Nichelle Jaeger Sarabeth Lacy Mara Minsberg

Sherrill Mogonye Gabrielle Nguyen Brandon Nowalk Erica Pitman Megan Roiz Ian Soares Ryan Stone Joey Trevino

Photographers Valerie Clark Distribution Kyler Dillon Andy Nguyen Becca Nelms interns Vladimir Amador

Maggie Dotson Ryan Frische Cameron Gott Lana Rothe

Maroon Weekly is an independent, student-owned publication and is not affiliated with A&M University.

Maroon Weekly receives no student fees or university funding.

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.

1st copy is FREE, additional copies are $0.50 each Maroon Weekly 110 Lincoln St. #107 College Station, Texas 77840 ph: 979.696.3971 | fax: 281.312.5160 © Copyright 2010 Legacy Media Inc.

Meet and Greet: Arab Students Association

By Joshua Howell The Arab Students Association, only recently founded in the Fall semester of 2010 by four of its current members Diana Zubeidi, Ameer Al Dagher, Ahmed Almoaber, and Isaaq Alshaikh, actually began work on the association as early as the Spring semester of yesteryear. During this time, elections took place to determine all the requisite positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer, etc.

The current president, Diana Zubeidi was elected Vice President during the election.

However, being as the President-elect had to withdraw before the A&M recognition process began and, according to their Association’s constitution, the Vice President becomes the President in such situations, Zubeidi had to step up, and began the approval and recognition process at the commencement of the Fall 2010 semester.

The group was founded with the idea of forming a social organization, which could bind Arab Aggies as well as represent the Middle East with a responsible face. Together, they attempt to remove the “blind fold” conceptions of the Middle East, conceptions that are fostered by poor representations in the news media.

important positions and sub-Committees, which take part. The Association consists of a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Event Coordinator, Public Relations Officer, Education Officer, and a Community Service Officer.

Like the previously mentioned African Students Association, one does not have to be Arab or of Arab descent to join the Association. The Association welcomes all who are interested in learning about the many Arab traditions, lifestyles, and cultures, and neither pushes nor supports political agendas or policies.

“We would like to expand our knowledge and culture to many other interested nationalities. We will be giving basic Arabic classes, and we will have events that will allow non-Arab members to explore the different Middle Eastern cultural events,” Zubeidi explained.

There is also an often-held misconception, similar to misconceptions about Africa, that the Middle East is culturally monolithic.

“We also would like to portray all the different cultures that occur in the Middle East because it is not just one culture. There

are many cultures and celebrations in the Middle East that are very wonderful and once people get to know them, they will love them; from food, dancing, singing and much more,” Zubeidi said.

However, as previously mentioned, the Arab Students Association is still, for all intents and purposes in its genesis. Though they have many goals, their first semester in existence was primarily devoted to properly organizing their association and determining exactly what it is they wish to do. This semester they plan to initiate their community service plans by taking part as a group in Big Event and Relay for Life respectively.

As for now, they are making progress. They have participated in The Cultural Celebration of the Middle East Event held by Qatar Texas A&M University Office in the fall semester of last year.

“We are normal people just like anybody else that not just thrive for education, but also love to celebrate our culture [and] music,” Zubeidi said. “Our part is to bring all that fun stuff along with our education and blend it in[to] this amazing society.”

“Our association brings in all the different cultures in the Middle East into one place.

Our focus is to bring in things that people haven’t seen or experienced before and to make people change the way they perceive the Middle East,” Zubeidi said.

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The way they go about meeting these goals is quite similar to the manners in which other Texas A&M organizations go about achieving theirs: community service. In order to accomplish this, there are a plethora of

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News & Views

Say hello to a familiar face: Stover returns

On campus clubs: Matthew Gaines Initiative

By Sherrill Mogonye

see what’s in store at the new café.

By Joshua Howell

Everyone loves a story of redemption and luckily for local restaurateur, Charles Stover, this may be the beginning of his tale. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know of Stover’s history within the Brazos Valley. He was the recent owner of two buzz worthy eating spots in the area, Stover Boys Burgers and Square One Bistro. And despite diners’ acclaims, both businesses closed within the last six months due to the owner’s unwise investments and a malevolent protest. It seemed like a scenario that had no happy ending, but Stover is now making amends and it appears there may be a light at the end of the tunnel.

“Our menus are different, our approach is different,” Stover said.

Currently, at our beloved school, there are two historical mahatmas whose names are spoken with a distinct tone of reverence: Lawrence Sullivan “Sul” Ross, whose statue, the last hope for students who have improperly prepared for their midterms or finals, can be found in Academic Plaza and John J. Koldus, who currently has a building named in his honor. However, both of these paragons of A&M spirit are somewhat marred with controversy.

Village Foods, located on Briarcrest Drive, is the only grocery store in the area that committed to supporting local business owners and keeping money within the community. Jim Lewis, owner of Village Foods, has partnered with Stover and is currently opening a new dining spot called Stover Bros. Café, within the grocery store.

The new eatery will likely merge the flavors of Stover Boys’ mouth-watering take-out and Square One’s refined home-style food.

Lewis’s generosity will help Stover redeem his reputation. Stover’s supporters will once again get to savor his food and his zestful nature. Whether you love or loathe Mr. Stover’s sarcastic and outspoken nature, you cannot deny his passion to make good food and deliver quality service. I, for one, think his food has been as soulful as a mother’s Sunday dinner and cannot wait to

The café is currently doing trial runs on menu items and altering their recipes. They plan to be open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during their first month or two. Their hopes are also to feature desserts and other items not seen from either previous menu. I’m confident the food will not be a letdown.

On the mybcs.com forum, which he frequents, Stover goes on to explain that there will be meatloaf sandwiches, burgers, lasagna, catfish and even chicken and buttermilk dumplings. Since the location is shared with the Village Foods deli, there are endless possibilities for soups, salads, and lighter fare. He mentions that they intend to serve up southern food, hand-made lunches, breakfast options, specialty burgers and sandwiches, and affordable take home dinners for the family.

Help support this local business and stop by for what is sure to be a lip smacking lunch or take home dinner. It may seem like an unconventional locale, but Charles Stover is determined to redeem himself and this is certainly a window of opportunity.

Village Foods and home of the new Stover Bros. Café is located at 1760 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan, TX 77802.

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seeking to rectify his absence in the campus statuary.

“Sul” Ross, while being a Governor of Texas, a President of A&M, and one who saved it from the brink of closure, was also a general in the Confederate Army (a particular sticking point amongst minorities). John Koldus, famous for allowing women into what was then an all male school, can be analyzed under a slightly different light when historical context reveals it was either the admission of women, or serious problems with the school’s finances. In short, the school’s closure was a legitimate possibility if women were not allowed into the institution.

The Matthew Gaines Initiative, an “ad-hoc Committee to the Carter G. Black Awareness Committee” according to Gabrielle Royal, consists of three subCommittees: Outreach, Design and Finance, and is lead by Royal, Valecia Battle, and Amber Briggs.

“We are interested in installing an icon on campus. We have been brainstorming several ways to do this, including a statue, a mural, or perhaps a monumental rest area on campus. We feel having this visual will honor the efforts of leaders that created a foundation for A&M. Many of those historical leaders have been forgotten,” explained Royal.

If the Initiative were to be successful, A&M would have its first statue or memorial of a person of color. At a school where, according to education-portal.com, white non-hispanics make up 79.8% of undergraduate enrollment, having some visual icon of a figure of color would shed light on the diversity of A&M’s history.

There is another figure of A&M history, however, who has yet to be aggrandized in a similar manner, whose history is not tainted by the aforementioned foibles, and whose service to the state of Texas and A&M make him, at the very least, as equally an important a figure as the likes of both Sullivan and Koldus.

Similar initiatives have been more successful at UT, most likely because of their much more diverse undergraduates.

In 1999, where before the only statues on the UT campus were four prominent confederates (including Robert E. Lee and Jefferson David), the school unveiled a statue of Martin Luther King Jr.

Matthew Gaines, a former slave, born in 1840, who rose to become a Republican State Senator, was also integral in establishing free public education in the state. It was he who signed the appropriate legislation that allowed Texas A&M to take part in the Morrill Land Grant College Act. To put it as simply and bluntly as can be put, without the efforts of Matthew Gaines, no matter the efforts of Koldus or “Sul” Ross, Texas A&M would have never been founded. The Matthew Gaines Initiative is a student organization

“An acknowledgment of the diversity of our past will aid the diversity of our future.

For minorities on campus it would allow for some sense of belonging. Yes, we’re all Aggies, and we ‘Bleed Maroon,’” Battle said. “But we have to see representations of men who would not stand for some of us being Aggies, and we know this because we know the history. Having these representations here and nothing to combat them reaffirms that Texas A&M is a ‘white space,’ and we’re just visiting scholars.”

www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16

MAROON WEEKLY | 5

News & Views

Taco Tuesday’s at Rosa’s are bueno Photo by Mallory Dykowski

Ozona Bar and Grill delights the senses

By Megan Roiz

Photos by Valerie Clark

Ozona Grill & Bar, despite being named after it, does not have a location in Ozona, Texas. Lucky for us Bryan-College Station folk, we have our very own taste of West Texas on Harvey Road.

Ozona Grill & Bar is named after the unincorporated city of Ozona, Texas, a small, West Texas town nicknamed “The Biggest Little Town in the World.” Much like the rather isolated town, the restaurant is quite independent and unique, and it offers the same hometown warmth.

By Mallory Dykowski Everyone knows Tuesdays in College Station is the best time to eat out. Many places like Fazoli’s, and Double Dave’s offer great meal deals.

Probably the most popular special is Taco Tuesday, offered at Rosas Café. Taco Tuesday includes your choice of three beef or chicken tacos, crispy or soft, with rice and beans for only $3.69 all day.

Tacos, however, are not the only their only specialty. Rosas doubles as a Tortilla Factory.

Rosas Café is located on 710 East University Drive in College Station.

“Rosas is really nice because it is a high quality Mexican food in a fast food format,” Emily Weiser, a Senior at Texas A&M said.

The restaurant hours are 10 am to 11 pm Sunday through Thursday and 10 am to midnight Friday through Saturday. ”They have great food even if you pull through the drive-thru, but if you feel like having a sit-down meal instead, you can do that there also,” Weiser said. “My favorite is their chicken fajita burritos with queso.

Yum!” She said their homemade tortillas are amazing and that is a main reason the burritos are so delicious.

Tortillas can be sold separately in fresh packs to take home and enjoy.

“Seriously, I think they are the best tortillas I have ever had.”

A diverse menu and large selection of drinks are what draw patrons to Ozona. The restaurant boasts a rather impressive, award-winning Bloody Mary bar (from which non-alcoholic Bloody Marys are also available) and dollar margaritas on Mondays.

They offer anything from single items, family feasts, and even desserts. When you place your order at Rosas, they take your name and call you when your food is ready. There is always a staff member roaming around cleaning tables or asking how they could be of assistance.

Lunch specials are inexpensive, given portion sizes. From Monday through Friday, every week, from 11am to 4pm, diners can enjoy a thick-cut pork chop served with cranberry relish, garlic toast and a choice of salad, or two Tacos Al Carbon with sides of Spanish rice and

Pricing and nutrition facts for all items are available on the website.

Weiser said their prices are pretty decent for the quality of food that you get.

“They don’t have a dollar menu or anything like that. It’s definitely a step above Taco Bell, so as a result the prices are a little higher than Taco Bell.”

The restaurant is a casual one, but it is decorated very colorful and in Spanishthemed items.

Weiser said she loves Rosas because it is a great place to sit and chat with friends while enjoying satisfactory food.

You can register on Rosas website for their VIP membership, which includes special offers for joining and on your birthday.

But don’t take Weiser’s word for it. With great food, prices, location and hours of operation, why not check them out today?

6 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com

refried beans for less than $10.

For the weekend brunch crowds, Ozona has a good selection of hill country dishes, all served with rosemary potatoes and fresh fruit. Brunch is served from 8am to 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

There is always a crowd and fun to be had at Ozona. With familiar, hometown meal choices and a comfy, warm atmosphere, Ozona is the place to be. For more menu information and a chance to join the Ozona Grill & Bar staff, check out OzonaGrill. com!

Arts & Entertainment

Hunter McKithan and the Offenders at Church Street Feb 9th

By Chris Zebo We’ve chosen Hunter McKithan and the Offenders as February’s Artist of the Month for two reasons. First, frontman Hunter McKithan is what you’d call a “musician’s musician.” Over the past 7 years, when he wasn’t performing with his popular 4-piece band at gigs all over Texas, he shed the Offenders and played solo practically every week in the Greater Houston area. He’s spent quite a lot of time on stage, refining his music, and he’s paid his dues connecting with his fans.

The second and most important reason the group was chosen is squarely a critical one. When you’re judging local acts, you gauge their growth and the evolution of their sound by listening to their albums chronologically. And with the group’s latest release, Not Broken Yet, Hunter and the band have shown what seven years of writing, gigging, recording…and starving can do to an artist. In their case, it made them good.

The group has only released three albums-

-the most recent dropped only two weeks ago. And that’s not an awful lot of records for a band that’s been around for a while.

But according to McKithan, they’d rather take their time preparing great albums rather than release many poor ones hastily.

Consequently, over the years the band has forged a solid sound that McKithan describes as a balanced mix of “rock, southern rock, blues, alt-country and a little soul.”

McKithan’s personal songwriter influences, such as Ryan Adams, Mike McClure, and Ben Harper have also lent the group a more personal appeal up front.

For the group’s recent release, Not Broken Yet, McKithan and the band got the chance of a lifetime in the recording studio. One of McKithan’s musical heroes, Mike McClure, sat behind the sound booth as producer and even sat in on a couple of songs, contributing guitar tracks and backing vocals. McClure, the producer of Cross Canadian Ragweed and numerous other Red Dirt artists--including Stoney LaRue and Jason Boland--kept the band focused throughout the recording of the new album.

“I’ve always looked up to him,” McKithan says of McClure. “He’s one of the reasons I started writing songs.”

On the new album, the group comes across fuller, focused and sounding produced by someone with experience. “No Prisoners” sounds like a fusion of today’s Texas Country with hard rock and blues--the more contemporary blues rock you’d hear in groups like The Black Crowes. It’s also got a southern rock roadhouse punch that’s heavy-fisted but won’t leave any holes in your walls--it’s just the right marriage of grit and grace. “Hey Little Girl” leans more in the soul and blues direction but doesn’t lose any of the album’s momentum (and the album really doesn’t take a slow-song breath for longer than a track or two). Throughout “Hey Little Girl”, T. Ray Porche’s guitar shreds a background track and sounds so smooth and effortless you might think he’s picking with his eyes closed (although you know it took years and years to learn how to play that well).

The album’s title track, “Not Broken Yet”, is a quasi hard rock number that teases the

boundaries between rock and soul. There’s an organ in there (it returns in other songs, too) that adds a dimension of soul that sounds right out of a Deep South Church (minus the choir). It’s a nice sound that looks good on these guys, and hopefully they’ll play around more with the organ in future recordings.

“Not Broken Yet” is as polished and produced as every other song on the album, which is probably owed in part to McClure’s production effort, but not completely. It’s obvious from the level of musicianship and songwriting on this new release that Hunter and the Offenders are now self-sufficient and ready to take the reigns of their own destiny.

Hunter McKithan and the Offenders will be celebrating their new record release and playing a show in College Station in the beginning of February. You can find out more about their music by visiting the band’s website at huntermckithan.com. To hear a sneak peak of what their latest album sounds like head to www.maroonweekly. com and download their latest single.

www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16

MAROON WEEKLY | 7

Arts & Entertainment

Fashion Sense: Dressing to the nines

By Sarabeth Lacy Those who relocate to Bryan/College station for either school or work often meet with surprise and relief upon the realization that numerous nightlife destinations exist despite big city rumors. One can enjoy the conflicting vision of cowboy boots stomping to pop rock and techno at one of many Northgate clubs, peruse the creations of local artists at the Village Downtown, or enjoy a serene dinner at the Republic.

With more nightlife options than potentially expected, many girls consequently approach the timeless question: “What am I going to wear?” I am so glad you asked!

I completely understand and support women who hope to avoid matronly or dull wardrobes. Having said that, I grow weary of witnessing the obligatory weekend group of girls traipsing from La Bodega to Gatsby’s all wearing identical satin miniskirts and five inch spike heels purchased at Charlotte Russe. This is not the set of Pretty Woman, Ladies, and we will not attract honest intentions if we insist upon wearing such items.

Moreover, we do not exude originality or individuality when donning what I shall now refer to as the “club uniform”. The greatest attribute of a wardrobe is the ability to exude self expression without speaking a word, and two girls standing next to each other wearing the club uniform quickly dissolve into white noise.

What attire is appropriate for which setting, and where can a penniless college student or a money conscious post-grad pick up a few novel items?

If Northgate bars and clubs prove appealing, Forever21 in Post Oak Mall carries plenty of affordable options that run the style gambit. Flouncy tops adorned with vintage 8 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com

patterns or flowers can transform a pair of good jeans into “have you lost weight?” jeans when paired with heels. If you prefer a more structured look to boho chic, pencil jeans and blazers are always in stock. Avoid Forever21’s collection of actual evening dresses unless you weigh less than 120 lbs. and are shorter than 5’5”. Otherwise, you will make a style u-turn and arrive right back at our Pretty Woman scenario.

Dinner dates present a more complex series of options. The same outfits previously described can work for casual restaurants, but let us assume this is a step up the glamour ladder. I am a huge proponent of T.J. Maxx, as designers from Max Azria to Ellie Tahari crowd the dress racks at extremely modest prices, and various styles and silhouettes prevail.

An LBD (little black dress) exudes an inviting sophistication but also presents a necessary decision. Do you prefer to show a bit more décolletage or a bit more leg? Exposing everything all at once flings sophistication right out the window. In fact the same rule should apply to a more romantic, feminine dress or a structured vintage piece.

After you settle on the skin factor, choose a silhouette that hugs the smallest part of your waist and flows away from your less than toned parts; we all have them. Parading around in a dress that is two sizes too small or shrouding yourself in something too large will both produce the same effect; you will look heavier than you are. On the other hand, sporting a dress tailored to your specific shape can create the illusion that you lost ten pounds.

Most importantly, wear something that you love because it speaks to you and about you.

Do not copy the cover of People Magazine or your roommate. Let people know what you think about fashion by showing them.

Trust me, you will turn more heads.

Arts & Entertainment

Artist Sp tlight

By Joey Trevino As the years go by one thing is always certain, bands may come and bands may go.

Some bands have to break up for whatever reason; some band members can go on to the busy world of eight-to-five jobs and some might have another path to find. Whatever the case might be the bands that stick through the good times and bad always seem to find their niche and continue to bring their talents to the fans that want them.

Although the original line up may have changed, Clairmont is one of those bands that have withstood the test of time.

The band formed in College Station in 2004 with the idea of bringing fresh and entertaining music to audiences in the BCS as well as across the state of Texas. Later that year, the band was featured as the title track to the Esotype Records compilation entitled “The Real Life Threats of You and Me.” In 2005 the band released their debut EP, “The Dweller,” which they feel showcased the wealth of talent, creativity and intensity that the band offers their listeners.

After their first release, Clairmont went through a change in line up as well as a change in style. They began testing the limits of samples and programmed loops as an accompaniment to their sound. In 2008 Clairmont went back into the studio, “Strength Like Lions,” the bands second album and first major release was a testament to the way they had evolved as musicians yet kept what audiences enjoyed about their original sound.

“The same clean-cut, driving electricity was present but electronic samples were added to construct additional layers to the sound,” said Josh Taylor, vocalist and guitar player for Clairmont. “The samples consisted of synth leads, ambient pads, drum loops and tones to develop our music as a tonally-rich powerhouse.”

According to the band, Clairmont is currently developing ideas for a third release, which is tentatively scheduled to drop sometime in 2011.

“The third album will play host to an exciting culmination of new ideas, fresh sounds, a unique mixture of styles, while retaining the same thoughtful, encouraging and powerful sound that the band has developed through the years,” said Taylor.

Clairmont, currently a two-piece group, features Taylor as well as Ben Love on Bass, samples and Vocals. You can see them live on stage Feb. 11 in San Antonio with Hawk Nelson. You can also check them out on Twitter, @clairmont, their website, www. clairmontonline.com, on iTunes or by visiting www.freeclairmont.com for free music and a sneak peak of their new album.

Although they say that no one can see the future, they hope to still be making music for years to come. www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16

MAROON WEEKLY | 9

Arts & Entertainment Photos by Stephen Heger

y r a r ib L h s u B Sojourner:

By Mara Minsberg Whenever I move to a new city, I always find that it takes the motivating force of a visiting friend or relative to get me to check out some of my local attractions. With the hubbub of daily life, I tend to focus more on getting acclimated and finding the things I need on a regular basis instead of venturing out in search of cultural sites or museums.

The term “new” is relative here, of course; I have lived in the Bryan/College Station area for over six months. With the occasion of my parents’ visiting, however, I finally have my long-awaited excuse to investigate some local must-see tourist sites. Their first request is to visit the George Bush Library and Museum, an admittedly short trek I am unlikely to make without their suggestion.

As one of Aggieland’s most prominent and historically significant attractions, though, my parents justifiably feel it should be a part of their time in College Station. We decide it is the perfect indoor choice for a dark and rainy afternoon and embark on a visit to the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

With the help of some very friendly and knowledgeable docents, we map out our plan for seeing the museum. As a group, we delve into The Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection exhibit, a heart-disease awareness campaign display featuring red dresses worn by contemporary celebrities and former first ladies. While the political weight of the exhibit is certainly negligible, it is a fun concept and a worthy cause for attention. Though my father and fiancé breeze through this one with barely a glance, my mother and I enjoy an opportunity to pass judgment on the wardrobe choices of bygone first ladies like Lou Hoover and Mamie Eisenhower.

Moving into the main museum, we examine endless personal photos and artifacts detailing the former president’s early life and family experiences. The exhibits and displays are well-laid out and organized in an interesting and visually pleasing manner; even if you enter the museum with relatively low curiosity, it is difficult not to let the information draw you in and pique your attention. We browse a thorough account of George Bush’s parents’ lives, childhood, early stirrings of romance with a young Barbara, and even a makeshift

10 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com

wedding album detailing the couple’s nuptials. I had never previously felt a major interest in this particular president, but the engaging exhibits make me curious to learn more about Bush not only as a politician but also as an individual.

We explore the ups and downs of Bush’s political career, observing relics from his time as an ambassador in China and reading accounts of his rise to Vice President and President. While the content of the exhibits is generally value neutral, its expository tone is usually more informative than politically persuasive. Our group particularly enjoys exhibits featuring remnants of the Berlin Wall, the Gulf War theater, and the public gifts received from various heads of state. Though clearly not the educational high point of our trip, we all also get a kick out of a chance to pose in a replica of the Oval Office (for a price, of course) and to receive an allegedly “personalized” auto-signed letter from the former president or first lady.

Whatever your personal political affiliation, the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is a compelling experience because

it affords an opportunity to view history through the focused perspective of a single person. You have a chance to browse a relatively wide span of our nation’s history from the lens of a single individual. Seeing his personal family photos and artifacts arranged in a manner conducive to weaving his personal narrative makes me think what my own plotline might look like in fifty or sixty years. Though it is unlikely the majority of us will ever achieve such fame or political prominence, it is gripping to consider the sort of legacy we will live behind. I am fairly certain a museum will never be erected in my honor, but its impact leads me to consider my own daily actions and decisions in the context of leading a life worthy of examination.

The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is located at 1000 George Bush Drive West in College Station. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Sundays 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Adult admission is $7; Blinn and TAMU students are eligible for free admission. For more information, visit their website at http:// bushlibrary.tamu.edu.

Arts & Entertainment

New Dining Delights find their way to BCS

By Nichelle Jaeger

Photos by Stephen Heger

No college town would be complete without great restaurants and with a name like College Station, you can guarantee there are a few places that specialize in satisfying your hunger.

Several new restaurants have made their way to the BCS area and a few are already open for business.

The most anticipated new restaurant, Chuy’s, opens its doors on Feb. 1. All of the selfproclaimed Mexican food coinsures will not be able to resist this restaurant. Chuy’s menu is jam-packed with variety. It has all of the traditional dishes like burritos, queso and margaritas and unlike several Mexican food restaurants, Chuy’s has New Mexico style green chili. Aside from the great food, Chuy’s has great parking. It’s located in the Post Oak Mall parking lot, so parking spaces are abundant.

A great restaurant for date night is Tony Roma’s, which will open soon in Bryan, next to the movie theater. This restaurant features a gamut of dining delights, including seafood, steak and their signature ribs. Tony Roma’s has over 200 restaurants and located in 17 states six continents, making it the largest casual theme restaurant in the world. Including the Bryan location, there are six Tony Roma’s in Texas.

If everyone in your group is hungry for something different, check out Knockouts Grille House. From burgers and buffalo wings to steaks and salads, this place has it all.

Knockouts recently opened on University Drive and they invited people to come out for a new experience. They open every day at 11:00 a.m. and are open until at least 11:00 every night.

Newk’s Express Café is another new restaurant in the BCS area and is located at 1613 University Drive. The founders of McAllister’s Deli started the Newk’s franchise to provide customers with a faster dining experience, while maintaining the high quality of food.

Newk’s menu is similar to McAllister’s offering fresh sandwiches, pizzas and salads. If you are ordering lunch at the office or just want to eat something on the lighter side, Newk’s Express Café has what you are looking for.

Typically, more students at Texas A&M means fewer opportunities for families to eat out, but with new restaurants coming to the area, there will be plenty of tables for all. Be sure to check out all of the new restaurants. You may find a new favorite! www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16

MAROON WEEKLY | 11

Arts & Entertainment

Movie Review: King's Speech

book review matched by Ally condie

By Gabrielle Nguyen With the increasing use of dating websites such as eHarmony.com and Match.com and the decreasing stigma attached, it makes you wonder: can a computer algorithm really help you find love? In Ally Condie’s Matched, the Society does just that for each and every citizen.

Matched is a young adult novel set in a dystopian future in which the reigning entity, known as the Society, controls every single aspect of life, from what job you have to whom you are Matched with to marry and even when you die. The leading lady of the story, Cassia, is content to live in the only world she has ever known. When a fateful mistake shows two different guys as her Match, though, she begins her journey in questioning and discovering the true potential of a life with choices.

Condie details a horrific future in which every choice is limited in order to better“appreciate” what is offered. Citizens are allowed to enjoy from a selection of 100 poems, 100 stories, 100 movies, 100 paintings, etc., while the countless remaining are destroyed. Rules are also applied to maintain fairness among the people. Uniforms are mandatory at all times, and officials confiscate family heirlooms in order to create equality among all.

Amongst all of these regulations, Condie intensifies the suspense with every page turn. Each citizen is also required to carry a container of three pills: a blue pill with enough nutrients to survive for a few days without food as long as there is water; a green pill which acts as a sedative, calming

any anxiety; and an ominous red pill, whose purpose is unknown.

All the while, Cassia is a believable and likable hero. As she discovers the true nature of the Society, she rebels. Yet, she is realistically reluctant to accept that what she has known and adhered to is wrong. She is ultimately a good person who has difficult decisions to make in an unforgiving world.

Beware: Matched ends on a cliffhanger, as it is the first book in a trilogy. Matched is an entertaining novel that, if it were summer, would be on the top of the list of books to bring to the beach.

The second installment of the Matched trilogy, Crossed, is slated to be released in November of 2011. In the meantime, readers might also enjoy Coraline by Neil Gaiman (where a young girl discovers a portal into a seemingly perfect world with seemingly perfect parents) and City of Masks by Mary Hoffman (in which a young boy is transported to an alternate version of old Italy).

12 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com

By Brandon Nowalk It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Considering how great most of its shallow, middlebrow awards bait was, 2010 was an outstanding movie year. Black Swan is a fun psycho ballet picture that vaults right over its tired duality motif, The King’s Speech is a grand uplift that leaves its historical significance to the intertitles, and The Fighter is a jolt of ‘90s energy anchored by hilariously big performances.

Unlike 2009 (Precious, Up in the Air), 2008 (Milk, Slumdog Millionaire), 2007 (Michael Clayton, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly), and practically every other year, the prestige pictures of 2010 thankfully don’t wallow in self-seriousness. If we must have these flighty golddiggers, the least they can do is provide a fun entertainment. Danny Boyle’s 127 Hours, recently nominated for Best Picture and Best Actor at the Oscars and playing a special engagement at Cinemark, may not have much on its mind, but it sure is a grand, ole time.

That’s not sarcasm. 127 Hours is a stirring little picture, helped by AR Rahman’s big, triumphant score, not to mention the true story. James Franco plays Aron Ralston, an adrenaline junkie in Utah who finds himself pinned to a boulder in a deep crevasse and, after five days, summons the courage to cut his trapped arm off with his pocketknife.

The reenactment’s already legendary for inspiring fainting spells, but reports of gore are overblown. That’s not to say it’s an easy sit—there’s at least one image and one sound that still have me cringing—but the sequence clocks in at less than five minutes, and Boyle’s constant cutting softens the blow.

Franco commands the screen for an hour and a half, juggling Ralston’s mischievous humor, resigned melancholy, and teethgritting determination. In the film’s best scene, sun-drunk Ralston is pretending to interview himself on a morning show, part

of which features prominently in the trailer, and by the end you just want to give Franco the Oscar and call it a night.

The problem, as I already suggested, is that the film is basically a motivational poster.

You can just see Franco’s one-and-a-halfarmed figure in a sea of sandstone on a black background with the serifed words “Never Give Up” emblazoned on the bottom.

Boyle tries to dramatize Ralston’s plight with a half-baked backstory about his selfishness isolating and ultimately endangering him, but Franco’s so charming and the script’s so disinterested that we never really buy it.

Worse, 127 Hours promotes two epiphanies that were erroneous when they showed up in Into the Wild a few years ago. The first is that isolation is meaningless. Thoreau might disagree; we’ll call it a draw. The second is that we in civilization take too much for granted. We should all genuflect before our dripping faucets and lie prostrate in the face of computers or something. Sorry, but wagging fingers and inspirational messages are cinema spam, cheap, temporarily satisfying imitations of substance that make you truly appreciate the real thing.

Arts & Entertainment

book review: Unearthly by Cynthia hand

By Autumn Dawson Cynthia Hand’s debut novel, Unearthly, is full of unexpected surprises and delights, and angel books are by no means my genre du jour. But this one surprised me, grabbed me, and refused to let go until I’d turned the last page well into the wee hours of the morning.

Our story opens with Clara, a young girl with abilities that must be kept tightly leashed, for the cost of being discovered is not something she can afford. But that becomes more difficult than she would have imagined, when her family moves and she meets the boy from her dreams. The boy she knows she must save; the boy from her visions of a forest consumed by flames.

The most intriguing aspect of Unearthly is the author’s unparalleled development of characters. The main character, Clara, is trying to balance life as a teenager while dealing with the fact that she’s one-fourth angel and slowly coming into her powers.

Unlike other supernatural reads where the protagonist is perfect and powerful, Clara struggles with life in a way we can all too easily relate to. She klutzes out, gets redfaced in front of the boy she likes, has to learn how to be good at something like flying, and is faced with tough, lifealtering decisions. It’s unusual, especially for a young adult novel, that characters live on to dance through my head long after the

story is read, but that is precisely what Hand accomplished with this stunning debut.

The second surprise in this novel was the unexpectedly enjoyable love triangle.

Normally—and I mean, ninety-nine percent of the time—I detest love triangles! So when I initially realized that’s where we were headed, I groaned aloud. It was all typical at first: Girl falls for the unattainable high school superstar, and remains oblivious to the cute, adorable guy who really likes her.

But it changes. Oh, how it changes! While Clara is definitely torn between the two main guys, it‘s never your typical “Ugh!I love them both,” story. Instead, she had one love born of a sense of duty and honor, while the other, well, the other…is more along the lines of a true love that’s impossible to anticipate, control, or understand. Despite that, my opinion on who I wanted her to end up with altered more frequently than one of the Greek God’s bed partners.

Fellow bookworms, this is one of those books you’ll want to give a permanent spot to in your library. It’s the first of a trilogy in which I’m impatiently awaiting the next novel. The characters are unforgettable, the plot uniquely woven, and the ended something I never saw coming. All in all, this would have to be one of my most highly recommended YA books, and I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.

events Thursday, February 3 Ben Morris and the Boxcar Chorus @ La Bodega Original College Night @ Texas Hall of Fame Singer/Songwriter Night @ The Village Café Party on the Patio @ Ozona Grill and Bar Karaoke @ Schotzi’s One Red Martian @ Stafford Main St.

Thursday, February 10 Tyler Brown @ La Bodega Original College Night @ Texas Hall of Fame Singer/Songwriter Night & Lone Star Love Potion @ The Village Café Party on the Patio @ Ozona Grill and Bar Karaoke @ Schotzi’s Sabrosa Union @ Stafford Main St.

Friday, February 4 First Friday in Downtown Bryan Claire Domingue @ La Bodega Ryan Beaver CD Release Party @ Texas Hall of Fame Emory Quinn and Push Water @ Schotzi’s Wade Bowen @ Hurricane Harry’s SMUT and Possessed By Paul James @ Stafford Main St.

Friday, February 11 Tyler Cannon @ La Bodega Aaron Watson w/ Jon Wolfe @ Texas Hall of Fame Will Johnson @ The Village Café The Heart is a Lonely Hunter and Meagan Moseley CD Release Party @ Schotzi’s Brandon Rhyder w/ Scooter Brown @ Hurricane Harry’s

Saturday, February 5 The Pan-Ams @ La Bodega Texas Unlimited Band @ Texas Hall of Fame Salsa Dancing @ The Village Café (10pm) Strawberry Jam and A Formal Affair @ Schotzi’s Soldier Tread, Saints of Valory, Flawless Escape and Sounds Under Radio @ Stafford Main St.

Saturday, February 12 Ramoth Giliad @ La Bodega Crossroads @ Texas Hall of Fame Salsa Dancing @ The Village Café (10pm) Brad Copper Band and Aqua Jones @ Schotzi’s Rocky Horror @ Stafford Main St.

Sunday, February 6 Obannon’s Pub Quiz @ Obannon’s Taphouse John Evans Band, Aaron Kothmann, Geoff Spahr @ Stafford Main St. (7pm) Tuesday, February 8 Absolute Karaoke @ O’Bannon’s Taphouse FM 2865 @ Schotzi’s Purple Haze and Kosmic Bluez; the best Jimi and Janis covers @ Stafford Main St.

Sunday, February 13 Obannon’s Pub Quiz @ Obannon’s Taphouse The Selfless Season, Eric Fisher, J. Goodin @ Stafford Main St. (7pm) Tuesday, February 15 Absolute Karaoke @ O’Bannon’s Taphouse Wednesday, February 16 FM 2865 @ La Bodega Comedy Night @ Schotzi’s Casey Donahew Band @ Hurricane Harry’s

Wednesday, February 9 Salsa Lessons @ The Village Café Comedy Night @ Schotzi’s Karaoke with Tyler Cannon @ La Bodega CD Release Party w/ Clayton Gardner @ Hurricane Harry’s Check out maroonweekly.com for more info!

Make sure to submit your events at www.maroonweekly.com www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16

MAROON WEEKLY | 13

14 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com

Fashion Sense:

Arts & Entertainment

H&M Comes to Texas

By Sarabeth Lacy “Why, oh why, does H&M refuse to exist in the Texas market?!” I dolefully lamented after flipping through last December’s Vogue and spotting a voluminous tulle dress created by none other than Lanvin for the Swedish based store. Memories of my first encounter with my would-be staple retailer flooded my mind, and I recalled walking down Berlin’s Kudamm in the summer of 2001 with my fellow high school exchange students. One of my close friends and I made an educated assumption that H&M stood for “Hoch” and “Möglichkeit”, which would literally translate from German to English as “High” and “Possibility”. Okay, perhaps it was not the most educated of assumptions, but we frequented multiple locations scattered throughout Berlin during our three week sojourn so the nickname stuck.

Fast-forward to August 2006, and one would find me raiding the 5th Avenue location in New York, only to repeat such antics the same month in 2009 whilst honeymooning in San Francisco. My appetite for H&M could never fully be satiated, as the elusive store provided fashion forward wardrobe staples along with statement pieces at astonishingly affordable rates. Even the men’s department captured my new husband’s heart that summer.

So why has my beloved chain stubbornly eschewed Texas? Such was the question I posed on my blog, shoesandtattoos.com, and one of my readers delivered a beacon of hope with great, great Christmas tidings.

“H&M is opening a store in Dallas!” Sherrill Mogonye exclaimed. “My friend works at NorthPark Mall and said there is a pop-up H&M open now!”

It was a Christmas miracle! After establishing approximately 2,200 stores in 38 different markets, based on info gathered at H&M. com, Hoch & Möglichkeit had arrived in a forum not thousands of miles and days away from me; in fact, it was in close proximity to

my hometown and destination for the Holidays!

I spared no time in hustling my husband, mother, sister, and her two-week-old son into a crowded NorthPark Mall on December 26th. Actually, “crowded” is quite an understatement; swarming and slightly claustrophobic may be more appropriate, but I was woman on a mission.

The temporary pop-up location near Dillard’s proved a bit underwhelming, but both my husband and I departed with a bundle of sweaters and tops as well as exciting information regarding the permanent two-story location set to open still within NorthPark this coming October. I suppose a location in Houston would better accommodate a potential day trip from B/CS, but beggars cannot, in fact, be choosers.

Should you attempt a pilgrimage to one of my personal fashion Meccas, allow me to more appropriately educate you on the store’s background. As it turns out, H&M is not an abbreviation for “Hoch” and “Möglichkeit”. Shocking, I know.

According to Wikipedia.org, in 1947 Swedish businessman, Erlig Persson, founded a store exclusively for women entitled Hennes, which translates as “Hers” in the establisher’s native tongue. In 1968 Persson obtained Mauritz Widforss, a hunting equipment store, and merged it with Hennes, thereby creating a retailer for both men and women appropriately dubbed Hennes & Mauritz.

The currently abbreviated name seems to be ever expanding; autumn 2010 saw the extension of online sales from the Nordic countries to the UK. We can only hope that the online retail option will soon be made available to us Americans, but for now, we Texans can enjoy a tangible shopping experience in Big D. www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16

MAROON WEEKLY | 15

Brandon Rhyder Texas Country mainstay Brandon Rhyder is ready to bring his signature Texas alt country sound to the Hurricane Harry’s on Friday, February 11. Doors open at 8:00 pm. For ticket information, please visit http:// harrys.bcsclubs.com/.

Many people have come to know Brandon Rhyder’s name and music over the last few years. Regionally he’s definitely a staple of the Texas scene. Brandon Rhyder is different. When you hear the voice you know it’s unmistakably him. When he comes out with a new single you never know what you’re going to get. Brandon Rhyder loves to take you to the top and then jerk the rug out from under you and start the process all over again. Brandon Rhyder doesn’t write for a genre, but rather for the inspiration he receives.

‘I take pride in the songs that I write and want to be able to sing many of them for years to come. I still have a lot to learn and as life presents itself I’ll continue to strive to get better,’ says Brandon.

The album Head Above Water, available now on iTunes and www. brandonryhder.com also includes a bonus DVD featuring an exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of this disc.

headed to

Hurricane Harry’s

Produced by longtime friend and mentor Walt Wilkins, Head Above Water is Brandon’s sixth full-length album and is the follow-up to Every Night. To date, Brandon has delivered 3 Top 20 singles, 2 Top 10 singles, 4 Top 5 singles and now 2 No. 1 singles with “Rock Angel” and “Before I Knew Your Name.”

Whether it is in his writing, performing or everyday life Brandon is always striving to get better. And his unerring dedication continues with the release of the Don William’s cover, “Lord I Hope This Day Is Good” to radio on January 17, 2011. The single will be featured as a bonus studio track on Brandon’s upcoming Live at Billy Bob’s Texas album, scheduled to record on February 25, 2011. This marks a historical event, as this will be the first time that Smith Music Group has released a bonus studio track before the Live at Billy Bob’s recording has taken place!

To learn more about Brandon Rhyder and upcoming tour dates, log on to www.brandonrhyder.com.

16 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com

Sports Aggies sliding fast in wrong direction

By Turner Dawson

It was a rough week for the Aggie basketball team as they dropped two games against Nebraska on the road and Texas at home.

After the fast start that the Aggies had to conference play, the Aggies seem to be cooling off a little bit as of late and some of their weaknesses are beginning to be exposed.

Both games this past week were quite frankly an embarrassment. Nebraska is a much improved team this year over last season but the Aggies are far superior in terms of talent.

But Nebraska beat the Aggies in virtually every aspect of the game. The Aggies had a lower field goal percentage, they were out rebounded by 8, they had twice as many turnovers, fewer assists, fewer blocks, fewer steals, and obviously fewer points. It was a bad night for the Aggies.

Dash Harris played his worst game of the season and he’s had some bad ones so far. Dash finished 2-7 from the field, 0-2 from three and 0-2 from the line with four turnovers and just three assists. I’m baffled as to why he continues to shoot the ball.

It’s like a turnover every time he puts it up.

There is no reason for him to take a shot that is not a lay-up. I cringe every time I see our 17% three-point shooting point guard putting up a jump shot. Dash was far from the reason we lost this game, but his play certainly stood out.

As if that wasn’t enough, the Aggies returned home for their ESPN Big Monday match-up with Texas and laid a big egg on national television. The Aggies got exposed from the very first possession and Texas just ran away with it. The Aggies shot 30% from the field, 8% from three, they were out rebounded and had 9 shots blocked.

Did I mention that every time Dash takes a jumper it is the equivalent of a turnover?

He took 5 three pointers. I’ll let you use your imagination to figure out how many of those he made. And yes he did lead the team in three point attempts.

Another shocking stat was leading scorer Kris Middleton going 0-9 from the field and being held scoreless for the first time all season. It was obvious he was pressing to try and get his team back into the game, but he could not get a ball to go in. It was an ugly night for the whole team.

Two things were obvious after the Texas game: 1. Texas is a very good team, I’m not so sure they couldn’t beat the Cleveland Cavaliers. 2. The Aggies have a lot of things that must improve if they hope to make any sort of run in the tournament.

The Aggies have built their identity around defense and rebounding and getting points where they can. The problem is, the Aggies have been doing an extremely poor job of rebounding in the last couple of games, their defense has been average at best, and their offense looks like a middle of the road high school team. The Aggies have some of the worst guard play in the entire Big 12 and the big guys have been non-factors lately.

The Aggies will have an opportunity to rebound from this rough week as they will be hosting the Baylor Bears on Saturday.

Baylor is a talented team that is lead by their star player and leading scorer Lacedarius Dunn, who is less than popular among Aggie fans after his off-season activities.

Baylor has become a team the Aggies have loved to hate over the last couple of years.

Combine that with Baylor’s hatred of us and how well they always seem to travel to Reed Arena, and it should be an exciting game.

Baylor has the talent to compete with anyone in the country but they have proved to be a very undisciplined team. They still have yet to beat anyone worth mentioning

and their defense is severely lacking. The only chance they have against most above average basketball teams is if Dunn gets extremely hot from three.

The key for the Aggies is obviously going to be shutting down Dunn. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Aggies opt for a little box-and-one defense in which four players play a box zone with one player shadowing Dunn everywhere he goes. Nobody else has stepped up for Baylor a consistent threat, although they have several guys that are dangerous, and they are also easily rattled.

With a rowdy crowd at Reed and some

tough defense on Dunn, I like the Aggies chances in this game.

This game is the start of trying to get things back on track this season. The Nebraska game was a bad performance on the road and Texas is just plain better. This is still a good basketball team that can cause other teams some problems. Coach Turgeon has shown that he can keep a team focused even after a bad stretch in past years and there is no reason to think he won’t get this team back on track. But they need to do it soon.

www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16

MAROON WEEKLY | 17

Photos courtesy of Glen Johnson/Aggie Athletics

Kliesing takes high expectations into senior year

By Ian Sores It’s a typical January evening. There’s an all too common chill in the air and although it’s barely half past 6 o’clock, the sun is well on its way down. For all intents and purposes, it’s still winter. However, as I approach the Aggie Softball Complex and walk up into the bleachers, something begins to change. While watching the Texas A&M Softball Team wrap up evening practice; I am suddenly overwhelmed by the sensation that spring is just around the corner.

There’s a definite energy and excitement on the field that hints of warmer days to come. But that’s not all. There is also something else. There is an unmistakable seriousness of purpose and high expectations.

Following practice, as I sit in the clubhouse and prepare to discuss the upcoming season, I can think of no better example of this wide range of emotions (excitement, energy, and seriousness) than Rhiannon Kliesing. As one of the team’s leading hitters, she’s earned a reputation for making clutch plays when they count the most. But this soft spoken player also allows her exciting play to speak for itself.

When Rhi walks into the room a few minutes later, I fully expect the 5 ’10 senior from Pearland, TX to bring that intensity with her from the practice field.

To my surprise, the very first thing that we discuss is her love of all things Spongebob. “I have the shirt, I have the hat. My rooms decorated with it. I have every episode on DVD,” she says with a laugh, “honestly, it’s probably more like an obsession!”

That being said, when we do move on to the subject of the upcoming season, she becomes all business. She makes it very clear that she has high expectations for her senior season.

“My goals for this season are that I want to win the Big XII Championship. I also want to make the WCWS, College World

18 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com

Sports Series.” She says with a look of absolute determination. She then goes on to add, “I think we have the talent this year. If we can stay focused and take care of the mental things, then I think we can be great.”

The team is currently ranked No. 19 in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 Preseason Poll, so they certainly have a good chance to accomplish those goals. But they also have one of the most difficult schedules in the nation this year. When asked about the key to overcoming such a tough schedule, she simply responds by saying “I think that having our freshman step up and become confident in their abilities, will be the biggest factor. It’s a really talented class and we are going to need them.”

Rhi has quite a bit of expertise when it comes to freshman stepping up when it counts.

“I didn’t come in as a freshman expecting to start, but things fell into place and I was able to make the most of them.” She says modestly.

And by making the most of things, she fails to mention that early on in her freshman year, she pitched her first no-hitter and then recorded a home run in the same game. When asked about that game, she takes a moment to think back and then recalls, “That was against Texas State. That was an exciting game and it was kind of what got my playing time started. I had the opportunity and I was able to make the most it.”

A&M Softball team eventually continued on to the championship game and closed out the season as the runner-up in the WCWS. This year’s team has one of the largest freshman classes ever, so if they are going to have that kind of success, then one or more of them will most likely have to step up similarly this year.

When asked about the impact of such a large incoming class of freshman, she has nothing but great things to say about it.

“It’s actually nice having the extra people.

It gives us more depth. It gives us more options for substitutions, and we won’t have to be worrying about filling spots if people get hurt or injured.”

The large freshman class will also help counter the fact that there are only five seniors on the team this year. Rhi is also prepared to step up fill a leadership role on the team.

“I was team captain last year during my junior year, so I already have that experience under my belt. Now that I’m a senior, I think I’ll be more confident in that role.

for her senior year. This year she hopes to continue focusing on hitting.

“I love hitting. It’s my favorite thing to do. I’d hit all day if I could.”

This emphasis on hitting has also resulted in her spending less time at pitching.

“I’m focusing more on hitting and as a result, I’m finding myself more comfortable playing 1st base; so those two things are what I’m focusing on. I’ll continue to pitch in a relief role, but we’re counting on Mel [Dumezich] and Lindsey [Sisk] to be our two aces.”

She just recently ordered her Aggie ring and is expecting to graduate next December with a degree in Sports Management.

“It would be a really cool experience to get drafted to play in the NPF [National Pro Fast Pitch] league.” But if that does not happen, she is already lined up attend graduate school at Texas A&M, and will remain with the team as a grad assistant. Her sister Adrienne is expected to enroll at Texas A&M as a freshman next year as well, where she

will be a manager for the softball team.

The Texas A&M Softball Team will begin season play on February 11th. Their first home game will be on February 18th, when the Aggies host the Aggie Classic.

Besides working towards a Big XII Championship and a shot at the WCWS, Rhi has many more personal plans

This statement was followed by a brief silence as everyone in the room took a moment to reflect on how truly remarkable an accomplishment that was.

Finally, it just had to be said, “You were given the opportunity to play as a freshman, and all you did was pitch a no hitter and hit a home run in the same game!”

At this point, she simply flashes a large grin and begins to laugh.

Rhi’s strong abilities as a pitcher and as a batter earned her many more achievements during her freshman year; one of which included batting in the winning score during the semi finals of the College World Series. The www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16

MAROON WEEKLY | 19

Sports

Sports Calendar Friday, Feb 4 6:00 PM Men’s Tennis vs Texas at Houston, Texas

Wednesday, Feb 9 8:00 PM Men’s Basketball ESPNU HD vs Colorado at Boulder, Colo.

TBA Men’s Swimming vs Texas at Austin, Texas

7:00 PM Women’s Basketball vs Oklahoma at College Station

TBA Track & Field, Cross Country vs New Balance Collegiate Invitational at New York City, NY

Friday, Feb 11 3:00 PM Softball vs Cal State Fullerton at Tempe, Ariz.

Saturday, Feb 5 1:00 PM Men’s Basketball ESPN vs BAYLOR at COLLEGE STATION

5:30 PM Softball vs Oregon at Tempe, Ariz.

Saturday, Feb 12 12:30 PM Men’s Basketball vs Texas Tech at Lubbock, Texas

2:00 PM Women’s Basketball vs Texas Tech at Lubbock, Texas 1:00 PM Women’s Tennis vs LSU at College Station, Texas

7:00 PM Women’s Basketball vs Kansas at College Station

TBA Track & Field, Cross Country vs New Balance Collegiate Invitational at New York City, NY Sunday, Feb 6 11:00 AM Women’s Soccer vs UTSA at College Station - Soccer Stadium South Field 1:00 PM Women’s Soccer vs Rice at College Station - Soccer Stadium South Field

10:00 AM Softball vs BYU at Tempe, Ariz.

12:30 PM Softball vs Arizona at Tempe, Ariz.

5:00 PM Women’s Soccer vs Stephen F. Austin at College Station, Texas

3:00 PM Women’s Soccer vs Sam Houston State at College Station - Soccer Stadium South Field 20 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com

11:00 AM Women’s Equestrian vs BAYLOR at BRYAN

12:00 PM Track & Field, Cross Country vs Texas A&M Challenge at College Station, Tx 1:00 PM Women’s Tennis vs TCU at College Station, Texas Sunday, Feb 13 10:30 AM Softball vs Bradley at Tempe, Ariz.

1:00 PM Men’s Tennis vs SMU at College Station, Texas 6:00 PM vs St. Edward’s at College Station, Texas Monday, Feb 14 8:00 PM Women’s Basketball vs Baylor at Waco, Texas Wednesday, Feb 16 7:00 PM Men’s Basketball vs IOWA STATE at COLLEGE STATION 2:00 PM Softball vs Stephen F. Austin at Nacogdoches, Texas 4:00 PM Softball vs Stephen F. Austin at Nacogdoches, Texas All Day Men’s Golf vs John A. Burns Intercollegiate at Wahiawa, Hawai’i

Be on the look-out for this sticker around town:

21

Randy Rogers Band Steal You Away (Mercury)

36

Phil Hamilton & the Backroad Drifters Nine Mile (Winding Road)

22

Django Walker Young Enough to Run (DW)

37

Seth Candan/Mike McClure Alright (SC)

23

Jake Kellen If Love Was A Road (Horny Toad)

38

Mike Ryan Slow Hand (Rock and Soul)

24

Granger Smith 5 More Minutes (GS)

39

25

80 Proof Band Tonight (Smith Ent.)

Gary P. Nunn Taking Texas to the Country (Guacamole Records / Campfire Records)

Kevin Fowler Girl In a Truck (Kevin Fowler)

26

Mike McClure Band Halfway Out (BooHatch)

40

Kelly Kenning Nothin’ But Smoke (Davis Group)

27

Jason Cassidy Sounds Like an Angel to Me (JCB)

41

Rankin Twins Headaches and Heartbreaks (RT)

42

TJ Broscoff Jamie’s Heart (BGM)

28

Deryl Dodd You’re Not Lookin’ For (Smith Ent.)

43

Charlie Montague Tomorrow is Gone (CM)

44

Bill Rice Friday Night (Aaron Ave)

45

Steve Helms Band Coast of Colorado (Winding Road)

46

Brandon Rhyder Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good (Smith Ent.)

47

Bo Phillips Band Never (Smith Ent.)

48

Ben Danaher Perfectly in Two (Ambiance)

49

Sean McConnell Lie Baby Lie (SM)

50

Tommy Alverson Texas One More Time (Blue Boot)

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Cory Morrow Brand New Me (APEX Nashville/Write On)

11

No Justice Just Get Going (Carved)

12

Kyle Park All Night (Winding Road)

Josh Abbott Band Oh, Tonight (PDT)

13

Bart Crow Band Should’ve Stayed Away (Smith Ent.)

Brian Keane I’ll Sing About Mine (Independent)

14

Scott Wiggins Band Best Dress (SWB)

29

Rio Grand I Love Beer (Curb)

5

Turnpike Troubadours 7 & 7 (Onward Music)

15

James Lann Every Kiss Goodnight (Ari-Tex)

30

Jamie Richards Easier By Now (Winding Road)

6

Wade Bowen Red Headed Woman (Smith Ent.)

16

Jeff Allen Can’t Trust Myself (Savvy Recordings)

31

Stephanie Urbina Jones Gracias (Texicana)

7

Jon Wolfe Let A Country Boy Love You (Fool Hearted Prod)

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Rosehill Midnight America (Cypress Creek)

32

Jerry Audley Never Say Never (JA)

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Jason Boland & the Stragglers Outlaw Band (APEX Nashville/ Proud Souls)

33

8

Fred Andrews/Honeybrowne Beautiful Waste of Time (Smith Ent.)

Chuck Allen Floyd Good On the Inside (Chief Tecumseh)

Bleu Edmondson No Room for Mercy (American Saint)

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Brandon Rhyder Battery (Reserve)

9

Mark McKinney Home (Winding Road)

34

Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Reward Guitars (Smith Ent.)

20

Sunny Sweeney From A Table Away (Republic Nashville)

35

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Kristen Kelly & the Modern Day Drifters Lost In Yourself (Winding Road)

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MAROON WEEKLY | 21

22 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com

Diversions BCS for Less: Smart Shopping

By Mara Minsberg I recently saw a television program that detailed the lives of self-proclaimed “Extreme Couponers”—these men and women, through their own comprehensive couponing efforts, were able to leave the supermarket with several carts full of food for less than I might pay for a small basket of groceries. While I certainly do not need to assemble large stockpiles of food as the people on this program were wont to do, I was inspired by their general mission: to save money on basic necessities.

The less we spend on edible essentials, the more disposable income we have at our discretion. While standing at the checkout watching my total cost climbing with each scanned item, I often feel a mounting sense of panic as I realize I am spending upwards of $100 for what I had mistakenly assumed was a week’s worth of essentials. With a few simple tips in mind, however, it can be easier than you may think to save a substantial amount on your grocery bills.

Look at Prices It sounds simple, but many of us are guilty of simply seeing an item we want and tossing it into our cart. Appealing packaging can be a major factor in our decision-making while shopping for food. Most grocery stores list price per quantity in small font on their shelf price labels. Take a look at how much food you are getting for the price you are spending. Do not be afraid to buy generic items—they are often made with the same ingredients as brand name products.

Clip Coupons and Check for Sales Coupon clipping can save you money on each grocery shopping trip. Local chains such as Kroger, HEB, and Albertsons all offer online coupon services that you can access through their websites to virtually “clip” and print the coupons you want. At stores like Albertson’s and Kroger, you can also bring along your club card for additional savings.

For those who do not want to comb the stores’ website listings, coupon compilation websites can be an easy way to sort out which grocery store may have deals that interest you. Websites like Coupons.com, ValPack.com, and SmartSource.com offer sortable coupon lists by category and location. If you want an even less laborintensive solution, sites like Penny Pincher Gazette (PPGazette.com) further compiles the aforementioned coupon sites, giving you a comprehensive list of local deals.

Don’t pay for something you can do yourself Most new grocery products appeal to our sense of convenience and the basic principle that we are willing to pay a higher price to do less grunt work. Pre-cooked, pre-seasoned, or pre-cut meat, poultry, fruit, and vegetables often cost significantly more than their more basic counterparts.

If you are willing to cut up a cantaloupe or watermelon on your own, you can get up to three times as much fruit versus the price of pre-sliced melon. It may be more work, but over the course of a year, small savings can add up to more money in your pocket.

Plan a Menu When you are short on time, it may seem like a serious effort to have to decide which meals you would like to eat for a full week.

However, some simple advance planning can save you a lot of money over time. Think of how many meals and snacks you will reasonably eat in that week, and buy just enough items for that plan. It may take a few weeks to get it right, but it will cut down on wasted food and more importantly, wasted money.

For those who live with roommates, try whenever possible to coordinate or share basic grocery items. When each person has his or her own stash of food, your fridge may be crammed with three separate milk cartons—an amount that forces you to race against the expiration date and often to throw out spoiled unused items. Even if you

have trouble agreeing on things, sharing basic perishable items will save you a lot of money and keep you from having to toss so much food.

Always Bring a List This is probably the most important tip for grocery shopping savings, but it is the one many of us are most guilty of breaking. Even if we come in with a list, the supermarket experience can be disorienting; we often end up with items in our cart we throw in on an impulse. Just like with the previous menu planning tip, the most important part is to stick with your plan. It may seem boring and less than spontaneous, but you will be pleased to find fewer surprises during checkout.

Consider an Online Budgeting Tool If you are still struggling with your budget, you may want to check out free online budgeting tools like Mint.com. These services can be set to automatically email or text you when you exceed your preset budget for the month in any given category, including groceries. While they cannot stop you from spending the money, a reminder can help put you back on track with your financial plan.

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MAROON WEEKLY | 23

Cheap and easy Penne in Homemade Vodka Sauce

By Autumn Dawson

This week’s delicious meal for the non-gourmet chef, on the average broke college student’s budget: Penne in Homemade Vodka Sauce Yes, I’m aware the title of the dish sounds a little overwhelming—“homemade” usually falling into the Shudder-Inducing-Category that includes words like Finals, Organic Chem, and Cops after 2am—but I promise this is an exception.

Although, I would recommend that you actually like vodka, as it’s the most expensive ingredient and by no means will you use the entire bottle preparing this dish. So give it a shot, worst case scenario, you have a nearly full bottle of vodka that needs to be consumed.

Serving Size: 3-4 girls, or 1-2 guys Preparation Method: Stove (oven optional) Preparation Time: 35 minutes Total Cook Time: 35 Minutes Difficulty Level: If you graduated from middle school, I’m sure you can handle it Ingredients: • 1/4 cup Vodka • 1 Tablespoon olive oil • 1 onion (chopped) • 1 can of diced tomatoes.

• 1 cup heavy cream • 1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper • 1 pound Penne pasta *Optional: 1/4 cup Parmesan (freshly grated preferred), 1 Tablespoon fresh chives (minced) Directions 1. Pour oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat (Add about a tablespoon of butter if you have it to hand). Add onion and sauté until translucent and slightly browned. Add tomatoes and cook until almost no liquid remains in pan, stirring frequently.

2. Add cream, vodka and red pepper and boil until thickened to sauce consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Sauce can be prepared 1 day ahead, covered, and refrigerate.)

3. Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain well.

4. Transfer to a large bowl. Bring sauce to a simmer. Pour over pasta and toss well. (Optional: place dish in oven for 5-7 minutes) 5. Sprinkle with Parmesan and chives, serve, and enjoy!

24 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com

Diversions

Nightlife attractions in February

By Kassie Cessna If you come across a night where you can go out and don’t have classes the day after, you might not know what to do. Well living in a college town there are plenty of things to do at night. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Country music is the biggest type of music here in College Station and there are plenty of concerts coming to town this month.

On February 4th, this Friday, Wade Bowen is at Hurricane Harry’s. On the 16th, Casey Donahew Band comes to Harry’s, and on the 18th Josh Abbott Band comes to Harry’s.

Tickets are available online at bcsclubs.com and at the door.

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available at the Hall in Bryan or at Cavender’s Boot City next to the mall. Be sure to get one in advanced, because these shows will most likely sell out.

If country music isn’t your thing then downtown Bryan offers alternative things to do with alternative music. On Wednesdays at Revolution’s in Bryan they have open mic at 10 pm and a wide variety of artists play. A personal favorite is their poetry night on Sunday night at 9 pm.

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Also The Village and Art979 Gallery displays local artists, and serves Texas beer.

Murphy’s Law in downtown Bryan also has local bands that play periodically and the save up to $90 on smartphones Down the road at the Texas Hall of Fame on Stafford plays a lot of alternative music and the 11th, Aaron Watson is in concert and sometimes hosts poetry slams. Be sure to on the 18th Reckless Kelly plays. Tickets are check out those as well.

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There’s always plenty to do in College Station and Bryan, so there’s something out there for everyone! Get out and enjoy the many things to do this month!

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If these things aren’t your cup of tea, Messina Hof offers wine tours for $5 and it includes several tastings of wine, and a nice tour of the vineyards. It’s a nice evening out that’s relatively cheap.

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Rate plan contains a 1GB data usage level. Once you reach your usage level your speeds will be reduced. Visit mycricket.com/fairuse for details.

Rate plan contains a 1GB data usage level. Once you reach your usage level your speeds will be reduced. Visit mycricket.com/fairuse for details.

Coverage not available everywhere. We may limit or terminate your service without prior notice if you no longer reside and have a mailing address in a Cricketowned network coverage area or if a majority of your voice and/or data usage is on a partner network during the previous month. Device: Limited time offer; subject to change. Cricket Visa® Prepaid Cards are issued by MetaBank™ pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. This card does not have cash access and can be used at any merchant that accepts Visa debit cards. Card valid through date shown on front of card. Terms, conditions and other restrictions apply.

Excludes sales tax. Comparison based on AT&T’s Unlimited Nation Plan plus DataPro smartphone package and Verizon’s Unlimited Nationwide Plan plus smartphone data package. BlackBerry is a registered trademark of Research In Motion Limited and is registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world. Android™ is a trademark of Google, Inc. © 2011 Cricket Communications, Inc.

Coverage not available everywhere. We may limit or terminate your service without prior notice if you no longer reside and have a mailing address in a Cricketowned network coverage area or if a majority of your voice and/or data usage is on a partner network during the previous month. Device: Limited time offer; subject to change. Cricket Visa® Prepaid Cards are issued by MetaBank™ pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. This card does not have cash access and can be used at any merchant that accepts Visa debit cards. Card valid through date shown on front of card. Terms, conditions and other restrictions apply.

Excludes sales tax. Comparison based on AT&T’s Unlimited Nation Plan plus DataPro smartphone package and Verizon’s Unlimited Nationwide Plan plus smartphone data package. BlackBerry is a registered trademark of Research In Motion Limited and is registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world. Android™ is a trademark of Google, Inc. © 2011 Cricket Communications, Inc.

710 University Drive East • 979-691-8501 • rosascafe.com

www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16

MAROON WEEKLY | 25

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Gorillaz Christmas Gift Doesn’t Need Repackaging

By Chris Zebo Gorillaz, riding on the heels of their successful third studio release this past March, Plastic Beach, dropped a free 15-song album into our virtual stockings Christmas Day. Recorded and mixed completely on an iPad by front man Damon Albarn while on the North American leg of their recent tour, “The Fall” (named after the season, not the Biblical event) strays far away from the hip-hop funk of Plastic Beach and deep into the realm of…(hold your breath)…easy music (now exhale and scratch your head).

“I literally made it on the road in America over a month,” says Albarn. “I didn’t write it before; I didn’t prepare it. I just did it day by day as a kind of diary of my experience in America.”

Unfortunately for Albarn, there are very few (if any) peaks on this road-trip album full

of valleys. And though critics and bloggers are decrying it as “experimental” easy music, it can be called easy music in more ways than one. It’s “easy music” in the genre sense because it’s mostly smooth and down tempo. It could soundtrack a dentist’s waiting room or the inside of a crowded elevator (if those waiting rooms and elevators existed in a hipper alternative universe). But it’s also “easy” music for the lack of inspiration and effort that must have gone into almost every song--what some listeners on the interweb have started calling “lazy” music.

“Detroit” is an upbeat, quirky, electronic dance track that doesn’t seem to be portraying anything palpable from the city landscape it’s named after. In fact, most songs--many named after places in the country--don’t seem to capture any real essence of the places they’re named after.

No cows mooing in “Amarillo”, no rusting factories rotting in “Detroit”, no wind or

verticality in “Shy Town” (a lesser-known nickname for Chicago). Only “California and the Slipping of the Sun” in its wistful atmosphere of lethargic organs and Albarn’s droning voice drowning in a synthesized smog really suggests the Golden State sun setting.

The road Gorillaz traveled on this album is certainly inward, not outward. The geography, the cities and the people of America are all crammed into the backseat of this road trip album. It seems another affect of being on the road takes the wheel in this conceptual voyage. It’s that feeling of mental fogginess you get from passing through numerous places without ever stopping long enough to figure them clearly in your mind; the fatigued of the welltraveled road, of the mundane transactions of checking in and out of hotel rooms, of unpacking and repacking your bags, of watching the world pass by in an ethereal,

monotonous blur through the car window.

Like staring into the streaming blur out the window, nothing on this album really captures your attention. It all just passes by and the songs amble along listlessly from one place to another. You can’t help but wish they would have pulled over long enough to reflect for a minute.

Gorillaz have humored the idea of a physical release of The Fall in coming months. But why bother with the repackaging of a mediocre album when people can download it for free?

www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16

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