contents
12.11-12.17
meet the team PUBLISHER Chris Shepperd BUSINESS MANAGER Leisha Shepperd EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chris Zebo ASSISTANT EDITOR Cheyenne Mueller PHOTOGRAPHER Asad Panjwani STAFF WRITERS Drew Knight Katie Lea Joshua Russell
MARKETING INTERNS Cody Carlsen Valeria Cenoz Daniella Delgado Cecilia Garcia Rachel Pickering Connie Song
Essentials: Listen Play Discover Look
Cover: 4 12 19 20
6
A lot has changed in just one year in Aggieland. We take a walk down memory lane and touch on a few of the things that made 2014 a year to remember.
WRITING INTERNS Eunice De Luna Kate Williams DISTRIBUTION Cody Atkinson Lindsay Cox Randy Shepperd
Maroon Weekly is an independent, publication and is not affiliated with Texas A&M University. Maroon Weekly receives no student fees or university funding.
Music: Film: 4 - Wu-Tang is back with a 8 - Happy Christmas new release after 21 years, and Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward’s latest release is retro and chill.
is an honest holiday film, complete with a dysfunctional family, alcohol, and relationship drama.
What!?: 9 - America’s self-
proclaimed Spider-Man dies at 35, a hamster destroys a car, and a monkey needs a new home.
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 or typographical errors. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express consent of the publisher. © Copyright 2014 Campus Press LP
Music Reviews
Wu-Tang Clan
The clan is back. Twenty-one years after the release of their debut album, 36 Chambers, the nine members of the Wu-Tang released their sixth studio album, A Better Tomorrow. Wu-Tang is known as one of hip-hop’s most influential groups of all time. All from New York, the hip-hop all-stars—RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, Cappadona, and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard—were one of the last bastions of Northeast urban hip hop before things went south, literally and figuratively.
Album: A Better Tomorrow
Release Date:
Their hardcore edge and nearly perfect flow revolutionized the hip-hop scene, laying the path for heavyweights like Notorious B.I.G., Mobb Deep, and Jay-Z.
Dec. 2, 2014
Recommended Tracks:
By Eunice De Luna
Miracle A Better Tomorrow
Brad Paisley Public Enemy
Unlike previous releases, Tomorrow takes a detour from the group’s signature sound. Tracks are slower and more soulful, with domineering arrangements that sometimes drown out the lyrics. But then there are tracks such as “Miracle” that are reminiscent of Wu-Tang’s halcyon days. A piano leads off soft and slow while Inspectah Deck takes the first verse. “A Better Tomorrow” is another hot track off the album, a reflection on their change in musical direction. The song has a catchy jazz chorus with tambourine and DJ scratches, giving the track a 70s vibe that reaches beyond their own legacy. Tomorrow is definitely not the Wu-Tang from the 90s, and if you’re expecting a 36 Chambers redux...you won’t get one.
Brad Paisley George Ezra
Brad ShePaisley & Him
Album:
EP: Cassy O
EP: Classics
Release Date: Nov 24, 2014
Release Date: March 14, 2014
Release Date: Dec. 2, 2014
By Eunice De Luna
By Kate Williams
By Kate Williams
It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
Public Enemy re-released their highly successful sophomore album, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back with a DVD in November. Hold Us Back was originally released in ‘88, a year after their debut album Yo! Bum Rush the Show launched PE onto the scene. Their sophomore effort proved to be better than their first, producing two hit singles (“Don’t Believe the Hype” and “Bring the Noise”) and being voted album of the year in The Village Voice’s influential Pazz & Jop critic’s poll. Hold Us Back is considered one of the greatest and most influential rap albums of all time. It’s praised for its ferocious bass and fusion of free jazz, funk, and samples. The balance of serious-to-comedic struck by MCs Chuck D and Flavor Flav is the stuff of rap legend at this point.
Blues and pop shake hands with George Ezra’s sultry voice on his newest EP, Cassy O . Famous for his song “Budapest”, which topped charts all over the world, Ezra is introducing a whole new flavor of music. Cassy O is a nice compilation of subtle, somber, blues and new age Americana. The album gets progressively slower as you travel down the playlist. Spotify now offers a live session of “Budapest” that showcases even more of Ezra’s natural talent with a guitar and his impeccable vocal range. If you like “Take Me to Church” by Hoizer, you will definitely enjoy this 21-year-old’s music. He sounds much older than he is, and his old soul certainly shines through on Cassy O.
pg 4 • MAROON WEEKLY • Dec. 10, 2014 • maroonweekly.com
Simple guitar work, slow drums, and fast fingers dance across keys on Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward’s latest release. The duo’s sound is like stepping into a time machine that takes you back to an age when pop was still simple and yet with gravity. Not lacking in soul and jazz, the two go more retro than an Instagram filter with a compilation of classic songs that channel Bing Crosby and Herb Albert. With two fulllength albums and a Christmas album under their belt, the two are dedicated to bringing classy back on this release. It’s a bit on the slow side, but it’s perfect for studying or quiet background music at a Christmas party. She & Him is ideal for the Doris Day and Aretha Franklin lovers of the world or for anyone that wants to slow the world down for a bit.
at
THE TAP By Eunice De Luna
Texas country star Roger Creager is coming to The Tap on Thursday, December 18. He’s known for his wild, full-band shows, but his performance on the 18th will be a little different. He’ll be playing solo, sitting behind a piano, and taking requests from the audience. It’ll be a good ol’ fashioned “sing-along”, and knowing Creager’s sense of humor, you can expect a lot of banter and beer swigging. A graduate of Texas A&M, Creager started his career on the wave of the 90s’ Texas music revolution. The release of his first album, Having Fun All Wrong, in ’98 helped him become a household name in the Lone Star. Since then, he’s amassed a loyal following and six more successful albums. Doors open up at 10pm and tickets are $10, which can be purchased at tapbcs.com.
the scoop WHAT: ROGER CREAGER WHERE: THE TAP WHEN: DEC. 18 @ 10PM
The Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts
Roger Creager
Spring 2015 Events January 29, 2015
Actors From The London Stage February 12, 2015
Black Violin
February 26, 2015
Ragamala Dance presents Sacred Earth March 26, 2015
The Intergalactic Nemesis April 9, 2015
Koresh Dance presents Come Together April 16, 2015
The Neuland Artist Lecture Tickets may be purchased at the MSC Box Office (http://boxoffice.tamu.edu/ or 979,845,1234). More information about performances, lectures and tickets is available at http://academyarts.tamu.edu.
All Performances & Lectures: 7 PM All performances held in Rudder Theatre, except The Intergalactic Nemesis in Rudder Auditorium. Lectures held in Geren Auditorium. Performances: Students $5, General Admission $10 Lectures: Free to all attendees. (schedule subject to change)
For more information, call 979.847.2787 avpa@tamu.edu v academyarts.tamu.edu w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / AV PA a t TA M U
It’s Time For
maroonweekly.com • Dec. 10, music 2014 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 5 dance theatre visual art
A Look Back at 2014 and Visions of 2015 By Valeria Cenoz, Rachel Pickering, and Joshua Russell
A lot has changed in just one year in Aggieland. We're gonna take a walk down memory lane and touch on a few of the things that made 2014 a year to remember. You might be surprised by all that's happened—and you might have even forgotten some of them.
also continues to grow and prosper. Downtown Bryan was recently deemed one of the twenty-six cultural districts in Texas by the Texas Commission for it’s focus on art, music, and culture.
Bye Bye, Bowtie Sadly, 2014 marked the end to the bowtie era as we had to say goodbye to beloved Texas A&M president Dr. Loftin. Since Loftin’s departure, interim president Dr. Hussey has lead the university as A&M continues to be one of Texas’--and the country's—best universities.
Open for Business College Depot moved to a bigger location with a larger selection of everything Aggieland. Although Inspirations at the mall closed, the Howdy store opened in its place, and Sephora is now open in JCPenney. Fitness freaks rejoiced when Planet Fitness opened two locations in BCS and Aerofit opened its huge new complex on Longmire. The Collection, a women’s clothing store, is now open off George Bush in place of the closed Traditions bookstore. Aggieland Outfitters opened a revamped location on University where the original store once stood, raising the largest flying A&M flag in the region.
Bye Bye, Reveille It was also announced that the 2014-2015 academic year would be Reveille VII’s last full year as A&M’s first lady. Who can forget the moment when her handler, Ryan Kreider, made one of the best plays on the football field this year, jumping in front of an SMU player and saving Miss Reveille from potential injury. Hat's off to you, Ryan. We'll never forget. Bryan's Got Culture As College Station grows due to an influx of students and SEC national attention, C-Stat's sister city, Bryan,
pg 6 • MAROON WEEKLY • Dec. 10, 2014 • maroonweekly.com
The Gates of North Daisy Dukes is under new ownership and now called Boulevard 217. After a wild night on the Gate, you can now detox at Juice Joint, a smoothie, juice bar, Internet café located on the strip of bars where you gratuitously damaged your liver. Blackwater Draw Brewing Company on Boyett brought brewpub culture to the bar crawl, and La Bodega
recently closed with plans of having a new location in 2015. A new whiskey bar, Rough Draught, is slated for an opening in 2015. Food Coma 2014 has been the year of food. Torchy’s, Babylon Cafe, MOOYAH Burgers, Salata, Saltgrass Steakhouse, Willie’s, Smitty K’s, Paolo’s Italian Kitchen, and Smashburger on A&M’s campus are just few o f the new places to grub. Boston’s, Taz Indian Cuisine (Downtown Bryan location), Harold’s Hot Dogs, 88 Bistro, and Luby’s have all closed. Cafe Eccell has moved to a larger location on Texas Avenue, and Wafology—a new food truck—has been one of a few new trucks to hit the street (we need more of them, many more). The seafood industry is planning to invade College Station in 2015 by opening Pappadeaux’s Seafood Kitchen and Joe’s Crab Shack (where Boston's used to be). Dunkin' Donuts, Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill, Toastie’s Sub Shop, and Kreuz Market are all highly-anticipated openings in 2015.
should come as no surprise that women's track and field led the way in the spring sports, as they won their fourth national title in six years. Men's track and field finished third overall. The women's basketball team continued their winning streak as they reached the Elite Eight before falling to UConn.
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The baseball team advanced to Regionals and generated excitement by upsetting the host school. The Aggies were down 6-0 to the #12 Rice Owls going into the bottom of the 7th before mounting a comeback and eventually winning the game 9-8 in extra innings. The fall season kicked off with plenty of excitement as the football team upset #9 ranked South Carolina in week one and then opened up the partially renovated Kyle Field against Lamar. The stadium looked awesome and the Aggie faithful packed it in this season.
Caffeine Scene Many shed caffeinated tears when Muldoon’s closed this year, but Lupa’s Coffee is becoming a new hotspot in the Planet Fitness shopping center. Poor Yorick’s in Evans Library closed and Starbucks opened in its place. Starbucks also opened a new drive-thru location off of Highway 6 and Rock Prairie, and people say it's one of the best sitdown 'Bucks in town. Downtown Bryan saw the opening of Harvest Coffee Bar this year, and the place serves quite a cup of Joe (try the Slo Bru if you need to stay up all night). Kick, Pass, Run The new stadium. Wow. You've all seen the pics, and we all know the football locker rooms and environs are better than most of the hotels we've ever stayed in. Aggie sports had another banner year in 2014 as they added a national championship to the history books. It
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While Kyle Field was setting state records for attendance, the soccer team put together the greatest season in their history by finishing 22-32 and winning the SEC regular season and tournament championship. They made it further than any previous team in school history in the NCAA Tournament, making it all the way to the semifinals of the College Cup.
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The volleyball team made some noise of their own, too, as they dished out some early season upsets on the West Coast and finished the season 21-9. They return all but one starter next year.
maroonweekly.com • Dec. 10, 2014 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 7
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pg 8 • MAROON WEEKLY • Dec. 10, 2014 • maroonweekly.com
America’s selfproclaimed SpiderMan dies at 35
Newly bought hamster causes owner hundreds in damaging escape
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota – Joseph Purmort, a 35-year-old from Minnesota, recently lost his battle with cancer. But just before his death, he wrote an obituary for himself revealing one of his biggest secrets: He was the man behind the mask of the Amazing Spider-Man.
EXETER, Devon – After getting a taste of pet shop freedom when she was purchased by a human, Poppy the hamster saw her chance for escape on the way to her new home – and it cost her new owner hundreds of British pounds. On the journey home, Poppy chewed her way out of a cardboard box, gnawed through a handbag, and burrowed behind the interior paneling of the car. When she noticed the hamster was missing, 22-year-old Steph Phillips took her vehicle to a mechanic. Phillips said mechanics had to strip the car and were able to find the rascal rodent hiding behind a fascia, but she suffered a fractured leg. Phillips took her to a vet where she received an operation, which ran up her bill even more, she said. “It’s been quite an amazing few days with our new pet,” Phillips said. “We are so grateful to those who helped.”
Military Medicine
Infamous Ikea monkey in need of a new home SUNDERLAND, Ontario – In 2012, Darwin the monkey became an Internet sensation when he was photographed staring longingly out of an Ikea dressed in a dashing sheepskin coat. But after being sent to a primate sanctuary soon after, he is now in need of a new home. Darwin was moved to Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, which is now looking for donations to move him and 41 other monkeys to a new place of residence with more open areas and forested enclosures. Darwin, a Japanese macaque, was found in the furniture store after escaping from his owner’s parked car two years ago. He was later transferred to the sanctuary with his owner’s permission, even though it is illegal to own an exotic animal in Canada. The sanctuary launched an Indiegogo campaign to collect funds and wrote on their website that their proposed new farm has “45 acres of rolling hills with trees aplenty and ample space for indoor and outdoor areas for all of our residents.”
Soldiers undoubtedly face great risks when on the battlefield; one of which is death from internal bleeding. Getting to a medical facility following injury can take anywhere from a half hour to an hour, and according to Akhilesh Gaharwar, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at TAMU, “this hour is crucial” and “can decide life or death.” In the case of deep internal injury, slowing the bleeding is not as simple as just putting pressure on the wound.
B
It’s a good thing that researchers from Texas A&M, Harvard, and the a Massachusetts Institute of Technology e L e i y Kat
(MIT) are working on a solution. By combining nanotechnology and biomedical engineering, these researchers have managed to create an injectable gel that will target the wound site and facilitate coagulation. In some instances testing resulted in a 77 percent decrease in the amount of time it takes blood to clot. The gel works well because of the tiny little nanoplatelets the team has placed inside of it. This allows the gel to be injected smoothly into the body and expedite the gel’s interaction with the blood at the wound site. The concentrated dose is much preferred over something that would
The obituary published in the “StarTribune” reads “Purmort, Aaron Joseph, age 35, died peacefully at home on November 25 after complications from a radioactive spider bite that led to years of crime-fighting and a yearslong battle with a nefarious criminal named Cancer, who has plagued our society for far too long. Civilians will recognize him best as Spider-Man, and thank him for his many years of service protecting our city.” His wife, Nora Purmort, wrote about the obituary on her blog: “Before Purmort died, we had time to sit down and write this obituary,” she wrote. “I’ve never laughed and cried more in one sitting, but I’m so glad we got to do this. I love this man so damn much.”
catalyze broader, body-wide coagulation. Other non-targeted injections risk forming unintended and possibly even harmful clots. Gaharwar says the “material’s combination of injectability, rapid mechanical recovery, physiological stability, and the ability to promote coagulation result in a hemostat for treating incompressible wounds in outof-hospital, emergency situations.” Even though this is already a huge advantage in military medicine, the team hopes to develop the gel even further to help regenerate damaged tissues by forming new blood vessels.
maroonweekly.com • Dec. 10, 2014 •MAROON WEEKLY • pg 9
pg 10 • MAROON WEEKLY • Dec. 3, 2014 • maroonweekly.com
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THURSDAY
ROGER CREAGER Creager is back in Aggieland. This time he will be at The Tap on Dec. 18th.
SUNDAY
TUESDAY
Join Met Opera singer Emily Pulley on Friday Dec. 14 for this Holiday Concert.
Connect with 7,000 of your closest friends in Reed Arena for Breakaway.
HOLIDAY POPS
BREAKAWAY
WEEKLY // PICKS WEEKLY EVENTS
FIND MORE AT: WWW.MAROONWEEKLY.COM/EVENTS
pecan cookies, Chambord truffles made by Truman Chocolates, and Palmier drizzled with Papa Paulo Port Fudge. If you have a sweet tooth and want to wash it down with vino, this is the place to be. MESSINA HOF 4:00PM
BCS natives, that somewhere is the Village Café. You can perform yourself, or just sit and listen to the region’s up-and-coming songwriters.VILLAGE CAFÉ 10:00 PM
PIANO BAR
KARAOKE
Got a song you’ve been dying to hear all day? Request it at the Tap’s piano bar night and you’ll probably hear it performed by the resident duo’s knack for covers. $10 to get in, and cheap drinks all night. THE TAP 9:30PM
SUNDAY MICCHECK
Whether you’re the future Dr. Seuss, E.E. Cummings, or an inspired English major with something to say, Mic Check is a haven for wordsmiths every Sunday night. Everyone is invited to take the mic or just simply listen. REVOLUTION CAFÉ AND BAR 8:30 PM
MONDAY
TRIVIA NIGHT
Bring six of your friends and enjoy a night full of trivia and happy hour prices. You can prep for every trivia night by joining the Trivia Night at Revolution Café and Bar Facebook group, where you’ll find clues
about themes for the evening. REVOLUTION CAFÉ AND BAR 9:00 PM
TUESDAY
TOUR DE WINES
ICalling all wine snobs. Get your passport and complete the Tour de Wines at Messina Hof where you’ll learn about cabs, merlots, and everything else on vines at the winery. MESSINA HOF 4:00 PM
WEDNESDAY
CHOCOLATE NIGHT
Taste three different wines alongside two chocolate desserts. Each night features something different, such as a port infused dark chocolate truffle, chocolate
FRIDAY There is never a dull moment on Thursday nights at the Beer Joint. The Beer Joint has shuffleboards, billiards, and a professional dart alley if you’re afraid to grab the mic. THE BEER JOINT 8:00 PM
SALSA DANCING
MOONLIT TOUR
THURSDAY
SATURDAY
Want to be rewarded for all of your hard work and dedication to Texas A&M ? Show your Aggie ring/ID for free tastes of Messina Hof’s “Aggie Network”wines and take advantage of happy hour pricing until 9pm. MESSINA HOF 4:00 PM
Voted “Best Night of Dancing” for three years, the Village Cafe’s popular Salsa Saturdays begins with a fun (and often hilarious) 30-minute “Crash Course Salsa Lesson” at 10pm. In a half hour, you learn enough to get down on the dance floor. No partner or experience necessary. After the lesson, the dance floor turns into a sizzling hot party until 2am. VILLAGE CAFÉ 10:00 PM
Voted “Best Night of Dancing” for three years, the Village Cafe’s popular Salsa Wednesdays begins with a 1.5 hour salsa lesson followed by dancing til midnight. No partner or experience necessary, just take your legs. If you’re over 21, bring your ID for sangria, wine, and beer specials each week. VILLAGE CAFÉ 8:00PM
AGGIE NIGHT OUT
SINGER/SONGWRITER Everyone starts somewhere. For many
Go for a casual, evening stroll around Messina Hof’s Bryan Estate Vineyard & Resort. Learn about the history of Texas’ most awarded winery, view the romantic Villa and gourmet Vintage House restaurant, and see where the wines are made. Afterward, indulge in flights of three wines paired with three tapas. $25. MESSINA HOF 7:00 PM
SALSA DANCING
maroonweekly.com • Dec. 10, 2014 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 13
Girls Night Out @ Hurricane Harry’s By Connie Song
If you’ve seen Magic Mike, you remember the awkwardness you felt throughout the entire movie. Well, while you are patiently waiting for the sequel to grace the big screen, sate your appetite with “Girls Night Out, The Show” at Hurricane Harry’s on January 5th. First thing’s first – these guys are NOT the Chippendales nor do they look like them. So if you think you’re getting the full Vegas show, sorry to disappoint: you’re not. However, some of the men were part of the Chippendales, while some are from Men of Playgirl, Manpower, Men of Thunder, and Hunks. Who are the latter? No idea, but “Girls Night Out” features the “absolute best performers in the business.” So don’t worry; you’re not paying to watch amateur night. If you love “firemen” and “policemen” performing synchronized dance routines to cheesy music sans shirts and pants, get your dollar bills ready. General admission is $15 while VIP Seats are $30.
the scoop WHAT: GIRLS NIGHT OUT WHERE: HURRICANE HARRY’S WHEN: JAN. 5 pg 14 • MAROON WEEKLY • Dec. 10, 2014 • maroonweekly.com
Sparkling
loose Diamond sale
By Drew Knight December 12 at 8pm
Round Diamonds
Upcoming Shows
0.70ct retail $3,150
sale $2,350
0.79ct retail $3,950
sale $2,499
0.90ct retail $6,500
sale $4,899
1.01ct retail $5,959
sale $4,025
1.20ct retail $9,900
sale $6,699
Shinyribs A Grand Stafford favorite, a Shinyribs show is an exaltation of spirit. It’s a hip-shaking, bellylaughing, soul-singing, down-home house party They will be playing with a 7-piece band with horns, a brand new lineup that Grand Stafford Theater has yet to experience.
1.50ct retail $15,900
sale $10,750
December 13 at 8pm
2.05ct retail $26,700
sale $18,099
Homebrew Live featuring: The Inators With inspirations like The Replacements, Gin Blossoms, Cheap Trick and a dash of The Beatles, The Inators produce rock ‘n’ roll that is a bit power pop and a bit pop punk; it’s sweet, hopeful, and even edgy. Critical Misfire In a town full of country and heavy metal, Critical Misfire fills the gap between the two factions. Steeped in ‘90s grunge and pop punk, this band will draw you in with catchy hooks and a hard, driving delivery. BAMH If you’ve never seen a one-man metal band, you’re in luck: Bryan’s own BAMH is your chance.
December 20 at 8pm
Princess Diamonds
0.51ct retail $1,400 1.00ct retail $4,000
sale $899
sale $2,499
Oval Diamond
1.03ct retail $4,000
sale $2,799
Cushion Diamond
1.03ct retail $5,665
sale $3,900
Tonight is all about local, home-grown rock. Local acts Distance, Here (a band that just wants us all to love each other), A Deathbed Promise, and Forever Today will show you just what Bryan-College Station rock is.
the scoop WHAT: DECEMBER SHOWS WHERE: GRAND STAFFORD THEATER WHEN: DEC. 12 - DEC. 20
1501 University Dr. East #100 • 979-691-0677 Store Hours: Monday - Saturday 10a.m. to 6p.m.
(Starbucks Center across from Home Depot) In Store FInancIng avaIl able
maroonweekly.com • Dec. 10, 2014 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 15
Is there life after football season? What will you do on Saturdays now that Aggie football is over?
KRISTEN ENGLAND I will probably get more sleep and watch more Netflix.
Holiday Pops Concert By Kate Williams
KENNY FREELAND I will sleep in, mosey around during the day, and look for something to do at night--going out, a movie, or just doing something with friends.
HOPE MARASIGAN I am going to sleep in, stay in bed probably for a good 2 or 3 hours watching Netflix or Gossip Girl, or something like that. Then I’ll maybe take my dog to the dog park and fall asleep again.
KATE HERROD Normally, when it’s football season, I tend to cook a lot and have people over; it’s like my big social day. Without it, I’ll probably have to find a new hobby or find a new reasons to have people over.
pg 16 • MAROON WEEKLY • Dec. 10, 2014 • maroonweekly.com
It’s that time of year again and The Holiday Pops concert this Friday, December 14 at 5pm will be featuring Christmas favorites such as Silent Night” and “Deck the Halls”. A cookie reception will be taking place immediately following the concert hosted by the Friends Association of the Symphony Orchestra. The event will feature Metropolitan Opera star Emily Pulley, organist James Faith, the Sanctuary Choir and Canticle Bells of Christ United Methodist Church, and the College Station Varsity Girls Choir. The Pops concert is separate from the subscription season and is not included in the purchase price of regular season tickets. Adult and child admission ranges between $10-$15.
the scoop WHAT: HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT W/ EMILY PULLEY WHERE: CHRIST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH WHEN: DEC. 14 @ 5PM
TEXAS GRAND SLAM
11.07.12 | maroonweekly.com | pg 23
there’s an
#APP4THAT BATTERY DOCTOR - BY RACHEL PICKERING Does your phone die when you least expect it? You deserve to know when your phone is about to RIP, and you can do so by downloading Battery Doctor. The app can extend your battery life up to 50% by monitoring and regulating your phone’s power consumption. The app finds other apps and settings that drain power on your phone. It’ll provide you detailed battery information, and the info will allow you to make proper adjustments to your phone. In addition, the memory scan and junk clean up will help you save extra space by cleaning and deleting clutter. (Before deleting anything, you have the option of setting your preferences so only certain files/folders will be scanned for clean up.)
COST: FREE
Battery Doctor also tells users how long your battery will last under a variety of situations. For example, if you are playing a game on your phone, it will let you know how much power the game is using. The app also keeps a log of how often you fully charge your phone and what features you can turn on/off to extend the battery life. HANX WRITER - BY CONNIE SONG Clickity, clack, clack. Fueled by his love for the typewriter, Tom Hanks (yes, Forrest Gump himself) developed Hanx Writer, an app that mimics old-school typing machines. Yes, there was a reason why the typewriter went away, but the cons of the machine were taken into consideration and modified for this app. For instance, you can now delete your typos and go back and edit your horrible grammar instead of having a document covered Xs. However, if you’re a fan of the Xs, there’s an option to have them, too. In addition, you can also export documents you’ve typed with the app. Hanx Writer can also be used in other apps if you’re solely using the app for the sounds COST: FREE (which is pretty nostalgic, but some people can’t write without them). ZEN SHOPPING - BY DANIELLA DELGADO Want to make holiday shopping a breeze? With Zen Shopping, you can have your own personal shopping assistant straight on your phone. It has a variety of features to make your online shopping experience simple and expedient. Among these features are a price comparison calculator, where Zen automatically recognizes the product you’re looking for and searches other stores to find the most affordable option. Zen also automatically provides you with the best coupons for the store you are shopping at prior to checkout. Zen notifies you of deals tailored to your shopping interests. The app also has a package tracking feature, so you can keep track of the delivery status of all your precious merchandise. Avoid the COST: FREE long lines and crazy crowds and do all of your shopping from the comfort of your own phone with Zen Shopping this holiday season.
pg 18 • MAROON WEEKLY • Dec. 10, 2014 • maroonweekly.com
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By Cheyenne Mueller
Happy Christmas Netflix (R) With the holidays fast approaching, it’s time to bring out the Christmas films, and Happy Christmas brings a family together again…with lots and lots of alcohol. Jenny (Anna Kendrick, Pitch Perfect) has just broken up with her boyfriend. We don’t know why or who the guy is, but her heart is broken and it’s the holidays, which means being newly single definitely sucks. She comes to Chicago to stay with her brother, Jeff (Joe Swanberg, You’re Next), his wife, Kelly (Melanie Lynskey, The Perks of Being a Wallflower), and their infant son, Jude. Her first night there, she attends a house party with her friend Carson (Lena Dunham, Girls) where she gets blackout drunk. Carson, unable to rouse Jenny from her drunken stupor, calls Jeff to come pick his sister up. That sets the tone of the film. Kelly’s pissed because, at 27, Jenny should be behaving like an adult (but really, what does that even mean anymore?). In an effort to make it up to Kelly – who’s a writer with no downtime thanks to their little nugget – Jenny volunteers to babysit. Hesitantly, very hesitantly, Kelly agrees and everything is okay. Little by little, Jenny mends the trust that was broken and the two actually become friends as they collaborate on a romance novel. Jenny finds romantic solace in one of Jeff’s work partners, although it’s extremely awkward and she continues her habit of drinking a lot, which doesn’t really end well for anybody. At one point, she almost burns the house down, but she doesn’t and all is okay. Words are shared, atmosphere is tense, and Jenny storms out of the house. Yep; definitely the holidays. Writer/director Joe Swanberg (Drinking Buddies) plays Jeff in this film about what really happens during the holidays. Adulthood is a myth, no one has it figured it out, and breakups suck just as much when you’re 27. Sticking to a “DIY-style” of directing, Swanberg opts for a more “organic” approach between characters by having the actors ad lib the entire film. That’s right folks, no script. The result is an extremely realistic portrayal of interactions between people, and some of them are downright awkward. Some of them are also endearing while some are cringeworthy – everything you would expect Christmas with family to be. Happy Christmas is 82 minutes and rated R for language, drug use and some sexual content.
pg 20 • MAROON WEEKLY • Dec. 10, 2014 • maroonweekly.com
Pyramid Horror (R) Hollywood’s done it! They/ve made a mummy movie without a predictable plot line or gratuitous nudity! (Who am I kidding? I’m no good at this.) The Pyramid is a stupid movie that stupid people (myself) are paying (or have paid) actual money to see. The low-down: a team of archaeologists headed by father-anddaughter duo Holden (Denis O’Hare, American Horror Story) and Nora (Ashley Hinshaw, About Cherry) discover a three-sided pyramid buried in Egypt. This is all very exciting, so they venture to Cairo to go figure out if this new pyramid predates the Egyptians. When they arrive, riots are breaking out and they’re required to leave in the next 24 hours. Well, that doesn’t tickle Holden’s fancy. Under the guise that the team has to go back into the pyramid to retrieve some field equipment, they discover it actually ripped to smithereens. Because these archaeologists are brilliant (and dedicated, you have got to hand it to them there), they venture into the pyramid and get lost. I know; huge surprise. They discover something much more sinister lurking in the midst and must find a way to survive. What a movie. It’s Grégory Levasseur’s directorial debut, although he’s been attributed to the write-up of The Hills Have Eyes remake and other gems such as P2 and Mirrors. So the guy’s got a type, he knows what he likes. Good for him. Not so great for his characters, because they all end up in less-than-favorable situations that could have been prevented with a little dash of common sense. The cast isn’t stellar, which isn’t surprising. What is surprising is a movie that should have gone straight to DVD, not to the box office. Points for Levasseur. The Pyramid is 89 minutes long and rated R for some horror violence and bloody images.
1. Mockingjay Part 1
After destroying the Games, Katniss is rescued and taken to District 13. There, she is used as the face of the rebellion where she attempts to save Peeta from the Capitol. PG-13 (123 min)
and he becomes the prime suspect. He defends his innocence, but Amy’s journal paints a very different picture of her husband. The truth, however, is much different than the tales both Nick and Amy have spun. R (149 min)
2. Penguins of Madagascar
9. The Pyramid
with the burdens of fame. She meets Kaz, who’s a young cop, and together they help Noni find the courage to find her own voice. PG-13 (116 min)
15. Wild
Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private are back together again, having joined forces with an undercover agency called “The North Wind.” Their objective is to apprehend villain Dr. Octavius Brine from destroying the world. PG (92 min)
After discovering a three-sided pyramid buried in the sands of Egypt, an American archeological team travels to Cairo where they become prey to an insidious presence. R (89 min)
Driven to the edge by the loss of her beloved mother (Laura Dern), the dissolution of her marriage and a headlong dive into self-destructive behavior, Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) makes a decision to halt her downward spiral and put her life back together again. R (115 min)
3. Horrible Bosses 2
10. Birdman
Riggan is a washed-up actor who once played the iconic superhero, Birdman. His career screeched to a halt after refusing to make a Birdman 4, and as he attempts to reclaim his former glory, he must deal with his ego and estranged family. R (119 min)
16. Foxcatcher
Back together after their first experience with god-awful employers, Dale, Kurt, and Nick decide to start up their own business. Things go south because of a smarmy investor, so the three decide to kidnap a kid for ransom…and nothing goes quite as planned. R (108 min)
4. Big Hero 6
Child prodigy Hiro Hamada develops a special bond with a plus-sized inflatable robot named Baymax. Together, they team up to form a group of high-tech heroes. PG (108 min)
5. Interstellar
Life on Earth will soon become inhabitable. After the discovery of a wormhole, a group of explorers set out to surpass the limitations on human space travel for the fate of humankind. PG-13 (169 min)
6. Dumb and Dumber To
After Harry discovers he has a daughter who was given up for adoption, Lloyd and Harry embark on another epic road trip to find her. PG-13 (110 min)
11. St. Vincent
Oliver’s parents just divorced and in his mother’s custody, they move to a new city to start fresh. He forges an unlikely friendship with their new neighbor Vincent, an abrasive war vet who manages to fend off everyone except for Oliver. PG-13 (102 min)
17. The Horsemen
12. Nightcrawler
Alan Turing is an English mathematician and logician. After being hired by the Allies to detect Nazi codes during World War II, patience is tried and loyalties tested. PG13 (114 min)
In desparate need for work, Lou Bloom stumbles into the world of LA’s crime journalism. His obsession for getting the perfect story blurs the line between what’s ethical and completely immoral. R (117 min)
13. Fury
A satirical comedy that follows four very different black students at an Ivy league university who converge together after a controversial theme at a Halloween party. R (100 min)
Right before the end of WWII, a Sherman tank and five crewmen are dispatched on a mission that leaves them outnumbered and outgunned in the face of the enemy. With a rookie slowing things down, the men face impossible odds in a heroic attempt to hold a crossroad from the Axis. R (134 min)
8. Gone Girl
14. Beyond the Lights
7. TheTheoryofEverything
Nick Dunne’s wife, Amy, disappears
Training for the 1988 games in Seoul, wrestler Mark Schultz forges a relationship with his new sponsor, millionaire John du Pont. Through unforeseen circumstances, the union leads both men to feel inferior to Mark’s brother, Dave. R (134 min)
Noni is a superstar singer who is struggling
A frontier farm woman (Hilary Swank) saves the life of a claim-jumper (Tommy Lee Jones) and persuades him to help her escort three insane women to a safe haven in Iowa. R (122 min)
18. The Imitation Game
19. Whiplash
Andrew is a young drummer with serious potential. He enrolls at a music conservatory, notorious for its cutthroat program and intense instructors who still stop at nothing to expel Andrew’s talent. R (107 min)
20. Rosewater
Maziar Bahari is an Iranian-Canadian journalist. After going to Iran to document the controversy behind the country’s elections, he’s detained by Iranian forces who brutally interrogate him under the belief that Bahari’s a spy. R (103 min)
maroonweekly.com • Dec. 10, 2014 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 21
“Get back” Across 1 Woodshop tools 5 Dish (out) 9 Florida fullback, for short 12 Fluish, perhaps 13 “Space Invaders” company 15 Mascara’s target 16 Campus letters 17 Convincing 18 “... butterfly, sting like ___” 19 “___ for Alibi” (Grafton novel) 20 Places for missing persons reports 22 “And I’ve got one, two, three, four, five ___ working overtime” (XTC lyric) 24 Nixes a bill 25 1980 running medalist Steve 26 Unobtrusive, as a ringtone setting 29 It’s heard in Houston 31 Affected 32 It may hold up an Arp 33 Sapporo sashes 37 One end of a fencing sword 39 1968 Winter Olympics site 43 ___ apso 44 Lock up tight 45 Convent-ional title? 46 Item exhumed years after burial 50 Hem’s partner 51 Part of NCAA 52 Like mad callers 53 “Born Free” lioness 54 Queens diamond, once 55 Take on more issues? 56 Othello, for example 57 Allergy source 58 QB play 59 Roadside rest stops
Down 1 Home of The Ringling Circus Museum 2 Go-getter 3 Waiting room query 4 DOS component? 5 Fictional typing tutor ___ Beacon 6 Latin list ender 7 Sound off 8 Lindros formerly of the NHL 9 Mandrill kin 10 Newsgroup system since 1980 11 Game with 32 pieces 14 Encyclopedia Brown’s hometown 15 Italian word for “milk” 20 2000 Subway Series losers 21 Hinduism, for example: abbr. 23 Hang out 26 Bristly brand 27 Like some congestion 28 Greta Garbo, for one 30 Suave 33 Reactions to fireworks 34 Shooting/skiing event 35 Available, as fruit 36 Series with an upcoming Episode VII 38 Ballerina’s bend 39 Teahouse hostess 40 Former Attorney General ___ Clark 41 First name on the Supreme Court 42 Robertson of CNN 44 Hidden loot 45 A great many 47 Get ready 48 Yemen’s largest city 49 Pac-12 team since 2011 53 Longtime Pet Shop Boys record label 2014 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com)
Answers
pg 22 • MAROON WEEKLY • Dec. 10, 2014 • maroonweekly.com
maroonweekly.com • Dec. 10, 2014 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 23
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