Music Reviews
Michelle Chamuel Album: Face the Fire Release Date: Feb. 6, 2015 By Linley McCord
First runner-up on the fourth season of “The Voice,” Michelle Chamuel has debuted her first studio album. After selfproducing her first album “All I Want” in 2013, Chamuel moved to studio production. The first album did well and peaked at No. 6 on the Dance/Electronic Chart. Electronic music is definitely Chamuel’s forte, and she is no stranger to the stage. She has been performing this type of music since 2007 in her home state of Massachusetts in various bands and solo acts. However, the album leaves a taste that is less than desired. The beats are reminiscent of the ‘80s, and the lyrics are shallow. For electronic pop, there are only a few songs that seem to fall into that category. While she is very talented vocally, the mixture of the music is lackluster and leaves listeners feeling bored.
Brad Paisley Brad Paisley Paisley Rhiannon Giddens Blackberry Smoke Brad Peace Album:
Tomorrow is My Turn
Album: Holding All the Roses
Album:
Release Date: Feb. 10, 2015
Release Date: Feb. 10, 2015
Release Date: Feb. 10, 2015
By Annabeth Reeb
By Abigail Stricker
By Adrianna Zampieri
The Americana singer Rhiannon Giddens has found her strength in her solo album, “Tomorrow is My Turn.” The former Carolina Chocolate Drops’ lead singer explores her feminist roots, singing classics from Dolly Parton to Odetta and putting her own grace on “Black is the Color.” The folk song finds a new rhythm with Giddens as she sings it with more jazz than previous artists’ interpretations, adding soul to tradition. Giddens includes one original song: “Angel City.” She proves that not only can she add her own vivacity to well-known songs, she can also create history and class in new ones. Her voice promises great things in albums to come.
Blackberry Smoke, country-rock band from Atlanta, released its fourth studio album “Holding All The Roses” this week. The vocals, electric guitar, and full-band sound on this new album are a much-appreciated throwback to classic rock. There are three songs – “Woman in the Moon,” “Randolph County Farewell,” and “No Way Back to Eden” – that aren’t quite as upbeat, fast-paced, or even classic rock ’n’ roll. Yet these tracks maintain the same undertones of a bluegrass jam session throughout. Tracks such as “Rock and Roll Again” and “Let Me Help You (Find the Door)” are fun and don’t disappoint. You’re sure to find yourself head banging, straight-laced as you may be. Interestingly enough, Blackberry Smoke was originally signed to Zac Brown’s label. So, if you fancy yourself a Zac Brown fan, or trust their taste in music at all, check out Blackberry Smoke’s “Holding All the Roses.”
pg 4 • MAROON WEEKLY • Feb. 18, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
Happy People
Peace, an English indie quartet, is spot on with their second album, “Happy People.” Their sound is so eccentric when you first listen that you just might want to turn it off. However, Harry Koisser’s vocals save the album. It’s his voice that allows it to evolve into a cohesive work. The unique arrangement of music combined with his vocals creates a vibe that mimics the carefree feel of the 60s inspired album art. The light, popping, high-pitched beat of the first song, “O You,” introduces the listener to the band’s one-of-a-kind style. The lyrics of “Lost on Me,” one of their more fast-paced and electric songs, will easily get stuck in your head, and you’ll find yourself singing along to the addictive rhythm of “Gen Strange.” Full of songs with prominent beats, chipper melodies, and energizing arrangements, “Happy People” will inspire your head to bob, your feet to tap, and your hips to sway.
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Stoney LaRue @ Hurricane Harry’s By Adrianna Zampieri Slip on your cowboy boots and two-step over to Hurricane Harry’s for a night of country music entertainment featuring Stoney LaRue with Jesse Raub Jr. on Friday, Feb. 20. Born in Taft, Texas, Stoney LaRue was exposed to music from the moment he was born. His father played the bass in numerous local bands, and when the LaRue family moved to Oklahoma, Stoney grew up in the heart of the Red Dirt music scene, which can only be described as country music with a serious attitude. A mixture of folk, rock, country, blues, western swing, bluegrass, and honky-tonk, LaRue had countless influences at his fingertips as he began developing his own style, a reflection of his hometown culture. Known for his energetic and passionate live shows, LaRue will perform songs from his multiple albums “Downtown,” “The Red Dirt Album,” “Velvet,” and his most recent, “Aviator” – all of which showcase his exceptional songwriting skills. His lyrics depict vivid images and emit organic honesty. LaRue is a master at stringing the right words together to craft a cohesive story. Joining Stoney LaRue will be Jesse Raub Jr., another talented Texas native country musician. Jesse Raub Jr. spent the last 10 years touring around the great state of Texas and performing with some of the best county singers such as Cody Johnson, Johnny Rodriguez and Roger Creager. With his true country twang he captivates and entertains his audience. This dynamic duo of Stoney LaRue and Jesse Raub Jr. will keep the crowd on their feet all night long. Tickets are $15 and are available online on Hurricane Harry’s website or at Southern Jewelz, Cavenders, and Aggieland Outfitters on University Drive. Doors open at 9pm, so arrive early to claim a prime spot by the stage and prepare to overindulge on a hodgepodge of rootsy rock, folk, and country music.
the scoop
WHAT: STONEY LARUE & JESSE RAUB JR. WHERE: HURRICANE HARRY’S WHEN: FEB. 20 @ 9:00PM
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meet the team PUBLISHER Chris Shepperd BUSINESS MANAGER Leisha Shepperd MANAGING EDITOR Luke Murray ASSISTANT EDITOR/COPYEDITING Barbara Hosler PHOTOGRAPHERS Peyton Boles Lauren Howes STAFF WRITER Brad Cox
MARKETING INTERN Peyton Boles Ally White WRITING INTERNS Linley McCord Annabeth Reeb Abigail Stricker Adrianna Zampieri DISTRIBUTION Cody Atkinson Lindsay Cox Daryl Dorman Randy Shepperd
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maroonweekly.com • Feb. 18, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 5
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WITH YOUR BLANKETS, CHAIRS AND COOLERS TO EXPERIENCE MOVIES IN THE PARK ON OUR 32-FOOT INFLATABLE SCREEN IN HIGH DEFINITION. FREE ADMISSION! COOLERS MUST BE 48 QUARTS OR SMALLER. ALCOHOL AND GLASS CONTAINERS ARE NOT ALLOWED CONCESSIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE.
5-8:30 p.m. – Franklin Animal Reptile Exhibit 5:30 p.m. – Turkey Leg Eating Contest* 6 p.m. – How to Train Your Dragon 8:30 p.m. – How to Train Your Dragon 2
For more details, visit cstx.gov/movies or call 979.764.3445 * Fastest to finish in each age group will win a $20 gift card to a local restaurant. Only 60 can participate. Register for free at cstx.gov/movies.
Acappellooza 2015
By Annabeth Reeb
Get ready for the biggest a cappella event since the Bellas won The National Championship in the movie “Pitch Perfect.” Acappellooza is coming this week! Texas A&M’s HardChord Dynamix will be hosting the event for the seventh time on Feb. 21 at 7pm in Rudder Auditorium. For only $5, you will hear 10 different a cappella groups from all over Texas, including A&M’s own HardChord DynaMix, Apotheosis, Femmatas, and Swaram. The remaining six groups are the Rice Philharmonics, Southern Methodist University’s Stampede, University of Houston’s Men of Moores, University of North Texas’ Green Tones, University of Texas’ Ransom Notes and One Note Stand. A cappella music involves a group of people singing and harmonizing without musical instruments and using their voices to make a beat. Many will remember “Pitch Perfect,” where Anna Kendrick starred as a “Bella” in her school’s a cappella group. Real-life a cappella is just as entertaining and even more impressive. Hardchord Dynamix is A&M’s first mixed group, including all male Apotheosis and all female Femmatas. We know College Station has real a cappella talent, and we can’t wait to see what the rest of Texas has to offer.
the scoop
WHAT: ACAPPELLOOZA WHERE: RUDDER AUDITORIUM WHEN: FEB. 21 @ 7:00PM
maroonweekly.com • Feb. 18, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 7
This Week @ Prospector’s By Abigail Stricker
Texas Country/Red Dirt band Cody Wayne & Westbound 21 will take the stage at Prospector’s on Friday, Feb. 20 at 10pm. Band members include lead singer, songwriter, and acoustic guitarist Cody Wayne; bassist Jon Morrow; lead guitarist Josh Farrer; and drummer Bobby Miller. This band’s brand of country is refreshingly stripped down, especially on slower-paced tracks such as “Train Wreck” and “Show Me How.” And Wayne’s classic country croon is soothingly deep and crisp, which complements the slower ballads. Their 11-track album “Live At the Horseshoe” was released Sept. 13, 2014, and features half ballads and half upbeat honky-tonk. Cody Wayne & Westbound 21 hails from East Texas, where they won 2012 Country Band of The Year. They’ve performed with acts such as Neil McCoy, Cadillac Three, Eli Young Band, Whiskey Myers, Colt Ford, Kevin Fowler, Jerrod Niemann, JB and the Moonshine Band, Casey Donahew, and Trace Atkins. It’s sure to be an exciting performance as Cody Wayne & Westbound 21 goes all-out to put on a show heavy on the rock and resonance of outlaw country. As their album “Live At the Horseshoe” was recorded 100 percent live, you can have a listen and know exactly what to expect with no surprises, which are generally unappreciated when it comes to live music, right? Well, none of that here. It’s just down home, real life, genuine country music. The Texas Twisters, the “party band of Aggieland,” has been rockin’ out in BCS since 1987 and will do so for you on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 9pm. Their sound brings together some really good blues music and an upbeat rock ’n’ roll electric guitar that you don’t want to miss. Band members include original founding member Wade Myatt on guitar and vocals; Manny Lopez on bass, guitar, and vocals; Mitch Connell on keyboard, bass, and vocals; and Michael Holleman on drums and vocals. The Texas Twisters won The Eagle’s Readers’ Choice Award for Best Local Band in 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2014, and has released three full-length albums to date, all of which boast lots of irresistibly fun rockin’ blues.
pg 8 • MAROON WEEKLY • Feb. 18, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
maroonweekly.com • Feb. 11, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 9
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maroonweekly.com • Feb. 18, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 11
The Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts
Ragamala Dance Company presents Sacred Earth Ranee Ramaswamy & Aparna Ramaswamy Artistic Co-Directors
Mike Ryan @ Grand Stafford By Linley McCord Soulful country artist Mike Ryan and Haley Cole with her sweet country sounds are coming to perform during the Texas Music Pickers Songwriter series on Feb. 19 at the Grand Stafford Theater. Mike Ryan is renowned for his smooth, clear voice. His lyrics are brought to life through vocals that redefine what soul country is. “Bad Reputation,” Ryan’s sophomore album, did not disappoint fans. It brought the well-loved sound of his first album along with new and captivating lyrics. With four singles breaking into the top 25, Mike has a pretty good reputation for being a noteworthy singer and songwriter.
Thursday, February 26, 2015 7 PM in Texas A&M Rudder Theatre
Tickets $5 Students, $10 General Admission Available at the MSC Box Office Call 979.845.1234 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
Though she may not appear to be a commanding presence, Haley Cole’s voice demands attention. Its richness is reminiscent of a sweet, summer afternoon, and will certainly have you wanting to hear more. She started her career in the famous Gruene Hall where she was extremely well received, which is an accolade in itself. A native Texan, Cole knows the values of this state and beautifully incorporates them into her captivating country music. While the duo may not be conducting a duet performance, they are still a pair that needs to be seen in concert. Both of them have soulful voices that remind us that winter doesn’t last forever, and that music can elicit the strongest memories and feelings. Because Ryan and Cole write from the heart, it comes as no surprise that their musical endeavors touch so many hearts. Come out to see these two talented country singer-songwriters perform and prepare to be reminded of what soulful Texas country is all about. These two coming together in a concert is guaranteed to be a spellbinding night. Doors open at 7pm.
It’s Time For
dance theatre
music visual art
It’s Time For Texas A&M
pg 12 • MAROON WEEKLY • Feb. 18, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
the scoop
WHAT: MIKE RYAN AND HALEY COL WHERE: GRAND STAFFORD THEATER E WHEN: FEB. 19 @ 7:00PM
Upright Citizens Brigade @ Rudder Theatre By Linley McCord
Acclaimed comedy troupe Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) had humble beginnings as a small posse of improv comedians who were regulars at a Chicago club called “Kill the Poet”. This was, of course, the beginning of a long and still thriving series of performances and sketches. Members have included famed names such as Ed Helms, who you might remember as Andy from “The Office”, Amy Poehler, and “Parks and Recreation’s” Leslie Knope. The UCB legacy has a long list of famous members who have gone on to bigger comedic endeavors and been hugely successful. “Upright Citizens Brigade is … a place where you can go for a very little amount of money and see someone who, five years from now, will be a big star – the stars of tomorrow!” said Amy Poehler. As a founding member back in the early 1990’s, her influence on UCB gives the show an unmatched level of credibility.
Three years after their first performances, UCB moved to a location in New York to open a club and provide improv lessons for those interested in the fine art of sketch humor. After being widely successful there, they opened a second location in Los Angeles with the same purpose. Before opening their office Los Angeles, UCB produced a three-season TV show. There were 10 episodes per season, and starred Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh. The show featured the best sketches from their live performances in conjunction with new material. The actors rarely appeared as themselves, and even more rarely mocked pop culture or celebrities. They existed in the world of the show, and the posse in the group – called the “Upright Citizens Brigade” – existed to create and control chaos. The show ran from 1998 to 2000. Late night talk show host, Conan O’Brien, is an avid fan of the group of comedians, and made a remark about the troupe’s style of humor.
“I think UCB is the premier supplier of comedy actors with chops…they are doing the type of manic, original, inventive stuff I’m always interested in,” said O’Brien. The cast that is selected to land in Aggieland will be a handpicked group of comedians and writers to perform for the gut-busting pleasure of students and BCS residents. Because of the fame of the organization, the group is now huge, and has a wide range of talented performers available to send on tours – giving the Aggieland crowd plenty to laugh at. Upright Citizens Brigade is performing at Rudder Theatre on Feb 19 at 7:30pm and is coordinated by MSC OPAS. Student tickets are $15, and these can be purchased at the MSC box office in the lobby of Rudder. Be sure to bring your student ID to get the discount! General tickets are $25 and can be found online at www.MSCOPAS.org. Tickets go up $5 on the day of the performance, so buy them early and save some cash.
maroonweekly.com • Feb. 18, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 13
Humans of BCS By Annabeth Reeb
Humans of New York came crashing in on Instagram in the summer of 2010, gaining in popularity ever since. Photographer Brandon Stanton started the account to explore the lives and beauty of everyday New York residents. Since then it has grown into a worldwide experience. “Tommy” and “Rachel” wanted to bring that same art of finding beauty in people’s lives to BryanCollege Station, so they created Humans of BCS. “We know there are a lot of interesting people here in BCS, and we thought it would be something good to start,” Tommy explained. Rachel said that when they decided to bring their idea to life, “It was nerve racking the first time we were walking around because we weren’t sure how it was going to turn out.” BCS is traditionally known for being the home of Texas A&M University, football, and cattle. But the art, culture, and array of amazing people can’t be ignored when you know where to look. Humans of BCS is a great way to get fully immersed in our
pg 14 • MAROON WEEKLY • Feb. 18, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
town’s unique culture. “We wanted to keep it broad, and not limited to just one type of person,” Tommy said. They have interviewed A&M students, BCS locals, children, adults, and everyone in between. Tommy described his experience at a church on Christmas Eve – his favorite so far. “We asked a little boy’s mom if we could take a picture of her son, and before even asking him a question he exclaimed ‘I can’t wait!’ After asking him for what, the boy replied, ‘Do you not know what tomorrow is?’” Tommy immediately knew the perfect quote to use on the Instagram page for this little boy in the sweater vest. Humans of BCS has already reached over 1,700 likes on Facebook and we expect they’ll keep growing as people discover the fun and insightful look into BCS’ own community.
G.L.O.W. 5K @ Texas A&M By Linley McCord
While most races occur during the light of day, Aggie Men’s Club and Maggies are hosting their annual G.L.O.W. 5K run on Feb. 20 after sundown. To light the path are neon shirts and glow sticks along with some helpful AMC and Maggies volunteers to cheer your on, as well as various performances throughout the route. The acronym G.L.O.W. stands for Giving to Light Others’ Way and benefits AMC’s philanthropy of supporting Jorge Mahomar in Honduras, and Maggie’s philanthropy of New Horizons, an inpatient treatment center for adolescents. Money raised from this race goes toward both causes and is one of the primary fundraisers for the organizations. Mahomar works in one of the poorest areas of Honduras’s capital city. AMC sends a team there each year to help him in his efforts. With AMC’s help, Mahomar was able to start a building company in Honduras. New Horizons provides housing for children aged seven to 17 who suffer from emotional, behavioral, attachment, or relationship problems. The funding from this race allows Maggies to travel to the facility and supply resources to New Horizons to continue their work. The race is the largest 5K event on campus and will start at 9pm. Registration opens on February 14, and the price for participation is $15. Register early because walk-on runners the night of the race will be charged $20. And it’s okay if you aren’t an intense runner and don’t want to be lumped in with racers who aren’t at your pace. The race will go in three waves: competitive runners, runners, and walkers. So get your glow sticks and lace up your running shoes for G.L.O.W.
the scoop pg 16 • MAROON WEEKLY • Feb. 18, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
WHAT: G.L.O.W. 5K WHERE: TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY WHEN: FEB. 20 @ 9:00PM
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maroonweekly.com • Feb. 18, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 17
THere’s An
#APP4THAT TOWNSHIP - BY -ADRIANNA ZAMPIERI BATTERY DOCTOR BY RACHEL PICKERING Old MacDonald had a farm, and now expect you can,it?too, “Township.” Youwhen become caretaker of an Does your phone die when you least Youwith deserve to know yourthe phone is about to agricultural-based town, and it’s your job to make it thrive. Sow the field with crops and harvest RIP, and you can do so by downloading Battery Doctor. The app can extend your battery life them up to to by earn coins andand make a profit. your Build phone’s bakeries power to earnconsumption. coins and make a profit. Milk the cows and 50% monitoring regulating collect chicken eggs to earn coins and make a profit. Can you guess what the purpose of the game is? earn coins andsettings make a that profitdrain to reach the goal of transforming townyou intodetailed a city. TheThat’s app right! finds You other apps and power on your phone. It’ll your provide battery information, and the info will allow you to make proper adjustments to your phone. In But it’s more than that. There’s a town of citizens that depends on you. You build them homes and addition, the memory scan and junk clean up will help you save extra space by cleaning and deleting provide them jobs. You give them life. Watch with pride as they work the fields, mix dough or process clutter. (Before deleting anything, you have the option of setting your preferences so only certain grains, although that’s not all they do. They ride bikes, walk their dogs, and take pictures with fancy COST: FREE files/folders will be scanned for clean up.) cameras. You might even see a guy wearing a hot dog suit. COST: FREE Battery Doctor also -tells users how long your battery will last under a variety of situations. For KITCHEN STORIES BY LINLEY MCCORD example, if you are playing a game on phone, it will let and you cheese know how muchmeal, power If you are hosting a dinner party or youyour are tired of macaroni for every the the newgame app is using. The app also keeps a log of how often you fully charge your phone and what features you “Kitchen Stories” is here to help. A free app that has a recipe for all types of eaters, “Kitchen Stories” cancan turn on/off to extend the battery life. find and walk you through recipes for any meal, dessert, drink, or snack you choose. Featured recipes and pictures are on the front page of the app while some recipes even include videos. HANX WRITER - BY CONNIE SONG Clickity, love for the typewriter, Tom Hanks (yes, Forrest Gump There clack, is alsoclack. a pageFueled whereby youhis can customize your searches based on what your taste budshimself) want, developed Writer, and an app that mimics machines. a reason and it hasHanx vegetarian vegan options. Youold-school can createtyping cookbooks on theYes, site there wherewas you can save why thefavorite typewriter went away, but the cons ofsuch the as machine were or taken intotooth.” consideration and your recipes under different categories “quick eats” “sweet There is also modified for this app. For instance, you can now delete your typos and go back and edit your a tab to save your grocery list for easy access. COST: FREE horrible grammar instead of having a document covered Xs. However, if you’re a fan of the Xs, there’s to have too. In stories! addition, you can also export documents you’ve typed with Good an luckoption creating your them, own kitchen the app. Hanx Writer can also be used in other apps if you’re solely using the app for the sounds COST: FREE CONFIDE - BY nostalgic, ABIGAIL STRICKER (which is pretty but some people can’t write without them). “Snapchat,” the app many people use to exchange whimsical and funny snapshots or embarrassing pictures of friends, is great. ButDELGADO like much of social media technology, there are concerns for Internet ZEN SHOPPING - BY DANIELLA safety and user protection. 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 Well, all ofsimple that Snapchat-like funAmong is revamped wrapped in “Confide,” your calculator, new platform for experience and expedient. these and features are up a price comparison where sharing information and exchanging ideas. “Confide” was newly updated as of Feb. 4 and is available Zen automatically recognizes the product you’re looking for and searches other stores to find the in 11affordable different languages. appautomatically allows users provides to send documents, text,best andcoupons pictures for to any most option. ZenThe also you with the the email store address or phone number. Messages are private and encrypted. And there is a swipe-to-reveal feature you are shopping at prior to checkout. to prevent users from taking screen shots of your information or pictures on the other end. COST: FREE Zen notifies you of deals tailored to your shopping interests. The app also has a package tracking Check out “Confide” for a new experience in the ever evolving and expanding world of social feature, so you can keep track of the delivery status of all your precious merchandise. Avoid the COST: FREE networking! long lines and crazy crowds and do all of your shopping from the comfort of your own phone with Zen2015 Shopping this holiday season. pg 18 • MAROON WEEKLY • Feb. 18, • maroonweekly.com
pg 18 • MAROON WEEKLY • Dec. 10, 2014 • maroonweekly.com
maroonweekly.com • Feb. 18, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 19
The Boy Next Door Thriller (PG-13)
By Annabeth Reeb
The title and genre of this movie suggest something romantic and sexual, along with some sort of psychological twist that makes everything go wrong. The genre probably should have been, “stabbing-people’s-eyes horror,” because “psychological thriller” just doesn’t prepare you enough. Psychological thrillers are very popular because they aren’t outright horror, but they are frightening with some sort of twisting plot tied in. “Black Swan,” and “Side Effects,” are two films that did particularly well with moving the plot more than just putting blood on the screen. “The Boy Next Door” started off on a bad note, beginning with poorly acted out flashbacks of protagonist Claire, played by Jennifer Lopez, learning about her husband’s affair with a younger woman who “smelled like chocolate chip cookies.” Lopez’s acting was fine in the rest of the film, but the first three minutes were nauseating. The movie begins with the arrival of the very attractive “boy next door,” Noah, who is almost 20 but has to return to high school since his parents’ sudden deaths set him back. Claire, with a high school child of her own, teaches classical literature. She is clearly attracted to Noah, but she tries not to act on it because he is not only her son’s friend, he is also a student. After a bottle of wine and much coercing from Noah, they end up sleeping together. The sex scene is borderline “50 Shades of Grey” material, which at least offsets the gore that comes later in the movie. The plot is interesting and certainly keeps your attention, but the steps that Claire could have taken to avoid the situation are exceedingly obvious. The movie ends with the classic “Why didn’t you make sure he was dead?” that seems to be a part of every horror movie. “The Boy Next Door,” leaves a horrible taste in your mouth, but somehow you’re still happy you saw it.
pg 20 • MAROON WEEKLY • Feb. 18, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
Bates Motel Netflix By Adrianna Zampieri Having a close relationship with your mother is natural – unless you’re Norman Bates. Season two of “Bates Motel” is now available on Netflix. This television series depicts the story behind the story of “Psycho.” The classic Hitchcock horror film features a deeply disturbed murderer Norman Bates who has an unnatural obsession with his mother, Norma. “Bates Motel” brings Norma to life and focuses on the profound, unsettling, and unhealthy connection between mother and son. It presents an inside glimpse into Norman’s childhood, which explains his mental instability. Of course, complicated characters can only be played by talented actors. Vera Farmiga, cast as Norma, is no stranger to horror, having starred as paranormal investigator Lorraine Warren in the film “The Conjuring.” She gives a convincing performance of a woman that at first glance appears to be a loving mother but is actually emotionally unstable and skilled in the art of manipulation. And you’d never guess that Norman, played by Freddie Highmore who is known for his role in “August Rush,” isn’t as innocent as he looks with his childlike appearance. Looks can be deceiving at the Bates Motel. Who do you trust?
maroonweekly.com • Jan. 21, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 21
It’s a Trap!
Across 1 It’s a long story 5 With 6-Down, reality show “RuPaul’s ___” 9 Inseparable pair, for short 13 More mentally there 14 Freedom from worry 15 Two-tone treat 16 Swindling of a UK football club? 18 Pinto or garbanzo 19 Jerome Bettis’s team, during the move 20 Nissan SUV with an earthy name 22 Rowing machine unit 23 NPR’s Shapiro 24 “I finally got it!” 25 Quarterback known for kneeling 27 Ali of “Love Story” 29 Middle daughter on “Downton Abbey” 32 Raised sculptures 36 From ___ (at some distance) 37 Grade alongside the review “These Mick Jagger chewables are the worst”? 41 Used a Breathalyzer 42 Former Cabinet member Donna 43 One of the simple machines 45 “The pain reliever hospitals use most,” its old ads said 49 Baseball great Ernie Banks’s nickname 52 ___ polloi (commoners) 53 “I ___ real American...” (Hulk Hogan theme lyric) 54 Wise friend of Pooh 56 “Let’s suppose that...” 58 Got 100% on 59 Jamaica’s Ocho ___ 61 Group including only elements number #13 and #2? 63 Criminal’s alter egos, briefly 64 “Aloha Oe” instruments, for short 65 English horn relatives 66 Stuff in the trap 67 Stuff in the trap 68 Stuff in the trap
Down 1 Desert that means “desert” in Arabic 2 Lacking energy 3 Many toothpastes 4 “___ Gratia Artis” (MGM motto) 5 1974 Charles Bronson classic 6 See 5-Across 7 Of ___ (so to speak) 8 Category 9 “Better Call Saul” star Odenkirk 10 Coffee shop connection 11 Phobia 12 Jukebox selection 13 “Hit the bricks!” 17 Lets out 21 1860s White House nickname 24 ___ Ishii (“Kill Bill” character played by Lucy Liu) 26 Whoopi’s Oscar-winning “Ghost” role 28 Marijuana producer 30 Leather color 31 “48 ___” (Eddie Murphy movie) 33 Gabor of “Green Acres” 34 Most in need of a bath 35 Keep from trespassing on 37 NFL ball carriers 38 “___ Punk!” (movie about punk rock in Utah) 39 Debt repaid in regular payments over time 40 “That’s ___ can stand!” 44 Sports entertainment gp. founded by Ted Turner (and defunct by 2001) 46 Los Estados Unidos, for example 47 Folded food 48 ___-slipper (orchid variety) 50 Company supplying vans and cardboard boxes 51 “Perfect Strangers” cousin 54 Like some vaccines and exams 55 Website anyone can edit 57 “That was ___, this is now” 58 Dextrous start 60 Concorde’s letters 62 “You’ve Got Mail” ISP 2015 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com)
pg 22 • MAROON WEEKLY • Feb. 18, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
Answers
pg 16 • MAROON WEEKLY • Jan. 28, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
Walker named to Naismith Midseason Top 30 While the Texas A&M women’s basketball team’s hopes of earning a host spot for the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament may be slipping away, with a strong finish down the stretch, the Aggies could play their way back into the conversation for a host spot.
TRACK AND FIELD The Texas A&M Aggie Invitational was a boon for new records on Feb. 6 and 7 at the Gilliam Indoor Track Stadium. With the SEC Championships later this month, and the NCAA Indoor Championships quickly approaching in March, both Aggie teams wowed fans at their home meet, sweeping the men’s and women’s titles.
Junior guard Courtney Walker was named to the Naismith Trophy Women’s Midseason Top 30, marking her as one of the top players in the nation as A&M starts gearing up for the postseason. The trophy goes to the top player in women’s college basketball and is awarded by the Atlanta Tipoff Club.
Kamaria Brown earned SEC Runner of the Week honors after setting a meet record in the women’s 400 meters with a winning time of 52.32 seconds.
Walker, an AP All-American selection as a sophomore, is also on the Wooden Award Midseason Women’s Top 20 list and the Wade Trophy “Watch” list. Ranked the No. 10 player in the nation by espnW.com before the season, Walker was averaging 14.8 points per game – fifth in the SEC – and going into the Feb. 12 game against Arkansas, Walker was closing in on A&M’s career top 10 list for points scored. Despite dropping a 63-61 overtime decision to Mississippi State and former A&M assistant coach Vic Schaefer on Feb. 8, three days later the NCAA women’s basketball selection committee predicted that the Aggies would be one of the nation’s top 20 seeds in
By Brad Cox
the tournament if the season ended that day. The top 16 seeds will host the first two rounds of the tournament. The other teams predicted to be in the top 20 were Arizona State, Baylor, California, Connecticut, Duke, Florida State, George Washington, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisville, Maryland, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon State, South Carolina, Stanford, Tennessee and Washington.
Austin Cook broke a school record in the men’s weight throw – marked at 67-7 (20.60) – while Hillary Montgomery did the same in the women’s mile despite finishing third in 4:43.98. Isaac Spencer tied the school record in the men’s mile while edging teammate Cameron Villarreal by less than a second for the win in 4:00.41. Shavez Hart broke the meet record in the men’s 200 meters and Deon Lendore did the same in the 400. Jena Hemann broke her pentathlon meet record with 4,160 points – 157 points better than her previous meet record and just 33 points shy of her school record.
maroonweekly.com • Feb. 18, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 23
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