Music Reviews
Imagine Dragons Album: Smoke and Mirrors Release Date: Feb. 17, 2015 By Linley McCord
Imagine Dragons set the bar high with their debut studio album, “Night Visions,” so it is unsurprising when the successor is not on par with it. “Smoke and Mirrors” has its own redemptive moments, mostly capitalized on in the singles they released before the album’s release. “Gold” and “I Bet My Life” capture the dynamic sound that listeners enjoyed from “Night Visions,” but the rest of the album is generally pretty slow. None of the tracks on “Smoke and Mirrors” has potential to parallel the success of “Radioactive,” although its big sound appears in a few of the songs. Overall, the album is typical and nothing to get too excited about. The hard rock and electronic feel that trademarks the band, along with the lead singer’s unique sound, remains consistent, but the songs themselves are just average. You can find the album on iTunes and Amazon.
Brad Drake Paisley
Brad Paisley Kristen Merlin
Brad Paisley
A Place to Bury Strangers
Album:
Album: Boomerang
Album:
Release Date: Feb. 17, 2015
Release Date: Jan. 20, 2015
Release Date: Feb. 17, 2015
By Annabeth Reeb
By Abigail Stricker
By Adrianna Zampieri
If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late
Drake topped the charts with his unexpected release of “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late,” which he’s calling a “mixtape.” Drake is well known for being overly confident. Finally, he got it right. The former “Degrassi” star has made his way as a rapper, and his latest release promises more success than critics originally thought. “But my acting days are over,” Drake eludes to his old self and then continues to sing about the new persona he has created for himself. We like the new him, too. He shows his emotional side in this new album. It’s always a welcome change when cliché rappers finally produce real music, with real emotions. Not only are the songs more genuine, but also the music breaks from the usual boundaries that pop-rappers like Drake have to follow. This is finally a success that Drake deserves to brag about.
Transfixiation
Kristen Merlin, season six contestant on NBC’s “The Voice,” has released her first extended play album “Boomerang” that features five original songs. Merlin was on Shakira’s team and made it to the top five.
A Place to Bury Strangers is not for the faint of heart. Dubbed “the loudest band in New York,” these boys live up to the title with their new album, “Transfixiation.” They find beauty in what others might deem cacophonic noise.
She is a country singer with a voice more akin to Leann Rimes and the Dixie Chicks than to Miranda Lambert or Carrie Underwood. Her voice is crisp and not too twangy – in a sense, more comtemporary. Merlin proved to everyone she has a great voice during her stint on “The Voice.” The question was how she would translate to recording artistry and songwriting.
They lure you in with their mellow opener “Supermaster” but hit you hard with the next song, “Straight.” A combination of punk and noise rock elements, A Place to Bury Strangers focuses on their unique sounds and amps up the level, but they’re not loud for the sake of being loud. They use these brutal textures as a way to express their passion and to incite the same in their listeners. You won’t just hear the songs; you’ll feel them, too.
This EP proves she can do it all – sing, play guitar, and write beautiful songs. “Boomerang” and “Pocket Love Song” are the most popular tracks, but all five are consistently great.
pg 4 • MAROON WEEKLY • Feb. 25, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
“Transfixiation” offers a noisy, psychedelic thrill that’s loud and proud with no apologies.
Whiskey Myers @ Hurricane Harry’s By Linley McCord
meet the team PUBLISHER Chris Shepperd BUSINESS MANAGER Leisha Shepperd MANAGING EDITOR Luke Murray ASSISTANT EDITOR/COPYEDITING Barbara Hosler
Considered a fusion of red dirt grit and southern rock attitude, Whiskey Myers will bring their iconic style to Hurricane Harry’s once again on Feb. 27. Merging the harmonica and other classic country sounds with their normal guitar and drum mix, it promises to be a night of good music for your listening and two-stepping pleasure.
PHOTOGRAPHERS Peyton Boles Lauren Howes
Together since 2010, Whiskey Myers blend country and soul, and pull inspiration from grunge to rockabilly to rock in a way that showcases impressive instrumental and vocal talent. The band features five members, three of whom mesh their voices to create harmony that shows off their vocal abilities – especially when they are playfully trying to outdo each other on stage.
STAFF WRITER
Whiskey Myers came together when three of the members moved to Tyler, Texas, and picked up a friend and a cousin to complete the band. The vision was set for a new country band, and bassist Gary Brown was taught to play bass – something he had never done before. Since then, members have described the band as not just a friendship, but also a brotherhood of musicians. Their first album, “Firewater,” was released in 2011 and held strong on the Texas Music Chart for an impressive amount of time. One of their singles, “Anna Marie,” reached No. 1 on the chart, which launched the band into successful tours and selling out 1,000-seat venues with no trouble at all. In 2014, their second studio album was released, “Early Morning Shakes.” The extremely versatile album shows just how talented the band is. While it is a capstone to the band’s work so far, it is just a taste of what is to come for this talented group of musicians. Lyrically, Whiskey Myers dig deep. Nothing is too personal or controversial for them. They sing from the heart and don’t let the opinions of others dictate what or how they play. This comes from a spirit of confidence and trust in each other as a band, as well as a desire to be honest with their audiences. This is what motivates them to write what they write, and to perform to the best of their abilities – which is nothing short of excellence.
the scoop
WHAT: WHISKEY MYERS WHERE: HURRICANE HARRY’S WHEN: FEB. 27 @ 9:00PM
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
Maroon Weekly is an independent, publication and is not affiliated with Texas 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 or typographical errors. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express consent of the publisher. © Copyright 2015 Campus Press LP
maroonweekly.com • Feb. 25, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 5
Sō Percussion @ Rudder Auditorium By Adrianna Zampieri Drop by for a beat and watch Sō Percussion perform at Rudder Auditorium on Feb. 26 at 7:30pm. Formed in 1999, this percussion ensemble crescendoed in popularity over the years as their genius ideas and quirky compositions shook up the musical world. The “Sō” in the quartet’s name represents a Japanese character meaning to “play an instrument” and to “offer sound.” These men embody this symbol by offering a plethora of sound in numerous ways.
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Sō Percussion comprises four talented musicians –Eric Cha-Beach, Josh Quillen, Adam Sliwinski, and Jason Treuting – and composing inventive works is their forte. Performances include a variety of traditional and nontraditional instruments, such as flowerpots, wind-up toys, and even a cactus. They also conduct an interactive experience that encourages audience participation during their shows. Sō Percussion uses ambient sounds and electronics in their performances as well, and by mixing these elements together, they create an idiosyncratic sound that doesn’t fall flat. Performing in well-known places such as Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music, this quartet is no simple garage band. Sō Percussion has released 16 albums, collaborated on an array of projects, and traveled the world. When embarking on these international tours, Sō Percussion spreads their love for musical innovation across the globe. Not only does Sō Percussion dedicate time to performing, they also contribute to music-based research studies. They currently have a Spring 2015 residency at Texas A&M where they are part of a practice-based project exploring technologically mediated composition. End your day on a high note, and watch the masters at work. Tickets for the performance are available at the MSC Box Office. Regular admission is $10, and student admission is $5.
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the scoop
WHAT: SŌ PERCUSSION WHERE: RUDDER AUDITORIUM WHEN: FEB. 26 @ 7:30PM
Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild LIVE
By Annabeth Reeb
The Rudder Auditorium stage will be transformed on Feb. 28 when Jack Hanna brings his expertise, along with 15 different animals, and shares a glimpse of the wild with College Station. Hanna hosts the unscripted, three-time Emmy Award-winning television series “Into the Wild” where he encounters various species from all over the world. In the LIVE show, we can expect a baby cheetah, kangaroo, baby tiger, two-toed sloth, and a penguin. There is nothing quite like seeing a baby tiger in real life, so you won’t want to miss it. Hanna started another show called “Jack Hanna’s Wild Countdown” where he highlights his experiences with the world’s rarest and most dangerous animals. Prior to his two current television series, in 1993 Hanna began hosting “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures.” Known as America’s favorite zookeeper, he clearly knows a lot about the wild animals he has been encountering for more than 20 years. Outside of his film career, Hanna is a true advocate for the creatures of the wild. In partnership with the Columbus Zoo, he donates over $2 million annually to conservation efforts. OPAS will be presenting Hanna as part of their OPAS Family Series, sponsored by Primrose School of College Station, Chick-fil-A Aggieland, South College Station, and OPAS Encore. Tickets are $28 and can be purchased through the MSC Box Office.
the scoop
WHAT: JACK HANNA’S INTO THE WILD LIV E WHERE: RUDDER AUDITORIUM WHEN: FEB. 28 @ 7:00PM
maroonweekly.com • Feb. 25, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 7
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Songs of Love
@ Rudder Theatre
By Annabeth Reeb
Love doesn’t have to stop at Valentine’s Day, especially with Brazos Valley Chorale’s concert coming up. “Songs of Love” will keep your heart singing whether you’re in love or just love music. Brazos Valley Chorale is a 130-voice choir that includes college students and adults alike, all coming together to create beautiful music in Bryan-College Station. The choir is directed by James Franklin and accompanied by Ben Sieben, who also accompanies various performances on the A&M campus. Renowned Jazz musician, Trent Hanna, will join the Brazos Valley Chorale in the concert. Hanna is a performer and composer, as well as a composition and theory teacher at Sam Houston State. “Songs of Love” will be held on Feb. 28 at 7:30pm in Rudder Theatre. Attend both the concert and the pre-concert rehearsal that starts at 6pm for $50. Concert only tickets are $30. BVS is offering $10 tickets to any students involved in local choral groups.
www.bcslive365.com facebook.com/bcslive365 twitter.com/BCSLive365
pg 8 • MAROON WEEKLY • Feb. 25, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
the scoop
WHAT: SONGS OF LOVE WHERE: RUDDER THEATRE WHEN: FEB. 28 @ 7:30PM
maroonweekly.com • Feb. 11, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 9
pg 10 Feb.28, 04,2015 2015••maroonweekly.com maroonweekly.com 16 • MAROON WEEKLY • Jan.
courtesy of seededatthetable.com
Mexican food is held in high esteem on every Texan’s palate (second only to barbecue...arguably), and nothing pulls together a solid TexMex classic like a piping bowl of cheese. Yes, queso. In spirit of Best of BCS, the Maroon Weekly team took part in an unofficial sampling of local cheese-cuisine to give our take on the cheesiest, the most decadent, and the depressingly lackluster.
Queso Crawl
The Brazos Valley often catches a lot of flak on the quality of available Mexican fare. While the best queso may simply come from a glorified taco stand, we can say that – at a minimum – every queso we’ve come across is still well above a melted block of Velveeta in your aunt’s old Crock-Pot. Simply put, there’s no clear loser in a contest where the overall premise revolves around melted cheese. Now, while our findings carry zero weight toward the Best of BCS results, may our opinions find you lighthearted...and a little spicy.
Queso Blanco FUEGO “It’s hard to beat the creamy white queso of this College Station classic. With a kick at the end to mesh with its overall smoothness, you’ll run out of chips before you’ll want to stop eating the queso – but good news, you can get free refills on the chips. A small should be good for a group of four or less, but go big with a bigger group.” – Linley McCord “This is, and has always been, my favorite queso in town. Personally, I prefer to eat it with hot tortillas over chips – but that’s just a personal preference. At the end of the day, rich white cheese and a bold spicy kick make this my cheese of preference.” – Luke Murray
CHUY’S “Chuy’s thick queso has a distinct, meat flavor that separates it from the rest of the pack. Vegetarians, beware of this queso! Instead, indulge in the Chuy’s-exclusive creamy jalapeño sauce, free of charge!” – Adrianna Zampieri “I like Chuy’s queso, but it might be because I’m also the weird one who likes canned chili on occasion. There definitely is a meaty taste to this cheese, which isn’t a complaint from me, but possibly something they should consider divulging before consumers begin indulging. It seems that the creamy jalapeño dip wins the general consensus from Chuy’s, but I think the queso is definitely worth the nominal fee.” – Luke Murray
By Adrianna Zampieri
Have a craving for some delicious liquid cheese? Need something to snack on during those lazy days? Whip up this Queso Blanco to satisfy your taste buds. Here’s What You Need: • 12 oz white American cheese, shredded • 4 oz Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded (don’t use pre-shredded) • 1/4 cup of finely diced white onion • 1 large jalapeño finely diced with the seeds and stem removed • 1–2 Roma tomatoes diced with the seeds removed • 1 small bunch of roughly chopped cilantro • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1/2 to 1 cup cream, half-and-half, or whole milk Here’s How to Do It: 1. Heat the oil in a sauté pan over medium heat.
TORCHY’S “Where Fuego is classic, Torchy’s is the New Age queso. Cilantro, spices, and an unforgettable guacamole center, your taste buds will be begging for more. But be warned – the price is steep for small portions. Some will argue that the flavor makes the price understandable, but I like more bang for my buck.” – Linley McCord “You just can’t beat Torchy’s flavor. The fact that it only comes in one size can be a little disappointing, but the truth is that they are doing us all a favor. Their delicious queso guarantees that you will eat however much is in front of you, no matter how full you are.” – Annabeth Reeb
LUPE TORTILLA “Lupe’s queso has the thinnest consistency, so it’s the messiest. However, it’s full of tomato or pico de gallo, and it pleases the taste buds with its classic, subtle flavor.” – Adrianna Zampieri
2. Sauté the onion and pepper until softened and reduce heat to medium-low. 3. Stir in the shredded cheese and 1/4 cup of the cream.
“Lupe’s queso was good, but much better was the fact that it is free with a drink during happy hour. When the drinks are flowing, it doesn’t matter how good the queso is, it’s quantity over quality.” – Annabeth Reeb
4. Quickly stir until the cheese is melted.
OVERALL FAVORITE: FUEGO RUNNER-UP: TORCHY’S
6. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, tortillas, or on tacos, burritos, etc.
5. Add the tomatoes, cilantro, and additional cream a little at a time until you reach desired consistency.
maroonweekly.com • Feb. 25, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 11
photo by Hub Wilson
Ragamala Dance Company @ Rudder Theatre By Linley McCord Ragamala Dance Company brings new life to traditional Indian dance at Rudder Theatre. The group, under the direction of Ranee and Aparna Ramaswamy, has been a dynamic force of movements that combine the ancient dance form of Bharatanatyam with modern dance. Inspired by arts and literature about India, then put into physical form by their creative imaginations, Ranee and Aparna interpret the connection between man and nature in their performance titled “Sacred Earth.” Ragamala has been performing for 22 years and is endorsed by artistic organizations both in the United States and India. The company’s goal is to combine traditional Indian dance with contemporary step to create a captivating performance. It exists to inspire awe in viewers and show cultures coming together in a way that can be beautiful. Their work has not gone unnoticed. The New York Times called the performances “soulful, imaginative and rhythmically contagious” for anyone who sees them. With a live band and vocals to support the artists, it is no surprise that audiences leave awestruck. Besides choreographers and artistic directors Ranee and Aparna, Ashwini Ramaswamy, Tamara Nadel, and Jessica Fiala also perform in the group and have been described as equally as beautiful on the stage as their leaders. The dancers are accompanied by vocals, a violin, and two Indian instruments – a nattuvangam, which sounds like bells, and a mridangam, which is a type of drum. Ranee was the original founder of the group and has been hailed by many critics as one of the premier performers in the nation. Appointed by President Obama, she currently sits on the National Council on the Arts. Aparna’s choreography is something to behold, and he is acclaimed for combining the physical act of dance with the spiritual mindset of desiring to dance. The performance is on Feb. 26 at 7pm in Rudder Theatre. Tickets are $10, available through the MSC Box office and online. Come out to see these talented dancers perform “Sacred Earth.”
the scoop pg 12 • MAROON WEEKLY • Feb. 25, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
WHAT: RAGMALA DANCE COMPANY WHERE: RUDDER THEATRE WHEN: FEB. 26 @ 7:00PM
Exclusive Interview: Seryn’s Nathan James By Luke Murray Relocated from North Texas to Nashville, folk-rock group Seryn will be making a staple Texas-stop in Bryan this Thursday for a show at the Stafford. We chatted up Seryn’s lead singer, Nathan James, to discuss the band’s recent overhaul in personnel, their brand new sophomore record, and their favorite locale in Aggieland…Fuego.
else should move to Nashville, but Nashville is within a oneday drive of 70 percent of the American population. We can get to Chicago in eight hours, Dallas in 12 hours, Atlanta in four hours, D.C. in 12 hours, and New York in about 16. So, it’s pretty awesome geographically. We could hit Memphis, then Little Rock or Fayetteville, and then be in Dallas to start a two-week tour of Texas, get home real quick, and then turn around and be in Chicago or New York. You want to try and get to New York or Boston from Dallas? Man forget it. You’re going to be gone for five weeks!
the board. It was the right decision for all those reasons.
NJ: Well I can tell you what went into the production of the album was every single thing that we had – creatively, financially, time-wise, and all of our love and energy. We worked a lot harder on the sound for this record, trying to be methodical and aim a little smaller so we could miss a little smaller – to quote Mel Gibson’s character from “The Patriot.” We also just worked harder on the drum sounds. As for what listeners can expect, it’s definitely more electric. It isn’t quite as hopeful as our first record. The record is really about coming to grips with reality. It’s part of the illusion, not necessarily about dreams but rather waking up from them. It’s all just a little more honest, a little more truthful.
MW: Y’all underwent some difficult changes, including personnel, your label, and even management; how were y’all able to get past all of those hurdles and maintain your success?
MW: The group has received accolades from a handful of notable critics; what is your next goal for the group?
MW: The album was produced in your hometown of Denton, Texas, just before you moved to Nashville; why did y’all decide to make that move?
NJ: It’s funny. The next time you use that, you’re going to giggle real hard. You can’t change the way someone is, but you can always swap someone out of the group. None of it was done out of spite, it was all done out of the necessity of people’s lives and where people needed to go. We’re a better band for it. I talk to everybody who used to be in the band all the time, and everyone is in a better place across
MW: Your new album “Shadow Shows” dropped last Tuesday; what went into producing the record and what kind of sound can listeners expect?
NJ: We knew that we were going to be touring a lot, and Nashville is uniquely situated geographically to be the best base for touring east of the Rockies. We’re not saying anyone
NJ: If success is defined as continuing to do it, then we just continued to do it – no matter what. I think, just like anything else, if you’re going to be there then, you’re going to be there. If you decide to move on to a different reality, then you will. We’re always trying to find the best fit. Like my dad says, “you can’t change people, but you can change people.” MW: That’s an interesting play on words.
MW: How did the changes help to evolve your sound? NJ: So far it hasn’t had a huge amount of impact because a lot of them took place after this new record was already done being recorded. I think we’ll have to look to the future to figure out how that’s going to play out. I’m excited about it though. There’s definitely more energy just because of the new members.
NJ: To put out a third record. I’m already hard at work on record number three. I want to get it out fast. MW: Do you have a timeline? NJ: Yes, but if I tell you then I won’t stick to it! MW: Well I guess we’ll keep you honest then. NJ: How about we say this, the next time we talk, I’ll brag about the new record. And let me close with this. What I’m excited about for this show in Aggieland...is Fuego! The only thing I’m more excited about is eating more Fuego after the show. How is that place open 24 hours?! Make sure you put this in the story. We’re throwing an after-party at Fuego after the show! Tweet it!
maroonweekly.com • Feb. 25, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 13
ne o Z Kid• Face Painting by Arsenal Tattoo
• Rock Star Hair by Allure Salon • Arts & Crafts
Silent ction! Au & d o o F ks n i r D
Lunar New Year @ Downtown Bryan By Abigail Stricker
Texas A&M University’s Confucius Institute will put on a Lunar New Year celebration in Downtown Bryan this Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10am to 5pm. It will be a day of Chinese dance performances, arts and crafts, calligraphy classes, Tai chi demonstrations, and lots of food. Lee’s Golden Dragon, a lion dancing troupe from Houston, will put on two smaller performances at 2pm and 3pm and one larger dragon dance performance at 4:30pm. All performances will take place in front of The Village Café.
Second Annual ert c n o C t fi e n e B Andrew Duhon • Maybe April Team* • Christopher Crow
March 14, 2015 Palace Theater, Downtown Bryan, Texas go to www.bmbfoundation.org for ticket info!
pg 14 • MAROON WEEKLY • Feb. 25, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
The Lunar New Year is a Chinese holiday, which falls on the second new moon after winter solstice, and the exact date changes year to year. The holiday lasts 15 days and is celebrated not only in China, but in Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and many other countries with thriving Chinese populations. 2015 is the year of the goat (or sheep, depending on how the Chinese character “yang” is translated). If you were born in ’19, ’31, ’43, ’67, ’79, ’91, or 2003, then you would be a “goat” according to the Chinese tradition and this is your year! The color red is central to the Lunar New Year tradition, so if you’re planning to attend the celebration and are debating outfit choices, anything red is probably a safe bet. Admission is free, so come check it out! Fun, food, and a little cultural education are to be expected.
the scoop
WHAT: LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION WHERE: DOWNTOWN BRYAN WHEN: FEB. 28 @ 10:00AM
Exclusive Interview: The Docs By Adrianna Zampieri Opening for Whiskey Myers is locally-based rock ’n’ roll band, The Docs. We sat down with them to pick their brains on concepts of passion, fears, and the future. MW: Being based out of College Station, you have performed many times in local venues. What is your favorite part about performing live? What is it about standing on stage, surrounded by a crowd that keeps you coming back for more? TD: Oh, probably that whole standing on stage surrounded by a crowd thing. But to be more specific, playing live is exhilarating and our shows are a lot of fun for us and everyone else too, we hope. Our favorite places to play in town are The Stafford, Harry’s, Boulevard 217, and The Tap. MW: Although you have performed in front of many crowds, do you ever get nervous before taking stage? What advice would you give to a musician trying to overcome stage fright? TD: Nerves are natural. It’s your body’s way of reminding you that you’ve stepped out of your comfort zone. As long as you are challenging yourself, you will have nerves, and that’s a good thing. An aspiring musician should play as much as possible in front of people every chance they get. MW: Do you feel that playing music has helped you to overcome any of your own fears? TD: Absolutely. It has always been our dream to play music like we are now. So to actually get to be doing it is both a privilege and inspiring in and of itself. We all overcame the fear of going against the grain and living our lives like we want to when we started the band. MW: You have an album, “Audacious,” that was released back in 2013. What was your inspiration behind the album? Was there a message you were intending to get across to the listeners? TD: Our inspiration for our first record was searching for our identity. At that point in time we had just discovered what we were capable of as a collective unit, but were still (and still are) searching for more sounds. We recorded with awesome people at a great studio, and you can listen to our first record on Spotify and all those other cool music things. We’re also about to release our second record, and we’re really excited to get that into everyone’s ears and help promote the local music scene. MW: You recently shared on Facebook that you are releasing a new song soon. Would you say that your style has evolved since your last album? What do your fans have to look forward to? TD: Yeah our style has evolved, but we are incapable of describing it, so y’all just have to come check us out.
pg 16 • MAROON WEEKLY • Feb. 25, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
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maroonweekly.com • Feb. 25, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 17
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#APP4THAT SNL - BY ANNABETH BATTERY DOCTOR - BY REEB RACHEL PICKERING “Saturday Night Live” is celebrating its 40thit?anniversary with the launch a new app:isSNL. The Does your phone die when you least expect You deserve to know whenofyour phone about to app features full episodes, clips, and actor spotlights. Choose an episode, a decade, or an actor and RIP, and you can do so by downloading Battery Doctor. The app can extend your battery life up to explore the multitude videos atyour yourphone’s fingertips. You’llconsumption. never have to worry about rushing home on 50% by monitoring and of regulating power a Saturday night to record your favorite host again, because now you have the entire crew right at Theyour appfingertips. 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 The app features SNL’s very own emojis, including a “Conehead,” an astronaut cat, a “Simmah Down addition, the memory scan and junk clean up will help you save extra space by cleaning and deleting Nah” word block, and much more. With all that the SNL app has to offer, you’ll never be bored again. clutter. (Before deleting anything, you have the option of setting your preferences so only certain files/folders will be scanned for clean up.) NUTSHELL CAMERA - BY ABIGAIL STRICKER Nutshell Camera, a newly updated app, offers users a way to share photos more cinematically. The Battery also atells users long pictures your battery willso last under a variety of situations. For idea isDoctor to create “story” by how grouping together that, rather than capturing just one example, if you are playing a game on your phone, it will let you know how much power the game moment at a time, they produce a cohesive scene. is using. The app also keeps a log of how often you fully charge your phone and what features you canThe turn extend the battery life. appon/off allowstousers to upload three pictures, add captions and graphics, and then share the resulting stories or “nutshells” with family and friends. Nutshell Camera features include a library of free HANX WRITER - BY CONNIE SONGinstant sharing to Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter; and the ability graphics to be added to stories; Clickity, clack, clack.directly Fueledtobyfriends his love foremail, the typewriter, Tom and Hanks (yes, Forrest Gump himself) to send nutshells using text messages, Whatsapp. developed Hanx Writer, an app that mimics old-school typing machines. Yes, there was a reason why typewriter but thewith cons of the intopictures consideration Forthe when you don’twent feel away, like messing videos butmachine want towere dresstaken up your a little and bit, modified for this app. For instance, you can now delete your typos and go back and edit your download Nutshell Camera for free on the Apple App Store. horrible grammar instead of having a document covered Xs. However, if you’re a fan of the Xs, there’s an option have them, too. In addition, you can also export documents you’ve typed with ULTRAFLOW - BYtoADRIANNA ZAMPIERI you’reHanx looking for acan funalso waybe to used pass the time, apps then download ULTRAFLOW. theIf app. Writer in other if you’re solely using the app for the sounds (which is pretty nostalgic, but some people can’t write without them). Swipe your finger across the screen of your smartphone to guide a circle through a maze of geometric shapes while you’ll stationary and moving obstacles. Moving your circle is complicated ZEN SHOPPING - BY encounter DANIELLA both DELGADO at first as you experiment with different speeds but you’ll get the it after a few Want to make holiday shopping a breeze? With and Zenangles, Shopping, you can havehang yourof own personal tries. 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 puzzles rangerecognizes in difficultythe from simple you’re to complex, andfor your brain will get other a mental workout trying ZenThe automatically product looking and searches stores to find the to determine best Zen strategy complete theprovides puzzle. Ifyou you’re struggling, game will a most affordablethe option. also toautomatically with the bestthe coupons for provide the store line of dashes to guide you on the path to success, and with each success, the level concludes with you are shopping at prior to checkout. an explosion of spinning triangles.
COST: FREE COST: FREE
COST: FREE
COST: FREE
COST: FREE Zen notifies you of deals tailored to your shopping interests. The app also has a package tracking With 99 puzzles to solve, ULTRAFLOW will keep you occupied for hours. 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 2015 Shopping this holiday season. pg 18 • MAROON WEEKLY • Feb. 25, • maroonweekly.com
pg 18 • MAROON WEEKLY • Dec. 10, 2014 • maroonweekly.com
maroonweekly.com • Feb. 25, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 19
Kingsman Action (R)
By Linley McCord
Imagine British humor added to Quentin Tarantino, James Bond and classic Samuel L. Jackson, and that will help you form a picture of what “Kingsman” is. However, this film really needs to be experienced to fully understand it. While marketers made it look like a teen spy flick, do not be deceived. The film is not designed for the typical teenage crowd with an R rating. The script is liberal with profanity, primarily by Jackson’s character, but is spread among other characters pretty evenly. The first 45 minutes of “Kingsman” are what you would expect in a spy movie. The main character Eggsy Unwin (Taron Egerton) lives in an abusive home, but clearly he has the natural skills for an espionage lifestyle. He is approached by Harry Hart (Collin Firth) to join a secret society called Kingsman, and thus starts the initiation process. The rest of the film bounces between Valentine’s (Samuel L. Jackson) evil plan to take over the world and the initiation of Eggsy and other Kingsman hopefuls. The plot is intricate, with an abundance of explosions, witty banter, surprising humor, and a master plan to boot. Arguably the most notable character, Jackson’s villain is hard to dislike because he does such an exceptional job in the role. Viewers will not lack for entertainment, but this film is definitely eccentric and requires the audience to throw expectations to the wind. Also, beware that vulgarity is a major part of the film, and the fight scenes are over-the-top graphic. Overall, “Kingsman” is extremely well done and a great movie. Be prepared to have your senses shocked, twists thrown your way, and leave the theatre trying to process what just happened. The runtime is 129 minutes and is rated R for adult content, language, and violence.
pg 20 • MAROON WEEKLY • Feb. 25, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
Aziz Ansari Buried Alive Netflix By Abigail Stricker Aziz Ansari, 31-year-old comedian and actor from South Carolina, has released his 2013 comedy routine “Buried Alive” on Netflix. Ansari stars as Tom Haverford on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation,” the wildly popular comedy television show starring Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Rashida Jones, and Adam Scott. Ansari’s career in stand-up comedy began in New York in 2000 while he attended New York University. He then created and starred in MTV’s “Human Giant” sketch in 2007. He’s also been involved in 14 films including “Funny People,” “I Love You, Man,” “What’s Your Number?” and “Get Him to the Greek.” But his gig on “Parks and Recreation” is what he’s most well known for. With the show in its seventh and final season, who knows what Ansari will be up to next? What’s certain is that he’s really, really funny. And “Buried Alive” is no exception. The routine, which runs one hour and 19 minutes, covers a lot of comedic ground – including children as life-ruining (but cute) little monsters, the weirdness that is the institution of marriage, dating in modern America, and some pretty funny and sadly realistic character tropes. “Buried Alive” tests some boundaries, but never in a way that’s too wildly offensive. It’s not that sensitive topics aren’t broached, because they are. Ansari knows what makes people uncomfortable and uses humor to help people sort out their feelings – a common function of comedy. Check out Aziz Ansari who is unprecedented and consistently funny. We seriously dare you not to laugh.
maroonweekly.com • Jan. 21, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 21
Solve like a pirate Across 1 Cavatappi and capellini 7 Poe title word 10 Rejections 13 Detach, in a way 14 “Free Willy” creature 15 Decide (for) 16 The color of believing you can fly? 18 Dead heat 19 Airline since 1948 20 Drags 21 Stood 23 Flag thrower 24 Extreme 25 Not often 27 Garfield’s call when Jon has fallen? 30 Come from behind 33 “Get away, stranger!” (from a cat) 34 “Transformers” director Michael 35 “Y” wearers 36 Hit 38 Harrowing 39 Meadow sound 40 Epps of “Resurrection” 41 Feeling of insecurity 42 Creature surrounded by bamboo and other trees? 46 Bathroom buildup 47 1963 Paul Newman movie 48 “___ with Lovin’” (McDonald’s promo of February 2015) 51 Free-for-all 52 Utah city 54 Formally give up 55 Mean Amin 56 Food advertised with the line: “Keep on Truckin’... and Snackin’”? 59 Took a chair 60 Story 61 It’s west of the Urals 62 Muddy home 63 Word before Spice or Navy 64 Turns back to 00000
pg 22 • MAROON WEEKLY • Feb. 25, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
Answers
pg 16 • MAROON WEEKLY • Jan. 28, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
Down 1 Less contaminated 2 Foot holder 3 Wheat amount 4 Driving money 5 “You’ve Got Mail” company 6 1970s space station 7 Media packet 8 “Riunite on ___, Riunite so nice” 9 Comb challenges 10 Comfortably sized 11 Conflicts in China 12 Instructions part 14 Nonprofit’s URL suffix 17 Knowledgeable sort 22 Like unmatched socks 24 Make onion rings 26 Apart from that 27 Ice Bucket Challenge cause, for short 28 Bird sound 29 Turgenev’s turndown 30 2000s sitcom set in Texas 31 Worried by 32 It’s no asset 36 “Peter Pan” role 37 Tears for Fears hit redone for “Donnie Darko” 38 Evidence with a twist? 40 Demand that someone will 41 Hit the plus button 43 “Bravissimo!’ 44 Throat clearing sound 45 Three or five, but not threeve 48 Gunpowder alternative 49 Expert 50 Positive feedback 51 Word before any U.S. state 53 Wish you could take back 54 Lightning McQueen’s movie 57 Ironman Ripken 58 Maestro’s signal 2015 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com)
March Madness in Sight for the Aggies After six straight NCAA tournament trips, followed by three years on the outside, the Texas A&M men’s basketball team is on the brink of a tournament berth.
By Brad Cox
2 1/2 games.
After a 68-62 victory over LSU on Feb. 17, A&M is poised to end the drought that coincided with both the arrival of coach Billy Kennedy and the Aggies’ entrance into the SEC.
Softball February has been a busy roller coaster month for the Aggie women. A&M opened the season with a 3-2 trip to the SoCal Collegiate Classic in San Diego that included a 6-4 victory over UCLA one day after losing 13-0 in four innings to the same squad.
Danuel House scored 20 in the victory over LSU, hitting double figures for the 11th time in 12 games. The Aggies also rallied from a halftime deficit for the seventh time this year.
The Aggies returned home and went 4-1 in the Aggie Classic – the first of two tournaments hosted by A&M in February – before losing to then-No. 2 Oregon 5-1 on Feb. 18.
ESPN bracketology expert Joe Lunardi gave A&M a boost in his Feb. 19 projections following the win over the likely tournament-bound Tigers.
The Aggies then headed to California to participate in the Mary Nutter Classic. They went 5-0 on the weekend with wins over Cal State Fullerton and Stanford.
Lunardi bumped the Aggies from the No. 11 seed in the South region to the No. 10 seed in the Midwest, pairing A&M against similarly-rising West Virginia. The Mountaineers upset then-No. 8 Kansas 62-61 on Feb. 16. A&M hosts struggling Auburn on Feb. 28 and starts the final week of the regular season March 3 at Florida before returning to Reed Arena to play Alabama on March 7.
Baseball Was it new baseballs with lower seams or inferior opponents? Either way, Texas A&M got off to a hot start by scoring 47 runs in its first four games, including a season-opening three-game sweep of Holy Cross from Feb. 13-15 and a midweek 6-0 victory against Stephen F. Austin on Feb. 17. The Aggies mashed 50 hits and knocked six homers for a .357 team batting average in four games. A&M hit .286 last year, averaging just one home run every
Tori Vidales and Ashley Walters led the way through the Aggies’ first 11 games. Walters hit .348 with three doubles and Vidales hit .324 with four homers and 10 RBIs. The Aggies are 12-4 early in the season. They will return to action at the Aggie Softball Complex when they host the Texas A&M Invitational starting on Feb. 27.
maroonweekly.com • Feb. 25, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 23