Music Reviews
Aaron Watson Album: The Underdog Release Date: Feb. 17, 2015 By Abigail Stricker
Brad Paisley Emile Haynie
Aaron Watson, country music singer from Abilene, Texas, released his newest album, “The Underdog,” on Feb. 17. It features 14 original tracks. Throughout his 12-year music career, Watson has released 11 albums, sold more than 150,000 copies, had seven No. 1 singles on the Texas Music Chart, and had four albums debut on the Billboard Chart. When asked about writing and making music, Watson said, “We have a formula that has been working for over a decade, and that’s making good, wholesome, fun music reflective of what I believe in.” “Underdog” is no exception. The tracks (fun yet serious, uplifting and relatable) are consistently a pleasure to listen to. Watson’s voice is beautiful and perfectly suits his countrified sound and inspiring lyrics. “That Look,” “That’s Why God Loves Cowboys,” and “Bluebonnets (Julia’s song),” are some of the more popular tracks, but the whole album flows nicely together.
Brad Paisley MisterWives
BradKidPaisley Rock
Album: We Fall
Album: Our Own House
Album:
Release Date: Feb. 24, 2015
Release Date: Feb. 24, 2015
Release Date: Feb. 24, 2015
By Linley McCord
By Annabeth Reeb
By Adrianna Zampieri
“We Fall” is Emile Haynie’s first full-length album with an indie-alternative sound reminiscent of the Lumineers with “Vampire Weekend” mixed in. It is actually an impressive first studio album. He pulls a lot of other artists into the music, such as Lana Del Ray and Randy Newman. The album incorporates strings, horns, a synth, and other more unusual instruments. However, there are some weird voiceovers in one of the songs that create a more psychedelic mood. For the most part, though, the album is a strong first go around that presents Emile Haynie as a competent and creative artist. He knows how to use different sounds to reinforce a certain tone, whether it is playful or somber. His use of other artists shows a talent of being able to incorporate new sound with trusted vocals and mix them beautifully.
MisterWives already had the attention of many listeners with their single “Reflections,” and the release of their first full album “Our Own House” did not fall short of the hype. MisterWives has a fresh sound that can attract alternative listeners as well as Taylor Swift groupies. Not unlike the rest of the album, “Reflections” starts off slow but then explodes into a hypnotizing rhythm – what you might get if you mixed Adele with Katy Perry. Lead singer Mandy Lee Duffy shows her versatility from “Coffins” to “Not your Way,” from soft and sweet to indie rock. Not only does she have an amazing voice, Duffy wrote or co-wrote every song. It’s been a while since an entire band, not just a lead singer, made a voice for themselves to impress the masses, but MisterWives is definitely on the right track.
pg 4 • MAROON WEEKLY • March 4, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
First Kiss
Kid Rock first entered the music scene in 1990, and since then, he has journeyed through several musical evolutions. He began as a rapper, transitioned to a southern rock revivalist, and now has entered the heartland rock era of his career. His new, countrified rock ’n’ roll album “First Kiss” is a far cry from his first album, “Grits Sandwiches for Lunch,” which was characterized by abrasive and crude lyrics. Instead, he brings together a collection of easygoing tunes that encourage you to kick back and relax. With relatable songs such as “Drinking Beer with Dad,” “First Kiss,” and “Good Times, Cheap Wine,” you will want to recall your own memories about relationships and family. This release includes an explicit bonus track “FOAD,” a throwback to his crude, bad boy roots you just can’t take seriously. Despite that one hiccup, “First Kiss” is Kid Rock’s greatest work yet.
Corey Smith @ 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
Hurricane Harry’s continues to bring in great country acts, and this weekend will be no different with the soulful Corey Smith and opening act Jonny Burke on March 6. Prolific country artist Corey Smith has nine albums under his belt and one more to be released in June. “While The Gettin’s Good” is one he feels he owes his fans. The album is about honesty, love, hometowns, and deeper self-discovery. Written entirely by Corey Smith, it promises to move audiences with its classic country sound. This will be Smith’s first album with Sugar Hill Records who produces A-list albums for top artists such as Zac Brown Band. After striking out with indie labels, Sugar Hill put in the bid to produce and sell Smith’s album. After creating the album on his own, it is not surprising that Smith wants sure hands to distribute his work. Smith released his first album in 2003 titled “Undertones.” His last four albums received spots on the top folk and heat charts. Most notably in 2011, “The Broken Record” earned a spot on folk, heat, country, rock, and overall U.S. charts. Smith has released an album nearly every other year – many of them self-produced – and shows no signs of slowing down. Guest act Jonny Burke has an impressive résumé of his own. He wrote and self-produced two albums, “Distance and Fortune” and “Cup Runneth Over.” Born and raised in New Braunfels, this Texas native learned how to play guitar at a young age with his dad. His song of choice was “Johnny Be Goode” and he was playing in bars by the age of 15. He has since opened for the likes of James McMutry and seems to have a long career ahead of him. Smith and Burke will make you want to pull your boots on and head over to Harry’s for a country night to remember. The doors open at 9pm, and tickets are $10.
the scoop
WHAT: COREY SMITH W/ JONNY BURKE WHERE: HURRICANE HARRY’S WHEN: MARCH 6 @ 9:00PM
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
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 • March 4, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 5
The Great Gatsby @ Rudder Theatre By Linley McCord F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel “The Great Gatsby” is taking another form – the stage. After the most recent film with Leonardo DiCaprio, interest in the story has grown. Once a book 10thgrade students were supposed to read, it has now become a pop culture staple. Adapted for the stage by Simon Levy, the story continues to capture the hopefulness and pitfalls of the elusive American Dream. Critics write that the play version more accurately depicts the characters. Jay Gatsby is the charming millionaire who is constantly chasing the one thing money can’t buy. Daisy Buchanan is lovely and enticing as never before, and her normal male cousin Nick Carraway stands out even more as a common guy among those with personalities and aspirations bigger than his.
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Levy got the rights to adapt the novel from the Fitzgerald Estate, and these rights are exclusive. He has been a producing director of the Los Angeles Fountain Theatre. A sort of Fitzgerald specialist, Levy has adapted “Tender is the Night” and “The Last Tycoon” for the dramatic stage. All of these adaptations have earned high accolades and garnered him an enviable reputation as a well-established playwright. The script has been called “its own work of art” and the show itself dubbed a “masterpiece, a classic hit, an amazing production” by Missoula Independent and AXS. It seems that this classic piece of American literature will not be going out of style anytime soon. The troupe performing is the Montana Repertory Theatre, and they have traveled the nation showcasing the play. However, they have not lacked for international attention. The London Free Press calls the performance “beautifully crafted.” The show is on March 5 at 7:30pm in Rudder Theatre. Tickets can be bought through the MSC Box Office and prices vary from $25 to $50, depending on where you want to sit. So pick up your tickets, and prepare to be dazzled.
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the scoop
WHAT: THE GREAT GATSBY WHERE: RUDDER THEATRE WHEN: MARCH 5 @ 7:30PM
Protein Smoothies: Blend Away the Excess Pounds By Adrianna Zampieri Protein is an essential macronutrient that your body needs in relatively large amounts to keep in tiptop shape. As a building block of muscle tissue, it’s important to consume enough of this nutrient to support your body as you put it through vigorous workouts. Combine these protein rich smoothies with a safe exercise routine and watch those last few pesky pounds melt away before Spring Break. Whip up one of these smoothies for breakfast to start the morning on a high note. Rich in protein, they’ll jump-start your energy levels and keep you from overeating the rest of the day. Fruity Sunrise • 1 cup organic frozen mixed berries • 1 frozen banana • 1 peeled and segmented orange • 4–6oz Greek yogurt Cookies for Breakfast • 1 cup almond milk • 8 ice cubes • 1 scoop protein powder • 1/4 cup rolled oats • Pinch of cinnamon • 3 tbsp almond butter • 2 tbsp cookie butter The Kiwi Monster • 1 1/2 cups almond milk • 1 1/2 cups packed baby spinach leaves • 1 banana, cut into chunks and frozen • 2 ripe kiwi, peeled and cut into chunks • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Protein is vital after a workout; it helps your body bounce back and repairs muscle tissue. After exercising, mix up one of these recipes to aid your body in recuperating. Vanilla Almond Bombshell • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk • 2 cups baby spinach • 1 frozen banana • 2 tbsp almond butter • 2 tsp organic vanilla extract • 1 serving protein powder • 1 cup ice Strawberry Peach Swirl • 1 cup frozen strawberries • 1/2 cup frozen peaches • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk • 1 cup ice • 1/2 tsp vanilla • 1 packet Stevia or 1 tbsp honey • 1 serving vanilla protein powder Piece of Carrot Cake • 1/2 cup carrot juice • 1 frozen banana • 3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk • 1 serving vanilla protein powder • Pinch of cinnamon • 4-5 cubes of ice
maroonweekly.com • March 4, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 7
LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR
March 5 - March 11
Jared Cohen @ George Bush Presidential Library By Abigail Stricker
Jared Cohen, director of Google Ideas and advisor to the executive chairman at Google, is headed to College Station to speak on “Technology Transforming the World.” He will discuss technology as a form of conflict resolution. Cohen began his work at Google in 2010. He previously served as an advisor to both Condoleezza Rice and Hilary Clinton. He was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2013. He’s amassed quite an impressive résumé for a 33-year-old. Cohen has written four books: “The New Digital Age: Reshaping the Future of People, Nations, and Business,” “One Hundred Days of Silence: America and the Rwanda Genocide,” “Children of Jihad: A Young American’s Travels Among the Youth of the Middle East,” and “The Accidental Presidents.” Cohen has degrees in history and political science with a minor in African studies, in addition to a master’s in international relations from Oxford University; showing his interest level in such topics to be insurmountable. Cohen’s interest in such topics reaches pretty far back. In addition to his post at Google, he serves on the National Counterterrorism Center’s (NCTC) Director’s Advisory Board. Google Ideas, the branch where Cohen is now director, is relatively new to Google. Its function is to explore global issues and ways in which technology might be part of the solutions to those issues. What’s clear is that Cohen is a smart guy who almost certainly has a lot to say. He will speak at the George Bush Presidential Library Center on March 6 at 6pm. Tickets are free through the MSC Box Office.
www.bcslive365.com facebook.com/bcslive365 twitter.com/BCSLive365
pg 8 • MAROON WEEKLY • March 4, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
the scoop
WHAT: JARED COHEN WHERE: GB PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY WHEN: MARCH 6 @ 6:00PM
maroonweekly.com • Feb. 11, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 9
pg 10 Feb.28, 04,2015 2015••maroonweekly.com maroonweekly.com 16 • MAROON WEEKLY • Jan.
maroonweekly.com • March 4, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 11
Quiet Company @ First Friday By Abigail Stricker Quiet Company, indie rock band from Austin, Texas, will be throwing their album release party for new album “Transgressor” at Grand Stafford Theater’s free First Friday show on March 6 at 8pm. Quiet Company’s band members include singersongwriter and guitarist Taylor Muse, guitarist and keyboardist Thomas Blank, bassist Matt Parmenter, and keyboardist-synthesizer Bill Gryta. “Transgressor” is described as having a “guitar-driven” and “larger-than-life sound.” Critics have described Quiet Company’s sound as, “a mix of the Beatles, Death Cab for Cutie, Arcade Fire and Weezer.” Quiet Company has won 11 Austin Music Awards, including Rock Band of the Year at SXSW 2014. They’ve gained recognition from The New York Times, Time, NPR, Last Call with Carson Daly, Paste Magazine, Houston Chronicle, and the Austin Chronicle. Released in February, “Transgressor” features Quiet Company and songwriter Muse’s best work yet. It’s their fourth full-length album and is perhaps a little more heavy on the rock – or at least there’s a higher percentage of fast-paced, loud tracks such as the popular “Seven Hells” and “The Most Dangerous Game.” Accompanying Quiet Company will be Dallas rock band Somebody’s Darling. Their third full-length album, “Adult Roommates,” was released in September 2014, and lead singer Amber Farris has been compared to Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi and Erika Wennerstrom. Check out First Friday on March 6, and stop by the Stafford for some Texas-bred riffs and New Age fusion.
the scoop pg 12 • MAROON WEEKLY • March 4, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
WHAT: QUIET COMPANY WHERE: GRAND STAFFORD THEATER WHEN: MARCH 6 @ 8:00PM
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The Final Push Before Spring Break
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By Annabeth Reeb Spring break is around the corner but you aren’t quite satisfied with your beach body. Whether you’re still sitting on the couch or you’ve been to the gym a couple times a week, here are a few tips to whip you into shape before the big week arrives. We asked Carl Perry, owner of local boxing gym MMA Unleashed, what the most important thing is to keep in mind while trying to get in shape. His answer was one word: nutrition. Pre-beach nutrition tips to keep in mind: Try to get a few of these anti-bloating foods in your meals every day leading up to your trip: asparagus, lemon, cucumber, parsley and dandelion greens. Don’t know how to eat them? Lemon and cucumber can go right into your water glass, while asparagus makes a tasty side whatever way you prepare it. Next on the pre-vacation plan: Fitness Working out shouldn’t be something you dread. If you hate working out, you haven’t found the right way. For competitive spirits, try something more than mindless running. For example, boxing, pickup basketball games, or a friendly game of soccer with your friends can do the trick. For those who love to run, try running with a friend because then you’re more likely to push yourself. No time? Try some of these easy workouts you can do right in your room. Abs: Lay on the floor faceup with your legs a few inches above the ground and your arms outstretched behind you. Raise your torso up while bending your knees until you can
grab your toes, then lower. Do this for one minute. Fat burning: Get in the push-up position. Jump your feet to the right, to the left, and then up to your hands, and stand up. Jump up with your arms raised toward the ceiling. Do this for one minute.
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Burpees: If you had an angry high school gym coach, you know what these are. Again, get in push-up position. Lower your torso until your hips are touching the ground and you arms are straight. Lower your chest to the ground, and then push yourself up to your feet, jump to the ceiling, and repeat. Do this for one minute. Muffin top melter: Lie on your back and raise your feet six inches off the ground. Alternate kicking your legs toward the ceiling. Keep in mind your legs should not touch the ground until the exercise is over. Do this for one minute. Inner thigh workout: Stand with feet much wider than shoulder-length apart. Squat as far to the right as you can, while flexing your left foot. Repeat on the left side. Do this for one minute. Repeat all exercises three times. Total time spent: 15 minutes. After stressing the importance of nutrition and exercise, Perry gave one more tip: “The best advice is once you get into it, don’t give up. Turn your fitness into a lifestyle, not just a habit. Habits can be broken, but lifestyles can’t. That way, you know that when you look in the mirror, whether it’s positive or negative, it’s because of what you’ve done.”
maroonweekly.com • March 4, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 13
e n o Z Kid• Face Painting by Arsenal Tattoo
• Rock Star Hair by Allure Salon • Arts & Crafts
Silentuction! A & d o Fo s k n i r D
Second Annual t r e c n o C t fi e n Be Andrew Duhon • Maybe April Team* • Christopher Crow
March 14, 2015 Palace Theater, Downtown Bryan, Texas go to www.bmbfoundation.org for ticket info!
MilkDrive @ Grand Stafford By Adrianna Zampieri MilkDrive and Sour Bridges perform on March 5 at the Grand Stafford Theater, promising a gritty homegrown show out of these Austin-based bands. MilkDrive is making a stop in Bryan, Texas, during their 2015 tour. This acoustic quartet is composed of master musicians Brian Beken, Dennis Ludiker, Noah Jeffries, and Jesse Dalton. Beken, Ludiker, and Jeffries are experts at playing the fiddle and mandolin, while Dalton rounds out the group with his double bass skills. The quartet has produced three albums, “Waves,” “Road from Home,” and “Places You’ve Not Been,” which will be released March 31. Their sound can only be described as a fusion of folk, bluegrass, and jazz. MilkDrive’s energy will keep you on your feet and their soulful harmonies will captivate you. Sour Bridges brings to the table a great time and a good atmosphere. Band members are Bill Pucci, Matt Pucci, Kat “Mama Kat” Wilkes, Dalton Chamblee, and Jack Bridges. They have produced two albums, “Workin’ on Leavin’” and “Catfish Charlie,” and plan on recording their third later this year. They describe their music as “browngrass,” saying “It’s like bluegrass, just a little dirtier.” It’s also a little rowdier, less inhibited, and more rambunctious. With a rock ‘n’ roll spirit, their homegrown music encourages your feet to dance and will leave you feeling breathless. The concert starts at 8pm, but the doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $12 and are available for purchase online at the Grand Stafford Theater website.
the scoop pg 16 • MAROON WEEKLY • March 4, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
WHAT: MILKDRIVE AND SOUR BRIDGES WHERE: GRAND STAFFORD THEATER WHEN: MARCH 5 @ 8:00PM
“In the game of thrones, you win or you die” George R. R. Martin, author of the esteemed Thrones series, visited Rudder Auditorium on Feb. 27 to donate a first edition copy of The Hobbit to Texas A&M Libraries. A friend of the university and an admirer of fantasy literature, Martin was the perfect person to put the university’s five-millionth book on the shelves. Or in a glass case, rather. Martin has been a fan of Texas A&M since coming to Aggiecon in the late 1970s. After attending for a few years, he was given a tour of the university libraries and introduced to Cushing Memorial Library’s wide collection of science fiction and fantasy literature. Since 1991, Martin has donated his early manuscripts of the famous Song of Ice and Fire series, better known as Game of Thrones after HBO’s cinematic rendition. His relationship with Texas A&M has been going strong ever since. “Cushing probably has the third best collection of science fiction and fantasy literature in the nation, and certainly in the top 10 in the world,” said Martin, when asked why he chose A&M to donate his material to. “I’m also a packrat, and can’t bear the thought of throwing anything out.”
George R.R. Martin Makes Donation to Cushing Library By Linley McCord
When library staff saw that the university was approaching their five millionth book, they knew the book that capped that number needed to be representative of the university and how far we have come. The Hobbit, an unexpected journey, seemed to be the perfect fit. This particular edition of the novel is a first edition, one of around 1500 printed. With Tolkien-created images on the cover and an inscription on the front of the inside cover, this edition is a rarity. Martin was glad to donate this book to the university because he is always passionate about good fantasy literature. Having been inspired by Tolkien, Martin seeks to continuously be an advocate for fantasy literature and its merit. “There is something universal about fantasy,” said Martin. While he did not comment on any news about the next installment of his series, Martin did jokingly claim that Tolkien took “an agonizing amount of time” to release The Two Towers, the second book of the Lord of the Rings series. That wait time was around six months. Martin released his last book in 2011. The first edition Hobbit will be on display in Cushing for the next few weeks. Go check out this literary classic, and maybe grab a copy of A Game of Thrones while you’re at it.
maroonweekly.com • March 4, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 17
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#APP4THAT CALCBOT - BY LINLEY MCCORD BATTERY DOCTOR - BY RACHEL PICKERING A smart calculator, Calcbot’s recent update makes for a to sleeker way Does your phone die when you least expect it? You deserve know and whenmore youruser-friendly phone is about to of using the app. Designed in a way that makes sense and is easy to use, this app does RIP, and you can do so by downloading Battery Doctor. The app can extend your battery life up to unit forregulating everything from measurements for cooking to monetary conversions 50% by conversions monitoring and your phone’s power consumption. between countries. Conveniently, it has a list of all the monetary conversions, so if you’re a European trip, you see how $500 willon getyour youphone. in bothIt’ll England rest Thedoing app finds other apps and can settings that far drain power provideand youthe detailed of Europe. 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 In addition to conversions, it also performs many of the functions of a traditional or graphing clutter. (Before deleting anything, you have the option of setting your preferences so only certain calculator so students don’t have to lug around their big calculators – they can just pull out files/folders will be scanned for clean up.) their smartphones. It also has a history tape that remembers everything you have punched into the calculator for easy access. Battery Doctor also tells users how long your battery will last under a variety of situations. For example, youANNABETH are playingREEB a game on your phone, it will let you know how much power the game VIMO -ifBY is using. The app also keeps log of often your phone features you Vimo is, in short, a lot ofa fun andhow easy to you use.fully Thischarge app allows you toand addwhat moving images cancalled turn on/off to extend the battery life. motion stickers to videos. For example, if you want to add a mustache on your friend’s face, the app allows you to program the mustache to move as your friend moves. HANX WRITER - BY CONNIE SONG Clickity, clack, clack.are Fueled his lovethat for make the typewriter, Tom Hanks (yes,being Forrest Gump Available images littlebydoodles your videos cute without tacky. Thehimself) basic developed Hanxbut Writer, an the app majority that mimics old-school Yes, pick thereand waschoose a reason app is free, to get of features willtyping cost machines. you. 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It’s stocked with videos, playlists, and channels that are age -appropriate and kid friendly. ZEN SHOPPING BY DANIELLA DELGADO Want to make holiday shopping a breeze? With Zen Shopping, you can have your own personal The appassistant is designed as simply possible, youngest children can your figure it out. Some shopping straight on yourasphone. It hassoa the variety of features to make online shopping examples of video content include Sesame Street, Thomas & Friends, and DreamWorks. Other experience simple and expedient. Among these features are a price comparison calculator, where categoriesrecognizes include music, science, games and crafts. Zenvideo automatically 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 can add controls, and there’s even a built-in timer to help keep a handle youParents are shopping at additional prior to checkout. on usage. YouTube Kids works really hard to keep everything completely age appropriate, if parents ever see something questionable, there’s a feature for immediately notifying Zenbut notifies you of deals tailored to your shopping interests. The app also has a package tracking YouTube. feature, so you can keep track of the delivery status of all your precious merchandise. Avoid the long lines and crazy crowds and do all of your shopping from the comfort of your own phone with this holiday season. pg 18 • MAROON WEEKLY • MarchZen 4, Shopping 2015 • maroonweekly.com
pg 18 • MAROON WEEKLY • Dec. 10, 2014 • maroonweekly.com
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The Duff Action (PG-13) By Adrianna Zampieri “You either know one, you have one, or you are one.” Based off the book by Kody Keplinger, “The DUFF” is the story of high school senior Bianca who discovers she is the “Designated Ugly Fat Friend” in her group of peers. With the help of childhood friend Wesley, she attempts to cast off the label, win the guy of her dreams, and reclaim her identity. As a result, she shakes up her school’s social hierarchy. Fans of the novel may experience disappointment after watching this film, as the majority of the movie doesn’t follow Keplinger’s plot. However, “The DUFF” is a mine of comedic gold. It is chock-full of embarrassing moments, playful monologue, and unexpected twists. It also uses a script worthy of a standing ovation. Rocking to her own beat, Bianca and her quick-witted personality will keep you laughing. She’s not afraid to speak her mind and tell it like it is. Mae Whitman excels in her performance of the independent and sarcastic Bianca. Robbie Amell also plays a convincingly charming Wesley who is supposed to be one of Bianca’s least favorite people. But it’s hard to hate the guy, especially when he smiles. Bella Thorne is the cliché “mean girl,” and, well, you’ll have no problem hating her. It sounds like just another high school movie, but it’s not.“The DUFF” brings this genre to the 21st century with an emphasis on hashtags, snapchat videos, and cellphone addicted teenagers. It also includes throwback references to beloved ‘80s movies such as “The Breakfast Club” and “Pretty in Pink.” Twenty years down the road, “The DUFF” may even join those films as a cult classic that defines our teenage years. The runtime is 101 minutes and it is rated PG-13 for crude and sexual material throughout, some language, and teen partying.
pg 20 • MAROON WEEKLY • March 4, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
Jobs Netflix By Annabeth Reeb Ashton Kutcher is phenomenal in “Jobs,” a film retelling the life story of the creator of Apple Inc., Steve Jobs. From his facial expression to his slouch, Kutcher nails the part of the genius both in his 20s and his later years. Kutcher is most well known for his comical roles, such as Kelso from “That ‘70s Show,” but just like in “The Guardian,” Kutcher surprises his fans with a convincing serious character. Regardless of how closely the plot follows the actual life of Steve Jobs, the story line is intriguing and attractive. This movie could have easily been drawn out into a boring three-hour movie. Instead, it navigates through Job’s life through pivotal subplots. The beginning of the movie is an actual “trip” of Jobs, his girlfriend, and his best friend lying in a field high on a rainbow-colored drug. This scene lasts a little too long and gives the idea that Job’s entire business is going to be run on a high. However, this is not the case. As Jobs is basically sober the rest of the movie, we definitely could have gone without the 10-minute frolic through the meadow. Spoiler alert: The hardest part about movies based on true stories is that you can’t really make them any happier. Jobs never visits his daughter. He never fixes his old friendships. The movie is full of unresolved questions, although the ending leaves hope for advancement. Whether this happiness came to Jobs with his continued success, we’ll never know. Regardless, “Jobs” was an intriguing and well-made interpretation of one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time.
maroonweekly.com • Jan. 21, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 21
o no!
Across 1 Fashionable resort 4 2001 biopic 7 Mishmash 14 Neighbor of Isr. 15 Part of 31-Across 16 High-flying competition 17 “AOL’s line was ‘You’ve Got Mail’,” for example? 19 Artless one 20 Unloading site 21 Time 23 Irish playwright O’Casey 24 “The Best of the Alternative Press” magazine, familiarly 25 Music show all about the sun? 29 “Crazy” singer Cline 31 It’s north of LAX 32 Pitched 33 Animation collectible 35 “Take on Me” group 37 “Much ___ About Nothing” 38 Money stashed away for big-time sport fishermen? 42 Mr. Ripken 44 Ronnie James band 45 Most common word 46 Accumulate 49 Org. that publishes health studies 51 Cartoon cat 55 Result of losing equipment during Woodland Frisbee? 58 Penalize 59 One of Clair Huxtable’s sons 60 Medical specialty prefix 61 Kinks hit 62 City in the desert 65 Cookie Monster’s attempt at concealing his excessive munching? 67 Half of football or basketball 68 Cremains holder 69 Night before 70 Loud fights in public places 71 Stephen of “V for Vendetta” 72 Guitarist ___ Paul
pg 16 • MAROON WEEKLY • Jan. 28, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
pg 22 • MAROON WEEKLY • March 4, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
Answers
2015 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com)
Down 1 Faux pas 2 Pumpkin seed snack 3 Not there 4 Simile center 5 Shoe strings 6 Song starts 7 Moo goo ___ pan 8 Laundry soap brand of old 9 Silver, on a coat of arms 10 Security lapse 11 Thin promo on a website 12 Prefix for pressure 13 “Whaddaya know!” 18 Grapefruit-flavored drink 22 Italian sports car 26 Pacific Coast salmon 27 Herring color 28 Afternoon hour 30 Ouija board reply 34 “Dropped” substance 36 Rearward, at sea 38 Words after “3...2...1...” 39 Late chanteuse Edith 40 “Weird Al” Yankovic movie about TV 41 Turntable need 42 No gentleman 43 Montreal mate 47 Paul of “Fresh Off the Boat” 48 Crayola’s “burnt” color 50 Garfield’s successor 52 Mr. Richie 53 Swooning 54 ESPN event 56 Boisterous 57 Bete ___ (nemesis) 62 Handheld device 63 Mag mogul 64 Simple signatures 66 Tiny strands
Aggies Look For Pace to Finish Season
By Brad Cox
The Texas A&M women’s basketball team is picking up its pace at a critical point in the season and Courtney Walker has been a big factor in the 12th-ranked Aggies’ resurgence.
records in the process. She broke the school record in the 50 freestyle with a third-place finish, helped the 200 and 400 medley relays to silver medals, and finished third with the 400 freestyle relay.
Walker was named the SEC Player of the Week after leading A&M to a three-win week from Feb. 16-22, including the Aggies’ first win over a ranked opponent in almost three months.
Lisa Bratton also broke a school record with a thirdplace finish in the 200 backstroke. Ford McLiney highlighted the men’s eighth-place team finish at the championship meet by finishing third in the platform dive.
The junior guard averaged 18.3 points per game and shot 48.9 percent from the field while helping A&M beat Alabama, No. 10 Kentucky and Florida. She scored a careerhigh 27 points against the Crimson Tide, 19 against the Wildcats – which was the Aggies’ first win over a ranked foe since they beat then-No. 8 Duke on Nov. 30 – and had nine against the Gators. A&M was 0-4 against ranked SEC opponents before routing Kentucky 81-69 on Feb. 19 in Lexington. The weekly honor is Walker’s second of the season and third of her career.
The NCAA Championships are March 26-28 in Iowa City, Iowa.
swimming and diving team throughout the weeklong SEC Championships at Auburn, which wrapped up on Feb. 21.
The Aggies open the SEC Tournament on March 5 in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Gastaldello led the fourth-ranked Aggies to a secondplace finish at the meet, losing to six-time defending conference champion Georgia by 284 points.
SWIMMING AND DIVING Beryl Gastaldello put on a show for the women’s
A member of the French national team, Gastaldello earned gold in the 100 butterfly, breaking SEC meet and school
WOMEN’S GOLF Marijosse Navarro earned a sponsor’s exemption into the LPGA Kia Classic by winning the UC Irvine Invitational on Feb. 24. The sophomore birdied the final hole to force a playoff against Southern Cal’s Gabriella Then and made par on the fifth playoff hole to earn the individual title. Navarro finished 5-under par for the tournament, helping the 15th-ranked Aggies take third place as a team. The Kia Classic will be March 23-29 in Carlsbad, California.
maroonweekly.com • March 4, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 23