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Linley McCord Annabeth Reeb Adrianna Zampieri WRITING INTERNS Madison Matous Jordyn Smith Kaitlyn Trei MARKETING INTERN Laura Miller
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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 • Sept. 23, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 3
Music Reviews Keith Richards
Album: Crosseyed Heart Release Date: September 18, 2015
By Jordyn Smith
For the first time in 23 years, Keith Richards has released a solo album. After a summer of touring with The Rolling Stones on the ZIP Code tour, which hit 15 cities across the United States, Richards has followed up with “Crosseyed Heart.” Richards brings his incredible guitar skills and classic voice to deliver a well-rounded album for listeners across the board. The title track, “Crosseyed Heart” has an acoustic-blues feel that would fit right in on Beale Street in Memphis. He changes directions completely with modern sounds in “Heartstopper” and “Trouble.” For those who love classic Keith Richards, he gives you “Amnesia,” “Blues In the Morning,” and “Something For Nothing.” There is a lot going on in the album, but Richards’ ability to span multiple genres flawlessly shows why he will go down as one of music’s best.
Mac Miller is back with “GO:OD AM.” Falling in with most of mainstream rap, Miller does a decent job of bringing his own style to the genre. The highlight of the album is Miller’s renewed focus as he reflects on past mistakes of addiction. Miller is good at mixing up-beat tracks with some of the more thought-provoking tracks. Tracks like “Weekend” featuring Miguel highlight the struggle he faced with addiction and the temptation of falling back into old habits. Miller enlists several of his other friends to make appearances on this album— Ab-Soul lends his talents in “Two Matches,” Chief Keefe collaborates in “Cut the Check,” and Little Dragon caps off the guest-list in “The Festival.” Mac Miller keeps pace with this album but struggles to differentiate himself from the pack.
Lana Del Ray impresses with her new 14 track album “Honeymoon,” showcasing her impressive vocal talent. Lana delivers a new depth in this record, bringing an ominous vibe to her music. With eclectic mixes of strings, bass, and keyboard, Lana is able to channel a variety of emotion that connects with the listener. The title track “Honeymoon” kicks off the album with a somber component. This song, with Lana’s vocals and background music sounds like something that you would here in a 1940s piano bar. You can feel the tension in her music throughout the album, something that makes it stand out. Tracks like “Swan Song,” “Freak,” and “Religion” showcase this element perfectly.
Classic Country group Alabama is back in the saddle with “Southern Drawl.” This album is the first original-material collection from the group in 14 years. The title track “Southern Drawl” is a rocking, excellent representation of a true southern ballad. Alabama’s ability to harmonize and infuse modern country sounds into their classic vocals is top-notch. The first single “Wasn’t Through Lovin’ You Yet,” brings Alabama front and center with current radio-toppers. Their ability to mixing up-tempo tracks like “Back To The Country” and “Hillbilly Wins the Lotto Money” with more subtle tracks like “As Long As There’s Love” and “I Wanna Be There” is exactly why we’re happy to say that Alabama is back in grand fashion. This is a must-have album for any country fan.
pg 4 • MAROON WEEKLY •Sept. 23, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
Mac Miller Album: GO:OD AM
Release Date: September 18, 2015
Lana Del Ray Album: Honeymoon
Release Date: September 18, 2015
Alabama
Album: Southern Drawl
Release Date: September 18, 2015
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maroonweekly.com • Sept. 23, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 5
after leaving his position as the lead-singer of Ugly Americans. He has more than 15 records under his name alone, most of which were released under his own label—Shockorama. The son of an opera singer, he moved with his parents to Germany at the age of two from his hometown in Michigan. Eventually, Schneider would find himself in El Paso. He attempted to study art at the University of Texas at El Paso, but subsequently dropped out while spending much of his time performing in his first band, a funk-rock outfit called Joe Rockhead. Rockhead would release a few records before the members would go separate ways, leading Schneider to find a place singing lead vocals for Ugly Americans—the group that would tour and open for the Dave Matthews Band. Schneider would eventually settle in Austin where he has been busy selling out every venue around the capital city and beyond. The crooner has successfully blended a montage of blues, folk, pop, and country into his own blend of Americana that has boded well for his career.
TEXAS REDS HEADLINERS By Jordyn Smith
This year’s Texas Reds Steak & Grape Festival features an unparalleled lineup of musical talent. From Grammy Award-winning talent to true Texas Legends, five stages across the event will host the musical likes of Cody Canada & the Departed, Bri Bagwell, Grupo Fantasma, Jonathan Tyler, Uncle Lucius, Midnight Express, and at least a dozen more. Three of the most important names you will need to learn in the off chance that you don’t already
After signing with Kirtland Records in 2009, Schneider has released four studio records, including his newest release, an EP series titled “King Kong.” The “King Kong” series is a threevolume set of 5-track EP’s. With the Volume 1 released in February and Volume 2 dropping June, we can only assume that Schneider is preparing the next release of this latest installment. “When I’m recording a record, when I’m mixing a record, I’m still writing songs. I’m always writing songs,” Schneider says.
know them are David Ramirez, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and Bob Schneider. The iconic Bob Schneider is the premier headliner for the event, taking the KBTX Stage at 8:30pm on Saturday night. Texas-legend Ray Wylie Hubbard will burn down the Palace Theater stage with the help of David Ramirez on Sunday, beginning at 1:15pm. Bob Schneider, an Austin-based musician and artist has been on his own since the early 2000’s
pg 6 • MAROON WEEKLY • Sept. 23, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
The “King Kong” series resonates with nostalgia as the nuances lean back toward his early releases. “Good songs, all genres, fun and harrowing, sharp and insightful. Songs to dance to, to laugh with, to mourn through.” The records envelop a stylistic approach that helped develop Schneider as a singer-songwriter, a
fans the music they wanted to hear. His resiliency resonated heavily with his Texas Country fans.
a change, a change that would come in the form of a band. Since the addition of a band, Ramirez has seen his set taken to new heights.
In the early 2000’s, Hubbard began to see an increase in album sales. As he continued to tour constantly, he retained his audience and began to expand to a younger fanbase. As Nashville country began to lean towards pop and rock, Hubbard remained true to his roots. Since 2005, Hubbard has released four stellar albums that have propelled him to legend status in the Texas Country and Americana genres.
style that he will bring to Downtown Bryan for the Texas Reds Festival on September 26. Ray Wylie Hubbard will go on at 1:15 pm at The Palace Theater. Hubbard, a native of Oklahoma has been a staple in country music since the early 1970’s. In the beginning, Hubbard was a leader in the progressive country movement. In 1973, he penned his mostfamous hit “Up Against the Wall, Redneck Mother,” which was made famous by Texas Country-great, Jerry Jeff Walker. Following the insane success of the song, Hubbard signed a record deal with Warner Bros. and released “Ray Wylie Hubbard and the Cowboy Twinkies” in 1976. Unfortunately, due to the work of producer Michael Brovsky, the album was “Nashville-ized” post-recording and without Hubbard’s consent. The result infuriated Hubbard, who detested the finished product. Despite attempts to block the record, the label released the album anyway. After the release, Hubbard wisely distanced himself from the label and went on to make a name for himself under his own brand.
Many refer to Ramirez as one of the most underrated, under-the-radar songwriters in America—give him a listen and you might just agree. Ramirez has the unique ability to convey strong emotions to his audience while remaining authentic in his writing. His writing is not gimmick-y, but simply pure and deeply human lyrics that evoke sincere emotion from his listeners. He has stayed away from the In April of 2015, Hubbard released his latest album noise of other songwriters and has been able to “The Ruffian’s Misfortune.” At 68, Hubbard has engage and grow a fiercely loyal fan base—fans that shown that he has no intention of slacking. This congregate around his intimate style of writing. album is a great combination of the styles of music that led him to become the legend he is. The 10-track During his lone-wolf days, Ramirez had the album has a mix of heavy blues guitar and soulful opportunities to open for Noah Gundersen, Gregory ballads. Hubbard has once again set the standard Alan Isakov, and many others. With his band in tow, for Texas Country and Americana artists. he has been able to embark on his own tour and released his latest record, “Fables.” Following Hubbard at the Palace Theater is David Ramirez. Ramirez began his trek as a lone singer/ “Fables” dropped on August 28. The 10-track album songwriter. For the longest time, all he needed was features a mix of emotions, from heart-tugging his voice and an acoustic guitar. This was a double- ballads like “Harder to Lie,” “Rock and a Hard Place,” edged sword for him. On one side, he was able to and “How Do You Get ‘Em Back” to a bluesy track convey raw emotions that allowed him to connect like “New Way of Living,” Ramirez puts on a display with his fans, all while showcasing his ability to of his wide range in style. Other tracks on the album sing and play guitar. On the other hand, being alone like “On Your Side” and “Wild Bones” still show that took a toll on the singer and the loneliness of the he isn’t veering from his classic singer/songwriter road began to affect him. Ramirez knew he needed roots.
After the blunder in Nashville, Hubbard returned to his roots, releasing various albums over the next ten years that were a mix of country, folk, and blues. Sales did not do as well as projected but Hubbard continued, constantly touring and giving his faithful
maroonweekly.com • Sept. 23, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 7
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pg 8 • MAROON WEEKLY • Sept. 23, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
“What class are you, Ag?” This is a question many Texas A&M alums get on a regular basis, whether you’re at a restaurant, in line at the grocery, or in a different country—everyone knows that being an Aggie is being part of a family and wearing that piece of gold is our way of telling the world who we belong to. Being an Aggie is being proud of where you came from. Each ring day, hundreds of students get to become a part of that outward pride and receive their own little band of security that says, “Hey, I’m an Aggie.” The history of the Aggie ring is a long and honored one. The first known Aggie ring was made in 1889, thirteen years after the opening of Texas A&M College. In the years following its inception, the Aggie ring sold for about $10.50 each. Little by little, the design evolved into what it is today: an eagle protected by a shield of thirteen stripes and five stars. Each element on the ring tells a different piece of what it means to fully encompass the spirit of the 12th man. Whether it’s the patriotism of the stripes, the stars atop the shield, or the eagle that represents the limitless heights that Aggies can attain with their instilled knowledge and support of their Aggie family, it’s arguable that the amount of pride pumping through every maroon-clad heart on ring day is superior to even that on graduation day.
An Ode to the Aggie Ring By Annabeth Reeb
When you’re wearing your ring, it’s more than just a pretty piece of gold. Instead, it is years of history, honor, and tradition that every Texas A&M student has the privilege of being a part of. If you’re getting your ring this weekend, congratulations, if you already have it, wear it with pride, and finally, if you are still working toward it, remember what you’re working for. For more history on this time-honored tradition, visit Aggienetwork.com.
maroonweekly.com • Sept. 23, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 9
Aggie Ring Weekend By Annabeth Reeb
The fall semester in Aggieland always promises that a lot will be happening around town on the weekends. With the Aggies taking on Arkansas in Dallas this weekend, it leaves the streets clear of football chaos for Ring Weekend. This will give new Aggie Ringdonners and their families the perfect opportunity to try out some of the new local hotspots around town.
Blackwater Draw: If you’re looking for a cold beer and a hot meal, you can’t beat Blackwater Draw. Their unique brews of beer paired with their large screen TV’s make Blackwater the perfect place to spend your Saturday to watch the game. Or, if you have other Saturday plans, Blackwater is making a stand as one of Aggieland’s best spots for Sunday brunch. Grab a mimosa or a brew before noon and pair it with one of their famous brunch entrees, we suggest the breakfast taco or the chicken and waffles!
and even your annoying uncle Ted. Stop in for a tour, a tasting, or even free live music and a barbecue dinner this Saturday! This is the perfect place to celebrate your new ring and spend some time with close friends and family.
Downtown Uncorked: Although not technically classified as a new Kreuz BBQ: joint, Downtown Uncorked is one of our favorite Although the Kreuz family has been smoking and Aggieland staples. Uncorked is a great place to stoking some of the best barbecue in Texas for be on ring weekends when you’re looking for a generations, their first satellite location is still new great atmosphere and even better wine. Bring to Aggieland. This Lockhart-famous restaurant your family in for a world-class tasting, grab a is perfect for any barbeque lover. With perfectly New Republic Brewery: glass of wine and dessert after dinner, or simply charred pit smoked brisket and ribs to accompany About 15 minutes away from the Texas A&M just find a good corner to sip and chat. Located top-notch German-style sides, you can’t go wrong campus, New Republic is easy to miss as a weekend in Downtown Bryan, Uncorked gets you out of the by stopping in to sample this true Lone Star hangout. There’s never been a more perfect place College Station traffic but still leaves you close treasure. Word from the wise, bring your appetite! for family fun, as the Brewery welcomes pets, kids, enough to the action!
maroonweekly.com • Sept. 23, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 11
Put a Ring On It By Adrianna Zampieri
One of the most anticipated traditions at for any Texas A&M student is almost here: Aggie Ring Day! Hundreds of Aggies are eagerly awaiting the moment when they’ll finally receive that treasured piece of gold. It’s an accomplishment to be proud of, having completed a solid 90 hours of hard work at a highly respected university, but it’s also an investment that needs to be taken care of. Using a ring holder is a cute, crafty way to protect your Aggie ring—whether you’re cleaning your apartment, cooking dinner, or settling in for the night. Keep it on your bedside table, the kitchen counter, or your bathroom sink for a beautiful display, and you’ll always know where your ring is when it’s not at home on your finger. Of course an Aggie-themed ring holder is perfect for an Aggie ring, but there are more ways than one to decorate your frame. Paint it your favorite color. Keep it simple. Add some sparkles. Make it your own. But if you’d like, follow the directions below to learn how to make the frame ring holder pictured here. What You Will Need: • A Small Frame • Maroon Paint and a Paintbrush • Adhesive Pearls
• 1 Quilting Pin • Computer and Printer • Pencil, Scissors, Hot Glue Gun Here’s How to Do It: 1. Get a small frame. You can use one you already have, or Hobby Lobby has a number of different shapes and sizes to choose from that are almost always 50%. The frame in the photo is 2 1/2” X 3” in size. 2. Remove the glass and any cardboard inside the frame and set aside. You’ll need to use both of these later. 3. Generously coat your frame in a glossy Fightin’ Texas Aggie Maroon. 4. After your frame is dry, it’s time to use the adhesive pearls, which can also be bought at Hobby Lobby. Remove the pearls and apply along each side of the frame. Press down hard to prevent them from falling off. (Tip: Hobby Lobby always has a 40% off coupon on their website that you can take advantage of if the pearls are not on sale.) 5. Once all of your pearls have been applied, it’s time to search the Internet for A&M-themed designs to use as the background for your ring holder. Find one that appeals to you and print it off.
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maroonweekly.com• •Sept. Feb. 23, 18, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 13 17 maroonweekly.com
The greatly anticipated eighth annual Texas Reds Steak and Grapes Festival put on by the City of Bryan and Messina Hoff is just around the corner. Early ticket sales were record-setting and there’s no reason to wonder why. The event will boast great Texas music, homegrown local wines and craft beer, a top-notch steak dinner, and even a place just for the kids.
TEXAS REDS
STEAK & GRAPE FESTIVAL By Madison Matous
pg 14 • MAROON WEEKLY • Sept. 23, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
The eighth annual Texas Reds Steak & Grape Festival takes place in Historic Downtown Bryan September 26 and 27. Admission to the festival is free, but tickets are required for wine and beer tastings, the Saturday steak dinner, and the kid zone participation. Wineries from all over Texas will be at the event allowing you to taste the best the state has to offer, including an assortment from around the Brazos Valley. Lone Hen Winery, Peach Creek Winery and Perrine Winery from College Station, and of course Messina Hoff from Bryan will all offer wine tastings during the weekend. While the festival is originally known for their wine tastings, the Texas Reds festival will also be bringing back Texas Craft Beer tastings. The craft beer industry is booming in the state of Texas and the festival is excited to show off the finest in the state. Whether you are new to the beer scene or a beer connoisseur, this event will sport a wide range of craft beers to suit your liking.
The steak dinner will be provided by J. Cody’s Steak and Barbeque, and will take place Saturday night. J. Cody’s Steak and Barbeque will be on-site grilling 12 oz. choice ribeyes from Ruffino Meats and Food Service and will have favorite southern sides like green beans, new potatoes, corn, cobbler and tea. Plates are limited and high in demand. Event coordinators recommend getting your tickets before the event to ensure your spot.
local Bryan/College Station community. If you’re interested in helping out, the festival is still accepting volunteers for everything from parking attendants to helping backstage with setting up musician equipment. Visit texasredsfestival. com for more information.
If the lure of wine and beer, not to mention the steak dinner isn’t enough, there will be five stages set up around the venue featuring a variety of ongoing entertainment. From rock n’ roll to singer-songwriters, southern soul to genuine Texas country, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. The Rock-A-Fellas will kick off the weekend Friday night and Saturday night’s headliner is Austin-based musician and artist Bob Schneider. In addition to the wine, beer, music, and great food, there will also be an abundance of craft vendors and art showcases set up around the event. Do a little artsy shopping while your browse the creations of the artisticallyinclined. Texas Reds will also host their annual grape stomp for those who wish to participate in a little traditional wine-making fun. For the kiddos, the Texas Reds Kid Zone is proud to bring more than ten inflatable bounce houses, provided by Hullabaloos Bounce House Rentals. They will also have arts and crafts projects that will be provided by Purple Turtle Art studio, and train ride, snow cones, and various other entertainment provided by the Bryan Independent School District. Messina Hof Winery is proud to partner with Downtown Bryan and support the
maroonweekly.com • Sept. 23, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 15
Wine Anyone? By Adrianna Zampieri
Are you a passionate wine aficionado? At the very least, do you enjoy sipping a glass of wine after a long day? Then you should definitely make plans to stop by the Messina Hof Winery & Resort. Officially established in 1983, the winery has built a reputation as a hotspot for tourists and wine enthusiasts over the years, and it has an itinerary of enjoyable events planned for the rest of September, which are sure to delight your taste buds. Do you enjoy listening to music while you savor your wine? The Grapevine Jazz Night is a must-go for the musically-inclined. Featuring the talented Tim Novak, a skillful pianist and a Messina Hof VIP member, this event is bound to strike a chord with you. No reservations are required to attend, and you can come and go anytime you please between 7 and 10 p.m. on September 25.
member, then you can head on over to their website and sign up online. Everyone loves cheese. And what goes great with cheese? Wine! On the 27th, take a trip to the winery for a tasty wine and cheese pairing event every hour on the hour from 12 to 4 p.m. Reservations are recommended, and it only costs $20 per person. Take a friend, and together you can indulge in the all of the rich and creamy flavor combinations the Messina Hof Winery & Resort has to offer.
Lastly, it’s time for Wine 201 on the 28th; a how-to event where you learn the ins and outs of being winemaker. You’ll learn about the art of making wine, and you’ll even be able to blend your own flavor and tailor it to your tastes. At the end of the event, the winery’s in-house sommelier will judge whose handcrafted wine blend rises above the rest. Reservations are Also on the 25th, the winery is hosting an exclusive wine-blending party for required, and this event costs $40.00 per person. Wine Club and VIP members only, and a reservation is required. They will be serving a delicious three-course meal paired with specially selected wine. So what are you planning to do now for the rest of September? I think your Sounds fancy, right? If you want to get in on the action, but you’re not a palate knows the answer to that question. Cheers!
pg 16 • MAROON WEEKLY •Sept. 23, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
Clayton Gardner is set to make his return to Lakeside Icehouse on Saturday September 26. Gardner, a native of Fort Worth, is a local favorite around BCS, regularly attending Aggie athletic events and playing venues around town. Like many other artists, Clayton found his love for music in college. One day he picked up a guitar in his dorm room at Texas A&M and stumbled upon his talent. Crediting George Strait and Keith Whitley as two of his main influences, Gardner brings his own style to the Texas country genre. His ability to stay true to his roots while pushing the boundaries has helped him carve out his own name in the Texas music scene. Early in his career, Gardner had many opportunities to sit in and co-write with Texas Country elites like Josh Abbott, Wade Bowen, Aaron Watson, and more. Co-writing with these veteran artists allowed Gardner to grow his writing abilities. The end result? A well-versed writer that connects well with his audience, using his own style. Clayton’s debut EP “Here to Stay” climbed to the top 20 iTunes country albums chart. Along with the album, his singles “Settle Down” and “Happy Ending” each earned a Top 20 spot. In October of 2013, Gardner released his second album “Lucky 7.” Once again, it reached a top 20 spot on the iTunes. Produced by Mack Damon, a Grammy-nominated producer, Gardner was able to mature his sound and expand his audience. On “Lucky 7” Clayton scored two more Top 20 iTunes country singles with “Something About You” and “Table For Two.” “Table for Two” has become a fan favorite; it has also become a staple at many weddings. One of Clayton’s best qualities is his drive and ability to grow as an artist. In March of 2015 he released “Under The Lights,” produced by Aaron Eshuis. In the few months that it has been out, it has become his best-selling album. The record landed Clayton a Top 10 hit on Texas radio with “Buy You a Drink.” “Under The Lights” once again allows Clayton to grow as an artist while still keeping his sound true to himself. Make sure you get yourself out to Lakeside Icehouse to see Clayton Gardner on September 26.
Clayton Gardner @ Lakeside Icehouse By Jordyn Smith
maroonweekly.com • Sept. 23, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 17
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pg 18 • MAROON WEEKLY • Sept. 23, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
COST: FREE
Bryan-College Station has become the regional hub for Texas country, so it comes to no surprise that a competition like the Texas Music Pickers TOP PICK is hosted at the Grand Stafford Theater in Bryan. For those of you who don’t already know, the Texas Music Pickers TOP PICK competition is between numerous artists in the Bryan/College Station area with a focus in country, Americana, roots, folk, and various other genres of music that would strike a chord on the Texas music charts. TOP PICK is an annual competition where artists are asked to submit a four-minute live video showcasing their talents in the hopes of being one of 20 contestants to move on into the competition. If chosen, contestants go to the preliminaries, and then it is narrowed down to ten for the finals where they choose the final three. In every round, contestants are asked to preform original songs to test their ability in not only performing and singing, but in songwriting and producing. The final round of the Texas Music Pickers TOP PICK competition is going to be held Friday, September 25 at the Grand Stafford Theater where three people will be named first, second and third place of the famous local competition.
Texas Music Pickers TOP PICK
Of course, with a winner comes a prize so one lucky winner will receive $500 cash, a recorded single from Hilltrax Studios, and a songwriting session with award winning singer/ songwriter Tony Ramey and award winning singer/songwriter, Drew Womack. Shortly after the final performance, Texas country singer Tony Ramey is set to preform for the lucky people in the audience. Tony Ramey has produced gold and platinum records for artists like Trisha Yearwood, John Michael Montgomery, and even George Strait.
By Kaitlyn Trei Don’t miss out, head to the Grand Stafford Theater at 7:30pm on September 25.
maroonweekly.com • Sept. 23, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 19
The Visit Thriller (PG-13)
By Linley McCord There isn’t a lot in the box office right now, but thriller fans will probably enjoy “The Visit,” a horror/ suspense flick that will grip your attention. Director M. Night Shyamalan (you’ll probably know that name from “Signs” and “The Sixth Sense”) is back after a string of disappointing thriller/horror movies. “The Visit” is an enjoyable thriller that will wind your nerves and keep you guessing. When siblings Becca (Olivia DeJonge) and Tyler (Ed Oxenbould) go stay with their mom’s estranged parents, things start fairly normal. Grandparents Nana (Deanna Dunagan) and Pop Pop (Peter McRobbie) seem like sweet, country grandparents until events start to get strange. DeLonge and Oxenbould do a great job as portraying the dynamic of two young teenage siblings: protective but insecure older sister and goofy yet aware younger brother. Oxenbould brings comedic relief, delivering on some genuine laugh-aloud moments that don’t take away from the overall intensity of the movie. The movie is filmed from Becca’s two video cameras in which she and Tyler operate throughout the film, so you see everything from their perspective. Admittedly, it was distracting and disorienting at times, but the found film method added to the overall feel of the movie. More thriller than horror, the lack of music added to the suspense and will make you feel like something is about to pop out at you—which only happens a handful of times. The grandmother is the crazy one, having incredibly creepy moments throughout the movie. The grandfather, on the other hand, is dark and brooding, but does not become important until the last 20 minutes. The end wraps up with a fantastic twist (and surprising moral) that will make up for some of the slower parts of the film. Satisfaction mostly guaranteed. Rated PG-13 for mild nudity, language, and general horror. It earns a solid 6.5 out of 10 for both overall quality and scare factor.
pg 20 • MAROON WEEKLY • Sept. 23, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Netflix By Adrianna Zampieri
The brainchild of comedian Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, has been nominated for an Emmy in the category Outstanding Comedy Series. After having bingewatched all thirteen episodes of season one in just one day, we can say that this laugh-out-loud Netflix original series is definitely deserving of an award. Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper) has just been rescued from an underground bunker in which she had been held kidnapped by the leader of a doomsday cult for the last 15 years. With her newfound freedom, she is determined to make a new life for herself in New York City; however, her bright and optimistic ways don’t often match up with the ruthlessness of the Big Apple. With the help of her new friends, she rises to the challenge, and her spirit is…you guessed it… unbreakable. Riddled with pop culture references, plays on words, and embarrassing situations, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” is a riot. There’s a plastic surgeon that might actually be made of plastic, a werewolf roaming the streets of New York City, and even a bow-wearing dolphin. But what makes this show great isn’t just the comedy; the episodes are meant to entertain the audience, yet every single one also weaves a deep, meaningful lesson into the plot about perseverance and confronting the problems life throws at you.
maroonweekly.com • Jan. 21, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 21
live free and style hard Across 1 Make it through the season intact? 11 Second of 24 15 Protected sequence in some spy movies 16 Biological transmitter 17 Station wagons, in Stratford 18 Go to sleep, with “out” 19 Distort 20 “It’s ___ bad ...” 21 Record label with late-night TV ads 22 Word div. 23 As a result of 24 Extensive 25 Harkness ___ Mansion (part of Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, CT) 28 Depilatory brand name 29 ___ above the rest 30 Believer in good and evil 32 Petty tyrants 34 Level usually checked along with triglycerides 35 Was winning 36 Trap set under the kitchen window, say 40 Some TVs 44 Show set in Baltimore, with “The” 45 Christmas crooner Perry 47 Venomous snake 48 Dakota du Sud, for one 49 Dog’s decoration? 51 “___-la-la...” 52 Work on a nameplate 53 In again 54 Golfer Inkster 55 Restrain, as breath 56 Like Bill Murray and Bob Odenkirk, by birth 58 “You ___ out?” 59 It’s a real peach 60 Pericles’ princedom 61 Palace of Westminster structure, before its renaming after Queen Victoria
pg 22 • MAROON WEEKLY • Sept. 23, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
Answers
pg 16 • MAROON WEEKLY • Jan. 28, 2015 • maroonweekly.com
Down 1 Like some events 2 “So tell me ...” 3 Spread brand invented in Italy 4 Wear down 5 Prefix meaning “outer” 6 “___ you get in?” 7 Narrative 8 Just so 9 Banking info 10 Sentiment in Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams” 11 Russian letter that makes the “ya” sound 12 Unusual collection 13 Hit the gym 14 Low jewelry 26 The Jackson 5’s fourth #1 hit single (and Mariah Carey’s sixth) 27 Verdi opera 31 “La Di Da Di” rapper with Doug E. Fresh (1985) 33 Furniture wood 36 Slightly, in Shetland 37 ___ Lions (Penn State athletes) 38 It gets fired up on the farm 39 Baroque violinist and composer Giuseppe 40 Hard, like rain 41 World Series of Poker champ Mike, nicknamed “The Mouth” 42 Path for a jet 43 Dye company worker 46 “Children of a Lesser God” Oscar winner 50 They may help to lift wings 54 Medieval Japanese land manager (hidden in MOJITOS) 57 Cologne compass point 2015 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com)
SPARKLING POOLS, COMMUNITY EVENTS & SO MUCH MORE!
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maroonweekly.com • Sept. 23, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 23