Vol. 11 No. 19

“I think UCB is the premier supplier of comedy

actors with chops... They are doing the type

of manic , original, inventive stuff I’m

always interested in.”- Conan o’brien

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19

7:30 PM • Rudder Theatre

Student tickets only $15!*

HURRY! Tickets increase to $20 the day of the show!

MSC Box Office979-845-1234MSCOPAS.org

mscopas

Sponsored by

Student tickets only $15!

*Student tickets available at window of MSC Box Office and by phone at 979-845-1234. Student tickets not available for purchase online. A valid Student ID is required. HURRY! Tickets increase to $20 the day of the show!

pg 4 • MAROON WEEKLY • Feb. 11, 2015 • maroonweekly.com

Album:Reflection

Album:Happy Prisoner,

The Bluegrass Sessions

Album:PhosphorescentBlues

Album:Shadows in the Night

Release Date:Jan. 30, 2015

Release Date:Feb. 10, 2015

Release Date:Jan. 23, 2015

Release Date:Feb. 3, 2015

Brad Paisley Brad Paisley Brad PaisleyFifth Harmony Punch Brothers Bob Dylan

Robert Earl Keen has joined the bluegrass ranks with his new album, “Happy Prisoner.” The sound is a lot more hillbilly-fun than his usual “Americana” albums.

The album features a mix of different cultural melodies such as Irish, English, and Welsh to make an upbeat mix that promises to inspire dancing. Bill Manroe described the genre as “Scottish bagpipes and ole-time fiddlin’.”

Keen did a great job covering traditional bluegrass songs in his own way. He nails “1952 Vincent Black Lighting” with his deep country voice and genuine feel for the rhythm. The rest of the tracks follow suit, his vocals integrating well with the fiddle and banjo. ”Happy Prisoner” is a hit for both bluegrass lovers and Keen followers alike, as he doesn’t stray too far from either himself or the genre.

A pop group consisting of – can you guess? – five women, Fifth Harmony got its big break on “The X Factor.” Simon Cowell, formerly a judge on “American Idol,” praised the group for their dynamic vocals and was the key factor in the five soloists finding each other to form the group.

With release of an EP titled “Better Together” in 2013, and now their first full album “Reflection,” their sound is like a modern Destiny’s Child with big pop beats and vocals that will call you back to the diva stars of the early 2000s. “Sledgehammer,” recognizable from the radio, seems to be the most popular song on the album.

The album definitely appeals to a younger audience and will probably be played at most functions with dancing for the next few months.

Punch Brothers, a bluegrass-classical-acoustic band from Brooklyn, New York, released its sixth album “The Phosphorescent Blues” on Jan. 23.

The band first formed in 2006 and since then has released four full-length albums and an EP. Their song “Dark Days” was featured in “The Hunger Games” film. Punch Brothers is also the focus of “How to Grow a Band,” a documentary by Mark Meatto.

This latest album boasts 11 original tracks. While “My oh My” and “I Blew It Off” are strongly bluegrass and even folksy at times, “Prélude (Scriabin)” and “Passepied (Debussy)” lean more toward classical and drop the vocals altogether. “The Phosphorescent Blues” is a nice mix of the bluegrass, classical and acoustic genres.

Bob Dylan is revered as a legend for his folk music during the 60s protest movement. Known for his acoustic style and signature sandpaper vocals, with memorable songs like “Subterranean Homesick Blues” and “Mr. Tambourine Man,” Dylan continued to top the charts.

Only 34 minutes long, “Shadows in the Night” is composed of 10 covers of songs made famous by Frank Sinatra. Dylan stripped them down to their core, giving the once orchestral songs new life with a simple sound. Seems great in theory, right? But when all 10 songs are slow melodies, you’ll quickly find yourself falling asleep. This one-tone album is the definition of monotonous.

In short, “Shadows in the Night” is slow, boring and lifeless. Fans of Bob Dylan’s infectious rhythms, insightful lyrics and gritty vocals will be disappointed.

By Linley McCord

By Annabeth Reeb

By Abigail StrickerBy Adrianna Zampieri

Music ReviewsRobert

Earl Keen

maroonweekly.com • Feb. 11, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 5

Album:Shadows in the Night

MSC OPAS presents “RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles,” a multimedia concert celebrating the lives and music of the world famous British band. Anne Black, executive director of OPAS said, “We presented “RAIN” five seasons ago and patrons have been requesting we bring it back to Rudder Auditorium for a return engagement ever since. This is a much bigger show with more music and even more multimedia. Since announcing it as part of our ‘Good Times’ season, it has been one of the most popular events. Tickets are selling fast!”

The show features the original Broadway cast members Steve Landes on vocals, rhythm guitar, harmonica, and piano; Joey Curatolo on vocals, bass, piano, and guitar; Joe Bithorn on vocals, lead guitar, guitar synth, and sitar; and Ralph Castelli on drums, percussion, and vocals. “RAIN” has actually been together longer than the Beatles were. They have not only mastered the music but the behaviorisms, gestures, and intricacies of the Beatles as performers. The group will perform a whole range of Beatles’ songs live on stage. Expect to hear “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” “Hard Day’s Night,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” “Let It Be,” “Come Together,” “Hey Jude,” and more.

This show is, according to The Denver Post, “The next best thing to seeing the Beatles!” “RAIN” has toured all over the world and had a successful run on Broadway in 2010-2011. Do you like the Beatles’ music and are you interested in an incredibly lifelike reenactment of their performances? If so, check out “RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles” on Friday, Feb. 13 at 7:30pm in Rudder Auditorium. Tickets are available through the MSC Box Office for a range of $39-$80 (with special discount prices for Texas A&M students).

Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles @ Rudder AuditoriumBy Abigail Stricker

thescoop

WHAT: RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLESWHERE: RUDDER AUDITORIUMWHEN: FEB. 13 @ 7:30PM

meet the teamPUBLISHER

Chris Shepperd

BUSINESS MANAGERLeisha Shepperd

MANAGING EDITORLuke Murray

ASSISTANT EDITOR/COPYEDITINGBarbara Hosler

PHOTOGRAPHERSPeyton Boles

Lauren Howes

STAFF WRITERBrad Cox

MARKETING INTERNPeyton Boles

Ally White

WRITING INTERNSLinley McCord

Annabeth ReebAbigail Stricker

Adrianna Zampieri

DISTRIBUTIONCody Atkinson

Lindsay CoxDaryl 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

For more details, visit cstx.gov/movies or call 979.764.3445

FEBRUARY 28FEBRUARY 28

WOLF PEN CREEK AMPHITHEATER~ COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS ~

DOUBLE FEATURE

JOIN US DRESSED LIKE A VIKINGWITH YOUR BLANKETS, CHAIRS AND COOLERS TO

EXPERIENCE MOVIES IN THE PARK ON OUR 32-FOOTINFLATABLE SCREEN IN HIGH DEFINITION. FREE ADMISSION!

COOLERS MUST BE 48 QUARTS OR SMALLER. ALCOHOLAND GLASS CONTAINERS ARE NOT ALLOWED

CONCESSIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE.

5-8:30 p.m. – Franklin Animal Reptile Exhibit5:30 p.m. – Turkey Leg Eating Contest* 6 p.m. – How to Train Your Dragon8:30 p.m. – How to Train Your Dragon 2

* Fastest to finish in each age group will win a $20 gift card to a local restaurant. Only 60 can participate. Register for free at cstx.gov/movies.

MOVIES in the PARKMOVIES in the PARK


thescoop

WHAT: HOME AND GARDEN EXPOWHERE: BRAZOS VALLEY EXPO CENTERWHEN: FEB. 14 & 15

Spring is right around the corner – in five weeks according to the groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. That means it’s time for spring-cleaning and blooming flowers. To get our homes and neighborhoods beautiful and spring ready, the Brazos County Expo Center is hosting a home and garden event on Feb. 14 and 15.

Going strong for 36 years, the Home and Garden Expo is the largest event to help beautify homes in the BCS area. It is family friendly and allows participants to interact with a large number of knowledgeable and helpful exhibitors on a wide variety of topics. Set up in booths – think science fair for adults – representatives will be ready to answer questions. If you’re more of the DIY type, there will be experts who can help you get your next project started. There will be information on any home or garden topic you could think of.

For the kids, there will be a petting zoo, some face painting action, and a Junior Master Gardeners class to learn the tricks and tools of gardening.

There will be a number of seminars going on throughout the weekend so you can get information about the things you really need to know. Some of the seminars will be repeated, such as how to effectively conserve water in your garden and how to win “Yard of the Month.”

Show your home and garden some love this weekend and get exciting ideas for spring by coming out to the Home and Garden Expo.

Hours are Saturday, 9 to 5, Sunday, 10 to 3. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and free for kids under 12. Parking is also free!

By Linley McCord


Adapted from stoplookingetcookin.com

Do you have a significant other with a love for sugar? Indulge their sweet tooth with these adorable cookies. They’ll be seeing hearts for days.

Here’s What You Need:• Your significant other’s favorite kind of cookie dough • Heart-shaped sprinkles

Here’s How to Make It: 1. Prepare the cookie dough.

2. Shape your dough into balls.

3. Roll your cookie dough balls in a bowl of sprinkles, making sure to coat the dough evenly.

4. Then bake the dough according to your recipe.

5. Give to your significant other in a heart-shaped box.

Does your significant other spend all of his/her free time watching movies? Plan for a night in on Valentine’s Day, and give them the gift of their dreams: a basket stuffed full with their favorite candy and a new DVD.

Here’s What You Need:• Two packets of microwaveable popcorn• Their favorite kind of candy• A bottle of wine or a couple of beers• That one movie they’ve always wanted but never bought• Maybe even a stuffed animal • Any kind of basket• Valentine-themed tissue paper and ribbon

Here’s How to Make It: 1. Line the bottom of your basket with some tissue paper.

2. Fill the basket with the popcorn, candy, drinks, the movie, and any other items.

3. Use more tissue paper to fill in any empty spaces and to add flair.

4. Tie a bow around the basket handle using ribbon.

5. Give to your significant other and spend the evening together on the couch.

Here’s What You Need:• Felt • Needle and Thread• Fiberfill Stuffing• Scissors• A Piece of Paper• A Pen• Catnip

Here’s How to Make It: 1. Draw a heart on the sheet of paper or print off a template you found online. Then cut it out.

2. Using the heart template and the needle, pin the paper heart to the felt and cut out a felt heart. You’ll need to cut two.

3. Cut a long piece of thread, pull it through the needle, and tie the ends together to make a knot.

4. Holding the two pieces of felt together, begin sewing them together, starting at the middle of the top part of the heart.

5. Once you have sewn approximately three-fourths of the way around, stuff it with the fiberfill stuffing and don’t forget the catnip!

6. Finish sewing the pieces together, and tie a knot at the end.

7. All that’s left is to give it to your cat! They’ll either love you or ignore you.

Don’t have anyone to spend Valentine’s Day with except your cat? That’s ok! Give them the gift of a heart-shaped, catnip toy, and they’ll give you affection in return. Maybe.

Step away from the tacky cards and the processed chocolate. Give a handmade gift from the heart this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re spending the day with your significant other, your best friend, or your

pets, there’s something you can make for everyone.

For the Feline Companion

For the Movie Buff

For the one with a Sweet Tooth

Valentine’s Day Gifts From the Heart By Adrianna Zampieri

Adapted from mitzyathome.com

5. Now, fold the excess material at the top of the bandana around your dog’s collar to form a loop. Use hemming tape to secure the loop and iron. If you want the bandana to be removable, be sure to

make the loop big enough that the collar will be able to slip all the way through.

6. If you’re feeling particularly crafty, use a hot glue gun to bedazzle the bandana with rhinestones or add lace along the edges.

7. Put the collar back on your dog, gush over how cute she is, and take a plethora of photos to share on social media.


Here’s What You Need:• Fabric Scraps (14” x 14”)• Hemming Tape• Scissors• Iron• Pins• Your Dog’s Collar

Here’s How to Make It: 1. Draw the outline of a bandana on the inside of your fabric. First draw a rectangle that is 10” wide by 5” high, the bottom of the rectangle at the edge of the fabric. Second, add a triangle on top of the rectangle to make the bandana shape. Also, leave excess fabric at the bottom where you drew the rectangle. It will form the loop around your dog’s collar.

2. Pin that piece of fabric and a second piece together and cut along the guidelines you drew. The two pieces should be as identical as possible.

3. Fold down the edges about half an inch on both pieces and press them down with the iron to help hold the shape.

4. Apply hemming tape over the folded edges of one piece, and then place the second piece on top. Using the iron, move it over the edges; this will fuse the two pieces together.

Here’s What You Need:• Assorted Color Yarn• Assorted Ribbon and Twine• Scissors• Green Felt• White Paint• Twigs• Hot Glue Gun

Here’s How to Make It: 1. Wrap yarn around three of your fingers approximate 50-75 times. If you want a smaller pompom, use two fingers. If you want a bigger one, use four.

2. Cut a second piece of yarn approximately 8” long.

3. Thread one end between your middle finger and index finger. Pull the other end up and over the wrapped yarn.

4. Loosely tie the two ends together. Your pompom should resemble a bow shape.

5. Carefully slide the yarn off your fingers, and double knot the tied piece of yarn as tightly as possible.

6. Using the scissors, cut through all of the loops.

7. Then fluff the ball to give it volume and hide the knot.

8. Trim the pompom until it has a spherical shape.

9. To create the stem for your flower, paint long twigs – found in your backyard or nearby park – white.

10. Attach a pompom to one end of a twig using the hot glue gun.

11. Draw leaves on the green felt.

12. Then cut them out and glue to the twig.

13. Make multiple flowers, tie them together with ribbon and twine, and present to your best friend with a smile.

Are you searching for something cute to give your best friend for Valentine’s Day? Look no further. Gift them with a pompom bouquet that will last forever.

Have you felt the urge to dress up your dog for Valentine’s Day? Then make her a festive bandana! Don’t know how to sew? Doesn’t matter. With this tutorial, no sewing is required.

For the Best Friend

For Man’s Best FriendAdapted from camillestyles.com

Adapted from prettyfluffy.com

pg 10 • MAROON WEEKLY • Feb. 04, 2015 • maroonweekly.compg 16 • MAROON WEEKLY • Jan. 28, 2015 • maroonweekly.com


dance music theatre visual art

I t ’s Time For Texas A&M

It’s Time For

For more information, call [email protected] v academyarts.tamu.eduw w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / AV PA a t TA M U

Tickets $5 Students, $10 General AdmissionAvailable at the MSC Box Office

Call 979.845.1234

The Ac

ademy

for the

Visual

& Perfo

rming

Arts

Black Violin

Thursday, February 12, 20157 PM in Texas A&M

Rudder Theatre

Combine the awe of classical violin music with modern tunes and a splash of incredible creativity, and the result is Black Violin. Kevin “Kev Marcus” Sylvester and Wilner “Wil B” Baptiste are two extraordinarily talented men who have successfully meshed pop culture with a violin.

The two have been playing orchestral violin since their high school days in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and after graduating from college, they returned home to work in studios to showcase their talents. Their high school graduation was 10 years ago, and they have not stopped making jaws drop since.

Locally and globally acclaimed, the pair has performed at inaugural balls, even receiving a handshake and a hug from President Obama. They have traveled to South Africa and Prague and performed at Super Bowls and a U.S. Open golf championship. They have played with an astounding number of pop artists, collaborating with everyone from Kanye West to The Eagles.

Backdrop recordings of beats, raps, soul music, and spin table sounds accompany their classical sound, which adds even another layer to the sheer talent and musical ears these two men possess. While initially surprising that a violin is not the only instrument played, it is definitely the focus of each piece. Everything in the background simply enhances the music of the men and their violins.

With a heart for others, particularly kids, Wil B and Kev aim to be an example to young men and women who face the choice of being pulled into street life versus picking up an instrument or another hobby. Conquering difficult life circumstances is a tune that they are well versed in.

“Black Violin is about overcoming your obstacles and staying strong,” writes Wil B on the duo’s website.

That is the message Black Violin tries to convey with their music. From rock to Bach, they are succeeding at drawing quite an audience. Come out and see them on Feb. 12 at 7pm for a night to remember.

thescoop

WHAT: BLACK VIOLINWHERE: RUDDER THEATREWHEN: FEB. 12 @ 7:00PM

By Linley McCord

Black Violin @ Rudder Theatre


Coming off of another successful release with their album “Homemade Tamales,” the Randy Rogers Band has managed to top the charts consistently over the past 15 years. They will be stopping in Aggieland once again on the last leg of their current tour. Next month they will be heading back to the studio to record what is promised to be another solid release. We sat down with Randy Rogers to discuss the band’s history and what they’re striving for after 15 years together. Catch their show at Hurricane Harry’s this Friday, February 13.

MW: You and the guys have been recording and performing for 15 years now; how have you managed to keep the same true-to-yourself sound while still being able to bring fresh records to the table?

RR: It’s because there’s five of us, and we’ve all been together for that long. We haven’t had any new band members or any personnel changes within the core group. We all have an equal say when we make the record, we aren’t a dictatorship. It just gels, with the five of us hashing out the direction that we want for the album. We talk about what we want the sound to be like, and as we grow – so does the music.

MW: Your newest release, “Homemade Tamales,” is your 12th album overall and your third live recording. It’s as raw and honest as your “Cheatham Street” record was, but much longer. What goes into producing those live records, especially the song choice?

RR: We wanted to do songs spanning all years of our band, so we did old songs and songs off the latest record as well. We record it and then we don’t go back and fix it. We don’t cheat by going in the studio to tune vocals or replay guitar parts. We want it to be a true live representation. You kind of take a risk when you do that, but you also capture a moment in

time. That’s what we try to do with those live records.

MW: Your 2013 studio release, “Trouble,” went as high as number three on the U.S. Country chart – staying consistent with the two before it. Do you have another hit record in the works?

RR: Yeah, actually Wade Bowen and I have a record coming out in April – a duet record slated for April 21st. Then the band and I will be going back in the studio on March 1st, so we’ll have a new band record out in the fall.

MW: You have had the opportunity to do some amazing things, including performing on Letterman and Leno, even opening for George Strait – things a lot of red dirt bands don’t get to experience. Have you yet to accomplish everything you set out to in your career?

RR: I’ve been really lucky, man, to be honest. You never dream it would be like this. I never dreamed I would get to open for George Strait at the Houston Rodeo or be on Letterman, those things are virtually unthinkable when you first pick up a guitar and start trying to write songs. As far as things I would like to accomplish, of course I’m not done yet. We’ve never really had any kind of success on national country radio, so that’s still a goal. Quite honestly I don’t know why it’s still a goal. To me, I grew up listening to country radio and the Top 40 countdown on the weekends. For whatever reason, our sound hasn’t made it to the national waves yet. We sure are thankful that we have the local and regional radio stations that play our songs, for sure.

MW: What has been your most memorable experience so far?

Exclusive Interview: Randy RogersBy Luke Murray


RR: Opening for Strait at that rodeo show in Houston. It was kind of ridiculous. It was only about 85,000 people, you know? Ridiculous. Awesome.

MW: Your latest single “Satellite,” is another compelling love story, but you shot a video for it using two kid actors – what was it like shooting that video?

RR: Those are our kids! Geoffrey’s little boy and Les’ little girl. They had so much fun. It was their first time to do anything like that. They were so proud of it, still are proud of it. It was just nice to see them so happy.

MW: While we’re on the topic of love stories, and this being our Valentine’s issue, you’ve recorded your fair share of love songs. From “Kiss Me in the Dark” to “Flash Flood,” how do you keep writing dozens of love songs while giving each one a different story?

RR: Well, you know it’s the universal language – love! I watch a lot of movies, a lot of romantic comedies, and try to get in touch with the ladies. (Laughing) I really don’t know anything about women, but I tend to when I write.

thescoop

WHAT: IRANDY ROGERSWHERE: HURRICANE HARRY’SWHEN: FEB. 13 @ 9:00PM


LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

www.bcslive365.comfacebook.com/bcslive365twitter.com/BCSLive365

February 12 - February 18

Get your dancing shoes ready! Brazos Valley Troupe will host their annual Sock Hop on Valentine’s Day from 6pm to 10pm at 29th Street Theatre. What better way to celebrate love than to dance, have fun, and help raise money for a great youth program.

Troupe is a Brazos Valley performing arts organization that has been putting on performances for 20 years, starring our community’s very own youth. Theater is a great way for teens and kids to find their confidence.

Share the love this Valentine’s Day and grab your poodle skirts and hair grease, because the Sock Hop is the perfect way to spend your evening!

Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children. Order early online for a $5 discount.

BV Troupe Hosts Sock HopBy Annabeth Reeb

thescoop

WHAT: SOCK HOPWHERE: 29TH STREET THEATREWHEN: FEB. 14 @ 6:00PM


1000 GEORGE BUSH DRIVE WESTCOLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77845

979.691.4000 @bushlibrary

bushlibrary.tamu.edu/students ADMISSION


HEADS UP - BY LINLEY MCCORDA game made famous by Ellen DeGeneres, “Heads Up!” brings more fun than you ever thought a 99-cent app could. Similar to the game “Catch Phrase,” participants pass a smartphone around with the game downloaded. One player puts the phone on his forehead with the screen facing the group and tries to guess the word while the other players call out hints. Tilting the phone down signals a correct answer or a tilt up skips the word. The goal is to guess more words than anyone else.

“Heads Up!” categories range from pop culture to classic movies to books, and you can pick the one you feel most confident in. It’s entertainment for any age and sure to bring some laughs and a good time.

HEIRLOOM - BY ADRIANNA ZAMPIERIDo you have boxes and boxes of old photographs sitting in your closet gathering dust, waiting to be shared digitally with your friends and family, but you don’t want to go through the time-consuming process of using a desktop scanner? Problem solved.

“Heirloom” is the perfect app for scanning and organizing your photographs. Using this application, you take a quick picture of a photo. The application “scans” it, recognizes the edges, and removes everything around it. Voilá! With just a tap of a button, you have successfully created a high-resolution, digital file of your old photo. Organize your photos by creating albums and arranging them by dates, occasions, or however you desire. “Heirloom” also provides options for cropping your photos and applying filters.

Unearth those boxes of photos and effortlessly transfer them to the digital age with “Heirloom.”

SNAPCHAT (UPDATE) - BY ANNBETH REEB“Snapchat” engineers probably thought they were making a simple update. Bringing users the new “discover” option to find popular news outlets – while taking away a favorite feature – enraged thousands of hormonal teenage girls counting on using the “best friends” feature to stalk their boyfriends. Who knew it could cause so much uproar?

This update did two things. It first took away the best friends feature that allowed users to see their friends’ top three snap chatters. It then added the discover feature, which is cool, but had nowhere near the reaction as the removal of best friends. The good thing is the update is promoting less stalker-like behavior. The bad news is now girls and boys will physically have to steal their significant other’s phones to see who they’ve been snap chatting – in other words, old school creeping.

But don’t fear! After the backlash, the CEO recently announced that “Snapchat” would return the best friends feature. So, we can all go back to relying on technology to do our dirty work.

pg 18 • MAROON WEEKLY • Dec. 10, 2014 • maroonweekly.com

BATTERY DOCTOR - BY RACHEL PICKERINGDoes your phone die when you least expect it? You deserve to know when your phone is about to RIP, and you can do so by downloading Battery Doctor. The app can extend your battery life up to 50% by monitoring and regulating your phone’s power consumption.

The app finds other apps and settings that drain power on your phone. It’ll provide you detailed battery information, and the info will allow you to make proper adjustments to your phone. In addition, the memory scan and junk clean up will help you save extra space by cleaning and deleting clutter. (Before deleting anything, you have the option of setting your preferences so only certain files/folders will be scanned for clean up.)

Battery Doctor also tells users how long your battery will last under a variety of situations. For example, if you are playing a game on your phone, it will let you know how much power the game is using. The app also keeps a log of how often you fully charge your phone and what features you can turn on/off to extend the battery life.

HANX WRITER - BY CONNIE SONGClickity, clack, clack. Fueled by his love for the typewriter, Tom Hanks (yes, Forrest Gump himself) developed Hanx Writer, an app that mimics old-school typing machines. Yes, there was a reason why the typewriter went away, but the cons of the machine were taken into consideration and modified for this app. For instance, you can now delete your typos and go back and edit your horrible grammar instead of having a document covered Xs. However, if you’re a fan of the Xs, there’s an option to have them, too. In addition, you can also export documents you’ve typed with the app. Hanx Writer can also be used in other apps if you’re solely using the app for the sounds (which is pretty nostalgic, but some people can’t write without them).

ZEN SHOPPING - BY DANIELLA DELGADOWant to make holiday shopping a breeze? With Zen Shopping, you can have your own personal shopping assistant straight on your phone. It has a variety of features to make your online shopping experience simple and expedient. Among these features are a price comparison calculator, where Zen automatically recognizes the product you’re looking for and searches other stores to find the most affordable option. Zen also automatically provides you with the best coupons for the store you are shopping at prior to checkout.

Zen notifies you of deals tailored to your shopping interests. The app also has a package tracking feature, so you can keep track of the delivery status of all your precious merchandise. Avoid the long lines and crazy crowds and do all of your shopping from the comfort of your own phone with Zen Shopping this holiday season.

#APP4THATTHere’s An

COST: FREE

COST: FREE

COST: FREE

COST: $.99

COST: FREE

COST: FREE

maroonweekly.com • Feb. 11, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 19866.973.5389

Wood-Style Flooring Flat-Screens in Every Apartment Stand-Up Tanning Booth Fully-Equipped Fitness Center Basketball & Sand Volleyball Courts Individual Leases Resort-Style Pool Game/Activity Room

“Luther” to 47464 for information* *standard text messaging rates apply

Check out our upcoming SPECIALS

thedistrictonluther.com


“Black or White,” the newly released film starring Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer, and Jillian Estell, hit theaters Jan. 30. The drama follows Eloise (Estell) – a young, biracial girl – through custody battles and across racial minefields.

Elliot Anderson (Costner) is left to care for his granddaughter Eloise when his wife suddenly dies. Both of Eloise’s parents are out of the picture, and her paternal grandmother Rowena (Spencer) decides to battle Anderson for custody.

What ensues is both a deeply personal and painful struggle, and simultaneously a confrontation of larger racial stereotypes – and the implications of those stereotypes on individual lives. The idea to confront racial tensions was a nice one. And one would expect a film explicitly titled “Black or White” to confront those tensions head-on.

Unfortunately, the film leaves one feeling a bit confused. It is a touching and compelling family drama, and the acting is great within the context of the film. But what is writer and director Mike Binder stating with “Black or White”? What’s the intended call to action? The movie is sympathetic, for sure. It is sympathetic to everyone it portrays.

::SPOILER ALERT::But the story, at its bones, is still a white man versus a black family. And the white man ends up with custody of his granddaughter. But it may just be because Rowena, Eloise’s black grandmother, decides to drop the suit. That’s unclear.

The story may be satisfying on a personal level, but viewers looking for larger social commentary will be disappointed by the muddled and noncommittal message.

Drama (PG-13)

Black or White Netflix

Yes, it’s true. One of the most iconic films of the early 2000s has finally made its way to Netflix.

The movie follows the antics of a cliquey high school, with a focus on the elite popular group known as The Plastics. While an attempt is made to bring down the ringleader from her social standing, the characters get so wrapped up in their own drama that the entire female population is in an uproar.

“Mean Girls” has a stacked cast, with Lindsey Lohan, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Rachel McAdams, and Amanda Seyfried. It was nominated in 2005 in the People’s Choice Awards for Favorite Movie Comedy, and it has won several MTV and Kid’s Choice Awards.

Now that it’s on Netflix and available for easy viewing, we can all revive our endless quoting of “On Wednesdays we wear pink!”

Mean GirlsBy Abigail Stricker

By Linley McCord

maroonweekly.com • Jan. 21, 2015 • MAROON WEEKLY • pg 21

Across1 “Terrible” age4 Get a closer shot10 “Unfit to view at your desk” abbr.14 Target of vaccine research15 Evident since birth16 Jai ___ (fast-moving sport)17 “Automne” preceder18 Show with celebrity panelists filling in blanks on a Chicago railway?20 Pound, like a headache22 Shoe support23 NYC subway line since 190424 Product that makes it a cinch to slide around?27 ___ burger29 Shows to the door30 Oohed and ___31 “øQuÈ ___?” (“How’s it going?”)32 Go for a target34 A neighbor of Syr.35 Bean’s L.A.-based catalog distribution center?41 Jane Goodall subject42 “The Grand Budapest Hotel” director Anderson43 Bend the truth45 Foaming at the mouth48 Regional eats51 “The Breakfast Club” name53 The point at which people will see me as “The War of the Worlds” author Wells?54 Existed55 Hindu ___57 Fond farewell58 “How did the Wizard project his image?” and others?62 Moo goo ___ pan63 Disastrous defeat64 “Go ___ on the Mountain”65 “Good” cholesterol, briefly66 ACL injury locale67 ___ Dan68 “The Waste Land” poet’s monogram

Down1 Put to ___2 In a fervent way3 Promise too much4 Celebrity news site5 Man ___ mission6 Rob Ford’s province: abbr.7 Like a manly man8 “Am ___ only one?”9 Middle East desert region10 “Apocalypse Now” setting, for short11 “Jingle Bells” vehicle12 Spenser’s “The ___ Queene”13 Went the way of old roses19 Div. for the Yankees and Red Sox21 Agreements25 Chapman of “Dog the Bounty Hunter”26 Elevator innovator Elisha28 “Young Frankenstein” actress Teri33 Make a kitten sound34 Magazine copy36 Go by yacht37 “Rabbit, Run” novelist38 Georgia ___39 “Allow me...”40 Ninnies44 Charm with flattery45 Make changes to46 Kindle seller47 Shellfish soup49 Place for pigs50 “The Science Kid” on PBS52 Kicks out53 As56 Proofreading mark59 Beehive State native60 Cordoba cheer61 Soccer zero

2015 Jonesin’ Crosswords ([email protected])


Flippin’ Digital

Answers

pg 16 • MAROON WEEKLY • Jan. 28, 2015 • maroonweekly.com


Murray, Mack Highlight Top-15 Recruiting Class By Brad Cox

College football fans turned their eyes toward the future on Feb. 4 as the fervor surrounding recruiting reached its zenith.Texas A&M can count its national signing day haul among the best in the nation after 25 prospective players, including seven early enrollees who are already on campus, signed national letters of intent to play football for the Aggies.

Ranked No. 12 nationally by ESPN, the class was highlighted by five-star signees Kyler Murray and Daylon Mack – both of whom had their share of drama in the final month of the recruiting period.

The son of former Texas A&M All-American Kevin Murray and a three-time state champion quarterback at Allen, Kyler Murray made an unofficial visit to Texas on Jan. 21 and tweeted a picture of a Longhorns jersey bearing his number, generating national buzz just two weeks before national signing day. Murray recommitted to the Aggies a week later, but that didn’t stop fans from breathing a sigh of relief when he made it official.

Mack was a longtime commit to A&M before decommitting on Dec. 19. According to ESPN, which ranked him as the No. 6 player and No. 3 defensive tackle in the nation, the Gladewater product made unofficial visits to College Station and Austin before quietly recommitting the week before national signing day. Fans skipped the sigh of relief and went straight to celebration when Mack put on an A&M hat during his nationally televised signing ceremony.

The early enrollees were junior college transfers Justin Evans (DB, Mississippi Gulf Coast), Claude George (LB, Hutchinson, Kan.) and Damion Ratley (WR, Blinn); receiver Christian Kirk (Scottsdale, Ariz., Saguaro); linebacker Richard Moore (Cedar Hill); tight end Jordan Davis (Clear Lake); and offensive lineman Keaton Sutherland (Flower Mound Marcus).

Rounding out the class were receiver Kemah Siverand (Cypress Ridge); running backs Jay Bradford (Splendora) and Kendall Bussey (New Orleans Isidore Newman); defensive backs DeShawn Capers-Smith (New Orleans Warren Easton), Justin Dunning (Whitehouse), Roney Elam (Newton) and Larry Pryor (Sulpher Springs); linebackers Landis Durham (Plano East), Riley Garner (A&M Consolidated) and Dwaine Thomas (Boutte (La.) Hahnville); offensive linemen Trevor Elbert (Rockwall Heath), Connor Lanfear (Buda Hays) and Erik McCoy (Lufkin); defensive linemen Kingsley Keke (Richmond George Ranch) and James Lockhart (Ennis); and kicker Daniel LaCamera (Tarpon Springs (Fla.) East Lake).

The day wasn’t all good for the Aggies. Former receiver commit and Cedar Hill product DaMarkus Lodge made his decommitment sting a little bit more by signing with SEC West rival Ole Miss.

SOCCERFresh off a run to the College Cup, the A&M soccer team signed 10 from its recruiting class on the same day as football’s national signing day.

The Aggies already had goalkeepers Danielle Rice, a transfer from Creighton, and Mia Hummel of Anaheim, Calif., on campus but also signed: midfielder/forward Emily Bates (Melissa); forward Brittany Crabtree (Denton Guyer); midfielder Kate Hajdu (Dallas Ursuline Academy); defender Amy Kelly (Longview); defender/midfielder Claudette Lassandro (Austin Westwood); defender Kendall Ritchie (Austin Westlake); defender Margaret Schmidt (Orange, Calif., Mater Dei); and forward Ally Watt (Colorado Springs Pine Creek).

BASEBALLSophomore outfielder Nick Banks picked up a preseason honor by being a second-team selection to the D1Baseball.com All-America teams.

Banks was tabbed as a freshman All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper last year after hitting .327 with 29 runs, 10 doubles, two triples, two homers, 26 RBIs and seven stolen bases last year.

MEN’S BASKETBALLDanuel House earned an SEC Player of the Week honor after averaging 17.5 points in wins over Auburn and Vanderbilt that helped the Aggies stretch their season-long winning streak to six games.

In the two victories, House shot 66.7 percent from the field and 72.7 percent from 3-point range.

On The

Bus

Route!

Get Social!CONTESTS + GIVEAWAYS

CALL OR TEXT

Vol. 11 No. 19

Documents

Transcript of Vol. 11 No. 19