Issue 193 | February 3, 2011

VOTE Kliesing Best of BCS ready to NOW! lead page 26 page 7 page 18 2 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com News & Views

Fuego is making its mark early

Photos by Valerie Clark By Erica Pitman time at all, Fuego was opening its doors on June 1, Moler said. Texas A&M University and the surrounding area of Bryan/College station is a community In the short time that Fuego has with core values. As such, one of the newer been open, business has been restaurants in town, Fuego Tortilla Grill, booming. exemplifies these values to a T. “It has been incredible. We have “We are all about the food, quality and value,” grown in sales every month, but Co-Owner and Founder Paul Moler said. more than that, we have set a standard. We have the freshest The food served in most Mexican restaurants food we could find and with quality,” Moler community and embraced the Aggie Spirit. is usually a Tex-Mex version, nothing like real said. Mexican food. With the creation of Fuego, “I bleed Maroon now; it was very easy for the idea was to bring out some quality With 24 hour quality service, Fuego has me. The community is so embracing,” Moler Mexican authenticity. quickly become a popular place for many said. “We built the restaurant for students college students, and it has become a part at A&M. When I moved down here, I really “The restaurant has been something in my of the Aggie community. Even on Monday got to learn about the community and the head for about 8 years,” Moler said. “I got the nights, which are typically slower nights for spirit. We hire a lot of students, and we work idea in Mexico while playing golf. It was all restaurants, Fuego has good business. Being around their schedules. The A&M students about the street food they serve in Mexico, open all the time is also a plus, especially in really are a cut above. We are thrilled about with the grilled meats. The more I started a college town where many students are where we are, and we could not be in a thinking about it, the more I liked the idea. looking for a place to eat late. better place for the first Fuego restaurant.” We have the taco trucks here, but that was the closest thing to the food you get when “You get the same exact product at 3am that In addition to loving Fuego food, college you go to Mexico.” you would get at 1pm. At Fuego, you will students and the surrounding community never get left overs,” Moler said. “We prepare have embraced the restaurant partly due to Wanting to serve real Mexican food, Moler food as we need it. We don’t take the meat its affordability. along with his business partner David off of the rotisserie chicken until we are Lovelace set to work on the Fuego creation, ready to prepare it, and we crack fresh eggs “What is great about Fuego, you can come Moler said. Together with the General as needed. We believe in freshness.” in on a budget and walk away full for close Manager David Girela and Jerry Mansera, to $5. But we are not the cheapest in town a wonderful chef, they made an excellent On a good Saturday, Fuego can have up to because we believe in value. We cater to team. 1500 customers, many of them students, everyone; some people can come in there and throughout the whole day, have and spend $15. We really fit everyone’s “Every aspect of the business, David helped excellent fresh food served in a reasonable budget, no one is left out.” me with. From the colors to the design, he is time frame. very much involved and tuned in to Fuego, With the possibilities of more locations and and we are having fun with it,” Moler said. “In this organized chaos, we have served franchising, Fuego’s future looks bright. “David Girela is the guy who really held us more than 1500 people with 80 seats and a together, and we owe a lot to him, and Jerry drive through, and I still haven’t seen anyone “Our goal is to continue to get better, to not Mansera is the man who perfected our menu. have to wait more than 15 minutes for their to be stagnate, Moler said. “We would like to He really brought the quality of our food up, food,” Moler said. see many Fuego Resturants, but right now it and our food is now on a whole new level.” is one Fuego at a time.” Moving to College Station for four months The actual restaurant was in the works for in preparation and for the operation of the For Fuego Tortilla Grill, the sky really is the just under 18 months, and in practically no restaurant, Moler quickly became a part of the limit. www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16 MAROON WEEKLY | 3 News & Views

Publisher Meet and Greet: Arab Students Mick Maynard

Caviar Dreams: Font Business Manager Andrea Maynard Association

Editor in Chief Chris Shepperd By Joshua Howell important positions and sub-Committees, are many cultures and celebrations in the MANAGING EDITOR which take part. The Association consists Middle East that are very wonderful and Chris Zebo The Arab Students Association, only recently of a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, once people get to know them, they will Design/Layout founded in the Fall semester of 2010 by Secretary, Event Coordinator, Public love them; from food, dancing, singing and Cara Matocha, C2-Studios Inc. four of its current members Diana Zubeidi, Relations Officer, Education Officer, and a much more,” Zubeidi said. writers Ameer Al Dagher, Ahmed Almoaber, and Community Service Officer. Kassie Cessna Sherrill Mogonye Isaaq Alshaikh, actually began work on the However, as previously mentioned, the Autumn Dawson Gabrielle Nguyen Turner Dawson Brandon Nowalk association as early as the Spring semester Like the previously mentioned African Arab Students Association is still, for all Mallory Dykowski Erica Pitman of yesteryear. During this time, elections Students Association, one does not have intents and purposes in its genesis. Though Josh Howell Megan Roiz Nichelle Jaeger Ian Soares took place to determine all the requisite to be Arab or of Arab descent to join the they have many goals, their first semester Sarabeth Lacy Ryan Stone Mara Minsberg Joey Trevino positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Association. The Association welcomes all in existence was primarily devoted to etc. who are interested in learning about the properly organizing their association and Photographers Valerie Clark many Arab traditions, lifestyles, and cultures, determining exactly what it is they wish to The current president, Diana Zubeidi was and neither pushes nor supports political do. This semester they plan to initiate their Distribution elected Vice President during the election. agendas or policies. community service plans by taking part Kyler Dillon Andy Nguyen However, being as the President-elect had as a group in Big Event and Relay for Life Becca Nelms to withdraw before the A&M recognition “We would like to expand our knowledge respectively.

interns process began and, according to their and culture to many other interested Vladimir Amador Association’s constitution, the Vice President nationalities. We will be giving basic Arabic As for now, they are making progress. They Maggie Dotson Ryan Frische becomes the President in such situations, classes, and we will have events that will have participated in The Cultural Celebration Cameron Gott Zubeidi had to step up, and began the allow non-Arab members to explore the of the Middle East Event held by Qatar Texas Lana Rothe approval and recognition process at the different Middle Eastern cultural events,” A&M University Office in the fall semester of commencement of the Fall 2010 semester. Zubeidi explained. last year. The group was founded with the idea of forming a social organization, which could There is also an often-held misconception, “We are normal people just like anybody Maroon Weekly is an independent, student-owned bind Arab Aggies as well as represent the similar to misconceptions about Africa, that else that not just thrive for education, but publication and is not affiliated with A&M University. Maroon Weekly receives no student fees Middle East with a responsible face. Together, the Middle East is culturally monolithic. also love to celebrate our culture [and] or university funding. they attempt to remove the “blind fold” music,” Zubeidi said. “Our part is to bring all Opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily conceptions of the Middle East, conceptions “We also would like to portray all the that fun stuff along with our education and reflect the views and opinions of the editor, publisher or the newspaper staff. Maroon Weekly is not liable for that are fostered by poor representations in different cultures that occur in the Middle blend it in[to] this amazing society.” omissions, misprints to typographical errors. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the the news media. East because it is not just one culture. There express consent of the publisher.

1st copy is FREE, additional copies “Our association brings in all the different are $0.50 each Once a year, cultures in the Middle East into one place. we becOme experts Maroon Weekly Our focus is to bring in things that people 110 Lincoln St. #107 at shipping lOve, tOO. College Station, Texas 77840 haven’t seen or experienced before and to ph: 979.696.3971 | fax: 281.312.5160 make people change the way they perceive © Copyright 2010 Legacy Media Inc. the Middle East,” Zubeidi said. % 15 OFF The way they go about meeting these goals FED EX AND UPS SHIPPING is quite similar to the manners in which excludes U.s. mail. Offer expires 2/13/11 other Texas A&M organizations go about achieving theirs: community service. In order to accomplish this, there are a plethora of 12815 Wellborn Road, Suite 120 • (979) 696-6900 4 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com 1/6/11 PAK092b-Valentine’sDayAd-CollegeStation 6300 S. Syracuse Way Suite 710 Black and White Centennial, CO 80111 303.770.6754 5.125”x2.75” flat with no bleeds News & Views Say hello to a On campus clubs: familiar face: Matthew Gaines Stover returns Initiative

By Sherrill Mogonye see what’s in store at the new café. By Joshua Howell seeking to rectify his absence in the campus statuary. Everyone loves a story of redemption and “Our menus are different, our approach is Currently, at our beloved school, there luckily for local restaurateur, Charles Stover, different,” Stover said. are two historical mahatmas whose The Matthew Gaines Initiative, an this may be the beginning of his tale. Unless names are spoken with a distinct tone “ad-hoc Committee to the Carter G. Black you’ve been living under a rock, you know of On the mybcs.com forum, which he of reverence: Lawrence Sullivan “Sul” Awareness Committee” according to Stover’s history within the Brazos Valley. He frequents, Stover goes on to explain that Ross, whose statue, the last hope for Gabrielle Royal, consists of three sub- was the recent owner of two buzz worthy there will be meatloaf sandwiches, burgers, students who have improperly prepared Committees: Outreach, Design and eating spots in the area, Stover Boys Burgers lasagna, catfish and even chicken and for their midterms or finals, can be found Finance, and is lead by Royal, Valecia and Square One Bistro. And despite diners’ buttermilk dumplings. Since the location is in Academic Plaza and John J. Koldus, Battle, and Amber Briggs. acclaims, both businesses closed within the shared with the Village Foods deli, there are who currently has a building named in his last six months due to the owner’s unwise endless possibilities for soups, salads, and honor. However, both of these paragons “We are interested in installing an icon investments and a malevolent protest. It lighter fare. He mentions that they intend of A&M spirit are somewhat marred with on campus. We have been brainstorming seemed like a scenario that had no happy to serve up southern food, hand-made ending, but Stover is now making amends lunches, breakfast options, specialty burgers controversy. several ways to do this, including a statue, and it appears there may be a light at the and sandwiches, and affordable take home a mural, or perhaps a monumental rest end of the tunnel. dinners for the family. “Sul” Ross, while being a Governor of Texas, area on campus. We feel having this a President of A&M, and one who saved it visual will honor the efforts of leaders Village Foods, located on Briarcrest Drive, The café is currently doing trial runs on from the brink of closure, was also a general that created a foundation for A&M. Many is the only grocery store in the area that menu items and altering their recipes. They in the Confederate Army (a particular of those historical leaders have been committed to supporting local business plan to be open Monday through Saturday sticking point amongst minorities). John forgotten,” explained Royal. owners and keeping money within the from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during their Koldus, famous for allowing women into community. Jim Lewis, owner of Village first month or two. Their hopes are also to what was then an all male school, can If the Initiative were to be successful, A&M Foods, has partnered with Stover and is feature desserts and other items not seen be analyzed under a slightly different would have its first statue or memorial currently opening a new dining spot called from either previous menu. I’m confident light when historical context reveals it of a person of color. At a school where, Stover Bros. Café, within the grocery store. the food will not be a letdown. was either the admission of women, according to education-portal.com, The new eatery will likely merge the flavors or serious problems with the school’s white non-hispanics make up 79.8% of of Stover Boys’ mouth-watering take-out Help support this local business and stop by finances. In short, the school’s closure was undergraduate enrollment, having some and Square One’s refined home-style food. for what is sure to be a lip smacking lunch a legitimate possibility if women were not visual icon of a figure of color would shed Lewis’s generosity will help Stover redeem or take home dinner. It may seem like an allowed into the institution. light on the diversity of A&M’s history. his reputation. Stover’s supporters will once unconventional locale, but Charles Stover again get to savor his food and his zestful is determined to redeem himself and this is There is another figure of A&M history, Similar initiatives have been more nature. Whether you love or loathe Mr. certainly a window of opportunity. however, who has yet to be aggrandized successful at UT, most likely because of Stover’s sarcastic and outspoken nature, in a similar manner, whose history is not their much more diverse undergraduates. you cannot deny his passion to make good Village Foods and home of the new Stover tainted by the aforementioned foibles, In 1999, where before the only statues food and deliver quality service. I, for one, Bros. Café is located at 1760 Briarcrest Drive, and whose service to the state of Texas on the UT campus were four prominent think his food has been as soulful as a Bryan, TX 77802. and A&M make him, at the very least, as confederates (including Robert E. Lee and mother’s Sunday dinner and cannot wait to equally an important a figure as the likes Jefferson David), the school unveiled a of both Sullivan and Koldus. statue of Martin Luther King Jr.

Matthew Gaines, a former slave, born in “An acknowledgment of the diversity of 1840, who rose to become a Republican our past will aid the diversity of our future. State Senator, was also integral in For minorities on campus it would allow establishing free public education for some sense of belonging. Yes, we’re in the state. It was he who signed the all Aggies, and we ‘Bleed Maroon,’” Battle appropriate legislation that allowed Texas said. “But we have to see representations A&M to take part in the Morrill Land of men who would not stand for some Grant College Act. To put it as simply and of us being Aggies, and we know this w bluntly as can be put, without the efforts because we know the history. Having w w m of Matthew Gaines, no matter the efforts these representations here and nothing o of Koldus or “Sul” Ross, Texas A&M would to combat them reaffirms that Texas A&M .m c a ly. have never been founded. The Matthew is a ‘white space,’ and we’re just visiting roonweek Gaines Initiative is a student organization scholars.”

www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16 MAROON WEEKLY | 5 News & Views Taco Tuesday’s at Ozona Bar and Grill Rosa’s are bueno delights the senses

Photo by Mallory Dykowski By Megan Roiz Photos by Valerie Clark Ozona Grill & Bar, despite being named after it, does not have a location in Ozona, Texas. Lucky for us Bryan-College Station folk, we have our very own taste of West Texas on Harvey Road.

Ozona Grill & Bar is named after the unincorporated city of Ozona, Texas, a small, West Texas town nicknamed “The Biggest Little Town in the World.” Much like the rather isolated town, the restaurant is quite independent and unique, and it offers the same hometown warmth.

By Mallory Dykowski “Seriously, I think they are the best tortillas I A diverse menu and large selection of drinks are what draw patrons to Ozona. The have ever had.” restaurant boasts a rather impressive, award-winning Bloody Mary bar (from which Everyone knows Tuesdays in College Station non-alcoholic Bloody Marys are also available) and dollar margaritas on Mondays. is the best time to eat out. Many places like They offer anything from single items, family Fazoli’s, and Double Dave’s offer great meal feasts, and even desserts. When you place Lunch specials are deals. your order at Rosas, they take your name inexpensive, given and call you when your food is ready. There portion sizes. From Probably the most popular special is Taco is always a staff member roaming around Monday through Tuesday, offered at Rosas Café. Taco Tuesday cleaning tables or asking how they could be Friday, every week, includes your choice of three beef or chicken of assistance. from 11am to 4pm, tacos, crispy or soft, with rice and beans for diners can enjoy only $3.69 all day. Pricing and nutrition facts for all items are a thick-cut pork available on the website. chop served with Tacos, however, are not the only their only cranberry relish, specialty. Rosas doubles as a Tortilla Factory. Weiser said their prices are pretty decent for garlic toast and a Rosas Café is located on 710 East University the quality of food that you get. choice of salad, Drive in College Station. or two Tacos Al “They don’t have a dollar menu or anything Carbon with sides “Rosas is really nice because it is a high like that. It’s definitely a step above Taco Bell, of Spanish rice and quality Mexican food in a fast food format,” so as a result the prices are a little higher refried beans for less than $10. Emily Weiser, a Senior at Texas A&M said. than Taco Bell.” The restaurant hours are 10 am to 11 pm For the weekend brunch crowds, Ozona has a good selection of hill country dishes, Sunday through Thursday and 10 am to The restaurant is a casual one, but it is all served with rosemary potatoes and fresh fruit. Brunch is served from 8am to 2pm midnight Friday through Saturday. decorated very colorful and in Spanish- on Saturdays and Sundays. themed items. ”They have great food even if you pull There is always a crowd through the drive-thru, but if you feel like Weiser said she loves Rosas because it is a and fun to be had at having a sit-down meal instead, you can great place to sit and chat with friends while Ozona. With familiar, do that there also,” Weiser said. “My favorite enjoying satisfactory food. hometown meal is their chicken fajita burritos with queso. choices and a comfy, Yum!” You can register on Rosas website for their warm atmosphere, VIP membership, which includes special Ozona is the place to She said their homemade tortillas are offers for joining and on your birthday. be. For more menu amazing and that is a main reason the information and a burritos are so delicious. But don’t take Weiser’s word for it. With chance to join the great food, prices, location and hours of Ozona Grill & Bar staff, Tortillas can be sold separately in fresh packs operation, why not check them out today? check out OzonaGrill. to take home and enjoy. com!

6 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com Arts & Entertainment

Hunter McKithan and the Offenders at Church Street Feb 9th

By Chris Zebo -the most recent dropped only two weeks “I’ve always looked up to him,” McKithan says boundaries between rock and soul. There’s ago. And that’s not an awful lot of records of McClure. “He’s one of the reasons I started an organ in there (it returns in other songs, We’ve chosen Hunter McKithan and the for a band that’s been around for a while. writing songs.” too) that adds a dimension of soul that Offenders as February’s Artist of the Month But according to McKithan, they’d rather sounds right out of a Deep South Church for two reasons. First, frontman Hunter take their time preparing great albums On the new album, the group comes across (minus the choir). It’s a nice sound that looks McKithan is what you’d call a “musician’s rather than release many poor ones hastily. fuller, focused and sounding produced by good on these guys, and hopefully they’ll musician.” Over the past 7 years, when he someone with experience. “No Prisoners” play around more with the organ in future wasn’t performing with his popular 4-piece Consequently, over the years the band has sounds like a fusion of today’s Texas recordings. band at gigs all over Texas, he shed the forged a solid sound that McKithan describes Country with hard rock and blues--the Offenders and played solo practically every as a balanced mix of “rock, southern more contemporary blues rock you’d hear “Not Broken Yet” is as polished and produced week in the Greater Houston area. He’s rock, blues, alt-country and a little soul.” in groups like The Black Crowes. It’s also got as every other song on the album, which spent quite a lot of time on stage, refining McKithan’s personal songwriter influences, a southern rock roadhouse punch that’s is probably owed in part to McClure’s his music, and he’s paid his dues connecting such as Ryan Adams, Mike McClure, and heavy-fisted but won’t leave any holes in production effort, but not completely. It’s with his fans. Ben Harper have also lent the group a more your walls--it’s just the right marriage of grit obvious from the level of musicianship and personal appeal up front. and grace. “Hey Little Girl” leans more in the songwriting on this new release that Hunter The second and most important reason soul and blues direction but doesn’t lose any and the Offenders are now self-sufficient the group was chosen is squarely a critical For the group’s recent release, Not Broken of the album’s momentum (and the album and ready to take the reigns of their own one. When you’re judging local acts, you Yet, McKithan and the band got the chance really doesn’t take a slow-song breath for destiny. gauge their growth and the evolution of of a lifetime in the recording studio. One of longer than a track or two). Throughout their sound by listening to their albums McKithan’s musical heroes, Mike McClure, “Hey Little Girl”, T. Ray Porche’s guitar shreds Hunter McKithan and the Offenders will chronologically. And with the group’s latest sat behind the sound booth as producer a background track and sounds so smooth be celebrating their new record release release, Not Broken Yet, Hunter and the and even sat in on a couple of songs, and effortless you might think he’s picking and playing a show in College Station in band have shown what seven years of contributing guitar tracks and backing with his eyes closed (although you know the beginning of February. You can find writing, gigging, recording…and starving vocals. McClure, the producer of Cross it took years and years to learn how to play out more about their music by visiting the can do to an artist. In their case, it made Canadian Ragweed and numerous other that well). band’s website at huntermckithan.com. To them good. Red Dirt artists--including Stoney LaRue hear a sneak peak of what their latest album and Jason Boland--kept the band focused The album’s title track, “Not Broken Yet”, is sounds like head to www.maroonweekly. The group has only released three albums- throughout the recording of the new album. a quasi hard rock number that teases the com and download their latest single. www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16 MAROON WEEKLY | 7 Arts & Entertainment Artist Sp tlight

FashionDressing to theSense: nines

By Sarabeth Lacy patterns or flowers can transform a pair of good jeans into “have you lost weight?” Those who relocate to Bryan/College station jeans when paired with heels. If you prefer for either school or work often meet with a more structured look to boho chic, pencil surprise and relief upon the realization jeans and blazers are always in stock. Avoid that numerous nightlife destinations exist Forever21’s collection of actual evening despite big city rumors. One can enjoy dresses unless you weigh less than 120 lbs. the conflicting vision of cowboy boots and are shorter than 5’5”. Otherwise, you will stomping to pop rock and techno at one of make a style u-turn and arrive right back at many Northgate clubs, peruse the creations our Pretty Woman scenario. of local artists at the Village Downtown, or enjoy a serene dinner at the Republic. Dinner dates present a more complex series of options. The same outfits previously With more nightlife options than potentially described can work for casual restaurants, expected, many girls consequently approach but let us assume this is a step up the the timeless question: “What am I going to glamour ladder. I am a huge proponent of wear?” I am so glad you asked! T.J. Maxx, as designers from Max Azria to Ellie Tahari crowd the dress racks at extremely I completely understand and support modest prices, and various styles and women who hope to avoid matronly or dull silhouettes prevail. wardrobes. Having said that, I grow weary of witnessing the obligatory weekend group An LBD (little black dress) exudes an inviting of girls traipsing from La Bodega to Gatsby’s sophistication but also presents a necessary all wearing identical satin miniskirts and decision. Do you prefer to show a bit more five inch spike heels purchased at Charlotte décolletage or a bit more leg? Exposing Russe. This is not the set of Pretty Woman, everything all at once flings sophistication Ladies, and we will not attract honest right out the window. In fact the same rule intentions if we insist upon wearing such should apply to a more romantic, feminine items. dress or a structured vintage piece.

Moreover, we do not exude originality or After you settle on the skin factor, choose individuality when donning what I shall now a silhouette that hugs the smallest part of refer to as the “club uniform”. The greatest your waist and flows away from your less attribute of a wardrobe is the ability to than toned parts; we all have them. Parading exude self expression without speaking a around in a dress that is two sizes too small word, and two girls standing next to each or shrouding yourself in something too other wearing the club uniform quickly large will both produce the same effect; dissolve into white noise. you will look heavier than you are. On the other hand, sporting a dress tailored to your What attire is appropriate for which setting, specific shape can create the illusion that and where can a penniless college student you lost ten pounds. or a money conscious post-grad pick up a few novel items? Most importantly, wear something that you love because it speaks to you and about you. If Northgate bars and clubs prove appealing, Do not copy the cover of People Magazine Forever21 in Post Oak Mall carries plenty or your roommate. Let people know what of affordable options that run the style you think about fashion by showing them. gambit. Flouncy tops adorned with vintage Trust me, you will turn more heads.

8 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com Arts & Entertainment Artist Sp tlight

By Joey Trevino

As the years go by one thing is always certain, bands may come and bands may go. Some bands have to break up for whatever reason; some band members can go on to the busy world of eight-to-five jobs and some might have another path to find. Whatever the case might be the bands that stick through the good times and bad always seem to find their niche and continue to bring their talents to the fans that want them.

Although the original line up may have changed, Clairmont is one of those bands that have withstood the test of time.

The band formed in College Station in 2004 with the idea of bringing fresh and entertaining music to audiences in the BCS as well as across the state of Texas. Later that year, the band was featured as the title track to the Esotype Records compilation entitled “The Real Life Threats of You and Me.”

In 2005 the band released their debut EP, “The Dweller,” which they feel showcased the wealth of talent, creativity and intensity that the band offers their listeners.

After their first release, Clairmont went through a change in line up as well as a change in style. They began testing the limits of samples and programmed loops as an accompaniment to their sound. In 2008 Clairmont went back into the studio, “Strength Like Lions,” the bands second album and first major release was a testament to the way they had evolved as musicians yet kept what audiences enjoyed about their original sound.

“The same clean-cut, driving electricity was present but electronic samples were added to construct additional layers to the sound,” said Josh Taylor, vocalist and guitar player for Clairmont. “The samples consisted of synth leads, ambient pads, drum loops and tones to develop our music as a tonally-rich powerhouse.”

According to the band, Clairmont is currently developing ideas for a third release, which is tentatively scheduled to drop sometime in 2011.

“The third album will play host to an exciting culmination of new ideas, fresh sounds, a unique mixture of styles, while retaining the same thoughtful, encouraging and powerful sound that the band has developed through the years,” said Taylor.

Clairmont, currently a two-piece group, features Taylor as well as Ben Love on Bass, samples and Vocals. You can see them live on stage Feb. 11 in San Antonio with Hawk Nelson. You can also check them out on Twitter, @clairmont, their website, www. clairmontonline.com, on iTunes or by visiting www.freeclairmont.com for free music and a sneak peak of their new album.

Although they say that no one can see the future, they hope to still be making music for years to come.

www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16 MAROON WEEKLY | 9 Arts & Entertainment

Photos by Stephen Heger

Sojourner: Bush Library

By Mara Minsberg With the help of some very friendly and wedding album detailing the couple’s it affords an opportunity to view history knowledgeable docents, we map out our nuptials. I had never previously felt a major through the focused perspective of a single Whenever I move to a new city, I always find plan for seeing the museum. As a group, interest in this particular president, but the person. You have a chance to browse a that it takes the motivating force of a visiting we delve into The Heart Truth’s Red Dress engaging exhibits make me curious to learn relatively wide span of our nation’s history friend or relative to get me to check out some Collection exhibit, a heart-disease awareness more about Bush not only as a politician but from the lens of a single individual. Seeing of my local attractions. With the hubbub of campaign display featuring red dresses worn also as an individual. his personal family photos and artifacts daily life, I tend to focus more on getting by contemporary celebrities and former first arranged in a manner conducive to weaving acclimated and finding the things I need on ladies. While the political weight of the exhibit We explore the ups and downs of Bush’s his personal narrative makes me think what a regular basis instead of venturing out in is certainly negligible, it is a fun concept and political career, observing relics from his time my own plotline might look like in fifty or search of cultural sites or museums. a worthy cause for attention. Though my as an ambassador in China and reading sixty years. Though it is unlikely the majority father and fiancé breeze through this one accounts of his rise to Vice President and of us will ever achieve such fame or political The term “new” is relative here, of course; with barely a glance, my mother and I enjoy President. While the content of the exhibits prominence, it is gripping to consider the I have lived in the Bryan/College Station an opportunity to pass judgment on the is generally value neutral, its expository tone sort of legacy we will live behind. I am fairly area for over six months. With the occasion wardrobe choices of bygone first ladies like is usually more informative than politically certain a museum will never be erected of my parents’ visiting, however, I finally Lou Hoover and Mamie Eisenhower. persuasive. Our group particularly enjoys in my honor, but its impact leads me to have my long-awaited excuse to investigate exhibits featuring remnants of the Berlin consider my own daily actions and decisions some local must-see tourist sites. Their first Moving into the main museum, we examine Wall, the Gulf War theater, and the public gifts in the context of leading a life worthy of request is to visit the George Bush Library endless personal photos and artifacts detailing received from various heads of state. Though examination. and Museum, an admittedly short trek I am the former president’s early life and family clearly not the educational high point of our unlikely to make without their suggestion. experiences. The exhibits and displays are trip, we all also get a kick out of a chance The George Bush Presidential Library and As one of Aggieland’s most prominent and well-laid out and organized in an interesting to pose in a replica of the Oval Office (for a Museum is located at 1000 George Bush historically significant attractions, though, my and visually pleasing manner; even if you enter price, of course) and to receive an allegedly Drive West in College Station. Hours are parents justifiably feel it should be a part of the museum with relatively low curiosity, it is “personalized” auto-signed letter from the Monday through Saturday 9:30 AM to 5:00 their time in College Station. We decide it difficult not to let the information draw you former president or first lady. PM, Sundays 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Adult is the perfect indoor choice for a dark and in and pique your attention. We browse a admission is $7; Blinn and TAMU students rainy afternoon and embark on a visit to thorough account of George Bush’s parents’ Whatever your personal political affiliation, are eligible for free admission. For more the George Bush Presidential Library and lives, childhood, early stirrings of romance the George Bush Presidential Library and information, visit their website at http:// Museum. with a young Barbara, and even a makeshift Museum is a compelling experience because bushlibrary.tamu.edu. 10 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com Arts & Entertainment New Dining Delights find their way to BCS

By Nichelle Jaeger Photos by Stephen Heger No college town would be complete without great restaurants and with a name like College Station, you can guarantee there are a few places that specialize in satisfying your hunger. Several new restaurants have made their way to the BCS area and a few are already open for business.

The most anticipated new restaurant, Chuy’s, opens its doors on Feb. 1. All of the self- proclaimed Mexican food coinsures will not be able to resist this restaurant. Chuy’s menu is jam-packed with variety. It has all of the traditional dishes like burritos, queso and margaritas and unlike several Mexican food restaurants, Chuy’s has New Mexico style green chili. Aside from the great food, Chuy’s has great parking. It’s located in the Post Oak Mall parking lot, so parking spaces are abundant.

A great restaurant for date night is Tony Roma’s, which will open soon in Bryan, next to the movie theater. This restaurant features a gamut of dining delights, including seafood, steak and their signature ribs. Tony Roma’s has over 200 restaurants and located in 17 states six continents, making it the largest casual theme restaurant in the world. Including the Bryan location, there are six Tony Roma’s in Texas. If everyone in your group is hungry for something different, check out Knockouts Grille House. From burgers and buffalo wings to steaks and salads, this place has it all. Knockouts recently opened on University Drive and they invited people to come out for a new experience. They open every day at 11:00 a.m. and are open until at least 11:00 every night.

Newk’s Express Café is another new restaurant in the BCS area and is located at 1613 University Drive. The founders of McAllister’s Deli started the Newk’s franchise to provide customers with a faster dining experience, while maintaining the high quality of food. Newk’s menu is similar to McAllister’s offering fresh sandwiches, pizzas and salads. If you are ordering lunch at the office or just want to eat something on the lighter side, Newk’s Express Café has what you are looking for.

Typically, more students at Texas A&M means fewer opportunities for families to eat out, but with new restaurants coming to the area, there will be plenty of tables for all. Be sure to check out all of the new restaurants. You may find a new favorite!

www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16 MAROON WEEKLY | 11 Arts & Entertainment Movie Review: book review King's Speech

By Brandon Nowalk matched by Ally condie It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Considering how great most of its shallow, middlebrow awards bait was, By Gabrielle Nguyen 2010 was an outstanding movie year. Black Swan is a fun psycho ballet picture that With the increasing use of dating websites vaults right over its tired duality motif, The such as eHarmony.com and Match.com and King’s Speech is a grand uplift that leaves the decreasing stigma attached, it makes its historical significance to the intertitles, you wonder: can a computer algorithm and The Fighter is a jolt of ‘90s energy really help you find love? In Ally Condie’s anchored by hilariously big performances. Matched, the Society does just that for each Unlike 2009 (Precious, Up in the Air), 2008 and every citizen. (Milk, Slumdog Millionaire), 2007 (Michael Clayton, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly), and practically every other year, the prestige Matched is a young adult novel set in a pictures of 2010 thankfully don’t wallow dystopian future in which the reigning in self-seriousness. If we must have these entity, known as the Society, controls every flighty golddiggers, the least they can do is single aspect of life, from what job you have provide a fun entertainment. Danny Boyle’s to whom you are Matched with to marry any anxiety; and an ominous red pill, whose 127 Hours, recently nominated for Best of which features prominently in the trailer, and even when you die. The leading lady purpose is unknown. Picture and Best Actor at the Oscars and and by the end you just want to give Franco of the story, Cassia, is content to live in the playing a special engagement at Cinemark, the Oscar and call it a night. only world she has ever known. When a All the while, Cassia is a believable and likable may not have much on its mind, but it sure fateful mistake shows two different guys as hero. As she discovers the true nature of the is a grand, ole time. The problem, as I already suggested, is that her Match, though, she begins her journey Society, she rebels. Yet, she is realistically the film is basically a motivational poster. in questioning and discovering the true reluctant to accept that what she has known That’s not sarcasm. 127 Hours is a stirring You can just see Franco’s one-and-a-half- potential of a life with choices. and adhered to is wrong. She is ultimately a little picture, helped by AR Rahman’s big, armed figure in a sea of sandstone on a black background with the serifed words good person who has difficult decisions to triumphant score, not to mention the true story. James Franco plays Aron Ralston, an “Never Give Up” emblazoned on the bottom. Condie details a horrific future in which every make in an unforgiving world. adrenaline junkie in Utah who finds himself Boyle tries to dramatize Ralston’s plight with choice is limited in order to better “appreciate” pinned to a boulder in a deep crevasse and, a half-baked backstory about his selfishness what is offered. Citizens are allowed to enjoy Beware: Matched ends on a cliffhanger, as it after five days, summons the courage to cut isolating and ultimately endangering him, from a selection of 100 poems, 100 stories, is the first book in a trilogy. Matched is an his trapped arm off with his pocketknife. but Franco’s so charming and the script’s so 100 movies, 100 paintings, etc., while the entertaining novel that, if it were summer, The reenactment’s already legendary for disinterested that we never really buy it. countless remaining are destroyed. Rules are would be on the top of the list of books to inspiring fainting spells, but reports of gore also applied to maintain fairness among the bring to the beach. are overblown. That’s not to say it’s an easy Worse, 127 Hours promotes two epiphanies people. Uniforms are mandatory at all times, sit—there’s at least one image and one that were erroneous when they showed up and officials confiscate family heirlooms in The second installment of the Matched sound that still have me cringing—but the in Into the Wild a few years ago. The first is order to create equality among all. trilogy, Crossed, is slated to be released sequence clocks in at less than five minutes, that isolation is meaningless. Thoreau might in November of 2011. In the meantime, and Boyle’s constant cutting softens the disagree; we’ll call it a draw. The second is Amongst all of these regulations, Condie readers might also enjoy Coraline by Neil blow. that we in civilization take too much for intensifies the suspense with every page Gaiman (where a young girl discovers a granted. We should all genuflect before our dripping faucets and lie prostrate in the turn. Each citizen is also required to carry portal into a seemingly perfect world with Franco commands the screen for an hour and a half, juggling Ralston’s mischievous face of computers or something. Sorry, but a container of three pills: a blue pill with seemingly perfect parents) and City of humor, resigned melancholy, and teeth- wagging fingers and inspirational messages enough nutrients to survive for a few days Masks by Mary Hoffman (in which a young gritting determination. In the film’s best are cinema spam, cheap, temporarily without food as long as there is water; a boy is transported to an alternate version of scene, sun-drunk Ralston is pretending to satisfying imitations of substance that make green pill which acts as a sedative, calming old Italy). interview himself on a morning show, part you truly appreciate the real thing.

12 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com Arts & Entertainment book review: Unearthly by Cynthia hand events By Autumn Dawson story is read, but that is precisely what Hand Thursday, February 3 Thursday, February 10 accomplished with this stunning debut. Ben Morris and the Boxcar Chorus @ La Tyler Brown @ La Bodega Bodega Original College Night @ Texas Hall of Fame Cynthia Hand’s debut novel, Unearthly, is full Original College Night @ Texas Hall of Fame Singer/Songwriter Night & Lone Star Love of unexpected surprises and delights, and The second surprise in this novel was the Singer/Songwriter Night @ The Village Café Potion @ The Village Café angel books are by no means my genre du unexpectedly enjoyable love triangle. Party on the Patio @ Ozona Grill and Bar Party on the Patio @ Ozona Grill and Bar jour. But this one surprised me, grabbed me, Normally—and I mean, ninety-nine percent Karaoke @ Schotzi’s Karaoke @ Schotzi’s and refused to let go until I’d turned the last of the time—I detest love triangles! So when One Red Martian @ Stafford Main St. Sabrosa Union @ Stafford Main St. page well into the wee hours of the morning. I initially realized that’s where we were headed, I groaned aloud. It was all typical Friday, February 4 Friday, February 11 Our story opens with Clara, a young girl at first: Girl falls for the unattainable high First Friday in Downtown Bryan Tyler Cannon @ La Bodega with abilities that must be kept tightly school superstar, and remains oblivious to Claire Domingue @ La Bodega Aaron Watson w/ Jon Wolfe @ Texas Hall of leashed, for the cost of being discovered the cute, adorable guy who really likes her. Ryan Beaver CD Release Party @ Texas Hall Fame is not something she can afford. But that But it changes. Oh, how it changes! While of Fame Will Johnson @ The Village Café becomes more difficult than she would Clara is definitely torn between the two Emory Quinn and Push Water @ Schotzi’s The Heart is a Lonely Hunter and Meagan Wade Bowen @ Hurricane Harry’s Moseley CD Release Party @ Schotzi’s have imagined, when her family moves and main guys, it‘s never your typical “Ugh!I love SMUT and Possessed By Paul James @ Brandon Rhyder w/ Scooter Brown @ she meets the boy from her dreams. The boy them both,” story. Instead, she had one love Stafford Main St. Hurricane Harry’s she knows she must save; the boy from her born of a sense of duty and honor, while visions of a forest consumed by flames. the other, well, the other…is more along Saturday, February 5 Saturday, February 12 the lines of a true love that’s impossible to The Pan-Ams @ La Bodega Ramoth Giliad @ La Bodega The most intriguing aspect of Unearthly anticipate, control, or understand. Despite Texas Unlimited Band @ Texas Hall of Fame Crossroads @ Texas Hall of Fame is the author’s unparalleled development that, my opinion on who I wanted her to Salsa Dancing @ The Village Café (10pm) Salsa Dancing @ The Village Café (10pm) of characters. The main character, Clara, is end up with altered more frequently than Strawberry Jam and A Formal Affair @ Brad Copper Band and Aqua Jones @ trying to balance life as a teenager while one of the Greek God’s bed partners. Schotzi’s Schotzi’s dealing with the fact that she’s one-fourth Soldier Tread, Saints of Valory, Flawless Rocky Horror @ Stafford Main St. angel and slowly coming into her powers. Fellow bookworms, this is one of those Escape and Sounds Under Radio @ Stafford Unlike other supernatural reads where the books you’ll want to give a permanent spot Main St. Sunday, February 13 Obannon’s Pub Quiz @ Obannon’s Taphouse protagonist is perfect and powerful, Clara to in your library. It’s the first of a trilogy in Sunday, February 6 The Selfless Season, Eric Fisher, J. Goodin @ struggles with life in a way we can all too which I’m impatiently awaiting the next Obannon’s Pub Quiz @ Obannon’s Taphouse Stafford Main St. (7pm) easily relate to. She klutzes out, gets red- novel. The characters are unforgettable, John Evans Band, Aaron Kothmann, Geoff faced in front of the boy she likes, has the plot uniquely woven, and the ended Spahr @ Stafford Main St. (7pm) Tuesday, February 15 to learn how to be good at something something I never saw coming. All in all, Absolute Karaoke @ O’Bannon’s Taphouse like flying, and is faced with tough, life- this would have to be one of my most Tuesday, February 8 altering decisions. It’s unusual, especially for highly recommended YA books, and I hope Absolute Karaoke @ O’Bannon’s Taphouse Wednesday, February 16 a young adult novel, that characters live on everyone enjoys it as much as I did. FM 2865 @ Schotzi’s FM 2865 @ La Bodega to dance through my head long after the Purple Haze and Kosmic Bluez; the best Jimi Comedy Night @ Schotzi’s and Janis covers @ Stafford Main St. Casey Donahew Band @ Hurricane Harry’s

Wednesday, February 9 Salsa Lessons @ The Village Café Comedy Night @ Schotzi’s Karaoke with Tyler Cannon @ La Bodega CD Release Party w/ Clayton Gardner @ Hurricane Harry’s

Check out maroonweekly.com for more info! Make sure to submit your events at www.maroonweekly.com

www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16 MAROON WEEKLY | 13 14 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com Arts & Entertainment

FashionH&M Comes toSense: Texas

By Sarabeth Lacy my hometown and destination for the Holidays! “Why, oh why, does H&M refuse to exist in the Texas market?!” I dolefully lamented after I spared no time in hustling my husband, flipping through last December’s Vogue mother, sister, and her two-week-old and spotting a voluminous tulle dress son into a crowded NorthPark Mall on created by none other than Lanvin for the December 26th. Actually, “crowded” is Swedish based store. Memories of my first quite an understatement; swarming and encounter with my would-be staple retailer slightly claustrophobic may be more flooded my mind, and I recalled walking appropriate, but I was woman on a down Berlin’s Kudamm in the summer of mission. 2001 with my fellow high school exchange students. One of my close friends and I made The temporary pop-up location near an educated assumption that H&M stood Dillard’s proved a bit underwhelming, for “Hoch” and “Möglichkeit”, which would but both my husband and I departed literally translate from German to English as with a bundle of sweaters and tops as “High” and “Possibility”. Okay, perhaps it was well as exciting information regarding not the most educated of assumptions, but the permanent two-story location set to we frequented multiple locations scattered open still within NorthPark this coming throughout Berlin during our three week October. I suppose a location in Houston sojourn so the nickname stuck. would better accommodate a potential day trip from B/CS, but beggars cannot, Fast-forward to August 2006, and one would in fact, be choosers. find me raiding the 5th Avenue location in New York, only to repeat such antics the Should you attempt a pilgrimage to one same month in 2009 whilst honeymooning of my personal fashion Meccas, allow me in San Francisco. My appetite for H&M could to more appropriately educate you on never fully be satiated, as the elusive store the store’s background. As it turns out, provided fashion forward wardrobe staples H&M is not an abbreviation for “Hoch” along with statement pieces at astonishingly and “Möglichkeit”. Shocking, I know. affordable rates. Even the men’s department According to Wikipedia.org, in 1947 captured my new husband’s heart that Swedish businessman, Erlig Persson, summer. founded a store exclusively for women entitled Hennes, which translates as “Hers” So why has my beloved chain stubbornly in the establisher’s native tongue. In eschewed Texas? Such was the question I 1968 Persson obtained Mauritz Widforss, posed on my blog, shoesandtattoos.com, a hunting equipment store, and merged and one of my readers delivered a beacon it with Hennes, thereby creating a retailer of hope with great, great Christmas tidings. for both men and women appropriately “H&M is opening a store in Dallas!” Sherrill dubbed Hennes & Mauritz. Mogonye exclaimed. “My friend works at NorthPark Mall and said there is a pop-up The currently abbreviated name seems H&M open now!” to be ever expanding; autumn 2010 saw the extension of online sales from the It was a Christmas miracle! After establishing Nordic countries to the UK. We can only approximately 2,200 stores in 38 different hope that the online retail option will markets, based on info gathered at H&M. soon be made available to us Americans, com, Hoch & Möglichkeit had arrived in a but for now, we Texans can enjoy a forum not thousands of miles and days away tangible shopping experience in Big D. from me; in fact, it was in close proximity to

www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16 MAROON WEEKLY | 15 Brandon Rhyder

Texas Country mainstay Brandon Rhyder is ready to bring his signature Texas alt country sound to the Hurricane Harry’s on Friday, February 11. Doors open at 8:00 pm. For ticket information, please visit http:// harrys.bcsclubs.com/.

Many people have come to know Brandon Rhyder’s name and music over the last few years. Regionally he’s definitely a staple of the Texas scene. Brandon Rhyder is different. When you hear the voice you know it’s unmistakably him. When he comes out with a new single you never know what you’re going to get. Brandon Rhyder loves to take you to the top and then jerk the rug out from under you and start the process all over again. Brandon Rhyder doesn’t write for a genre, but rather for the inspiration he receives.

‘I take pride in the songs that I write and want to be able to sing many of them for years to come. I still have a lot to learn and as life presents itself I’ll continue to strive to get better,’ says Brandon.

The album Head Above Water, available now on iTunes and www. brandonryhder.com also includes a bonus DVD featuring an exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of this disc.

Produced by longtime friend and mentor Walt Wilkins, Head Above Water is Brandon’s sixth full-length album and is the follow-up to Every Night. To date, Brandon has delivered 3 Top 20 singles, 2 Top 10 singles, 4 Top 5 singles and now 2 No. 1 singles with “Rock Angel” and “Before headed to I Knew Your Name.” Whether it is in his writing, performing or everyday life Brandon is always striving to get better. And his unerring dedication continues with the release Hurricane of the Don William’s cover, “Lord I Hope This Day Is Good” to radio on January 17, 2011. The single will be featured as a bonus studio track on Brandon’s upcoming Live at Billy Bob’s Texas album, scheduled to record on Harry’s February 25, 2011. This marks a historical event, as this will be the first time that Smith Music Group has released a bonus studio track before the Live at Billy Bob’s recording has taken place!

To learn more about Brandon Rhyder and upcoming tour dates, log on to www.brandonrhyder.com.

16 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com Sports Aggies sliding fast in wrong direction

By Turner Dawson He took 5 three pointers. I’ll let you use and their defense is severely lacking. The tough defense on Dunn, I like the Aggies your imagination to figure out how many only chance they have against most above chances in this game. It was a rough week for the Aggie basketball of those he made. And yes he did lead the average basketball teams is if Dunn gets team as they dropped two games against team in three point attempts. extremely hot from three. This game is the start of trying to get things Nebraska on the road and Texas at home. back on track this season. The Nebraska After the fast start that the Aggies had to Another shocking stat was leading scorer The key for the Aggies is obviously going game was a bad performance on the road conference play, the Aggies seem to be Kris Middleton going 0-9 from the field and to be shutting down Dunn. I wouldn’t be and Texas is just plain better. This is still a cooling off a little bit as of late and some being held scoreless for the first time all surprised to see the Aggies opt for a little good basketball team that can cause other of their weaknesses are beginning to be season. It was obvious he was pressing to try box-and-one defense in which four players teams some problems. Coach Turgeon has exposed. and get his team back into the game, but he play a box zone with one player shadowing shown that he can keep a team focused could not get a ball to go in. It was an ugly Dunn everywhere he goes. Nobody else has even after a bad stretch in past years and Both games this past week were quite frankly night for the whole team. stepped up for Baylor a consistent threat, there is no reason to think he won’t get this an embarrassment. Nebraska is a much although they have several guys that are team back on track. But they need to do it improved team this year over last season but Two things were obvious after the Texas dangerous, and they are also easily rattled. soon. the Aggies are far superior in terms of talent. game: 1. Texas is a very good team, I’m not With a rowdy crowd at Reed and some But Nebraska beat the Aggies in virtually so sure they couldn’t beat the Cleveland every aspect of the game. The Aggies had a Cavaliers. 2. The Aggies have a lot of things lower field goal percentage, they were out that must improve if they hope to make any rebounded by 8, they had twice as many sort of run in the tournament. turnovers, fewer assists, fewer blocks, fewer steals, and obviously fewer points. It was a The Aggies have built their identity around bad night for the Aggies. defense and rebounding and getting points where they can. The problem is, the Aggies Dash Harris played his worst game of the have been doing an extremely poor job of season and he’s had some bad ones so rebounding in the last couple of games, far. Dash finished 2-7 from the field, 0-2 their defense has been average at best, and from three and 0-2 from the line with four their offense looks like a middle of the road turnovers and just three assists. I’m baffled high school team. The Aggies have some of as to why he continues to shoot the ball. the worst guard play in the entire Big 12 and It’s like a turnover every time he puts it up. the big guys have been non-factors lately. There is no reason for him to take a shot that is not a lay-up. I cringe every time I see The Aggies will have an opportunity to our 17% three-point shooting point guard rebound from this rough week as they will putting up a jump shot. Dash was far from be hosting the Baylor Bears on Saturday. the reason we lost this game, but his play Baylor is a talented team that is lead by their certainly stood out. star player and leading scorer Lacedarius Dunn, who is less than popular among As if that wasn’t enough, the Aggies returned Aggie fans after his off-season activities. home for their ESPN Big Monday match-up Baylor has become a team the Aggies have with Texas and laid a big egg on national loved to hate over the last couple of years. television. The Aggies got exposed from the Combine that with Baylor’s hatred of us and very first possession and Texas just ran away how well they always seem to travel to Reed with it. The Aggies shot 30% from the field, Arena, and it should be an exciting game. 8% from three, they were out rebounded and had 9 shots blocked. Baylor has the talent to compete with anyone in the country but they have proved Did I mention that every time Dash takes to be a very undisciplined team. They still a jumper it is the equivalent of a turnover? have yet to beat anyone worth mentioning

www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16 MAROON WEEKLY | 17 Photos courtesy of Glen Johnson/Aggie Athletics Kliesing takes high expectations into senior year

By Ian Sores

It’s a typical January evening. There’s an all too common chill in the air and although it’s barely half past 6 o’clock, the sun is well on its way down. For all intents and purposes, it’s still winter. However, as I approach the Aggie Softball Complex and walk up into the bleachers, something begins to change. While watching the Texas A&M Softball Team wrap up evening practice; I am suddenly overwhelmed by the sensation that spring is just around the corner.

There’s a definite energy and excitement on the field that hints of warmer days to come. But that’s not all. There is also something else. There is an unmistakable seriousness of purpose and high expectations.

Following practice, as I sit in the clubhouse and prepare to discuss the upcoming season, I can think of no better example of this wide range of emotions (excitement, energy, and seriousness) than Rhiannon Kliesing. As one of the team’s leading hitters, she’s earned a reputation for making clutch plays when they count the most. But this soft spoken player also allows her exciting play to speak for itself. When Rhi walks into the room a few minutes later, I fully expect the 5 ’10 senior from Pearland, TX to bring that intensity with her from the practice field.

To my surprise, the very first thing that we discuss is her love of all things Spongebob. “I have the shirt, I have the hat. My rooms decorated with it. I have every episode on DVD,” she says with a laugh, “honestly, it’s probably more like an obsession!”

That being said, when we do move on to the subject of the upcoming season, she becomes all business. She makes it very clear that she has high expectations for her senior season.

“My goals for this season are that I want to win the Big XII Championship. I also want to make the WCWS, College World

18 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com Sports

Series.” She says with a look of absolute A&M Softball team eventually continued on for her senior year. This year she hopes to determination. She then goes on to add, “I to the championship game and closed out continue focusing on hitting. think we have the talent this year. If we can the season as the runner-up in the WCWS. stay focused and take care of the mental “I love hitting. It’s my favorite thing to do. I’d things, then I think we can be great.” This year’s team has one of the largest hit all day if I could.” freshman classes ever, so if they are going The team is currently ranked No. 19 in the to have that kind of success, then one or This emphasis on hitting has also resulted in ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 more of them will most likely have to step her spending less time at pitching. Preseason Poll, so they certainly have a good up similarly this year. chance to accomplish those goals. But they “I’m focusing more on hitting and as a result, also have one of the most difficult schedules When asked about the impact of such a I’m finding myself more comfortable playing in the nation this year. When asked about large incoming class of freshman, she has 1st base; so those two things are what I’m the key to overcoming such a tough nothing but great things to say about it. focusing on. I’ll continue to pitch in a relief schedule, she simply responds by saying “I role, but we’re counting on Mel [Dumezich] think that having our freshman step up and “It’s actually nice having the extra people. and Lindsey [Sisk] to be our two aces.” become confident in their abilities, will be It gives us more depth. It gives us more the biggest factor. It’s a really talented class options for substitutions, and we won’t have She just recently ordered her Aggie ring and and we are going to need them.” to be worrying about filling spots if people is expecting to graduate next December get hurt or injured.” with a degree in Sports Management. Rhi has quite a bit of expertise when it comes to freshman stepping up when it The large freshman class will also help “It would be a really cool experience to get counts. counter the fact that there are only five drafted to play in the NPF [National Pro Fast seniors on the team this year. Rhi is also Pitch] league.” But if that does not happen, will be a manager for the softball team. “I didn’t come in as a freshman expecting prepared to step up fill a leadership role on she is already lined up attend graduate to start, but things fell into place and I was the team. school at Texas A&M, and will remain with The Texas A&M Softball Team will begin able to make the most of them.” She says the team as a grad assistant. Her sister season play on February 11th. Their first modestly. “I was team captain last year Adrienne is expected to enroll at Texas A&M home game will be on February 18th, when during my junior year, so I as a freshman next year as well, where she the Aggies host the Aggie Classic. And by making the most of already have that experience things, she fails to mention that under my belt. Now that I’m early on in her freshman year, a senior, I think I’ll be more she pitched her first no-hitter confident in that role. and then recorded a home run in the same game. When Besides working towards a asked about that game, she Big XII Championship and a takes a moment to think back shot at the WCWS, Rhi has and then recalls, “That was many more personal plans against Texas State. That was an exciting game and it was kind of what got my playing time started. I had the opportunity and I was able to make the most it.”

This statement was followed by a brief silence as everyone in the room took a moment to reflect on how truly remarkable an accomplishment that was.

Finally, it just had to be said, “You were given the opportunity to play as a freshman, and all you did was pitch a no hitter and hit a home run in the same game!”

At this point, she simply flashes a large grin and begins to laugh.

Rhi’s strong abilities as a pitcher and as a batter earned her many more achievements during her freshman year; one of which included batting in the winning score during the semi finals of the College World Series. The www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16 MAROON WEEKLY | 19 Sports

Sports Calendar Be on the

Friday, Feb 4 Wednesday, Feb 9 12:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM Track & Field, Cross Country look-out for Men’s Tennis Men’s Basketball vs Texas A&M Challenge vs Texas ESPNU HD at College Station, Tx this sticker at Houston, Texas vs Colorado at Boulder, Colo. 1:00 PM TBA Women’s Tennis around town: Men’s Swimming 7:00 PM vs TCU vs Texas Women’s Basketball at College Station, Texas at Austin, Texas vs Oklahoma at College Station Sunday, Feb 13 TBA 10:30 AM Track & Field, Cross Country Friday, Feb 11 Softball vs New Balance Collegiate Invitational 3:00 PM vs Bradley at New York City, NY Softball at Tempe, Ariz. vs Cal State Fullerton Saturday, Feb 5 at Tempe, Ariz. 1:00 PM 1:00 PM Men’s Tennis Men’s Basketball 5:30 PM vs SMU ESPN Softball at College Station, Texas vs BAYLOR vs Oregon at COLLEGE STATION at Tempe, Ariz. 6:00 PM vs St. Edward’s 2:00 PM Saturday, Feb 12 at College Station, Texas Women’s Basketball 12:30 PM vs Texas Tech Men’s Basketball Monday, Feb 14 at Lubbock, Texas vs Texas Tech 8:00 PM at Lubbock, Texas Women’s Basketball 1:00 PM vs Baylor Women’s Tennis 7:00 PM at Waco, Texas vs LSU Women’s Basketball at College Station, Texas vs Kansas Wednesday, Feb 16 at College Station 7:00 PM TBA Men’s Basketball Track & Field, Cross Country 10:00 AM vs IOWA STATE vs New Balance Collegiate Invitational Softball at COLLEGE STATION at New York City, NY vs BYU at Tempe, Ariz. 2:00 PM Sunday, Feb 6 Softball 11:00 AM 12:30 PM vs Stephen F. Austin Women’s Soccer Softball at Nacogdoches, Texas vs UTSA vs Arizona at College Station - Soccer Stadium at Tempe, Ariz. 4:00 PM South Field Softball 5:00 PM vs Stephen F. Austin 1:00 PM Women’s Soccer at Nacogdoches, Texas Women’s Soccer vs Stephen F. Austin vs Rice at College Station, Texas All Day at College Station - Soccer Stadium Men’s Golf South Field 11:00 AM vs John A. Burns Intercollegiate Women’s Equestrian at Wahiawa, Hawai’i 3:00 PM vs BAYLOR Women’s Soccer at BRYAN vs Sam Houston State at College Station - Soccer Stadium South Field

20 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com Randy Rogers Band Steal You Phil Hamilton & the Backroad 21 36 Away (Mercury) Drifters Nine Mile (Winding Road) Django Walker Young Enough to Seth Candan/Mike McClure Al- 22 37 Run (DW) right (SC) Jake Kellen If Love Was A Road Mike Ryan Slow Hand (Rock and 23 38 (Horny Toad) Soul) Granger Smith 5 More Minutes Gary P. Nunn Taking Texas to the 24 (GS) 39 Country (Guacamole Records / Campfire Records) 25 80 Proof Band Tonight (Smith Ent.) chart Kelly Kenning Nothin’ But Smoke 40 Cory Morrow Brand New Me Kevin Fowler Girl In a Truck (Kev- Mike McClure Band Halfway Out (Davis Group) 1 11 26 (APEX Nashville/Write On) in Fowler) (BooHatch) Rankin Twins Headaches and 41 Jason Cassidy Sounds Like an Heartbreaks (RT) No Justice Just Get Going 12 Kyle Park All Night (Winding Road) 27 2 Angel to Me (JCB) (Carved) 42 TJ Broscoff Jamie’s Heart (BGM) Bart Crow Band Should’ve Stayed Deryl Dodd You’re Not Lookin’ For Josh Abbott Band Oh, Tonight 13 28 3 Away (Smith Ent.) (Smith Ent.) Charlie Montague Tomorrow is (PDT) 43 Best Dress Gone (CM) Brian Keane I’ll Sing About Mine Scott Wiggins Band 29 Rio Grand I Love Beer (Curb) 4 14 (Independent) (SWB) 44 Bill Rice Friday Night (Aaron Ave) Jamie Richards Easier By Now James Lann Every Kiss Goodnight 30 Turnpike Troubadours 7 & 7 (On- 15 (Winding Road) Steve Helms Band Coast of Colo- 5 (Ari-Tex) 45 ward Music) rado (Winding Road) Stephanie Urbina Jones Gracias Jeff Allen Can’t Trust Myself (Sav- 31 Wade Bowen Red Headed Woman 16 (Texicana) Brandon Rhyder Lord, I Hope This 6 vy Recordings) 46 (Smith Ent.) Day Is Good (Smith Ent.) Jerry Audley Never Say Never Rosehill Midnight America (Cy- 32 Jon Wolfe Let A Country Boy Love 17 (JA) Bo Phillips Band Never (Smith 7 press Creek) 47 You (Fool Hearted Prod) Ent.) Chuck Allen Floyd Good On the Jason Boland & the Stragglers 33 Fred Andrews/Honeybrowne Inside (Chief Tecumseh) Ben Danaher Perfectly in Two 18 Outlaw Band (APEX Nashville/ 48 8 Beautiful Waste of Time (Smith (Ambiance) Proud Souls) Brandon Rhyder Battery (Re- Ent.) 34 Home (Winding serve) Sean McConnell Lie Baby Lie Bleu Edmondson No Room for Mark McKinney 49 9 19 (SM) Mercy (American Saint) Road) Kristen Kelly & the Modern Day Sunny Sweeney From A Table 35 Drifters Lost In Yourself (Winding Tommy Alverson Texas One More Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Re- 20 50 10 Away (Republic Nashville) Road) Time (Blue Boot) ward Guitars (Smith Ent.)

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www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16 MAROON WEEKLY | 21 22 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com Diversions BCS for Less: Smart Shopping

By Mara Minsberg For those who do not want to comb the have trouble agreeing on things, sharing stores’ website listings, coupon compilation basic perishable items will save you a lot of I recently saw a television program that websites can be an easy way to sort out money and keep you from having to toss so detailed the lives of self-proclaimed which grocery store may have deals that much food. “Extreme Couponers”—these men and interest you. Websites like Coupons.com, women, through their own comprehensive ValPack.com, and SmartSource.com offer Always Bring a List couponing efforts, were able to leave the sortable coupon lists by category and This is probably the most important tip for supermarket with several carts full of food location. If you want an even less labor- grocery shopping savings, but it is the one for less than I might pay for a small basket intensive solution, sites like Penny Pincher many of us are most guilty of breaking. Even of groceries. While I certainly do not need Gazette (PPGazette.com) further compiles if we come in with a list, the supermarket to assemble large stockpiles of food as the the aforementioned coupon sites, giving experience can be disorienting; we often people on this program were wont to do, you a comprehensive list of local deals. end up with items in our cart we throw in I was inspired by their general mission: to on an impulse. Just like with the previous save money on basic necessities. Don’t pay for something you can do yourself menu planning tip, the most important part Most new grocery products appeal to is to stick with your plan. It may seem boring The less we spend on edible essentials, the our sense of convenience and the basic and less than spontaneous, but you will 4.29 more disposable income we have at our principle that we are willing to pay a higher be pleased to find fewer surprises during discretion. While standing at the checkout price to do less grunt work. Pre-cooked, checkout. & watching my total cost climbing with each pre-seasoned, or pre-cut meat, poultry, scanned item, I often feel a mounting sense fruit, and vegetables often cost significantly Consider an Online Budgeting Tool of panic as I realize I am spending upwards more than their more basic counterparts. If you are still struggling with your budget, 4.30 of $100 for what I had mistakenly assumed If you are willing to cut up a cantaloupe or you may want to check out free online was a week’s worth of essentials. With a watermelon on your own, you can get up to budgeting tools like Mint.com. These few simple tips in mind, however, it can three times as much fruit versus the price of services can be set to automatically email be easier than you may think to save a pre-sliced melon. It may be more work, but or text you when you exceed your preset substantial amount on your grocery bills. over the course of a year, small savings can budget for the month in any given category, add up to more money in your pocket. including groceries. While they cannot stop Look at Prices you from spending the money, a reminder It sounds simple, but many of us are guilty of Plan a Menu can help put you back on track with your simply seeing an item we want and tossing When you are short on time, it may seem financial plan. it into our cart. Appealing packaging can be like a serious effort to have to decide which a major factor in our decision-making while meals you would like to eat for a full week. shopping for food. Most grocery stores list However, some simple advance planning price per quantity in small font on their can save you a lot of money over time. Think That’s So Me & Gift Basket Xpress shelf price labels. Take a look at how much of how many meals and snacks you will food you are getting for the price you are reasonably eat in that week, and buy just Hottest Fashion in Jewelry, Shoes, Handbags, and More spending. Do not be afraid to buy generic enough items for that plan. It may take a few 900 Harvey Rd. #5B (Post Oak Village) items—they are often made with the same weeks to get it right, but it will cut down on ingredients as brand name products. wasted food and more importantly, wasted 979.764.7663 money. Clip Coupons and Check for Sales Coupon clipping can save you money on For those who live with roommates, try 10% Off Total Purchase w/Ad each grocery shopping trip. Local chains whenever possible to coordinate or share such as Kroger, HEB, and Albertsons all offer basic grocery items. When each person has (Expires 2/28/11) online coupon services that you can access his or her own stash of food, your fridge through their websites to virtually “clip” and may be crammed with three separate milk print the coupons you want. At stores like cartons—an amount that forces you to race Wine Tasting Event - Feb. 19th Albertson’s and Kroger, you can also bring against the expiration date and often to along your club card for additional savings. throw out spoiled unused items. Even if you Now Taking Gift Basket Orders for Valentine’s Day! www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16 MAROON WEEKLY | 23 Cheap and easy Penne in Homemade

VodkaBy Autumn Dawson Sauce

This week’s delicious meal for the non-gourmet chef, on the average broke college student’s budget: Penne in Homemade Vodka Sauce

Yes, I’m aware the title of the dish sounds a little overwhelming—“homemade” usually falling into the Shudder-Inducing-Category that includes words like Finals, Organic Chem, and Cops after 2am—but I promise this is an exception. Although, I would recommend that you actually like vodka, as it’s the most expensive ingredient and by no means will you use the entire bottle preparing this dish. So give it a shot, worst case scenario, you have a nearly full bottle of vodka that needs to be consumed. Serving Size: 3-4 girls, or 1-2 guys Preparation Method: Stove (oven optional) Preparation Time: 35 minutes Total Cook Time: 35 Minutes Difficulty Level: If you graduated from middle school, I’m sure you can handle it Ingredients: • 1/4 cup Vodka • 1 Tablespoon olive oil • 1 onion (chopped) • 1 can of diced tomatoes. • 1 cup heavy cream • 1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper • 1 pound Penne pasta *Optional: 1/4 cup Parmesan (freshly grated preferred), 1 Tablespoon fresh chives (minced)

Directions 1. Pour oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat (Add about a tablespoon of butter if you have it to hand). Add onion and sauté until translucent and slightly browned. Add tomatoes and cook until almost no liquid remains in pan, stirring frequently. 2. Add cream, vodka and red pepper and boil until thickened to sauce consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Sauce can be prepared 1 day ahead, covered, and refrigerate.) 3. Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain well. 4. Transfer to a large bowl. Bring sauce to a simmer. Pour over pasta and toss well. (Optional: place dish in oven for 5-7 minutes) 5. Sprinkle with Parmesan and chives, serve, and enjoy!

24 | MAROON WEEKLY February 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com Diversions

Nightlife attractions in February

By Kassie Cessna available at the Hall in Bryan or at Cavender’s If these things aren’t your cup of tea, Messina entertaining, and is a new scene for some Boot City next to the mall. Be sure to get one Hof offers wine tours for $5 and it includes of us who don’t get away from Northgate If you come across a night where you can go in advanced, because these shows will most several tastings of wine, and a nice tour of enough. out and don’t have classes the day after, you likely sell out. the vineyards. It’s a nice evening out that’s might not know what to do. Well living in a relatively cheap. There’s always plenty to do in College college town there are plenty of things to do If country music isn’t your thing then Station and Bryan, so there’s something out at night. Let’s take a look at some of them. downtown Bryan offers alternative Halo in downtown Bryan has drag shows on there for everyone! Get out and enjoy the things to do with alternative music. On Saturday night. So there really is something many things to do this month! Country music is the biggest type of music Wednesdays at Revolution’s in Bryan they for every genre. Downtown Bryan is very here in College Station and there are plenty have open mic at 10 pm and a wide of consider concerts coming these to town this month. variety of artists play. A personal favorite consider these On February 4th, this Friday, Wade Bowen is their poetry night on Sunday night at is at Hurricane Harry’s. On the 16th, Casey 9 pm. Donahew Band comes to Harry’s, and on the 18th Josh Abbott Band comes to Harry’s. Also The Village and Art979 Gallery TicketsDEALS are available online at bcsclubs.com displays local artists, and serves Texas beer. DEALS and at the door. a holidayMurphy’s after-party Law in downtown Bryan also has a holiday after-party save up to $90 on smartphoneslocal bands that play periodically and the save up to $90 on smartphones Down the road at the Texas Hall of Fame on Stafford plays a lot of alternative music and the 11th, Aaron Watson is in concert and sometimes hosts poetry slams. Be sure to on the 18th Reckless Kelly plays. Tickets are check out those as well.

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Gorillaz Christmas Gift Doesn’t Need Repackaging

By Chris Zebo of valleys. And though critics and bloggers verticality in “Shy Town” (a lesser-known are decrying it as “experimental” easy music, nickname for Chicago). Only “California Gorillaz, riding on the heels of their successful it can be called easy music in more ways and the Slipping of the Sun” in its wistful third studio release this past March, Plastic than one. It’s “easy music” in the genre atmosphere of lethargic organs and Albarn’s Beach, dropped a free 15-song album sense because it’s mostly smooth and down droning voice drowning in a synthesized into our virtual stockings Christmas Day. tempo. It could soundtrack a dentist’s waiting smog really suggests the Golden State sun Recorded and mixed completely on an iPad room or the inside of a crowded elevator (if setting. by front man Damon Albarn while on the those waiting rooms and elevators existed North American leg of their recent tour, “The in a hipper alternative universe). But it’s The road Gorillaz traveled on this album Fall” (named after the season, not the Biblical also “easy” music for the lack of inspiration is certainly inward, not outward. The monotonous blur through the car window. event) strays far away from the hip-hop funk and effort that must have gone into almost geography, the cities and the people of Like staring into the streaming blur out of Plastic Beach and deep into the realm every song--what some listeners on the America are all crammed into the backseat the window, nothing on this album really of…(hold your breath)…easy music (now interweb have started calling “lazy” music. of this road trip album. It seems another captures your attention. It all just passes exhale and scratch your head). affect of being on the road takes the wheel by and the songs amble along listlessly “Detroit” is an upbeat, quirky, electronic in this conceptual voyage. It’s that feeling from one place to another. You can’t help “I literally made it on the road in America dance track that doesn’t seem to be of mental fogginess you get from passing but wish they would have pulled over long over a month,” says Albarn. “I didn’t write it portraying anything palpable from the city through numerous places without ever enough to reflect for a minute. before; I didn’t prepare it. I just did it day by landscape it’s named after. In fact, most stopping long enough to figure them clearly day as a kind of diary of my experience in songs--many named after places in the in your mind; the fatigued of the well- Gorillaz have humored the idea of a physical America.” country--don’t seem to capture any real traveled road, of the mundane transactions release of The Fall in coming months. But why essence of the places they’re named after. of checking in and out of hotel rooms, bother with the repackaging of a mediocre Unfortunately for Albarn, there are very few No cows mooing in “Amarillo”, no rusting of unpacking and repacking your bags, of album when people can download it for (if any) peaks on this road-trip album full factories rotting in “Detroit”, no wind or watching the world pass by in an ethereal, free? www.maroonweekly.com February 3– 16 MAROON WEEKLY | 27 maroon weekly gamepage

answers

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