Issue 4

inside the public 2 servant

PS

FSN: Don't hesitate to ask for help

The official student publication of the Bush School of Government and Public Service V O L U M E

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I S S U E

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M A R C H

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Josh Bolten visits the Bush School

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Dr. Hudson joins Bush School faculty

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Opinion: Can't avoid Linsanity

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House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (left) chats with former political rival Dean Andrew Card at the Bush School on Feb. 20 in a visit marked by its civility.

Pelosi: Opportunity Awaits Britnee Warmerdam MPSA '12

On Monday, February 20, partisanship was set aside as former House Speaker and current House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi was welcomed into the auditorium of the George Bush Presidential Library Center.

Bush School Dean Andrew Card devoted the evening to recognizing and celebrating Pelosi’s 25 years of public service in Congress. Through an engaging conversation, Dean Card and Pelosi discussed her path to politics, including her call to service and congressional accomplishments.

See Pelosi on Page 2

T he Radish

New Republic brings new beer

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Foreign language groups expand

Houston Rodeo can't be missed

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Step up to The Soapbox

Aggie Soccer Balls Have a Positive Impact in Afghanistan By 2nd Lt. Marco E. Ortiz and Maj. Charles E. Downing III MPSA '12

There aren’t many sports that can transcend cultural and national barriers, but soccer has time and time again proven to be one of the few.

The sport’s ability to surpass barriers allows people from any nation to participate in a friendly form of competition, regardless of race, ethnicity, or political beliefs.

So when Captain Mike “Honcho” Linhares, a Marine Corps helicopter pilot working as the Air Operations THE PUBLIC SERVANT | 1

Officer at Naw Zad, Afghanistan was approached by a group of local Afghan children requesting soccer balls, he quickly seized the opportunity to form a bond.

At the time, Capt. Linhares didn’t See Soccer on Page 3

STUDENT LIFE The Public Servant 2011-2012 Staff List

Casey Braswell, Editor-in-Chief Thomas Buchanan, Copy Editor Jeremy Twitchell, Layout Editor Section Editors: Student Life: Kristin Simpson and Paige Ericson Local: Alyssa Johnson and Courtney Burge Opinion: Courtney Rottman and Jessica Yeo The Radish: Calen Caple and Rachael Young Entertainment: Victoria Link Staff: Joe Aguiar, Andrew Bobo, Casi Buch, Chase Carter, Ashley Herron, Nicola Mallik, Debe Nwanze, Rustin Rhone, Michael Sobolik, Ashley Spradlin, Lindsay Taylor, Katie White The views expressed in this publication are those of Bush School students, not necessarily those of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service.

FSN: Contact us (Really!)

By the Bush School FSN Executive Board

Spring semester is in full swing and while second years look for jobs, first years hunt for internships. The search, in addition to projects, assignments, and exams, may seem overwhelming.

Being a Bush School student has wonderful perks, yet some go unseen.

Studying at the Bush School makes you part of a much larger support network designed to assist you in your professional advances.

The Bush School Former Student Network (FSN) is an alumni network with professional connections among former Bush School students who now work for government agencies, NGOs and private sector companies.

Students who reach out to the network are provided sound career guidance and advice from individuals who have survived capstone, graduated from the halls of the Allen Building, and gone

Pelosi

on to be trailblazers in their fields.

The Dialogue Program was developed to assist current students in this capacity. By matching current and former students with similar career fields, students receive relevant advice about career directions. The Dialogue Program is always free and open, so sign up now by emailing GBS FormerStudentNetwork@gmail.com.

In addition to your friendly FSN, remember to utilize the services and resources provided by Career Services.

Be sure to revise your resume and applications, while making time for career fairs and interviews. The summer will be here before you know it.

Spring semester can feel like you’re swimming upstream. Drop us a line – we’ll fish you out!

In 2002, in a meeting scheduled at the White House with President George W. Bush, Pelosi, as the Democratic Leader, From Page 1 was the first female to sit in a leadership position at a White As a young woman, Pelosi was dedicated to raising a fam- House meeting. ily of five children with no intention of holding public office.

As told by Dean Card, at that moment Pelosi was “carrying However, an opportunity presented itself when the Republican a great burden and realizing a great honor” in representing Mayor of San Francisco, Joseph Alioto, women at the policy table. Eventually, Pelosi appointed Pelosi to the Library Commiswould make her way to the Speakership, sion in 1975. where she served from 2007-2010. Currently, Be ready; you never While Pelosi did not expect this opshe serves as the House Minority Leader. portunity for public service, when called As the conversation drew to a close, Dean know what to serve, she was ready. Given her unexCard took the opportunity to ask Pelosi a opportunity might be pected catapult into the realm of public difficult question: What role does faith play service, Pelosi beckoned to the audience, in public policy-making related to contracepthere. stating, “Be ready; you never know what tion? Pelosi’s answer was non-polarizing, — House Minority Leader opportunity might be there.” asserting the issue was not an issue of faith, Years later, Pelosi would run for Conbut rather women’s health — an area that Nancy Pelosi gress. With the support of her family should not be limited by religious views. She — including 25,000 hand-written letters stated that the use of contraception should not to Italian-American citizens in San Francisco written by her be a policy-relevant issue given its personal nature; a savvy mother-in-law, requesting support for Pelosi in the District 8 response that was well-received. congressional race — Pelosi was elected to office in April 1987.

In a potentially hostile environment, considering the As a freshman representative, Pelosi worked to enhance conservative reputation of Texas A&M, Pelosi spoke to the awareness and research funding efforts for HIV and AIDS, importance of civility in politics, setting the stage for her which continues to be one of her priorities today. conversation with Dean Card.

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THE PUBLIC SERVANT | 2

STUDENT LIFE

Former Chiefs of Staff Talk Polarization Casi Buch MPIA '12

The Bush School halls were graced with the presence of another former Chief of Staff to George W. Bush on Jan. 26 as Josh Bolten came to receive the Good Governance Award presented by the Mosbacher Institute.

As part of the award presentation, the Bush School’s own former Chief of Staff, Dean Andrew Card, co-hosted a discussion with him on the polarized political environment in D.C. Sarah Andrews, MPSA '12, escorted Bolten throughout the day to classes and meals with Bush School students.

In 2008, she interned for the Chief of Staff and Transition offices, helping with the G20 summit and trying to make the transition to Barack Obama’s presidency a smooth one.

“Only the people who worked for the White House knew the kind of environment it was, and Mr. Bolten was a huge part of setting the environment,” Andrews said.

As soft-spoken as Josh Bolten is, his reputation in D.C. as quite a prankster may come as somewhat of a surprise.

Dean Card shared one particular example. Bush, then a presidential candidate, was quizzed in an interview

Bush School

Former chiefs of staff to George W. Bush, Josh Bolten (left) and Dean Andrew Card met for a discussion about political polarization Jan. 26, when the Mosbacher Institute presented Bolten with its Good Governance Award.

with a Boston news agency about current world leaders and found himself unable to remember the name of the general “in charge of Pakistan.” The next day, he received a phone call from a rather offended General Musharraf, played by none other than Bolten, who was then his campaign policy director.

Bolten kept up his very best Pakistani accent long enough to hear Bush’s profusely expressed apologies before bursting into laughter.

Prior to his main address, Bolten spent the day visiting Bush School classes.

In Professor Sievert’s

Soccer

From Page 1

have any soccer balls to offer.

Instead, he offered to help physically train and teach the children soccer skills that would be beneficial both on and off the field, instilling in them values such as teamwork, pride and hard work.

Capt. Linhares then informed fellow Marine pilot, current Marine Officer Instructor at Texas A&M NROTC, and MPSA ’12 student Major Charles Downing of the need for material support and a call was immediately made to Curt Magnuson, Director of Soccer Operations and Texas A&M Class of 1999.

Curt was immediately moved by Capt. Linhares’ personal efforts to cultivate camaraderie amongst these Afghan youth and quickly gathered and donated 20 soc-

Homeland Security Law course, Bolten discussed his firsthand experience with U.S. intelligence community problems during his time as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

With the absence of a central authority figure within the community, it often came upon Bolten as appropriator to make final decisions. For instance, the decision for which satellite system to purchase landed on his desk.

Speaking with Dean Card at his main address, Bolten called for a return See Bolten on Page 4

cer balls to assist in the effort.

Upon receiving the soccer balls, Capt. Linhares distributed the equipment to the children and stated, “I am not giving you these soccer balls; you have earned them.”

This is not the first time the A&M Soccer team has donated soccer balls to children of Afghanistan. In 2009, Susie Junek, a Texas A&M graduate, coordinated with the A&M soccer team and arranged for the donation of 50 soccer balls through Operation Soccer Smiles.

Capt. Linhares, Junek, and everyone involved in this effort epitomize the true meaning of selfless service.

Capt. Linhares’ decision to train and mentor these children coincides with the can-do attitude Aggies are known for. Aggies are always eager to help and something as simple as donating soccer balls can make a difference.

Actions such as these are instrumental in planting the seeds of friendship for future generations.

THE PUBLIC SERVANT | 3

STUDENT LIFE

Academic, Reservist and Mother: Hudson Brings Unique Experience to Bush School Rachael Young MPIA '13

On behalf of the Bush School students and faculty, the Public Servant would like to officially welcome Dr. Valerie Hudson.

While many of the first year students (and a few second years) have become acquainted with Dr. Hudson through her current seminars in American Foreign Policy and Women & Nations, her story deserves more attention. Dr. Hudson joins our community after Valerie Hudson spending more than 24 years at Brigham Young University, eight of which were spent directing the graduate program in international relations.

When asked what initially drew her to the Bush School, she commented that she saw the Bush School as “a place trying to make a mark, and developing a vision for the future.” Whereas other institutions seemed to be in a period of retrenchment, and were searching for ways to cut back, the Bush School stood out as being “open to good ideas, and willing to put resources to those good ideas.” Even during her own candidate job talk experience, she recalled being impressed with the program’s bright, engaged students. Dr. Hudson remarked that it is an incredible honor to hold the George H.W. Bush Chair.

“The students are great,” she commented, “I’m still very impressed.” She

smiled and added that everyone has been very welcoming. With her family at home in Utah, she said she appreciates the faculty’s kindness in showing her around the town and helping her become acquainted with the comforts of College Station. Like most newcomers to Texas, she is very much enjoying the mild winter weather.

However, making the trek from Utah did not come without its challenges. Dr. Hudson conceded that being a mother of eight children, the hardest adjustment is being away from her family, especially in the evenings.

“Thank goodness for Skype,” she said.

Her family plans to join her in College Station this summer, after her oldest son graduates from high school. She proudly announced that Joseph has already been accepted to Texas A&M University.

Although not sure if he will attend, she smiled and added, “We might have our first Aggie on our hands.”

In a recent American Foreign Policy seminar, Dr. Hudson casually alluded to her experience as an Army Reservist with the Special Forces. When asked for more information, Dr. Hudson explained that as an undergrad, she didn’t come from a wealthy family, and often worked during school in order to make extra money.

The Reserves seemed like a good way to earn extra income, and soon she found herself at boot camp, where she took an Army aptitude test and qualified for the position of wheeled vehicle and power generator mechanic.

Dr. Hudson recalled that during graduate school, there was no unit position available that was comparable to the

Bolten

From Page 3

to civility in Washington. In addition to his discussion of the federal budget deficit and the need to come to a political truce before any real headway can be made, Bolten

one she started in, except for one with the 11th Special Forces. She shared that it wasn’t always easy as a woman in this position. While some of the men couldn’t get used to a woman in a Special Forces unit, others were very accepting of anyone who could prove his or her skills. From this experience she took away a greater understanding of national security affairs, especially with regard to unit logistics and chains of command. While she is no longer in the Army Reserves, Dr. Hudson is also an instructor at the Sherman Kent Center for Intelligence Analysis, which is a part of the CIA’s Directorate of Intelligence. Classes take place over four-week periods that cycle throughout the year, and Dr. Hudson lectures to analysts on topics such as foreign policy decision-making.

Hudson said she hopes to contribute to the Bush School by bringing in a new point of view. “I believe that one of the most important things I do is to bring the perspective of a woman and a mother to issues of security and the use of military force. I hope that more women will consider lending their perspectives to these fields, which still tend to be male-dominated.”

When asked what was missing from the program, she described a professional endeavor that she actively spearheads, called the WomanStats Project (www. womanstats.org).

There is plenty of opportunity for students to be involved in research, data collection, and publication. Dr. Hudson has already hired two Aggies to be in charge of building this up, and encouraged other students to email her if interested.

described the kind of relational environment he created with other Washington figures that engendered the success he achieved: an environment where the good of the nation takes precedent over reelection, where politicians meet at each other’s houses for games of bridge after battling it out over policy issues, and maybe where prank calls are made.

THE PUBLIC SERVANT | 4

STUDENT OPINION

Okay Fine, I'll Talk About Jeremy Lin Kethia Chheng MPSA '12

If you watch NBA basketball, you know the story by now: Jeremy Lin was undrafted, cut from his hometown Golden State Warriors, and spent time in the D League. However, over the past month, he has exploded onto the basketball scene. He’s been scoring more than 20 points a game, led the disappointing Knicks to the longest winning streak of their season, and has performed at a high level in games against some of the league’s brightest stars, such as Deron Williams, John Wall, and some guy named Kobe Bryant.

Oh, and one more thing: he’s Asian.

So am I. In all honesty, I didn’t want Jeremy Lin to do this well. I watched Jeremy Lin before “Linsanity” took over, back when he played for Harvard and excelled at the college game. I followed the draft that year to find out where he would land, only to be disappointed when David Stern did not call his name. Above all, I was most excited to find out that he was trying out for my hometown Dallas Mavericks, only to sign with the Warriors instead. I had been secretly rooting for him when nobody had even heard of him.

But now everyone has heard of him.

And now I am exposed for rooting for a player based on his race. A lot

"He has every quality that makes a basketball player exciting to watch (except that he has a terrible haircut)."

of basketball fans are now Jeremy Lin fans because they appreciate a great underdog story. But to AsianAmericans such as myself, it means something a little more – we saw one of our own succeeding in a medium in which we hadn’t succeeded before.

While there was plenty of hype about Yao Ming, we didn’t feel the connection to him that we have to Jeremy Lin, probably because Yao was an international player, a 1st overall draft pick, and 7’6”.

For a basketball coach, Lin has glaring weaknesses: he’s erratic, turning the ball over at a more than comfortable rate; he can’t quite drive left, and while he hustles on defense, he picks up a lot of fouls. However, one thing that isn’t his weakness is his race. Race may be a setback, but it’s never a weakness.

I tried to compare him to myself, to all of us at the Bush School. But

the truth is, we aren’t underdogs. We were students that excelled throughout high school and college, only to get knocked down in the first semester of grad school. We aren’t like Jeremy Lin; we’re more like Jimmer Fredette.

Fredette dominated the college game, but has yet to find success while competing at a higher level. The stark difference is that while grad school may be stressful and agonizing, it’s still not as bad as Sacramento.

So I’ll continue to watch and cheer for Lin, despite having little in common with him other than race.

I can’t ball like him; I’m about 55 pounds lighter and half a foot shorter.

But who cares? He attacks the rim with little regard for his health. He battles on defense, which is more than most players can say. He plays with his heart, fighting through cynicism and doubt.

He has every quality that makes a basketball player exciting to watch (except that he has a terrible haircut).

So you find yourself enamored with Jeremy Lin for whatever reason, whether it be his incredible underdog story, his ethnic origin, or maybe you just like all the puns you can do with his name (e.g., “All I do is Lin, Lin, Lin no matter what,” or “Are you hungry? Let’s go eat at Lin and Out Burger”). If that’s the case, then embrace it, celebrate it, and indulge in “Linsanity.”

PSO Reaches Out to Undergrads Through Public Service Forum The second-annual Public Service Forum, hosted by PSO, took place Feb. 18. For three hours, 34 undergraduate students learned about careers in various areas of the public sector as they attended one of three seminars.

Sophomore and junior students had the option to attend “Diplomacy in our Global Community” with Ambassador (ret.) Napper, “Social Entrepreneurship: Bringing Innovative Ideas to the Nonprofit Sector” with Dr. Brown, and “Negotiation and Conflict Resolution in Public Management” with Dr. Mumpower.

Seminars consisted of lecture, discussion, and simulation.

These experiences sparked curiosity and excitement about leading a life in the public sector. During the lunch break, both MPSA and MPIA students led small group discussions.

Students then returned to the main venue, where Dean Card spoke about the Constitution’s invitation to participate in public service. He encouraged each participant to get involved and to make a change in their local communities.

As the forum came to a close, students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to attend such an event. Ultimately, they left with a deeper understanding of public service as both a career and lifestyle. — Grace Norman, MPSA '13

THE PUBLIC SERVANT | 5

Eli Manning Grounded After Late-night Joyride in Corvette Jeremy Twitchell MPSA '13

Two-time Super Bowl champion and MVP Eli Manning has been grounded for three weeks, parents Archie and Olivia Manning announced Monday morning.

Eli was allegedly punished for taking the Chevrolet Corvette, which he won for his most recent MVP performance on the National Football League’s biggest stage, for a joyride with some teammates late Saturday night.

The couple also indicated that Manning, 31, will forfeit three weeks of allowance, which sources say could amount to as much as $60. Reports that the former Vanderbilt star also may face dish duty every night of the suspension could not be immediately verified.

“We’re just heartsick over this,” a visibly distraught Olivia Manning told reporters Monday morning outside the family’s New Orleans home. “Elisha has always been our sweet little obedient boy. This is just so unlike him.”

According to his parents, Eli Manning had complained of being tired after his Saturday night routine of brushing Olivia Manning’s hair, and went to bed early.

However, Archie Manning reports that his son had, in fact, gone upstairs, taken the Corvette keys off of his parents’ dresser, and then slipped out of his window. With the help of some teammates visiting from out of town, he pushed the car down the street before starting it, and then drove to a nearby ice cream parlor. Archie Manning confirmed that his son was fully aware of the family rules; Eli knows that he is only allowed to take the car for work and school, never with friends, and that he must always ask permission first.

“Sweets after bedtime are expressly forbidden,” he added.

The elder Manning said he became suspicious when Eli didn’t want to get up for church the next morning.

“He tried to feed me a line about being sick, but if there’s anything that little boy should know by now, it’s that you can’t lie to dad,” Archie Manning said. “Once my belt came off, he ’fessed up right quick.”

Though Eli Manning was not invited to participate in the press conference, he could be seen through the living room window, forlornly watching the proceedings. When reporters attempted to shout questions in his direction, the young man cast a terrified glance at his father.

It was the same look Eli Manning famously gave, when as a newly drafted rookie in the 2004 NFL Draft, he was asked why he didn’t want to play for the team that had drafted him, the San Diego Chargers. Monday’s exchange developed in much the same way as this first one did – a panicked younger Manning looking to his father, who was quick to step in and field the question.

“Eli won’t be talking to y’all today,” Archie Manning said. “He’s grounded.”

As the press conference ended, one reporter managed to sneak away from the fray and catch Eli Manning’s attention by pelting his bedroom window with pebbles. Manning opened the window, but quickly slammed it shut after Archie Manning could be heard shouting within the home: “Close that window, Elisha! We’re not paying to heat the whole neighborhood!”

New York Giants officials declined to comment on their quarterback’s troubles. However, an unnamed teammate who agreed to speak on background said it is not the first time that there has been trouble in the Manning home; Eli Manning missed a Super Bowl practice last month because he was grounded for not practicing the piano.

THE PUBLIC SERVANT | 6

T he Ra

Thanks & Gig ' Bush School Thanks & Gig 'em Interview Conference Weekends have given the authors time to pause and reflect on the most vibrant selling points of the Bush School, those very things that drew these two bright eyed, promising, and optimistic prospects to the Bush School many moons ago.

As a professional school, the Bush School provides valuable experience and insight into navigating a world of increasing challenges and confrontations. Not only do we love our simulations in the classroom, but ultimately the Bush School has come to be a simulation itself of the world around us. Now, a look at several of the “simulations” we run in the hall every day.

• A dearth of office space: As America confronts the problems of the housing market, Bush School students, too, can experience the ordeals of the real estate bubble. As GARs occupy luxurious fiveperson offices, the middle-class Bush School student is forced to work in cramped quarters, IA next to SA, first-year next to second-year. Tensions have at times boiled over, while others have taken the opportunity to embrace the wide spectrum of diversity the Bush School student body has to offer.

• Demographic trends: While most of the world experiences falling birth rates and a lack of youth to take care of their burgeoning elderly populations, the Bush School presents students the opportunity

Bringing you the finest in investigatory journalism since 2011

adish

'ems' Guide to l Simulations to run a counterfactual. What happens when populations increase, food supplies at the 41st Club decrease, and jobs in some philosophical “real world” go away?

Surprisingly, tactics from the headlines have sprung up around the hallway, with “Occupy GAR Office” movements and discussions of implementing violent pepper spray policies surfacing.

• Food security: With a new appreciation for the role of nontraditional security threats, the Bush School has worked to bring together National Security and International Development students to address these growing concerns. The student body has sacrificed its health and well-being to tackle the dilemmas of food security, devouring countless amounts of greasy pizzas and sugary sodas, as they seek to stretch the thin pockets of their graduate student bank accounts.

• High demand courses: Reentering an age of great power competition, Bush School students have the opportunity to practice their balance-of-power politics throughout the Allen Building every day. As second-year students take advantage of their prestige and resources to obtain seats of prominence, first-year students have taken to implementing anti-access/area-denial strategies to deny their friends seats in the back of the class. Unfortunately for those fans of John Ikenberry, institutionalization of the selection process has not served to ameliorate misunderstandings and conflicts.

Seven Things to Watch Instead of the Super Bowl Kethia Chheng

1. Titanic (HBO): A classic movie about to be re-released in 3D. This, of course, is a work of fiction based on a real world event. It’s not meant to be historically accurate. In fact, this movie is even less accurate than a pass from Tim Tebow (currently Tebowing for making a great Tebow joke).

2. Pawn Stars (History Channel): It’s a reality show about pawn shop owners who find antiques and other rare items. The rarest item they have yet to come across: a functioning stapler in the workroom.

3. Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team (CMT): Because really, this is the only way you’ll watch anything about the Dallas Cowboys on Super Bowl Sunday.

4. Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (Cinemax): Yeah, neither do graduate students.

5. Puppy Bowl VIII (Animal Planet): By far, the most adorable alternative to the Super Bowl. It features puppies playing on a miniature football field, kittens performing in a halftime show, and a blimp piloted by hamsters.

Puppies are, in fact, huge football fans, although I don’t think any of them will be wearing Michael Vick jerseys (that joke would’ve been a lot more funny five years ago).

6. Teen Mom 2 (MTV): Sometimes you just have to watch some trashy TV. But since there isn’t a Republican debate that night, this will have to do.

7. American Greed: Scams, Scoundrels, and Scandals (CNBC): A show that documents some of the most creative criminals who cheat unsuspecting victims out of their money.

The victims are abused as badly as a “Reply All” button.

Travis Stalcup and Ashleigh Stebbins MPIA '13

strategic pivot / boost allies, engage China / ground zero: PACOM

Red tape is power / what if guns shot paperwork? / Wilson's Realism

A base in Darwin / survival of the fittest / China gets pissed off

nuclear taboo? / pull off the bandaid real quick / just a bigger bomb

babe strangled in crib / offense makes better defense / hegemony wins

Iran's nuke project / all options on the table / like troops in Tehran?

offensive realist / stopping power of water / now, contain China

MPSA '12

The Super Bowl has become an unofficial national holiday. Some celebrate with traditional holiday foods. A deep-fried corndog injected with cheese and wrapped in bacon is just like a Thanksgiving turkey (my cholesterol went up just from writing that). Others celebrate by dressing up in body paint and hairspray in support of their teams. It’s much like Halloween minus the skimpy costumes and keg stands. So however you celebrate Super Bowl Sunday, Happy Super Bowl to you.

But not everyone celebrates Super Bowl Sunday. So for those of you who don’t feel like watching the Super Bowl but still want to watch TV in order to avoid spending time with your family or going to church, I’ve compiled a list of quality programs that you could have watched instead this year, with the hope that it will inspire you to find quality counterprogramming next year:

International Relations, Haiku Style

THE PUBLIC SERVANT | 7

B CS

LOCAL LIVING

Knox Gallery Where the Wild Brews Are Wine Bar Worth a Visit Danielle Menard MPIA '13

My second semester in College Station began with a happy discovery – a new wine bar at the Benjamin Knox Gallery. On the first Thursday of the school year, I stumbled upon opening night. Arriving post-crowd and almost at closing, I was graciously welcomed and poured several glasses of wine.

After an hour of conversation, I knew I had struck up lasting friendships with my hosts, Mel and Benjamin Knox.

The wine bar is situated inside the gallery, allowing the visitor to contemplate Knox's art while enjoying a glass of wine. Open Monday-Wednesday, 12-6 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday, 12-10 p.m., you can mosey into the Wine Depot and find great wine, coffee, and cheese plates. This is the best place in town that offers wine flights, a trio of well-matched wines, generally between $8 and $12. While the flights are available every day, Thursdays have become the happening night at the Wine Depot as you are presented with the flights, Chef Tai’s food truck in the parking lot, and live music performed on the deck.

A plein air painter, Benjamin has traveled throughout California, painting its natural beauty. In his travels, he has collected an extensive knowledge of California wine and decided to bring this knowledge back to College Station. There are few classy spots in College Station without a price tag which make a little grad student's heart flutter. Yet Mel and Benjamin Knox have succeeded in putting together a wonderful combination of art, wine, food, and music. I suggest heading out to the Wine Depot at the Knox Gallery the next evening you are in the mood for class without breaking the bank!

New Republic Brewing is quickly developing a well-earned reputation for its unique brews.

Tom Buchanan and Travis Stalcup MPIA '13

“We’d rather help a competitor make good beer than see bad beer on the market,” says John Januskey, co-owner of New Republic Brewing. This essentially sums up the attitude of Aggieland’s first and only microbrewery – it is far better to take things slow, perfect the recipes, and develop strong ties with fellow beer makers and enthusiasts across Texas, than to rush things and sacrifice quality.

Perhaps this is part of the reason that, among those of us who have tried New Republic’s small assortment of beers, it’s hard not to become an immediate fan. Although the company is still small, its wordof-mouth marketing has quickly given this company quite a buzz.

Bellows Texas Amber: One of the two signature beers, Bellows has been a favorite since the business began. With a rich, creamy, and somewhat hoppy taste, this beer is perfect on a cold day or for sipping over a stack of homework.

Skylight German DunkelweiTHE PUBLIC SERVANT | 8

sen: The other, slightly newer of the two primary brews, the Skylight is a classic Dunkel. Another rich, full-bodied beer, you can expect hints of spice to complement its natural malty sweetness.

Café Latté: A brew that hasn’t shown up for sale yet, the Café Latte beer stands out from similar beers like coffee stouts by tasting more like a mug of coffee with hints of beer rather than the other way around. It’s definitely not for everyone but certainly worth trying if you get the chance.

Avenger: New Republic’s latest beer, Avenger, is a golden ale being billed as its “ballpark beer;” something perfect to beat the heat as you watch the game. Expect to see it rolling out in April or May. Interested in coming out to see the brewery yourself? You’re in luck!

New Republic offers tours every other Saturday at its brewery on 11405 N. Dowling Rd., Unit H, typically from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. For $6, you get your own pint glass and two pours. Come back with the pint glass and the price is $5.

If you can’t make it to the brewery, you still might be lucky enough to catch them as they’re out in the community, giving out free samples and spreading their message of better beer for all.

B CS

LOCAL LIVING

Diplomacy: Will Peace Have a Chance?

Jack Huguley

Jack Huguley (left) and Jeniece Howe plot for world domination in the rousing game of Diplomacy that has taken the study room hallway of the Allen Building by storm.

MPIA '13

The year is 1901 and war has broken out in Europe.

Systemic factors weigh heavily on the seven great powers vying for ultimate control of the continent.

Ordered by anarchy, each aspiring hegemon has been given no choice but to play the deadly game or else cede defeat at the hands of greedy neighbors. In the past year, the continent has seen waves of aggression, See Diplomacy on Page 12

Discussion Group Offerings Increase

Mauricio Cifuentes MPSA '12

Hola!

This has been an exciting year for FLCS. We increased the number of discussion classes to more than 20 levels every week and we are doing our best to add Swahili and Portuguese.

Our super VP, Cheryl Mitchell, has done an outstanding job coordinating movie nights and cultural events, which are always greatly attended (hint: awesome food).

Our goal is to continue to help you improve your language skills and to provide opportunities to enhance our understanding of other cultures.

As an ESL student myself, I understand the challenges of learning a new language, so please stop by office 1029 if you’d like to exchange ideas or offer feedback regarding our programs.

It’s been a pleasure working for you. Gracias!

Language

Instructor

Day/Time

Room

Chinese I Jennifer Olson M 3-4 p.m.

F 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Chinese II Jennifer Olson M 4-5 p.m.

R 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Chinese III Wenrui Liu (Evelyn) M 3-4 p.m.

W 3-4 p.m.

French I Nesrine Mansour M 3-4 p.m.

W 3-4 p.m.

French II Nesrine Mansour T 6-7 p.m.

R 6-7 p.m.

French III Nesrine Mansour M 2-3 p.m.

W 2-3 p.m.

Arabic II Nour Al Aameri M 4:30-5:30 p.m.

F 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Arabic III Nour Al Aameri M 5:30-6:30 p.m.

F 1:30-2:30 p.m.

German Mariah Bastin T 5-6 p.m.

Farsi I Amir Fayazi M 2-3 p.m.

R 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Farsi II Amir Fayazi T 9:30-10:30 a.m.

R 1-2 p.m.

Korean Seung Eun T 5-6 p.m.

F 5-6 p.m.

Indonesian Margaretta Adrienne R 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Russian 0 Aselle Kuspangaliyeva M 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

W 3-4 p.m.

Russian I Aselle Kuspangaliyeva W 4-5 p.m.

R 4-5 p.m.

Russian II/III Aselle Kuspangaliyeva W 5-6 p.m.

R 5-6 p.m.

Japanese Sho R 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Spanish I Ramon Gonzales M 5-6 p.m.

W 3-4 p.m.

Spanish II Jose Rocha M 5-6 p.m.

T 5-6 p.m.

W 5-6 p.m.

Spanish III Adrian Calcaneo W 2-3 p.m.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Houston Rodeo Brings Together All ThingsTexas Katie White MPSA '12

Grab your boots and head to Houston for the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. For the past 80 years, the Livestock Show and Rodeo has provided entertainment and educational opportunities to the state of Texas.

This year the Livestock Show and Rodeo runs from Feb. 28 to March 18. This event has everything from big-name concerts to rodeo events, livestock shows, a carnival midway, exhibits, shopping and a wine garden.

Park admission tickets are $7 for adults and get you access to the carnival, livestock shows shopping, and more.

Concert and rodeo tickets start at $21.50 and include admission to the park, the rodeo events and one of the concerts.

However, Wednesdays are value days, where park admission is $5 and concert/ rodeo tickets start at $10.

Many theme days are celebrated, including Go Texan Day on February 24.

This day was designed to promote aware-

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

ness of Texas traditions and the Livestock Show and Rodeo. People were encouraged to dress in Western attire or hold a chili cook off, in which any organization could participate. Other theme days include Go Tejano Day, Black Heritage Day, Armed Forces Appreciation Day and Paint the Rodeo Pink.

Over the years, the Livestock Show and Rodeo has provided over $283 million to scholarships, endowments, research, and other educational youth programs.

Get a group of your friends together to attend in support of several good causes, and to soak up some non-College Station Texas culture!

Remaining dates March 5: Eli Young Band March 6: Enrique Iglesias March 7: Blake Shelton March 8: ZZ Top March 9: Reba March 10: Chris Young March 11: Duelo and La Original Banda El Limon March 12: Zac Brown Band March 13: Miranda Lambert March 14: The Band Perry March 15: Jason Aldean March 16: Train

A&M Host to Stunning Retelling of Moulin Rouge Travis Stalcup MPIA '13

Many know Moulin Rouge as the Baz Luhrmann fantasia starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor.

Fewer know that it is just one of many artistic renderings of the famous 19th Century Parisian cabaret.

Among these is the period setting of the ancient tale of Orpheus and his fallen love executed beautifully by The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, which graced Texas A&M on Feb. 1. Like Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film, the troupe blends elements of Verdi and Puccini’s romantic operas, La Traviata and La Bohème.

The performance opens with a lone artist painting the Parisian skyline on the Left Bank, accompanied by La Vie en Rose on accordion. Although the piece was written in 1946, it instantly sets the time and place.

We later learn that this artist is actually Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, famous for his post-Impressionist work, especially At the Moulin Rouge. Nurzhan Kulybaev’s performance of Toulouse-Lautrec was excellent – one almost forgot that his historical character suffered from a variety of disabling illnesses.

Nathalie, played by Amanda Green, is an aspiring dancer

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See Rouge on Page 11

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Rouge

From Page 10

(or sex worker) who falls in love with the naïve, newly arrived Matthew, played by Dmitri Dovgoselets.

They have an instant connection so enrapturing that Matthew hardly notices that his luggage has been stolen.

After a lovely duet, the owner of the Moulin Rouge, Zidler, played

by Amar Dhaliwal, enters in a Willy Wonka-like velvet suit. His stripes and top hat accentuate his height and add crispness to his movements that were some of the most entertaining of the performance. His character is at once villain and ring leader.

Knowing his ability to rescue them from the slums, many girls dance for Zidler, but only Nathalie catches his eye.

The next scene is the requisite Can-Can, complete with beautifully colored dresses and petticoats, men in tailed tuxes and top hats (that the girls continually toss about), and valets reminiscent of Jean-Pierre Ponnelle’s chorus in Rossini’s La Cenerentola. We begin to see that Zidler’s interest in Nathalie is more than economic.

As the night draws to a close, Nathalie and Matthew end up on a bridge dancing to Debussy’s Clair de Lune. It is one of the strongest duets of the show and ends, naturally, with a kiss just as the curtain falls on the first act.

Zidler, now enraged with jealousy, threatens to kill Matthew.

Nathalie, so in love with Matthew, relents to Zidler to save his life.

Matthew is safe, but heartbroken.

As he gets drunk on absinthe, the light turns to shades of green and three fairies begin to dance with Matthew and muse him to paint.

However, deprived of his love, the inspirational power of the absinthe that propelled Toulouse-Lautrec has no effect. Matthew cannot paint and passes out in the street.

In a bit of meta-theatre, Matthew awakes and finds that he is too hungover to even pirouette. Once he regains his strength, he and ToulouseLautrec hatch a plan to win Nathalie back.

Over the course of the performance, the two develop a compelling friendship that is a joy to watch. Their plan is operatic in its incredulity: Matthew will pose of one of Zidler’s valets at the Moulin Rouge.

During yet another Can-Can, Matthew and Nathalie reunite, but are discovered by Zidler. After a round

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ENTERTAINMENT

of ballet fisticuffs, Zidler – realizing his weakness – pulls a pistol and fires, awkwardly.

Mathew is unscathed, but Nathalie is mortally wounded. As she lies in Matthew’s arms, Zidler — with an appropriate lack of grace — falls to the floor in disbelief.

The orchestra plays Ravel’s Le Jardin Feerique as the curtain falls for the final time and the house, packed with Aggies, stands in applause.

For a complete list of future shows coming to A&M, visit www.mscopas. org.

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THE BACK PAGE

Diplomacy From Page 9

driven by the realist calculus of zerosum power gains – indeed, enough offense to make John Mearsheimer salivate (Tom Brady, too).

Tsar Nicholas II, Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias, has pushed naval forces into Scandinavia, forcing a counterbalancing coalition to form in the unlikely alliance of England and Germany. King Edward VII and Emperor Wilhelm have also seemingly put aside their differences in the desire to collectively overrun France, whose attentions were blindly turned toward an imperialistic southward push in the Iberian peninsula. While this joining of forces may seem mutually beneficial at present, it must inevitably end in tears as each actor realizes the utter futility of the liberal rationale in a Hobbesian state of war.

In the East, fighting has erupted in the Black Sea, as Russia and the Ottoman Empire refuse to cede control.

Faced with a security dilemma of unprecedented proportions, Italy sent troops into the heart of Trieste, only to be met by Austro-Hungarian reinforcements from Vienna pushing southward. Victor Emmanuel and Franz Josef since seem to have reconciled, as each has abandoned their mutual border in an obviously irrational attempt to hunt stags instead of enjoying hare at the other's relative loss. Some sort of treachery must be afoot – after all, Nye and Keohane just can't have got it right.

The immediate future looks bleak for pacifists everywhere (I'm looking at you, Switzerland), for this Waltzian environment will likely continue to breed conflict until one empire emerges victorious. The remaining states will likely be invited to join a slew of intrastate “institutions,” resulting in a glut of idealistic political theorists everywhere obtaining tenure. Whatever outputs this turbulent international function produces, we can at the very least be sure that no “black boxes” shall be opened. At least we have that.

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