Spotlight on Houston

ISSUE 5

DECEMBER 2015

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4 Tuesday, December 1, 2015

S KARIS JOHNSON Executive Editor

omeone whispers to you backstage in the school auditorium, reminding you not to forget your lines. You look nervously at your third grade teacher and straighten the costume your mom sewed last week.

This is it — your big debut.

Look out world. Look out mothers with flashing digital cameras.

Look out classmates. This is your chance to shine brighter than all those spotlights while you nail the lines you’ve practiced for weeks.

But then you feel the heat of the spotlight, and your teacher taps her foot impatiently somewhere backstage, and you forget. Now, you’re left staring out at the faces in the auditorium, and instead of your lines, you try to utter something — anything.

The joke you heard at recess is the only thing on the tip of your tongue, but that’s not what your audience came to hear. Desperate, you shrug your shoulders and step into the limelight. You can feel your teacher hold her breath as you deliver that joke with all of the gusto and theatrical finesse you can manage.

And miraculously, the audience bursts into laughter. Relieved, you prance offstage with your head held high, and now you know why people always say, “The show must go on.”

They laughed, they were entertained, and it didn’t even go as planned.

Entertainment has never been about perfection. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and whatever ends up in the spotlight doesn’t have to be perfect—whatever “perfect” is, anyways.

In Houston, the entertainment scene is a mosaic of diversely rich tastes in music, art, theater and film.

It’s a city where you can meet a local metal band after its free concert and attend a top-tier ballet performance on the same day. Intricate graffiti murals grace walls in the same neighborhoods where art museums offer visitors a chance to gaze at a Van Gogh.

A-list actors and chart-topping artists didn’t start out performing perfectly in their early years. They worked their way to the top through talent and diligence.

With the powerhouse enter-

tainment industry that Houston offers, it’s easy to assume that artists like Beyoncé were born with microphones in their hands. But even Queen B found her love for performing in her humble, Houston beginnings.

Houston is a platform for the growth, reinvention and cultivation of the entertainment industry. While you flip through these pages, I hope you realize that perfection is nothing more than an ideal. Whether you’re rocking out at the Day for Night music festival or taking in a play at the Alley Theater, this issue of Cooglife is here to remind you that entertainment is always evolving.

The spotlight is on Houston, and I guarantee you won’t want to miss it.

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EDITORIAL STAFF EXECUTIVE EDITOR Karis Johnson

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CLOSING EDITORS Glissette Santana Mónica Rojas Sean Alder

WRITERS Sabrina Mendiola Alyssa Smith Marissa Persaud Mia Valdez Joshlyn Thomas Greg Fails Anthony Torres Caroline Cao Bryce Dodds Dean Suchy Sebastian Troitino

DESIGNERS A. Tomic Courtney Williams Josue B. Diaz

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Callista Brown 713-743-5340 csmadvertising@uh.edu

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 12

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Skywalkers, Vaders and Jedis, Superhero Franchises Flying High Oh My! The force is strong this holiday season. Here are some easy DIY costume ideas for Star Wars mega-fans.

@cooglifemag

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Follow us on Instagram

Beyonce’s Houston Hangouts

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Even Queen B had humble beginnings. Find out where she spent her childhood before becoming a world star.

ON COOGRADIO.COM

Cooglife streams live every Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. on Coog Radio’s website.

14

Spring Break Look-Ahead

It seems like a long time from now, but Spring Break will be here before you know it. Plan ahead, Coogs.

Catch a glimpse into the future of the literary world with this list of books to look for in 2016.

18

A look inside the Rocky Horror Picture Show

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a part of this cult classic?

Now you don’t have to.

Cooglife Episodes

Cooglife Radio Show Coog Radio’s show “Cooglife,” hosted by marketing junior Sebastian Troitino and communication sophomore Alexandra Marcano, has been on air for the past year and a half. Just like the print publication, “Cooglife” highlights different aspects of student life and culture.

“It’s a show dedicated to UH students,” Troitino said. “We bring experts, usually from campus, and expose listeners to advice and experience ranging from campus life to music, art and sexual awareness.”

The goal of the Cooglife radio show is to expose students to things they might not have otherwise known, whether it be their new favorite band or a new student organization.

Don’t get left behind as the Marvel and DC franchises soar into 2016.

Cooglife’s 2016 Booklist

ON COOGTV.COM AND YOUTUBE

ATHIWAT SALEEBY @coogradio facebook.com/ coogradio

SVN Producer

UH Student & Producer, Athiwat “Men” Saleeby, brings you CoogLife videos every Monday. Cooglife showcases current Houston Arts, Lifestyle, Entertainment, and everything in between! Be sure to check out new videos every Monday with exclusive sneak peeks at the end of every month! Only on CoogTV.

facebook.com/coogtv

@coogtv

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6 Tuesday, December 1, 2015

True Colors: Houston’s Art Scene MARISSA PERSAUD Contributing Writer

Winter break is around the corner and students will finally have some time to relax and unwind after the fall semester. A great way to enjoy the break is absorbing Houston’s culture and ringing in the holidays with events that local art museums are holding.

The Museum of Fine Arts will host its first “Christmas at Bayou Bend.”

There will be music, decorations, lights and Christmas performances on the 14 acres of Bayou Bend. Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be a part of an evening designed to bring in the holiday cheer.

For those who enjoy pop art, The Graffiti and Street Art Museum of Houston will be hosting street art tours on Dec. 12 and Dec. 26.

Audiences who attend will get to enjoy a tour of murals and street art in Houston from a featured graffiti/ street artist. This is a great opportunity to absorb the arts and culture of the local Houston area.

If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, holiday music and appreciating fine art, The Menil Collection will be hosting a holiday party on Dec. 9 featuring Menil Contemporaries— young, professional artists. Cocktails will be provided by Weights + Measures, holiday treats will be provided by City Kitchen and the night will be filled with music by A Fistful of Soul. Those who are interested should email events@menil.org to RSVP and reserve a spot for a night of culture and art.

This winter break, enjoy local art and grasp the opportunity to enjoy Houston entertainment that you may have otherwise taken for granted.

Houston is also filled with avant garde artists who decorate the streets.

HOUSTON’S THEATERS DEAN SUCHY Contributing Writer

Houston is known for being the world’s energy capital, but few people know that Houston is considered one of the top cities in America for theater productions. It’s time to get over any misconceptions and experience what people often travel thousands of miles to see.

“The theaters are too far away” Houston has four main theaters: Alley Theatre, Miller Outdoor Theatre, Wortham Theatre Center and the Hobby Center for Perform-

ing Arts. All of them are within 7 miles of UH. Many of them are also accessible by taking the Metro, so getting to the theater should be no issue.

“I am not interested in whatever plays they are showing” Many people who don’t even know what shows are playing in Houston’s various theatrical companies.

The Hobby Center is showing the winter classic, “A Christmas Story” from Dec. 8 to Dec. 20. The Alley Theatre is presenting the comedic, “Elf ”-like production, “The SantaLand Diaries,” from Dec. 4 to Dec. 31. And the Wortham Theatre will be showcasing “The Nutcracker” for

the last time in Houston from Nov. 27 to Dec. 27.

Besides these larger productions, there are numerous smaller shows around the Houston area tailored to different age groups and audiences.

“I’m just a college student, and I don’t have that type of money to go to the theatre” Although going to the theater may be more expensive than borrowing someone else’s Netflix account, the experience is simply more memorable. Besides this, going to the theatre is not as expensive as many may think. A representative from the Alley Theatre said that discounted tickets are available for

any student, regardless of age, with a valid student ID for $16 for performances in designated sections.

The theater companies realize that not everyone can afford box seats to a Broadway production in Times Square, so they’ve made a way for even the common college student to enjoy the show.

An even cheaper option would be to head over to the Miller Outdoor Theatre. Located in Hermann Park near Houston’s museum district, this open-air theatre has plenty of free live shows that would make for a fun evening out. Bring a blanket and grab some food on your way there for a picnic and a show.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015 7

Light up the New Year: Where to see fireworks MÓNICA ROJAS Managing editor

CITYCENTRE 800 TOWN AND COUNTRY BOULEVARD HOUSTON, TX 77024 An upscale multi-used development, CityCentre is home to shopping, food and entertainment.

And on New Year’s Eve it is home to a fireworks show.

Pre-show entertainment starts at 7 p.m. with a DJ spinning beats in the plaza. Take a date and prepare for a New Year’s kiss.

Live music will fill the boardwalk plaza and fireworks will fill the sky at 10 p.m.

Those wanting a different view of the show can reserve a seat ahead of time on the 8 p.m. dinner cruise.

HOLY CHUTE! ‘

As kids we loved to see rockets flying into the air and bursting into colorful lights every New Year. And let’s be real — we still do as adults. Here are four of the best places to see the New Year’s sky light up.

SUGAR LAND SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE CITY WALK DRIVE SUGAR LAND, TX 77479 Adults and little ones can both bring in the new year in Sugar Land. The Town Square will feature street performances and entertainment for kiddos between 7 and 9 p.m.

Adults get their turn to celebrate the New Year between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. with alcohol service and street entertainment. Adults can enjoy a DJ with their beer and wine until the 3D midnight fireworks show.

KEMAH BOARDWALK 215 KIPP AVE KEMAH, TX 77565 Kid and adults can join in an early New Year’s celebration at the Kemah Boardwalk this year.

1-800-SKYDIVE 281-369-3337 Open 7 days • Group/weekday discounts • Great gift! • Get licensed in a week!

8 Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Skywalkers, Vaders and Jedis, oh my!

ANTHONY TORRES Opinion Editor

BOXES, BOXES, BOXES With the seventh inCardboard boxes can be your best stallment of Star Wars friend when it comes to cosplay. There coming soon, cosplayers are plenty of characters from Star Wars where boxes come in handy. and costume freaks will R2D2: Quite possibly the easiest be gearing up this Debox costume ever. Just grab a long, cember to celebrate the rectangular box and spray paint the entire box white. Then get blue and return of their favorite red sharpies to draw the designs of science fiction fantasy everyone’s favorite droid on the box. story. Some of us, howStormtrooper/Clonetrooper: Another easy make with a few more ever, simply aren’t willboxes. All you need is a box for your ing—or able—to spend helmet, armor and flat cardboard to thousands of dollars¬ on wrap around your legs. Spray paint all authentic gear to go full the boxes white and paint black areas for the eyes, mouth and belt. stormtrooper.

BUY A MASK Here’s a few costuming You can venture into any toy store and they will most likely have masks for tips for those on a budvarious Star Wars characters. If you’re get.

10021-UH Cougar Life December.indd 1

going for the creative look, wearing just a mask with either a suit or even normal clothes can look just as good as an expensive costume.

at comic conventions.

Boba Fett: This character is another fan favorite whose helmet is sold virtually everywhere. Fett’s helmet accompanied with a suit or regular clothes is easily passable as authentic cosplay.

ROBES For all the Jedi fans out there, bathrobes are your best friend. In this case the only other thing needed would be your lightsaber, which you can either make out of a long cardboard tube and colored paper. You can just pick up one from a store for around $1o, too.

Darth Vader: Vader’s helmet is sold at virtually every toy store. Wearing the helmet with a black suit has been a popular choice lately and works well

Every Jedi: All you need is a brown or black bathrobe and a lightsaber. You can pick up some pretty cheap fabric at a fabric store and make a decent looking tunic. Add a white or black T-shirt underneath and you have yourself a perfect Jedi outfit.

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Beyonce’s Houston Hangouts MIA VALDEZ Cooglife Writer

How often does a talent emerge who is so sensational that the world is enamored and revolutionized? And how often can you say that you grew up going to the same restaurants, churches and amusement parks as them?

Sept. 4, 1981 in Houston, and Clutch City will never forget it. Beyoncé spent her Houstonian summers attending St. John’s Downtown United Methodist Church, AstroWorld and SplashTown, according to visithoustontexas.com.

How often does a talent emerge who is so sensational that the world is enamored and revolutionized?

And how often can you say that you grew up going to the same restaurants, churches and amusement parks as them?

The star also fine-tuned her love and talent for dancing while attending Ms. Darlette’s dance classes and showcases, which were run by Darlette Johnson-Baily of the “Kids in Dance” group. Beyoncé

Beyoncé Knowles was born on

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also briefly attended Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and later Elief Elsik High School, according to the Houston Chronicle.

These days, Knowles returns to Houston for Thanksgiving, Christmas and the Houston Rodeo. Favorite restaurants of hers include Frenchy’s Chicken, This Is It and Pappadeaux.

Beyoncé’s father and one-time manager, Mathew Knowles, owns the House of Deréon Media Center in Midtown. Knowles’ venue is a

“multi functional facility,” which made its hosting debut in 2006, according to houston.eventful.com.

The singer-songwriter turned businesswoman also finds time to visit her management company, Music World Entertainment, which her father founded and owns.

Bey also owns a fashion line called House of Dereon with her mother, Tina. Tina is a beauty stylist, and she used to host practice for her daughter and the future members of Destiny’s Child in her hair salon.

“Houston is where my stage presence and confidence (were) developed,” Beyoncé said to visithoustontexas.com.

And Houstonians are ever so glad that their city could help her out.

1

GET THE BIG STUFF DONE FIRST. Try to finish your papers first, and then compile notes for your comprehensive exams. Time management and prioritizing your coursework are key to finishing strong.

2

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TECHNOLOGY. Don’t waste time on social media, but use it wisely to form study groups and connect with classmates and professors for help.

3

FIND SECRET SPOTS AROUND CAMPUS TO STUDY. The library is great resource, but if you’re a people watcher, you may want to venture out on campus and find a new place to study.

4

KNOW WHERE YOU STAND. Contact your professor to ensure that you have the right study materials and all your assignment have been received.

5

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. Don’t let finals overwhelm you. Be sure to get enough food, water, rest, and exercise... and remember to stay positive!

STRESS FREE FINALS WEEK Free Food, Free Entertainment, Free Stuff, Free Fun!

November 30 - December 9

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FEATURING : THE CAT’S BACK SPRING EVENT - 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

12 Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Superhero Franchises Flying High BRYCE DODDS Sports Editor

The film industry has pillars for different time periods. There is often a certain genre of movie which dominates a stretch of time and produces some masterpieces and instant classics.

For now, it’s the dynasty of superheroes.

The early to mid-2000s saw the birth of the modern superhero film industry, and since that then it hasn’t slowed down.

Mega blockbusters like “Avengers: Age of Ultron” have shattered box office records and left fans hungry for more, and companies like Disney-Marvel, Warner Brothers and Fox are more than happy to oblige.

There are seven superhero movies slated for 2016 alone, and 22 films planned for the next three years. It’s easy to get lost in it all, not to mention all of the TV series, so Cooglife is

here to help you sort it all out.

MAY 6, 2016 CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR – DISNEY-MARVEL The third Captain America entry in the franchise is almost more of an “Avengers 2.5” film. With almost every actor from Age of Ultron set to reprise their roles with a few exceptions (sorry Chris Hemsworth), the film is set to be another monster at the movies.

Following a storyline where, because of a tragedy induced by an out-of-control superhero, the U.S. government is pushing heroes to register their identities —or else. As per usual, the Cap and Iron Man find themselves on opposite sides of the debate.

This sparks a rift in the superhero community, and a drawn out guerrilla warfare clash between the two factions ensues.

This will be the first film to feature heroes versus heroes, and it’s sure to be a damn good time.

MARCH 25, 2016 “BATMAN VERSUS SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE” – WARNER BROTHERS While it seems like Marvel has the current monopoly on the superhero market, Warner Brothers is working

its way into the fight with its ownership of the DC Comics properties.

Warner Brothers is working to establish its own cinematic universe staged around the Justice League of America, and “Batman versus Superman” is its first step.

received acclaim from studio executives so far.

FEBRUARY 12, 2016 “DEADPOOL” – FOX The Mercenary with a Mouth may not be the most preeminent figure when it comes to the world of superheroes because he walks the line of hero and villain very carefully. But the following surrounding Deadpool has led the hype around this movie to build monumentally.

Ryan Reynolds is set to return to the realm of capes with this R-rated project from Fox, who also owns many of the other “X-Men” properties.

This film will introduce an older, grizzled and experienced Batman who comes face to face with what he sees as an eminent threat to the earth — Superman.

While serving as an introduction for Batman into the DC film universe, it’s also set to premier several other big players in the plan, such as Wonder Woman and Aquaman.

There is also a rumored appearance from Cyborg.

While this film will be a universe-building effort, it will also be a great chance to see a new take on the Dark Knight, and one which has

Reynolds is about as close as you can get to comic-book-come-to-life, as his personality fits the character well.

The fact that Marvel studio is willing to take a hit with its first R-rated superhero film in its cinematic universe bodes well for fans of Deadpool. All of the footage that we’ve seen so far captures the essence of the character.

It’ll be a fun ride for anyone with a bit of salty humor and a taste for action.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015 13

ALREADY RUNNING: THE CW’S DC UNIVERSE While Warner Brothers is working hard to establish its own film empire, the CW has developed a TV universe featuring the Flash, Green Arrow and more with DC’s upcoming “Legends of Tomorrow.”

While the Flash and Arrow, each owning its own titular show, may not be the most popular DC heroes, the show-runners for The CW have done a great job walking the perfect balance between superhero action and drama. The CW has done well by drawing from both hardcore comic crowds and more casual fans.

They began with a strong core but have slowly added more heroes, such as The Atom and Hawkman and Hawkgirl — two of DC’s Justice League standard characters.

They’ve also been able to avoid the trap of expanding too quickly on their own empire, but with two shows chugging along and another in the works it won’t be long before the small screen sees its own version of the Justice League of America.

ALREADY RUNNING: MARVEL’S NETFLIX SERIES Much like DC turning to the CW for their TV properties, Marvel has handed the reins to Netflix for all of its original series.

Netflix has control over Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist and Luke Cage, which it’s slowly developing into four separate series.

“Daredevil” is getting ready for season two featuring The Punisher, as well as launching the “A.K.A. Jessica Jones” series soon.

There’s also a plan to unite all four series for a “Defender” TV series once they are up and running. With the critical acclaim and success of the premier season of “Daredevil,” as well their track record with its other original products, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Marvel transition more of their smaller properties to the site.

So whether you’re looking to the big screen or your Netflix account, keep an eye on the horizon. These superhero franchises are soaring high in the next year.

VINYL TOY ILLUSTRATIONS A. TOMIC

14 Tuesday, December 1, 2015

A Look Ahead at Spring Break during the week of March 13 to 19.

These programs can be ideal for majors in Social Work, Child Development, Education and Psychology.

Some of these include: Costa Rica – Help a childcare center and refine your Spanish along the way.

Mexico – Clean the beautiful coastlines to save the crocodiles, sea turtles and birds.

Argentina – Play with children and assist them with their education.

Jamaica – Aid the underprivileged and make sure they receive clothing, clean water, warmth and friendship.

Dominican Republic – As part of the Global Leadership Adventures, you can assist ecologically sustainable development projects and explore the variety of lagoons and underwater caverns.

CAROLINE CAO Cooglife Writer

Spring Break is the time where you lament, “I have all this time and I don’t know what to do with it besides catch up with homework!” Go ahead and start planning ahead for the week of March 14 to 18.

ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK Are you looking to escape Houston and do something meaningful for the world? Check out Projects Abroad and Habitat for Humanity for options. Or alternatively you can work to make Houston a better place by volunteering locally. Check out the Houston Food Bank or contact the Metropolitan Volunteer Program to inquire about opportunities. Project Aboard offers opportunities

HOUSTON ACTIVITIES Museum Hopping: Houston is full of museums that are open during peaceful day out.

Discovery Green: Discovery Green will have fun activities scheduled for the break, and if those aren’t up your alley, then it still won’t hurt to take a stroll through there.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: Root for cowboys. Feast on jumbo fries and burgers while jumping onto roller coasters, exploring mazes and rocking out to A-list concerts.

“Mary Poppins”: Want to practice pronouncing supercalifragilisticex pialidocious? Step in time as “Mary Poppins” will land at the Hobby Center Theater and run from March 8 to 20.

Houston Zoo: Tired of staring at costumed Shasta’s mascots dancing around the football field? The real Shasta is waiting for you at the Houston Zoo. As long as you don’t conspire to steal her and hold her hostage at Rice University, it should all fine. Those with a student ID get in the zoo for free.

CONFINED TO THE HOUSE OR DORM? Netflix Marathoning: Do a marathon. Nah, not running—watching TV. Prepare the candy and popcorn and catch up with your favorite shows. My recommendations include “Breaking Bad,” “Parks and Recreation,” “Bob’s Burgers” and “Archer.”

Exercise: Want to burn off some winter pounds? Hit the weights at the YMCA. Or if you’re still on campus, try out the UH Recreation Center (which will have limited hours). Make a goal list of push-ups and sit-ups, or find a real marathon to run.

Exercising AND Netflix Marathoning: Stretch in front of the television.

Jump on the treadmill with “Archer” on.

STRENGTHENING

THE PRIDE AMERICAN RED CROSS

LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION COURSE

Jan 22-24

ANGEL TREE Program

This holiday season donate a gift to someone in need and be their angel!

A tree will be set up on November 30 with informational cards explaining what gifts to donate.

Please bring your gift by December 19 and place it under the tree.

Gifts will be delivered to BARC Animal Shelter & Adoption and Covenant House.

Cost $225 Register by January 21

DEPARTMENT OF CAMPUS RECREATION

For more information call (713) 743-7946 or visit uh.edu/recreation

CRWC Winter Break Hours Dec 21–22 6:00 AM–9:00 PM

UH Recreation

Dec 23 6:00 AM–5:00PM

UHRecreation UHCampusRecreation

Dec 24–Jan 3 CLOSED

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UHREC

Tuesday, December 1, 2015 15

Houston, We Have a New Festival

Top 5 Day for Night Artists to Look for GREG FAILS Cooglife Writer

The producers from Free Press Houston have teamed up with the creative agency Work-Order to create a two-day winter festival dedicated to creatively combining music and digital art. Day for Night will begin on Dec. 19 and end on Dec. 20. Here is a lineup of artists to look for before purchasing your tickets.

DEATH GRIPS This experimental hip-hop trio consisting of vocalist Stefan Burnett, drummer Zach Hill and producer Andy Morin is taking cues from industrial rap, EDM and hardcore rock. Death Grips’ live performances have the bare-bones aesthetic of a basement show true to their southern California roots.

For fans of: Letlive, Trash Talk, Tyler the Creator, Code Orange Kids

FLYING LOTUS A major contributor on Kendrick Lamar’s 2015 release, “To Pimp a Butterfly,” Steven Ellison aka Flying Lotus was responsible for much of the album’s experimental instrumentation. Carrying over this same mentality for his work, Ellison often produces homages to the golden age of hip-hop through experimental beats and compositions drawing from jazz, funk and modern electronica. Ellison also pushes boundaries with high-concept music video pieces such as Tiny Tortures and Coronus, The Terminator.

For fans of: FKA Twigs, Thundercat, Popeska, Mac Miller

MYSTIKAL A prime example of southern hiphop, Mystikal — or Michael Lawrence Tyler — is a Louisiana rapper whose harsh vocals have been causing beef since the early ‘90s. Since his release from jail in 2010, he has released several crunk tracks often incorporating outside elements. He has also released as a certifiably funk artist in his collaboration with Mark Ronson in Feel Right.

For Fans of: FloRida, Lil Wayne, D12, Ludacris

KENDRICK LAMAR Regarded by many critics as the greatest rapper of this generation, Kendrick Lamar has notably raised the bar in hip-hop over the course of his career. Hailing from California, Lamar’s first chart success was his 2011 release “Section-80.” The success followed him in 2012 with the critically-acclaimed “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City.” In 2015, Lamar released his third album “To Pimp a Butterfly,” which featured contributions from a myriad of artists including Flying Lotus, Thundercat and Robert Glasper.

Possibly the biggest act of the festival, Kendrick Lamar is a must-see.

Want to join the

For fans of: Tupac, Drake, Flying Lotus, Nas

LOCAL ACTS Day for Night doesn’t just feature big time and veteran artists. Several Houston acts have stepped up to play at the festival including Flcon Fcker, Millenial Grave and Indian Jewelry.

They will be playing on the Psychic TV stage at the festival. Though you may have to come earlier in the afternoon to see these artists, the trip is worth it. Houston has become a great place for new music, and Houstonians should continue to support our local performers.

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Tuesday, December 1, 2015 17

Cooglife’s 2016 Booklist ALYSSA SMITH Contributing Writer

As 2015 comes to a close, there is a new chapter of literature coming in with the new year. Here is Cooglife’s compilation of the most exciting, upcoming novels of 2016.

“End of Watch”

Next June, Stephen King will release his third volume in the trilogy of Detective Bill Hodges where antagonist, Brady Hartsfield—perpetrator of the Mercedes Massacre from “Mr. Mercedes”—makes a return. Hodges becomes involved with a case tied to Hartsfield who possesses deadly powers.

“The Obsession” Nora Roberts releases her new novel in April about photographer Naomi Bowes trying to escape her frightening demons from the past. After discovering first-hand the nightmares her father was keeping locked away, she seeks a life of solitude and renewal. But as her father’s sins become an obsession, will she let it take over her life?

“The High Mountains of Portugal” Yann Martel, author of “Life of Pi,” which sold over 10 million copies worldwide, will release “The High Mountains of Portugal” in February.

This novel will be waiting for comparison by fans of Martel’s creative writing. In his fourth published novel, Martel takes three stories of love, loss, faith and suffering and

integrates them into one tale that begins in the 1600s and progresses to the present.

“Where They Belong: The Best Decisions People Almost Never Made”

Hoda Kotb releases her new book in January, a story collection of people who found themselves in unforeseen situations. The stories are real accounts of people who Kotb met and interviewed to hear first-hand accounts of their sorrows, tribulations and eventually their happiness.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” The official novel by Alan Dean Foster will be on shelves after the highly anticipated blockbuster directed

by J.J. Abrams gets to theaters this month. The ebook version will be

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released the same day as the film, and the hardcover comes out in January. The story picks up 30 years after the obliteration of the Death Star, with Han Solo and his allies facing a threat from Kylo Ren and the Stormtrooper army.

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JOSHLYN THOMAS Cooglife Writer

This year was the 40th anniversary of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and it’s still going strong. Audiences are still filling theaters on Saturday nights to scream obscenities and throw toilet paper and playing cards at the screen while people play the characters on stage and the film rolls in the background.

In Houston, the River Oaks Theatre typically has screenings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” every second Saturday of the month. A line wraps around the theater not to see the movie, but to be entertained by the shadow cast, the Royal Mystic Order of Chaos, who perform as the characters in the movie in sync with the scenes from the film.

I have the privilege of playing a Transylvanian, which is a glorified backup dancer. But it’s actually the best role in the world for me as someone who is not usually keen about being in front of people, let alone an audience of over 400. The role doesn’t require any lines to memorize.

You really just have to look the part and scream like a banshee every time Dr. Frank N. Furter does anything.

As a sister of the Chaos troupe I might be biased in saying this, but we put on one hell of show. Being a Transylvanian, I get the best of both worlds by participating and watching at the same time. After being an audience

member since my junior year of high school, I decided to join the cast as a Transylvanian.

As fun as it is to be in the audience—and I’m saying this in the most endearing way—and watch the train wreck ensue, I needed more. Seeing my friends perform was one thing, but making fools of ourselves as one huge, dysfunctional and inseparable family is another.

The Transylvanians pass out fliers to everyone waiting in line and help set up the prop bags, which are filled with everything the audience needs in order to participate effectively. If we find a “virgin”— someone who has never been to a show before — the protocol is to draw a red “V” on their forehead. Getting to initiate people into a tradition that is very dear to me makes me proud of what I do.

It’s worth all the mornings after, when I wake up and realize that I slept with my makeup on after seeing the eyeliner smudged on my pillow case. It’s worth all the hours of rehearsing, only to mess up the dance moves on stage. If one of us makes a mistake, it only adds to our overall charm.

The Royal Mystic Order of Chaos doesn’t do any of this for money. We do it because we want to do it. Rocky Horror is something that means just as much to us as it does to the audience.

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10020-UH Cougar Life December.indd 1

11/17/15 9:29 PM

ISSUE 5

DECEMBER 2015