Public News #32 by Public News

HOUSTON’S ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NEWSWEEKLY

#32 | SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015 | FREE

PUBLIC NEWS www.publicnewsonline.com

RASHEED HOODA

THE EPIC TRAVELOG * OF MISTERWEIRDO *it’s his actual nickname

NEWS THEATRE FILM

MUSIC DINING ART HUMOR POP CULTURE LOCAL EATS

CRAMPTON’S MUSIC CIRCLE

SHERWOOD FOREST CELTIC MUSIC FEST

page 23

CONROE COFFEE

ART TALK page 26

THE FIGURE IN 360

page 16

伀挀琀漀戀攀爀㄀

匀愀琀甀爀搀愀礀猀Ⰰ 匀甀渀搀愀礀猀Ⰰ 愀渀搀吀栀愀渀欀猀最椀瘀椀渀最䘀爀椀搀愀礀

㈀

琀栀琀栀爀漀甀最栀一漀瘀攀洀戀攀爀㤀琀栀

吀椀挀欀攀琀猀愀瘀愀椀氀愀戀氀攀愀琀漀爀愀琀吀攀砀刀攀渀䘀攀猀琀⸀挀漀洀 2

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

PUBLIC NEWS

PUBLIC NEWS #32 September 17 - 30, 2015

COVER STORY

PUBLIC NEWS interviews award winning speaker, author and friend to many, Rasheed Hooda, as he tackles new challenges of joblessness, homelessness and making a blog about his recent travels in and out of Texas. Oh yeah, he wrote a book too!

NEWS

MUSIC

EVENTS

DINING

ART

FILM

Shakespeare makes a trip to Conroe, Bonnie & Clyde reveal the actors in the upcoming TUTS performance, Renovated Alley Theater announces their 2015-16 season opener.

The Houston Fringe Festival and RENT headline the Event Calendar. Peppered in between all the events are some of Public News’ most read columns

Art Editor Rosanne Friedman visits the Woodlands Art League & interviews artist Liz Hill. Plus another fantastic photo essay by Tom Darin Liskey

COLUMNISTS Letter Rip / No Exit Ask Jody Legal Ease Fit Body

4 10 12 13

To The Republic 14 Music News & Notes 22 Crampton’s Music Circle 23

Live Music Guide to the entire North & Northwest Houston Metro Region. Plus Music News & Notes on some great indie bands and Crampton’s Music Circle discovers yet another great find.

Public News visits Leo Harris and her Conroe Coffee shop and learns that there is more to the woman than just coffee. Plus Foodie Pic Of The Week, Public News Dining Guide, and more.

Film Editor Glen Ryan Tadych talks about the upcoming crop of new films this fall. His picks, his faves, the ones you shouldn’t miss. Plus all the new films in the theaters along with their video trailers.. in a newspaper? Yes!

“Some people can’t believe in themselves until someone else believes in them first.” - Robin Williams (Good Will Hunting) PUBLIC NEWS

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

who’s better who’s best got votes? 2015 PUBLIC NEWS READERS CHOICE BALLOTS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE PUBLIC NEWS AND THE WINNERS ARE BEING NOTIFIED IF YOU ARE NOT A SUBSCRIBER, YOU MISSED OUT AS A POTENTIAL VOTER.

http://www.publicnewsonline.com/ 4

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

PUBLIC NEWS

LETTER RIP

WHEN LIFE HAPPENS EDITORIAL CHAIRMAN KEN PETTY MUSIC EDITOR JASON PALMER FILM EDITOR GLEN RYAN TADYCH ART EDITOR ROSANNE FRIEDMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: JAMIE ALVEAR, MIKE BAXTER, MARK CRAMPTON, ROXANNE DAVIS, MATT DELUCA, PAUL VAN DEUSEN, SUSAN LOVE FITTS, CINDY GROOVER, SHANNA LAYNE, JEB KICKER, TOM DAREN LISKEY, BART PEARSTON, ANNA ‘PINION’ PENA, JODY REED, ANDY SINGER, PHOTOGRAPHY: KEN PETTY, TOM DAREN LISKEY, ROSANNE FRIEDMAN GRAPHICS/LAYOUT: KEN PETTY ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE: KEN PETTY DISTRIBUTION PARTNERS: ISSUU, PRESS READER FAKE CELEBRITY INTERN: BOB NEWHART Public News is an arts & entertainment fortnightly published on Thursday and distributed to metro Houston subscribers via email, distribution channel partners and to anyone else via our website. We welcome community news, press releases, and article ideas; sent by mail or email. Deadline for calendar items and advertising is the Friday prior to our Thursday publication date. Letters to the Editor and filtered Hate Mail are always encouraged. Subscriptions to the Public News are free and can be obtained by going to the subscribe link on our website: www.publicnewsonline.com Subscriber benefits include special perks and voting in the Readers Choice Awards this summer. Contents of Public News are the sole property of Public News Co. and are protected under copyright. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher... we’ve caught a few of our “competitors” already. You are encouraged to share as many copies of the Public News to as many friends as you’d like! Feel free to share on any and all social media outlets. #PublicNews

A reader wrote us: Dear Public News, You disappeared! Tell me that you are not about to do what the other version of the Public News pulled off in 1998. They were in the shops one week and the next the news was that the Public News folded and they sold most of what they had to that other alternative “corporate paper” in Houston. I’ve noticed that your content is appearing in other media. Are you guys a part of (media name redacted)? Dear Reader, You are appreciated more than words can convey. We are not gone, nor do we intend to go away. Sometimes when we miss deadlines, both writers and advertisers alike, I tend to believe that it’s a Ken Petty time to take a new look at old problems, fix things are not workings, talk with colleagues that share this common endeavor and then re-boot. Know that the only reason the Public News takes a knee, is to stop, look and listen to the Creator of the Universe and to each other for ideas. Pauses like this are rare and even rarer as time moves forward. The Public News is better and stronger than ever. We’ve learned a lot along the way. So, my dear reader, we are not going away. We’ve had to brush off the rusty parts and oil the working parts. As for our content appearing elsewhere, we pay no mind to those who want to take our content without permission. We’ve got lawyers for that, besides karma always finds its mark. We are just going to concentrate on what we do. And that is in being the Public News at our best. Dear Public News, I love your paper. Every issue comes directly to my

smartphone on the Issuu app. My concern is this, I recently over heard a business person talking about taking advantage of your generosity and how you guys will give free publicity to businesses and they don’t have to advertise. How does that work if businesses don’t advertise? Dear Reader, It’s flattering to know that the Public News holds a place in the hearts of our readers; but sad to know that there are businesses that want the buzz of a write-up in the Public News, but not support the very vehicle that helped them build their business. There’s a name for businesses like that. We call them freeloaders and we want nothing to do with them anymore. Not only are they bad for our business, they are not good for the community. There are two parts of a business; providing goods or services at a reasonable price AND providing good jobs. We’ve learned that businesses who do not advertise don’t care about either. I want the Public News to support those in the community that support what we are trying to do. A few months ago a restaurant contacted me about being reviewed in our paper. They’ve been enjoying the Public News and knew that exposure in our publication would do them a lot of good and build credibility with our audience. Unfortunately, they did not feel the importance of supporting their business with advertising. We passed doing a review on them and they soon went out of business. It is a tough call, but we want to be fair. There are new businesses that NEED a little help and we want to be able to give it to them. The Public News strives to be the very best digital paper in the area; in fact, we plan on being the best newspaper period. The talent that the Public News attracts is better than what we started off with. Our newest advertisers are going to be better, stronger and more committed to being a community partner with our voice in the area, the Public News. In order to be the best, we must conduct our business as the best. And we will.

DUE DATE FOR ALL SUBMISSIONS AND ADVERTISING IS 5pm FRIDAY PRIOR TO PUBLICATION DATE

GET THE PUBLIC NEWS ON YOUR FAVORITE APP TODAY IN THE APPLE STORE OR THE GOOGLE PLAY STORE BOTH ARE FREE!

PRESS EITHER OR BOTH TO BE TAKEN TO YOUR DOWNLOAD

ALL WILL BE REVEALED OCTOBER 29, 2015 ISSUE #35

“Being smart is an elusive concept. There’s a certain sharpness, an ability to absorb new facts, to ask an insightful question or relate to domains that may not seem connected at first.” ~ Bill Gates PUBLIC NEWS

is a free arts and entertainment fortnightly serving metro Houston, published on Thursday and distributed via email to subscribers

www.publicnewsonline.com

General Information......... info@publicnewsonline.com Letters To The Editor...... editor@publicnewsonline.com News & Press Releases.. news@publicnewsonline.com Events for Calendar...... events@publicnewsonline.com Music/Venue News...... music@publicnewsonline.com Advertising........................ ads@publicnewsonline.com Writer Submissions........ writers@publicnewsonline.com

832-298-5246

www.andysinger.com PUBLIC NEWS

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

One Man, Two Guvnors begins the Inaugural Season in the Newly Renovated Alley Theatre

DISTINGUISH YOURSELF THROUGH COMMUNICATION & LEADERSHIP

Single Tickets for the 2015-2016 now on sale

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE Visit a Toastmasters Club & Change Your Life LOW COST, HIGH REWARD

SELF-PACED PROGRAMS

FLEXIBLE MEETING TIMES (mornings, afternoons & evenings)

CHOOSE FROM 187 HOUSTON AREA CLUBS (Corporate & Community)

For more information or to find a club near you visit

www.toastmasters.org

ON OCTOBER 29th ALL WILL BE REVEALED

HOUSTON – One Man, Two Guvnors begins the Alley Theatre’s 2015-2016 season in the newly renovated Hubbard Theatre on October 2, 2015. Winner of the Critics Circle Award and multiple Tony and Drama Desk Awards, this glorious comedy is a unique laugh-out-loud mix of satire, songs, and stupendous physical comedy. One Man, Two Guvnors, by Richard Bean is based on The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni with songs by Grant Olding and directed by Gregory Boyd. Previews begin October 2, Opening Night October 7, with performances continuing through November 1, 2015. “We are excited to open the newly transformed Hubbard Stage at the Alley with One Man, Two Guvnors” said Artistic Director Gregory Boyd. “Richard Bean’s brilliant adaptation of a classic comedy plays to the strengths of the Alley Theatre’s Resident Company and is a fantastic blend of farce, brilliant language and physical comedy.” In the heart of 1960s’ England, charming and doltish Francis, fired from his pop band, unexpectedly finds himself with two new jobs and two new bosses, who are connected to each other in wildly improbable ways. He has to keep them from discovering each other – and that turns out to be not so simple. Mistaken identities, outrageous farce, love triangles and inspired lunacy are the result. One Man, Two Guvnors was called “The funniest show in the western world,” by the Daily Mail, and described by the Daily Telegraph as “Comic perfection.” The Alley began an extensive $46.5 million renovation of the Hubbard Theatre, backstage area, and public spaces in July 2014. “The combination of the extended stage and reducing the number of seats to 774 creates a whole new level of intimacy in the Hubbard for our patrons that will be perfectly showcased by One Man Two Guvnors” said Manag-

THE PARTNERSHIP FORGED BETWEEN PUBLIC NEWS & PRESS READER IS ON! GET THE FREE APP IN THE GOOGLE PLAY & APPLE STORE

Think Local - Buy Local - Be Local Buy Local...Support yourself Support community groups Keep our community unique Reduce environmental impact Create more good jobs Get better service Invest in community Put your taxes to good use Encourage local prosperity Buy what you want, not what someone wants you to buy

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

PUBLIC NEWS

ing Director Dean R. Gladden. The cast of One Man, Two Guvnors features Resident Company members Jeffrey Bean, James Black, Elizabeth Bunch, Paul Hope, Chris Hutchison, Melissa Pritchett, David Rainey, Jay Sullivan, Emily Trask and Todd Waite. Also joining the cast are Steven Epp, John Feltch, Elspeth Brodie, Joseph Palmore and Trace Pool. One Man, Two Guvnors features a live band composed of Houston musicians Ryan Chavez, Aaron Echegaray, Chris Goodwin and Mike Whitebread. The creative team includes Scenic Designer Hugh Landwehr, Costume Designer David C. Woolard, Lighting Designer David Lander, Sound Designer Lindsay Jones and Physical Comedy Direction by Christopher Bayes. Additional members of the creative team are Musical Director Gregg Coffin, Dialect, Voice and Text Coach Pamela Prather, Choreographer Peter Pucci and Assistant Director Brandon Weinbrenner. TICKET AND SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Single tickets for the 2015-2016 season went on sale August 31. Tickets are available online at alleytheatre.org, by phone at 713.220.5700 or in person at the Alley Theatre Box Office, 615 Texas Avenue. Tickets to all productions start at $26. Subscriptions are currently on sale for all productions and range in price from $129 - $614. Discounted ticket for groups of 10 or more can be purchased by calling 713.315.3346. This production contains adult language and sexual situations. SPONSORS One Man, Two Guvnors is generously sponsored by Lead Sponsors Enbridge Energy Company. Inc. and Schlumberger and Supporting Sponsor Norton Rose Fulbright. The Alley Theatre is supported by the 2015-2016 season sponsor United Airlines, the official airline of the Alley Theatre. ABOUT THE ALLEY THEATRE The Alley Theatre, one of America’s leading not-for-profit theatres, is a nationally recognized performing arts company lead by Artistic Director Gregory Boyd and Managing Director Dean R. Gladden. Home to a Resident Company of actors, the Alley creates a wide-ranging repertoire and innovative productions of classics, neglected modern plays, and premieres. Alley All New, the initiative to commission and develop new work year round, features the Alley All New Festival each season presenting workshops and readings of new plays and musicals in process. A recipient of the Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, the Alley has brought productions to Broadway, 40 American cities including New York’s Lincoln Center and internationally to Berlin, Paris, and St. Petersburg throughout its 69 year history. The Alley Theatre underwent a $46.5 million building renovation in 2014-2015 season, the first major improvements since the building opened in 1968. With more than 500 performances in 20152016, the Alley will produce more performances than all other performing arts organizations in the Houston Theater District combined.

TUTS Bonnie & Clyde Cast Revealed (HOUSTON) – You have been warned: the infamous bank-robbing lovers are on their way to Houston, accompanied by an electrifying cast! TUTS Underground is thrilled to present Bonnie & Clyde, the story of two small-town nobodies in West Texas who became America’s most renowned folk heroes and the Texas law enforcement’s worst nightmares. The show will run October 1 – 11 in Zilkha Hall at The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. When Bonnie and Clyde meet, their mutual cravings for excitement and fame immediately set them on a mission to chase their dreams. Their bold and reckless behavior turns the young lovers’ thrilling adventure into a downward spiral, putting themselves and their loved ones in trouble with the law. Forced to stay on the run, the lovers resort to robbery and murder to survive. As the infamous duo’s fame grows bigger, their inevitable end draws nearer. Starring as the bold, reckless lovers are Robert Hager as Clyde Barrow and Kathryn Porterfield as Bonnie Parker. Hager and Porterfield are joined by Drew Starlin as Buck Barrow, Clyde’s adventurous and troubled brother, and Courtney Markowitz as Blanche Barrow, Buck’s religious wife who disapproves of his wild lifestyle. Cumie Barrow, Clyde and Buck’s loving mother, is played by Susan Shofner and their father, Henry Barrow, is played by Curt Denham. Bonnie’s widowed mother, Emma Parker, is played by Susan Koozin. Adam Gibbs plays Ted Hinton, a police officer who struggles with his deep feelings for Bonnie and doing right by the law. Playing Governor Miriam Ferguson, the tough female governor of Texas, is Brooke Wilson. Scott

Fonseka and Ella DuCharme, both students at TUTS’ Humphreys School of Musical Theatre, star as Young Clyde and Young Bonnie. The rest of the cast is sure to thrill too: Colton Berry, Marco Camacho, Kevin Cooney, Casey Gilbert, Dylan Godwin, Nick Henderson, Miles Marmolejo, Savannah May and Robin Van Zandt. Creative team: Co-Directors Bruce Lumpkin and Marley Wisnoski, choreographer Dana Lewis, musical director Thom Culcasi, scenic designer Ryan McGettigan, lighting designer Christina R. Giannelli, costume designer Colleen Grady, hair and makeup designer Jeff Knaggs and sound designer Andrew Harper. Casting by Binder Casting/Jason Styres, CSA. Music is by legendary Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Don Black and book by Ivan Menchell. TUTS Underground’s production of Bonnie & Clyde is made possible by the generosity of Berg & Androphy and The Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation. United Airlines is the official airline of TUTS Underground. Special Post-Show Event: Law & Order Night– October 2 Join us for a free, post-show talkback with expert panelists including members of Houston’s law enforcement and moderated by nationally recognized criminal and civil plaintiff and defense attorney, Joel Androphy.

LONE STAR COLLEGE-TOMBALL TEAMS UP WITH RESEARCH PIONEER TO CONDUCT GROUNDBREAKING STUDY OF STUDENTS’ PERSEVERANCE Tomball, TX – Lone Star College-Tomball (LSC-Tomball) has partnered with Dr. Paul Stoltz, the leading authority on the science and method of measuring and strengthening GRIT. This fall the college will conduct the most comprehensive research study and implementation of GRIT conducted by any higher education institution to date. The study will aim to determine, among other things, to what extent a faculty member’s emphasis of GRIT in the classroom affects the improvement of a student’s success and performance. As defined by Dr. Stoltz, founder/CEO of PEAK Learning, GRIT is the “capacity to dig deep and do whatever it takes — even sacrifice, struggle, and suffer — to achieve [one’s] most worthy goals in the best ways.” The study coincides with LSC-Tomball’s GRIT-Growth-Greatness (G3) initiative. LSC-Tomball president Dr. Lee Ann Nutt said, “We believe this work could revolutionize methodologies aimed at student retention and completion. Through G3, we are establishing a framework that we are certain will lead to student success and completion on a scale we have not yet experienced in our college community.” Stoltz himself is the author of four international best-selling books on the subject of grit and resilience. He oversees a research agenda in 29 countries dedicated to exploring, expanding and advancing the applications of “Adversity Quotient” and GRIT to strengthen people and their organizations. He has been a guest lecturer at MIT, Cornell, and the Harvard Business School Executive Education program. Also involved in the study is Pearson Learning, an education publishing and assessment company committed to improving

learning through research. This study builds on work that began last year when LSC-Tomball started to explore the concepts of grit, as initially presented by psychologist Angela Duckworth, Ph.D, and ‘growth mindset’ as developed by Stanford researcher Dr. Carol Dweck. Dr. Nutt began introducing these ideas and concepts during the 2014 – 15 school year to the college community, including presenting a featured TEDx Talk in April. The college’s international community college honor society Phi Theta Kappa chapter adopted the concepts of grit and growth mindset, building their college project around those ideas. In the spring of 2015, their work on this topic contributed to their international recognition as the most distinguished Phi Theta Kappa chapter (out of 1,285 chapters globally). “LSC-Tomball will be the national leader on GRIT in higher education,” Dr. Nutt said. “This is an opportunity for our faculty, for our community, but most importantly, for our students.” Nutt continued to point out, “often community college students do not complete the goals they initially set for themselves because ‘life gets in the way’. If we can institute practices in the classroom that tap into underutilized perseverance and resilience.” “We are certain we can drastically increase the number of students sticking with it and completing their goals.” Dr. Stoltz agreed, “By encouraging GRIT in LSC-Tomball students, we can not only improve their classroom performance, but also their happiness, well-being, and success in general.” Data for the study will be collected during the fall semester and released in 2016.

Tickets: Online at TUTSUnderground.com Phone at (713) 558-TUTS (8887), outside the Houston area at (888) 558-3882 In person at the Theatre Under The Stars Box Office The Underground series is a new venture and legacy for TUTS, Houston’s premier nonprofit musical theatre company. TUTS Underground features productions that are edgy, captivating and occasionally a bit risqué.

SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL TO COME TO DOWNTOWN CONROE Conroe, TX – A unique event will make its premiere debut in Downtown Conroe this November. The Conroe Downtown Area Association (CDAA) is excited to bring a live performance of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors outdoors in two performances on November 7 free to the public and all participants. In addition to the live performance, the festival will include various monologues, ensembles, duet acting, a Sonnet Slam, musical performances from the Elizabethan Period, and participation by area merchants from the downtown area. The festival will span several blocks from Metcalf to Davis, and Thompson to Main with theatrical participants dressed in period costumes. Roaming vagabonds, beggars, town criers, and paupers will banter for your attention alongside the street vendors and theatrical stages placed throughout the downtown district. The Crighton Players are working diligently to increase theatrical exposure to local secondary schools students, colleges, and performance organizations to join in the premiere event with entertainment for everyone. Students will all have the opportunity to develop their skills and share their talents with other artists in a fun atmosphere without fear of being on stage. “As a member of the Conroe Downtown Area Association, we are excited to combine the theatrical entertainment while still promoting the merchants in downtown Conroe”, said Rodney Pool, owner of The Corner Pub. “This is a premiere event that will involve local talent, students, merchants, and businesses to come together in a family fun event.” Open auditions for Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” directed by Guest Director, Sean K. Thompson, will be Sunday, September 13 and Monday, September 14 at The Owen Theatre from 7:00-9:00pm. Auditions are open to the public and will be performed outdoors in the staged pavilion at Founder’s Park next to The Owen Theatre. Interested candidates must bring a headshot, resume, and be prepared to cold read from the script. No previous

PUBLIC NEWS

experience is necessary. Monologues from any play is acceptable (not necessarily Shakespeare) to perform for the audition. Those auditioning are encouraged to demonstrate any additional talents at the audition-singing, musical instruments, juggling, gymnastics, dancing, and impersonations relevant to the Elizabethan era. Local theatrical and musical participants do not have to be currently involved in any formal organization. The public is encouraged to participate as a group or an individual to perform as a duet or ensemble acting, perform a monologue, a Sonnet Slam, an instrumental performance, or a choral performance. All local talent is welcome to apply ! All performers must dress in period costume and submit the Participation Application by Friday. October 2 to ConroeShakespeare@gmail.com. There is no cost involved to participate. Volunteers will read many of Shakespeare’s Sonnets throughout the day in various locations throughout the downtown area and you may even see local merchants break out in song or a monologue! “I’m looking forward to seeing the Crighton Players, Stage Right, and all the young actors from participating schools bring the work of William Shakespeare to life in Downtown Conroe”, said Carole Lamont, Chair of the Shakespeare Committee and theatrical productions for the Crighton Players. “It’s a privilege to work with guest Director Sean K. Thompson to produce “ The Comedy of Errors” as our main performance of the festival”. Vendors (Street Vendors) are welcome to participate with food and homemade items to sell to the public. Booths are $25. Applications are available at Conroe Coffee. Learn more about Conroe Downtown Area Association by visiting their Facebook page www.Facebook.com/ExperienceDowntownConroe or visiting their website at www.ExperienceDowntownConroe.com

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

Send us your events for inclusion in our Events Calendar events@publicnewsonline.com Barn Technopoetry From The Nightshade Lexicon – Lacey Schmidt (paired with LaPlace Tiger) 9/24 at 6pm, 9/25 at 7:30pm - Super Happy Fun Land The Kid – David Scott Heck 9/27 at 3pm Super Happy Fun Land The Pretty One (and other things that need to be said) - Cameryn Moore 9/24 at 7:30pm, 9/26 at 9pm - Frenetic Theater The Speak Up Project – Victoria Comesañas 9/24 at 9pm, 9/27 at 4:30pm - Super Happy Fun Land Trigger Happy: a love story – Julie Moore (paired with history of a happy hemaphrodite part 1) 9/25 at 9pm, 9/27 at 6pm - Super Happy Fun Land Within - Dimensions Contemporary Ballet 9/25 at 6pm, 9/26 at 3pm - The Barn W.K. – Gale Theatre Co. 9/24 at 10:30pm, 9/25 at 6pm - Frenetic Theater

FUN & FITNESS HOUSTON FRINGE FESTIVAL

THIS WEEK & BEYOND FESTIVALS Houston Fringe Festival September 23 -27, 2015 The 2015 Houston Fringe Festival is a fiveday performance feast celebrating the finest in fringe art-making. The festival will take

place at multiple locations, including Frenetic Theater, the Barn, and Super Happy Fun Land, all of which are in the heart of Houston’s artcentric East End. The 2015 Houston Fringe Festival will feature original works in theatre, film, dance, music, performance art and visual art through 20 engaging shows. This year’s lineup features a strong cast of Fringe veterans alongside visionary newcomers working in variety of disciplines ranging

Moore oore Tim Ti e R & L BOOKS $3 WATCH BATTERY WITH AD

202 MAIN ST OLD TOWN SPRING

281-528-5400 Mon-Sat 10-6

www.mooretime.net

COLLECTIBLE BOOKS VINYL RECORDS APPRAISALS

209-A Midway Old Town Spring, TX 77373 behind the Funnel Cake Place

281-690-7816 Pre-plan Funeral Insurance “Helping You Plan your Funeral in Advance with a Commitment to Caring”

“Caring For Those Who Cared For Us”

Rudy Trevino

(956) 569-0983

www.rudytrevino.com Covering the State of Texas

An Independent Agent Representing Homesteaders Life Company

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

PUBLIC NEWS

from thought-provoking one-woman shows and mind-bending performance art pieces, to dramatic theater and visionary contemporary dance. Other featured genres include aerial dance, spoken word, experimental music, and improv theater. Each Fringe show has been curated to ensure a high-quality theatrical experience. Each work is between 15 minutes and 1 hour in length. Shows that are less than 1 hour will be paired with shorter works so that each ticket ensures a full slot of fringey art. Schedule of Events An Unimportant Failure - TETHER theatre/ dance: 9/25 at 9 pm, 9/26 at 1:30 pm - The Barn Blurred Lines – Mobley & Mullone (paired with Juxtaposition): 9/24 at 9 pm, 9/25 at 7:30 pm - Frenetic Theater Cirque Fe Noir - Feline Noir / Royal Rumble – Its BeJermaine Suga and The Minx 9/25 at 10:30pm, 9/27 at 6pm - Frenetic Theater Fault Line – Perpetual Motion 9/26 at 7:30pm, 9/27 at 4:30pm - Frenetic Theater History of happy hermaphrodite: part 1 Koomah (paired with Trigger Happy) 9/25 at 9pm, 9/27 at 6pm - Super Happy Fun Land Integration – Jaime Fruge 9/24 at 9pm, 9/27 at 6pm - The Barn Juxtaposition - Kelly Switzer, George Heathco, Shanon Adams, and Daniel Adame (paired with Mobley/Mullone) 9/24 at 9pm, 9/25 at 7:30pm - Frenetic Theater Laplace Tiger – Brandon Bell (paired with Technopoetry From The Nightshade Lexicon) 9/24 at 6pm, 9/25 at 7:30pm - Super Happy Fun Land ONBEINGS – Verge Dance Company 9/25 at 7:30pm, 9/26 at 12pm - The Barn Raised By Gays And Turned Out OK! – Elizabeth Collins 9/24 at 7:30pm, 9/25 at 10:30pm - Super Happy Fun Land Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Save The World!: A Maladjusted All-Star Comedy Disaster – The Hideout Theatre 9/25 at 9pm, 9/26 at 6pm Frenetic Theater Sparkle Noir - Jhon Stronks 9/24 at 10:30pm, 9/25 at 10:30pm - The Barn Stuck between a rug and a hard place - Laura Harrell 9/24 at 7:30pm, 9/27 at 4:30pm - The

Run Houston! Sunday, September 27, 2015 Universisty of Houston Run Houston! University of Houston is a running event that includes race distances for athletes of all skill levels. As with all events in the Run Houston! Race Series, this is a family-friendly event that includes 5k and 10k races as well as a kids 1k race. The course weaves through the scenic and iconic University of Houston main campus with an over-the-top start and one of the best post races in town. Join us for the inaugural event on September, 27 2015 and take part in what’s sure to become a Houston classic!

STAGES AD Players Present12 Angry Men September 2 – 27, 2015 AD Players Theater 2710 W. Alabama St. Houston, TX 77098 Murder, courtroom drama, prejudice. A courtroom rests as the jury ponders the fate of a young Hispanic male accused of murdering his own father. What begins as an open and shut case of murder soon becomes a deliberation of prejudices and preconceptions about the trial, the accused, and each other. Nominated for numerous awards, this nailbiting drama asks all the right questions that ultimately we must ask ourselves. TUTS’ Humphreys School of Musical Theatre presents Rent September 18-19, 2015 Hobby Center for the Performing Arts Zilkha Hall 800 Bagby St., Houston, TX 77002 Based loosely on Puccini’s La Boheme, Jonathan Larson’s Rent follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create music in New York’s Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. The physical and emotional complications of the disease pervade the lives of Roger, Mimi, Tom and Angel. Maureen deals with her chronic infidelity through performance art; her partner, Joanne, wonders if their relationship is worth the trouble. Benny has sold out his Bohemian ideals in exchange for a hefty income and is on the outs with his former friends. Mark, an aspiring filmmaker, feels like an outsider to life in general. How these young bohemians negotiate their dreams, loves and conflicts

provides the narrative thread to this groundbreaking musical. Rent will mark the 12th production of TUTS’ Summer Conservatory Program. This program at HSMT strives to bring Houston’s finest musical theatre talent ages 13-18 together once a year to rehearse and present a fully staged production. These students enhance their musical theatre training through their interactions with TUTS’ Artistic Team, directors, choreographers and musical directors. Tickets start at $24, and can be purchased online: TUTS.COM/RENT, or by phone at 713.558.TUTS Dan Pastorini Charity presents Bum Phillips All-American Opera September 24, 2015 7pm 10505 Cash Road Stafford, TX 77477 To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the legendary Bum Phillips’ first year as head coach of the Houston Oilers, Dan Pastorini Charity will present an exclusive, one-night-only performance of Bum Phillips All-American Opera. Proceeds from ticket sales will support the Bum Phillips Retreat, which hosts many events and activities including Heart Sign Camp, a summer camp for deaf children. The opera premiered in New York at the Ellen Stewart Theater and chronicles the ‘70s icon O.A. “Bum” Phillips’ time as head coach of the Houston Oilers, utilizing the autobiography, Bum Phillips: Cowboy, Coach, Christian. The performance will be preceded by a cocktail reception and followed by a live on-stage Q&A with notable “Luv Ya Blue” players such as Earl Campbell, Robert Brazile, Curley Culp, Elvin Bethea, Carl Mauck, Billy “White Shoes” Johnson, Mike Barber, Kenny Burrough Andy Dorris, Greg Bingham, Vernon Perry and Mike Renfro. Tickets for this exclusive event is $500. Actor’s Gem Productions presents Celebrity Mystery Theater Second Saturday of the month 6:45pm The Spaghetti Warehouse 901 Commerce St., Houston, TX 77002 Imagine yourself enjoying dinner, socializing with friends, having a few drinks . . . when suddenly a murder is committed. Let the wacky antics of two famous detectives, never seen together before anywhere, amuse you as they solve the crime. Who did it? Was it Fran Drescher, Marilyn Monroe, Cher, Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor, Rocky Balboa, Bill Clinton, Joan Crawford or was it you?

Admission is $55 and includes a three-course meal, dinner show, soft drinks and gratuity. Reservations are required. For more information call 713-305-8117 or visit them on the web at www.celebritymysterytheater.com/ TUTS Presents Matilda the Musical October 6 - 18, 2015 The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts TIME Magazine’s #1 Show of the Year, Matilda The Musical, is coming to Houston as part of Theatre Under The Stars’ 2015/16 season. Produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Dodgers, the first national tour of Matilda The Musical will be coming to The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts October 6 – 18. The three girls sharing the title role are Gabby Gutierrez, Mia Sinclair Jenness, and Mabel Tyler. The principal cast also features Jennifer Blood (Miss Honey), Quinn Mattfeld (Mr. Wormwood), Bryce Ryness (Miss Trunchbull) and Cassie Silva (Mrs. Wormwood). Winner of 50 international awards including 4 Tony Awards® and a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards® including Best Musical, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary girl who dreams of a better life. Armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, Matilda dares to take a stand and change her destiny. Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, Matilda The Musical is directed by Tony Award® winner Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage), who helms this production with a book by Tony Award®-winning playwright Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin. The production has sets and costumes by Tony Award® winner Rob Howell, with choreography by Tony Award® winner Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Tony Award® winner Hugh Vanstone, and sound by Simon Baker. TUTS will offer several special events and add-on packages in conjunction with the show to make for an unforgettable musical experience: Matilda Sundance Film Screening – Monday, September 28 at 7 PM Kids Night On Broadway – Wednesday, October 7 OUT@TUTS post-show cast party - Thursday, October 8 Matilda Add-On Package – Thursday, Octo-

RENT ber 15 performance ONLY For more event information, visit TUTS.com/ events. Tickets start at $30 Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) presents A Christmas Story The Musical December 8 - 20, 2015 The Hobby Center for Performing Arts Sarofim Hall (800 Bagby St., Houston, TX, 77002) Prepare yourself for a red-blooded, twofisted, all-American Christmas in the holiday show heralded by the Associated Press as “a charming triumph infused with utter joy.” In this clever musical adaptation of the 1983 film comedy, we follow the childhood dreams and schemes of little Ralphie, whose heart is set on getting one thing and one thing only for Christmas – the official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle. Along the way, we discover the stuff of pink nightmares (think bunny suit), the power of fishnet-clad lamps (careful, it’s fra-GEE-lay), and the wintry hazards of sticking a warm tongue to a cold metal pole. With its timeless scenes, quirky innocence and nostalgic warmth, this musical trip down memory lane will leave the whole family bright-eyed and

buoyant. It’s far and away the most fun you’ll have this holiday season! TUTS’ production of A Christmas Story The Musical is made possible by the generosity of Ballard Exploration Company, Inc. TUTS’ 2015/16 season is generously sponsored by CHI St. Luke’s Health. For all shows, air transportation is provided by United Airlines, the official airline of TUTS. Media sponsors include ABC-13 and Houston Chronicle. Season support is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Theater District Association, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Texas Commission on the Arts. Tickets start at $30. Check TUTS Online at www.tuts.com, or phone them at 713.558.TUTS

ARTS Woodlands Art League presents Figures 180 opening reception On Display Through September 30, 2015 continued on page 10

COVERING A RAINBOW OF IDEAS AND NEWS ITEMS WHILE REACHING MORE PEOPLE EACH ISSUE

PUBLIC NEWS

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

ASK JODY

DEALING WITH BEING A KID TAXI & THE PROBLEM DRUNK HUSBAND by Jody Reed

jody.reed@publicnewsonline.com

Dear Jody, Now that school has begun, my kids’ activities are driving me nuts! Literally...I am driving kids everywhere...I feel like I live in my minivan. We drive through drive-throughs and eat dinner on the way to this and that. I have a fourteen year old that takes piano lessons and dance, a twelve year old that is in competitive gymnastics, a ten year old that just started cheer even though she has been playing soccer for a long time and probably will Jody Reed continue that as well, and a three year old who is keeping the noise level up pretty high in the minivan. I am going to go crazy if something doesn’t give. What do I do? --Frazzled Chauffeur in The Woodlands Dear Frazzled, Wow, it sounds likes you need some time for yourself! As much as you love your children and are investing in their lives, you may want to consider slowing everyone down. Family cohesiveness is just as (or more) important than shuttling everyone to their various activities. Children are not going to be deprived if you cut back on their activities. They may, however, feel deprived in the long run if you don’t have some good quality family time. Having a sitdown dinner with the whole family and sharing highs and lows of the day with each other is a relaxing way to spend special bonding time as a family. Relationships with your children and their sibling relationships can be strengthened. Being so busy not only takes its toll on you, but it will likely negatively affect your children. If you want to compromise and not take away all activities, you can have each child choose one

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

activity to focus on. Strive to eat a sit-down meal together as a family at least three times a week. I’ll bet that you and your family will breathe much better...breathe in, breathe out! --Jody Dear Jody, My husband just recently got a DWI. He has always been the kind of guy to have a couple of beers to unwind, but I never thought of him as being drunk. He used to get really relaxed with just a couple, but now he tends to drink more on most nights. He was out with some friends and must have had too many when he decided to drive home. Luckily no one was hurt. I don’t even know what to do. It seems like he has turned into an alcoholic. It’s so embarrassing. I love him, and I want to see him get help, but he doesn’t think he has a problem. How do I convince him that he needs some sort of treatment? --Married to a Guy Who Loves to Drink Dear Married, Obviously it is more than an embarrassing situation...it is highly dangerous. I don’t need to tell you how many people have been killed due to drinking and driving. And alcoholism is a disease that affects the person going through it as well as affecting everyone else around. Your husband most certainly does need help, even if he doesn’t realize it yet. Denial is common with people dealing with alcoholism. There are support groups for people who have a loved one with alcoholism. You can attend an Al-Anon group meeting, which are located in multiple locations throughout the Houston area. Being in a group of people going through similar issues with loved ones can be informative and helpful to you. You can find more info at www.houstonalanon.org. Hopefully your husband will get the help he needs. It may take the thought of losing you to jumpstart his decision! --Jody

PUBLIC NEWS

BLACK PANTHER AT FRESH ARTS continued from page 9 Woodlands Art League Gallery 25136 Grogans Park Dr. The Woodlands, TX 77380 Woodlands Art League presents Figures 180. One figure, 10 points of view is the concept of this show. For the first time ever, Woodlands Art League brings 180 degree human figure studies to the public. Each subject is shown from the viewpoint of each of the 10 participating artists, showcasing the individual artist’s style and vision while presenting a full 180 degree study of the model. Following the opening reception, the exhibit will be on display through September 30. Admission is free Cultured Cocktails with “Black Panther Party Power” by Phillip Pyle II Thurs., September 17, 2015, 6 - 8pm Fresh Arts 307 Fairview St. near the corner of Taft St. Please join us for drinks and conversation at Boheme Cafe & Wine Bar on Thursday, September 17th, when a portion of the proceeds from all drink sales during the 5:00PM -7:00PM happy hour will go to support “Black Panther Party Power”, a Fresh Arts exhibition by artist Phillip Pyle II. So enjoy a drink or two, meet the artist, and take-in Boheme’s bohemian atmosphere! The proceeds from the evening will support the orga-

nization so don’t be shy, raise a glass (or three) while raising funds for Phillip Pyle! For more info visit: https://www.fresharts.org/ events/cultured-cocktails-black-panther-powerparty Cultured Cocktails with FMW | fablab Thursday, September 24, 2015, 6 - 8pm Fresh Arts 307 Fairview St. near the corner of Taft St. Please join us for drinks and conversation at Boheme Cafe & Wine Bar on Thursday, September 24th, when a portion of the proceeds from all drink sales during the 5:00PM -7:00PM happy hour will go to support FMW | Fablab. So enjoy a drink or two, meet the FMZ | Fablab team, and take-in Boheme’s bohemian atmosphere! The proceeds from the evening will support the organization so don’t be shy, raise a glass (or three) while raising funds for FMW | Fablab! For more info visit: https://www.fresharts.org/ node/29137 “Black Panther Party Power” A new exhibition by Phillip Pyle, II On view September 25, 2015- November 6, 2015 Opening reception: Friday, September 25, 2015 Fresh Arts presents “Black Panther Party Power,” an exhibition by Houston-based artist Phillip Pyle, II., Pyle will present a collection of original images that recast some of the most recognizable and outspoken activists of the Black Panther Party as superheroes. At its inception, the Black Panther Party’s core practice was to arm citizen patrols to monitor the behavior of police officers and challenge police brutality in Oakland, California. In 1969, community social programs became a central activity of party members. The Black Panther Party instituted a variety of community social programs, most extensively the Free Breakfast for Children Programs, and community health clinics. Federal Bureau of Investigation director J. Edgar Hoover called the party “the greatest threat to the internal security of the country,” and he supervised a comprehensive program (COINTELPRO) of surveillance, infiltration, perjury, police

ONGOING EVENTS ARTS Conroe Art League Every Monday 9:30am-12:30pm Every Tuesday 6pm-9pm Every Wednesday 1pm The Wonders of Watercolor Classes with Carrie Allbritton! Carrie discounts that old saying that watercolor is the hardest media and unforgiving, believing instead that when you understand the paints and what they do on paper, you will find it fun, rewarding and very forgiving. Ongoing watercolor classes every Monday from 9:30am - 12:30pm AND every Tuesday from 6:00pm - 9:00pm at the Conroe Art League Gallery. Contact Carrie directly at: carrieallbritton@gmail. com or 936-444-7303 Cost: $25 per class (payable a month in advance)

harassment and many other tactics designed to undermine Panther leadership and incriminate party members in an effort to discredit, criminalize and drain the organization of resources and manpower. In an attempt to reimagine the history of AfricanAmerican people in the United States, Pyle will represent these vilified historical figures of the Black Panther movement in their new fantastic roles. The public is invited to a free opening reception beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25,2015, at Fresh Arts, 2101 Winter Street, Studio B11, Houston, TX, 77007. Free parking is available. PUBLIC PROGRAMS: Cultured Cocktails benefiting “Black Panther Party Power” Thursday, September 17, 2015, 5-7 p.m. Boheme Cafe and Wine Bar, 307 Fairview St, Houston, TX 77006 Artist reception: Friday, September 25, 2015, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Fresh Arts, Winter Street Studios, B11, 2101 Winter Street, Houston, TX 77007

TALKS/SPEECHES Goodbye Mexico September 24, 2015 7pm General Academic Center Rm 102 LSC-Montgomery Lone Star College-Montgomery and the Montgomery County Literary Art Council’s Writers in Performance series invites the public to attend readings of GoodBye Mexico: Poems of Remembrance on Thursday, September 24, at 7 p.m. in the General Academic Center (building G), room 102, at Lone Star College-Montgomery. This free event includes readings by poet laureates and national award-winning writers including Jerry Bradley, Randall Watson, Germaine Welch, Loueva Smith, Elizabeth Humber, and Melissa Studdard. This 70-page anthology, often called ‘a love song to Mexico,’ gathers the strong voices of accomplished poets reaching into and beyond nostalgia to remember, honor, and document their

experiences of Mexico and the vibrant border areas before the ravages of narco-violence. Writers in Performance is a reading program dedicated to bringing the most distinguished minds and their bright visions to the citizens of Montgomery County through thought-provoking literature and cultural diversity. The series’ events are made possible by the partnerships between Lone Star College-Montgomery, SWIRL Literary & Arts Journal, Conroe Commission on Arts & Culture, and the Montgomery County Literary Arts Council.

FILM Classic Movie Morning Friday, September 18, 2015 10am Barbara Bush Branch Library 6817 Cypresswood Drive in Spring. Come and watch a movie from the “good old days”. This particular film from 1946 stars John Garfield and Lana Turner Due to licensing restrictions we are not able to promote the title of the movies. Call 281-3764610 for the title. Bring a friend and enjoy a classic film. Classic Movies are held twice a month, in the Earl Elliott Room, on the first and third Fridays. The Barbara Bush Branch Library’s address is 6817 Cypresswood Drive in Spring.

BOOK CLUBS The Afternoon Book Club Book Clubs at the Barbara Bush Branch Library September 24/25, 2015 2pm/2:30pm 6817 Cypresswood Drive, Spring The Afternoon Book Club will discuss The Presidents Club: Inside the World’s Most Exclusive Fraternity by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy on Thursday, September 24 at 2:00 PM. This program will be repeated on Friday September 25 at 2:30 PM. Please feel free to attend either session. As part of The Gulf Coast Reads, the October selection is The Promise by Ann Weisgarber. continued on page 12

Conroe Art League Every Tuesday 1pm-3:30pm Oil Painting Classes w/Gary Hernandez Each student works at his/her own pace in a creative and pleasant atmosphere. The students will learn the tools and materials of oil painting. New students will be painting a new painting at the first session. You will copy master paintings as a pathway to creating your own style of painting. You will learn.... -How to use a grid to quickly layout the painting. -How to select the right palette. -How to select and mix colors. -How to select the right paint brushes -How to apply color theory and use the color wheel. -How to pick the right canvas and how to coat a canvas. -How to varnish a painting. -How to paint in Grisaille These are only a few of the tips I will teach you to create successful paintings and more importantly have an enjoyable painting experience. Ongoing classes every Tuesday from 1:00pm 3:30pm at the Conroe Art League Gallery- 127 Simonton St. - Conroe, TX 77301 Contact Gary Hernandez directly to sign up: 713569-9209 or garyhernandezstudio@yahoo.com Cost: $35/per class paid in advance monthly. Conroe Art League First Thursday of the month 11am-5pm Photography Learning Center w/Ed Gorman The Photography Learning Center is back at the Conroe Art Gallery!! If you have questions about photography or how to use your camera, whether it’s a DSLR, SLR, film, cell phone, iPad, etc., then come to the Conroe Art Gallery on the first Thursday of each month from 11am - 5pm. The Conroe Art Gallery is at 127 Simonton St., Conroe, TX 77301. Ed will show you how to work your camera and take better photographs. Contact Ed Gorman: edgorman1973@gmail.com or call 936-443-3487 for more information. Conroe Art League First and Third Thursday 1pm-3:30pm Figure Drawing Group Classes are at the Conroe Art League Gallery 127 Simonton St. Conroe, TX 77301 Live Model, All Skill Levels Welcome! For more information contact: Darby Kachmar darbykachmar@me.com 936-228-5126 or Marilyn Lowry mlowry3@comcast.net or 936-447-1579 Fee is $10 per session, no reservation necessary

PUBLIC NEWS

Conroe Art League Every Thursday 2pm-4:30pm Painting with Pastels This is an ongoing weekly course, beginning February 5, 2015. The class meets every Thursday from 2:00pm - 4:30pm in the upstairs classroom at the Conroe Art League Gallery - 127 Simonton St. - Conroe, TX 77301. Painting in pastels is quick, easy, colorful, beautiful, very portable - and FUN! Handled correctly, pastels will last many lifetimes and their pure colors never fade, crack, or peel. No stress and no pressure here to paint a masterpiece. You’ll learn how to turn “happy accidents” into a part of your painting, or erase it - pastels are very forgiving. Everyone will hjave a chance to experiment with different techniques and materials, and you’ll develop your own unique style over time. For those who are new to art, you’ll learn the basics of drawing and painting. For more experienced artists who are new to pastels, you’ll learn the characteristics and techniques that are unique to pastels. At the end of each class, you’ll have a finished or nearly-finished painting to take home, ready for framing. Each student is encouraged to learn at their own pace. You are welcomed to do a class-based painting from reference photos provided by the instructor, or bring in your own reference materials to use. We may also paint from life, or go outdoors to paint as the weather permits. During this ongoing course, you will: -Improve your drawing skills, including proportions and perspective. -Learn how to see and paint values, types of underpaintings, both wet and dry. -Create different effects using hard vs. soft pastels. -Layer and blend pastels to get exactly the color you want. -Develop and use a portable pastel kit for outdoor painting and travel. -Know how to paint trees, clouds and water. -Learn how to paint and draw from life and en plein air (outdoors). There’s no pressure to develop a masterpiece or “do it right”. This class is all about having fun and discovering the artist in you. You’ll have lots of individual attention from the instructor with helpful feedback so your paintings keep getting better. Your supply list has options to fit a budget, and everyone is welcomed to register and join us any time. Please contact the instructor, Kathy Fediw, at Kathy@jfaconsultingbiz.com or call her business number at 281-687-6966, if you have any questions and for a list of materials. Cost: $30.00 per class, payable at the first of each month or at the beginning of each session. Instructor: Kathy Fediw, LEED AP ID+C, CLP, CLT

EDUCATION Barbara Bush Branch Library Ongoing [call for class dates & times] Ongoing Computer Classes Dave Smith, computer instructor, will be teaching seven different computer classes at the Barbara Bush Branch Library in March 2015. The classes are Computer Basics, Introduction to the Internet, Email, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and MS Publisher. He also teaches additional classes which are offered at various times throughout the year, including Digital Photography and Smartphone Tips. Please call for the dates and times of the classes continued on page 15

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

LEGAL EASE

NEW LAWS IN TEXAS

September 1st was the start date for these... by Matt DeLuca matt@mattdelucalaw.com On September 1, 2015, several new Texas laws went into effect. But most Texans simply don’t hear about them. Here are a few I found particularly interesting. Ignition Interlock A person who is convicted of a first offense DWI could lose his or her driver’s license for up to a year. And it goes without saying that most people depend on the ability to drive to fulfill daily responsibilities. But in large cities like Houston and rural areas alike, public transportation Matt DeLuca simply isn’t a viable option. So a new law allows for someone whose driver’s license has been suspended because of a DWI to obtain a restricted license during the period of suspension on the condition that the person install an ignition interlock device in the vehicle. This device requires a driver to provide a breath test before starting the vehicle and typically shuts the vehicle down if a driver registers the presence of alcohol. Synthetic Marijuana Texas lawmakers have been fighting to ban synthetic marijuana for several years now. In 2011, legislation outlawed five types of synthetic marijuana. But lawmakers soon discovered that when one chemical combination was banned, creators of the drug would slightly alter the ingredients to skirt the law. Now a new law will ban 1,000 chemical combinations used to create the synthetic drug, in an effort to completely wipe out the synthetic drug. Grand Jury Grand juries in Texas are responsible for

determining whether felony cases have merit to proceed to jury trial. Their ability to be fair and impartial is crucial. Yet for years, judges were essentially allowed to pick who served on the grand juries, by appointing whomever they wanted as commissioners, who then chose the grand juries. Not anymore. A new law requires judges to pick grand juries through entirely random selection. Hopefully this results in fewer situations like that in Waco, where a detective was handpicked as foreman of a grand jury to potentially preside over the Twin Peaks biker shootout. DNA Testing Perhaps no new laws are more important, in my opinion, than those which help to free wrongfully convicted and imprisoned Texans. DNA testing has exonerated 52 innocent Texans who were convicted of crimes they did not commit. And a new law will further strengthen access to DNA testing in similar post-conviction cases. Under previous law, those seeking DNA testing had to prove that the evidence actually had biological material on it before it could be tested. This was an impossible feat in cases of saliva and skin cells, which contain DNA but could be invisible to the naked eye. The new law allows courts to grant post-conviction DNA testing on crime scene evidence that has a reasonable likelihood of containing biological material. Gift Cards And lastly – file this under strange and unnecessary – a new law will go into effect that allows you to cash in gift cards with a balance of less than $2.50. So dig through those wallets, purses, and desk drawers – you could be sitting on a very, very small fortune. Please let me know if you have thoughts or questions about these new laws or any other legal situation. Feel free to e-mail me at matt@mattdelucalaw.com.

Aggressive Criminal Defense The Law Office of Matt DeLuca $40 OFF your client’s choice of any Pillar To Post Home Inspection Package! Call me to book an inspection now - (832) 412-8495 Pillar To Post offers a great home inspection experience for you and your clients, as well as our best-in-the-business report delivered on site upon completion of the inspection.

Houston Office 712 Main St. #2450 Houston, TX 77002

(713) 429-4400 www.mattdelucalaw.com

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

DALE HALL

TREC License #21144 26948 Carriage Manor Kingwood, TX 77339 (832) 412-8495

Now your clients can choose from our exclusive Home Inspection Packages, including our Prestige Package, featuring our Healthy Home analysis. Take advantage of my $40 SAVINGS offer and discover the Pillar To Post difference. http://dalehall.pillartopost.com/

PUBLIC NEWS

Great Books Discussion Group Book Clubs at the Barbara Bush Branch Library September 21, 2015 7pm 6817 Cypresswood Drive, Spring Great Books Discussion Group will meet in the WCR Conference Room located on second floor of the Barbara Bush Branch Library at 6817 Cypresswood Drive in Spring. Title for September 21 is Alienated Labour by Karl Marx. Great Books meets on the third Monday of each month from 7:00-8:45 PM. Contact Ed Boran for more information - 281-353-1450.

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Young Professionals Next Level Speaker Series with Robert R. Asaf Thu, Sept. 3 11:30am - 1pm Conroe Chamber Of Commerce Office 505 West Davis Conroe, TX 77301 This event is free but registration required. This event is for Chamber members ages 21 to 39 only Lunch & Learn Workshop with Bruce May from Bizperity Thu, Sept. 17 11:30am - 1pm Conroe Chamber Of Commerce Office 505 West Davis Conroe, TX 77301 This event is free but registration required. This event is for Chamber members only Business After Hours Sam Houston State University Alumni Assoc. & Waterpoint Marina Thu, Sept. 17 5-7pm. Waterpoint Marina 15264 Hwy 105 Montgomery This event is free and for Conroe Chamber members only Marketing Lab by Bizperity Tue, Sept. 22 11:30am - 1pm Conroe Chamber Of Commerce Office 505 West Davis Conroe, TX 77301 This event is free but registration required. This event is for Chamber members only Membership Luncheon Thu, Sept. 24 11:30am-1pm Conroe Chamber Of Commerce Office 505 West Davis Conroe, TX 77301 Cost of this event is $15 in advance/$20 at door and registration required. This event is for Chamber members only Lobsterfest Golf at River Plantation Country Club Dinner at the Lone Star Convention

Center Thu, Oct. 1 Golf – 10 a.m. ; Dinner – 6 p.m. River Plantation Country Club 550 Country Club Dr. Conroe Lone Star Convention Center 9055 Airport Rd. Conroe Golf - $110 single/$440 team of four Dinner - $55 single/ $550 table of 10 *Sponsorships are available Explore: Making the Most of Your Membership Tue, Oct. 13 8:30-9:30am Conroe Chamber Of Commerce Office 505 West Davis Conroe, TX 77301 This event is free but registration required. This event is for Conroe Chamber members only Networking Breakfast Wed, Oct. 14 7:30-9am Cilantros Mexican Grill 12501 Canyon Falls Blvd. Willis Cost of this event is $10 in advance/$15 at door and registration required. This event is for Conroe Chamber members only Lunch & Learn Workshop with Bruce May from Bizperity Thu, Oct. 15 11:30am - 1pm Conroe Chamber Of Commerce Office 505 West Davis Conroe, TX 77301 This event is free but registration required. This event is for Conroe Chamber members only Business After Hours Thu, Oct. 15 5-7pm Venue TBA This event is free and for Conroe Chamber members only Marketing Lab by Bizperity Tue, Oct. 20 11:30am - 1pm Conroe Chamber Of Commerce Office 505 West Davis Conroe, TX 77301 This event is free but registration required. This event is for Conroe Chamber members only Membership Luncheon Teacher Appreciation Luncheon Thu, Oct. 22 11:30am - 1pm La Torretta Lake Resort 600 La Torretta Blvd Montgomery Cost of this event is $30 single/$300 table of 10 and registration required. Sponsorships are available

FIT BODY

WASHBOARD AB EXERCISES ... Five Methods To Create Them by Shanna Layne trainershanna@yahoo.com Everyone Wants a Lean, Tight & Toned Midsection, Right? Well if you are you still doing dozens of crunches in the hopes of getting flat, washboard abs – I have news for you! Traditional crunches are old news, so let’s take your ab routine to the next level with the following 5 Best Ab Exercises. The most effective ab exercises strengthen your core as a whole Shanna Layne –which helps prevent dreaded back pain, increases your agility and, of course, makes you look good. In your new ab routine the focus is on quality over quantity. A few concentrated movements are always more effective than dozen and dozens of old fashion crunches.

bell with both hands. Next, the arms should be swung from one side to another in a twisting motion, with each swing to a side counting as one repetition. Move slowly for a more challenging workout. MOUNTAIN CLIMBER

toward the opposite shoulder is a wonderful way increase the intensity even more. Place your hands wider than shoulder-width apart on the ground in a push-up position. Bring one knee to your chest and then back to the starting position, alternate each leg quickly.

3) Russian Twist: Nothing quite brings the burn like a properly done set of Russian Twists. By holding a medicine ball or dumbbell in your hands, the exercise becomes even more effective. Sit on the floor with knees bent like in a “sit-up” position. The feet should be kept together and slightly PLANK off the floor. Keep your torso straight and your 1) Plank: When performed correctly, a back off the ground at a 45 degree simple plank is one of the most effective ways to tighten your entire core. Proper form is key. angle. Hold a medicine ball or dumbKeep your back flat and your belly button pulled in toward your spine. Lie face down on mat resting on your forearms, palms flat on the floor. Push off the floor, raising up onto your toes and resting on your elbows. Keep your back flat, in a straight line from head to heels. Tilt your pelvis and contract your abdominals to prevent your rear end from sticking up in the air or sagging in the middle. 2) Mountain Climbers: This vigorous variation of a standard plank kicks the core tightening up a notch. Angling your knees

RUSSIAN TWIST

4) Knee Tucks: All too often I see people neglect their lower abs in favor of quicker, easier exercises. The fact is that our lower abs typically need the most work, so give them the attention that they need with these Knee Tucks. Start on your back, bend your knees with your feet on the floor and knees touching.

SIDE BRIDGE

lie on your right side. Place your right arm under your body and lift your upper body so that your right elbow is directly under your shoulder. Your left hand should be resting on your left hip. From this position, slowly raise your hips from the ground until a straight line is formed from your ankles to your shoulders. Hold the position for a moment, slowly return to the starting position, and repeat. Remember, even the best exercise routine in the world is fruitless if you throw away your results with sloppy eating. Keep your meals lean by avoiding processed carbs, packaged foods or fried items. Fill up on lean proteins and fresh vegetables and organic, seasonal fruit. That, my friend, is lean living!

KNEE TUCKS

Extend both arms overhead on either side of your ears, palms facing up. Exhale and bring your knees up towards your chest. Slowly lower your hips back down to start position. 5) Side Bridges: In yet another variation of the fantastic plank, Side Bridges are much more challenging that they appear at first glance. While the focus is mainly on your waist, due to the stabilizing nature of this exercise, you’re also working your entire core as a whole. Put your feet and legs together as you

PUBLIC NEWS

THE ONLY BAD WORKOUT IS THE ONE YOU DIDN’T DO 525 Sawdust Rd., Ste. 110 The Woodlands, TX 77380

(281) 777-4047

www.fitbodythewoodlands.com

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

WHERE LEADERS ARE MADE SUCCESSFULLY SPEAKING TOASTMASTERS

ON OCTOBER 29th ALL WILL BE REVEALED

DENNY’S RESTAURANT 20015 Interstate 45 Spring, TX

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS 7:15pm - 8:45pm GREAT SPEAKERS

EVERYONE IS WELCOME! NO COST TO VISIT RELAXED FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE

TO THE REPUBLIC

THE CHANGING FACE OF THE AMERICAN FAMILY commentary by Bart Pearston bart.pearston@publicnewsonline.com Recently I had written on the racial unrest and violent crime increases across this great country of ours, The cause that usually goes undiagnosed and under-reported is the lack of a stable home and/ or good parenting. It is hard to ignore the current trend.

Bart Pearston Pew found.

#AllLivesMatter period. 14

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

PUBLIC NEWS

The Pew Research Group has solid reports on just how dramatic this has been. Most people know them for their surveys on American opinions, but this was much more factbased and is confirmed by the US census. Sociologists disagree on the causes and their significance, so I will not attempt to analyze each. But here are some of the numbers

In 1960, 73% of American children under 18 lived in homes with two heterosexual, first marriage biological parents. 14% were in homes with a second marriage, 9% in single parent homes, and 4% in homes with neither biological parent. In 1980, the number of the first group had fallen 12 points to 61%, the second group had only increased to 16%, the single parent homes jumped ten points to 19% and the final group held at 4%. In 2000, the numbers were 51% (still just barely the majority), 15% (still little change) but single parent homes grew to 29% while the no parent home nudged to 5%.

www.publicnewsonline.com

In 2013, the first non census year, they reported only 46% in the first group, 15% in the remarried group still, but 34% (over 1/3rd) in the single parent, and still 5% in the no parent group. Without delving into the high divorce rate or single parent-by-choice issues, it is obvious that those who wish to believe “things are no different today than they were 50 years ago” are just wrong. The breakdowns for demographics by socioeconomic class, race, and geographic location are revealing. This was documented as far back as 1965 in the Moynihan Report for the Department of Labor detailing the negative effects primarily in the urban African-American population by the late NY Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan. I assume almost everyone is familiar with it. What is disturbing is that in spite of his clarion call for policy and planning that ignited LBJ’s “War on Poverty” things have actually gotten worse. According to the Urban Institute, they have “gotten worse not only for Blacks, but for Whites and Hispanics as well” in their new “The Moynihan Report Revisited.” Ron Haskins, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute, summarized the report this way, “We have scores of studies that show that kids that grow up in single-women-headed families don’t fare as well, are more likely to do poorly in school and to drop out of school, to be arrested, to become single parents themselves,” he said. “These factors reinforce the economic disadvantages that these kids face and impact the larger black community.” As divisive as most social issues like abortion, gay marriage, and gun rights can be, this one should be an issue we should be able to find uniform agreement on being addressed. The problem is, I don’t hear anyone addressing it.

continued from page 11

and to register. Each class meets for a single 2-hour session. As class size is limited to 12 people, pre-registration is required for each class. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration opens 30 days prior to the class. Please visit the website (www.hcpl.net) or call the library at 281-376-4610 for more information and to register for these classes. The classes are held in the Barbara Bush Library Friends Computer Lab at 6817 Cypresswood Drive in Spring. Baldwin Boettcher Library Ongoing English As A Second Language The Baldwin Boettcher Library Staff provides ESL classes for folks who want to learn to speak English or improve their English speaking skills. Our beginning classes are scheduled on Mondays, 6-7:30 pm; Fridays 1-3 pm; Our intermediate ESL classes are on Wednesdays, 6-7:30 pm and Thursdays, 1-3 pm; Our conversational English class is on Tuesdays 10-12 pm; Our advanced English class is on Tuesdays 4-5 pm. Call the library at 281-821-1320 for more information about the ESL classes. Barbara Bush Branch Library Every Thursday noon-1pm Yoga For Stress Relief Certified yoga instructor, Linda Popinksi, offers this free class every Thursday from 12:00-1:00 in the Earl Elliott Room at the Barbara Bush Branch Library, 6817 Cypresswood Drive in Spring. Both men and women are welcome. Bring your own yoga mat and a beach towel. Barbara Bush Branch Library Every Friday noon-2pm French Classes with Marie Come and learn French with Marie on Fridays from 12:00-2:00. The class is intermediate level and so some knowledge of French is required. No registration is necessary. The class will meet in the Robin Bush Room at the Barbara Bush Branch Library, 6817 Cypresswood Drive in Spring.

AREA TOURS Big Thicket Distilling Every Saturday noon, 2pm, 4pm Big Thicket Distilling Tours Big Thicket Distilling offer tours at 12, 2 and 4pm on Saturdays. $10 per person. Includes a distillery tour and tasting of our products. Make your reservation online at BigThicketDistilling.com Big Thicket Distillery’s telephone number is 936-666-1341 Conroe Art League By Appointment Conroe Art League 127 Simonton, Conroe TX 77301 The Conroe Art League invites all Montgomery County residents and friends to come in and see their award-winning artists and their masterpieces. They are located at 127 Simonton, Conroe 77301. Their gallery exhibit includes paintings, prints, sculptures, pottery, jewelry and much, much more. If you are wondering what to do for fun this summer, contact Kerry Conkling at kerryart127@gmail.com to arrange a guided tour of the 103 year old historic gallery for groups of from 5 – 25 people. Your free tour includes refreshments (coffee, afternoon tea or happy hour) and an artist demonstration. This would be great fun for couples or for a group of friends.

Southern Star Brewing Saturdays 2pm Southern Star Brewing Co. 1207 N. FM 3083 East Conroe, TX 77303 Southern Star Brewing Co invites everyone to come and enjoy a free tour of their brewery on Saturdays starting at around 2pm. The tour includes one free beer and there is no reservation or sign up required. Oh My Darling! Hot Dogs will be there to serve up some of the best artisan hot dogs around! Children are allowed at the brewery provided they are with a legal guardian. Unruly children will be asked to leave Due to health code, Dogs are not allowed inside the actual tasting room, but are allowed outside Absolutely no outside alcohol is permitted on brewery property Southern Star Tasting Room Hours Fridays 5pm - 9pm Saturdays noon - 6pm For more information on the tours or anything else regarding Southern Star Brewing call 936441-2739 or visit them on the web at www.souothernstarbrewing.com

GAMING Beginner HeroClix Sundays at 4:30pm Fat Ogre Games & Comics 525 Sawdust Rd, Spring TX, P: (281) 292-8444 HeroClix is a fun game that allows players to pit their favorite Heroes and Villains against each other in combat! Battle characters from multiple series, from Lord of the Rings to the Justice League! Who will reign victorious on the fields of battle? For beginners or casual players HeroClix Tournament Night Mondays at 7pm Fat Ogre Games & Comics 525 Sawdust Rd, Spring TX, P: (281) 292-8444 HeroClix is a fun game that allows players to pit their favorite Heroes and Villains against each other in combat! Battle characters from multiple series, from Lord of the Rings to the Justice League! Who will reign victorious on the fields of battle? For more experienced players, and competitive players Netrunner Meetup Night Mondays at 6pm Fat Ogre Games & Comics 525 Sawdust Rd, Spring TX, P: (281) 292-8444 Netrunner is an amazing living card game, with an amazing story and amazing game mechanics. Players compete using one of two decks they construct, either the Corporation or the Runner. In a Matrix style world, Runners jack into the computer system in order to hack into the Corporation’s systems in order to discover their secret agendas. Casual meetup night for players of all experience levels X-Wing Meetup Night Tuesdays at 6pm Fat Ogre Games & Comics 525 Sawdust Rd, Spring TX, P: (281) 292-8444 Star Wars X-Wing is a fun and innovative dogfighting game, in which you must defeat your opponents in space combat! Use ships from the Star Wars universe as you construct your custom squadrons, and fight for either the Empire or the Rebel Alliance! Casual meetup night for players of all experience levels Pokemon League Wednesdays 5pm - 8pm Space Cadets Collection Collection 27326 Robinson Road #117 Oak Ridge North,

Free and open to all. Learn to play, trade cards, have fun with friends and make new friends. Earn free League only Pokemon foil cards by playing 7 games (DS or card). On any given week we have 25-40 players aged from 6-40+ (yes we have moms and dads that play also :) World War Wednesday Wednesdays at 6pm Fat Ogre Games & Comics 525 Sawdust Rd, Spring TX, P: (281) 292-8444 This is a meet up for all our Historical themed miniatures games. Bolt Action, Flames of War, and Saga players rejoice! We have tables as well as beautiful terrain for players to use. It’s a great event for both beginners and veterans alike, and a great way to spend a Wednesday! Casual meetup night for players of all experience levels Magic Commander Night Wednesdays at 6pm Fat Ogre Games & Comics 525 Sawdust Rd, Spring TX, P: (281) 292-8444 Test your mettle in one of Magic the Gathering’s most popular multiplayer format! As one of the most fun and casual formats for Magic, Commander night is a blast! Players Construct a 100 card deck with no duplicates allowed, and play in a multi-man game leading to some crazy shenanigans. See you on the battlefield! Casual meetup night for players of all experience levels Warmachine and Hordes Meetup Night Thursdays at 6pm Fat Ogre Games & Comics 525 Sawdust Rd, Spring TX, P: (281) 292-8444 Warmachine and Hordes (commonly known as Warma/Hordes) is an awesome Miniatures game where players assume the role of a general leading their warriors into combat. Control amazing machines called Jacks or harness the wild power of powerful beasts and monsters to destroy your adversaries. Casual meetup night for players of all experience levels My Little Pony Collectable Card Game Thursdays All Day Space Cadets Collection Collection 27326 Robinson Road #117 Oak Ridge North Come learn how to play the My Little Pony collectible card game. Free event each week. Magic Draft Night Thursdays at 7pm Fat Ogre Games & Comics 525 Sawdust Rd, Spring TX, P: (281) 292-8444 Players purchase 3 booster packs from standard (depending on what the group votes to draft), and an additional 2 booster packs of any available expansion to add to the prize pool! Players then construct a 40 card deck from the contents of their draft to compete with, battling for prizes and glory! Fun event for players of all experience levels, and perfect for players to expand their collection For more Details go to: https://www.facebook.com/ events/340064569532538/ Friday Night Magic Fridays at 7pm Fat Ogre Games & Comics 525 Sawdust Rd, Spring TX, P: (281) 292-8444 Experience one of the most intense and fun Standard Magic tournaments in the area every Friday at Fat Ogre! Players bring a 60 card Standard legal deck to compete in a massive tournament! A fun night for players of all ages and experience levels, Friday Night Magic is your premier Magic event. Fun event for players of all experience levels

PUBLIC NEWS

For more Details go to: https://www.facebook.com/ events/510118335795397/ Warhammer Meetup Night Fridays at 6pm Fat Ogre Games & Comics 525 Sawdust Rd, Spring TX, P: (281) 292-8444 A fun meetup night for both Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40k players, Fat Ogre has an amazing community for Warhammer. A great night for players of all experience levels, new players can feel free to stop by and learn! Fun event for players of all experience levels Hero Clix Saturdays 3pm – 5pm Space Cadets Collection Collection 27326 Robinson Road #117 Oak Ridge North, TX 77385 Come on out and learn how to play Hero Clix. We are an official HeroClix tournament site , so come and enjoy the fun. We have added a full line of Hero Clix items. Marval Dice Masters League Saturdays 5pm – 8pm Space Cadets Collection Collection 27326 Robinson Road #117 Oak Ridge North, TX 77385 Learn how to play this exciting new game, which sold out all over the nation as soon as it was released. It is an inexpensive game to start , at around $15 for a starter and $1.00 for boosters. If you have ever played the dace game Quarriors, this will seem familiar to you, as it is created by the same company. Join us! Board Game Night Saturdays 5pm – 8pm Space Cadets Collection Collection 27326 Robinson Road #117 Oak Ridge North, TX 77385 Bring your favorite board or card game. Meet up with friends or make new ones while you are here! Please only bring all ages appropriate games. Monopoly anyone? We want everybody to be able to participate. Magic Modern Tournament Saturdays at 6pm Fat Ogre Games & Comics 525 Sawdust Rd, Spring TX, P: (281) 292-8444 A fun tournament for Magic the Gathering players to test their competitive skill with access to older and more powerful cards. Players bring a Modern legal deck comprised of 60 cards, and compete for prizes and glory! Players may use any Magic the Gathering card printed after 8th edition, with a few specific exceptions. Fun event for players of all experience levels For more Details go to: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1376049572715159/

SUPPORT GROUPS Free 2B Support Group Tuesdays, 6:45-8:30pm Faith Bible Church, The Woodlands FREE 2B is a faith-based codependency support group, where those facing relational difficulties can share their struggles and begin the process of restoring healthy balance in their lives. Free 2B is open to the public for individuals and couples 18 and older and is free to attend. For an information packet, email Scott at free2b@consolidated.net.

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

ART TALK

The Figure In 360 Degrees by Rosanne Friedman

A GROUP OF TEN REPRESENTATIONAL PAINTERS, ALL MEMBERS OF THE WOODLANDS ART LEAGUE, CAME TOGETHER AND PAINTED 180 DEGREES AROUND ONE MODEL IN DIFFERENT MEDIUMS AND TECHNIQUES. THEIR WORK AND MORE IS ON DISPLAY AT THE CURRENT HOME OF THE WOODLANDS ART LEAGUE- 25136 GROGANS PARK DRIVE, THE WOODLANDS, TX 77380

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

PUBLIC NEWS

www.publicnewsonline.com

ART TALK IN THE STUDIO WITH LIZ HILL Introducing the series: Art Talk in the Studio, I speak with Liz Hill, who is a working exhibiting artist that lives in The Woodlands. Liz is a popular teacher who gives workshops near and far. What is your influence? My biggest influences is attending the Los Angeles Art Center later called Art Center College of Design. When I went there the teachers/ instructors were all working professional artists. I got practical knowledge along with the aesthetic. Jon Leyendecker, a well known illustrator was a huge influence on my work. He wasn’t young when he taught me. My basic instruction was with illustrators not fine artists, my drawing ability goes back to them. Practical instructors, not theory. Then I attended the University of Houston for the fine art and received a in BA in painting. John Alexander was teaching at that time. They release me to go my direction, an experimental time late 70’s. I notice that you keep revitalizing your work, tell me about that. I get bored doing the same thing, I push boundaries and keep going further. I like to challenge myself.

the craft of the work. My training was in the late 60’s we didn’t have the visual input that we are constantly bombarded with now, so it gave a sense of history that we were carrying forth a sense of excellence in our work. We felt a sense of connection with the artists of recent history where we were carrying forth a craft that had an importance and a sense of connection with what had gone before. Mass production and over stimulation has made an environment that overwhelms so that more is more, and when I came around less was more. What is your work history? I was an interior designer for forty years. Do you think that influenced your work? Of course, with the pattern and textures and colors, the same elements apply. Do you have children? Yes, I have two daughters. Of course I watched them grow into lovely young women, and I dressed them and decorated their environments.

Do you think this has a relationship in what you create now? Yes and that’s that relationship of all women to each other. That doesn’t have time boundaries. I feel an immediate connection to my students in a nurturing, loving manner like I have had with my daughters. What is a concern of your work? One of the things that I do is set my work in a certain frame, the sense of history, the sense of time, in contrast to the immediacy of making this work I see it in an historical whole. I do this by collaging maps and newspaper and print that anchors it in this time frame. Parting Shot: Every artist spends a lot of time doing nothing before they do the actual work. But then it’s just a matter of just doing it. Then it’s a matter of what works and what doesn’t and you will never see what doesn’t!!

What was your latest media? Encaustics, I like that’s it’s embedded in the wax, it’s what the Egyptians did and it gives it an importance and dimension that it doesn’t have just on a piece of paper. Egyptians didn’t have glass, so it preserved images in wax. It hearkens back to the past and how the ancient people did their work so it’s a connection with the past. I like that it’s preserving the work in a way. How does the ancient and the contemporary contrast in your work? I love working from the model because of the spontaneity. I like to do the work in thirty minutes or less, more than than it loses the connection to the model. Later I may make additions but the main thrust of the work is what I’m seeing at the time, what I’m getting at the time from the model. My training seeks excellence and more from

PUBLIC NEWS

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

PHOTO ESSAY

ON STILL WATERS by Tom Darin Liskey

KIDS SHOULD BE OUT HAVING FUN PLAYING AND BEING A KID... NOT WORRYING ABOUT STAYING ALIVE LET’S KICK CANCER’S ASS.

SAVE THE DATE! Bentwater’s 3rd Annual Fine Art Festival Sunday, September 27, 2015 Yacht Club 10am-4pm The festival is for the professional and amateur alike that wants to showcase their work. Please join us for unique buys and one-of-a-kind displays Thank you to our partner

Entry is free, but you must RSVP to Rusty Pierce, rpierce@bentwaterclub.com, in order to gain access through the front gate 18

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

PUBLIC NEWS

www.publicnewsonline.com

PUBLIC NEWS

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

LIVE MUSIC GUIDE - MONTGOMERY COUNTY Sun Sept 27 8:30pm The Homestead Mon Sept 28 8:30pm Wounded Warriors Game On Sports Bar 1717 N. Fraiser Conroe 936-788-6209 www.gameonsportsandmusic.com Open Mic Every Wednesday at 8pm Fri Sept 18 9:30pm Summer Ashly Fri Sept 25 9:30pm Acoustic Tattoo Sat Sept 26 9:30pm Lyssa Warren Sat Oct 3 9:30pm Kuntree Klazz Fri Oct 9 9:30pm Corey Michael Band Fri Oct 16 9:30pm Storm Warning Sat Oct 17 9:30pm J.W.Lane Fri Oct 23 9:30pm Sundance Head Sat Oct 24 9:30pm Reggie Jamz and Band Fri Oct 30 9:30pm Legacy Sat oct 31 9:30pm Scooter Brown Band

Kat Daddy Bar 463 FM 1488, Conroe 936-273-9342 www.katdaddysbar.com Every Sunday 4pm Corey Micheal, Caleb & Friends

4 2 7

Papa’s On The Lake 9400 Hwy 105 W., Lake Conroe 936-447-2500 www.papasonthelake.com Sat Sept 19 8pm Snit Dog and Pony Show Sat Sept 26 8pm Big Noyzz Sat Oct 3 8pm Rhythm Bandits Sat Oct 10 8pm Heated Frenzy Red Brick Tavern 119 Simonton, Conroe 936-539-2000 www.theredbricktavern.com Every Sunday Gospel Sunday Brunch Mondays - Blue Monday with Charlie Parker no music scheduled for the rest of September

MAGNOLIA Bernhardt Winery 9043 County Road 204, Plantersville www.bernhardtwinery.com All Shows start one hour prior to sunset Shows are $10 - ages 18 and up

CONROE Backwoods Saloon 230 Lexington Ct., Conroe 936-273-0203 no website Open Mic every Thursday 8pm with Dan Scott & Friends

The Corner Pub N. Main St., Conroe 936-788-2390 2 302 www.thecornerpubinconroe.com Tuesday Open Mic with Jeremy Bankhead Wednesday Hippie Night with The Lankfords Brothers

Thurday FarLand jams with Adam McFarland Fri Sept 18 9pm Michael Martin Sat Sept 19 9pm Tyler Cannon Weds Sept 23 9pm Dan Smith Fri Sept 25 9pm Neil Austin Imber Band Weds Sept 30 9pm Dan Smith Sat Oct 3 9pm Kimberly McCarver Band Fri Oct 9 9pm Zach Walther Band Sat Oct 10 9pm Texas Johnny Boy Fri Oct 16 9pm Mike Amabile and Run Over Twice Fri Oct 23 9pm Hunter McKithan Sat Oct 24 9pm The Powell Brothers Fri Nov 13 9pm The Matchsellers

Dosey Doe Music Cafe 463 FM 1488, Conroe 936-321-2171 www.doseydoe.com Thurs Sept 17 8:30pm Paper Moon Shiners Fri Sept 18 8:30pm Guitar Shorty – Band Sat Sept 19 7:30pm Sat Mike Zito Band w/Curse & the Cure opening Mon Sept 21 8:30pm Sarah Kelly Music School Tue Sept 22 8:30pm Open Mic Night All Start Competition Wed Sept 23 8:30pm Cody Bryan Band Thur Sept 24 8:30pm Coco Montoya Fri Sept 25 8:30pm Ray Wylie Hubbard Sat Sept 26 8:30pm Wade Hayes

SCOTT BROWN & BLEU EDMONSON AT DOSEY DOE MUSIC CAFE

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

PUBLIC NEWS

www.publicnewsonline.com

Genuwine Tasting Room 6503 FM 1488 #401 Magnolia 832-934-2675 www.mygenuwine.com [no cover unless stated *] Thurs. Sept 17 Dustin Prinz Fri. Sept 18 Girl Friday * Sat. Sept 19 JP Kendrick Weds. Sept 23 Damon Thurs. Sept 24 Duane Dulane Fri. Sept 25 Keeton Coffman * Sat. Sept 26 Scott Haskins Wed. Sept 30 Josh Galvan

SEAN HARROLD SOLO

LIVE MUSIC GUIDE - SOUTHERN MONTGOMERY COUNTY & NORTH HARRIS COUNTY 18 Bombshells 21005 I-45 North, Spring 281-288-2769

www.4bombshells.com

Joe’s 19 Chicago 18433 Kuykendahl Rd

Spring 281-533-3000 www.chicagojoesspring.com Thurs, Fri & Sat Dueling Pianos

13 10

14 25

Place Sports Bar & Grill 20 Mak’s 5200 Louetta Rd., Houston 832-698-1611

26 27

16 17 18

One Bar 21 That 4660 Louetta #100, Spring 832-562-3942

www.thatonebar.com Fri Sept 18 9pm Cody Joe Hodges Fri Sept 25 9pm Mandi Powell Fri Oct 2 9pm Beggars Union Fri Jan 1 9pm .07 Blues Band

www.maksplacesportsbar.com Fri Sept 18 Right To Refuse Sat Sept 19 Space Monkey Fri Sept 25 Jonathan Mitchell Band Sat Sept 26 TBA Fri Oct 2 Sundance Head Sat Oct 3 TBA Fri Oct 9 Nigel Edison Sat Oct 10 TBA

Two Mules Tavern

22 http://www.twomulestavern.com

100 Cypresswood Dr., Spring 281-528-0600 no music events reported

NORTH SPRING 10 19th Hole Grill & Bar

202 Sawdust Rd #118, Spring 281-363-2574 www.19th.cc [$10 cover on all shows] Thu Sep 17 8pm TreynWrek Fri Sep 18 8pm Mike Kronic, Lbo Room, Lost Ninjas Sat Sep 19 7pm thelastplaceyoulook, Hounds of Jezebel, To Whom it May, CITTA, Leroy The Prophet, Carmecí, Unknown Brothers Tickets: FREE!! 21 + Thu Sep 24 8pm Justin Pena hosts open mic jam! Fri Sep 25 8pm Carter, Hitting Subset,Roadside Union Fri Nov 06 8pm madSons

11 Crabby Daddy

25186 I-45, The Woodlands 281-296-2722 www.crabbydaddy.com Shows begin at 7pm Sat Sept 19 TBA Sat Sept 26 TBA

12 Crescent Moon Wine Bar 440 Rayford Rd., #115, Spring 281-364-WINE (9463) www.crescentmoonwinebar.com Every Thursday is Salsa Music Night Fri Sept 18 8:30pm Slap Back Band Sat Sept 19 8:30pm TBA Fri Sept 25 8:30pm Luther and the Healers

Sat Sept 26 8:30pm Cool Breeze Band Fri Oct 2 8:30pm Yelba’s Variety Band Sat Oct 3 8:30pm Playbyz’s Band Fri Oct 9 8:30pm Checkered Past Band Sat Oct 10 8:30pm RL & Deep Soul Band Fri Oct 16 7pm Texas Star-Pure Texas Talent Sat Oct 17 8:30pm Johnny & the Spinsters Fri Oct 23 7pm Texas Star-Pure Texas Talent Sat Oct 24 8:30pm Luther and the Healers Fri Oct 30 7pm Texas Star-Pure Texas Talent Sat Oct 31 7pm Halloween Party Fri Nov 6 8:30pm Alter Ego Band Sat Nov 7 8pm Fab 5 Fri Nov 13 8pm Cool Breeze Band Sat Nov 14 8:30pm Elvis Is In The House Fri Nov 20 TBA Sat Nov 21 8:30pm Luther and the Healers Fri Nov 27 8:30pm Johnny & the Spinsters Sat Nov 28 8:30pm Yelba’s Variety Band

13 Dosey Doe Big Barn

25911 I-45 N., The Woodlands 281-367-3774 www.doseydoe.com Thurs Sept 17 8:30pm Tuck & Patti Fri Sept 18 8:30pm Restless Heart Sat Sept 19 8:30pm Travis Tritt Solo Thurs Sept 24 8:30pm Nicholas David of “The Voice” Fri Sept 25 8:30pm John Conley Sat Sept. 26 8:30pm Strunz and Farah

THE WOODLANDS Sun Sept 27 8:30pm Judy Collins Fri Oct 2 8:30pm Clay Shelburn Sat Oct 3 8:30pm Austin English with Josh Langston Sun Oct 4 8:30pm Booker T Thur Oct 6 8:30pm Herman’s Hermits Featuring Peter Noone Fri Oct 9 8:30pm Johnny Lee Ice House 14 Papa’s 314 Pruitt Rd, Spring 713-364-8140

Woods Mitchell Pavilion 23 Cynthia 2005 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands, 281-210-

1105 www.woodlandscenter.org Thu, Sept. 17 7:30pm Lenny Kravitz Tue, Sept. 22 7pm Rick Springfield with Loverboy and The Romantics Fri, Sept. 25 7:30 p.m. Van Halen with Kenny Wayne Shepherd Sat, Sept. 26 7:30pm Daryl Hall & John Oates

www.papasicehousetx.com No music announced

TOMBALL

CYPRESS CREEK

Bar & Grill 24 Brautigams 106 Market St, Tomball 832-698-4461

15 Acadia 3939 FM 1960 W., Houston 281-893-2860

www.acadiabarandgrill.com Fri Sept 18 8pm Free Show With Ticket With Madsons, Five Eyes Widw, Leroy The Prophet, Hydrilla, Smokin Aces Sat Sept 19 8pm The Return Of Ten Ton Hammer And Mangy’s B-Day Show Sun Sept 20 7pm Closed Eyes Open, Pale Crow, Dead Leslies, Bloodsucking Fiends Fri Sept 25 8pm The Dirty Seeds,Brother Jac,Washed Up,Voiceless Thunder Sat Sept 26 8pm The Prophets Of Addiction, Vanity Crimes, Lonnie Vencent, The Unconvicted Sun Sept 27 7pm Tribe Hill,The Sellins,Contagious Sat Oct 17 1pm Grindfest 2015 Concert Pub North 16 The 2470 Cypress Creek Pkwy., Houston 281-583-8111

www.theconcertpub.com Fri Sept 25 The Atomic Punks (Tribute to early Van Halen)

OLD TOWN SPRING Jailhouse Saloon 281-288-0255 www.jailhousesaloontx.com

16 310 Preston, Spring

17 Puffabellys 100 Main St, Spring 281-350-3376

www.puffabellys.com Wednesdays 8pm Davin James’ Songwriter Showcase Thursdays 6pm Open Mic

SPRING PUBLIC NEWS

www.brautigamsbarngrill.com Fri Sept 18 8pm Sat Sept 19 8pm Fri Sept 25 8pm Sat Sept 26 8pm Thurs Oct 22 8pm Sheila Marshall

25 Cheers

916 West Main St., Tomball 281-351-2599 no website Sat Sept 19 8pm TBA Sat Sept 26 8pm Flat Broke Mike & the Pennypinchers Street Crossing 26 Main 111 West Main St., Tomball 281-290-0431

www.mainstreetcrossing.com Thurs Sept 17 8pm Moe Bandy Fri Sept 18 8pm Ruthie Foster Sat Sept 19 8pm Shake Russell and Michael Hearne Weds Sept 23 8pm Jason Cassidy Thurs Sept 24 8pm Susan Gibson and Shellee Coley Fri Sept 25 8pm The Fab 5 Sat Sept 26 8pm Hamilton Loomis Weds Sept 30 8pm Mike and the Moonpies Thurs Oct 1 8pm Shinyribs Fri Oct 2 8pm B J Thomas Weds Oct 7 8pm Charlie Robison Thurs Oct 8 8pm Darden Smith Fri Oct 9 8pm Michael Martin Murphey Sat Oct 10 8pm Michael Martin Murphey

27 The Empty Glass

104 Market Street, Tomball 832-698-4722 www.theemptyglass.com Thursdays are Open Mic Nights Sat Sept 19 8pm TBA Sat Sept 26 8pm TBA

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

LIVE MUSIC GUIDE - INNER WEST LOOP/ NORTHWEST HOUSTON

MONTROSE Rudyards

28 2010 Waugh Dr Houston

713-521-0521 www.rudyardspub.com Weekday shows & Sunday, doors open at 8pm Most Mondays are Open Mic/Comedy Shows, always free Friday and Saturday, doors open at 9pm [unless otherwise mentioned] First band listed is headliner/or plays last. Music starts at 10pm Fri Sept 18 10pm Chelsea Wolfe, Wovenhand Sat Sept 19 10pm Rudyards 37th Anniversary w/Poor Dumb Bastards, Flaming Hellcats, Donkey’s Punch and Hells Engine Thurs Sept 24 10pm American Pin-Up, Freakabouts, Refinery Coast Fri Sept 25 10pm Mugen Hoso, The Swingin’ Dicks, The Velostacks, Aguila Black Sat Sept 26 10pm Throwing Shade Thurs Oct 1 10pm Teen Daze, Heavenly Beat Fri Oct 2 10pm Race To The Moon, Brand New Hearts, Middle Child Sat Oct 3 10pm Purapharm, Casual Strangers, My Twilight Pilot, Nina Plememos Thurs Oct 8 10pm Adia Vitoria Fri Oct 9 10pm Golden Sombrero, Since Always, Mothertone Sat Oct 10 10pm Tricounty Terror, Baron Von Bomblast, Khobretti Thurs Oct 15 10pm Computer Magic Fri Oct 16 10pm The Dirty Seeds, Serial Hawk, Destroyer Of Light, Project Armageddon Sat Oct 17 10pm Mike Stinson McGonigel’s Mucky Duck Houston (713) 528-5999 mcgonigels.com Fri Sept 18 7pm Robert Cline Fri Sept 18 9:30pm Matt The Electrician Sat Sept 19 7pm Jeremy O’Bannon Sat Sept 19 9:30pm Graham Wilkinson and Shawn Nelson Tues Sept 22 7:30pm What’s Opera Duck Thurs Sept 24 7pm & 9:30pm James McMurtry Fri Sept 25 7pm Gina Chavez Fri Sept 25 9:30pm The Youngest w/Suzy Oleson Sat Sept 26 7pm & 9:30pm California Guitar Trio Tues Sept 29 7:30pm Oh Pep! Thurs Oct 1 7pm Amanda Pearcy Thurs Oct 1 9:30pm Scott Mulvahill Fri Oct 2 7pm Warren Hood Fri Oct 2 9:30pm Ancient Cat Society Sat Oct 3 7pm Dawn & Hawkes Sat Oct 3 9:30pm Mike Stinson

29 2425 Norfolk St

30 28 29

WEST HOUSTON Pub 30 Shakespeare 14129 Memorial Dr, Houston

JAMES MCMURTRY

281-497-4625 http://www.shakespearepub.net Every Sunday Sparetime Murray & the Honeymakers Blues Jam Fri Sept 18 9:30pm Chris Ruest Band Sat Sept 19 9:30pm The Smokehouse Guitar Army Fri Sept 25 9:30pm Rick Lee & the Night Owls Sat Sept 26 9:30pm Steve Krase Band Fri Oct 2 9:30pm .07 Blues Band Sat Oct 3 9:30pm Greg Izor and the Box Kickers Fri Oct 9 9:30pm Tony Vega Band Sat Oct 10 9:30pm Bad Brad and the Fat Cats Fri Oct 16 9:30pm Larry Tillery and the Vagabond Dreamers Sat Oct 17 9:30pm Kathy Murray & the Kilowatts Fri Oct 23 9:30pm Birdlegg Sat Oct 24 9:30pm Mighty Orq & the Unusuals Fri Oct 30 9:30pm Big Cletus Blues Experience Sat Oct 31 9:30pm Lucky Losers w/Cathy Lemons & Phil Berkowitz

SUPPORT THE LOCAL HOUSTON MUSIC SCENE VISIT A CLUB, WATCH A SHOW, BUY THE BAND’S MUSIC 22

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

PUBLIC NEWS

www.publicnewsonline.com

TUATHA DEA

CRAMPTON’S MUSIC CIRCLE

Sherwood Forest Celtic Music Fest 2015 by Mark Crampton

mark.crampton@publicnewsonline.com Besides Scarborough in Waxahachie and TRF in Magnolia, for several years now there has been ANOTHER Renaissance Faire in Texas. Not as large as the other two, and perhaps not as well known outside of the hardcorps Rennie Community (yet!), but Sherwood Forest Renaissance Faire in McDade is a fantastic experience! I have been attending the Sherwood Forest Ren Faire every spring since their second year of operation, and certainly consider it fun! Sherwood is located on Highway 290 between Austin and Brenham – actually, the Faire entrance itself is about 2 miles off 290, but with good signage and directions. Like TRF, Sherwood also boasts a large developed campground – with port-a-potties and showers – for attendees to camp, socialize and party. Also in difference from the other two Fairs, Sherwood has been hosting a Celtic Music Fest every fall, when our Texas weather is cooler. I have attended every Celtic Music Fest at Sherwood, and would not miss another for anything! Celtic musical groups – primarily from Texas, but from other places (ARE there other places than Texas, Ireland and Scotland?) as well played at these Music Fests in the past. Headliners last year were Cleghorn (a Dallas Celtic Rock group), and the year before was Celtica Pipes Rock (a California/Austrian based bagpipe rock band)! If I am reading the music schedule correctly, this year – for the Celtic Music Fest on September 12th & 13th – Cleghorn will be sharing the headliner position with the Celtic

Fusion Band Tuatha Dea, who will be accompanied by Solar Rain, a fire dance troup. I haven’t heard of Tuatha Dea before, but I will be checking them out and listening to them at this upcoming Music Fest, and will do a future article on them (if I like them). Some of the other Celtic music groups appearing this year will be Sherwood and Robin Hood’s own bard Alan a Dale (traditional English & Irish); Austin’s Black Irish Texas (Celtic Rockabilly); Houston’s Blaggards (stout Irish rock); TRF’s Bard O’Neill Diane Linn (Maggie-Me-Loves favorite - we have numerious photos of Maggie and Diane from the past years) (traditional celtic ballads); Jason Gunn’s Drums ‘n Drones (bagpipes and drums); Houston’s The Jig is Up (traditional Irish); and Shillelaigh! (Traditional Irish & Scottish). And this list is by no means complete! So, if you want a weekend to listen to many variations and varieties of Celtic music, come to Sherwood Celtic Music Fest September 1213th! If you want a weekend to have a lot of fun with crazy people dressed up in plaids and kilts and renaissance garb, come to Sherwood Celtic Music Fest September 12-13th! If you want a weekend to camp in the woods with people who gather around campfires and drum, sing and dance all night long, come to Sherwood Celtic Music Fest September 12-13th! [I am currently working on articles about Diane Linn, Black Irish Texas, Cleghorn and Blaggards, so stay tuned!] CLEGHORN

PUBLIC NEWS

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

COVER STORY

RASHEED HOODA

THE EPIC TRAVELOG OF MISTERWEIRDO* *it’s his actual nickname

interview and story by Ken Petty photos by Rasheed Hooda 24

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

PUBLIC NEWS

www.publicnewsonline.com

pany and I contacted my circle of influence, people who were either in public speaking or interested in doing public speaking and we put together a prosperity-based business seminar.” Hooda, through an internet mentorship program, met a new business partner through a mutual mentor. The two formed a partnership to do the seminar. Unfortunately they couldn’t agree on what they wanted. There was an element of miscommunication as well as a lack of common ground, so the project was a bust. “Needless to say we both lost a lot of money,” Hooda remembers. Hooda was at a point where he had no money, no job and honestly didn’t have any desire to go work for someone else. He started thinking what he could do. That’s where the balloon business came into play. “When I managed restaurants, people used to come by and make balloons for the kids. I love kids. I used to be a Cub Scout leader. I’m a certified Montessori teacher. So it got me to thinking what it would take to do that. So I bought a lot of balloons and started working with that” This ‘Eureka moment’ of Hooda’s occurred three years before he moved out of his household leaving behind his wife and grown kids to start his journey. That was the beginning of the switch, getting off the grid. Hooda had tested the waters long before, starting by changing his own thinking on the transition. He was thinking nomadic at the time and was taking a few trips here and there. Back then Greyhound Bus lines had a special you can pay one price for unlimited LIVING OFF THE GRID travel for a specific. When Hooda was married, he and his wife talked “So that’s what I would do. I would buy a ticket about traveling and living life on the road. and then get on the Greyhound bus. I’d travel all over “I planned on using my photography and writing for a couple weeks at a time. I would go do things, skills to make a living while we were on the road. see things, and climb mountains. When I was done My wife liked the idea of traveling but she did not doing what I wanted to do I would just go to the bus like the idea of living without the security of a fixed station and wait for the next bus to take me to my next paycheck.” adventure.” His then 6-year old daughter drew a picture of a When I started my nomadic blog in 2009, Barbara traveling family with a house car and shared it with Winter was the first person I interviewed. She had her dad, Rasheed. written a book called Making A Living Without A “Around that point my wife and I began to drift apart. We decided to stay together until the youngest of Job, which gave me the courage a few years later to start pursuing my dream in 2012. Winter wanted to their kids graduated high school.” do something new if you want to travel around in the When his youngest, his son, graduated high school, different cities doing the seminar. So I promoted her Hooda took on the open road. His first journey was 1,000 miles to Florida so he could “crash” his cousin’s in the Houston market. “Right before I turned sixty years old I made a com25th Anniversary renewal of wedding vows. mitment to write 500 words a day for 30 days. After 30 days of doing that I had 15,000 words which would be JOYFULLY JOBLESS, HAPPILY HOMELESS the basis for my book idea.” “After I fired my last boss I started a seminar comMEETING THE “HOODAMAN” I met Rasheed Hooda when I was investigating Toastmaster Clubs. He was a member of the Frankly Speaking Toastmaster Club that met at the Denny’s off of I-45 and Cypresswood on Wednesday mornings. I remember Hooda having more energy contained in his small frame than one would expect. He was friends with everyone and his talent in public speaking was superb. I eventually joined the evening Toastmaster Club and visited his club on occasion and when I became the President of Successfully Speaking Toastmasters, he became the President of the morning club. Even though in appearance you would thing the two of us would be night and day, we weren’t. We are much alike. Hooda’s story is interweaved in the tapestry of current events. He’s written a book, his first. Life, It’s A Trip is 49 pages of stories, personal reflections and life lessons that apply to everyone, if the reader takes the time to see through life for the lessons. As a Muslim, Hooda has to break through the stereotype that has permiated society. “Not all Muslims are radicalized, just as all Christians are not like Westboro Baptist Church.” he once told me. Hooda was born in India and raised in Pakistan before eventually migrating to the United States. Growing up a Muslim in a country that was predominatedly Hindu was hard. “I grew up thinking we were good guys, then the media flipped things.” When he came to America he discovered people, just like him, growing up in a different environment. “I roomed with a person who was Hindu and couldn’t eat beef, and as a Muslim, I don’t eat pork. We had ordered a pizza half beef for me and the other half pork for him. When we got the pizza, we couldn’t tell which half was which”

“I would wake up in the morning and just start writing whatever came to my mind. Whatever memory or story that came to my mind I would write about it. I wrote all my thoughts long hand in a notebook.” After the 30 days, Hooda went over what he had written and with the understanding that he is not very good at typing; he asked a friend who volunteered for the task. She typed Hooda’s notes into the computer. When finished she printed it off and gave him a copy. “Then I posted a note on Facebook asking for anyone who can make sense of my notes to organize it into a book.” A professional writer friend of his on Facebook, who lives in Tampa, stepped up and offered to help. “He took my typed notes and began to edit, weave and organize my notes so that the stories flowed better. I am very much indebted to him for his expertise in helping create this book. I’ve credited him in the notes.” So, Hooda, MisterWeirdo, did you think that five years ago you’d be where you are now? “I knew that I was heading in this direction to live my dream as far as being a published writer. I wasn’t too sure what I would have written and I’ve done writing before in various kinds of it but never for direct project like this.” Hooda has written children’s stories, poetry and personal stories. He’s taken his passion for writing and produced his first ever book Life, It’s A Living. Hooda’s new book will be available soon on the Kindle mobile format. A little later he plans on selling his book as a pdf download on Amazon and then a print version will follow. Okay let’s look at five years in the future where will Hooda be five years from now? “Last month I started working with a business coach. We’ve gone

through the process of getting to know each other over the last month. The first assignment that I was given, by my business coach, was to put my book out as a Kindle.” Hooda’s goal is to inspire and help people live a dream lifestyle. “I want to help people choose a lifestyle that is in line with where your priorities are rather than allowing your job to dictate that. It’s a paradigm shift because we live in a society where our job dictates everything. The job tells us that if we work really, really, hard, we will get the life we want. The truth of the matter is we get lost. So my vision is to help as many people as I can make that paradigm shift that is the put their life as a center of their attention and build their work around that. That way they can live the life they choose and money will take care of itself.” In Hooda’s video of his short speech given at the 2012 World Domination Summit, he talked about having a huge goal that would serve as a beacon, in case you lose your way. Hooda’s beacon was the climb Mount Everest by the age of 75. Has he done that yet? “I have climbed the tallest peak in Texas which is the Guadalupe Peak. A park ranger told me that if you’re in really good shape it would take you six to eight hours to climb that peak.” And for Hooda, how long did it take for him? “It took me about 11 hours to do it. I wasn’t in any shape at all and it was my third attempt at accomplishing it. My ultimate goal is to become the oldest person ever to reach the top of Mount Everest.” Hooda’s nephew reminds him that it will never happen unless Hooda gets into shape. In order to reach the top of Everest Hooda is going to have to train and gain stamina. “Yeah, if I don’t get in shape it will never happen. Mount Everest is my beacon.”

Why do you call yourself MisterWeirdo? In 1984, I worked as a counselor at a summer camp. On my way back I was talking with a fellow counselor and I said something to the effect that I am weird like that. Next year for my birthday, I received a greeting card that had a caricature of a group of green men on one side and a singular purple guy on the other side. The card read, “If a being fails to keep pace with its contemporaries it is because he hears a different drummer,” I open the card and it said, “...Either that or he is a weirdo.” It wasn’t until July 1996 when I was to make a presentation for a NWM company and I was asked to write an introduction, that Mister Weirdo was born. My introduction read, “Our first speaker today is a man with many unusual characteristics. Unusual may not be the right word, weird is more like it. Not only is he weird, but he takes pride in the fact that he is weird. If that is not weird, I don’t know what weird is. Please help me welcome, Mister Weirdo, Rasheed Hooda.” Just like your staff, the introducer was very reluctant and uncomfortable using it.

PUBLIC NEWS

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

LOCAL EATS

CONROE COFFEE

COME AND BE HAPPY! storY & PHOTOS BY KEN PETTY & CHRIS RANDALL

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

PUBLIC NEWS

www.publicnewsonline.com

The space that rooms Conroe Coffee was many different things before it morphed into its current form. In the beginning, before owner Leo Harris and her fiancé Jason rented the space, it was a photography studio, and then it was a popcorn place, and even later a dance studio. Conroe Coffee just celebrated their two-year anniversary this month. We sat down with Harris to talk about Conroe Coffee, how she and Jason came to this point and place, and what is in the future for Conroe Coffee. Twenty-one years ago Leo owned a coffee shop in Michigan called Our Place Coffee & All That Jazz. That coffee shop had 3,000 square feet of space including a band stage with tresses and lights. “It was so successful that we were able to pay off the business in three months,” Leo gleefully remembered. Then life happened. Harris left for California for five years, meeting Jason and then moved to Texas with Jason when his job transferred here. That was November 2005. Harris buys and sells vintage cowboy boots. The pair concentrated on that. “We were in the Woodlands and we goggled antique shops and we came across Mimi’s Antiques and the Central Market in Conroe. Previously, whenever we came up to Conroe we would always turn left off I-45 onto 105 and head for the lake. One time, we decided to turn right just to see what Conroe had to offer.” Leo recalled, “We discovered a cute little town with a courthouse and a nice downtown area. We visited Mimi’s Antiques where we met Gail, the owner, and Charlene, the store manager.” Jason and the pair at Mimi’s Antiques got to talking and in the course of conversation he mentioned that Harris ran a coffee shop back in Michigan. “They got so crazy excited about that, it made me wonder what was in the water in Conroe!” Harris laughed. Gail mentioned that there was an open storefront for rent and that Harris should go down look at it, and to do it that day. Harris had been thinking about it for the last few years. She and Jason had scouted potential locations. “We looked at Rice Village and the other places that had lots of walking traffic, but we couldn’t afford the rent in those places. Plus the historical factor wasn’t there and we wanted that feeling,” Harris remembered. The pair went to the location Gail at Mimi’s mentioned and wrote down the telephone number in the window. The telephone number belonged to Joyce and Rodney Pool, civic leaders in Downtown Conroe.

“When I saw the place I had envisioned in my mind that this could be a really cool shop. That was Memorial Day weekend and we didn’t decide to take the building until that July. I would come up to Conroe, park outside and watch traffic. Jason put together a business plan. There was a lot that we had to do. Then Rodney called us and said that another group was looking at the space but said that area really needed a good coffee shop.” So the pair decided to sign on and began to build Conroe Coffee. “We said to ourselves ‘here we go’!” Most of the décor of Conroe Coffee that adorn the walls, as well as the knick knacks, all came from Harris’ house. Her original vision of Conroe Coffee was to be a very eclectic place. Harris pointed out that she even has pink and blue hair. ”I like very unique things. I have furniture and stuff that you are not going to find just anywhere. I just like to be different. A lot came from my house and a lot came from antique malls. Then a lot of people just gave me things thinking that it would be perfect for this coffee shop. The walls of my house became bare because I was bringing everything over to the shop. She recalled the difference and transition between her Michigan store and Conroe Coffee was huge. “When we started in Michigan, Starbucks wasn’t even around. We were the first coffee shop in town. The reason I started a coffee shop was because I love good coffee and you cannot find it in the chain stores. Not to disparage them, but I find that the larger the chain gets, the quality of the coffee suffers.”

Harris has exciting plans for the boutique windows this Christmas. “We’re trying to do something fun with our windows. We change them every six weeks in the boutique kinda like what Harrods in London will do with their windows. They do funky things and everyone’s excited to go see what they’ve done with the window display. They put a big curtain up while they prepare the display in the window and then there’s a big reveal.” “We have a really exciting idea for Christmas. We want people to come back excited just to check out the window and see what’s going on.” Felicia and Fiona are the store mannequins that will stand watch over the door and in the boutique. They are permanent fixtures in both the coffee shop and in the boutique.

CONROE FARMER’S MARKET “The Issac Conroe Farmers Market didn’t get off to a great start so Margie Taylor and I kind of took the reigns. Margie Taylor is a huge part of the public relations effort for the market. Gail from Mimi’s has been very instrumental in finding vendors. I’m basically the go to person for vendors who would come get the application, pay their money and get their space assigned.” Because the farmer’s market tries its best to bring forth the best the area has to offer such as homemade soaps and lotions, homemade baked goods, meat rubs and jewelry. There are certain types of home businesses and direct sales efforts that don’t fit the farmer’s market ideal so, as a policy, no direct sales are allowed. THE BOUTIQUE AND THE FUTURE “I’m not knocking home business, God love ‘em, The boutique is called Finn and Eli. Inside you will but that kind of business doesn’t work for a farmers find an assortment of children’s clothing, children’s market.” items, jewelry, hats, scarves, knick knacks of every Currently the farmers market has 54 vendors, so it’s kind. Everything is new and the only used goods they definitely growing to the point even Metcalf Street is have are their huge selection of cowboy boots. being blocked off. Harris mentioned that the farmer’s Leo Harris plans to expand the boutique. She market is always on the lookout for new vendors. intends to knock down the back wall and move the For October’s farmer’s market Harris is looking for a boutique to the rear of that space. Then open up the wall between the coffee shop and where the boutique pumpkin farm to provide pumpkins. “We want pumpkins for October. If we can’t find is now so people can have more space to sit and enjoy one, Jason and I will be taking care of that by bringall Conroe Coffee’s offerings. ing some in but it would be nice to have a farmer that “We are going to put up a surfboard on the wall would come in and bring pumpkins.” where Lonestar Internet Radio has a window so our The Farmer’s Market also offers the element of customers can watch live radio as they enjoy our entertainment. coffee.” “As for music we’ve got bluegrass music so anyone Lonestar Radio’s Dick Schissler is on board with can come and jam. If anyone plays an instrument her plans and Harris mentioned that they are going like a banjo, a violin, guitar or clarinet, saxophone or to buy a radio sign that indicated when they are “On whatever, come out and jam with Bob and he’s the The Air”. main guy. “We love downtown Conroe!”

FELICIA @ CONROE COFFEE

AUTHENTIC MEXICAN STREET TACOS 5200 FM 2920 #120, Spring, TX 77388

(281) 288-0940

OPEN 11am - 9pm Mon - Sat Closed Sundays tacocrave.net NAMED BEST MEXICAN STREET TACOS NICK RAMA’S / PUBLIC NEWS BEST OF 2014

LEO & JASON, HAPPY 2nd ANNIVERSARY! HERE’S TO RAISING A CUP FOR MANY MORE TO COME!

ARTWORK: SHANE RODARTE

PUBLIC NEWS

www.conroecoffee.com

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

FRAME BY FRAME

OCTOBER AND THE START OF THE FALL CINEMA SEASON by Glen Ryan Tadych

glen.ryan.tadych@publicnewsonline.com As Labor Day approaches, the summer movie season is officially coming to a close. With the fall and winter movie seasons around the corner, quite a few exciting titles will soon be hitting theaters across the country. This is the time when Oscar material and more dramatic, ambitious projects come to light, and I must say that the first weekend in October is going hit full swing, with major releases continuing through Christmas. Here’s a brief look at a few of the upcoming films I’m particularly interested in for October. I’m skipping September since we’re already one week in, and quite honestly, nothing seems to be coming out that catches my eye. Plus, this allows Glen Ryan Tadych me to save October for more horror film-related content, in light of the Halloween season.

THE MARTIAN – OCT. 2

summer, and just by looking at the name, I imagined it being about an alien, as anyone unfamiliar with the novel probably would. When I finally saw the trailer, I was taken by surprise to see the film was about an astronaut abandoned on Mars, presumed dead, during a research crew’s evacuation due to a storm. The astronaut (Matt Damon) has to find ways to contact Earth, and keep himself alive for the time it takes for him to be rescued. As my previous article would imply, I’m quite a fan of Ridley Scott, and I love it when he delves into science-fiction. Of all his films, Scott’s only made three science-fiction films, and only one—Prometheus (2012)—in the last 30 years. So I’m happy to see him continuing to explore the genre, especially with a more realistic effort such as this. Now, that’s not to say elements in Alien (1979) and Blade Runner (1982) weren’t realistic, as Scott always attempts to portray a relatable atmosphere for audiences (which is exactly what makes those films so damn good), but The Martian appears to touch on space exploration in a way audiences might perceive as science-reality as opposed to science-fiction. And I for one am thrilled to see such a reemerging interest in space and space exploration in film lately. I think all of human society should focus more on what’s beyond this planet, and this type of popularity can certainly help in that regard. And of course, I can’t help but recognize a strong visual similarity to Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar (2014), of which I’m a huge fan. So if we’re basically talking about Scott’s version of Interstellar, I’m all for it.

THE WALK – OCT. 2

PAN – OCT. 9

I’m sure there was a time when a good percentage of the world, particularly my generation, didn’t know of Philippe Petit’s high-wire walk between the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers in 1974, but after 9/11, the memory of the iconic towers brought Petit’s high-wire walk to greater fame, which is when and how I learned of it. Now, 41 years later, director Robert Zemeckis—Back to the Future (1985), Forrest Gump (1994)—is bringing audiences a drama based on the event, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the French high-wire artist. I have mixed feelings about this film, and while I’m certainly going to watch it, I’m not sure how much I’ll like it. For one, a great documentary titled Man on Wire (2008) is already available for those who wish to learn about this man’s extraordinary performance, and the lengths it took to accomplish. Although I have yet to see Zemeckis’ depiction, I have a feeling the story will be somewhat distorted for the sake of making it more dramatic, which to me seems unnecessary since the stunt itself is dramatic enough. We’ll see how Zemeckis does, but at the end of the day, I’m probably going to continue relying on Man on Wire for Petit’s story.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Disney was the first thought in people’s minds upon hearing about this new live-action Peter Pan story, as the company seems to have been throwing out live-action versions of every classic animated film it’s ever made. But funny thing, Pan is actually being distributed by Warner Bros. This film isn’t really one on my radar to be honest, and for some reason I can only see it resulting in controversy and mixed reactions. Critics are already jumping over the casting of Rooney Mara as Tiger Lily, since it’s a Caucasian actress being cast in a Native American role. It’s this kind of ethnic controversy that becomes a curse for movies in my opinion. It only generates bad publicity for the film, causing a lot of viewers to lose interest and get mad. In this case though, I don’t think Pan will suffer too much since its target audience is mainly families and children, and let’s face it, neither give a hoot about such things. I can’t guarantee I’ll watch this one, as the stories of Peter Pan have never been of any real interest to me. Even Disney’s 1953 animated film, while enjoying it for its historical significance, overall didn’t do much for me. That might be because I never watched it as a child, so I looked at it with different eyes. Hell, I didn’t even see

I only became aware of this film earlier this

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

PUBLIC NEWS

www.publicnewsonline.com

FRESH FILMS THIS WEEK &...

...NEXT WEEK

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2

PAWN SACRIFICE Pawn Sacrifice PG-13 114 min Biography | Drama American chess champion Bobby Fischer prepares for a legendary match-up against Russian Boris Spassky. Director: Edward Zwick Stars: Tobey Maguire, Liev Schreiber, Peter Sarsgaard, Michael Stuhlbarg

Hook (1991) until after Robin Williams died last year, and it was because of his death that I felt determined to watch it. I see Pan getting a decent turnout, as it doesn’t have any extreme competition its opening weekend, but as far as I’m concerned, I’m more “eh” about it than anything else.

STEVE JOBS – OCT. 9 I really don’t know what Hollywood loves so much about this man. I get it. He was a major player in the tech industry, and while I’m not a fan of Apple products whatsoever, I will admit Steve Jobs had an effect on the world of computers and consumer electronics. But hell, it was just two years ago when that bomb of a film starring Ashton Kutcher hit theaters—Jobs. I’ll tell you right now though, the only, and I mean the only reason I will watch this upcoming Steve Jobs biopic is Michael Fassbender. For me, Fassbender is becoming one of those actors I’ll watch in just about anything, like Matthew McConaughey, ever since I saw his portrayal of Magneto in X-Men: First Class (2011). And while I don’t care much for the subject matter, I am convinced Fassbender’s performance will be solid and keep even viewers like me interested. So, all in all, I’m watching this for Fassbender, not Jobs. And on the subject of Jobs, I’ll say for the record that the only thing I’m thankful to him for is his investing in Pixar, as without his support, it’s possible we might not have ever gotten Toy Story (1995). BRIDGE OF SPIES – OCT. 16 This is definitely my most anticipated film of October. It was over a year ago when I read about a Cold War drama focusing on the 1960 U-2 incident being Steven Spielberg’s (my all-time

Hotel Transylvania 2 PG 89 min Animation | Comedy | Family | Fantasy Dracula and his friends try to bring out the monster in his half human, half vampire grandson in order to keep Mavis from leaving the hotel. Director: Genndy Tartakovsky Stars: Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, Kevin James

NEW FILMS: SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 A single mother struggling with drug addiction Everest PG-13 121 min Adventure | Drama | Thriller A climbing expedition on Mt. Everest is devastated by a severe snow storm. Director: Baltasar Kormákur Stars: Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa, Thomas M. Wright, Martin Henderson Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials favorite director) next project, and once I saw Tom PG-13 131 min Action | Sci-Fi | Thriller Hanks was playing the lead, I was sold. After having escaped the Maze, the GladAs much as I am a fan of Spielberg’s adventure ers now face a new set of challenges on the and science-fiction films, I’m also fond of his open roads of a desolate landscape filled with historical dramas, and a film about Tom Hanks unimaginable obstacles. negotiating the exchange of a Soviet spy for an Director: Wes Ball American pilot set in the height of the Cold War Stars: Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomsounds like one of the most intriguing projects as Brodie-Sangster, Giancarlo Esposito he’s undertaken in quite some time, for me at least. I will say, however, there is one thing concernBlack Mass ing this film that briefly got me in a bit of rut, and R 122 min Biography | Crime | Drama that was the absence of a John Williams’ musical The true story of Whitey Bulger, the brother of score. a state senator and the most infamous violent This is the first Spielberg film since The Color criminal in the history of South Boston, who Purple (1985) to not feature Williams’ composibecame an FBI informant to take down a Mafia tions, and I was in absolute shock upon learning family invading his turf. this. I mean, a Spielberg film without Williams’ Director: Scott Cooper music can’t even really be a Spielberg film, can Stars: Johnny Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch, it? Obviously, since Williams’ departure was due Dakota Johnson, Joel Edgerton to a health issue, that is a circumstance that can’t be helped. And I calmed down even more once I Katti Batti learned Thomas Newman was scoring the film, 135 min Comedy | Romance as he’s my second-favorite film composer behind A romantic comedy that follows Maddy and Williams. Payal’s live-in relationship until a sudden turn I very much enjoy Newman’s work, Finding of events creates a distance between them. Nemo (2003) being one of his best scores. NewDirector: Nikhil Advani man also scored films such as The Shawshank Stars: Imran Khan, Kangana Ranaut Redemption (1994), In the Bedroom (2001) and Road to Perdition (2002). So that being said, I’d Sicario say the music for Bridge of Spies is in pretty good R 121 min Action | Crime | Drama | Mystery hands. And since we’re still getting Williams for | Thriller Star Wars: The Force Awakens in December, I say An idealistic FBI agent is enlisted by an nothing else matters. elected government task force to aid in the esSo, a Spielberg drama film about the U-2 spy calating war against drugs at the border area plane incident, with Tom Hanks and a Thomas between the U.S. and Mexico. Newman score? That’s all anyone needs to say Director: Denis Villeneuve quite frankly to get me to the theater, and with Stars: Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, Benicio Del that, I can safely say October is going to be a Toro, Jon Bernthal rather interesting and entertaining one for Ameri can cinema. Captive PG-13 97 min Crime | Drama | Thriller

PUBLIC NEWS

is taken hostage in her own apartment by a man on the run after breaking out of jail and murdering the judge assigned to his case. Director: Jerry Jameson Stars: Kate Mara, David Oyelowo, Mimi Rogers, Michael Kenneth Williams

NEW FILMS: SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 The Intern PG-13 121 min Comedy 70-year-old widower Ben Whittaker has discovered that retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Seizing an opportunity to get back in the game, he becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site, founded and run by Jules Ostin. Director: Nancy Meyers Stars: Anne Hathaway, Robert De Niro, Rene Russo, Nat Wolff The Green Inferno R 100 min Adventure | Horror A group of student activists travels to the Amazon to save the rain forest and soon discover that they are not alone, and that no good deed goes unpunished. Director: Eli Roth Stars: Lorenza Izzo, Ariel Levy, Aaron Burns, Kirby Bliss Blanton Stonewall R 129 min Drama A young man’s political awakening and coming of age during the days and weeks leading up to the Stonewall Riots. Director: Roland Emmerich Stars: Jeremy Irvine, Jonny Beauchamp, Joey King, Caleb Landry Jones

WHEN YOU CLICK ON THIS ICON, IT WILL PLAY RELATED VIDEO CONTENT SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

FILMS CURRENTLY PLAYING IN THEATERS

BREAK THE CHAIN

EAT LOCAL

Should you take a chance? Find the love you deserve! Discover the path with a Love Reading. FREE 3 MINUTE LOVE READING. Call Keen 800.244.3951 Promotion for new customers only. Must be 18 and older. For entertainment purposes only. Credit card required. KEEN is a trademark of Ingenio, LLC. © 2014 Ingenio, LLC.

It’s About Community... Join In and Take Part PUBLIC NEWS DINING GUIDE

La Chef ARGENTINE 5200 FM 2920 #180, Spring, TX 77388 (832) 585-1840 Hours: Open daily at 11am, closed Tuesdays Argentine cuisine at its best served in a side cafe style restaurant. They offer over 15 styles of handmade empanadas, a few destined to become your absolute favorite. Probably the best kept secret in Spring, until now. We cater!

DeNovo COFFEE / SMOOTHIES & MORE

4880 Louetta Road, Spring, TX 77388 (281) 288-0940 www.denovocoffee.com Hours: 5:30am to 8pm daily Make Every Day A Good Day at DeNovo Coffee. Located near the northeast corner of Kuykendahl and Louetta, DeNovo is the perfect place to get your morning pickup whether it’s your favorite coffee, smoothie, karache, donut or something else sweet. Drive in, drive out, it’s DeNovo

The Lava Cookie SANDWICH/CAFE

27326 Robinson Road 115, Conroe, TX 77385 (832) 785-8906 Hours: Open every day at 11am, closed on Sundays A Counter Cafe providing the best designer sandwiches and other comfort food inside Space Cadets store. Featured photo: The Ron Swanson Sandwich

Taco Crave MEXICAN

5200 Farm to Market Road 2920 #120, Spring, TX 77388 (281) 288-0940 www.tacocrave.net Hours: Open at 11am every day, closed Sundays The best Mexican street tacos this side of the border. Also offers Quesadilla and huge Burritos. Tasty flavors like beef or chicken fajita, beef brisket, chicken chipotle and more. Flavor for the month of September: Nopalitos Con Chorizo [Cactus w/Chorizo & Cheese)

PUBLIC NEWS DINING GUIDE IS THE BEST ADVERTISING VALUE

CALL 832-298-5246 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO GET STARTED

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

PUBLIC NEWS

6 Years 85 min Drama | Romance A young couple bound by a seemingly ideal love, begins to unravel as unexpected opportunities spin them down a volatile and violent path and threaten the future they had always imagined. Director: Hannah Fidell Stars: Taissa Farmiga, Ben Rosenfield, Lindsay Burdge, Joshua Leonard 90 Minutes in Heaven PG-13 Drama A man involved in a horrific car crash is pronounced dead, only to come back to life an hour and a half later, claiming to have seen Heaven. Director: Michael Polish Stars: Kate Bosworth, Hayden Christensen, Hudson Meek, Bobby Batson A Walk in the Woods R 104 min Adventure | Comedy | Drama After spending two decades in England, Bill Bryson returns to the U.S., where he decides the best way to connect with his homeland is to hike the Appalachian Trail with one of his oldest friends. Director: Ken Kwapis Stars: Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, Emma Thompson, Mary Steenburgen American Ultra R 95 min Action | Comedy Small-town stoner Mike Howell (Jesse Eisenberg) spends most of his time getting high and writing a graphic novel about a superhero monkey. What Mike doesn’t know is that he was trained by the CIA to be a lethal killing machine. When the agency targets him for termination, his former handler activates his latent skills, turning the mild-mannered slacker into a deadly weapon. Now, the utterly surprised Mike must use his newfound abilities to save himself and his girlfriend from getting wasted. Director: Nima Nourizadeh Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Connie Britton, John Leguizamo Ant-Man PG-13 117 min Action | Sci-Fi Forced out of his own company by former protégé Darren Cross, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) recruits the talents of Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), a master thief just released from prison. Lang becomes Ant-Man, trained by Pym and armed with a suit that allows him to shrink in size, possess superhuman strength and control an army of ants. The miniature hero must use his new skills to prevent Cross, also known as Yellowjacket, from perfecting the same technology and using it as a weapon for evil. Director: Peyton Reed Stars: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll, Evangeline Lilly Coming Home PG-13 109 min Drama Lu and Feng are a devoted couple forced to separate when Lu is arrested and sent to a labor camp as a political prisoner during the Cultural Revolution. He finally returns home only to find that his beloved wife no longer remembers him. Director: Yimou Zhang Stars: Li Gong, Daoming Chen, Huiwen Zhang, Tao Guo Digging for Fire Certificate R 85 min Drama The discovery of a bone and a gun send a husband and wife on separate adventures over the course of a weekend. Director: Joe Swanberg Stars: Jake Johnson, Rosemarie DeWitt, Orlando Bloom, Brie Larson Fantastic Four PG-13 100 min Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi Transported to an alternate universe, four young outsiders gain superhuman powers as they alter their physical form in shocking ways. Reed Richards becomes Mr. Fantastic, able to stretch and twist his body at will, while pal Ben Grimm gains immense strength as the Thing. Johnny Storm becomes the Human Torch, able to control and project fire, while his sister Sue becomes the Invisible Woman. Together, the team must harness their new abilities to prevent Doctor Doom from destroying the Earth.

www.publicnewsonline.com

Director: Josh Trank Stars: Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Bell Grandma R 79 min Comedy Self-described misanthrope Elle Reid (Lily Tomlin) has her protective bubble burst when her 18-year-old granddaughter, Sage (Julia Garner), shows up needing help. The two of them go on a day-long journey that causes Elle to come to terms with her past and Sage to confront her future. Director: Paul Weitz Stars: Lily Tomlin, Julia Garner, Marcia Gay Harden, Judy Greer Hitman: Agent 47 R 96 min Action | Crime | Thriller An assassin teams up with a woman to help her find her father and uncover the mysteries of her ancestry. Director: Aleksander Bach Stars: Rupert Friend, Hannah Ware, Zachary Quinto, Ciarán Hinds Inside Out PG 94 min Animation | Comedy | Drama | Family Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) is a happy, hockey-loving 11-year-old Midwestern girl, but her world turns upside-down when she and her parents move to San Francisco. Riley’s emotions -- led by Joy (Amy Poehler) -- try to guide her through this difficult, life-changing event. However, the stress of the move brings Sadness (Phyllis Smith) to the forefront. When Joy and Sadness are inadvertently swept into the far reaches of Riley’s mind, the only emotions left in Headquarters are Anger, Fear and Disgust. Directors: Pete Docter | Ronaldo Del Carmen Stars: Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling Jurassic World PG-13 124 min Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi | Thriller Twenty-two years after the events of Jurassic Park, Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond. After 10 years of operation and visitor rates declining, in order to fulfill a corporate mandate, a new attraction is created to re-spark visitor’s interest, which backfires horribly. Director: Colin Trevorrow Stars: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins, Judy Greer Minions PG 91 min Animation | Comedy | Family Evolving from single-celled yellow organisms at the dawn of time, Minions live to serve, but find themselves working for a continual series of unsuccessful masters, from T. Rex to Napoleon. Without a master to grovel for, the Minions fall into a deep depression. But one minion, Kevin, has a plan; accompanied by his pals Stuart and Bob, Kevin sets forth to find a new evil boss for his brethren to follow. Their search leads them to Scarlet Overkill, the world’s first-ever super-villainess. Directors: Kyle Balda | Pierre Coffin Stars: Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Pierre Coffin Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation PG-13 Action | Adventure | Thriller With the IMF now disbanded and Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) out in the cold, a new threat -- called the Syndicate -- soon emerges. The Syndicate is a network of highly skilled operatives who are dedicated to establishing a new world order via an escalating series of terrorist attacks. Faced with what may be the most impossible mission yet, Ethan gathers his team and joins forces with Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), a disavowed British agent who may or may not be a member of this deadly rogue nation. Director: Christopher McQuarrie Stars: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson Mistress America R 84 min Comedy Tracy, a lonely college freshman in New York, is rescued from her solitude by her soon-to-be stepsister Brooke, an adventurous gal about town who entangles her in alluringly mad schemes. Mistress America is a comedy about dream-chasing, score-settling, makeshift families,

and cat-stealing. Director: Noah Baumbach Stars: Seth Barrish, Juliet Brett, Andrea Chen, Michael Chernus No Escape R 103 min Action | Thriller In their new overseas home, an American family soon finds themselves caught in the middle of a coup, and they frantically look for a safe escape in an environment where foreigners are being immediately executed. Director: John Erick Dowdle Stars: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson, Thanawut Kasro Pixels PG-13 105 min Action | Comedy | Sci-Fi When aliens intercept video feeds of classic arcade games and misinterpret them as a declaration of war, they attack Earth, using the games as models. Knowing that he must employ a similar strategy, President Will Cooper (Kevin James) recruits his childhood pal, former videogame champ and home-theater installer Sam Brenner (Adam Sandler), to lead a team of old-school arcade players (Peter Dinklage, Josh Gad) and a military specialist (Michelle Monaghan) to save the planet. Director: Chris Columbus Stars: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan, Peter Dinklage Ricki and the Flash PG-13 102 min Comedy | Drama | Music It’s been a roller-coaster ride for Ricki Rendazzo (Meryl Streep), a one-time wife and mother of three who left her family behind to follow her dreams of rock ‘n’ roll stardom in California. Now, the singer and guitarist must face the music when she returns home to Indiana to reconnect with ex-husband Pete (Kevin Kline), troubled daughter Julie, engaged son Josh and younger son Adam. Filled with regret, Ricki hopes to find redemption for all of the bad choices that she made in the past. Director: Jonathan Demme Stars: Mamie Gummer, Meryl Streep, Sebastian Stan, Rick Springfield Shaun the Sheep Movie PG 85 min Animation | Adventure | Comedy Shaun the sheep is tired of doing the same work at the farm everyday. He decides to take a day off. In order to do that, he needs to make sure the farmer doesn’t know. When more happens than they can handle, the sheep find their way in the big city. Now they need to get back to the farm. Directors: Mark Burton | Richard Starzak Stars: Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes, Omid Djalili, Richard Webber She’s Funny That Way R 93 min Comedy The cast and crew of a Broadway play are thrown into a romantic roundelay when a lecherous director (Owen Wilson) hires a hooker-turned-actress (Imogen Poots) to star alongside his wife (Kathryn Hahn) and his wife’s ex-lover (Rhys Ifans). Director: Peter Bogdanovich Stars: Imogen Poots, Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Kathryn Hahn Sinister 2 R 97 min Horror Hiding from her abusive, estranged husband, Courtney Collins lives in a rural house with her 9-year-old twins, Dylan and Zach. Young Dylan receives nightly visits from ghoulish kids who show him disturbing images of families being slaughtered. It’s all part of the grand plan of Bughuul, the evil spirit who recruits innocent children to murder their loved ones. The only hope for his intended new victims may be a former deputy who’s familiar with Bughuul’s fiendish work from the past. Director: Ciarán Foy Stars: James Ransone, Shannyn Sossamon, Robert Daniel Sloan, Dartanian Sloan Sleeping with Other People R 95 min Comedy A good-natured womanizer and a serial cheater form a platonic relationship that helps reform them in ways, while a mutual attraction sets in. Director: Leslye Headland Stars: Jason Sudeikis, Alison Brie, Jordan Carlos,

Margarita Levieva Southpaw R 123 min Action | Drama | Sport | Thriller Billy “The Great” Hope (Jake Gyllenhaal), the reigning junior middleweight boxing champion, has an impressive career, a loving wife and daughter, and a lavish lifestyle. However, when tragedy strikes, Billy hits rock bottom, losing his family, his house and his manager. He soon finds an unlikely savior in Tick Willis (Forest Whitaker), a former fighter who trains the city’s toughest amateur boxers. With his future on the line, Hope fights to reclaim the trust of those he loves the most. Director: Antoine Fuqua Stars: Rachel McAdams, Jake Gyllenhaal, 50 Cent, Forest Whitaker Straight Outta Compton R Biography | Drama | Music In 1988, a groundbreaking new group revolutionizes music and pop culture, changing and influencing hip-hop forever. N.W.A’s first studio album, “Straight Outta Compton,” stirs controversy with its brutally honest depiction of life in Southern Los Angeles. With guidance from veteran manager Jerry Heller, band members Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson Jr.), Dr. Dre (Corey Hawkins), Eazy-E, DJ Yella and MC Ren navigate their way through the industry, acquiring fame, fortune and a place in history. Director: F. Gary Gray Stars: O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Neil Brown Jr. Ted 2 R 115 min Comedy Life has changed drastically for thunder buddies John (Mark Wahlberg), now a bachelor, and best pal Ted (Seth MacFarlane), now married to the woman (Jessica Barth) of his dreams. Problems arise when the couple decide to adopt a child, but the law declares Ted to be property and not a person. Angry and dejected, the lovably foulmouthed teddy bear must now seek legal help from a young lawyer (Amanda Seyfried) and a legendary, civil-rights attorney (Morgan Freeman) to get the justice he deserves. Director: Seth MacFarlane Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Seth MacFarlane, Amanda Seyfried, Jessica Barth The Gift R 108 min Mystery | Thriller When married couple Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall) unexpectedly encounter Gordo (Joel Edgerton), an acquaintance from Simon’s past, little do they know that their perfect lives will be thrown into a terrifying tailspin. At first, Simon doesn’t recognize Gordo, but after a troubling series of uninvited encounters and mysterious gifts, a horrifying secret emerges. As Robyn learns what really happened between Simon and Gordo, she begins to question how well she knows her spouse. Director: Joel Edgerton Stars: Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, Joel Edgerton, David Denman

fatale and her three sidekicks who are looking for revenge against a sinister Russian kingpin. Director: Camille Delamarre Stars: Ed Skrein, Loan Chabanol, Ray Stevenson, Lenn Kudrjawizki The Visit PG-13 94 min Comedy | Horror A single mother finds that things in her family’s life go very wrong after her two young children visit their grandparents. Director: M. Night Shyamalan Stars: Olivia DeJonge, Ed Oxenbould, Deanna Dunagan, Peter McRobbie Time Out of Mind 120 min Drama George seeks refuge at Bellevue Hospital, an Manhattan intake center for homeless men, where his friendship with a fellow client helps him try to repair his relationship with his estranged daughter. Director: Oren Moverman Stars: Richard Gere, Ben Vereen, Jena Malone, Steve Buscemi

Academy. He destroys the table football table and takes away Amadeo’s girl friend the lovely Lara in his chopper. Director: Juan José Campanella Stars: Gabriel Almirón, Federico Cecere, Ezequiel Cipols, Luciana Falcón Vacation R 99 min Adventure | Comedy Remembering fond, childhood memories of his trip to Walley World, Rusty Griswold (Ed Helms) surprises his wife (Christina Applegate) and two sons with a cross-country excursion to America’s favorite fun park. Following in his father’s (Chevy Chase) footsteps, Rusty and the gang pack up the car and hit the road for some much-needed family bonding. Soon, the promise of fun turns into one misadventure after another for the next generation of Griswolds and anyone who encounters them. Directors: John Francis Daley | Jonathan M. Goldstein Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Elizabeth Gillies, Leslie Mann, Christina Applegate

Trainwreck R 125 min Comedy Ever since her father drilled into her head that monogamy isn’t realistic, magazine writer Amy (Amy Schumer) has made promiscuity her credo. As much as she enjoys an uninhibited life free of commitment, Amy is really in a rut. While writing a profile about charming and successful sports doctor Aaron Conners (Bill Hader), she finds herself actually falling in love for the first time -- and what’s more, Aaron seems to like her too. Amy starts to wonder if it’s time to clean up her act. Director: Judd Apatow Stars: Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, Brie Larson, Colin Quinn

War Room PG Drama Filled with heart, humor, and wit, War Room follows Tony and Elizabeth Jordan, a couple who seemingly have it all-great jobs, a beautiful daughter, their dream home. But appearances can be deceiving. In reality, their marriage has become a war zone and their daughter is collateral damage. With guidance from Miss Clara, an older, wiser woman, Elizabeth discovers she can start fighting for her family instead of against them. As the power of prayer and Elizabeth’s newly energized faith transform her life, will Tony join the fight and become the man he knows he needs to be? Together, their real enemy doesn’t have a prayer. Director: Alex Kendrick Stars: Priscilla C. Shirer, T.C. Stallings, Karen Abercrombie, Beth Moore

Underdogs 106 min Animation | Adventure | Family In the small village where Amadeo lives there is no one good enough to challenge his skills at Table Football. But, while Amadeo may be a genius as a table football player in real life he’s a loser. He’s in love with Lara, his childhood friend, but he’s so shy that he can’t bring himself to confess his love for her. So he just hangs out in his quaint, timeless village. When Amadeo beats the village bully Flash at Table Football. The scene is set for an epic rivalry. Consumed with anger Flash vows to get even and 10 years later he returns as an International Superstar, a Football Icon and Galatico determined to wreak his revenge. He demolishes the village to build a Football

We Are Your Friends R 96 min Drama | Music | Romance Young Cole Carter (Zac Efron) dreams of hitting the big time as a Hollywood disc jockey, spending his days and nights hanging with buddies and working on the one track that will set the world on fire. Opportunity comes knocking when he meets James Reed, a charismatic DJ who takes the 23-year-old under his wing. Soon, his seemingly clear path to success gets complicated when he starts falling for his mentor’s girlfriend, jeopardizing his new friendship and the future he seems destined to fulfill. Director: Max Joseph Stars: Zac Efron, Wes Bentley, Emily Ratajkowski, Jonny Weston

FOODIE PIC OF THE WEEK

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. PG-13 116 min Action | Adventure | Comedy At the height of the Cold War, a mysterious criminal organization plans to use nuclear weapons and technology to upset the fragile balance of power between the United States and Soviet Union. CIA agent Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and KGB agent Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) are forced to put aside their hostilities and work together to stop the evildoers in their tracks. The duo’s only lead is the daughter of a missing German scientist, whom they must find soon to prevent a global catastrophe. Director: Guy Ritchie Stars: Alicia Vikander, Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Elizabeth Debicki The Perfect Guy PG-13 100 min Thriller After breaking up with her boyfriend, a professional woman gets involved with a man who seems almost too good to be true. Director: David M. Rosenthal Stars: Sanaa Lathan, Michael Ealy, Morris Chestnut, Rutina Wesley The Transporter Refueled PG-13 96 min Action | Crime | Thriller In the south of France, former special-ops mercenary Frank Martin enters into a game of chess with a femme-

You’ve been picked!

Ashley Peterson enjoying the Frito Pie Burger at 5.Ate Cafe The Woodlands-Spring Area Texas Foodie Club PUBLIC NEWS

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

PUBLIC NEWS BULLETIN BOARD

REAL PEOPLE REAL DESIRE REAL FUN

PLACE YOUR BACKPAGE CLASSIFIED AD TODAY - CALL 832-298-5246 or email ads@publicnewsonline.com

HELP WANTED KITCHEN COOK/PREP HELP WANTED Le Chef on FM 2920 is now hiring kitchen staff, must have 3 years experience and is able to work weekends, nights and holidays. Call 832-585-1840 or email lachef2920@att.net ___________________ SERVERS & KITCHEN HELP WANTED I-45 Diner looking for help in service and cooking. Contact Javier at 713-389-5627 _______________________ ACCOUNT SALES HELP WANTED Public News is looking for energetic and enthusiastic individuals to promote, sell and service accounts for Public News advertisers. This is probably going to be the best career move you’ve ever made. Meet and negotiate with some of the best of the best, movers and shakers in the metro Houston area. Send resumes to ken.petty@publicnewsonline.com or call 832-298-5246 for more information. ___________________ GOLD BUYER WANTED Contact Leslie@Goldwiser.com for more information ___________________ We’ve got a job opening! Become a part of the TUTS team as an Assistant Director of Development focusing on Annual and Major Gifts. This fulltime position is accountable for the development and implementation of annual strategic plans, securing support from individual donors and overseeing giving clubs, direct mail appeals, internet fundraising and stewardship programs. Interested? Send cover letter, resume and references to Gina Sullivan, Director of Development, at gina@tuts.com. ____________________ RESTAURANT HELP WANTED Top class North Houston restaurant hiring for all positions. Competitive pay, great working environment, local ownership. Contact Matt or Mary at 281-580-7797 after 2pm

SEPTEMBER 17 - 30, 2015

FREE CLASSIFIED FRIDAY! THE FIRST 100 CLASSIFIED ADS EMAILED TO THE PUBLIC NEWS, ON FRIDAY, WILL SEE THEIR AD RUN FREE OF CHARGE IN THE NEXT ISSUE! MOORE TIME clocks, watches, music boxes sales & service largest selection in greater Houston Area 281-528-5400 _______________________ RANDY & NANCY SELBY CONNECT REALTY The Woodlands Buying or selling a home? We’ve got over 27 years experience 832-256-7870 _______________________ PANTHER CREEK INSPIRATION RANCH “Horses Healing People” http://www.pciranch.org/ _______________________ PUFFABELLY’S In Old Town Spring Open mic night Every Thursday night 6pm-9pm

MUSICIAN ADS

GUITARS & MORE

Your Complete Music Source In Conroe carrying all major brands, Fender, Epiphone, Martin, Guild, Seagull, Taylor, TAMA, Ludwig, Roland, Boss,Ibanez PEAVEY PA Equipment, and all accessories.

936-539-9000

DRUMMER WANTED Houston Doom band “Well Of Souls” Auditioning for a permanent drummer to perform live in concert as well as write and create new music for future releases. Must be a solid professional drummer who plays for the love of music.

PUBLIC NEWS

JOIN THE PARTY.

713.360.3122 TOLL FREE 1 866.580.6179

Win an Apple Watch! Call & Enter Code: 782542

CHATLINE TM

Try for FREE

800.978.4778 Ahora en Español Teligence/18+

MUSICIAN ADS Contact John Calvin at wos_1997@yahoo.com or Tim Wayne at twp1313@gmail.com ____________________ LOOKING FOR A DRUMMER Must own your own kit, have one year experience, have your own vehicle, live in North Houston and we prefer that you are 19 to 24 years old. Contact Bernardo at 832-655-5270 or Scott at 832-524-2206 ____________________ ROCKING ALONE AT HOME? SO AM I. New to Houston, looking for other musicians to jam with. Love heavy metal, especially power metal, progressive metal and classic stuff from the 70’s and 80’s. I play guitar and keyboards and play a little bass and drums. If interested contact Jacob Butcher at jabutcher128@gmail.com or call 410-562-4978 ____________________ I TRANSCRIBE I write down on sheet music, your own songs! Call Luis 713-392-5354 ____________________ DEDICATED DRUMMER WANTED Rock project starting up. I am a singer/guitarist and I have a dedicated bass player and singer. We have a lot of stage experience and are interested in gigging, recording, etc. No egos, no bullshit. Call Rob at 832-717-4129 ____________________ VOCALIST BASS PLAYER NEEDED Rock n’ Roll trio playing Elvis to Creedence. Spring area rehearsals. Pro Level only please. Call Paul 832-654-0860 ___________________ KEYBOARD PLAYER Looking for Jazz or Blues oriented group. Call me 713-305-6876 ____________________ NOW HIRING MUSIC TEACHERS Lessons taught in student’s home in The Wood-

www.publicnewsonline.com

lands & Spring, Texas. Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano, Violin, Viola, Cella plus Voice. Call 281-401-9580 or apply at Lessonsonthego.com ___________________ SUGARHILL America’s Most Historic Recording Studio Est. 1941 Analog/Digital recordings and transfers contact Jeremy jeremy@sugarhillstudios.com 832-444-2766 ___________________ DRUMMER NEEDED! Variety Band Current country and pop, top 40, classic rock Experienced musicians ready to book gigs. Looking for versatile drummer. Back up vocals would be a bonus but not mandatory. 832-610-7394 SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY PLEASE We are not looking to be your first band, but would like to be your only. ____________________ SEEKING A GUITARIST New “rock-out” band Room 7, is looking for a guitarist. Seven string guitarist preferred but not required. Backing vocalist a plus! We practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact Heather at 281-216-5914 or Scott at 713-384-2053 ____________________ DRUMMER SEEKING A BAND Drummer looking for a working band. Has 7 years experience and owns own P.A. Contact Mark at 832-756-3638 ____________________ GUITARIST, DRUMMER NEEDED Industrial Rock, Goth, Punk, Metal Guitarist must be able to solo well Drummer must be proficient on tom solos. Minimum age is 16 Call or text us at 936-648-4361