Issue 192 | January 27, 2011

2 | MAROON WEEKLY January 27 – February 2 www.maroonweekly.com

News & Views
Mojo Jams – bringing music to
the people
By Megan Roiz
College Station is not a town known for
being a pioneer when it comes to music.
This, however, does not mean that it never
features great, top-billing artists. One of
the major reasons why is a class of 2012
Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences major
who goes simply by “Mojo.”
“I am a concert promoter. I book shows and
market them to Texas A&M students,” Mojo
said. “I also assist several student performing
groups with their music, more on the
business side.”
If you have been to any of the following
events, you have seen some of Mojo’s work,
firsthand.
Haiti Relief Concert, February 2010.
Burger Boy’s Patio Open Mic Series, March
2010
BTHO Finals Party ft. Kevin Jack, April 2010
Chip Tha Rapper, August 2010
Travie McCoy, September 2010
Coverfest, November 2010
Chiddy Bang, December 2010
Mojo helps groups find needed musicians
and gigs. He also gives them marketing
advice. For the potential that many Texas
A&M University students have in showbiz,
Mojo seems to be one of the local guys to
go to.
As a singer/songwriter on his own time,
Mojo has been around the local music scene
for the past couple of years. He has followed
bands as a photographer, observing what
they do and figuring out what works and
what does not work for the groups.
“Everyone fussed about how boring it is
here. I wanted to change that. I wanted to
bring cool stuff here,” Mojo said.
After tragedy struck Haiti in early January
2010 by way of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake,
Mojo had the idea of putting on a relief
concert to raise money for UNICEF.
“I put the idea out to some of the local
bands, and they were down to play. They
just wanted someone else to set things up
and do the work. I stepped up, and that was
my first concert,” he said.
From there his passion for the business side
of music bloomed.
“I was sorta clueless where to start, to be
honest. I wanted to raise $3000, and a lot
of people were doubtful,” Mojo said. “I kept
pushing through and searching for a team
that was willing to put in time and effort to
make something like this happen, and I was
introduced to Jose Arredondo at Defacto
Productions and Karthik Venketraj through
friends.
“Together, we formed a team of 50 plus
passionate students that planned and
Once a year,
we becOme experts
at shipping lOve, tOO.
12815 Wellborn Road, Suite 120 • (979) 696-6900
1/6/11
executed a charity concert.”.
The relief concert included 13 performing
acts (mostly students and former students)
and raised $6400 for UNICEF to help children
in Haiti. After the experience with such a
successful show, Mojo wanted to do more.
“My vision was to enhance the party scene
here. We have awesome bands that come
through downtown Bryan; they’re more
eccentric and artsy. I wanted to bring more
party music to the students on Northgate.”
When asked what kind of music he was
most interested in bringing to BCS, Mojo
said, “Party music. People want to dance and
have fun.”
If you have requests, comments or
suggestions, you can reach Mojo at
mojojamz@gmail.com.
“I work with a team of amazing people. We
have a lot of fun doing what we do,” Mojo
said. “We are always looking for more cool
people to join us. Hit me up if you love
people, music and good times. We’ll get you
involved.
“Stay tuned! 2011 will be amazing.”
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www.maroonweekly.com January 27 – February 2 MAROON WEEKLY | 3
 News & Views

Publisher
Mick Maynard
Big Event keeps raising the bar
Caviar Dreams: Font
Business Manager
Andrea Maynard Photos courtesy of Nathan Turner

Editor in Chief
Chris Shepperd

MANAGING EDITOR
Chris Zebo

Design/Layout
Cara Matocha, C2-Studios Inc.

writers
Kassie Cessna Sherrill Mogonye
Autumn Dawson Gabrielle Nguyen
Turner Dawson Brandon Nowalk
Mallory Dykowski Erica Pitman
Josh Howell Megan Roiz
Nichelle Jaeger Ian Soares
Sarabeth Lacy Ryan Stone By Erica Pitman
Mara Minsberg Joey Trevino
As many students are settling into the spring
Photographers service. It shows that we, as Aggies, are not
Valerie Clark
semester, some are in crunch time with
planning the largest student run service just a part of a university, but are a part of a
Distribution project: The Big Event. give back to the community that supports family, the Aggie family. The Big Event shows
Kyler Dillon them,” Weaver said. “Over the past 28 years, the community and the world what the
Andy Nguyen “The Big Event began in 1982 by a Former the support shown by Texas A&M, the Aggie Spirit looks like in action.
Becca Nelms Student named Joe Nussbaum,” Assistant Bryan/College Station community and the
Director Erin Weaver said. “He was inspired students has grown The Big Event into the “The Big Event was one of the first
interns by a speech former President Ronald Reagan incredible day of service that it is today. The organizations I heard about while in high
Vladimir Amador school and preparing for college,” Turner
Maggie Dotson gave regarding community service in 1981. Big Event is a true embodiment of the Aggie
Ryan Frische Mr. Nussbaum saw an opportunity and need family. Without that spirit and camaraderie, said. “The idea of students working together
Cameron Gott to serve the surrounding community that The Big Event would not be where it is for a common goal and devoting their time
Lana Rothe supported his college. He and his girlfriend, today.” and effort was just awesome to me. It was
Becky (who is now his wife), named the part of the reason for me coming to A&M;
event ‘The Big Event’ just as a placeholder The Big Event was started, essentially, as a it is the Aggie Spirit in action. There are not
until they could come up with a better way to say “Thank you” to the surrounding too many other students that would be
name. From there, The Big Event as we know Bryan/College Station area, and today, willing to give up a Saturday to help others.”
it now was born.” 29 years later, Aggies turn out in mass to
Maroon Weekly is an independent, student-owned convey that same message. The Aggie Spirit is exemplified in every
publication and is not affiliated with A&M University. Being an organization founded on service, way with The Big Event, and through the
Maroon Weekly receives no student fees hard work of many Aggie volunteers, the
or university funding. The Big Event relies solely on volunteers, “As students we often take it for granted that
and anyone who is willing to lend a helping we have such a nice place to go to school in selfless nature of The Big Event becomes
Opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily hand can participate, junior civil engineering and the residents of Bryan/College Station contagious.
reflect the views and opinions of the editor, publisher major Nathan Turner said. And judging by
or the newspaper staff. Maroon Weekly is not liable for have an extra 50,000 students in the city
omissions, misprints to typographical errors. No part of the way The Big Event has flourished in and we take this day to say ‘Thanks.’ To see “The work that is done on March 26th
this publication may be reproduced without the such a short time, there isn’t a shortage of the residents get so excited about the help often spreads to neighbors,” Turner said. “City
express consent of the publisher. selflessness in Aggieland. is such a rewarding experience,” Turner said. officials often say after the event, there is a
1st copy is FREE, additional copies
movement for the entire city to make the
are $0.50 each “The Big Event has grown tremendously due The Big Event, as an Aggie operation, very city look better, even those houses we are
to the selfless desire of Aggies wanting to much embodies the Aggie spirit of selfless not able to get to. The Big Event is a day that
Maroon Weekly helps remind each of us that the tasks, even
110 Lincoln St. #107
College Station, Texas 77840
ph: 979.696.3971 | fax: 281.312.5160
© Copyright 2010 Legacy Media Inc.

4 | MAROON WEEKLY January 27 – February 2 www.maroonweekly.com

 News & Views

Big Event On campus clubs:

keeps raising
the bar
(continued)
if they are small, are much greater than we
might think.”
“The community has always shown an
overwhelming appreciation,” Weaver said.
“Local businesses are more than willing to
help support what we do because they
believe in our mission and we are extremely
grateful for their support.”
“Many residents are thankful for the helping
hand, while others are grateful to just have
someone to talk to. The Big Event provides
a way to bridge the gap between residents
and students. We always say that if we have
helped one person, we have done our job,”
Weaver said.
While The Big Event is philanthropic in
nature, its experience is not without its own
rewards.
“It’s an event that, as Aggies, we can bond
with one another as well as help others. The
attitude of each student on the day of is just
awesome,” Turner said. “The most rewarding
part is seeing every student who is willing
to give a few hours on Saturday to give a
helping to anyone. Seeing the residents
light up with happiness when we come and
talk with them is very rewarding.”
“When I was a freshman and George Bush Sr.
came and spoke, my group and I happened
to get there early and got to the stage for
African Students Association
By Joshua Howell
The African Students Association (ASA), as
with most on campus cultural organizations,
was founded in order to foster connectivity
with other African students. The founders
were originally graduate students, most
of whom had no family in the United
States (this is common for foreign graduate
students, who must sometimes spend up
to three years disconnected from their
respective cultures and kinsman).
There is often held a slight misconception
of Africa, that, despite its size, it is culturally
monolithic. However, comprised of fifty-
two autonomous countries, Africa exhibits
a level of cultural diversity akin to America
with its fifty states. Part of the ASA’s role is
to bridge cultural gaps between the many
diverse African students as well as the gaps
between the African students and the
greater TAMU population.
To achieve these goals, meetings are held
bi-weekly. Meetings can fall into one of two
categories, similar to the aforementioned
ASA roles: those meetings in which events
are planned and put together to showcase
themselves to other Aggies, and those
meeting which are more internal, in which
a speaker is brought in to discuss a topic
of interest, the ASA constituents play
Aggies at Their Best
AATB
interactive games, or members discuss the
varied African traditions and beliefs, along
with what they themselves can do to better
the continent.
Often, these socials are hindered by
the incorrect belief that socio-cultural
organizations like the ASA are exclusive,
that one can neither join nor participate in
a function if they themselves are not African.
This could not be further from the truth. The
ASA is also involved in a plethora of outreach
programs. Every semester, there is organized
two to four socials which aim to form strong
friendships and educate others on the
different cultures present in Africa. Members
are encouraged to bring friends, not only so
they can learn about the continent, but also
so that the ASA can learn about their culture
as well.
The ASA is affiliated with many similar
organizations and colleges across the
country. The University of Texas, Baylor
University, Stephen F. Austin University,
and most other colleges have similar
organizations with which they can work.
Every semester, many of these groups join
together for what the President of our
ASA, Omolola Awobokun, refers to as “ASA
conventions.” Last semester, Baylor and the
University of Houston came together to
plan and host a convention respectively.
local talent, while bringing a fresh sound to your ears.
This spring, the TAMU ASA will be joining
forces with the Stephen F. Austin and Sam
Houston State Universities in order to put
on a similar convention scheduled for Feb.
25th-27th.
“During the weekend, there is a talent
show that showcases the schools, and
even some [other] organizations from
TAMU, there is a sports tournament and
a banquet which includes a pageant [as
well],” explained Awobokun, “this is what
we do with these other colleges, attend
their weekends and vice versa.”
Some of the hindrances faced as the
ASA tries to achieve these goals are, as
Awobokun puts it, “quite expected.” In
addition to the previous, one obstacle is
that the activities on the A&M campus are
so numerous, the ASA occasionally gets
lost in the fray. However, they persevere.
“I want us to cultivate a bigger presence
at A&M. Similar to those organizations you
often hear about. I want others to be able
to learn more about Africa through us, and
hopefully erase their former stereotypes.
I want our members to also be as open
to other cultures here, especially in the
community,” explained Awobokun, “our
A.S.A weekend will place us many steps
closer to our goals, and I believe that we
can achieve them, and we will.”

kick off,” Turner said. “When we first moved

near the stage there were a couple of
hundred people there, but in the middle of
kick off I looked back and all I could see was
students packed from the stage to the back
off Lot 100c and all the way to Reed Arena.
Looking back at kick off on the morning of
and seeing 13,000 of your fellow Aggies
ready to serve, it is just indescribable.”
Participating in The Big Event not only
enables a student to become a part of
something much bigger than themselves,
the largest student run service organization
allows them to experience the real meaning
behind the Aggie Spirit.
To get involved in The Big Event, Students,
A&M Faculty and Staff can sign up starting
February 4 at bigevent.tamu.edu.
Maroon Weekly is excited about this semester. We
have a lot of really cool stuff on tap. Some of the stuff
is so secret I can’t even tell you yet.
However I can tell you about one new thing we
are doing. I would like to introduce you to “The Tap
Presents: Maroon Weekly’s Artist Spotlight.”
Maroon Weekly has partnered up with The Tap to
bring you new artists each and every month. Maroon
Weekly will be selecting talent, interviewing them for
the paper and putting a free download of their music
on our website. But that’s not all; we will then team
up with The Tap to present the artist LIVE at The Tap.
Some of the music might be familiar, most of it
probably won’t. Our goal is to shine a light on some
www.maroonweekly.com January 27 – February 2
If you have a band you think we should feature please
shoot us an e-mail at events@maroonweekly.com.
While there is always something new going on at
Maroon Weekly, I would like to remind you of some
stuff we will continue to do. We always have lots of
stuff to give away. So make sure you are following
us on Twitter @MaroonWeekly and on Facebook
(search Maroon Weekly). In addition to that we will
be tagging people all over town for our “You’ve Been
Tagged” promotion. So be looking for that.
We are always looking for feedback from you. If you
like what we are doing, give us a shout out. If you
think something should change, shoot me an e-mail:
chris@maroonweekly.com. Either way, we want to
hear from you.
MAROON WEEKLY | 5
 By Chris Zebo

Last week, MW’s Chris Zebo caught

up with Kevin Fowler for an exclusive
interview. We say “caught up” with him,
but what we really mean is “caught” him.
As you’ll see in the conversation below,
Fowler seldom sits still. Since 1998,
he hasn’t taken a break from the stage
longer than two weeks (now think about
that for a minute).

In December, he released The Best of…

So Far, an 18-track album with 15 hand-
selected best/favorite songs chosen by
him and the band along with three new
songs never before released. We talked
about the new album and what it means
to be young and releasing a Best of
album already. We also found out some
interesting facts about the origins of
Fowler’s most recent hit, “Pound Sign,”-
-you know, that song that’s on every
radio station and dance hall in Texas?
And seeing that it’s a reflective moment
with a Best of album out, we probed
him about the long road that got him
here, from his stints as a hair-band metal
head in the ’90s, his unique hunting
and fishing connection with fans, and
his knack for bankrupting record labels
while, ironically, becoming more popular
as they fail.

MW: You just released your Best of

album in December? And it’s not called
The Best of Kevin Fowler, it’s called The
Best of…So Far.

Fowler: So far, yes, assuming I’m not

dead or anything yet (laughing). It’s
got all kinds of little ditties on it. It’s got
three previously unreleased songs on it
and fifteen fan favs.

6 | MAROON WEEKLY January 27 – February 2 www.maroonweekly.com

MW: 18 songs altogether?
Fowler: 18 songs for $8.98. What a
bargain. [Currently available at most local
music retailers and on iTunes]
MW: How’s it feel to be releasing an album
like this? You’re still young and you’re
already releasing a Best of album.
Fowler: Heck, we feel old! (laughing) It’s
just wild looking back at it. It’s been a heck
of a ride down here, with the whole Texas
Music thing and watching it grow over the
past ten years. The scene--and just being
a part of it--has been awesome.
MW: Looking at your contributions to the
scene musically over the years, and with
the Best of release in mind, what’s your
favorite song that you’ve released over
the years?
Fowler: You know, I’ve always been a fan
of a “Long Line of Losers.” It’s one of my
favorite songs that I’ve ever wrote. Maybe
it’s because my family’s a mess (laughing)
and it’s kind of autobiographical.
MW: Everyone’s loving “Pound Sign” right
now. Every time I go into the grocery
store, I hear you singing over the speakers,
with people pushing their carts through
the aisles singing along (laughing).
Fowler: (laughing)
MW: You changed that song for some
funny reason, right? I heard a story where
you changed the title of it for your kids or
something?
Fowler: No. That song, actually, is the only
single I’ve ever had that I didn’t write. My
buddy, David Lee Murphy, wrote it. He
gave it to me on a CD, an--true story: I
plugged it in, and my kids heard it, and
they would not shut up, singing that song
for two weeks. (laughing) It has that kind
of infectious chorus that just gets in your
head.
MW: I want to talk about a couple of
other things you have going on in your
life, beginning with KevinFowlerOutdoors.
com. A lot of people don’t know about
that side of you, and I’m hoping you can
tell our readers a little bit about why you
started the site.
Fowler: The whole thing got started
because fans would hear that I was really
into hunting and fishing, so they’d bring
me pictures of the fish they’d caught or
the deer they’d shot. So, I just had this pile
of pictures. So we started putting them all
on a website, and it just kept growing and
growing. And in the next few years, we’d
like to do more with that, but we’ve been
so busy with the music.
I love hunting and fishing and the
outdoors. It’s my thing. It’s what I really
enjoy the most when I’m off the road.
MW: When did you get into it? When you
were growing up in Amarillo?
Fowler: Oh yeah. My dad was into hunting
and fishing when I was growing up. I was
kind of just born into it.
MW: Do you still have family in Amarillo? I
know you’re in Austin now, right?
Fowler: Yeah, I’m in Austin. My parents are
still living in Amarillo. They’re still hanging
on up there. They’re never gonna leave.
We can’t get ‘em outta there.
MW: So you actually got out of Amarillo
yourself at about the age of 20, right? I’ve
wondered about this: You went to a music
school in LA called the Guitar Institute
of Technology. Pretty serious sounding
place.
Fowler: That’s a fancy name. Really, it’s
a guitar school. A lot of the hot pickers
of the time went there. It was a cool
experience, getting out to LA. You know, I
was fresh off the turnip wagon--going from
Amarillo, Texas to Hollywood, California.
I’d never even seen a homeless person
before. It was quite the eye-opener,
seeing what’s out there in the world
MW: So that experience opened the world
up to you.
Fowler: Oh yeah. It got me out of Amarillo.
It got me out into the world. ‘Cause you
know, a lot of people that come from small Fowler: I’ve been in Austin since ‘91. -any gig I could get just to stay on the road.
towns get stuck there. It was really good
‘cause it got me out of there, and I got to MW: And that’s when you started playing MW: So were you like a big metal head?
learn the hard lessons of the music industry. with Dangerous Toys, right? Did you have metal hair?
MW: When you moved back, you moved Fowler: Yeah. Pretty much from ‘91 to ‘96, To read the entire interview with Kevin Fowler,
to Austin. you know, just playing in rock bands all over- visit our website at maroonweekly.com
www.maroonweekly.com January 27 – February 2 MAROON WEEKLY | 7
 Arts & Entertainment

Fashion Sense:
Shopping thrifty

By Sarabeth Lacy

As the glass door rattles to a close behind me, my eyes take a moment adjusting to a
harsh, neon light while my nose registers a feint scent of a cleaning agent mixed with the
stale musk of old perfume. Rows and rows of clothes stretch out before me accompanied
by various vignettes of kitchen utensils, assorted pieces of house wares, and random gift
items cluttered together in tightly knit aisles. One easily arrives at the quick conclusion that
I am not standing in Saks Fifth Avenue, nor have I stumbled into Dillard’s. No, I am not even
reaching for a red shopping cart to escort me through Target. A dose of nostalgia and a
need for some cheap vintage treasures have drawn me into Goodwill.

Mine is not a glamorous excursion, but the journey to the store nestled next to the BCS
Asian Food Market at the intersection of Texas Avenue and Harvey Mitchell Parkway bears
the promise of potential additions to my wardrobe at exceedingly kind prices. “But why
Goodwill?” one may ask. My response is a befuddled, “Why not?” A distinct affinity for vintage
hipster chic continues to prevail throughout the fashion world, and shoppers rarely blink at
the escalated prices boldly set for recycled clothing by retailers such as Urban Outfitters. I
do not suggest boycotting Anthropologie or the like by any means, but what logic prevails
in turning our noses up at authentic resale shops?

Upon entry I bypass the welcoming jewelry counter filled with sparkling, colorful baubles,
as I prefer to save the best hunting for last. I begin sorting through racks of coats and shirts,
where I locate a very new American Eagle denim blazer. Bingo! Not five minutes into my
scavenger hunt, and I have tracked down a classic staple for any girl’s wardrobe, and it costs
a mere $7.50. Compare that to an approximated original cost of $40!

My hands begin to detect that “Goodwill grunge” they tend to accumulate shortly after
sifting through the store’s racks, but I thank the Lord for hand sanitizer and washing
machines and forge ahead on my journey.

My next stop is the shoe department, where my eyes settle on a brilliant pair of vintage Enzo
Angiolini brown leather booties. Oxford booties captured the heart of many a fashionista
this past fall, and another $7.99 discovery like this may very well stop that heart. Mine, on
the other hand, begins to frown, as my size 8 claude hoppers refuse to be stuffed into the
lithe 7.5 models. Alas, some small-footed bootie lover will certainly enjoy such a steal.

I turn to the men’s rack and immediately spot a hardly worn pair of Aldo brown leather
loafers. As they are not as “vintage”, i.e. old, as the Angiolini booties, the price jumps to a still
modest $22. Juxtaposed by the modern loafers, a pair of…wait for it…tap shoes catches my
attention. Even a true renaissance man can find dancing provisions at Goodwill.

I round the aisles of glassware and counterfeit handbags and arrive at my final destination,
where my eyes are bedazzled by an assortment of costume jewelry, cufflinks, and watches.
Be it preparation for Halloween or Ring Dance, an individual short on cash can easily exit
the store appropriately bejeweled.

I leave the store satisfied that my suspicions prove accurate. Regardless how affluent
or broke one may be, a shopper in need of retail therapy can easily release energy and
endorphins by visiting the local Goodwill.

8 | MAROON WEEKLY January 27 – February 2 www.maroonweekly.com


Artist Sp tlight
David Needham is right at home
By Joey Trevino
Not many musicians will admit to having
a strong faith. Some acknowledge it while
some just ignore the idea that something
from beyond has any impact on the way
our lives play out. While this is true for
many artists who make up our society’s
popular culture, for singer/songwriter David
Needham, without faith he wouldn’t be the
musician he is today.
David Needham first picked up the guitar
as a young middle school student and was
immediately hooked. From this young age
he realized that playing guitar would have a
significant part in his life. As time went on he
found himself sharing the stage with various
musicians as a lead guitarist and he enjoyed
not always being the center of attention.
After years of playing guitar he started to
ask himself the question that many 11th and
12th grade students often find themselves
asking; he wanted to know what direction
he would take his life after he graduated
from high school.
“I began praying about what I should do
after school was done,” Needham said, “and
I felt Him saying that he wanted me to be a
singer/songwriter.
At the end of two years Needham had not
seen any progression in his music career
so he decided to take his love for music in
another direction. After his freshman year
at Texas A&M University, Needham decided
that his calling was in the field of music
production. With help from his brother,
he was able to set up a meeting with a
producer from Houston.
“I remember the meeting vividly,” Needham
said. “Something just didn’t feel right about
it.”
With the meeting still fresh in his mind,
Needham was desperately in need of
guidance. He once again took to his faith
and prayed about the direction his life was
going.
“Well, right when I got home, I walked in the
front door and sitting there was my guitar,”
Arts & Entertainment
events
Thursday Jan 27
Tyler Cannon @ La Bodega
Original College Night @ Texas Hall of Fame
Singer/Songwriter Night @ The Village Café
Party on the Patio @ Ozona Grill and Bar
Karaoke @ Schotzi’s
Friday Jan 28
Canvas Waiting @ Stafford Main
Kyle Park w/ Rosehill @ Texas Hall of Fame
Southern Echoes @ Schotzi’s
Saturday Jan 29
Trashy and the Kid @ Stafford Main
Needham said. “I picked it up and almost The Longhaul Band @ La Bodega
immediately a chord progression, melody Jake Hooker and the Outsiders @ Texas Hall of Fame
and hook all came to me and within the Nicolas Altobelli @ The Village Café (7pm)
hour I had the framework of my first song, Salsa Saturdays @ The Village Café (9pm)
‘Move’ which is the opening track on my
new record.”
Sunday Jan 30
David Needham’s first record, an EP entitled Obannon’s Pub Quiz @ Obannon’s Taphouse
“Heartbreak,” is scheduled for release on
Feb 25th and features music that brings Monday Jan 31
Needham’s “(He) is not through with you” Paul Thompson Lecture @ TAMU
idea to life. In addition to songs that he wrote
on his own, the new release incorporates
collaborations with well-known song writers Tuesday Feb 1
such as Jimmy Needham, Los Angeles Zack Walther @ Schotzi’s
songwriter Josef Gordon and guitarist Tim Ron Cheek Lecture @ TAMU
Dillon.
Wednesday Feb 2
“This record is written as an honest message
Salsa Lessons @ The Village Café
to those believers who are in this same
quandary as me,” Needham said. “After Comedy Night @ Schotzi’s
searching the Scriptures, the Lord revealed
to me that I’m not the only one, but just
about every hero of the faith went through
the same doubts and pains. From David’s Check out maroonweekly.com for more info!
honest cries in the Psalms to Jeremiah’s tear-
filled pleas with the Lord in Lamentations,
the message is clear, we live in a broken
place, we all know it, but the glorious news
is, there is hope!”
Make sure to submit
Needham along with Logan Samperi on
your events at
drums, Daniel Parulian on bass and Josh
Taylor on guitar will have a CD release show
on Friday, Feb. 25th at Mugwalls in College
www.maroonweekly.com
Station. For more information on show dates,
the new EP or David Needham himself you
can contact him at davidneedhammusic@
gmail.com
www.maroonweekly.com January 27 – February 2 MAROON WEEKLY | 9
 Arts & Entertainment
movie review:
what to watch for in
BCS this Spring
By Brandon Nowalk
I know the impulse
to see the absurdly
titled Country Strong
is closely connected
with a supportive and/
or cringing curiosity
about how Gwyneth
Paltrow acquits herself
in this country-fried
musical, but rest
assured Paltrow’s
comeback tour is
unaffected by her
uneven, uninteresting
performance as a loathsome alcoholic
songstress, and as camp spectacle, Country
Strong isn’t fit to wear Burlesque’s feather
boa. The real kicker, though, is that the film
is camped out across the dance hall glaring
at the very country music history it pretends
to venerate.
I’m not just talking about the way it name-
drops, either—a Loretta Lynn here, a Waylon
& Willie there—as if the very invocation of
these icons is proof enough of its piety. No,
Country Strong is a film that bowdlerizes
country legends into a single sob story
with no self-awareness, and worse, it stakes
out this position of superiority to what
passes for country music nowadays—I think
they call it country-pop in music circles—
while trafficking in just such irrelevance. In
Paltrow’s climactic performance, she sings
a song called, “Shake That Thang.” You think
Loretta or Waylon or Patsy or Johnny would
be caught dead flashing their naughty
bits for hundreds of screaming fans while
singing about how their milkshake brings all
the boys to the yard? Me neither.
Lest you think Country Strong is completely
irredeemable, I should at least give a tour of
some highlights. We follow four figures: the
aforementioned superstar on a comeback
tour after an alcohol-induced miscarriage
and a stint in rehab; a spare-time songwriter
played by Garrett Hedlund (with a positively
atmospheric twangy growl); a young pop
starlet played by Leighton Meester; and
10 | MAROON WEEKLY January 27 – February 2 www.maroonweekly.com
Photo courtesy of Valerie Clark
Paltrow’s manager husband, Tim McGraw,
the only one not invited to sing for us.
McGraw assembles a massive comeback
tour for Paltrow and her two new opening
acts, culminating—after two other stops
in Houston and Austin—in Dallas, because
apparently three cities qualifies as a tour.
Anyone familiar with any country legend—
think Hank Williams—knows what comes
next.
Some delights are accidental—at times
Country Strong acts as a satire of country
music’s meretricious cooption of ostensible
patriotism—but there remain some
intended pleasures, as in Hedlund’s classical
gravelly singing. “Chances Are” is a great
song, charmingly performed, as long as you
don’t think about it too hard.
But the clichés, contrivance, and hateful
self-indulgence conspire to rob Country
Strong of its fleeting joys. The sloppy
sound mix obscures dialogue that’s already
fuzzy considering all the fake accents and
naturalistic mumbling with diegetic music
or roaring trains, an unforgivable sin in this
genre. Add to this the film’s bizarre stance
against pop music, as if music can’t have
integrity and be popular, undermined by
its own empty spectacles (which the film
and its characters treat as triumphs), and
confirmed again by its Roger Miller coda. It’s
trainwreck-fascinating for the sundry ways
it offends country music, but this artless
pastiche is just a Crazy Heart rehash without
Ryan Bingham’s thoughtful songwriting.
What to watch for
this spring
By Nichelle Jaeger
Spring festivities are underway in the Brazos Valley. Old Man Winter has kept many people
indoors, but as temperatures warm up, community activities are sure to fill your calendar.
Maroon Weekly has created a list for families and students of the top places to be this spring
Although many activities are associated with campus events, most of them are open to the
public and a great way to get families involved in the community. Here are the top three
places for family outings this spring.
1 - Aggie basketball games: Whether you root on the women’s or men’s team, the game will
be jam-packed with fun. This is a great venue for the whole family because kids can take part
in activities throughout the evening. If you show up early to the game, you may be able to
meet the players or get their autograph.
2 - George Bush Presidential Library: Of course families can visit former president Bush’s
library any time of year. However, this spring the library is hosting many events that you will
not want to miss. Open to the public on Feb. 10, the library presents the movie Thoroughly
Modern Millie. Refreshments and popcorn are provided and parking is free.
3 - Arctic Wolf Ice: Arctic Wolf has so many activities for kids, including a Friday Night Jam for
teenagers to skate, rock climb and eat all for a small price. Arctic Wolf has activities for kids
of all ages every day of the week. They even have activities for parents, like zamboni driving!
If you are a student, you may not be looking for an educational activity for the kids, but
Maroon Weekly has you covered too. When you are not in the classroom or studying for that
important test, here are the top places to be this spring.
1 - Parents’ weekend: Congratulations go out to all students who are receiving their Aggie
Ring in April. Ring day kicks off Parents’ Weekend, where the town is packed with families,
BBQ teams and the Aggie Moms’ Boutique. Several colleges and departments will have
displays and the Parents of the Year will be announced.
2 – Organizations: Spring is a great time of year to join a new organization. If you missed
Spring Open House, visit the student affairs website to find out what organization is best for
you. Several groups on campus recruit new members during the spring semester so do not
hesitate because deadlines are quickly approaching.
3 - Chili Fest: Thousands of students will trek out to Snook, TX for the headline performers
and of course, some great chili.
It does not matter your age in the Brazos Valley because this spring there is something for
everyone.
 Arts & Entertainment
book review:
Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
By Autumn Dawson

What happens when the person you love

turns into the monster you fear? When the
man who swore to protect you becomes
the one you need protection from? Those
are the questions faced by Katie in Nicholas
Spark’s latest, and surprising, novel.
After numerous best sellers, fans know what
to expect from Sparks: a compelling love
story and unforgettable characters. In Safe
Haven, readers certainly find that—and so
much more. This gripping tale of love and
survival opens with Katie, a young woman
ch a rt
taking orders and delivering meals, and
remembering. Remembering the things she 1 Cory Morrow Brand New Me
(APEX Nashville/Write On)
would rather forget. Like the days she’d
been without food before landing a job in 2 Josh Abbott Band Oh, Tonight
a small restaurant in a sleep, southern town. (PDT)
3 No Justice Just Get Going
When the mysterious Katie appears in the (Carved)
4 Turnpike Troubadours 7 & 7 (On-
ward Music)
5 Wade Bowen Red Headed Woman

Bringing a piece small North Carolina town of Southport, her 6

(Smith Ent.)
Bleu Edmondson No Room for

of history to the
Mercy (American Saint)
sudden arrival raises questions about her
past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems 7 Jon Wolfe Let A Country Boy Love
determined to avoid forming personal ties You (Fool Hearted Prod)

Brazos Valley until a series of events draws her into two

reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a
widowed store owner with a kind heart
8

9
Brian Keane I’ll Sing About Mine
(Independent)
Fred Andrews/Honeybrowne
By Ryan Stone and two young children; and another with Beautiful Waste of Time (Smith
her plainspoken neighbor, Jo. Despite her Ent.)
For only $400,000, you can own a space shuttle engine. For $42 million, you can own reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down 10 Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Re-
an entire shuttle. Hurry though. Supplies are limited. her guard, putting down roots in the close- ward Guitars (Smith Ent.)
knit community and becoming increasingly 11 Scott Wiggins Band Best Dress
Several years ago, NASA announced that they would be retiring the space shuttle attached to Alex and his family. (SWB)
Discovery to the Smithsonian and that the remaining shuttles would be up for sale. 12 Kyle Park All Night (Winding Road)
Now any institution that can pay to have them stripped, cleaned, and properly stored, But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she
will be able to keep them. Since this rules out the pocketbook of most individuals on struggles with the dark secret that forever 13 James Lann Every Kiss Goodnight
the planet, museums and educational institutions have jumped on the bandwagon haunts and terrifies her: a past that set her (Ari-Tex)
trying to raise funds with which to purchase and display these historic vehicles. on a fearful, shattering journey across the 14 Kevin Fowler Girl In a Truck (Kev-
country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. in Fowler)
Enter the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History. Their campaign to bring one of With Jo’s empathic and stubborn support, 15 Randy Rogers Band Steal You
the retired shuttles to Brazos County involves the building of a new science museum Katie eventually realizes that she must Away (Mercury)
and has the backing of certain notables, including former President George H.W. choose between a life of transient safety 16 Bart Crow Band Should’ve Stayed
Bush who calls the project “very exciting.” The museum has made it their premier and one of riskier rewards. Away (Smith Ent.)
effort to retire and house one of the orbiters in order to bring prestige, commerce, 17 Jeff Allen Can’t Trust Myself (Sav-
and educational benefits to the county and surrounding areas. Not to mention, it In this stunning novel Sparks spares little vy Recordings)
would be just plain cool to own one. in describing the dark side of love and, as
18 Brandon Rhyder Battery (Re-
always, underscoring its redeeming powers
serve)
So now plans are underway for a Science and History Museum, and the shuttle as he brings to life one of his most poignant
would, according to many, make the ideal flagship exhibit. Its presence would characters and also one of his most sinister. 19 Rosehill Midnight America (Cy-
press Creek)
complement the prestigious work done at Texas A&M in science and engineering, as Detailing the stark horrors of domestic
well as speak to Texas’ contributions to space flight and exploration. The project could violence, Sparks creates a stunning novel full 20 Django Walker Young Enough to
create over a thousand more jobs locally, according to sources at BVMN, and create a of surprises and edge-of-you-seat suspense Run (DW)
steady flow of revenue into the valley. In addition, TAMU reportedly has many shelved that will keep you up late into the night, 21 Sunny Sweeney From A Table
artifacts and collections that they do not display or do not have the ability to display. needing to get to that last page. Devotees of Away (Republic Nashville)
These could be set up in tandem with the shuttle for the general public if and when Sparks will find this new work a little darker 22 Jake Kellen If Love Was A Road
it comes to the area. than what they might expect, while new (Horny Toad)
readers will instantly be wrapped up in the 23 Mark McKinney Home (Winding
Visit www.brazosvalleymuseum.org for more details or to make a contribution. Learn saga of a woman struggling to climb the Road)
some local cultural history, and help give a home to one of mankind’s pinnacle self-protective walls she’s built for herself, 24 80 Proof Band Tonight (Smith Ent.)
achievements. and learning to let go of past heart ache. It
is not a tale to be missed, and once read, a 25 Granger Smith 5 More Minutes
story never to be forgotten. (GS)
www.maroonweekly.com January 27 – February 2 MAROON WEEKLY | 11
Sports
Aggies face challenging schedule
By Turner Dawson
It was another exciting week of basketball
for the Fightin’ Texas Aggie basketball team
as they suffered their first loss on the road to
rival Texas and picked up a big win at home
against Kansas State. And as life in the Big 12
conference goes the Aggies don’t get much
of a break as the Aggies travel to Lincoln,
Nebraska to take on the improved Nebraska
Cornhuskers before their Big Monday
match-up on ESPN at home against Texas.
The Aggies started off last week with a lot
of momentum after entering the top 10
before running into a fired up Texas team.
The Aggies were thoroughly demolished
in virtually every aspect of the game by the
Longhorns as the Aggies dropped their first
conference game 81-60.
The defense was soft and the offense was
anemic. It looked like a completely different
team than the one that put together 13
straight wins. The Aggies knew that it would
be crucial for them to get back to playing
their style of basketball, which is playing
defense and rebounding.
The Aggies did just that as they returned
home to take on the #24 ranked Kansas
State Wildcats. It wasn’t a pretty game by
any means but the Aggies did an excellent
job defensively as they held the Wildcats to
40% shooting from the field and 25% from
three point range and allowed just 56 points
and they also outrebounded the Wildcats
39-30 on their way to a 64-56 victory.
Despite the positive signs and tough,
physical play that was seen against Kansas
State, there was still plenty of reason for
concern. The Aggies turned the ball over
17 times compared to only 12 assists. David
Loubeau had his worst game of the season
shooting 1 for 9 from the field.
Luckily the Aggies have an extended break
12 | MAROON WEEKLY January 27 – February 2 www.maroonweekly.com
Photos courtesy of Glen Johnson/Aggie Athletics
between games to recover and work on
some things before heading to Nebraska.
The Cornhuskers are sitting at 14-5 overall
and 2-3 in conference play.
Nebraska is an interesting team because
they don’t have anybody that stands out.
They have two players that average double
figures but they are averaging 10.4 and
10.2. They have nine players that average 5
or more points per game. They struggle in
the sense that
they don’t have
a go-to player
but it can also
play in their
favor because
they have so
many guys that
can step up and
beat you on any
given night.
This is a very unselfish team that isn’t
spectacular at anything but they also don’t country as of late, especially after going on is Gary Johnson with 166. No that’s not a
have any glaring weaknesses. The Aggies the road and taking down unbeaten Kansas typo. He has taken 102 more shots than the
won’t be able to just focus on shutting in Allen Fieldhouse. next closest player on the team. Because of
down one player but will have to guard his extremely poor shot selection, he can
everyone well. The good news is that the The two biggest keys for the Aggies against end up hurting his team more than helping
Aggies are a much more athletic and a the Longhorns will be containing Tristan at times. But when he starts feeling it he is
much more physical team. Thompson on both ends of the court and about as dangerous a scorer as there is in
preventing Jordan Hamilton from going off the country.
The key in this game for Aggies will be on the offensive end. Thompson completely
playing tough defense and forcing the dominated the Aggies in Austin and if the This is a very important week for the Aggie
Cornhuskers to make jump shots with a Aggies hope to stand a chance, they must basketball team. The Aggies must win on
hand in their face. The Cornhuskers aren’t do a better job of not leaving him wide the road against Nebraska. Against Texas,
particularly good from three-point range open for dunks and also drawing some fouls a win would be huge for the program,
but they have some good size on the inside. on him. He has shown a tendency to get in especially after the performances Texas has
It will be crucial not to allow them easy foul trouble this season and if they can get had recently. I think Texas is a much better
buckets. him on the bench, the Longhorns are not team than the Aggies at this point but the
the same caliber team. Aggies are so tough at Reed Arena.
After traveling to Lincoln the Aggies will
come back to Reed Arena for a monster Hamilton is just an interesting player. He I think the Aggies pick up a road win against
match-up against Texas on ESPN’s Big doesn’t play a whole lot of defense. And he Nebraska on Saturday 63-59 and I think the
Monday. Reed will be rocking and the team doesn’t do a whole lot of passing. But he Aggies come away with an incredibly hard
will be looking for some revenge for the certainly does a lot of shooting. Hamilton fought win against the Longhorns on Big
beat down they suffered in Austin. But Texas has taken 268 shots this season. The next Monday, 69-68.
has been one of the hottest teams in the closest player to him on the Longhorn roster
 Sports
11:00 AM
Sports Calendar Track & Field, Cross Country

Women’s Rowdies are the vs Texas A&M Challenge (Big 12 vs. SEC)
at College Station, Tx

new kid on the block Wednesday, Jan 26

7:00 PM
12:00 PM
Men’s Tennis
vs Mississippi State
Women’s Basketball at College Station, Texas
By Kassie Cessna vs Oklahoma
at Norman, Okla. Sunday, Jan 30
When you have the #5 team 12:00 PM
in the nation playing in your Friday, Jan 28 Women’s Basketball
gym day in and day out 11:00 AM vs Baylor at College Station
you would think it would Women’s Equestrian
be standing room only. Well vs SOUTH CAROLINA 1:00 PM
that is exactly what we have at BRYAN vs Tulsa at Durham, N.C.
at Reed Arena with the Texas
A&M Women’s Basketball team. But in recent years finding a seat has been easy. This got the 6:00 PM 3:00 PM
attention of some students. Track & Field, Cross Country Men’s Tennis
vs Texas A&M Challenge (Big 12 vs. SEC) vs Miami or Arizona
After seeing the great success of the Reed Rowdies for Men’s Basketball, some students at College Station, Tx at College Station, Texas
joined together to create the Women’s Rowdies to enhance the game day atmosphere for
the women and to hopefully increase student awareness and attendance. Saturday, Jan 29 Monday, Jan 31
1:00 PM 8:00 PM
The main purpose of the Women’s Rowdies is to create awareness for the team, and Men’s Basketball Men’s Basketball
encourage students to come. That’s the reason Ph.D student Keri Bean joined. vs Nebraska vs TEXAS
at Lincoln, Neb. at COLLEGE STATION
“I joined the Women’s Rowdies to help increase the student attendence at Women’s
Basketball games and meet people who were just as excited as me about the team as I
was,” Bean said.

Women’s Rowdies President Paul Rodgers said that there are many ways to get involved
and to support the Women’s basketball team. For starters you can go purchase a Women’s
Rowdies t-shirt at Mac Resources on Northgate with cash, for $5 by showing your student
I.D. The Women’s Rowdies also announce where they will be before each home game on
their Facebook page.

Any student who attends the games is a part of the Women’s Rowdies by default. But it is
nice to show a united front.
make your favorite spot a make your favorite spot a

HOTSPOT HOTSPOT
The #1 Baylor Bears are headed to College
Station on Sunday, Jan. 30. Having the
number one ranked team in the country ®
get the Cricket Crosswave and connect get the Cricket Crosswave and connect
come to our court means that Reed Arena up to 4 wireless devices at once up to 4 wireless devices at once
should be sold out. The Women’s Rowdies
are doing their best to create a huge home Crosswave
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connects up to four connects up to four
The Women’s Rowdies are working on plans devices at once devices at once

to camp out before the Baylor game. There portable modem and
WiFi transmitter in one
portable modem and
WiFi transmitter in one
are also plans for a cookout the night before
the game. So come out and join the fun.
50
mobile internet access
50
mobile internet access

Who knows if you are being crazy enough learn more at your local Cricket Store learn more at your local Cricket Store

Cricket Cricket
maybe you’ll get to Saw ‘Em Off with Coach 1800 Texas Av Su F 1800 Texas Av Su F
College Station, TX College Station, TX
Blair like Keri Bean did. Women’s Rowdies 77840 77840
(979) 693-5620 (979) 693-5620
is in the beginning phase, but it is a great
organization on campus to support and mycricket.com/broadband mycricket.com/broadband
encourage our great Aggie Women’s no signed contracts. no overages.
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no signed contracts. no overages.
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Basketball team. Be sure to checkout their
Facebook page or shoot them an email at
Recycle your old cell phone at your local Cricket store. Recycle your old cell phone at your local Cricket store.
Rate plans contain a usage level. This is the amount of data you can upload and download during your bill cycle.
When the usage level is met, Cricket’s Fair Use Policy will reduce your speed. You can still use the service, but
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womensrowdies@gmail.com See you at the
you may only be able to do basic email and web browsing during this time. Please see mycricket.com/fairuse
for more details.
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next game. Gig ‘Em Ags! accepts Visa debit cards. Card valid through date shown on front of card. Sales tax excluded. Terms, conditions and other restrictions apply. © 2011 Cricket
Communications, Inc. 3605M 12/10
accepts Visa debit cards. Card valid through date shown on front of card. Sales tax excluded. Terms, conditions and other restrictions apply. © 2011 Cricket
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www.maroonweekly.com January 27 – February 2 MAROON WEEKLY | 13

 Sports

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Recycle your old cell phone at your local Cricket store.
Rate plan contains a 1GB data usage level. Once you reach your usage level your speeds will be reduced. Visit
mycricket.com/fairuse for details.
Coverage not available everywhere. We may limit or terminate your service without prior notice if you no longer reside and have a mailing address in a Cricket-
owned network coverage area or if a majority of your voice and/or data usage is on a partner network during the previous month. Device: Limited time offer;
subject to change. Cricket Visa® Prepaid Cards are issued by MetaBank™ pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. This card does not have cash access
and can be used at any merchant that accepts Visa debit cards. Card valid through date shown on front of card. Terms, conditions and other restrictions apply.
Excludes sales tax. Comparison based on AT&T’s Unlimited Nation Plan plus DataPro smartphone package and Verizon’s Unlimited Nationwide Plan plus
smartphone data package. BlackBerry is a registered trademark of Research In Motion Limited and is registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around
the world. Android™ is a trademark of Google, Inc. © 2011 Cricket Communications, Inc.
Recycle your old cell phone at your local Cricket store.
Rate plan contains a 1GB data usage level. Once you reach your usage level your speeds will be reduced. Visit
mycricket.com/fairuse for details.
Coverage not available everywhere. We may limit or terminate your service without prior notice if you no longer reside and have a mailing address in a Cricket-
owned network coverage area or if a majority of your voice and/or data usage is on a partner network during the previous month. Device: Limited time offer;
subject to change. Cricket Visa® Prepaid Cards are issued by MetaBank™ pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. This card does not have cash access
and can be used at any merchant that accepts Visa debit cards. Card valid through date shown on front of card. Terms, conditions and other restrictions apply.
Excludes sales tax. Comparison based on AT&T’s Unlimited Nation Plan plus DataPro smartphone package and Verizon’s Unlimited Nationwide Plan plus
smartphone data package. BlackBerry is a registered trademark of Research In Motion Limited and is registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around
the world. Android™ is a trademark of Google, Inc. © 2011 Cricket Communications, Inc.

14 | MAROON WEEKLY January 27 – February 2 www.maroonweekly.com


Catherine Snow knows her roll
By Ian Sores
The Texas A&M Women’s Basketball
program is definitely on a roll. The team
just recorded its 11th straight win in
a tough road win against Iowa State;
bringing its’ season record to 17-1 overall
and 5-0 in conference play. As the #5
team in the nation, the Aggies have
been building quite a reputation and are
chock-full of big names. But even on a
team that is receiving so much attention,
there are still many stories to be told.
One such story is that of Catherine Snow.
The senior guard from Temple, Texas has
had a much different journey than many
of her teammates. Although she lettered
in four sports at Troy High School, she
was not recruited to play at Texas A&M.
So, when she arrived on campus for the
first time as a freshman she arrived much
like everyone else; as a student.
“Although I have always loved sports, I
didn’t originally come here as an athlete,
I chose Texas A&M because it’s one of the
most respected schools in the country”
Snow said.
Instead she was content to spend her
first year in college focusing on her
academics and having fun playing
intramural sports.
It was not until very early in her
sophomore year that Catherine saw an ad
In the Battalion newspaper announcing
open tryouts for the Women’s Basketball
team. Even though the odds of walking
onto a Division I team (especially one as
highly touted as Texas A&M’s) are very
low, she decided that her love of sports
was worth the effort.
“[The tryouts] were kind of intense. They
had us go through ball handling drills
and shooting drills, but mainly they were
interested in what kind of condition we
were in,” she said.
Fortunately she had kept in great
condition working out on her own and
competing in intramurals. She also
mentions all of the experience she had
gained lettering in so many sports while
in high school.
“I lettered in basketball, volleyball,
softball, track & field & cross country,”
then she said with a big laugh “I pretty
much played everything except for golf
and tennis.”
The experience and conditioning must
have paid off, because not long after trying
outs she received a call asking if she would
like to be part of the team. Catherine Snow
was the only walk-on player accepted.
Being the only walk-on player to join the
team was an accomplishment in and of
itself, but the intensity did not end there.
For one, the practice squad that Catherine
was placed on is comprised almost entirely
of male athletes, known as the “Guys.”
According to Charlee Miller, a staff member
on the Women’s Basketball team, “players
that are placed on the practice squad are
not only expected to compete against
some of the best female athletes in the
country for playing time, but they are also
expected to compete against the guys for
practice time.”
According to Snow, being on the practice
squad is not all that glamorous.
“Once on the practice squad, it’s all about
the doing dirty work,” she said with a
smile, “It’s all about doing what you are
needed to do for the team.”
That being said, Snow was still a member
of the team and therefore expected to suit
up for every game and stand ready if the
opportunity ever arose.
The opportunity finally presented itself
during a game against Rice, her junior
year, when she finally got the nod to play.
“It was exhilarating,” she said. “I didn’t want
to go in and mess anything up, so I really
worked at protecting the ball and taking
care of the little things.”
When asked about the circumstances
under which she finally got playing time,
she begins laughing and answers, “We
were probably up by like 50 points!” She
then goes on to say “I am by no means first
off the bench. In order for me to get in, we
have to be up by a large margin.”
But even as she says that, it’s clear that she
Sports
is happy to be part of the team and very The hard work and determination that
proud of her role. Catherine Snow has demonstrated over
the past three seasons has earned her the
“I’m not necessarily seeking out playing respect of her teammates and coaches
time. I want to make those that are getting alike.
playing time, better.” Snow graduated this past December with
a degree in Kinesiology, but was asked by
And by embracing her role on the practice Coach Blair to finish out the season with
squad, she has the opportunity to help out the team. As a result, she is enrolled
the most. in post baccalaureate non-degree (G6)
classes this spring and has earned her
“I am good at putting my team mates in first scholarship with the team.
game like situations that they are going
to face. This way, when it does come to Snow isn’t looking too far into the future.
that during a game they will be ready and She is quick to note that right now she’s
prepared,” Snow said. focusing on the current season and
along with helping the team succeed,
When it comes time to help the team she would really like to see more fans fill
prepare, she can always be depended on Reed Arena for the upcoming conference
to utilize her incredible speed and her games.
determination.
Perhaps if the team
When asked how she sees herself as a can continue to keep
player, she pauses for a while and then its winning ways up,
bursts out “I guess I’m kind of like the we’ll get a chance to
Energizer Bunny. I keep on going and see and appreciate
doing whatever I’m asked.” Catherine Snow
during the next big
In fact, she is one of the fastest route.
players on the team and led the
team this year in the mile
run. That’s saying a lot
considering that this
is the fifth highest
ranked basketball
team in the
country.
“She brings
a lot of
commitment
and speed to the
team. She may not
outshoot everyone,
but she’ll definitely
outrun them,” Miller said.
“She’s truly inspirational.
She’s been out there working
hard and contributing over the
years with hard work as its
only reward. Her dedication
really shines through when
you consider that walk-on
players have to try out every
year. This year she was the
only one to make the team,
again.”
www.maroonweekly.com January 27 – February 2 MAROON WEEKLY | 15
Diversions
Sojourner: Finding your inner peace
By Mara Minsberg
While I wish I was the type of endlessly
open minded person who approaches
new experiences without judgment, I often
find it difficult to suspend my impulse to
act contrarily. I have long aspired to be a
person who can throw her full buy-in and
support behind unfamiliar practices and
jump in with solely positive intentions. In
reality, however, when someone offers an
unsolicited testimonial on his or her latest
life changing endeavor, my initial instinct is
to respond with thinly veiled cynicism.
In the spirit of the New Year, however, I
decide to withhold my usual nay-saying
instincts and follow the admirable example
of my more open-minded acquaintances. A
close friend of mine swears by her daily yoga
practice, praising its ability to create a sense
of inner balance and enhanced spiritual
clarity. Her descriptions sounded like a
fitting remedy for quelling my instinctive
natural doubt, so I find a drop-in class that
fits my schedule on a Thursday evening at
Brazos Healing Center at The Med in College
Station. My friend’s recommendation
suggests the experience could afford me an
opportunity to stretch both my body and
mind: a fitting prescription for a perpetual
sideline skeptic.
With a decidedly more open mind than
usual, I drag my ever-cooperative fiancé
along for Kundalini yoga, a class touted
by Brazos Healing Center’s website as a
great entry point for yoga beginners. After
a long and exhausting day work followed
by a quick clothes change in the office
bathroom, we meet at The Med for our
first session. Upon entering the room, I see
a small group of men and women sitting
cross legged on mats set up evenly spaced
around the small studio. Observing the Zen-
like decor, completely frosted windows, and
calming music, it is hard to believe we’re still
inside The Med. The ambience is soothing
and inviting, and we assume our positions
awaiting the leader’s instructions.
16 | MAROON WEEKLY January 27 – February 2 www.maroonweekly.com
Our instructor has a very calming presence
about her, dictating our poses and breathing
patterns with simple commands and helpful
explanations, the ideal combination for a
pair of novices like us. We begin our practice
with a krya, a mantra to focus our minds.
We concentrate on feeling the vibration
of the individual words, and while I’m
characteristically doubtful at first, I give it a
try and am surprised to find myself feeling
increasingly relaxed and focused.
Our hour and fifteen minutes of yoga
consists of various body-stretching poses
with incorporated breathing techniques.
I am somewhat surprised to see our
instructor working off of her notes, but she
explains that yoga is more of a science than
people typically assume. She refers to the
sequences as “prescribed” and takes time
to explain how yoga focuses on stimulating
our glands, particularly in our endocrine
systems. This is not the approach I was
expecting, and I appreciate learning about
the theory that formed the basis of our
practice.
As we move through the various poses,
the teacher instructs us to keep our eyes
closed and concentrate on achieving proper
technique. While at first I feel a bit silly sitting
with my eyes closed in a room full of people,
I soon realized its benefit. It prevents my self-
consciousness from acting up, forcing me to
focus only on what I am doing and allowing
me to ignore all other external stimuli. It
is harder to feel silly when you know that
no one is watching you or judging your
movements. I feel myself relax, focusing so
completing the designated tasks that I no
longer have the mind space to worry about
my pride.
The sound of the groups’ collective deep or
rapid breathing has a profoundly calming
effect. For the first time in months, I feel a
rare sense of clarity and focus accented by
a noticeable lack of mental clutter. Generally
my mind is swimming with a persistent hum
of mundane daily thoughts, but during yoga
I am surprised to observe an unusual quiet
in my head.
Following our session, I take some time
to reflect on the experience. The class has
me thinking about how rarely we take the
opportunity to truly clear our minds; instead,
we allow the buzz of inner noise and our
mental manifestations of stress overtake
us. The noise is underwhelming, often so
omnipresent we don’t even notice the buzz
until we take a meditative effort to flip our
personal off switch. As promised by my yogi
friend, yoga provided an outlet for clearing
my mind and resetting all of the negativity
Graduate School for
dummies
By Sherrill Mogonye
As a junior or senior, you are on the cusp
of the next phase in your life. You are
contemplating the options for your future,
and these decisions will be critical. Option
number one: graduate school.
If you want to pursue advanced coursework
in a specific subject or focus on specialized
training such as law, medicine, or social
work then graduate school may be a good
choice for you. In today’s economy there
are also many careers in high demand and
having an advanced degree will increase the
likelihood of obtaining a job.
If you are sitting on the fence about
graduate school, use a calculator to weigh
your pros and cons. Most people discover
that the cost of tuition and loss of income
being made are worth the increased future
earnings.
There are several steps to getting in, and
a major prerequisite for graduate school is
the entrance exam. The GRE is a common
I had acquired and of which I had borne
the burden all week long. While my natural
instincts may veer toward skepticism, yoga
provided the necessary clarity to overcome
this usual judgment and just focus on
creating a positive personal experience,
both physically and mentally.
Brazos Healing Center is located at the
Medical Center in College Station at 1602
Rock Prairie Road Suite 1000 in College
Station. For more information on sessions,
services, workshops, and classes, visit their
website at www.brazoshealingcenter.com
or call (979) 402-3595.
entrance exam, and is similar to the SAT.
Many suggest taking the exam upon
graduation from undergraduate school
even if you are unsure about continuing
your education at that time. The test
scores will be accepted for up to five
years, and it would be better to do while
test-taking habits are fresh in your mind.
Other common exams that may be
necessary for admission are the GMAT,
MCAT, and LSAT. Contact the college that
you are interested in to ask questions
and express your intentions for applying
while inquiring about which exam would
be necessary for your graduate studies.
There are many books, on-line resources,
and prep courses to get ready for each
test. It is recommended that the exam
should be taken more than once! Submit
your highest score as it will be important
for your admission to the school and for
potential scholarships.
When applying for graduate school,
obtain letters of recommendation and
(continued on page 17)
 Diversions
Photo courtesy of Valerie Clark

Graduate School
for dummies
Cheap and easy (continued)
official college transcripts. Submit your GRE
Glazed Chicken and Sweet Yams or other test scores along with an essay, if
required. Be sure to complete and submit
all necessary documentation before the
By Autumn Dawson deadlines. After you have sent everything,
This week’s delicious meal for the non-gourmet chefs, on the average broke call your prospective college to be sure they
college student’s budget: Glazed Chicken and Sweet Yams have received each of the documents.
If you’re tired of the same old salt and pepper routine, give this recipe a shot.
It’s a simple, inexpensive way to create a delicious, refreshing spin on an old Paying for school may seem like a fearful
favorite. feat; however it doesn’t have to be. Fill out
Serving Size: 4-5 girls, or 2-3 guys the Free Application for Federal Student
Preparation Method: Stove or Microwave; Oven Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible. This will
Preparation Time: 15 minutes determine how much financial aid is
Total Cook Time: 30-35 minutes available to you. Pell grants, federal loans,
Difficulty Level: My husband, who I’m not entirely certain knows how to turn and many other funds are offered, making it
the oven on… extremely beneficial.
Ingredients:
• 4 bone-in chicken breast halves (about 2 ½ pounds), skinned If possible, it is wise to pay as much of the
• 4 Tablespoons butter tuition costs without having to borrow from a
• 1 teaspoon paprika lender. Part-time work is manageable during
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon graduate school, but a full-time job is not
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin recommended. If you need some income,
• 3 Tablespoons brown sugar try to find a job with a flexible schedule,
• 1 large can yams in syrup (drained), or 2-3 fresh yams
*cinnamon and brown sugar for yams
such as tutoring undergraduates in your
field of study. Workstudy programs may also
be available in your college. Workstudy is
partially funded by the federal government
and does not have to be repaid. Check
with your university’s financial aid office for
positions, deadlines, and procedures.
If you have been offered a full-time job
or are searching for one, find out if the
business offers tuition reimbursement. Many
companies will pay for a portion of graduate
school based on terms of an agreement.
There are so many choices at this point in
your life, but I encourage you not to dismiss
the idea of graduate school. It may be
harder than undergraduate school, but it
will be more rewarding.

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Coat a baking sheet with nonstick
spray.
2. If you are using fresh sweet potatoes, slice them in to thin slices (the
thinner the slice, the faster they will cook), place sliced pieces in a
microwavable bowl and set to the side. If you are using the can variety,
don’t worry about them yet.
3. In a medium sized bowl, combine the paprika, cinnamon, and cumin (I
usually sprinkle in pepper and salt, but if you don’t have any, it’s not a
big deal) Rub the mixture over the chicken breasts, then place on the
baking sheet. Position the baking sheet in the upper one-third of the
oven and bake 15 minutes.
4. If you’re using fresh yams, put them in the microwave. (I usually stir in
2-3 tablespoons worth of butter, but it isn’t absolutely necessary)Turn
the microwave on bake for 5 minutes. At the end of that time, check
the consistency. If they aren’t completely tender, put back in microwave
until cooked through.
5. While the chicken and yams are cooking, combine the brown sugar
and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently until butter
melts and the mixture is well combined.
6. After the chicken has baked for 15 minutes, brush over with brown sugar
glaze and bake 5 minutes longer. Then, one last time, brush the chicken
again and bake until cooked through (usually another 5-7 minutes).
7. If you decided to use the can variety of yams, now would be the time
to put them in a medium-sized pot on the stove. Heat until they reach
desired temperature, stir occasionally. Once the canned yams are the
appropriate temperature—or the fresh yams are fully cooked (a.k.a. you
can stir them as easily as hot oatmeal)—sprinkle with cinnamon and
brown sugar to taste.
8. Remove the chicken from oven, let cool for several minutes, then serve
and enjoy!

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answers

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 on Luther
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