Issue 198 | April 14, 2011
2 | MAROON WEEKLY April 14 – 20 www.maroonweekly.com
Publisher Mick Maynard
News & Views
Caviar Dreams: Font
Business Manager Andrea Maynard Editor in Chief Chris Shepperd
MSC Aggie Women Build is Variety looking to grow Show sure to entertain By Maggie Dotson
Aggies, help is needed! Aggie Women Build (AWB), a non-profit organization in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, will be building a house at the end of this year. What they need is willing female volunteers, promotional and monetary support.
By Megan Roiz With the coming of Parents’ Weekend, those who attend might be curious as to what events are being held. The MSC Variety Show is just one of many different entertainment events that students and their parents might attend. The MSC Variety Show is a student talent show hosted by MSC Town Hall. It takes place on the Friday of Parents’ Weekend at Texas A&M. The Variety Show highlights student acts and the wide variety of talents at Texas A&M. Students, visiting family members (because we all know that Mom and Dad will drag younger siblings with them) and faculty and staff are invited to share in the fun with acts ranging from singing, dancing, comedy and magic. Tickets are available through the MSC Box Office as well as online and at the door. The show is at Rudder Auditorium, and it begins at 7:30 pm.
Aggie Habitat for Humanity has long been a giving, non-profit organization serving the local community and providing service projects for interested, hard workingvolunteers. Of those service projects are well-known house builds. In alliance, the AWB looks to continue Habitat’s longstanding tradition.
MANAGING EDITOR Chris Zebo Design/Layout Cara Matocha, C2-Studios Inc. writers Kassie Cessna Gabrielle Nguyen Autumn Dawson Brandon Nowalk Turner Dawson Erica Pitman Josh Howell Megan Roiz Sarabeth Lacy Ian Soares Mara Minsberg Joey Trevino Sherrill Mogonye Photographers Valerie Clark Steven Heger Distribution Kyler Dillon Andy Nguyen Becca Nelms interns Vladimir Amador
Maggie Dotson Ryan Frische Cameron Gott Lana Rothe
“Women Build is a branch of Habitat for Humanity where women only get to sponsor and build a house together,” as stated on their Facebook page. The goal of Aggie Women Build is to bring together Aggie women to build a house for a family who is in need of one. The build date is yet to be finalized; however, the goal is fall 2011. What AWB needs in order to fulfill this goal is $40,000 for construction costs. Help a family of the Brazos Valley, in-need of a comforting place they can call home. Any and all help is beneficial. Within the next few weeks, tables will be set up around campus promoting AWB. Stop by and say hello! Aggie Women Build is looking for passionate, strong-willed women interested in making a difference. No experience is necessary. Gather a group of your best girlfriends to help out and please further spread the word! Visit and LIKE the Facebook page in order to receive up-to-date information as is it disseminated: http:// www.facebook.com/pages/Aggie-Women-Build. Would you like further information or do you have ideas? Please contact Kelsey Brawner: kelseyb@aggiehabitat.com
Maroon Weekly is an independent, student-owned publication and is not affiliated with A&M University. Maroon Weekly receives no student fees or university funding. Opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the editor, publisher or the newspaper staff. Maroon Weekly is not liable for omissions, misprints to typographical errors. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express consent of the publisher. 1st copy is FREE, additional copies are $0.50 each Maroon Weekly 110 Lincoln St. #107 College Station, Texas 77840 ph: 979.696.3971 | fax: 281.312.5160 © Copyright 2010 Legacy Media Inc.
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News & Views
The Way I See It: Wouldn’t miss it for the world By Chris Shepperd Google maps displays 1,069 miles Bryan, TX. and Indianapolis, IN. That is approximately 15 ½ hours in the car. Think of all the things you could do in 15 ½ hours. You could watch Gone with the Wind three times. You could relive the entire NBA
championship series from last year. You could probably read your way through War and Peace. So it just makes sense that you wouldn’t want to jump in a car and head to Indy. However, that is exactly what my friend and I did last week. As soon as the Women’s Basketball team beat Stanford in the Final
Four match-up last Sunday, it was decided that we would make the trip to Indy for the National Championship game. It was a decision I will never forget. There are moments in our college career where we throw caution to the wind and just instinctively do things. This was one of those moments. We had the chance to be a
part of something historic. Something epic. Something surreal. So it just made sense that we would go. Let me pause right here and mention, we were only in Indy for SIX hours. That’s right. 33 hours on the road and SIX hours at our actual destination. To have the chance to witness history in the making was special in and of itself. But to have the chance to witness it for a group of Aggies I have been religiously following since my time began here in Aggieland is truly priceless. While all sports are not created equal, it should be noted that this team, these girls, are just as entertaining and impressive as any other sport or athlete offered on this campus. This is a truth that is often over looked in the search for stardom and fan appreciation. This group of ladies, Aggies, is often ignored by their own peers.
Need a better spot?
But, I will come down off my soapbox. It is clear to see, I am passionate about this team and these girls. The atmosphere in the Conseco Field House was electric. While the crowd was comprised of 70% Notre Dame fans, it was a proud moment for any Aggie walking to their seats. Victory was in the air. Our girls had swagger and they expected to win. It started to rub off on the fans. I don’t need to rehash each and every play. WE WON. The buzzer sounded and our team was victorious. In that moment it was the Aggies hoisting the trophy and flashing the #1 sign in the air.
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I had a long time to think about how amazing the experience was. I did, after all, have to jump back in my car and drive the return trip home. What I was able to witness was truly a once in a lifetime moment. Next year go check this team out. Sure they won the national championship so they will be getting a lot of love and press. But even more than that, they are really humble, genuine people. Stick around after a game and go say hi. You might be surprised at how they respond.
News & Views
Aggie Ring Day is more than an event By Erica Pitman Texas A&M University is known for being deeply rooted in traditions. One of the best known and a favorite of its traditions is the one-of-a-kind Aggie Ring, and the day that corresponds with it, Aggie Ring Day. Aggie Ring Day, as an event, is hosted by The Association of Former Students, and more specifically the long standing Ring Program that dates back to the late 1880s. This day is when many students join the ranks of the millions of former students. It is a highly anticipated milestone in an A&M student’s academic career as a lot of time, money, stress and tears went into each and every student’s journey to earn the right to own a ring made of gold, their Aggie Ring. Despite being one of the oldest Aggie traditions, the Aggie Ring itself has surprisingly changed very little over the years.
“Very few things have changed on the Aggie Ring,” The Association of Former Student’s Director of Campus Programs Kelli Hutka ’97 said. “Rings from the 1900s look very similar to the rings worn today. The main changes that have been made have to do with the name change of the University.” This consistent ring of gold that more than 9,000 Aggie students receive each year has a unique design that hasn’t really changed as Hutka said. The top of the Aggie ring contains a shield with an eagle, 13 stripes and five stars. The seal of the State of Texas as authorized by the constitution of 1845 and a five-pointed star surrounded by a wreath of olive and live-oak leaves comprise one side of the Aggie Ring, and the other side contains a cannon, a saber and a rifle. While the Aggie Ring itself has been a major part in the Aggie identity, and hasn’t changed much, this monumental accomplishment wasn’t always celebrated in such a lavish fashion. The manner in
which students receive their Aggie Ring has evolved; making Aggie Ring Day a relatively new tradition. “Prior to the late 1990s, Aggie Ring Day was never the real big event you see today,” Hutka said. “It was just a day where students would come and stand in line to get their ring. There was really no big fan fare.” Since the first Aggie Ring Day in the late 1990s, the event has grown significantly. “When it became an event, we started seeing more families involved in the celebration,” Hutka said. “Now, it is not uncommon to see students with 10 to 12 friends and family members.” And as the event grew, more and more workers and volunteers became a necessity in the smooth operation and execution of such a large and important event.
“When you have an event this large, it does take a whole community to make it successful,” Hutka said. “We depend on faculty, staff, former students and various student organizations across campus to distribute rings, stickers, food and drinks. We have about 250 to 275 volunteers on site; it truly is a community effort.” The newer tradition, Aggie Ring Day, is an opportunity for both The Association of Former Students and the community at large to help students celebrate this hard earned achievement and to welcome them into the extended Aggie family.
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News & Views
Corps of Cadets showcasing talents all weekend By Sherrill Mogonye If you do not know what the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M is all about, there are a plethora of events being held during Parents’ Weekend to enlighten you. Texas A&M was originally an all male institution and it was founded upon the Corps. This university has since grown and expanded to women and civilian lifestyles, but with a military backbone, tradition and camaraderie, the Corps has maintained its roots. There are a number of Corps events throughout the weekend, from sports to drill and awards ceremonies, they’ve got it all. Friday evening, the Corps baseball team will hold their annual Corps versus Fraternity baseball philanthropy game. Tickets are only five dollars and the proceeds will benefit local charities. This competition is always an exciting event that students and adults enjoy. The game will be held at Travis Field, home of the Brazos Valley Bombers minor league team. On Saturday morning, you can drive a mere two miles from campus to Freeman Arena and see the Parsons Mounted Cavalry (PMC) drill and awards ceremony. This horse mounted unit is one of the most
recognized special units within the Corps. Cadets are only allowed to try out for the unit during their sophomore year and then spend countless hours tending to and riding the horses. They are also the keepers of the 1902 model 3-inch field artillery piece called “The Spirit of ‘02” that is shot after each touchdown during Texas A&M football games. PMC is widely admired and this event is not to be missed. Just after noon on Sunday you can join hundreds of families, friends, staff, faculty and alumni at Kyle Field as they witness several more intriguing presentations by the Corps of Cadets. First the Ross Volunteer Company, the official honor guard of the governor of Texas, is scheduled to perform. This highly selective group of men and women in distinct white uniforms will stand at attention and quietly execute their rifle demonstration. The audience, I can tell you from experience, will gaze in awe of their ability until the last movement is made. Following the RV performance, the Fish Drill Team (FDT) will perform their drill. This special unit is made up of only freshman cadets who participate in rigorous practices for hours each week. I have witnessed them practice through the rain and the bitter cold.
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These young cadets are very dedicated to being the best they can be. Each year FDT competes in precision drill competitions throughout the country and almost every year they have been national champions. After these two masterful performances, the entire Corps, including the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band will march in review from the Quad and then around Kyle Field. Individual and unit awards ceremonies will also be held to honor cadets for their outstanding achievements. Later that evening, the Corps will hold their Leadership Excellence Program Certificate Ceremony. This ceremony is for cadets who have chosen to pursue an Academic Certificate in Leadership studies rather than a military career. Although the Corps is known for commissioning officers into the military, more than 50 percent of cadets choose the non-military route. Parents’ Weekend will be full of events on and off campus, but even if you do not have a relative or close friend in the Corps of Cadets, it will be well worth attending one or more of their events. You can learn more about the Corps and the history of A&M by visiting the museum in the Sanders Corps of Cadets Center. It will be open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday and 9:30 am to 1:00 pm on Sunday.
Friday, April 15, 2011 7:00 pm
Corps vs. Fraternity baseball game @ Travis Field
Saturday, April 16, 2011 10:00 am
Parsons Mounted Cavalry Drill & Awards Ceremony @ Freeman Arena
Sunday, April 17, 2011 12:30 pm
Ross Volunteer Performance @ Kyle Field
1:15 pm
Fish Drill Team Performance @ Kyle Field
1:45 pm
Individual Award Presentations @ Kyle Field
2:25 pm
Corps Steps off from the Quad
2:45 pm
Unit Awards & Corps Review @ Kyle Field
5:00 pm
Leadership Excellence Program Certificate Ceremony @ Rudder Theater
News & Views
Kappa Kappa Gamma reaches out By Ryan Frische One great aspect of living in a college community is the abundance of organizations and individuals that dedicate their time and effort to assist those who are in need. It is a great way to build relationships with community members as well as spread the spirit of service among students. The Nehemiah Center of Navasota is one organization that has had the chance to broaden their message by pairing up with the Texas A&M University chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. The Nehemiah Center serves as a safe haven for local children. It is an after school program for at-risk kids within the community in kindergarten through 5th grade. Providing services such as tutoring, snacks and parent enrichment classes, Nehemiah’s goal is to enhance the spiritual, personal, academic and social growth in each child. As a part of their program, they offer tutoring to the kids every Monday-Thursday. During this time, the ladies of Kappa Kappa Gamma dedicate their time to drive to Navasota several times a week and spend an hour working with the kids. Kappa’s involvement with the Nehemiah Center began last year with the help of their advisor and Kappa alum, Sandy Frick. As a volunteer herself with the Nehemiah Center in Houston, she saw a need for volunteers in Navasota and suggested Kappa should try to get involved. Katie Solcher a junior Kappa, said, “As philanthropy chair I was looking for a way for Kappas to give of themselves…We help them with their homework, play and read. Just even asking them about their day is something a lot of those kids don’t have at home. We are taking an interest in these kids and making them feel special and loved.”
In addition to the time spent each week, now the center will be a large beneficiary of the money raised by the sorority at each of their philanthropic events, including the upcoming fundraiser, Kappa Krawfish. Many of organizations spend time and energy raising money to benefit charities, however, what sets Kappa apart is their commitment to the children that attend Nehemiah. This philanthropic relationship extends farther than just handing out a check. The ladies of Kappa Kappa Gamma have spent hours building relationships and bonds with children who may not otherwise be exposed to such a diverse group of college students. “I honestly have had the best experience with these kids and I can only hope that we can help the program grow and improve,” Solcher said. “We have such a close connection with the Nehemiah center and have the opportunity to make such a huge impact on these kids! They are literally bouncing off the walls when we show up, I just wish I had time to go more.”
Due to the great relationships they formed and the progress they saw within the children, Kappa made the decision to officially change their philanthropy to the Nehemiah center. Each week they work diligently in conjunction with Nehemiah’s mission to improve the academic and social growth of the children. www.maroonweekly.com April 14 – 20 MAROON WEEKLY | 7
News & Views
Midnight Yell is rich in history, tradition
By Kassie Cessna It’s 11:30PM on a Friday night and Northgate is getting more and more empty. People are starting to walk towards campus, specifically Kyle Field. What is going on? Midnight yell is about to start and no one wants to miss it. Midnight yell got its start when some cadets back in Old Army days decided to come together one night to practice some yells before a big football game. The actual date that Midnight yell was started isn’t really known. Midnight yell was so successful
it became one of A&M’s dearest and best traditions.
juniors push before midnight yell instead of hanging out with their dates.
Man is. Our student body is unique and cannot be matched.” Bergamo said.
Before Midnight Yell you might notice that the junior yell leaders are in the middle of the field doing thousands of push-ups. Like everything in Aggieland, there is a story behind this.
Midnight yell is a way to unify the student body right before a home football game. It’s a time where Aggies practice yells, the yell leaders tell stories about the other team, and of course the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band plays. It’s truly remarkable that Aggies, at midnight the night before the game, come together and practice yells and get ready to beat the hell out of who they are playing.
Midnight yell is truly a remarkable experience and something that every Aggie loves going to. It gets all Aggies fired up for the game the next day, and shows how unified our student body really is. Make sure to head to Kyle Field this weekend to catch a glimpse of what Midnight Yell is all about.
Head Yell Leader Brett Bergamo recounts that this got started when one of the head yell leaders in 1970 wasn’t able to get his date into town and that the juniors gave him so much grief for it that he made the
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Arts & Entertainment Photos courtesy of Those Darlins
Artist review: By Chris Zebo In honor of the Aggie women’s team taking home the national championship last week, this week’s music review is of an up-and-coming girl band out of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Well…they’re almost a girl band; drummer Linwood Regensburg is the odd man out with a Y chromosome. But despite the manpower behind the drum kit, the group is overtly femme. Those Darlins, a 4-piece, country-fried garage rock band, released their first self-titled album in 2006 and then sort of disappeared for awhile. In 2009 they resurfaced and played 140 shows around the country, and in 2010 they sold out shows on an East Coast tour, sharing bills with big bands and turning all the right heads. But with the release of their second album in March, Screws Get Loose, the band has quickly garnered a lot of media attention, earning favorable reviews from the likes of Rolling Stone and friends. It’s well-deserved praise. If their debut album in 2006 was spring training, then Screws Get Loose is the band’s national championship. In a little over four years, Those Darlins have fully embraced “a sound” finally, something actually achieved on the first album, too. But that “sound” only took them so far. In hindsight, their self-titled release was an excellent cowpunk alt-country album in its own right, one that a reviewer summed up as “the Ramones meet the Dixie Chicks.” And it also gained velocity for the band, since initial reviews were positive and many held out hopes that their sound would evolve and then congeal one day. Well, that was over 4 years ago. With Screws Get Loose, the girls (and a guy) took their country punk roots and planted them firmly in the garage. The 35-minute album, divided into 12 succinct tracks, opens brashly with the title track, a sassy tune that sounds like the Beach Boys would have sounded if they weren’t square men and had grown up listening to the Velvet Underground. The album owes a lot to the sixties, but it also channels Riot Grrrl foremothers from the not-so-distant past, nineties bands such as Bikini Kill and Bratmobile. But unlike the upfront feminism of that music movement, Those Darlins keep the themes light while still trading jibes with masculinity. In “Be Your Bro,” for example, a song about adolescent platonic friendships between girls and boys, the girls sing in unison, “I may have girly parts / But I’ve got a boy’s heart.” Throughout the album, immediately catchy hooks and harmonies are wrapped around deadpan, brutally honest lyrics that are sure to become sing-alongs. And while most of the songs are parked in the garage, the band also takes some detours into pop punk (“Hives”) and even a little “trip” into psychedelic territory (“Mystic Mind”). There’s something frank and uninhibited about this release that’s fresh in what’s become today’s contrived and formulaic underground music scene. From the moment you hear a track from the album, you’re immediately disarmed by their audacity and quick wit. Attitude goes a long way when it’s authentic. (Derby Girls, a great album to play at your next event.)
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Arts & Entertainment Photos courtesy of Symphonic Winds
Symphonic bands prepare to amaze By Joey Trevino Looking for somewhere to take your parents during Parents Weekend 2011? How about taking them to a presentation of Aggie Fine Arts at its best, a few of the finest bands on campus. On April 15, at 7 p.m. you can watch the Texas A&M University Wind Symphony and Symphonic Winds bands perform at Rudder Theatre. The Wind Symphony is under the direction of Dr. Timothy Rhea, Director of bands at Texas A&M University and the Symphonic Winds are under the direction of Travis Almany, Associate of Bands at Texas A&M University. Each band features roughly 70- 75 members who are not only members of the Corp of Cadets but students from across the university. According to Travis Almany, the bands feature the best brass, woodwind and percussion players on campus. In Early February, the Wind Symphony performed at the very prestigious Texas Music Educators Association Convention as well as a performance in December at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, which is a worldwide convention of bands and orchestras. On Friday, April 15, the bands will be performing the following: 7 p.m. – Symphonic Winds – Travis Almany Nitro – Frank Ticheli Suite of Old American Dances – Robert Russell Bennett The Crosley March – Henry Fillmore With Heart and Voice – David Gillingham 7:45 p.m. – Wind Symphony – Dr. Timothy Rhea New Century Dawn – David Gillingham Masquerade Overture – Carl Nielson/ Boyd The Melody Shop – March by Karl King American Hymnsong Suite – Dwayne Milburn Dance from the Actors from “The Maid of Orleans” – Peter Hindemith/Wilson
“They’ve worked hard,” Almany said. “They’re good musicians, and its all very enjoyable music.” Tickets for the event are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students. If you have any questions, please contact the office of university bands at (979) 845- 3529. 12 | MAROON WEEKLY April 14 – 20 www.maroonweekly.com
Singing Cadets add melodious undertone to Texas A&M By Vladimir Amador If you have yet to hear “The Voice of Aggieland” then you need to open up your ears and grab some popcorn because you have been missing out. One of the oldest collegiate singing organizations in the world, The Singing Cadets are well known and well respected not only here in Aggieland, but around the globe. They have various tours throughout America and the rest of the world, so if South Africa knows just how sweet their harmony is, so should you here in Bryan/College Station! The Singing Cadets started off as the A&M Glee Club in 1893. Back then they were composed of both students and faculty, and slowly but surely began to grow as their regard around town increased. They gained the name Singing Cadets in 1940 after a stellar performance at the Sugar Bowl prompted a naming contest. After 1963, members no longer had to be from the Corps of Cadets to join, opening it up any other male Texas A&M student. Since then, their popularity has continued to grow astronomically as they continue to represent the university and the community in a positive light. The four pillars of the Singing Cadets are Purpose, Unity, Spirit, and Honor. Students interested in upholding these four pillars are encourage to try out in one of their three auditions held throughout the year. The voices of the Singing Cadets can be heard sawing ‘em off with the Aggie War Hymn, or honoring their country with their rendition of God Bless America. If you love your country and you love Texas A&M, you will absolutely love a concert by the premiere male choral group of Aggieland.
Friday, April 15, 2011
The Spring Concert for the Singing Cadets is Saturday, April 16th at 7:30 in Rudder Auditorium, and it will surely be something not to miss. If you can’t make it to that one, be sure to check out one or more of The Singing Cadets’ various other performances during Parents’ Weekend. For more information on performances or more of their history, their website is www. singingcadets.com .
2:00 pm
Softball and Picnic:
7:00
Football Banquet
Saturday, April 16, 2011 9:00 am
Federation of Aggie Mother’s Clubs
Sunday, April 17, 2011 1:00 pm
Spring Awards Banquet
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Arts & Entertainment
movie review Source Code By Brandon Nowalk Duncan Jones’ Source Code is so middleof-the-road that it’s hard to muster much passion one way or the other. It has ideas, but it barely addresses them. It’s pretty but undistinguished. It’s a fun thriller with a happy ending determined not to ruffle a single feather from even the most cynical. There are worse ways to spend an hour and a half, but for a film that obsesses over what you would do if you only had eight minutes left to live, it’s hard not to take the point and skip it. The opening sets the stage for our venture into equilibrium with a jolt of energy in the most generic way possible. It’s a series of establishing shots of Chicago, the basic boring unit of exposition multiplied exponentially, against this invigorating Hitchcockian score that keeps amping up until we’re on the train with our hero, Jake Gyllenhaal, the actor you get when you want inoffensive. Gyllenhaal’s very career evens out into middling mush—Donnie Darko and Bubble Boy, Brokeback Mountain and The Day After Tomorrow, Zodiac and Prince of Persia—and all at once in Source Code he veers between groaningly miscast and almost breathlessly impressive. Par for the course, his romance with Michelle Monaghan is passionless but we play along. When we find out what we’ve been expecting all along, a twist Rod Serling would agree is overplayed, Gyllenhaal wields that puppy dog face beautifully. But he’s playing an air force soldier repeatedly going back in time until he solves a crime, and he could have used some of that Jarhead coldness. Here, thanks mostly to the script, he’s the kind of goofy idiot these Hollywood blockbusters call for. The first half is a race to figure out how the sci-fi works, but it’s straight out of Tony Scott’s Déjà Vu. When Jeffrey Wright’s hilariously mannered scientist explains it to us, we immediately see the plot holes the film has already fallen into—but they may not be holes after all. In Source Code you can have your cake and eat it, too. The unadulterated exception: Vera Farmiga, transcending a thankless role yet again. So it’s a stupid-fun action entertainment that depends on you thinking it’s smart, and you’ll go along with it because it’s so harmless. But it is actually brimming with ideas, though its strongest are not the ones it thinks. The topical element addresses the way we use our soldiers, a searing corporate inhumanity for the technocratic age that almost makes up for Source Code’s weaknesses. But Jones obviously thinks his ideas about what makes a human—which also fueled his 2009 film Moon—are more interesting, and they might be if they weren’t pretty well covered by seventy years or so of science-fiction writing. Despite the raves, I’m still not fully aboard the Duncan Jones train, but both Moon and Source Code are pretty good and interesting. It’s a weak endorsement barely earned, but it wouldn’t be Source Code if it garnered any passion.
book review Born to Run by Christopher Mcdougall By Gabrielle Nguyen I got into running a couple of years ago at a particularly rough point in my life. A long and serious relationship had just ended; grades in school weren’t so great, and my grandmother had recently passed away from cancer. It was a way for me to physically run away from my problems, if not in actuality. Unfortunately for me, the joy of running only lasted for about a year. My knee started hurting like crazy right after the 2009 Dallas Turkey Trot. It felt like what I imagined severe arthritis to feel like. Since then, running has been a painful ordeal that I only endure when I’m feeling too much like a couch potato. After reading Christopher McDougall’s Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World has Never Seen, though, I have a more hopeful outlook on running. In Born to Run, McDougall, a journalist, tells the tale of his search for and encounter with the Tarahumara, an extremely reclusive and elusive Mexican tribe renowned for running hundreds of miles without rest. He alternates between two storylines. The first follows the meeting with Caballo Blanco, or White Horse, in Mexico for a magazine article and how that meeting led to an epic race between the best ultrarunners of the U.S. (runners who race staggeringly long distances and often in extreme conditions, such as the 135 mile Badwater Ultramarathon through the sweltering heat of Death Valley) and the best of the Tarahumara runners. The second jumps between different histories, whether the personal background of a race participant, the development of ultrarunning and barefoot running, or scientific breakthroughs on the foot. Writing nonfiction is a tricky art form. With a plethora of research and personal experiences, gathering all of the information into a cohesive story is a tall order, but McDougall proves himself to be the DaVinci of the nonfiction art. He intertwines scientific facts with human encounters, including failures (both tragic and comic) and triumphs, to create enthralling, educational, and often humorous tales. Part of the material that renders Born to Run so entertaining is the people McDougall comes acros and interviews. In the world of ultrarunning, characters are just as radical as the sport they love, and McDougall has a knack for capturing the defining characteristics in either a poetic or memorable manner. Caballo Blanco and the term ‘cadaver’ were linked numerous times in the book, and in describing Coach Joe Vigil, “The secret to Vigil’s success was spelled out right in his name: no other coach was more vigilant about detecting the crucial little details that everyone else missed.” Born to Run is an immensely enjoyable read in which I learned more about the foot and about running than I ever thought I would, and the uplifting conclusion inspires me to go outside and immediately pick up running again. In fact, I just bought a pair of minimalist running shoes (a less diehard version of barefoot running) yesterday and ran in them this morning. I don’t know if it was because of the shoes or the mindset, but it was a pretty awesome run. Those who enjoy Born to Run might also like Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air (a true chronicle of a man’s ascent and dangerous descent of Mt. Everest), and Steven D. Levitt’s and Stephen J. Dubner’s Freakanomics and Superfreakanomics (entertaining stories/studies on the interpretations and application of economics). www.maroonweekly.com April 14 – 20 MAROON WEEKLY | 19
By Matt Bizzell
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events Thursday, April 14 The Original College Night @ Texas Hall of Fame Karaoke @ Schotzi’s 8pm Singer/Songwriter night @ Village Café 6-8pm Party on the Patio @ Ozona’s Bar and Grill Mark Jungers @ Church Street Blues & BBQ We Were Wolves @ Revolutions Friday, April 15 JB & the Moonshine Band @ Texas Hall of Fame Sonny Wolfe @ Church Street Blues & BBQ THE TALL AS TEXAS TOUR! Featuring Ivoryline & The Material w/ The Lonely Hunter & The Wicked River Band @ Stafford Main St. Saturday, April 16 Easton Corbin w/ Kristen Kelly & the Modern Day Drifters @ Texas Hall of Fame, 10am-6pm Downtown Bryan Street & Art Fair 10pm Salsa Dancing @ The Village Black Pistol Fire @ Church Street Blues & BBQ Patrick Fleming @ O’Bannon’s Tap House Rock-A-Fellas @ Lakeside Icehouse on Lake Bryan The Ex-Optimists @ Revolutions Sunday, April 17 BIG Texas Nights @ Stafford Main St. Pub Quiz @ O’Bannon’s DJ Verros & DJ Drock @ Schotzi’s Monday, April 18 Karaoke @ The Tap Open Mic @ Schotzi’s Tuesday, April 19 Mike Ethan Messick & Ben Morris @ Church Street Blues & BBQ Absolute Karaoke @ O’Bannon’s Bleu Edmondson @ Schotzi’s
Wednesday, April 20 Piano Bar @ The Tap 8pm Salsa LESSONS @ The Village Thursday, April 21 The Original College Night @ Texas Hall of Fame Karaoke @ Schotzi’s Singer/Songwriter night @ Village Café 6-8pm Party on the Patio @ Ozona’ Matt Harlan @ Church Street Blues & BBQ PUENTE @ Revolutions
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Randy Rogers Band Interstate (Mercury)
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Eli Young Band Crazy Girl (Republic)
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Casey Donahew Band Let Me Love You (Almost Country)
Friday, April 22 Jody Nix, $10 Seth Candan @ Church Street Blues & BBQ The Heart is a Lonely Hunter @ Schotzi’s The Hangouts @ Revolutions
4
Brandon Rhyder Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good (Smith Ent.)
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Reckless Kelly I Hold the Bottle, You Hold the Wheel (YepRoc)
6
Rich O’Toole The Cricket Song (PTO)
Saturday, April 23 8:30am Kickin’ Crohn’s 5K Run @ Wolf Pen Creek 9am-2pm 2nd Annual Rollin’ In the Park Car, Truck and Bike Show @ Veteran’s Park 7-9pm Dillon Chevalier (Dallas Singer/ Songwriter) @ The Village 10pm Salsa Dancing @ The Village Tyler Brown @ Schotzi’s The Hi-Tones @ Revolutions
7
Deryl Dodd You’re Not Lookin’ For (Smith Ent.)
8
Max Stalling Long Way To Get (Blind Nello)
9
Aaron Watson Best For Last (Big Label)
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Kevin Fowler Girl In a Truck (Kevin Fowler)
11
Hayes Carll KMAG YOYO (Lost Highway)
Sunday, April 24 Pub Quiz @ O’Bannon’s DJ Verros and DJ Drock @ Schotzi’s
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Eleven Hundred Springs This Ain’t The First Time (Smith Ent.)
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Sean McConnell Lie Baby Lie (SM)
Monday, April 25 Karaoke @ The Tap Open Mic @ Schotzi’s
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Jason Boland & the Stragglers Outlaw Band (APEX Nashville/Proud Souls)
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Rob Baird Blue Eyed Angels (Carnival)
16
James Lann Halfway to Houston (Ari-Tex)
17
Jamie Richards Easier By Now (Winding Road)
18
Cody Johnson Texas Kind Of Way (CJB)
19
Bleu Edmondson Blood Red Lincoln (American Saint)
20
Tejas Brothers Say It Again (Smith Music)
21
Jarrod Birmingham Jesus and Johnny Cash (Winding Road)
22
Bart Crow Band She’s The Only Reason (Winding Road)
23
No Justice Gone Ain’t Far Enough (Carved)
24
Whiskey Myers Bar, Guitar & A Honky Tonk Crowd (Wiggy Thump)
25
Brian Keane I’ll Sing About Mine (Independent)
Tuesday, April 26 Absolute Karaoke @ O’Bannon’s Wednesday, April 27 Piano Bar @ The Tap 8pm Salsa LESSONS @ The Village Café Whiskey Myer’s CD Release Party @ Hurricane Harry’s
Check out maroonweekly.com for more info!
Make sure to submit your events at www.maroonweekly.com
www.maroonweekly.com April 14 – 20 MAROON WEEKLY | 31
Sports Spring means Football is back By Turner Dawson That smell of fresh cut grass is in the air. The spring is here which can only mean one thing: Spring football is under way. The Aggies started spring practice after spring break and will conclude with the Maroon and White game on Kyle Field on April 16th for Parents Weekend. There are a number of interesting storylines to watch this spring. I will go position by position and break down the different position battles and who has been standing thus far. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill comes into the spring entrenched as the starter at quarterback after leading the Aggies to six straight wins to close the regular season. The interesting battle watch is for the number 2 spot on the depth chart. Finding the guy that will come off the bench in case of an injury to Tannehill and who will be the front runner to take over the starting job after next season is priority number one at the quarterback position this spring. The candidates are Jameill Showers, Matt Joeckel, and Johnny Manziel. Showers and Joeckel are both redshirt freshman and Manziel is supposed to still be a senior in high school but graduated early to enroll in classes and participate in spring practice. All three have shown flashes. Showers is a decent runner with an electric arm. Joeckel is a tall pocket passer. Manziel is a spectacular athlete that also throws the ball well. Thus far, Showers seems to be in the lead for the number 2 spot but Manziel may have the most upside of the group. Running Back Cyrus Gray and Christine Michael return to make one of the best running back tandems
in the country. It will be interesting to see who gets the bulk of the carries. Michael was the starter to start last season but after a leg injury Cyrus Gray stepped in and dominated and went over 1000 yards. Both are great players and the Aggies can’t really go wrong with either. At this point, the Aggies are trying to find some depth behind the top two guys. Ben Malena burned his redshirt last season but didn’t get much playing time. Mister Jones will be a redshirt freshman and those two are competing for the third spot. Malena needs to drop a little bit of weight before coach Sherman would feel comfortable giving him carries. Mister Jones is extremely talented but has fumbling issues and has a tendency to have mental lapses. Wide Receiver This is perhaps the deepest position on the A&M roster. Jeff Fuller returns and leads this group. Something interesting the Aggies have been doing in the spring so far is moving around where Fuller lines up. The hope is that by lining him up in the slot and some other spots on the field he will get some favorable match ups. Uzoma Nwachukwu, who after a spectacular freshman season had a disappointing sophomore season, has put together a very nice spring. “Easy” has been more consistent with his hands and has been working harder in practice. Tight End/Fullback The Aggies are trying to find a player that can be very versatile like a Jamie McCoy a couple of years ago. A guy that can play a true tight end, play some full back, and even be split out wide. The leading candidate for that is Nehemiah Hicks but he is out this spring with an injury.
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The Aggies have moved former defensive end Spencer Nealy to tight end to see if he can add some depth. Hutson Prioleau has been trying to show that he is more than just a blocking tight end. Michael Lamothe is probably the best suited of those that are healthy right now to fill the very important and very versatile role of tight end in a Mike Sherman offense.
Offensive Line What has been a weakness for many years now looks to be a strength for the Aggies for this next season. The Aggies lost only one starter and will be replacing him with another part time starter from last season (continued on page 35)
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Sports
Spring means Football is back (continued from page 35) in Brian Thomas. The Aggies true freshman bookend tackles in Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews are a year older and are looking dominant. Evan Eike and Patrick Lewis look to round out the starting five. What is finally nice to see is the Aggies have some serious depth now. Jarvis Harrison has received praise from coach Mike Sherman as a potential future first round pick at gurad. Rhontae Scales looks to be a solid option as a backup tackle and Danny Baker provides valuable depth at center and any other position where he might be needed. Defensive Line The Aggies lose Lucas Patterson from last season but the Aggies look to be replacing him well. Jonathon Mathis has moved from nose tackle over to end to replace Patterson and has looked great. Eddie Brown at nose and Tony Jerod-Eddie at the other end complete the starting line. A player to watch is actually not on campus yet in Lamarc Strahan. The transfer from Blinn College will be on campsu for fall camp and is a prototypical 3-4 nose tackle and could be a huge difference maker on the defensive line. Linebacker Replacing Von Miller is priority number one for the Aggies and Damontre Moore looks to be the guy. Moore was a raw athlete as a true freshman last season. The sophomore has filled out his frame a little bit more and has been dominant at times in spring camp. Many Aggie fans are looking to Sean Ward to come in and challenge for playing time at the Joker in the fall. Sean Porter and Charlie Thomas are solid at the other outside linebacker spot. The
biggest concern for the Aggies is going to be finding inside linebackers. Garrick Williams is out this spring with an injury and the Aggies also lost Michael Hodges to graduation. Donnie Baggs, another true freshman that has enrolled early, has been one player that has stood out. Another early enrollee and JUCO transfer, Steve Jenkins, is a player that many Aggie fans are expecting big things from. He looks to be still trying to grasp the mental side of things but he is an impressive looking athlete. Defensive Back The injury bug has really depleted the Aggie secondary this spring as Terrance Frederick, Coryell Judie, Lionel Smith, and Stephen Campbell are all out with injuries. That has given a number of the young guys an opportunity to step up. Dustin Harris and Toney Hurd have been getting the first team reps at corner. Harris has done a pretty good job going up against Jeff Fuller everyday and appears to be turning the corner. Toney Hurd has been showing what a physical player he is and has shown that if injuries strike during the season he is a viable option.
stepped into the leadership role. He has played well and is doing a great job of mentoring all of the younger defensive backs. Steven Terrell has been playing well at the other safety spot. Safety is one of the thinner positions for the Aggies. They will be helped in the fall with the return of Campbell as well as incoming freshman Howard Matthews. Kicking Game Randy Bullock has been steady all camp and looks to have a stranglehold on the place kicking duties for next season. The big question is who will be punting the ball? The Aggies had one of the worst punting games in the entire country last season and it has continued to look that way. In all likelihood, the Aggies will be counting on incoming freshman Drew Kaser in the fall to take over the punting duties. Maroon and White Game The Maroon and White game is on Saturday, April 16th at 1pm on Kyle Field. Come out and watch all of the work the Aggies have put in this spring and get a taste of what the team will look like for next season.
At safety, senior Trent Hunter has really www.maroonweekly.com April 14 – 20 MAROON WEEKLY | 35
Sports
Aggie Women bring home the ultimate prize
Photos courtesy of Glen Johnson/Texas A&M Athletics
By Turner Dawson The Texas A&M women’s basketball team picked up the first national championship in school history last Tuesday with an exciting win against fellow number 2 seed Notre Dame. The Aggies had a dominant run through the tournament with a suffocating defense and up-tempo offense and the Aggies shocked the nation by beating two number 1 seeds and ultimately Notre Dame in the championship game. The Aggies didn’t allow a single opponent to score more than 48 points until the final four. Even Baylor, who beat the Aggies three times during the regular season, only managed to put up 46 points against the aggressive Aggies. The Aggies had a total of 51 steals in the tournament because they put so much pressure on the ball handlers. Notre Dame’s All-American guard Skylar Diggins had 6 turnovers against the Aggies in the championship game. The tremendous defensive play was
the biggest reason the Aggies dominated like they did in the tournament. The Aggies opened up the tournament with a match up against 15th seed McNeese State. They were as outmatched as their seeding would indicate as the Aggies cruised to an 87-47 victory. Danielle Adams led the way with 18 points and 6 rebounds. Kelsey Assarian also came up big coming off the bench to add 12 points. Going into the second round, Danielle Adams again put the Aggies on her back. Adams finished with 28 points and 11 rebounds including 5 on the offensive end. The Aggies starting five scored all but five of the team’s 70 points as the Aggies advanced to the sweet sixteen with a 70-48 victory. Going into the sweet sixteen, the Aggies had what many thought had the potential to be a tough match up with Georgia. The Aggies put any doubts to the side as the Aggies jumped out to a 27-2 lead in the first 10 minutes and went into the half with a 48-17 lead. The Aggies ended up winning 79-38 and, if it’s even possible, it wasn’t even that close. It was as dominating performance as you will ever see. Adams again dominated with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Moving on to the elite eight, the Aggies had a monstrous match up with the 1 seed Baylor Bears. Baylor has been the biggest rival this season for the Aggies as the Lady Bears accounted for three of the Aggies five losses on the season. The Aggies jumped out to a quick lead and never looked back as the Aggies finally got the monkey off their back and took down the Bears with a 58-46 victory. All-American Brittney Griner managed to get 20 points but she had to take 18 shots to do it. Danielle Adams really struggled against the length of Griner but the rest of the team stepped it up. Sydney Carter scored 22 points and Tyra
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White and Sydney Colson added 10 and 12 respectively. With the Aggies now in the final four, everyone was already talking about the epic championship match up that was setting up between Uconn and Stanford. Both schools are perennial powerhouses in women’s basketball and have had some big time games in the past couple of years. But all of the experts looking ahead forgot about the Aggies. After beating 1 seed Baylor in the elite eight, the Aggies got another 1 seed in Stanford and this game turned out to be on of the best games in the whole tournament. Stanford led 54-44 with just 6 minutes left in the game and it seemed that Stanford was on their way to the championship. But the Aggies refused to step aside. The Aggies came storming back and took the lead. Standford’s Nnemkadi Ogwumike made a tough lay up with 9 seconds remaining to take the lead and the Aggies had no timeouts. Sydney Colson frantically raced up the court and drove to the basket and made a beautiful pass to Tyra White for a lay up to take the lead for good with just 3 seconds remaining. White was huge at the end of this game with several big shots down the stretch including the game winner in the most exciting game of the
tournament. In equally shocking fashion, Notre Dame upset the other half of the dream championship game match up by knocking off Uconn. That setup the Texas A&M-Notre Dame national championship game. And it was another thrilling game. The Aggies got out to a big early lead before Notre Dame went on a run to close the first half and the Aggies went into the half down 33-35. Notre Dame stretched the lead a little more to start the second half before the Aggies came storming back to take the lead. With 1:07 left and the Aggies winning by just two points, the Aggies inbounded the ball with just 2 seconds left on the shot clock. Tyra White received the pass and drilled a tough, contested three to stretch the Aggie lead to 73-68. The Aggies held on to win 76-70 and pick up the 1st national championship in school history. Danielle Adams once again put the team on her back and scored an NCAA championship game record with 30 points and also added 9 rebounds. It has been a great season and an incredible run through the NCAA tournament for the Lady Aggies. Congratulations to coach Gary Blair and his team.
Sports
Aggies Building Champions ON and Off the Court Photos courtesy of Glen Johnson/Texas A&M Athletics By Chris Shepperd We have all heard the names of Danielle Adams, Sydney Colson, Sydney Carter and Tyra White. They are the stars of the Texas A&M Women’s Basketball Team. There are other names that could be inserted into that sentence. The team this year was exactly that; a team. Adams and Colson were invited to the WNBA draft. Both were selected. Both were named All-American this year. The list goes on and on. The accolades and attention directed at these ladies is staggering and completely well deserved. They carried this team to a National Championship. But somewhere a little further down the bench are people like Skylar Collins and Cat Cain. Collins, a junior Guard from Cedar Hill has been a staple on the Aggie bench since her arrival. She has participated in all of the hours, practice, drills, team meetings, official appearances, travel, study hall etc. Collins may not have found her name in the headlines over the past few weeks, but her work ethic and drive helped bring the National Championship to Aggieland. “It’s still unbelievable. I’m waiting to wake up from this dream but I haven’t yet,” Collins said. “Being a part of this team is amazing. But knowing the impact we’ve had on this university is indescribable. This is something I’ll never forget.” Impact is exactly the word to describe the events of the past few weeks. Upon winning the championship and returning home, the team was greeted by nearly 7000 people at Reed Arena. Just a simple reminder of the love and support this university has for this team and these ladies, from the top of the roster all the way to the bottom.
“Becoming an Aggie was the best decision I ever made,” Collins said. “Being an Aggie is about embracing something bigger than you. It’s not what we do; it’s how we do it. Coach Schaefer preaches that to us on defense but it applies to everything we do in life.” Cain is another face often lost in the crowd. As head manager for the team, she has put in her fair share of long hours and late nights to contribute to this championship. You can always find Cain rushing around the huddle, taking care of players, and of course she always makes sure head coach Gary Blair has exactly what he needs to execute his duties. Cain said all of the hard work and long hours really come in to perspective when you win it all. “The experiences that I’ve had with the team this year have just been unbelievable. When you put as much work into the season as our team has, both from the players’ and staffs’ perspectives, you can sometimes get frustrated when things don’t always play out the way you want them to,” Cain said. “But, when you win a National Championship and see your name in the number one spot on both polls, it’s hard for it not to seem worth it.” A&M prides itself in holding true to the motto “Building Champions.” But this statement rings truer than ever when you look at the way players and staff develop in their time with the team. “Anything is possible as long as you work hard. So many people doubted us and didn’t think we could do it but everybody on this team and on this staff knew from the beginning that this team was capable of winning and National Championship. As long as we believed in us, nothing else (continued on page 38)
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Sports Calendar
Aggies Building Champions ON and Off the Court (continued from Page 37)
Thursday, Apr 14 All Day Women’s Equestrian vs Varsity Equestrian National Championships at Waco, Texas
All Day Women’s Equestrian vs Varsity Equestrian National Championships at Waco, Texas
Friday, Apr 15 6:30 PM Baseball vs Baylor at Waco, Texas 2:00 PM Women’s Tennis vs Iowa State at Ames, Iowa All Day Women’s Equestrian vs Varsity Equestrian National Championships at Waco, Texas Saturday, Apr 16 1:00 PM Football vs Maroon & White Game at COLLEGE STATION 6:35 PM Baseball vs Baylor at COLLEGE STATION 4:00 PM Softball vs Nebraska at College Station 7:30 AM Men’s Golf Traditions Club vs AGGIE INVITATIONAL at BRYAN All Day Women’s Volleyball vs Rice Tournament at Houston, Texas TBA Track & Field, Cross Country vs Florida - Tom Jones Invitational at Gainesville, Fla. 38 | MAROON WEEKLY April 14 – 20 www.maroonweekly.com
Sunday, Apr 17 1:05 PM Baseball vs Baylor at COLLEGE STATION 12:00 PM Softball vs Nebraska at College Station 7:30 AM Men’s Golf Traditions Club vs AGGIE INVITATIONAL at BRYAN 12:00 PM Women’s Tennis vs Nebraska at Lincoln, Neb.
mattered,” Collins said. “That’s what I’ve taken from this experience. As long as I believe in myself and know that I am capable of achieving my goals, I can! Despite what others may think I can and cannot do. This experience has taught me how to be tough, believe, and persevere.” Cain sees things a little differently. She said that even though the work isn’t always glamorous, she has learned to persevere and come out more prepared on the other side.
Tuesday, Apr 19 6:35 PM Baseball vs TCU at COLLEGE STATION
“Although I came into this experience with an already strong work ethic, I would have to say that it has increased significantly over my last three years of working with the team. Anybody working in the sports industry will tell you that the jobs are not glamorous; you have to be prepared for long hours filled with many menial, boring tasks,” Cain said. “Because of the work I’ve balanced the past few years with my job as a manager as well as my other commitments to extracurricular activities and my schoolwork, I feel more than ready to take on the long hours and workload that await me in my next job.”
Wednesday, Apr 20 6:30 PM Softball vs Houston at Houston, Texas
These girls may not be household names. But they have invested their time and energy into this team and the program. The results vary from person to person. But one thing stays the same. They are champions.
6:00 PM Women’s Tennis vs Baylor at College Station, Texas 6:00 PM Men’s Tennis vs Baylor at Waco, Texas
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CONGRATS A&M LADIES
SLAM DUNK NCAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS
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1000 GEORGE BUSH DRIVE WEST COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77845 979.691.4000 bushlibrary.tamu.edu
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Easter Celebration 9 a.m. - noon Parents’ Weekend Tailgate 3 - 7 p.m.
BCS for Less
Diversions Finding a hobby By Mara Minsberg With the approach of summer and its corresponding promise of more leisure time, now is an ideal time to consider taking on a new hobby or interest. Before committing a great deal of time and money in a new pastime, it is wise to first consider ways to stretch your activity budget and maximize use of your free time. Use these tips to help ease the financial strain of a new activity by investing effort rather than money in finding the hobby that best suits your interests and lifestyle. Use free resources The internet has a wealth of free and useful resources for those seeking a new hobby. If you are looking to meet new people who share your common interests, consider a site like Meetup (www.meetup.com) to find a group in your area with weekly or monthly events. If you want to take on a hobby that requires a lot of equipment or supplies, check out online networks like Freecycle (www. freecycle.org). Simply search for your local area and check out your region’s message board, and join the group to swap materials or find free used items. For those with literary pursuits, the internet has numerous free products to help you progress your aspirations. Free blogging services like Blogspot or Wordpress can help you self-publish a blog and offer fan linking services through Google, Twitter, Facebook, and other networks to help you develop a base of readership. Selfpublishing tools, enabling Google AdSense, and using services like Funds for Writers (www.fundsforwriters.com) can even help you generate some income for your writing. Take advantage of craft store coupons Craft stores are an excellent starting point for those seeking a new hobby. Many offer a
wide variety of kits, instruction manuals, raw materials, and classes to help develop your skills. Well-informed consumers never enter a craft store without their trusted coupons; stores like Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, and Joann Fabrics offer weekly coupon deals that can be used to maximize savings. Print coupons of their websites or check your mailbox for physical coupons. Sign up for community classes Bryan and College Station both offer an excellent range of classes to suit most ages, interests, and skill levels in various activities. Consult the city website for a roster of activities and associated costs. These classes typically run on Fall and Spring calendars, so check the city websites seasonally for updated activity listings. Pick a hobby that requires few supplies Hobbies can be very expensive, so it is important to consider some hobbies that require little initial investment. Before buying $5000 worth of expensive camera equipment, it may be preferable to buy an inexpensive used digital camera to hone your skill and gauge your commitment. Keep in mind low-investment hobbies like writing, hiking, and knitting that you can try out with a low initial investment. Try volunteering for a charity or non-profit organization If you are looking for something to keep you busy while helping your local community, volunteering can be a wonderful use of your free time. There are volunteer opportunities available for all interests. Brainstorm a few of your major interests and contact local agencies or charities that can help connect you to volunteer work. If you enjoy working with animals, contact a local shelter or rescue group. If you are interested in working with children, reach out to youth organizations that may offer volunteer programs. Consider your interests and develop a plan based on your schedule and the availability of
volunteer work. Do your research Head to the local library or browse hobbyspecific online forums for advice and tips to avoid wasting money on unnecessary items or equipment. Carefully consider your commitment to a hobby before making any major purchases. Remember to also check out hobby-specific websites’ classifieds sections for good deals on used items; these sites can be an excellent resource for supplies and materials. Be sure to verify the site and seller’s credibility before making any transactions or providing financial details. Paying through a secure online service like PayPal can insure your purchases and protect you from potential scams. Enjoy the great outdoors Take up a hobby like hiking, walking, running, meditation, or yoga that requires no equipment and utilizes free outdoor space like city and state parks. These activities are well-suited to those seeking either independent hobbies or for people who prefer a group setting. With many outdoor attractions available within a short driving distance, there are a great range of activities to keep you busy and enhance your healthy lifestyle. Consider a hobby with a monetary return If you are short on cash, try a pastime that helps boost your finances. For those who have been putting off cleaning out your closet, think about selling your lightly used items on eBay or Craig’s List. If you are into crafting original items and produce products you think others may want to buy, consider selling your personal crafts on a site like Etsy (www.etsy.com). The internet is an excellent way to connect buyers to sellers and the money you make through sales can help to fund future projects.
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Photos courtesy of Fade to black
Fade to Black celebrates 20th anniversary By Maggie Dotson Fade to Black Dance Ensemble will be hosting a very BIG anniversary show on Saturday, April 30th in Rudder Auditorium at 6:45 P.M. Tickets are $10, available at the Rudder Box Office. This celebratory 20th anniversary show, “Welcome to the Circus,” is “A fusion of various dance acts ranging from hip-hop, tap, contemporary, and more...” “We wanted to try something different and fun where we could use our creativity to shape our dance pieces around a central theme. We wanted something big and extravagant for our 20th Anniversary show and what is more extravagant than a CIRCUS,” F2B President Tony Cohns said. “When we say circus, we don’t mean like creepy clowns, face paint, and lions everywhere...our show will be more about the stories of specific people in the circus. Each piece will feature a different story involving entertainers in the circus. Some will make you laugh, some will make you cry, and some will just amaze you. This will be an epic show and different than anything we have done in the past.” Fade to Black has been a recognized student organization at Texas A&M since 1991. Currently the group involves about 60 members, 9 officers and also partners with a sister group out of Sam Houston University. This fun, hip dance group continues to foster an energetic atmosphere aimed to entice their audience. “I believe this is a stand-out/stand-up organization because it’s a FAMILY of Aggie students with various backgrounds with the purpose of spreading diversity through its passion of dance and service,” Cohns said. “I am just ready to get on that stage and dance. This is my final show after being with the group since 2007 so it will no doubt be an emotional one. I am excited that the Aggies just BTHO March Madness and now I am ready for Fade 2 Black to DTHO (Dance the Hell Outta) Spring Show 2011.” It is easy to see the passion Tony has for the group.
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“20 years is an incredible accomplishment for any organization and I am honored to be a part this milestone. Hopefully, 20 years from now I can come back to see how much Fade 2 Black has grown and I can say, ‘Wow, I was a part of that!’ That will be a great feeling.” Do you think you have what it takes to continue this longstanding twenty-year tradition of passion-driven dance and are you interested in being a part of this renowned group of individuals? Tryouts for F2B are held in the beginning of both the fall and a spring semesters. Visit this site to learn more: http://fadetoblack.tamu.edu/tryouts. Tryouts are open to all A&M individuals interested in exploring their passion for dance; no experience is required. Remember, come out to support your fellow Aggies on April 30th at 6:45 P.M. for Fade 2 Black’s 20th Birthday finale show in Rudder Auditorium!
T H U R S D AY
Open Mic with the Ozona House
Band backing you up!
H
ave you ever wanted to see if you have “the chops” to be a performer? Tired of karaoke? Come perform for the Ozona crowd with the Ozona house band. Sing or bring an instrument and belt it out. This is your chance to play with a full band and show off your stuff...FOR FREE! If you’re not a performer, come out and see the up and coming artists around the Brazos Valley while enjoying some of the best drink specials in town! Thursday Party on The Patio: $2 Domestic Drafts $2 Well Drinks $3 Twisted Teas $5/lb Crawfish
Ozona Grill & Bar 520 Harvey Road • College Station, TX 979-694-4618
2 $ 3 $5 $
Domestic Drafts & Well Drinks Twisted Teas
Crawfish Crawfish
Cedrick
and Mit ch of th e Ozona House B and www.maroonweekly.com April 14 – 20 MAROON WEEKLY | 47
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Diversions
Aggie Mom’s Boutique has something for everyone By Lana Rothe Are you in need of some Aggie memorabilia? Or maybe you want to knock out your Christmas shopping early? If you want some awesome Aggie gifts or know someone who you need to buy a graduation gift for, there’s something special you should know about. During parents weekend The Aggie Moms’ Boutique will be open for your access to some really sweet Aggie themed gifts! Anything you can think of, dedicated to Texas A&M will be for sale. Aggie Moms’ will come together from all over Texas to participate in this event benefiting student scholarships, financial aid for books and student programs at Texas A&M University. The Duncan Dining Hall will be filled with booths showcasing the best in Aggie gifts and crafts. The booths will be open Saturday April 15th from 10:30-5:30 and April 16th from 9-5. Swing by with your family and roam around checking out all the neat Aggie keepsakes. You can buy custom made Aggie mailboxes, ornaments, glasswear, frames and much more. If it can be made ‘Aggie’, it can be found at the Aggie Moms’ Boutique. Take a few minutes out of your busy weekend to check out the Aggie Moms boutique and know you are benefiting a good cause for all Aggies.
Photo courtesy of Wildcat Movers
Wildcat Movers displays entrepreneurship at its finest By Lana Rothe Are you in need of some Aggie memorabilia? Or maybe you want to knock out your Christmas shopping early? If you want some awesome Aggie gifts or know someone who you need to buy a graduation gift for, there’s something special you should know about. During parents weekend The Aggie Moms’ Boutique will be open for your access to some really sweet Aggie themed gifts! Anything you can think of, dedicated to Texas A&M will be for sale. Aggie Moms’ will come together from all over Texas to participate in this event benefiting student scholarships, financial aid for books and student programs at Texas A&M University. The Duncan Dining Hall will be filled with booths showcasing the best in Aggie gifts and crafts. The booths will be open Saturday April 15th from 10:30-5:30 and April 16th from 9-5. Swing by with your family and roam around checking out all the neat Aggie keepsakes. You can buy custom made Aggie mailboxes, ornaments, glasswear, frames and much more. If it can be made ‘Aggie’, it can be found at the Aggie Moms’ Boutique. Take a few minutes out of your busy weekend to check out the Aggie Moms boutique and know you are benefiting a good cause for all Aggies.
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BEST DESSERT - Maroon Weekly Best of BCS 2011
“Truly amazing,” - lifeinbcs.com A “more exotic experience.” - The Battalion More “Best of,” awards in more cities, including:
Thanks
off $1 Aggies! ooffer expires 8/1/11
Austin New York Los Angeles Seattle Chicago Las Vegas San Francisco
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