thebattalion
this day in
rld wohistory
Jan. 20, 1942
● wednesday,
During the Holocaust, Reinhard Heydrich, Himmler’s second in command of the SS, convened the Wannsee conference in Berlin with 15 top Nazi bureaucrats to coordinate the Final Solution, Endlösung, in which the Nazis would attempt to exterminate the entire Jewish population of Europe, an estimated 11 million people.
january 20, 2010
● serving
texas a&m since 1893
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2010 student media
Finances stall, halt Carpool briefly ■ Discrepancies in records cause Enterprise to pause services Kyle Cunningham The Battalion Inaccuracies in bookkeeping led to the temporary shutdown of CARPOOL, officials with CARPOOL said in a press release. “Our checks and balances process for rental car invoices contributed to inaccuracies in record keeping,” CARPOOL officials said in the press release. “This caused a gap in payment to Enterprise [the rental car company].” The difference has been paid, said CARPOOL chairwoman Rebecca Cain, a senior agribusiness major. The organization plans to create a system that tracks all rental car invoices to ensure a discrepancy does not happen again. Cain said the organization’s expenses roughly average $2,500 per week, and that figure is with a smaller fleet of automobiles.
b!
coming thursday
Best video games of 2009 A look back at the best video games of 2009, and promising ones for this year.
See Carpool on page 7
trends | 3
Winter fashions Which scarves, boots and coats will keep you warm and looking good while keeping your wallet full?
Courtesy Photo
David Applebaum, Class of 1983 recently appeared on Bravo’s ‘Launch my Line.’
sports | 5
OU vs A&M
Architect
The Aggies defeated the Sooners 65-62 in Tuesday’s game.
to the stars
Former student appears on Bravo’s ‘Launch my Line’ Vicky Flores
voices | 11
Haitian hardships The misfortune stricken Haiti faces a devastating Earthquake. Was disaster actually predictable and what can A&M do to help?
The Battalion Commonly known as the “Architect to the Stars,” David Applebaum, Class of 1983 with a degree in environmental design, is living the Hollywood life, complete with LA’s right of passage of being featured on a reality television show: Bravo’s “Launch my Line.” Similar to Lifetime’s “Project Runway,” “Launch my Line” is a reality show featuring 10 industry professionals coupled with 10 established fashion experts to create their own clothing line, with one team being eliminated at the end of each show. “It was a lot like architecture school. They give you a couple of guidelines to work with and it is a really, really difficult thing to do, but when you finish it is just a really great experience,” Applebaum said. Behind the set of the reality show it was See Architect on page 8
David Applebaum is seen here standing by one the houses that he designed. Applebaum has designed houses for high-profiled celebrities such as Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra.
A&M, System sharing leaders ■ Chancellor takes action to save money Robert Carpenter The Battalion Big changes are taking place in the Texas A&M System’s administrative ranks, and its flagship academic institution will be seeing significant reorganization in their wake. Citing concerns over the current financial difficulties being experienced by other public universities, Michael McKinney, chancellor of the Texas A&M System, announced a series of position changes for administration officials at the University and system levels. “We discovered that additional cost savings and efficiencies could be realized through several organizational changes between the flagship university and system offices,” McKinney said in a letter released Jan. 13. The “organizational changes” referred to by McKinney involve business information, information technology, communications, safety, facilities construction and treasury services. The Texas A&M System oversees 11 universities, a health-science See Shared on page 8
Informational helps students start organizations
Sigma Xi honors veterinary professor Ann Littmann The Battalion In 1996, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice received the John P. McGovern Science and Society Award. Seven years later Norman Borlaug, billed the father of the Green Revolution, received the award. This year an A&M professor in the Veterinary Integrative
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Biosciences department in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences joined the group of award winners. After being passed over in 2009, Barbara Gastel said she was surprised to be the recipient of the McGovern award. “Dr. John P. McGovern, who funded the award, was very generous and funded many See Award on page 7
Jeramie Heflin — THE BATTALION
Barbara Gastel is the recipient of the McGovern award this year.
Students wanting to start a new student organization will have two opportunities to learn about the ways to make it happen. “We’ve decided to hold these [meetings] because of the increased interest in starting new organizations,” said Bill Stackman, director of Student Activities. “There was more last semester than other times in recent history.” The first informational will be from 2 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday in Koldus 146. The second meeting will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, also in Koldus 146. Stackman said the meetings are meant to get people familiar with the process and avoid duplicate groups.
“We really want to expedite the process. A lot of student groups get the information and realize they don’t need to start the organization because a similar one exists,” he said. Jennifer Boyle, the program coordinator for the Department of Recognition for Student Activities, will lead the meetings. Since these are preliminary meetings, students will not be required to bring much information about the organization they are starting; however, a student I.D. is required to check in to the meeting. Samantha Johnson, staff writer
1/19/10 10:11 PM
King breakfast program
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Y L L U F PED P I U EQ
Princeton professor Cornel West, a voice on politics, religion, race and culture, will sign copies of his book, Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud, A Memoir at 10 a.m. Thursday in Rudder Theater.
Today 40% chance of showers High: 71 | Low: 54 courtesy of NOAA
Regents may name new president
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Student leadership conference
The Board of Regents will meet from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday. The board will consider approval of the FY 2011 Operating Budget Guidelines, and possibly naming of a finalist for the position of president of Texas A&M.
The Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference, Thursday to Sunday, is one of the largest student-run conferences in the nation. The conference includes a number of notable keynote speakers, entertainment, and banquet.
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Thursday sunny high: 72 low: 46 Friday mostly sunny high: 73 low: 56 Saturday 20% chance of showers high: 72 low: 48
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thebattalion 01.20.2010 For daily updates go to thebatt.com ● Facebook ● Twitter@thebattonline
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The Battalion Associate professor of physics and astronomy, Alexey Belyanin, is working in collaboration with leading experimental groups at Harvard, the University of Texas and Rice University to develop novel terahertz [THz] devices for future THz imaging and sensing systems. “THz radiation can penetrate through opaque dry materials, such as clothing, envelopes or packaging,” he said. “T-rays are harmless, and they can be used to scan humans and other animals, unlike X-rays that have harmful effects.” Cameras developed from THz can detect weapons, drugs or explosives concealed on a human body, or look inside envelopes and boxes. THz scanners doing full body scans are being installed in many major airports. Drugs and plastic explosives also have distinct special fingerprints under the THz region causing officials to not only be able to see under clothing, but also decipher between harmless and dangerous objects that are concealed. “X-rays have a much better penetration ability than T-rays, but they damage living tissues,” Belyanin said. “Also, they are great if you need to find a gun in luggage, but they are not so good if you want to detect non-metallic objects and substances like drugs or plastic explosives.”
Back to the books
THz radiation The THz region is located in between microwaves and infrared waves on the electromagnetic spectrum. T-rays have wavelengths of hundreds of micrometers and frequencies around one terahertz [1012 Hertz]. Compared to the other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, THz technology is one of the least developed. Although there is active research in the development of THz devices, a lot needs to be done before THz technology can be readily available.
Nicholas Badger — THE BATTALION
Student workers sell other students’ textbooks on Tuesday, the first day of classes, at the Memorial Student Center Bookstore. The bookstore is located in the G. Rollie White Coliseum.
Haiti still needs more aid, food and medical supplies PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – The world still can’t get enough food and water to the hungry and thirsty one week after an earthquake shattered Haiti’s capital. The airport remains a bottleneck, the port is a shambles. The Haitian government is invisible, nobody has taken firm charge, and the police have largely given up. Even as U.S. troops landed in Seahawk helicopters Tuesday on the manicured lawn of the National Palace, the colossal efforts to help Haiti are proving inadequate because of the scale of the disaster and the limitations of the world’s governments. Expectations exceeded what money, will and military might have been able to achieve so far in the face of unimaginable calamity. “God has abandoned us! The foreigners have abandoned us!” yelled Micheline Ursulin, tearing at her hair as she rushed past a large
pile of decaying bodies. Three of her children died in the quake and her surviving daughter is in the hospital with broken limbs and a serious infection. Rescue groups continue to work, even though time is running out for those buried by the quake. A Mexican team created after that nation’s 1985 earthquake rescued Ena Zizi, 69. She had survived a week buried in the ruins of the residence of Haiti’s Roman Catholic archbishop, Monsignor Joseph Serge Miot, whose body was found Tuesday sitting in a chair in what appeared to be his office. Doctors said Zizi was dehydrated and had dislocated a hip and broken a leg. “I’m all right, sort of,” she said, lying on a foil thermal blanket outside the Cuban hospital, her gray hair covered in white dust.
Dems no longer control Senate BOSTON – In an epic upset in liberal Massachusetts, Republican Scott Brown rode a wave of voter anger to defeat Democrat Martha Coakley in a U.S. Senate election Tuesday that left President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul in doubt and marred the end of his first year in office. The loss by the once-favored Coakley for the seat that the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy held for nearly half a century signaled big political problems for the president’s party this fall when House, Senate and gubernatorial candidates are on the ballot nationwide.
Associated Press
Associated Press
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corrections
If you are interested in writing or contributing content in The Battalion apply at thebatt.com, or call 845-3313.
The Graduate Student Council president is Husameddin AlMadani. His name was incorrect in Tuesday’s edition on page 6. The Battalion welcomes comments about published information. E-mail at editor@thebatt.com.
The Battalion welcomes any Texas A&M student interested in writing for the arts, campus, metro or sports staffs to try out. We particularly encourage freshmen and sophomores to apply, but students may try out regardless of semester standing or major. No previous journalism experience is necessary.
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thebattalion THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893
Amanda Casanova, Editor in Chief THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University. Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. News offices are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3313; Fax: 979-845-2647; E-mail: metro@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising, call 979-845-2696. For classified advertising, call 979-845-0569. Advertising offices are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fax: 979-845-2678. Subscriptions: A part of the Student Services Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1. Mail subscriptions are $125 per school year. To charge by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, call 979-845-2613.
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1/19/10 10:05 PM
things you should know
5 before you go The 2010 MSC American Miss OPAS: A West: Then Black and Cinderella and Now Gold Pageant Story
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Napa Valley to share experiences
A&M Wind Symphony to perform
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The MSC Forsyth Center Galleries will feature paintings from the Runyon Collection as well as photographs of today’s American West by Scott Edwards from Jan. 15 - Feb. 20.
Ten young women will compete for $1,800 in scholarships in a pageant sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha at 7 p.m. Jan. 30 in Rudder Theatre. Tickets are available online or at the MSC Box Office.
MSC OPAS presents the telling of A Cinderella Story by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3 in Rudder Auditorium. Tickets are available at the MSC Box Office.
The Corley Family of Monticello Vineyards, celebrating 40 years of wine growing in Napa Valley, will give you an insider’s perspective on American winemaking Feb. 6 at the George Bush Library and Museum Complex.
The Texas A&M Wind Symphony and the Symphonic Winds concert will be at 3 p.m. Feb. 28 in Rudder Theatre. Admission is free.
b! thebattalion 01.20.2010 page3
trends
fashion
Winter
Stay snug and chic in the cold weather
Megan Clark | The Battalion
W
ith the coldest winter in recent Texas history looming before us, we all have to find warmer clothes to stay toasty on and off campus. So what are some cute ways to stay warm and fashionable this cold season? It may be time to ditch those chunky knit sweaters and homemade scarves for some more stylish pieces. Many basic winter necessities have been updated this season. Instead of the traditional knit scarves, the fashionable scarves are now fuzzy, lighter fabrics. The fuzzy scarves are made in a
Thin scarves can be found at Target.com for $5 in 18 different colors.
variety of colors and textures, and vary widely in price. The thinner scarves are multi-seasonal, making them a great accessory even in the spring. Whether solid or print, these scarves will add extra detailing to any ensemble. Gloves Photos by Megan Ryan — THE BATTALION and hats, which can go right along with scarves, are items Colorful hats and tall boots are all over campus this that will always be in style for winter. Scarves are also popular, particularly those with a cold weather. lighter fabric that can be used in warmer weather. “I like scarves and pea coats
because you can stay warm and still look cute,” said Claire Poirier, a senior management major. Sweaters, especially in Texas, aren’t the most practical articles of clothing, and they aren’t popular in the magazines this season. Jackets are more sensible and stylish. Thanks to Michael Jackson, military jackets are fashionable for men and women. Trench coats are a great way to add mystery to an outfit while highlighting the See Winter fashion on page 4
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1/19/10 8:50 PM
wednesday 1.20.2010
Good thing he has a meal plan.
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page 4
b! trends thebattalion
Straight from the mouth of Michelle an irrefutable division exists between our parties, our groups and our colors. The first lady conducts herself, in print at least, with an unabashed confidence Angela Washeck and poise, but has no trouble Special to The Battalion admitting when she’s havn celebration of the ing difficulty balancing time one-year anniversary of between her two daughters and the 44th President of the her hectic career — a stint as United States Barack Obama’s a practicing lawyer, a hospital inauguration, I delved into executive at the University of one of the many books and Chicago Medical Center and biographies available about the then a full-time job as a presifirst lady, who has arguably dential candidate’s wife, giving intrigued Americans more than speeches and meeting people any other president’s wife in on the campaign trail. She says, recent history. I imagine with a sigh, “I can’t Michelle Obama authored do everything.â€? the short “In Her Own As a mother, she enforces Words: The Views and Values strict bedtime with her two of America’s First Ladyâ€? with daughters and gives them structhe help of an editor, and alture and stability. She seems though the work is exception- to be extremely supportive of ally easy to read, it isn’t a narher husband, whom, rumor rative that reveals bits and has it, calls his wife, pieces of Obama’s life The ďŹ rst lady “the Boss.â€? But chapter-by-chapter, she also insinuoffers a personal which I was thankates that she’s not insight into her ful for. It is simply very impressed life without being by him. “He’s a a large conglomeration of Michelle’s politically biased gifted man, but own words, hence in the end, he’s the title, compiled just a man,â€? she says. from a number of newspaper, Michelle Obama acts like they television and other media have a playful relationship, sources. Quotations collected teasing each other relentlessly. reflect a variety of aspects and She knows she is a woman who open issues — everything from defeated odds, by attending two her opinion of her husband’s of the greatest schools in the smoking habit and her refusal country despite where she came to accept his invitation for a from and watching her father first date to her outlook on battle multiple sclerosis as she public education and the roles was growing up. of women in society. The first lady emphasizes to Although I’m convinced no the reader that their family is person would ever put somenormal in that thing in his or her own book they “go to that might make him appear soccer games “In Her Own untrustworthy or lacking in and shop at Wordsâ€? intelligence, I also didn’t sense Targetâ€? and $12.95 a huge “Support my husadmits she 149 pages band! Be a Democrat!â€? vibe, loves fashion PublicAffairs primarily due to the fact that and getting the book was published after dressed up. On Obama was elected. It seems more serious matas though the mantra behind ters, she says earnestly, “I hate this book was “OK, now that politics,â€? and that she wasn’t I’m first lady, here is who I am thrilled when her husband and what I represent.â€? announced he wanted to run The book begins with for president; but soon after a very brief biography of she devoted herself completely Michelle’s life. She grew up where he needed her. Michelle in southside Chicago, hapsays what drives her the most pens to be the great-greatare these reminders: “to work granddaughter of a slave from hard for what you want in life, South Carolina, skipped the do what you say you’re going second grade because she was to do and treat people with so academically inclined and dignity and respect.â€? graduated from Princeton Regardless of your poliwith cum laude honors. tics, this is something we An even more concise hiscan hopefully all agree on. If tory of her adult life follows, you’re looking for a fast-paced and the first section titled “On read and don’t know much African Americansâ€? conjures a about Michelle Obama, “In proposal from Michelle Obama Her Own Wordsâ€? will, at the that she believes blacks, even very least, give you insight today, are still oppressed in into the kind of person she is some ways and are often told and how that might translate that someone is better than into the president’s vision for them. Quickly, she shifts to our country. a discussion of Americans as people, saying that although Angela Washeck is a freshman there is much that unites us, communication major.
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Continued from page 3
TAKE A PIECE OF A&M HISTORY WITH YOU ¡ Order your 2010 Aggieland
figure. If you are more interested in light layers over heavy coats, flyaway cardigans and vests are great over long sleeves and short sleeves. “I like to wear long sleeve tees and my organization’s fleece jacket during the cold months to stay warm,� said Shannon Roberts, a sophomore general studies major. Boots are a winter fashion staple. Magazines are featuring thigh and knee high boots that serve as a great addition to any outfit. Other boots that
are in right now include Uggs, slouchy boots and riding boots. Jeans and pants are, of course, the most obvious way to stay warm but how could we incorporate our favorite skirts and dresses into the world of winter fashion? Leggings and tights can be added to any skirt or dress, and you can stay warm while looking cute. “I really like leggings with ankle boots, because you can still wear a skirt or a dress and it’s something you could wear going out,� said Katie McCauley, a sophomore marketing major. Megan Clark is a junior English major.
(if you haven’t) The 2010 Aggieland yearbook will be a 700-page record of the 2009-2010 Texas A&M school year. Books will be mailed out during Fall 2010.
¡ Purchase the award-winning 2009 Aggieland (if you haven’t) The 107th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook is a 624-page photojournalistic record of the 2008–2009 school year chronicling traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, greeks, groups and seniors and graduate students. Drop by the Student Media office, Bldg. #8901 in The Grove (between Albritton Bell Tower and Cain Hall). Hours: 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday. Cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted. Phone: 979.845.2613. Or go to http://aggieland.tamu.edu.
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1/19/10 9:59 PM
sports
Coming Thursday A look at Aggie track and field star Porscha Lucas
thebattalion 1.20.2010 page5
Kiffin just latest college coach to lose sight of purpose
Aggies derail Sooner Schooner
L
egendary Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne once said, “A coach’s greatest asset is his sense of responsibility — the reliance placed on him by his players.” Hey, Lane Kiffin. Read that. Read it again. And again. David Harris In fact, Brian Kelly should also as a Bearcat. So much for that pay close attention. integrity, eh? The first few weeks of the “It’s like somebody turned college football offseason has their back on us,” said Bearcat been dominated by a coaching carousel involving some of tight end Ben Guidugli. “We brought this whole thing this the biggest names in the sport. far. We’ve come this far. To And if these first few weeks have someone walk out now is have shown us anything, disappointing.” it’s that college football isn’t But it gets worse. about just football anymore. Just a month after Kelly’s It’s about recognition. And introduction to the money. And power. Golden Domers, KifKiffin and Lane Kiffin’s fin redefined the Kelly went into term “selfish.” treatment of recruits’ homes With the USC the Tennessee and promised head coachprogram was parents that they ing position the ultimate would take care being left vacant slap in the face. of their children. by Pete Carroll, They demanded Kiffin roundhouse accountability and kicked the University of integrity out of their playTennessee in the face. Twice. ers and in return, jolted when He somehow turned a 5-15 the next big contract came record in the professional ranks their way. with Oakland into a $2 million Kelly, in three seasons at a year gig at one of the most Cincinnati, finished with prestigious football schools in a 34-6 record including an the country, Tennessee. undefeated 2009 campaign. During his brief — emAs a result, Notre Dame gave phasis on “brief” — 13 game him the keys to the castle in tenure with the Volunteers, he the form of the head coaching managed to accomplish, well, position at one of the more nothing. Unless, of course, you celebrated programs in the count numerous NCAA violacountry. tions, or countless fines from Of course, Kelly bolted at SEC officials or a 7-6 record as the once in a lifetime opporan accomplishment. tunity. Just weeks after telling his players that he was happy See Kiffin on page 6
A&M pulls out narrow 65-62 win T.D. Durham
Jeramie Heflin — THE BATTALION
Aggies’ senior guard Donald Sloan goes up for a jumper in the team’s 65-62 win over Oklahoma on Tuesday at Reed Arena. Sloan scored a team-high 16 points including the game-winner with 32 seconds remaining.
The Battalion In front of 5,540 students Tuesday in Reed Arena, the Texas A&M men’s basketball team fought off Oklahoma in a nail-biting victory, 65-62. “I was really impressed with the students tonight,” said A&M Head Coach Mark Turgeon. “I don’t think we could have won this game without them. They gave us a lot of energy. It made the difference.” With 1:19 remaining in the game, A&M sophomore guard Dash Harris drained his first three-pointer of the game to give his team the lead. “They were sagging off of me pretty much the whole game because I wasn’t making shots,” Harris said. “But I went and talked to D-Ro [Derrick Roland] on the end of the bench and he said to keep shooting. That was probably the biggest shot I’ve made at A&M.” After Oklahoma sophomore guard Willie Warren made a pair of free throws to regain the Sooners’ lead, senior A&M guard Donald Sloan made a floater in the
lane to give the Aggies the lead once more. After a defensive stop for the Aggies, Sloan was fouled and swished two free throws to put A&M up by three points. The final play for the Sooners was broken up by a steal by Sloan and time expired. “Being a leader, or one of the leaders on the team, I felt like I kind of owed it to everybody to make those free throws,” Sloan said. “I felt like I had to do it. I was glad I made both of them.” In the first half, the Aggies had less trouble keeping the Sooners’ offense under control, as the defense held Oklahoma to 35 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range. Warren, who leads the Sooners in points per game, had just one point in the first half off 0 of 4 shooting. Warren finished the game with 14 points and fouled out of the game. Offensively, the Aggies were on fire in the first half. The maroon-clad players shot a blistering 63 percent from the field and 100 perSee Basketball on page 6
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sports
page 6 tuesday 1.20.2010
thebattalion committed to Tennessee to try to convince them to take a look at USC. While he was still a member of the Tennessee staff. Pathetic. Just pathetic. However, not surprising. It’s the new way of doing things in college football. Contracts are merely suggestions. Success is measured in dollar signs and status. Players are asked to check their egos at the door because coaches’ inflated heads tend to fill up the whole room. Cincinnati wide receiver and team MVP Mardy Gilyard said it best when hearing of Kelly’s surprising departure. “At the end of the day, NCAA football is a business. People have got to make business decisions.” Unfortunately, he couldn’t be more right. College football has become a business, responsibility and accountability be damned. And it’s just that simple.
Kiffin Continued from page 5
Yet, he subsequently turned his season of nothing at Tennessee into the dream job, the head coaching position at USC. Wait, what? How did this happen? Well, Kiffin is the ultimate spindoctor. His mouth is his biggest weapon. And apparently, in the new age of college football, cockiness pays pretty well. Performances in press conferences seem to mean more than, well, I don’t know, performance on the field. Kiffin is 12-21 as a head coach. His ego is the size of Los Angeles and Knoxville, combined. He bends the rules like Beckham bends corners. And, he is the king of the empty promise. To make matters worse, his staff began contacting incoming recruits
David Harris is a junior economics major and is the sports editor.
Basketball Continued from page 5
cent from the free throw line going into halftime. A&M junior guard B.J. Holmes, who had yet to hit a three-point shot in conference play before tonight, was 2 for 4 from behind the arc. Holmes finished with three 3-pointers and 13 points. “Coach tells me all the time that he has confidence in me,” Holmes said. “I know I can make shots, it’s just a matter of when they fall. I was glad that they fell out there tonight.” Coming out of half time, the Sooners opened up the offensive floodgates and tore on a 25-8 run. “We couldn’t guard the ball in the second half for about a seven or eight minute stretch,” Holmes said. “We had bad help side defense until about three-and-a-half minutes left, when we started playing better.” Oklahoma freshman guard Tommy Mason-Griffin sank a three-pointer to give Oklahoma its first lead since the
initial three minutes of the game. Mason-Griffin, a Houston native, scored a team-high 21 points in the bout, including 12 first-half points when fellow guard Warren was struggling offensively. The win over the Sooners is the first since February of 2008 and marks A&M’s second conAggies win ference first game over victory Sooners since of the 2009February 2008 2010 season. “That was a great college basketball game tonight,” Turgeon said. “I told the guys I think that the Big 12 is the best league in the country, so none of these games are going to be easy.” The Aggies will face the Colorado Buffaloes Saturday in Reed Arena, and Turgeon said he wants to see even more students in the stands. “Let’s get 6,000 students here — why not?” Turgeon said. “There are plenty of seats, keep ‘em coming.”
Jeramie Heflin — THE BATTALION
The Aggies will face off with Colorado at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at Reed Arena.
classifieds
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USC Head Coach Lane Kiffin is introduced to the media on Jan. 13.
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1-3/bedroom apartments. Some with w/d, some near campus. $175-$600/mo. 979-696-2038. 2/1 House. Near Winery. Country Living. $700/m. (979)877-4951. Available Now. 3/2 Townhouses &Apartments, 1250sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, walk-in pantry &closets, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing for 2009, excellent specials. 979-694-0320, office@luxormanagement.com 3bd/3ba. Duplexes. Close to campus, Great backyards. Fairly New! 979-693-4900. Brand new luxury condos, granite countertops, tile flooring, great location. 979-693-4900 4/3, 3/3 &3/2 Townhouses, Duplexes &Fourplexes, 1250-1700sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing for 2010, excellent specials. 694-0320. office@luxormanagement.com 4bd/4ba houses. Brand New, great size, great location, AAF 979-693-4900. All bills paid, 4-bdrm condo on Southwest Parkway. Has 3 rooms for rent, $400/each with private baths, shared common area, 210-771-4535. House for rent 3/1.5/1, 0.75 acres, horse ok, 6mo. lease available. $875/mo., $875 deposit 979-696-1670.
Pre-leasing brand new 4/4 luxurious cottage style home, behind HEB, two blocks from campus! $525/mo. per person. Call 979-314-1333. Quiet place, plex. +bills.
country atmosphere, firevery large 1bdrm brick duAvailable Now! $425/mo. No pets. 693-8534.
Spring Break at the Frio. Cabin Rentalfourfriosisters.com 361-510-8563. TOWNHOUSE 3bd/2ba. W/D connections, covered parking, vaulted ceiling in living area, pool access, park-like neighborhood. 2-blocks to campus, No pets. Ask about specials. 979-777-8407.
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HELP WANTED A discount everytime at over 30 locations. Get your VIP Card at AggielandVIP.com Bingo worker: great job opportunity. Above average pay with commissions &tips. Flexible hours. Hospitalization benefits available. Must have acceptable credit &clean background check. Apply in person at the Bingo Barn, 1018 S. TX Ave, Bryan, TX.
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HELP WANTED An awesome job! Spend your summer in a lakefront cabin in Maine. If you are looking to spend this summer outdoors, have fun while you work, and make lifelong friends, then look no further. Camp Mataponi , a residential camp in Maine, has female and male summertime openings for Land Sports, Waterfront (small crafts, skiing, life guarding, WSI, boat drivers), Ropes Course, Tennis, Horse Back Riding, Arts & Crafts, Theater, Cooking, Gymnastics, Dance, Videography, Group Leaders & more. On Campus Interviews will top salaries plus room, board & travel provided. Call us at 1-561-748-3684 or apply online at www.campmataponi.com Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. 512-684-8296. photoguy@io.com Child Care- FT & PT shifts available. Some nights & Saturdays required. Apply in person at 3609 E. 29th St., Bryan. Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment. Fast growing company seeks intelligent, personable, productive people. Great $$$. Advancement opportunities. Flexible hours. Call toll free 1-888-823-2299. FT front office person needed for busy property Management Company. Person needs to be energetic, personable, and a team player. Office or Customer Service experience required. Apply in person @1507 S. College Ave, Bryan. 979-775-2291. Full or part time warehouse help needed. Flexible hours. Business hours are M-F 7:30-5. Apply at Valley Supply 3320 S. College Ave. Bryan, TX 77801. 979-779-7042.
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HELP WANTED Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center (Brazos Valley) Driver (Part-time position). Driver will transport blood from various donor sites to Component Laboratory and conduct the delivery of blood components to designated locations while maintaining proper record keeping an adhering to FDA regulations, Company standards, and established guidelines. Requirements: HS Diploma or GED, a Valid Texas Diver’s License with acceptable driving record. Apply at www.giveblood.org Have the summer of your life at prestigious coed sleepaway camp in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, 2.5 hours from NYC. We’re seeking counselors who can teach any Team& Individual Sports, Tennis, Gymnastics, Horseback Riding, Mt-Biking, Skate Park, Theatre, Tech Theatre, Circuis, Magic, Arts & Crafts, Pioneering, Climbing Tower, Water Sports, Music, Dance or Science. Great saleries and perks. Plenty of free time. Internships available for many majors. On-campus interviews on 2/2. Apply online at www.islandlake.com. Call 800-869-6083 between 9 and 5 eastern time on weekdays for more information. info@islandlake.com Local business needs office assistant M-F. No weekends. Apply at 3320 S. College Avenue 979-779-7044. Now hiring waitresses, door girls, and entertainers. Apply in person at Silk Stocking Lounge. College Station. Part-time job helping handicapped. Male student preferred. $330/mo. 30-hours/mo. 846-3376. Part-time secretary/receptionist, counseling office, flexible hours, 6-8/hrs week. Call 979-255-2789. Reliable Ag needed for pet/ house keeping for busy CS professional. Flexible hours. Email ducks2003@suddenlink.net
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ROOMMATES Need one roommate 3bd/2ba duplex. $400/month plus half utilities. On bus route. 817-681-5376 or bjjohnson09@gmail.com Serious female roommate needed for nice 4br house. Bedrooms have private bath. $525/mo + 1/4 monthly bills. 817-776-0868.
SERVICES Conversational Czech language class. Call Trent 618-334-4584 or e-mail trentpearson@gmail.com
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STUDIES IN PROGRESS ACNE STUDY Volunteers between the ages of 12 and 45, with facial acne are needed to participate in a 12-week clinical research study with an investigational topical medication. All eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study related acne evaluations by a dermatologist • Study related medication • Reimbursement up to $250.00 for time and effort For more information please contact:
RED DRY SCALY PATCHES OF SKIN ATOPIC DERMATITIS STUDY (ECZEMA) Volunteers ages 18 - 64 needed to participate in up to 12 week long clinical research study with an investigational topical medication for atopic dermatitis (RED, DRY, SCALY PATCHES OF SKIN). Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study related medication • Physical Examination • Dermatological Assessments • Compensation up to $675.00 for time and travel For more information please contact:
J&S Studies, Inc. 979-774-5933 1710 Crescent Pointe Parkway, College Station, TX 77845 www.js-studies.com
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Carpool Continued from page 1
“This past semester, we greatly reduced the amount of cars,” Cain said. “It really varies every night [how many cars we run]. The most we ran last semester was around 20 cars for Halloween weekend. Next semester, we’re looking to run about 12 cars per night.” CARPOOL officials plan to raise enough funds to begin operations within the next two weeks. Rather than focusing on a quick jumpstart, CARPOOL has a greater desire to secure the longevity of the organization.
Award Continued from page 1
awards, given by various organizations and institutions. Thus, there are numerous McGovern awards. When I received an e-mail message titled ‘2010 McGovern Award Invitation,’ I thought I was just being invited to a lecture by a recipient of another McGovern award,” Gastel said. “What a wonderful surprise to learn that I’ll be receiving the McGovern Award given by Sigma Xi.” The recipients of this distinction are chosen by the Society’s Committee on Awards and, in the past, have represented a broad spectrum of people involved with varied science and society activities. The John P. McGovern Lecture, which is made by the recipient of the annual John P. McGovern Science and Society Medal, has been a highlight
“We won’t start operating with $2,500,” Cain said, “We haven’t solidified a number, but we want to have enough to fund the majority of this semester. Once we start running, it will be for the rest of the semester.” CARPOOL, a Texas A&M supported organization, has been in operation since September of 1999. CARPOOL’s self-proclaimed mission is to “facilitate a safe and reliable commuting environment in the Bryan-College Station area by providing … rides to intoxicated patrons or patrons rendered incapable of transportation due to other circumstances.” The number of rides taken by students ascended from 138 the first weekend of operation to an average of about 650 per weekend.
of Sigma Xi’s annual meeting since 1984. “I’m still thinking about what to say in my lecture. Luckily, I still have some time, as the lecture will be in November,” Gastel said. “In the lecture, I hope to emphasize that communicating with the public can be useful and enjoyable, and I might well provide an overview of ways in which scientists can do so.” The award also carries an endowment of $5,000. “I hope to use the money to help support the kinds of work the award is recognizing me for,” Gastel said. “It will be wonderful to have these funds available to aid in my teaching of science writing and related subjects at A&M and overseas.” As the editor of “Science Editor,” the periodical of the Council of Science Editors, and for her work in the American Medical Writers Association, Gastel has received dis-
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tinguished service awards from these two organizations. In 2006, the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences named Gastel an Honored Editor in the Life Sciences. In 2007 she became the Knowledge Community Editor for AuthorAID at INASP, a program to help researchers in developing countries to write about and publish their work. Gastel brought her talents to Texas A&M in 1989 after serving as the assistant dean for teaching at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. Gastel specializes in biomedical writing and editing as well as coordinating the master’s degree program in science and technology journalism. “The master’s degree program in science and technology journalism at Texas A&M University prepares students for careers as writers and editors in science, technology and medicine,” she said.
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and are due by 5:00 pm, February 8, 2010. Application Workshops Tuesday, January 26 5:30-6:30 pm Koldus Building Room 144
Thursday, January 28 7:00-8:00 pm Koldus Building Room 144
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news
page 8 wednesday 1.20.2010
Architect Continued from page 1
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not all fun and games Applebaum said. Producers would purposely set up situations to stir up trouble and some cast members purposely started fights with others to get 15 minutes of fame. “There were some people there that were just interested in being on television, but honestly I was so busy sewing and doing my work that I was not involved in any conflicts,” Applebaum said. Applebaum was eliminated on the second episode with criticism from judge Stephani Greenfield for not following the challenge. “I appreciate that you tried to be simple and sexy but it just didn’t give me beach,” Greenfield announced on the show. Applebaum said he got one of the best and worst experiences from being on the reality show. He said one of the worst experiences of his life is when producers took cast members to a room to pick out the material they would use for the entirety of the show. Cast members went in the middle of the night when it was hot and they were not allowed to use the restroom. “It was one of the worst experiences of
my life,” Applebaum said. Despite this experience, Applebaum took away what he said is one of the most valuable lessons any careerminded person should know. “I think that today we reApplebaum ally have to learn to be flexible,” he said. “It is one of the most important skills to know and you have to realize that it is OK to reinvent yourself. It was a chance for me to see how important it is to change or alter your direction.” Before being featured on “Launch My Line,” Applebaum was already designing homes for the likes of Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and Cuba Gooding Jr., to name a few of his cliental. Applebaum turned down a Harvard acceptance letter to instead study at UCLA, where he said he felt the most comfortable. He said it was one of the only schools that would foster his creativity. Of course, “the architect to the stars” said he would never be where he is today without the preparations A&M gave him during his undergraduate studies. “Texas A&M absolutely put me where I am today,” he said. “Most schools are either just about the nuts and bolts or are all about
the art and theory. [Texas A&M] was a great launching pad for my career because they taught what you needed to be in the real world.” One professor in the college of architecture Rodney Hill made such a lasting impression on Applebaum that he said he is thankful to this day for being placed in his class. “He was a very good student, very organized,” Hill said. “He went on to become president of an architecture club here at A&M. I figured he would be successful; there is no way he wouldn’t be.” Hill said Applebaum was very much in control of himself, and he would never let an opportunity pass him. Kayla Alford, sophomore architecture major, said she is inspired by the work of Applebaum. She said it’s a plus having a graduate from the Texas A&M Architecture school featured on a TV show. “The fact that it was for fashion was even better. Not only can you have your career in architecture, but you can also do more outside of designing buildings and houses.” Applebaum said he wanted to leave architecture majors knowing that above all else you need to be flexible, and if you find your passion, the rest will fall into place.
Cook also said this will not negatively affect the University. “We cannot afford For more information on the to let the flagship university of the system shared services to be impacted in any initiative, visit way,” Cook said. “If http://tamus.edu/ Texas A&M Universharedservices. sity is impacted, so are the system and the other system schools. I think everyone is cognizant of that fact.” This sentiment was reiterated by Student Body President Kolin Loveless. “I’d say the effect on the student body will be minimal,” Loveless said. “Universities are kind of notorious for having a lot of administrative overhead. I think it’s better for them to go through this measure where they save a little money and double up some jobs than to have to do layoffs.” Two central concerns surfaced after Chancellor McKinney’s announcement. With key officers under the supervision of both the chancellor of the system and president of the University, the issue of a competing chain of command required clarification. Loftin addressed this problem through a tangible source of authority: funding. “What I’ve done is separate the budgeting operations … so that there is no question about who makes the decisions here,” Loftin said. “Anything I feel is crucial to the Uni-
versity’s functions, I’ve made clear.” The second issue involved the lack of student input in the process. Daniel Dick, chairman of the External Affairs Committee in the student senate, said “What students really want at this point —speaking of shared services — is shared governance. We want a seat at the table to voice our concerns.” Cook said students are not typically involved in decisions like this one. “The shared services committees conducted a detailed analysis of many administrative operations,” Cook said. “These administrative functions at the university and system level typically do not involve student participation, such as the processing of financial documents, purchasing of IT equipment and training of faculty and staff. Loftin, who was not responsible for appointing the members on the investigation committees, said with or without consulting students, the changes are meant for the good of the student body. “To the extent we saved money here, it will help us deal with future shortfalls that might impact you,” Loftin said. “So the story is not ‘will this impact you?’ it’s ‘because of this maybe we won’t impact you,’ in terms of having to reduce what you get out of us — which is right class sizes, the best professors and the best [class] offerings.”
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Shared Continued from page 1
center and seven government agencies. Fearing that the economic recession’s intensity would soon increase in Texas, the Board of Regents began considering prudent courses of action last February. A few months later, the Shared Services Initiative was announced. McKinney reiterated the purpose of the initiative. “The goals of this endeavor were simple: to reduce costs, realize economies of scale, leverage expertise and expand shared resources,” McKinney said. Jason Cook, vice president for marketing and communications for the University, will be acting as Chief Communications Officer for the system. He occupies one of six new “chief officer” positions at the system level. Cook cited a history of informal shared services in justifying the changes. “If you look at some of the events that happened at A&M Galveston when they had the sailboat sinking in 2005 and Hurricane Ike, we actually dispatched some of our communications people to go help them manage those incidents,” Cook said. “We anticipate a very similar relationship … that we will be able to offer some additional resources from here at the flagship to go help [other system] campuses.”
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Shared services
1/19/10 10:18 PM
EDITOR’SNOTE The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants in this paper do not necessarily reflect those of Texas A&M University, The Battalion or its staff.
MAILCALL GUESTCOLUMNS Make your opinion known by submitting Mail Call or guest columns to The Battalion. Mail
call must be fewer than 200 words and include the author’s name, classification, major and phone number. Staff and faculty must include title. Guest columns must be fewer than 700 words. All submissions should focus on issues not personalities, become property of The Battalion and are subject to editing for style, clarity and space concerns. Anonymous letters
‘
will be read, but not printed. The Battalion will print only one letter per author per month. No mail call will appear in The Battalion’s print or online editions before it is verified. Direct all correspondence to: Editor in chief of The Battalion (979) 845-3315 | mailcall@thebatt.com
Helping Haiti
voices
page9
thebattalion 01.20.2010
ASSOCIATED PRESS
U.N. peacekeepers distribute food to earthquake survivors in Port-au-Prince.
O
n Jan. 12 at roughly 5 p.m. local time, the Caribbean country of Haiti was rocked by a magnitude 7 earthquake. The epicenter of the earthquake was located barely 16 miles west of the capital city of Port-au-Prince [estimated population 1.2 million], and the region continued to be jolted by a series of aftershocks slightly higher than magnitude 5. The Haitian Interior Minister Paul Antoine Bien-Aime told Reuters the death toll could reach 200,000; other estimates are even higher.
Abid Mujtaba
earthquake Haitian government officials began issuing calls for international aid to be joined by the United Nations, the International Red Cross and the Salvation Army. A number of countries have responded to these pleas for help. One of the first was the neighboring Dominican Republic, despite tensions that have existed for over a century. They have been joined by medical, rescue and military personnel from a number of countries from across the globe. I was in Pakistan in October 2005 when the earthquake hit its Northern Region. Based on my experience of the quake and its aftermath I have these observations to make. The personal Haiti is arguably the poorest nation As the world tragedy of the imin the Western Hemisphere. As a responds with mediate victims result Haiti finds itself ill-equipped of an earthquake, aid to Haiti, to handle a catastrophe of this or any natural diAggies should magnitude. Its problems are saster, is beyond compounded by the crippling lack do their part to imagination. In of communication, the collapse of help. one instant their several hospitals and a number of entire life is turned government buildings in the worston its head, as they hit areas following the earthquake. face the death of loved In the ensuing days many of the afones, the destruction of their fected people, the International Red Cross puts homes and their very livelihood. Even the number at 3 million, have been staying those citizens who are not immediately affected and sleeping out in the open, both due to the often suffer from profound shock and a sense destruction of housing and the fear of collapsof helplessness. Despair prevails and occasional ing infrastructure in the event of an aftershock. reports of unrest and disruption emerge. Witnesses report the streets lined with the dead But as the situation stabilizes, out of all the as the survivors try to cope. Soon after the
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destruction and the chaos, humanity inevitably emerges resilient and defiant. At the domestic level one hears stories of outstanding personal courage as the citizenry bands together to overcome adversity. On the international level, at least for a little while, differences are forgotten in a rush of empathy. The tensions between Haiti and the Dominican Republic have already ebbed as the latter responded swiftly to the disaster. Within hours food, water, heavy machinery and medical personnel from the Dominican Republic were pouring in to Haiti and engineers were crossing the border to rectify the communications breakdown. A little afield Cuba opened up its restricted airspace to U.S. planes to fly aid workers and relief items to Haiti, shortening the flight path. A number of U.S. naval units, including an aircraft carrier and a hospital ship, along with Coast Guard units and several thousand marines and soldiers are already assisting with rescue operations and aid. President Barack Obama has requested former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush to spearhead the aid collection efforts and they have formed the Clinton Bush Haiti Foundation. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton was in Port-au-Prince on Saturday to observe the aid effort and to assure the people of Haiti of the United States’ continued support in this time of need. I am confident that this tragedy will allow us, as Aggies, to once more demonstrate the Aggie Spirit. The International Red Cross and other organizations have already warned of an impending shortage of aid in Haiti and have asked for donations, both of money and goods. I would suggest that anyone interested in organizing and contributing to this cause use the comment section below the online version of this article to brainstorm and organize. Our duty, as Aggies, beckons.
Helping Haiti
Spoons Yogurt: Thursday all revenue will be donated to the Red Cross Text Messaging: Text “Haiti” to 90999 and $10 will be donated to the Red Cross
MAILCALL From Steven Baum,
Department of Oceanography The crowding in the Rec Center at the start of a semester is inevitable, but the rudeness and lack of etiquette isn’t. The signs stating “Please Allow Others to Work in Between Sets” aren’t just there for decoration or for the attention of people who are less important or special than you. It’s not OK to finish a set, leave your towel on the seat of the machine to “save” it and walk away to gossip with your buds. It’s not OK to finish a set and then talk on your cell phone for several minutes while staying on the machine. Yes, other people do exist who don’t wish to double the time they spend in the gym just so you can use a crowded Rec as a lounge for your social life.
Abid H. Mujtaba is a graduate physics major.
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voices
page 10 wednesday 1.20.2010
thebattalion
A third world always in need
T
he earthquake that hit Haiti was the strongest the nation has seen since 1770. Due to poor infrastructure and, frankly, a general curse of misfortune that seems to hang over the island nation, the destruction wrought by the quake is far greater than it would have been in a more developed nation. While relief can never come fast enough in a situation like this, it is pouring in as quickly as possible. At the time I’m writing this, more than $10 million has been raised through a text messaging campaign and the Obama Administration has pledged $100 million and 5,000 troops. Countless other charities and nations are raising money to aid Haitians. Most of us play the “poor college student” card about as often as we can, but few of us are left without a sense of compassion and desire to help when we see the before-and-after photos of Portau-Prince and the images of bodies lying in the streets. It’s probably harder to avoid “Haiti Relief” Web sites right now than it is to find them, and it only takes about three minutes to donate whatever amount you wish. Just Google “Haiti” and the first three hits are links that allow you to donate money for relief work. If you donate, definitely stick with names you recognize, like the American Red Cross or UNICEF, as swindlers always come out of the woodwork during mass showings of generosity. Major catastrophes and natural disasters typically see an outpouring of generosity and goodwill by those of us looking on with hearts full of pity, but they often fail to generate our long-term interest in the plight of the world’s poorest, those whose normal lives are lived in conditions not noticeably better than these regions we call “disaster areas.” According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 24,000 children die each day from causes that are preventable because they simply do not have access to care. About half of the world’s population, 3 billion, lives on less than $2.50 each day. Even factoring in cost-of-living differences (it is virtually impossible to survive on $2.50 in the U.S.), that amount provides for only a Spartan existence. In many areas of the world a “good day” amounts to scrounging up enough clean water and food for your family. A few years ago I was at a concert and between sets one of the bands talked about an organization whose mission is to
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Haitian orphans arrive for medical care in Pittsburgh.
Adam Bechtold relieve the suffering of children in thirdworld countries through sponsorship. For $32 each month you could provide food and clean water, medical care, education and life-skills training for a child in a developing country. I decided I could probably replace a few coffee runs and fast food meals with the well-being of a fellow human, and got to sponsor Santo, a 4-year-old living in Bangladesh. Over the last couple of years I have been able to watch Santo grow through pictures I’ve received from him. Two or three times each year I get a letter in the mail from him, and I try to write him a letter every few months as well, sending pictures of my family so he can see us. He’s 6 now, so we don’t get into any deep topics in our correspondence, but it has been fulfilling to see the little crayon pictures he draws for me, and read what his favorite colors, foods and games are. In his most recent letter he asked that I would pray he “learn how to read and write the alphabets [sic] properly.” The picture he drew was some red fruit and the letters ABCD. Every month when I write my check I think about the fact that there is a little boy in Bangladesh who is real and is going to have a better
childhood, teenage years and adulthood because of the small amount of money Even I forego every 30 days. before the He’s worth it. earthquake, So what can you Haiti do? First, donate to needed aid. help the Haitians. They need it. You can give as little or as much as you want. It will be the millions of people who give $5 or $10 who will be the real difference in the pace of recovery in Haiti. Second, realize people suffer in similar conditions every day around the globe and are overlooked because the situation is “normal” for them. Consider either becoming a regular donor to a poverty relief group or sponsoring a child. By cutting out just four coffees and three fast food meals each month, you can change the trajectory of a child’s life. The fact is, while our hearts go out to those affected by the Haitian earthquake, there are hundreds of millions of people who live their everyday, nondisaster-induced lives in similar conditions. Earthquakes and tsunamis and hurricanes make the news because they’re out of the ordinary, but the poverty and destitution they produce are not. At A&M we are known for our charity and community service, showcased in our 800 plus student organizations and activities like Big Event. Let’s keep that tradition alive. Gig ‘em, Aggies: help. Adam Bechtold is a senior history major and is special to the Battalion.
1/19/10 8:25 PM