The Battalion: January 21, 2010

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thebattalion ● thursday,

january 21, 2010

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Teardown on time

■ Regents may choose new president today Brandi Tevebaugh

Special to The Battalion The names of two candidates under consideration for the A&M presidency will be presented to the Board of Regents at a presidential search committee meeting at 11 a.m. today.

Three names were to be given to the Board of Regents, but a third candidate dropped out. Dr. Richard Box, regent and chairman of the presidential search committee, said the third candidate was from a large landgrant university in the northeast, but due to strict confidentiality agreements no more information can be released.

While the board may make a decision today, there is still a 21-day waiting period before the board can confirm the candidate. Months ago, Box said neither Secretary of Defense Robert Gates nor Gov. Rick Perry were candidates.

thebatt.com

Watch for updates Texas A&M Board of Regents could name a new president today. Check thebatt.com for breaking news on the decision.

Photos by Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

The construction at the Memorial Student Center has filled up the former “breezeway” with debris and rubble. At top, this foreign fence and sign outside the MSC keeps students and visitors out as construction continues for renovations.

Howdy portal sustains users ■ After delays in the fall, students were able to access Web site with no crashes Brandi Tevebaugh

Renovation on schedule for MSC, Military Walk Melissa Appel

The Battalion Even while students were away from College Station and enjoying the Christmas holidays free from schoolwork, workers continued progress on the multiple construction projects underway on campus.

The most prominent construction evident on campus is the renovation of the Memorial Student Center.

Workers and administrators alike have placed emphasis on the ongoing progress of this important project.

“The project is on schedule and the contractors are working hard as a priority to get this project done on time,” said MSCC President Stephanie Burns.

According to a Dec. 11, progress report, the project is on schedule and within budget. The majority of asbestos within the building has been re-

Student to run for city council

Special to The Battalion On the first day of classes in the fall semester, the server for the Howdy Web portal failed, causing inconveniences and delays for students, faculty and staff. The system was updated and thousands of students and faculty members were able to access the portal Tuesday, said Enterprise Information Systems, EIS, project director Ramesh Kannappan.

“We are not aware of any problems,” Kannappan said.

“We had over 4,100 people in Howdy at the same time.”

Kannappan said the weekend was also very busy for the portal. The average number of users during the business day on Tuesday was 3,600.

EIS sent an e-mail on Friday to encourage students to print schedules early. This and other precautions were taken to

The Battalion This year, the College Station City Council may have a current Aggie as their newest member. Junior political science major Jess Fields announced Wednesday he will run in the May 8 race.

Fields is the constituency affairs chair for the Texas A&M Student Senate and has been serving in that position for three years. He is also a precinct chairman for the Republican Party and Fields was the youngest member of the delegation to the national convention of the Republican Party in 2008.

“We need people in city government who think more broadly than certain special interests. Particularly, I feel that city

See Howdy portal on page 6

See City council on page 8

Brandi Tevebaugh

Laura Sanchez

J.D. Swiger — THE BATTALION

Kyle Watson, senior recreation park and tourism sciences major, and sophomore accounting major Leigh Pierson celebrate National Hugging Day with the famous “side hug.”

sports | 5

voices | 7

Speed kills

Jan. 21, 1917

Senior national champion Porscha Lucas is looking to repeat as the national champion in the 200 meters.

Showing love for Loftin

Leonard Harmon, posthumous recipient of the Navy Cross, was born in Cuero, Texas. In 1943, the USS Harmon was the first Navy ship named for an AfricanAmerican.

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See Construction on page 6

For further information concerning campus building projects, students can visit the Web site for the Division of Facilities at vpfac.tamu.edu.

Students can view construction updates on the Transportation Services Web site at transport.tamu.edu/ construction.aspx.

You have a reason to hug someone

this day in

xas tehistory

moved. Burns said 50 percent of the demolition has been completed.

“Demolition and site work are progressing nicely,” said Vice President for Facilities Chuck Sippial. “Asbestos is approximately 70 percent complete.

Electrical, mechanical and plumbing reroutes are ongoing.”

Students can stay up-to-date with construction progress by visiting the

Updates

As Texas A&M’s presidential search concludes, the best man for the job may be wearing a maroon bowtie.

Special to The Battalion Instead of waiting until Valentines Day to share the love, grab a pal and give a hug today in celebration of National Hugging Day. Today’s holiday offers more health benefits than its February cousin by skipping the candy and jumping to the heart healthy hugs.

Created in 1986, National Hugging Day is not officially recognized by an act of Congress, but it is copyrighted.

In the 24 years since its founding, National Hugging Day has grown to include clubs formed to organize events, an annual commemorative Disney pin and Facebook group recognition.

“I plan to celebrate by hugging the people that I’m close to so the hugs will be meaningful,” said junior economics and political science major Solé Artiz.

Hugs and other acts of warm physical touch are linked to a number of

Setting a record Jeff Ondash, aka “Teddy McHuggin, Ohio,” created this character and earned a place in the Guinness World Book of Records for the most hugs in an hour (1,205 in 2008).

This year, on National Hugging Day, Ondash intends to break the record for the most hugs in a 24 hour period in New York City.

See Hug on page 8

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Music review: Flashbulb Fire’s ‘Glory’ The indie rock band will perform selections from their new CD in Bryan Monday.

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Loftin asks for your comments

Send Interim President R. Bowen Loftin your comments to president@tamu.edu about the Legislative Budget Board to prepare for a 5 percent reduction in spending over the current biennium that began Sept. 1.

King breakfast program

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Student leadership conference

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Princeton professor Cornel West, a leading 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.

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.

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 name a ďŹ nalist for the position of president of Texas A&M.

corrections The Battalion welcomes readers’ comments about information that may require correction. We will pursue your concern to determine whether a correction needs to be published.

Please e-mail at editor@thebatt.com.

Today mostly sunny High: 74 | Low: 46 courtesy of NOAA

Friday mostly sunny high: 75 low: 58 Saturday 30% chance of showers high: 73 low: 49 Sunday sunny high: 68 low: 41

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Bryan PD look into woman’s death Bryan Police Department ofďŹ cers responded to a person down call at 11:40 a.m.

Wednesday in the 3900 block of Sandy Point Road.

Upon arrival at the scene, ofďŹ cers located a deceased Hispanic woman on private property.

The investigation is being led by the Criminal Investigation Division and the Crime Scene Unit and is being treated as a suspicious death.

The Bryan Police Department treats all deaths as a homicide until proven otherwise.

The investigation is ongoing.

Information regarding this case can be directed to the Bryan Police Department at 979-209-5316 or Crime Stoppers at 979-775-TIPS. Brandi Tevebaugh, special to The Battalion

Regents may name new president today

thebattalion 01.21.2010

Help for Haiti

Jeramie Heflin— THE BATTALION

Members of the Latin American organizations at Texas A&M, as well as the American Red Cross Club collect money for Haiti earthquake victims outside of Koldus. The group will continue collecting until Friday. The organizations include Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Salvador, Honduras, Bolivia and Brazil.

5.9-magnitude aftershock terrifies desperate Haitians PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — A frightening new aftershock Wednesday forced more earthquake survivors to live on the capital’s streets or sent them fleeing to perhaps even worse conditions in the countryside.

A flotilla of rescue vessels, meanwhile, led by the U.S. hospital ship Comfort, converged on the capital. They are helping fill gaps in still lagging global efforts to bring water, food and medical help to hundreds of thousands of people who are surviving in makeshift tents or simply on blankets or plastic sheets under the tropical sun.

The strongest tremor since Haiti’s cataclysmic Jan. 12 earthquake struck at 6:03 a.m., just before sunrise while many were still sleeping.

From the teeming plaza near the collapsed presidential palace to a hillside tent city, the 5.9-magnitude aftershock lasted only seconds but panicked thousands of Haitians. “Jesus!� they cried as rubble tumbled and dust rose from government buildings around the plaza. Parents gathered children and ran.

In the hills, where U.S. troops were helping thousands of homeless, people bolted screaming from tents. Jajoute Ricardo, 24, came running from his house, fearing its collapse. “Nobody will go to their house now,� he said, as he sought a tent of his own. “It is chaos, for real.�

A slow vibration intensified into side-to-side shaking that lasted about eight seconds — compared to last week’s far stronger initial quake that seemed to go on for 30 seconds.

Throngs again sought out small, ramshackle “tap-tap� buses to take them away from the city. On Port-au-Prince’s beaches, more than 20,000 people looked for boats to carry them down the coast, the local radio reported.

But the desperation may be deeper outside the capital, closer to the past week’s epicenter. “We’re waiting for food, for water, for anything,� Emmanuel Doris-Cherie, 32, said in Leogane, 25 miles (40 kilometers) southwest of Port-au-Prince. Homeless in Leogane lived under sheets draped across tree branches, and

the damaged hospital “lacks everything,� Red Cross surgeon Hassan Nasreddine said.

Hundreds of Canadian soldiers and sailors were deploying to that town and to Jacmel on the south coast to support relief efforts, and the Haitian government sent a plane and an overland team to assess needs in Petit-Goave, a seaside town 10 miles (15 kilometers) farther west from Leogane that was the epicenter of Wednesday’s aftershock.

The death toll was estimated at 200,000, according to Haitian government figures relayed by the European Commission, with 80,000 buried in mass graves. The commission raised its estimate of homeless to 2 million, from 1.5 million, and said 250,000 people needed aid.

Many badly injured Haitians still awaited lifesaving surgery. “It is like working in a war situation,� said Rosa Crestani of Doctors Without Borders at the Choscal Hospital. “We don’t have any morphine to manage pain for our patients.�

By the numbers

200,000 estimated dead

80,000 buried in mass graves

2 million homeless

11,500

U.S. troops in Haiti

9,000

U.N. peacekeepers

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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 T AMU, 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 ofďŹ ces 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 classiďŹ ed advertising, call 979-845-0569.

Advertising ofďŹ ces are in The Grove, Bldg.

8901, and ofďŹ ce 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 T exas 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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5 before you go things you should know

The 2010 MSC American Miss OPAS: A West: Then Black and Cinderella and Now Gold Pageant Story

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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 continues through 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.

A&M Wind Symphony to perform

b! thebattalion 01.21.2010 page3

techtalk

Video games of Last year’s hot games and what to expect from 2010

2009

2

009 brought a lot more than just a slew of new sequels to the gaming industry. Some may call it the year of the plastic peripheral represented by games like “DJ Hero,” “Wii Sports Resort” and — I cringe to say — “Tony Hawk RIDE.” Others may call it the year of rebirth epitomized by the downloadable revivals of classic franchises such as “Mega Man” and “Contra.”

Anthony Gerhart While the most superb titles were released near the holiday season, the innovations and advancements revealed during the other three quarters of the year are setting the stage for the experiences you’ll see in the future.

Here’s a quick look at what 2009 brought to our homes and a glance at what’s in store for the near future.

It’s been a big year for Sony and — let’s be

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Microsoft Entertainment and Devices President Robbie Bach talks about 2010 Xbox 360 plans during the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010. honest — they really needed one. Sony’s PlayStation 3 has been scraping along in third place since its release in 2006, and their intimidating price point and downright frightening advertisement campaign (“BEYOND”) weren’t helping. After kicking 2009 off right with the critically acclaimed “Killzone 2,” Sony began to focus on rebranding the system to make it more accessible both in cost and approachability.

At the frontlines of this makeover was the build of the system itself. In September, Sony released the revamped PlayStation 3 Slim, which showcased smaller, more efficient hardware alongside a reasonable $300 price point. Complementing the system’s redesign was an amusing new advertisement campaign that emphasized the cheaper price and the extra non-gaming features

of the system in order to spark an interest in consumers who either condemned its cost or were oblivious to what the console offered.

Sony’s effort led the 2010 PlayStation 3 Slim to the promises to number one bestseller spot bring exciting on Amazon.com’s video sequels game section for 15 days as well as straight after its unveiling. additions This momentum was furto gaming ther strengthened by quality, sytems. exclusive titles such as “Infamous,” “Demon’s Souls,” and “Uncharted 2: Among Thieves,” the latter of which has won multiple “Game of the Year” accolades. Bundle all of this with the fact that the PlayStation 3 is still one See Best video games on page 4

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of the cheapest, full-feature Blu-Ray players, and you have the explanation for a 90 percent increase in hardware sales in December 2009 compared to December 2008.

Sure, Sony did well. Together, the PS3villagefoods (1.36 million units) .com www. and PSPithandheld (654K units) sold more than two million Wethe make easy to eat better units in December. Compare this, however, to the staggering numbers that Nintendo produced in the same month. Fueled by the November release of “New Super Mario Bros. Wii” and their $50 price cut, Nintendo sold a ludicrous 3.81 million consoles in December 2009. Add in the unstoppable momentum of the DS Lite/DSi handhelds (3.31 million units sold), and you have a phenomenal ending to Nintendo’s fiscal year, despite a slower third quarter.

Software notables included the “Punch-Out!” revival, “Boom Blox: Bash Party,” “Dead Space: Extraction,” and the musthave “Metroid Prime Trilogy.” Nintendo also released their new motion-sensing peripheral known as Wii MotionPlus, which attaches to the bottom of the Wii Remote for more precise motion detection. While support for the attachment was primarily limited to “Wii Sports Resort” and “Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10” last year, promising titles such as “Red Steel 2” and the new “Zelda” are reported to use the new technology this year to enhance swordplay.

Microsoft’s Xbox 360 had a solid year where software is concerned. It shared in the phenomenal multi-platform titles “Batman: Arkham Asylum” and “Assassin’s Creed II,” held exclusive rights to “Halo 3: ODST” and “Left 4 Dead 2,” and featured some fantastic downloadable titles such as “Splosion Man” and “Shadow Complex.” It’s no secret that the Xbox 360 has more than the ability to play games in its repertoire, as it’s been possible to stream Netflix to the system since November 2008.

In 2009, Microsoft added a few more popular services to the system including channels for Facebook, last.fm and Zune Marketplace. Other than the price cut to $299 for their Elite system, Microsoft didn’t seem to push too hard last year for holiday sales, and December numbers reflected it — they had a close race but fell in third behind the PlayStation 3 with 1.31 million units sold. However, Microsoft isn’t worried. They have faith in a little peripheral you may have heard about known tentatively as Project Natal.

This brings us to a brief overview of 2010. The year is going to kick off with an explosion thanks to “Modern Warfare 2,” the game that launched a thousand delays. January alone sees the release of “Army of Two: The 40th Day,” “Mass Effect 2” and “No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle,” while February hosts “Bioshock 2,” “Dante’s Inferno” and “Splinter Cell: Conviction.”

Potential blockbusters later this year include “Final Fantasy XIII” for RPG purists, the return of Kratos with “God of War III,” the release of “Halo Reach,” Bungie’s final Halo installment, as well as “Super Mario Galaxy 2,” the sequel to 2007’s Game of the Year, and, ignoring probable delays, a new “Zelda” from Eiji Aonuma. That mouthful of game titles merely grazes the surface of what’s in store for the year; you may want to pick up a second job. In addition, motion-controlled games will be thriving more than ever with the release of Sony’s PlayStation Motion Controller this fall, Microsoft’s Project Natal this holiday season, and increased support for Nintendo’s Wii MotionPlus.

Though the 2009 fiscal year produced an 8 percent decrease in revenue over the previous year, the sales boom in December gives reason for an optimistic outlook for 2010. We’ll see fantastic sequels. We’ll see more accurate and intriguing uses for motion that will continue to entice non-gamers. We’ll see more games with astonishing production value from developers that have had years of practice with next-gen technology. And there’s a good chance you’ll be seeing an empty wallet. Viva 2010.

Anthony Gerhart is a sophomore computer science major.

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Coming Friday: Your Aggie sports previews for the weekend ahead.

sports thebattalion 1.21.2010 page5

Like a Porsche Speedy senior Porscha Lucas looks for her second national title

By Kyle Cunningham | The Battalion It is a common idiom used by those around sports — “speed kills.” Faster football players tend to get bigger scholarships, and faster baseball players are usually more valuable in a defensive aspect. So think of how valuable the fastest person is in a sport and event solely focused on how fast you are.

Track athlete Porscha Lucas, by those standards, is one of the most valuable athletes at Texas A&M. Lucas, a senior sprinter from Plano, Texas, is the defending national champion in the 200 meter dash for outdoor track and field. Her time in the final race was 22.81 seconds, which, converted into just a 40 meter time, would be roughly a 4.56. In the 100 meter dash at the same meet, Lucas ran an 11.31. That would be a 4.52 in the 40 meter dash.

To give you an idea of how fast that is, think about this — former Texas A&M tailback Mike Goodson ran a 4.54 at the NFL Combine in the 40-yard dash.

Lucas started running track in junior high, like most athletes.

“I started in seventh grade because it was really something that everybody did in middle school,” Lucas said. “After basketball season, I decided to run track. I started winning races and I thought ‘I guess I’m pretty good at this.’”

As junior high turned into high school, Lucas continued to press her newfound talent to see where it would lead.

“I got more serious with running [during high school],” Lucas said. “I got more serious with running, and as I got extra help outside of my high school, I fell in love with it.”

As a high school senior, Lucas decided on Texas A&M because it fit her criteria for athletics.

“I knew they had great coaches and great academics,” Lucas said. “And there was just something I felt on my visit here.

It felt like a great match for me.”

Lucas’s life doesn’t completely revolve around track. She has a love for music, specifically the R&B genre (she lists Beyonce, Chris Brown, and Heather Headley as her favorite artists). Her favorite movie, “Sister Act 2,” is even driven around music.

“The acting’s not very good,” Lucas said with a laugh, “but the singing’s amazing and that’s why I love it.”

Lucas isn’t just content with just listening to other people perform.

“I do like singing,” Lucas said. “I don’t really like to do it in front of a lot of people. But if you catch me, then you’ll probably hear me singing.”

Catch Porscha Lucas? Good luck.

Lucas’ career highlights: Nine All-American selections Member of 2008 national champion 4 x 100 team 2009 national champion in 200 meters Nicholas Badger — THE BATTALION

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thebattalion

thursday, 1.21.2010

Some recent changes to Howdy include basic and advanced class search for students, graphical schedule view, 1098T tax forms, parent and former student access and roster viewing and grading features for faculty.

Howdy portal Continued from page 1

ensure a smooth first day of classes.

“The University has worked with SunGard Higher Education, the company from whom we purchased the software, to make technical improvements,” said Pierce Cantrell, vice president and associate provost for information technology. “These changes allowed a greater number of concurrent users to use the system without problems.”

Howdy launched in March 2008 and officially replaced the My Record system in the fall. The change meant that all students, faculty, and staff would be using the same integrated system. Grades, registration, tuition, financial aid, and e-mail can all be found in the Howdy portal.

“It makes everything more accessible,” said junior chemical engineering major Taylor Green. “It incorporates everything you need for school on one page. I like that.”

Even though Howdy was launched nearly a year ago, students and faculty are still adjusting to the new system.

“I didn’t like it at first,” Green said. “I liked the way the MyRecord system operated, but I like the improvements that have been made.”

While the name “Howdy” is unique to Texas A&M, the system is not.

“This system is used by hundreds of other SunGard Higher Education customers around the country such as the University of Illinois, Purdue University, Virginia Tech and Texas Tech University,” said Cantrell. “Texas A&M has made a number of enhancements for our students.”

Howdy offers instructional videos for first time users that may be helpful for students unfamiliar with the portal. The site can be personalized to each student, and most university sites and resources can be found in tabs at the top of the page.

“Howdy is a one-stop shop for students, faculty, advisors, employees, applicants, former students and parents of students on the College Station, Galveston and Qatar Campuses,” Cantrell said.

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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.

Master bedroom, nice mobile home with private bath and closet. $450, Central-air/ht, internet, cable, everything included. 210-364-7006.

New Condo! Sublease 1 room. Private bath &bed. Wood floor. W/D in unit. Jan-May $295/mo. January free. 519 SW Pkwy. Call 281-639-8847, 713-922-7722.

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 country atmosphere, fireplace, very large 1bdrm brick duplex. Available Now! $425/mo. +bills. No pets. 693-8534.

Spring Break at the Frio. Cabin Rental- fourfriosisters.com 361-510-8563.

Sublease at The Lofts. 1 bedroom in 4/4 apartment. $499/mo. $1000 discount 713-376-6286.

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.

HELP WANTED A discount everytime at over 30 locations. Get your VIP Card at AggielandVIP.com Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day.

No experience. 512-684-8296. photoguy@io.com

Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

A cherry-picker raises construction workers up to continue work at the Memorial Student Center.

The construction completion date has been set for March 30, 2012.

Construction

Transportation Services has continued to work on projects to improve parking facilities and pedestrian access on campus. Portions of Lot 100 will close for 90 Continued from page 1 days as it is renovated. The surface of Lot 100j will be redone with concrete and improvements to disability Web site ourmsc.tamu.edu.

“We update the Web site regularly to highlight proj- parking will be made. Lots 100i, 100j and 100k are to ect updates and post photos,” Burns said. “We’re hoping be connected to improve ease of access and to align the entrance with the intersection of Tom Chandler Drive to put up videos soon.” and Olsen Boulevard.

The construction completion date has been set for “Pedestrian access will also be improved by adding March 30, 2012.

Another highly visible construction site on campus is a crossing area which will connect Olsen Field to the the reconstruction of Military Walk. The project, which track and softball areas,” said June Broughton, marketing manager for Transportation Services. has been underway since the beginning of August, has Lot 100k will remain open for parking throughout this had some setbacks due to adverse weather conditions.

“Military Walk progress has been delayed by weath- process, and the project is set for completion at the end of er,” Sippial said. “We are projecting the project will be April 2010. The Route 08 bus stop at Olsen Field will be moved during the project to accommodate construction. complete the end of April 2010.”

classifieds see ads at thebatt.com

SPECIAL

Some changes

PRIVATE PARTY WANT ADS

$10 for 20 words running 5 days, if your merchandise is priced $1,000 or less (price must appear in ad). This rate applies only to non-commercial advertisers offering personal possessions for sale. Guaranteed results or you get an additional 5 days at no charge. If item doesn’t sell, advertiser must call before 1 p.m. on the day the ad is scheduled to end to qualify for the 5 additional insertions at no charge. No refunds will be made if your ad is cancelled early.

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 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. 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.

puzzle answers can be found online at www.thebatt.com

HELP WANTED 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.

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.

MUSIC

HELP WANTED Part-time secretary/receptionist, counseling office, flexible hours, 6-8/hrs week. Call 979-255-2789.

Sell VIP cards! Make $5 for every $10 Aggieland VIP card you sell. No limit. Contact sean@aggielandvip.com STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in College Station. 100% free to join. Click on surveys.

The Corner Bar &Grill now hiring.

Apply in person at 9pm monday thru wednesday. All positions available.

Web Content Editor needed, Part-time, Paid hourly, 20-35hrs/wk.

Good written/oral communication skills necessary. Responsibilities include web layout , text content/migration, and client communication.

Submit marketing writing samples and resume to work@agnitek.com Youth Minister- Restoration Church is a dynamic growing fellowship that won’t stay small for long... and we’re looking for a sold out follower of Jesus Christ to begin building a vibrant Christ- centered Youth Group! Must love working with teens, not be afraid of humble beginnings, be fun, yet firm when needed, and be committed to your ministry. We don’t just want an employee, we want someone who will be part of the family! You must attend worship and one weekly youth meeting! If you’re serious about winning teens and building a youth ministry, call Pastor Mark at 979-229-9614!

SKI SPRING BREAK 2010!

Party Block Mobile DJ- Peter Block, professional 22yrs experience. Specializing in Weddings, TAMU functions, lights/smoke. Mobile to anywhere. Book early!! 979-693-6294. http://www.partyblockdj.com

PETS Adopt Pets: Dogs, Cats, Puppies, Kittens, Many purebreds. Brazos Animal Shelter, 979-775-5755, www.brazosanimalshelter.org

REAL ESTATE We Buy Houses. Cash or take over payments. 979-220-3700.

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

Pg. 6-1-21-10.indd 1

1/20/10 9:48 PM

‘

A lofty president voices

A

s Texas A&M narrows its list of presidential candidates, atess, tthe he bbest est nteerim P residentt man for the job may already have it. Our current Interim President wn ffor or his neatly R. Bowen Loftin may be seen as a substitute, known ties. But too few combed hair, round spectacles and of course his classy bowties.

Aggies know the man behind the bowtie, and the potentiall of success he could bring to A&M if he could become president. economic and financial al problems arise in ly assembled a task the future. He recently force to evaluate and tr ttryy and solve such problems that the future ure may bring.

This shows that hee cares about the University’s longterm m state, as well cation. Loftin as the students’ education. has also voiced his opinion and Cole Allen has been working with other wide to expand universities worldwide Loftin has accomplished many things while being o stu tudy abroad to broader places to study interim president. Imagine what he could do if he held m akee it more ak as well as trying to make the permanent throne in Aggieland. b le. le . financially reasonable.

Loftin is a man who has accomplished many great real ally ly cca are “It’s something I re really care feats, while remaining humble and outgoing. n t to mak m ake sure about, I want make On top of everything his Aggie Spirit is exn ts h ave av e th h e all students have the The best ceeded by none. Personally, I think Loftin unit un ityy to sstudy tudy tu opportunity would make a great president. Not only candidate d ,” Lof L ofti tin n said. sa abroad,” Loftin is he a fellow Aggie [Class of 1970] and for A&M’s ftin ft in has h as ste s tern rn vvie i ws and Loftin stern views has a doctorate in physics from Rice, presidency may f s in t he tra t radi diti tion ons s of o Texas beliefs the traditions but he has also been vice president of be right under M. We W need ne ed a president p who A&M. Texas A&M Galveston, so he knows his our nose. sta tand nds s thei th eir r importance, im so understands their way around the roles and requirements of tter r tha t han n a dedicated de Aggie? who better than what it takes to make a university successful, oft ftin inn hhas a been in office, as While Lo Loftin especially in an Aggie environment. n am m ed d a top 20 research A&M has been named Loftin is a highly distinguished man, holding many e schools budgeting and reinstitution, the publications, and awards, namely NASA’s invention of mproved, and even sourcing have improved, the year in 1995. However, with such success, Loftin the worldwidee presence has said his true and highest calling is to teach students. been noticeably more “I feel I have the most fun and impact in doing that renowned. sort of work,” Loftin said.

A&M needs Loftin’s personality and presentation are perfect syma humble, yet bols for Texas A&M. Not only are his suits and shirts strong presiconstantly pressed to perfection, he also has a style that dent that helps people remember who he is, usually marked by a will take the maroon bowtie. lead when “I use it as a way of being different,” Loftin said.

“Being remembered is a very important marketing strat- necessary and weigh out the egy, plus you will never spill soup on it.” or best options for Aggies are different and memorable to others and the student’s Loftin is just that, making him a perfect A&M repreand school’s sentative. Most importantly Loftin loves talking and interest. I interacting with students. think Loftin “It’s my favorite part of the day. Student interaction is doing just is vital,” Loftin said. “A president should connect to ttin tt ing a pa ppath th that. He is setting students or they are not doing their job.” p resi re s den n t, butt bu for the next president, Finally, a president who cares about students and we jus j ust t keep ke ep p hhim im why don’t just wants to talk to them and hear their thoughts. I believe vio ious usly ly k nows no ws what w since he obviously knows this to be a crucial role of our next president. d in i n orde or der r to ris isee to tthe he path we need order rise Loftin also has weighed out the best possible financial f Visi Vi sion 2 020?

02 0? next level of Vision 2020? options for the school. He has been prepping the University for hard times by cutting unnecessary expenses and trying to save the school money should any more

Pg 7-1.21.10.indd 1

Cole A Cole All llen en iiss a ju uni n or ppol olititicical sscience cicien ien ence c m ce ajjor o.

Allen junior political major.

thebattalion 01.21.2010

page7

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.

Osazuwa Osazuw Os wa O Okundaye— kun undaye— e— TH THE BATTALION

1/20/10 7:20 PM

news

page 8 thursday 1.21.2010

thebattalion

Child dies in College Station apartment

Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

Senior political science major Jess Fields formally announces his candidacy Wednesday for College Station City Council at Texas Avenue Cigars.

City council

ing a voice in City Council,” he said.

Fields said he decided to Continued from page 1 run early before filing because council needs to consider more he wanted to encourage students to become involved the small business community and the role of the university in and volunteer.

“I think there is no reason this town,” Fields said.

Fields opened his own small why somebody who is both an business, Texas Avenue Cigars, active member of the commuwith a friend two years ago. His nity and a student at A&M also cannot hold a position in this desire, he said, to run for city city,” Fields said. council began when the ColIn the future, Fields said he lege Station City Council was plans to settle in College Staconsidering passing a smoking tion after graduation in Dec. ban that would in turn affect 2010 and continue running his own business.

“We probably have as much his business.

Early voting for city council Democrats as Republicans will begin in April and elections working on this because it’s are May 8. non-partisan and students understand the importance of hav-

College Station Fire and Police Departments responded to a call for a child that was not breathing at approximately 2:03 p.m. Wednesday in an apartment complex located in the 100 block of Luther Street. The child was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the College Station Medical Center, according to a news release. The child was a five-month-old boy whose identity is not currently being released. The Criminal Division of the College Station Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death.

Vicky Flores, staff writer

Hug

IT’S NOT TOO LATE to feature your organization in the 2010 Aggieland yearbook

how to GET A CONTRACT: • stop by our office: The Grove Bldg. #8901 (next to the Albritton Bell Tower) • visit website: http://aggieland.tamu.edu

where to TURN IN A CONTRACT: • The Grove Bldg. #8901 (next to the bell tower), 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

have a question? call 979.845.2681

AGGIELAND 2010 Official yearbook of Texas A&M University

Pg 8-1.21.10.indd 1

of oxytocin, a hormone that is linked to bonding and trust. This oxytocin release could elevate mood and overall perception of life. The mental Continued from page 1 benefits of hugs seem to be greater in women than in men, but a good hug can be enjoyed by health benefits. In an experiment conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina- both sexes.

“Girls think they need hugs more than boys, Chapel Hill in 2004, hugs were found to reduce or boys will think girls need hugs most. But in symptoms of stress. Test groups were either reality, boys need hugs just as much as girls. We hugged or not hugged, then asked to discuss a all need hugs,” Artiz said. stressful situation. The test group that had been Hugs give health benefits whether the touch hugged experienced a much lower rise in heart comes from a friend, significant other, family rate and blood pressure. member or stranger. Even a friendly pat on the “If you can get a good hug and receive a shoulder or side hug can give the health benefits good hug, I think it is healthy. On a bad day of physical touch, but the research shows that reif I get a good hug, it can help brighten my sults are more dramatic when the touch is longer. day,” said sophomore communications major “My favorite kind of hug is a full hug where Matthew McCullar.

Not only will hugs lower the risk of heart dis- your arms wrap around and give a moderate ease, but hugs have also been shown to improve squeeze, not something that is going to squeeze mental health. Another study at the University of the breath out of you, but a generous squeeze that North Carolina indicated that hugs increase levels will make you feel warm inside,” McCullar said.

1/20/10 9:35 PM