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Northgate project The College Station City Council approved a $2 million Northgate construction project Thursday. See more details online.
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march 25, 2011
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thebattalion asks
Stephanie Leichtle — THE BATTALION
Q:
How effective is The Big Event in serving the community?
It is effective for a short time, but because it is only once a year, it doesn’t fix anything longterm. Kristi Broerman, junior wildlife and fishery sciences major
Elizabeth Brooks and her children Josh, Jacob and Madison stand outside their home where A&M students will help paint and create a walkway Saturday.
RAKING IN THE HOPE
I think it is pretty effective because you have hundreds of people going out and helping just ‘cuz, just for fun.
B-CS resident finds a blessing in disguise
Sam Taylor, freshman biology major
Sarah Smith The Battalion Six weeks ago, Elizabeth Brooks discovered a lump in her breast — a frightening moment shared by millions of women across the globe. Prayer, countless medical visits and a double mastectomy followed as Brooks persevered through an uncontrollable reality. However, amidst the sea of chaos, Brooks’ home will remain a stronghold, thanks to The Big Event. Brooks and her family purchased a house in June, situated on two acres of land in the College Station countryside. While repairs and renovations remained on the “to-do” list, time was another matter completely. “With a devoted, working husband and raising three kids, we never seemed to find the time to fix our home,” Brooks said. “I saw that anyone could apply for Big Event, so I decided to take a chance. It wasn’t until the cancer that I realized what a true blessing this was. There was no way possible we could have gotten around to all our plans.” Brooks applied for The Big Event and subsequently received the news of her breast cancer. “The Big Event team came out to verify the job the day after I came home from my surgery,” Brooks said. “I couldn’t believe it.”
We help shape up the city that we tear down. Amy Maletta, freshman nutrional sciences major
It’s effective because it is helping people that are in need sometimes. Emre Yurttas, sophomore general studies major
‘American Idol’ contestant performs free concert
Get involved Students may register Saturday in Lot 100c of Reed Arena during kick-off ceremonies. Email questions about registration to signups@bigevent.tamu.edu Afterward, The Big Event assigned The Wells Project, a service-based organization, to the Brooks’ home. Former executive committee member Brittany Goetzinger was particularly excited to learn about the Brooks family and said she couldn’t wait to make a difference with her fellow Wells Project members. “It’s amazing to work with these people, knowing they have heart behind their service,” said Goetzinger, a senior communication major. Brooks, her children and family friends plan to be right alongside the participants of The Big Event. After tremendous healing and faith, Brooks said she can’t wait to meet those willing to give their time and assistance. “Honestly, the breast cancer was a blessing,” Brooks said. “The diagnosis wasn’t a blessing but many blessings, such as The Big Event, came out of it.”
GUESTCOLUMN
Zachary Papas: Nuclear
nuclear situation in Japan
power remains safe source
O
The reactors that are experiencing difficulties are at the Fukushima Dai-ichi site, located along Japan’s eastern coast. There are six reactors at the site. At a separate site, Fukushima Daini, four plants safely reached cold shutdown conditions.
the decay of radioactive material inside the fueled region of When the earthquake the reactor — the reactor hit, the reactors were shut core. Cooling of the core down, or “scrammed,” is necessary to remove this which took them down to residual heat. approximately 8 percent This cooling is provided power production. Reactor by operating water circulapower cannot be turned off tion pumps that move immediately because heat cooling water through the is still being produced from reactor core. The electrical
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Pg. 1-03.25.11.indd 1
— Roland Ruiz, special to The Battalion
voices
William Sames: Summarizing
n March 11, Japan suffered a 9.0 magnitude earthquake followed by a tsunami. The occurrence of these natural disasters led to death and destruction across the country, and it also led to problems at some of Japan’s older nuclear reactors.
Due to the support of more than 15,000 Texas A&M students expected to volunteer in this year’s Big Event, PepsiCo and A&M are teaming up to sponsor a free concert at 6 p.m. Sunday in Reed Arena featuring season nine winner of American Idol Lee DeWyze. “Pepsi has been extremely generous to The Big Event this year DeWyze in their partnership to help serve the Bryan-College Station community,” said Ryan Byrne, the 2011 Big Event director. “In addition to the concert, they are donating free beverages to students at our kickoff ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and sampling groups dubbed the Pepsi Patrol will go out into the community to pass out free samples of Pepsi products to participating student groups and community residents.” Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for the first 9,500 people that arrive. Free parking will be available in lots 61, 74, 100 A, B and C at Reed Arena. Lots 100 E, F, and G are reserved for baseball and softball parking. “Pepsi also is providing each participant with a free T-shirt to wear on the day of our event. The shirts will show that we are united in serving our community,” Byrne said.
N
nei.org
power necessary to operate these circulation pumps needs to be provided from another source — it cannot come from the reactor after it is shut down. This power must come from backup generators or offsite sources. According to Japan’s See Japan on page 6
uclear power is among the cleanest, safest and most efficient energy sources in the world. For nearly half a century, nuclear power has been an integral part of the United States’ energy plan. Twenty percent of the electricity in our country comes from nuclear power. Despite the tragedy in Japan, its presence in America should remain prominent. The safety of nuclear power has come to the forefront of public concern since the events in Japan. While the situation at the nuclear plants at Fukushima Diiachi has yet to be fully resolved, so far there have been no deaths directly See Nuclear on page 6
Saturday March 26, 2011 12pm - 5pm 117 Holleman Drive West, College Station, 77840
3/24/11 8:19 PM
the battalion Bridal Showcase 3/27/ 2011 | 2:00 - 6:00 PM
Free Admission 1920 Austin’s Colony
Bryan, Texas 77802 Phone: 979.731.5300
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1
‘Driven to explore’
NASA will have the “Driven To Explore” trailer today through Saturday at George Bush Library. Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday: noon to 12 p.m.
2
‘Monstrous Intimacies’
Christina Sharpe will present a lecture titled “Monstrous Intimacies” from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday in the Glasscock Building, room 311.
3
Plant sale
The Horticulture Club and The Holistic Garden present the Spring Plant Fair from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Horticulture and Forest Science Building.
For information, call 845-0569 Saturday partly sunny high: 86 low: 66 Sunday mostly cloudy high: 80 low: 62 Monday partly sunny high: 76 low: 63
Today mostly cloudy High: 83 Low: 65 courtesy of NOAA
pagetwo
For daily updates go to thebatt.com ● Facebook ● Twitter@thebattonline thebattalion 03.25.2011
Now Hiring Looking for dependable employees for part time work up to 20 hours/ week. Flexible scheduling; Mon-Fri 8am-9:30pm several shifts available including weekend hours. Located on A&M campus, casual but professional work environment. Good telephone skills a must! No selling, we do research. Pays $8.00-$8.50 DOQ. Please call for information or come by to ¿ll out an application. H.C. Dulie Bell Bldg. Rm. 223 College Station, TX 77843-4476 979-845-8800
Worship Directory Catholic
Baptist Christ Way Baptist Church 3885 Copperfield Dr. Bryan, TX 77802 Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship Service 10:55 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Service 6:30 p.m.
979-776-5000 www.christsway.org
College Station Chinese Church 708 Eisenhower St., C.S., TX
Worship Sunday 11:00 a.m. Pastor Steven Fang Bilingual in Chinese and English
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St. Mary’s Catholic Center 603 Church Avenue in Northgate
(979) 846-5717 www.aggiecatholic.org
Weekend Masses Saturday: 12:30 PM (Korean), 5:30 PM (English), 7:00 PM (Spanish) Sunday: 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:30 PM, 7:00 PM
Confessions Mon. – Fri. 4:30 – 5:00 PM Wed. 8:30–9:30 PM, Sat. 4:00-5:15 PM, or by appointment.
Non-Denominational
First Christian Church
Brazos Valley Cowboy Church
900 South Ennis, Bryan
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Pastors Will & Hannah Fountain
Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:45 a.m. www.firstchristianbcs.org
From Dan Kiniry, class of 2006 A student senator has reintroduced the bill that nearly made A&M a national disgrace last year. This bill would make the statement that kids whose parents brought them here illegally should not be able to pay in-state tuition. Currently, the law actually treats them equally and says that if they’ve lived in Texas long enough, they qualify for in-state tuition just like the rest of us! And like the rest of us, they can’t get it if they haven’t lived in Texas long enough. But equality is very offensive to some people! You senators who support this bill: we get it. You’re prejudiced against undocumented immigrants. And some people think that’s cool. But it’s not. It’s immoral, hurtful, moronic and unfair. Kids shouldn’t be discriminated against just because their parents brought them across a border. Surely you’re not too lost to understand that! The crowd of demonstrators who showed up to oppose the bill last time (as opposed to the three or so demonstrators who supported the bill) made the student population’s opinion very plain. I wish you had respect for that and would stop antagonizing your fellow Aggies in a way that could hurt many and help none.
Adrian Calcaneo — THE BATTALION
whereoncampus Think you know every nook and cranny at Texas A&M? The first people to get the answer correct will have their names published. Send your response with your name, class and major to photo@thebatt.com.
Daily Masses Mon.- Fri.: 5:30 PM in the Church Wed. & Thurs.: 12:05 noon in the All Faiths Chapel on campus
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MAILCALL
“Y’all Come!”
Church Services: Sunday @ 10a.m. Monday @ 7p.m. (979) 778-9400 www.brazosvalleycowboychurch.com
thebattalion THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893
howtoapply If you are interested in writing or contributing content in The Battalion apply at thebatt.com, or call 845-3313.
Josh McKenna— THE BATTALION
Rudder First correct responses: John Book,class of 2007 Sam Hodges, sophomore political science major
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.
Would you like to suggest a Where on Campus for the staff photographers to consider? Send your suggestion with your name, contact information, class and major to photo@thebatt.com.
Matt Woolbright, 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 T exas 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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5 before you go things you should know
1
AggieCon 42
Dubbed “the Brazos Valley’s premier literary event,â€? AggieCon is a science-ďŹ ction, fantasy and gaming convention that includes an art show, Japanese anime marathon and a live action Rocky Horror Picture Show. The event takes place from 12 p.m. today to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Hilton on University Drive.
2
‘True Grit’ screening MSC Aggie Cinema will present the Oscar-nominated ďŹ lm ‘True Grit’ at 7 and 9 p.m. today in Rudder Theatre. The ďŹ lm tells the story of 14-year-old Mattie Ross, whose father has been shot in cold blood.
3
4
5
Physics Outdoor and cooking engineering clinic Rec Sports’ Outdoor festival
Aggies can get up close and personal with many wonders of science and technology at the 2011 Physics and Engineering Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in the Mitchell Physics Building.
b!
Science cafe
George R. Welch from the Department Adventures program will of Physics and Astronomy will speak have a clinic from 6 to on “From Slow Light 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the to FAST-CARS� at garage of the Student April’s Science Cafe. Recreation Center on how to make fresh-baked The event will take goods for camping trips. place from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Cost of the clinic is $15 for Rec members and $18 Revolution Cafe & Bar. for non-Rec members.
thebattalion 03.25.2011 page3
The gospel truth Student choir ‘Voices of Praise’ ministers through music Tori Blanchard
Special to The Battalion The piano keys bang out a tune everyone knows — they have been practicing for weeks, after all. A soulful, wonderful sound comes from the group. Their voices echo around All Faiths Chapel, where they practice. Complete with choreographed steps that are completely in synch, these students make up Voices of Praise, Texas A&M’s gospel choir. “There are a lot of singing groups on campus, and when someone doesn’t quite fit in with another group, they are more than welcome here,� said senior psychology major Terra Williams, president of the group. “We are non-selective because everyone has their own distinct voice, and if you have a passion for singing, then you are in.� Everyone who tries out is welcome to join because Voices of Praise is the only non-selective choir on campus and the only gospel choir. The two go hand-in-hand, said junior accounting major Rachel Job, secretary of Voices of Praise. “A lot of people say, ‘Well, I can’t sing very well,’� Job said. “But come to tryouts anyway. It is really just to come together as Christians and have fun. We are non-selective because the way we see it is that God isn’t selective, so why should we be? We are a representation of God, and He wouldn’t turn anyone away.� The goal of Voices of Praise is to minister to campus through the art of music. By singing gospel music, contemporary Christian music and other forms of praise music at campus events, they try to provide an atmosphere of Christian worship on campus. “Our main mission is to be the right hand of God,� said Desiree Mosely, Spring Fest chairwoman and a senior biomedical science major.
Paul Mezier — THE BATTALION
Voices of Praise rehearses Wednesday evenings in All Faiths Chapel and welcomes students of all religious and musical backgrounds. “It is a place to come and freely worship and provide a Christian atmosphere. We sing; we hold programs on campus in order to let people come and have that space to worship.� They frequently have programs and sing at other events on campus such as Aggieland Saturday and New Student Conferences. They also perform in a lot of churches in the area, as well as non-local churches. The group has travelled to churches in Huntsville and Austin for performances. “We went last weekend to [the University of Texas] for a really big show with a bunch of schools,� Mosely said. “It’s funny because they are supposed to be our rivals, but it really wasn’t about rivalry. It was just a great way to connect with other Christians from other campuses. We are Facebook friends with a bunch of them now.� Community is the most important aspect of
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the choir, Williams said. “One thing I want to stress about us is to not be intimidated if you think you can’t sing well. God allows us to sound good,� Williams said. “We put God first and are a unit. We pull each other up in order to sound the way that we sound.� The upcoming event that Voices of Praise is organizing is called Spring Fest. It is an all-day, free event on April 9 at Alders Gate United Methodist Church. It is a sort of “spiritual education,� Mosley said, for youth ages five to 18. Speakers come and teach workshops, the students learn dances, songs and skits and perform them at the end of the day for the parents. The theme of this year’s Spring Fest is “Transformation,� which is based on Romans 12:2. “Spring Fest is our way of giving back to the community,� Job said. “It’s important to be an example of God to the younger generation.�
scene ‘Earth Hour’ to promote ecofriendly habits
Saturday, 5 million individuals in more than 100 countries will turn off their lights for one hour to take a stand against climate change. The event, known as Earth Hour, began in 2007 when 2.2 million people and businesses participated in Sydney, Australia. The event immediately generated popularity, as global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the Colosseum of Rome subsequently remained in darkness for an hour. The Texas A&M student organization One Love encourages participation in Earth Hour each year, as it is the world’s largest global climate change initiative. “I wanted to be a part of this because it’s something new — it’s something I can be a part of,� said One Love member Miranda Reinhard, a freshman biology and environmental science major. In conjunction with Earth Hour, One Love plans to have a musical event taking place from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Simpson Drill Field, with performances by groups such as HardChord DynaMix, Will Boesl and The Jeremiahs. For those who can’t make the event, One Love asks Aggies and the community to shut off their power from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. in hope for a better, more sustainable future. “There are so many ways we can help out the world,� said member Emily Trutter, a freshman psychology major. “If we can get the word out, we can make a difference.� Sarah Smith, staff writer
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sports
page 4 friday 3.25.2011
thebattalion
No. 2 Texas A&M vs. No. 6 Georgia 3:30 p.m. Sunday American Airlines Center, Dallas
Taste of Georgia sweetness Aggies take on Bulldogs for bid to Elite Eight Mike Teague
The Battalion Texas A&M’s secondseeded women’s basketball team begins the Dallas region of the NCAA Tournament Sunday with a Sweet 16 matchup against sixthseeded Georgia. Four players on the Aggies’ roster will be heading home for the Dallas regional. Senior guard Maryann Baker (Dallas), junior guard Sydney Carter (DeSoto), junior Skylar Collins (Cedar Hill) and freshman guard Kristen Grant (Arlington) are all from the greater-Dallas area. “Having fans there has a lot to do with how we feed off the crowd and how we play,” Carter said. “I’m glad we’re going back home because we’re going to have a lot of fans there. I know Mary [Baker] has a lot of people coming and I have a bunch of people coming. The fan support is definitely going to play a big role.” Texas A&M (29-5) comes into the Dallas regional after blowing-out the first and second-round competition in Shreveport, La. The Aggies trounced No. 15 seed McNeese State 87-47 before cruising to a 70-48 victory over seventh-seeded Rutgers. Senior guard Sydney Colson is excited about where the team is after the victory over Rutgers. “There were a lot of things that we did well,” she said. “There were times when you can see that we’ve improved on a lot of things as the season has gone by. Right now is the perfect time for us to be starting to peak and playing well together.” With a potential Elite Eight showdown with No. 1-seeded Baylor, A&M head coach Gary Blair and the Aggies are making sure that their focus remains on their game Sunday with Georgia. “This basketball team has worked very hard for this moment but instead of enjoying the moment, you have got to seize the moment and make sure it doesn’t pass you by while you’re patting yourself on the back,” Blair said. “We’ve got to where we’re
A look at the Dallas region No. 1 Baylor (33-2) Ahead of the Aggies, Baylor claimed the Big 12 regular season and tournament championships. Coming into Dallas, their only two losses this season came at No. 1 Connecticut and at Texas Tech. The Bears are led by two All-American finalists in sophomore center Brittney Griner and freshman guard Odyssey Sims. Griner averages a team-high 22.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game and was named the Big 12 tournament’s “Most Outstanding Player.” Sims, the Big 12 freshman of the year, averages 13.3 points per game. Baylor beat the Aggies in all three meetings this season including a 61-58 victory in the Big 12 tournament championship. The Bears beat the No. 16 seed Prairie View and ninth-seeded West Virginia in their first and second round games in Waco. No. 2 Texas A&M (29-5) The Aggies enter the Sweet 16 in Dallas as the Big 12’s runner-up for both the conference’s regular season and tournament championships. Led by senior center and State Farm All-American finalist Danielle Adams, the Aggies are in the Sweet 16 for just the fourth time in school history. Adams leads the Big 12 in scoring with 22.7 points per game and is averaging a team-high 8.6 rebounds per game. At the point, senior guard Sydney Colson is one of the top passers in the nation with 5.9 assists per game. In the first and secondround matchups in Shreveport, La., the Aggies throttled 15th-seeded McNeese State 87-47 and picked up a 70-48 win over seventh-seeded Rutgers. No. 5 Green Bay (34-1) For the second time in 2011, a team from Green Bay, Wis. comes to Dallas looking to bring another trophy back to ”Titletown.” The Green Bay Phoenix made it to the NCAA tournament as the first team other than Connecticut or Tennessee to win 32 regular season games. The Phoenix only defeat this season came in a 63-60 loss at Marquette in early December. Regular season and tournament champions of the Horizon Conference, Green Bay boasts the trio of junior forward Julie Wojta and senior guards Kayla Tetshlag and Celeste Hoewisch, each of whom averages over 13 points per game. The Phoenix knocked off Arkansas-Little Rock and upset fourth-seeded Michigan State 65-56 to get to Dallas. No. 6 Georgia (29-10) The Georgia Bulldogs, A&M’s Sweet 16 opponent, finished the regular season at third in the SEC standings and lost to Tennessee in the conference tournament semifinals. Georgia senior forward Porsha Phillips was named first-team All-SEC and averages a double-double with 10.9 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. Sophomore guard Jasmine James leads the Bulldogs in scoring with 12.3 points per game. Georgia began their NCAA tournament in Auburn, Al. with a 56-41 win over the No.11 seed, Middle Tennessee State. The Bulldogs advanced to the regionals for the 19th time under head coach Andy Landers with a 61-59 upset of third-seeded Florida State. supposed to be but now the problem is getting to that Elite Eight. When we talk about Georgia, there will not be another word mentioned about Baylor when we talk to our team.” The Bulldogs are coming
off a second-round upset over third-seeded Florida State. Georgia trailed by one with 10 seconds left. Junior forward Porsha Phillips missed a jump-shot but sophomore guard Jasmine James tipped the ball in and drew a foul
File photos — THE BATTALION
with two seconds remaining. James hit the free-throw and the Bulldogs won 61-59. “I thought it was a tossup game all the way,” Blair said. “Georgia getting there, I think it’s good for basketball. Nothing is predetermined
that says who has to win or is supposed to win.” Georgia presents a balanced attack with four players averaging more than nine points per game. James leads the Bulldogs in scoring with 12.3 per game while Phil-
Junior guard Sydney Carter (top) is a Dallas native along with several other teammates who will return home to play Georgia in the Sweet 16. Sophomore Adrienne Pratcher (below) is one of many bench players that will have to help the Aggies off the bench in order to handle a Georgia team that has upset potential.
lips averages a double-double with 10.9 points and 10.8 rebounds per game this season. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m at the American Airlines Center and will be nationally televised by ESPN2.
Memories fade. Yearbooks last a Lifetime. Buy your 2011 Aggieland yearbook before April 11 for $64.90, including shipping and sales tax, and save $10.83. The 109th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook will chronicle the 2010-2011 school year — traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, Greeks, residence halls, campus organizations, and seniors and graduate students. By credit card go online to http://aggieland.tamu.edu or call 979-845-2613. Or 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.
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classifieds
thebattalion 3.25.2011 page5 PLACE
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FOR RENT $1200 Available now, short-term leases ok. 3&4 bedrooms. W/D, pets ok, near TAMU. Call agent Ardi 979-422-5660. $295 1-room in shared, furnished apartment. All bills paid. Short-term leases ok. Call agent Ardi 979-422-5660. $375 Available now and prelease. 1/1, 2/1. Free Wi-Fi, on Northgate, on shuttle. Short-term leases ok. Call agent Ardi 979-422-5660. 2,3,4 and 5/bdrm. CS duplexes. Very nice, garage on shuttle, tile, fireplace, w/d, fenced, lawn service, pets o.k. Available August. Details and photos available online. http://arduplexes.com info@arduplexes.com 979-255-0424, 979-255-1585. 2-3/bedroom apartments. Some with w/d, some near campus. $175-$600/mo. 979-219-3217. 2/2 duplex, like new, high ceilings, huge closet, large front porch, tile floors, all aplliances, many extras, $950/mo, peleasing for August 979-229-6326, see photos and info at www.texagrentals.com 2bd/1ba apartment, 800sq.ft. New appliances, carpeting and tile. W/D. Bus route. $550/mo. +$300 deposit. 210-391-4106. 2bd/2ba 4-plex. Spacious floorplan, W/D connections, close to campus. $550/mo. www.aggielandleasing.com 979-776-6079. 2bd/2ba apartment. Available 8/11. Approx. 900sqft. W/D included, $575/mo. Call 210-387-5030. 3/2 Duplexes. Prelease May and August. Very nice. 5mins to campus. W/D. Lawn care, security system. $925-950/mo. 979-691-0304, 979-571-6020. 3/2 Houses, Townhouses &Apartments, 1250sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, walk-in pantry &closets, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing, excellent specials. 979-694-0320, office@luxormanagement.com 3bd/1.5ba for lease. $850/mo., close to campus, newly remodeled, fenced backyard, W/D. 979-774-9181, 979-219-8098. 3bd/2ba condo, on shuttle route, on resturant row, $1350/mo, 281-208-0669
March 26, 2011
WHEN
TO CALL 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Insertion deadline: 1 p.m. prior business day
FOR RENT 3bd/3ba duplexes. Great floorplans, fenced yards, W/D, tile floors, icemakers, alarm systems. 979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com 3bd/3ba home, available now, Central air/heat, $1000/mo, 10 minutes from Vet School, horse stall availble, 229-2408. 4/2 Den +gameroom. Very close to A&M. 1210 Westover. $1800/mo., 979-492-1983 or 979-822-2775. 4/3, 3/3 &3/2 Houses, Townhouses, Duplexes &Fourplexes, 1250-1700sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing, excellent specials. 694-0320. office@luxormanagement.com 4/4 Bed/Bath condo prelease for August 25, $1600/month for 12 month lease, all bills paid. Leave message at 281-996-5179. www.collegestationrent.com/tx/c ollege-station/227678-universityplace-condos 4bd/2.5ba Spanish style duplex w/garage + off street parking. Security system. All appliances including w/d. $1500/mo. No pets. 979-297-3720 or 979-292-6168. 4bd/2ba house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com 4bd/2ba, one with Jacuzzi tub, pre-leasing for August, very large bedrooms and living areas, large backyard with two car garage, plenty of off street parking, 1601 woodland, Bryan $1700/mo call Karla 512-327-1859 or 512-796-0636 4bd/4ba condo for rent. $400 per person. Call Greg 713-548-6248. 4bd/4ba house, 3526 Wild Plum, refrigerator, W/D, huge backyard! $1,650/mo. 361-290-0430. 4bdrm/2ba house. Available 8/2. 2-car garage, hot-tub. $1600/mo. Bike to campus. 979-229-7660. Pre-leasing for August! 4bdrm/3bth house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards, refrigerator, icemaker, lawn-care. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com 4bed/4bath Waterwood Townhomes, 1001 Krenek Tap Road across from Central Park. Gated community, bus route, appliances, W/D included. Available Fall 2011. Contact 281-793-0102 or Jimbo77@AggieNetwork.com Aug. 2011 Lease: GATEWAY VILLAS, 4br/4ba, lots of amenities, great location near restaurants and Starbucks. Brian-469-877-1184. Available May. 3bd/2ba. Fenced-backyard, 2-car-garage, $1400/mo. Tile living-room. 407-721-3300. Bike to campus. 2/1 duplex, w/d connection, fenced backyard, pets allowed. E-Walk shuttle. Available May. $625/mo. 979-218-2995. Brand New 4bdrm/4ba luxury cottage style home! With fenced yard, full front porch, 3 blocks from campus, on bus route, $525/person per month. Call 979-314-1333. Close Health Science Center. 4/2 fenced, fireplace, w/d connections, 2622 westwood main. $1450/mo. AggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984. Close To Campus! 4/2 &5/2 houses, preleasing for August, great floorplans, updated, no pets 731-8257, www.BrazosValleyRentals.com
SPECIAL
see ads at thebatt.com
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.
FOR RENT
FOR RENT
Country apartment. 2bd/1ba w/3 horse stalls. Close to A&M and Blinn. $625/mo. Sherry 979-324-4767. CS, 2/2, Fox Run on Luther Street, over looks pool, minutes from TAMU, $950/mo, 979-696-1787. Four blocks from Kyle Field, 4bd/2ba house, 604 Welsh. Call Nelson Nagle at 512-218-0015. Great Location! Large 4 and 5 bdrm houses, 3 bdrm duplexes, updated, great floorplans, no pets. 731-8257, www.BrazosValleyRentals.com Huge 3 or 4 bedroom/2ba. House! Walking distance to A&M, W/D, fenced yard, 3904 Oaklawn $1450 979-693-5885. Individual Lease. Campus Village. $545/mo. Includes utilities. $1000 cash given if lease is taken! 713-392-1525. New Condos! 4/4, W/D in unit, private bathrooms. Summer rent $240. From Fall-Spring, minimum 12mos. $325/mo and $295/mo. 979-574-0040, 281-639-8847. University Place at Southwest Parkway. New homes for rent! Close to campus! 4bd/4ba, 3bd/3ba. Call Today! 254-721-6179. Broker. New House For Rent. 4br/3ba off Rock Prairie, $2350/month, All Bills Paid, Individual or Group Lease, Semi-furnished, Available June 1. Call Ashlee at 361-463-6613. New/Newer 1/1, 1/1.5 lofts, 2/2, 3/3. Available May and August. www.jesinvestments.com Broker/owner. 979-777-5477. Newly remodeled 4/2 house. Walking distance to campus, tile & wood floors, great location, nice big deck & yard. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com Oak Creek Condos, high-speed internet and basic cable. 2bdrm/1.5ba. $515/mo. Water, sewer, trash paid. Fireplace, icemaker, pool, hot-tub. 979-822-1616. Pre-leasing 4bdrm Houses, updated, fenced pets, ok. Starting at $1395/mo. AggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984. Pre-leasing for August! 4bdrm/2bth houses. Great Location. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, w/d, fenced yards, refridgerator, icemaker,lawncare. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com Pre-leasing for August. 3 bedroom houses. Updated, fenced, pets ok, on shuttle route. AggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984.
LARGE UNLIMITED TOPPINGS
10.00
$
www.papajohns.com 601 University Dr. 1740 Rock Prairie Rd.
979-846-3600
979-680-0508
HELP WANTED
Pre-leasing for May or August! 4/2/2 Fenced, totally remodeled, granite, 1312 Timm, $1895/mo, biking distance to campus. AggieLandRentals.com, 979-776-8984.
Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. 512-684-8296. photoguy@io.com
Prelease August. 3bd/3ba duplex. Fenced yards, appliances included. Call 979-571-3036.
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.
Prelease for August. 3bdrm/1.5ba. house close to campus. Fenced yard. 979-705-8627, aggierental.vflyer.com Prelease for May or August, 2/1 fourplex. W/D connections, water paid. 609 Turner. $465/m. 979-693-1448. Prelease for May or August. Large 2/2 with fenced yard, W/D connections, large closets, great location. University Oaks. $775/m. 979-693-1448. Prelease for May or August: 2/1 duplex, fenced back yard, w/d conn. 3 locations to choose from $600.00, 693-1448. Pre-leasing 3/1.5/2carport, Updated, Fenced, biking distance to campus, on shuttle, pets ok. $750/mo AggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984. Remolded 3bd/1-3/4ba house! Bike to A&M, W/D, fenced yard, near Thomas Park 300 Gilchrist $1225 979-693-5885.
Burger King is now hiring cashiers, food handlers, and shift managers, EOE. Call 979-574-1799 to apply. Cake Junkie (Bryan, Texas) is looking for a full-time experienced cake decorator. Send example cake pictures and resume to: jobs@cake-junkie.com Callaway House is now accepting applications for Community Assistants. Apply online at http://www.americancampus.com/ our-company/employment or apply in person at: 301 George Bush Drive West. EOE.
HELP WANTED Camp For All is looking for creative and energetic staff who are interested in working with children and adults w/challenging illnesses and special needs. These paid positions will be trained to lead activities for our campers in the summer. Please contact Jessicah jholloway@campforall.org or visit our website at www.campforall.org/joinourteam City of College Station, LIFEGUARDS NEEDED, $8.70/hr, apply online @ http://csjobs.cstx.gov or call 979-764-3540, EOE. Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment. Executive office looking for part-time receptionist. Decorum necessary. Please send cover letter, resume, availability, and references to oxfordct@gmail.com Classifieds continued on page 6
If You Have Something To Sell, Remember Classifieds Can Do It! Call 845-0569
the battalion
2/1 Houses, BIKE or WALK to TAMU. Hardwood floors, large yards. Pet friendly. $700/mo. Call 979-696-1444 Broker. Visit www.stalworthonline.com
Ridgewood Village efficiency with loft. Uniquely designed floor plan. No pets, $395/mo, $350 deposit. 1211-1213 Holik. 979-696-2998. Some short term leases available. $455/mo. Ridgewood Village, large very quiet tree-shaded 1bdrm/1bth studio, no pets. $445/mo, $350 deposit, 1201-1209 Holik. 979-696-2998. Some short term leases available $495/mo.
COLLEGE STATION: GREAT 3/2 HOME, GARAGE, IDEAL LOCATION, HUGE BACK YARD, DECK, F/P, ASF 1425, CENTRAL A/H, W/D CONN, ALL APPL, LOTS OF STORAGE! 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.com
COLLEGE STATION: 2/1 UP & DOWNSTAIRS 4-PLEXES, WALKING/ BIKING DISTANCE FROM TAMU, SPACIOUS UNITS, ALL APPL, CENTRAL A/H, W/D CONN! $475-$495/mo 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.com
BRYAN: 4/2 STUDIOS, ASF 1600, PET FRIENDLY, ALL APPL, F/P, BALCONY, SOME HAVE FENCED YARDS, 2 LIVING AREAS, QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD! $1150-$1200/mo 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.com
BRYAN: 3/1.5 HOUSES OFF WOODVILLE, GREAT FLOOR PLANS, VAULTED CEILINGS, WALK-IN CLOSETS, ALL APPL, BIG BACK YARDS, PET FRIENDLY, W/D CONN! $795-$815/mo 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.com
BRYAN: 2/1 DUPLEXES W/FENCED COMMON AREAS OR PRIVATE YARDS, CENTRAL A/H, W/D CONN, CENTRALLY LOCATED BETWEEN TAMU & DOWNTOWN BRYAN! $535-$555/mo 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.com
BRYAN: 2/1-2/1.5 DUPLEXES, CLOSE TO BLINN & MINS FROM TAMU, FENCED YARDS, ALL APPL, CABLE & INTERNET PAID, WOOD FLOORING, CENTRAL A/H! $615-$695/mo 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.com
BRYAN: 2/1 UPSTAIRS & DOWNSTAIRS 4-PLEXS, SOME HAVE FENCED YARDS, PATIOS OR BALCONY, PETS WELCOME, CABLE & INTERNET PAID, W/D CONN, ALL APPL! $555-$625/mo 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.com
BRYAN: 3/3 NEWLY RENOVATED HOME, WOOD FLOORS, FENCED YARD, W/D CONN, PETS WELCOME, ALL NEW APPL, LESS THAN 3 MINS FROM TAMU! www.twincityproperties.com 979.775.2291
BRYAN: AMAZING 3/2 HOUSE W/SUN ROOM, ALL APPL, CARPORT, ALL APPL, CENTRAL A/H, WOOD FLOORING, F/P, 9FT CEILINGS, BIG BACK YARD! 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.com
COLLEGE STATION: 2 BR HOUSES W/CARPORTS, WALK-IN CLOSETS, FENCED YARDS, W/D CONN, ALL APPL, MINS FROM TAMU & BLINN! $815/mo 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.com
BRYAN: UNIQUE 3/2 HOUSE IN BRYAN’S EASTSIDE HISTORICAL DISTRICT, CARPORT, WOOD FLOORS, GREAT FLOOR PLAN, PET FRIENDLY, W/D CONN, SPACIOUS ROOMS! 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.com
COLLEGE STATION: MANY 3 & 4 BR HOMES TO CHOOSE FROM, SOME W/ GARAGE OR CARPORT, WOLF PEN AREA, NEAR TAMU SHUTTLE, PET FRIENDLY, W/D CONN, FENCED YARDS! $775-$1200/mo 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.com
River Oaks Luxury Condo, need one nice female for 3bdrm, $550/mo +utilities, 979-220-3663. River Oaks townhome. 2 rooms available for female students. Furnished, great location and newer unit. $500/mo., plus utilities. Call 830-456-1661, 830-456-6958 or email a_mazur08@hotmail.com Spacious duplex, 3/2, washer & dryer, great location, $895/mo, 979-693-0551. Walk to Kyle Field! 4bd/2ba House, pre-leasing for August 1st. 206 Fidelity. $1800/mo. 979-492-1983, 979-822-2775.
FOR SALE 2005 Suzuki Bergman 650 scooter, 3600 miles, like new, $3700, 979-220-9588. Couch, love-seat, chair. Good/fair condition. Great for college students. Asking $175 o.b.o. Please call/text 979-220-7447. Spurs for Senior boots! Real U.S. Calvary spurs (circa 1898-1938) $100/pair 979-775-9844.
HELP WANTED $200/cash to anyone who finds someone to sublease my 2bdrm apartment from now thru 7/5/11. Call Mark, 979-412-2614.
puzzle answers can be found online at www.thebatt.com
WORD SQUARE
ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S PUZZLE:
E D E N
D A R E
E R S T
N E T S
Clues: 1. Missing Anastasia’s father 2. Sixth letter of the Grecian alphabet 3. “Trinity” was the first explosive of its kind, tested in New Mexico 4. Male sheep
Surakshith Sampath — THE BATTALION
Pg. 5-03-25-11.indd 1
3/24/11 1:56:06 PM
news
page 6
classifieds see ads at thebatt.com
Classifieds continued from page 5
HELP WANTED F/T Maintenance Position, must have reliable truck and clean driving record with proof of insurance for maintenance calls, must have own hand tools, apply in person at 1507 South College Ave, Bryan 979-775-2291. Female vocalist’s wanted, Pasty Cline Linda Ronstadt harmony, professional opportunity, 979-779-1424. GREAT SUMMER JOB, FT Front Office/Receptionist Position till 8/31, apply in person at 1507 S College Ave, Bryan, 979-775-2291. Household cleaning, ironing, organizing help needed. Min 6-8hrs/wk $10/hr between 8-5 weekdays. Heavy detailed cleaning-inside and out, year-round commitment necessary, begin work ASAP. Fax bio/work/reference info to 979-690-8075. Housekeeper for C.S. home. P/T, M-F, daytime only. $10/hr. Call 979-450-4363, laladypoet@yahoo.com HS Band Instructor/coordinator To supervise, teach marching/concert percussion section. Contact Zane Taylor, Bryan HS Band, for details. ztaylor@bryanisd.org Inside Customer Service Rep, seeking an individual that can work in a fast pace environment, must be computer literate, and have excellent communication skills, this position requires order entry, and working with customers daily, please apply @ Navasota Industrial Supply, 936-825-7368. J. Cody’s hiring at all positions, apply within, 3610 S. College. No experience necessary just common sense! Leasing agent, part-time, must be able to work Saturdays, 979-693-1906. Leasing Consultant needed, individual needs to be energetic, customer oriented, have a professional appearance and able to work rotating weekends, base pay plus commission, FT&PT available, apply in person at 3645 Wellborn Road, Reveille Ranch. Little Guys Movers now hiring FT/PT employees. Must be at least 21 w/valid D.L. Apply in person at 3209 Earl Rudder Freeway. Now hiring bike or car delivery. Burger Boy Northgate. 311 Church. Part-time summer help. Apply in person. Conlee-Garrett Moving and Storage. 600 South Bryan Ave, Bryan. 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. 979-779-7042. STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In College Station. 100% Free To Join. Click On Surveys. Tutors wanted for all subjects currently taught at TAMU/ Blinn and Sam Houston State starting at $8.25/hour. Apply on-line @ www.99Tutors.com, 979-255-3655.
REAL ESTATE
B/CS. Sell/Buy/Invest! Re/Max, Michael McGrann. TAMU ‘93 Engineering. 979-739-2035, 979-693-1851. aggierealtor.com
ROOMMATES 6mos. lease beginning 6/1/11. 1-male to share nice 4bdrm. in C.S. Partially furnished, w/d. $430/mo. +1/4utilities. 817-559-2942. Male roommates wanted, 4bd/2.5bth house built 2006. 1-mile from campus, W/D, furnished, spacious backyard $350/mo +utilities. Call/text Jonathan, 325-212-2824. Need 3rd renter. 3/2 house. Bryan, near campus. $325/mo. +utilities. Call Jerome 979-324-5170. A must see! Roommates needed. 4bd/4bth $350/mo, washer/dryer, phone & internet, University Place on Southwest Parkway. 281-844-2090.
SERVICES texaslovestickets.com The ticket solution for any size event. Contact us at sales@texaslovestickets.com for more info.
TUTORS Need a Tutor? Friendly, helpful one-on-one private tutors for all subjects at TAMU/Blinn and Sam Houston State. Check us out at www.99tutors.com, 979-255-3655. Online math tutor. $8.50/hr. Calculus I/II, Trig, Business Math. http://JimmieMathTutoring.blogspot.com
TAKE A PIECE OF A&M HISTORY WITH YOU Reserve your 2011 Aggieland The 109th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook will chronicle traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, Greeks, campus organizations and seniors and graduate students. Distribution will be during Fall 2011. Cost is $64.90, including shipping and sales tax. By credit card go online to http://aggieland. tamu.edu or call 979845-2613. Or 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. For info, call 845-2613.
MUSIC Best deal in town- DJ services/audio rentals. RDM Audio does it all! Weddings, parties, band set ups, PA systems, Event Lighting, 979-260-1925. rdmaudio.com 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
STUDIES IN PROGRESS ATHLETES FOOT STUDY
Volunteers ages 12 and older are needed to participate in a 6 week clinical research study with an investigational topical medication for the treatment of athletes foot. Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study Related Medication • Medical Examinations relating to the study • Compensation up to $160.00 for time and effort For more information please contact:
ACNE STUDY Volunteers ages 18-35 with moderate to servere facial acne are needed to participate in a month long research study with an investigational topical medication for the treatment of acne. All eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study Related Acne Assessments by a Dermatologist • Study Related Medication • Compensation up to $880 for time and effort For more information please contact:
J&S Studies, Inc. 979-774-5933 1710 Crescent Pointe Parkway, College Station, TX 77845 www.js-studies.com
thebattalion
campus
Marketing students participate in Chevy event Alexandria Randolph
The Battalion Chevy’s “Drive It, Ags!” event outside G.Rollie White Coliseum was a hit on Wednesday, with several hundred students participating in a marketing study for A&M marketing graduate students. The event was created by the Chevrolet Company and occurs at universities all across the nation with the intent of exposing generation Y to newer more gas-efficient Chevy models. Three cars were featured in the event, and students were encouraged to get a handson look at the vehicles. “The models that are out here are the Camaro, the Cruze — which is the newest — and the Equinox,” said Janelle Colberne, a marketing graduate student who is a part of the project. “We’re getting a good number of people participating, especially in between classes.” The three vehicles were available for students to enter and examine from the inside out. Students were also asked to complete a brief survey about company preferences. Spoons provided the event with a frozen yogurt booth, and Candy95 supplied background music while advertising the event over broadcast. “We are trying to increase the perception of Chevrolet as a company that produces cars, not just trucks and suburbans,” said Brittney Stephenson, a graduate student who helped organize the
event. “We are trying to promote the new Chevrolet Cruze, which is a very gasefficient car. We are trying to get awareness out to generation Y.” According to Stephenson, the event is part of a nationwide competition in which graduate students will compete with students from other universities who are also hosting events on their campuses. The graduate students presenting the event were not expecting a certain number of students to participate, but encouraged all students to come out and see the vehicles. “The more the merrier,” Stephenson said. Within the first 30 minutes of the event, “Drive It, Ags!” received a bigger than expected turnout. “We’ve had about 200 students complete the survey already,” Colberne said. Students were given freebies such as Chevy logo water bottles and sports bags if they got in the cars and completed the surveys. Chevrolet’s regional marketing manager Mark Harland observed the event. “The two objectives of the event are to reintroduce the Chevy line-up to generation Y, and to present [Chevy] with a realistic market study for generation Y,” Harland. said. “The marketing world is changing so dramatically due to digital and social tools. I’m learning from [students] what’s important to generation Y.”
Nuclear Continued from page 1
linked to the accident and none are expected to occur. There have been two major accidents in the history of nuclear power: Three Mile Island and Chernobyl. Both incidents have been thoroughly analyzed and the flaws that caused the accidents have been designed out of our modern reactors. That is, reoccurrence of these calamities is physically impossible. In fact, according to John Poston, professor of nuclear engineering at Texas A&M University, the new generation of reactors on slate in the U.S. is much safer than the current Japanese reactors at Fukushima. “Keep in mind that the reactors we’re planning to build in the U.S. are very different from those [in Japan]. They have passive cooling [safety features], they have fewer pumps, fewer valves and they rely less on offsite and onsite power to shut them down. They can cool themselves,” Poston said. “So we’ve come a long way since 1979 [year of the Three Mile Island accident] in terms of designing and understanding the physics and the principles we can use to keep those reactors safe.” All power options have their dangers — some more than others. Frederick Best, professor of nuclear engineering at A&M, believes we as a society must weigh the costs versus the benefits of our different energy sources. “Tens of thousands of people die annually in the U.S. from automobile
Japan Continued from page 1
Akc registered Tea Cup Yorkies $800. Apri registered Imperial ShihTzus $600. 979-324-2866. linda_d_54@yahoo.com
Pg. 6-03-25-11.indd 1
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information updates, failure of recirculation pumps occurred at three of the Dai-ichi reactors following the tsunami. These failures led to problems cooling the core, and to the formation of gas pressure in the primary containment. Hydrogen gas is formed when the fuel is not fully cooled due to a chemical reaction between water and zirconium. Hydrogen explosions occurred when hydrogen gas vented to the secondary containment reached critical concentration levels, causing damage to secondary containment of four of the six reactors. Venting was a necessary action to reduce pressure in the primary containment. Currently available information shows no damage to any of the primary contain-
Courtesy photos
Above: Students test out the cars at Chevy’s “Drive It, Ags!” event. Below: Freshmen Parker Reed, biology major, and Diane Muller, civil engineering major, pose in front seat Wednesday The study is a joint effort between A&M graduate students in the marketing and consulting course, and the local Chevrolet dealership, which was willing to provide the vehicles in exchange for free survey information. An organization called edVenture Partners served as the
accidents, yet we accept this death rate in comparison with the benefits of our automotive society,” Best said. “Everything a society does involves a trade-off among risks. Our civilization is based on using power. All sources of power generation have risks. Burning coal produces green house gases that we feel contribute to global warming and produce the associated negative effects. Wind, photovoltaic, hydro, etc. each has associated negative consequences. As a society, we must decide among alternatives.” Consider the number of deaths from various energy sources in the past four decades. The sole fatal nuclear power accident in the last 40 years occurred at Chernobyl and directly resulted in less than 60 deaths. Three Mile Island, the U.S.’s only major nuclear accident, produced no deaths. In comparison, Switzerland’s Paul Scherrer Institute calculated that since 1969, more than 20,000 people died due to severe accidents in the oil supply chain and more than 15,000 fatalities directly resulted from accidents in the coal supply chain. This results in a rate of direct fatalities per unit of energy production that is 18 times worse for oil than for nuclear power. Experts and state politicians alike still have faith in nuclear power. Last week members of the nuclear engineering community and a handful of county judges spoke to the State Legislature in Austin, lobbying for the continued development of new units at the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant and the South Texas Project Nuclear Power Plant. Poston cited a
ment structures protecting reactor vessels from these explosions. Spent fuel pools located on-site at these reactor locations contain used nuclear fuel. Water levels and circulations need to be maintained to remove decay heat and prevent fuel damage. Substantial resources are being focused on this task and there have been reports that the situation is stabilizing. As of March 20, the remaining reactor sites affected by the earthquake have been shut down or cooling has been restored. The radiation dose rate at the site boundary ranges from 1-34 millirem per hour. Dose rates between 20-40 kilometers from the plant have been reported as “marginally above background.” Spent fuel pool cooling continues to remain a top priority to response teams. Seawater and boric acid are being used as methods to cool the reactors
middleman between Chevrolet and the seven graduate students hosting the event. “It’s an absolute winwin,” said Katie Meier, a representative for edVenture Partners. “The students get real world marketing experience, and the client gets free information.”
benefit to the overall well-being of the citizens of Texas. “The Legislatures in the state of Texas should not be swayed by what’s going on in Japan and we should go ahead [with the building of the new units],” Poston said. “It means more jobs; a better economy; it means a better standard of living for people in Texas; it means a lot to the economic progress in Texas and our need for electricity.” Instead of using the situation in Japan as a hindrance to the growth of U.S. nuclear power, we should see it as a valuable lesson. U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu agrees. “The president and the administration believe we have to be looking very, very closely at the events in Japan. We have to apply whatever lessons that can be and will be learned from what has happened and what is happening in Japan,” Chu said. “We will use this opportunity to learn as best we can.” The engineering world is an everchanging realm, and it is the duty of engineers to make the necessary adjustments when problems arise. There was a moratorium on new nuclear power construction as a result of the Three Mile Island incident. The United States nuclear industry came away from that hiatus with a safer and more efficient way to produce nuclear power. We will treat the Japan incident in the same manner. United States nuclear power will come away better, stronger and safer.
and the spent fuel pools. “I would say optimistically that things appear to be on the verge of stabilizing,” said William Borchardt, executive director for operations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. According to John Poston, professor of nuclear engineering at Texas A&M University, the largest dose to an on-site worker has been .10 Sievert. While this dose is five times the legal annual limit in Japan, this dose is still considered to be safe and no health effects are anticipated. There have been reports of milk and spinach exceeding radioactivity limits in some areas of Japan. The levels are still so low that Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano felt the need to put things into perspective. “This is not at the level that would have any direct effect on your health,”
Zachary Papas is a senior nuclear engineering major.
Edano said. He went on to say that drinking the milk for a year would result in the equivalent dose of one CT scan and eating the spinach for a year would result in onefifth of a CT scan. Eight other tested food products had radioactivity levels below allowable limits. As Japan continues to monitor the reactors, status updates will continue to be released. Technical analysis of these events will provide a basis for improved safety in nuclear plants worldwide. In the United States, the NRC will use this information to conduct additional safety reviews of all plants in the country. Based on the lessons learned from this natural disaster, additional safety features will be implemented. William Sames is a senior nuclear engineering major.
3/24/11 8:19 PM