The Battalion: March 4, 2010

thebattalion

Polls close today, election results tonight New student leaders will be announced tonight after polls close in the studentwide elections.

The Election Commission will publicize the results at 8 p.m. in front of the Sul Ross statue in the Academic Plaza. Results for the races of student body president, junior and senior yell leaders, student senators, Class Council presidents, class agents and Residence Hall Association officers will be announced.

If one candidate does not receive more than 50 percent of the popular vote, runoff campaigning will begin Friday and run-off elections will occur next week. Election polls will be open until 5 p.m. today.

Students can cast their ballot at http://vote.tamu. edu or at the north walkway of Koldus. “Voting is important because it gives the decision to pick next year’s leaders right to the students,” said Jacob Lopez, election commisioner. “The right to vote is the most powerful thing we have.”

Melissa Appel, staff writer

coming friday

Election results Check tomorrow for the results for student body president, yell leaders and others.

inside scene | 3

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‘My Fair Lady’ is here

The Bryan Theatre Company has a cast ranging from children to A&M students playing in the 1964 movie.

sports | 8

Women win UCF Classic Golf team wins third tournament of the season in Florida.

voices | 9

Asking about the asterisk Steroids impact the focus of many in baseball.

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Editor’s note

“Family ties” is the first of a three-part series in which The Battalion examines the effect of college studies and life on different kinds of relationships within the family.

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TARTING COLLEGE is one of the first major steps toward independence in a young adult’s life. Some students move far away, some stay close to home, but no matter the distance or the circumstance, they find ways to maintain the family relationships that support them as they go through the next phase of life.

Cheikh Beye, a freshman general studies major, moved to the U.S. in 2005, following his four older siblings from their hometown in Dakar, Senegal. He lived with his older sister while finishing high school at Robert E. Lee in Houston.

Beye, who hopes to go into aerospace engineering and eventually work for NASA, chose A&M because of the strong culture and academics.

International Week canceled

“I wanted to go to a school that is really strong, and A&M is,” Beye said. “The culture and diversity is really strong.”

Since coming to the U.S., he hasn’t been able to see his father, but over Christmas break, his mom came to visit.

See Family bonds on page 5

See International on page 4

“Family bonds” is the first of a three-part series in which The Battalion examines the effect of college studies and life on different kinds of relationships.

No. 23 Texas A&M 76, OSU 61

Aggies lasso Cowboys on senior night

Ann Littmann The Battalion International Week is an important time for all international student associations. Due to logistical problems with the International Student Association, International Week was canceled.

Despite these challenges, a group of international student organizations banded together to put on International Day. “International Week is a very important event in which we are able to show our identity and show it off in a good way,” said Ana Monson, president of the Guatemalan Student Association.

“It is a chance to teach our fellow Aggies and other international students about our culture.”

In December of last semester, international organizations participating in International Week met with the association to prevent the chaos of last year’s event.

“We had less time to put together our cultural displays and cultural shows,” said junior political science major Monson. “There were fewer people working behind the scenes.”

After a Haiti event, Monson heard that IWeek had been canceled; however, she received no confirmation from International Student Association President Thomas Edmonds. On Jan. 27, Monson sent a Facebook message to Edmonds requesting more information about IWeek; Edmonds responded on Feb. 14 saying I-Week was canceled due to logistical problems with Memorial Student Center and committee

Editor’s note

T.D. Durham

Jonny Green — THE BATTALION

Senior guard Donald Sloan goes for a layup in the Aggies’ 76-61 win over Oklahoma State Wednesday at Reed Arena.

The Battalion Five senior Texas A&M men’s basketball players were honored before the final home game of their careers Wednesday in Reed Arena.

In a game where all but one of those players saw playing time, the Aggies defeated Oklahoma State 76-61.

“It’s just crazy how fast it went,” said senior forward Bryan Davis. “The emotions that go through you. Look up at the banners for us, it feels crazy that these four years here have gone so fast.”

Davis joined four guards, Shawn Schepel, Chris Chapman, Derrick Roland and Donald Sloan in a ceremony before the game before turning emotions into competitive fuel.

“Coach told us before the game, ‘what happens before the game, that’s for us, the four years, the things that we’ve done,’” Davis said. “But once the ball is tipped off, it was about winning the game, playing for the team — that’s what we did.”

And true to A&M Head Coach Mark Turgeon’s word, the Aggies came out of the gate to play and quickly ran to a 9-point lead behind a 3-pointer from senior guard Donald Sloan and two treys from freshman forward Khris Middleton.

A scuffle underneath the basket after a hard foul on Davis by junior Cowboy forward Marshall Moses led to a double technical on the Aggies and two free throws for Oklahoma State.

“I was displeased by the technicals, because that’s not what we’re about,” Turgeon said. “Plus, See Basketball on page 7

3/3/10 11:58 PM

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Week 8

The week of March 7 - March 11

Acct 209 Acct 230 Chem 102 Chem 107 Econ 203 Edwardson Econ 203 Nelson Finc 341 Finc 409 Geog 202 Math 141 Math 142 Math 251 Mgmt 209 Mgmt 309 Mktg 409 Phys 201 Phys 208 Phys 208 Common Phys 218 Pols 206

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Texas A&M at Qatar is sending 16 undergraduate students to the Texas A&M campus for the first half of a two-week leadership exchange program, and then switching with College Station Aggies. “Students from both campuses are selected based on leadership potential and campus involvement,” said Julie Chase, student development specialist for the Department of Student Affairs in Qatar. Students from Qatar arrived in the U.S. this weekend. The students visited NASA in Houston, met with the Corps of Cadets, and toured campus and the athletic facilities. The students had an opportunity to participate in a local service project and completed several leadership workshops along with peers from College Station, Chase said. Immersion in the A&M culture involves learning the Aggie traditions and values, which the Qatar students learned firsthand by attending Silver Taps and a men’s basketball game during the week. “The program will continue in Qatar on March 13 as our students host their peers from College Station for a similar week of leadership development and cultural exploration,” Chase said.

The Student Leadership Exchange Program is a valuable opportunity for Qatar students on the Qatar and College Station campuses to work together toward a deeper understanding of effective leadership in a global society, Chase said. “It’s been a busy schedule, but a wonderful experience,” she said.

Blanca Guerrero, staff writer

corrections The Battalion welcomes readers’ comments about published 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.

‘The Blind Side’

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The Bush Classic Film Series will present a screening of the film “Rear Window” at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Hagler Auditorium of the Annenberg Presidential Library Center.

MSC Aggie Cinema presents “The Blind Side” starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw and Kathy Bates at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday in Rudder Auditorium. Tickets are $1 for students and $2 for non-students.

Friday partly sunny high: 66 low: 50 Saturday partly sunny high: 65 low: 52 Sunday 30% chance of storms high: 68 low: 57

pagetwo

College Station, Qatar students trade places

www.DiscoveResearch.com

Classic film series: ‘Rear Window’

For daily updates go to thebatt.com ● Facebook ● Twitter@

thebattalion 03.04.2010

1st Session 6:30, 2nd Session 8:00

Honoring Conant

Reach for the sky

Sophomore marketing major Matthew Morris catches a flying disc Wednesday afternoon in the Quadrangle. The nice weather brought Corps members out of the residence halls to play in the sun.

Nicholas Badger — THE BATTALION

‘Obama phenomenon’ to be discussed this weekend in Bryan Travis Lawson The Battalion Communication and political science scholars will gather on Thursday in Bryan to discuss what Jennifer Mercieca, professor of communication at Texas A&M University, calls the “Obama Phenomenon.”

“Rhetoric, Politics and the Obama Phenomenon” is a scholarly discussion open to the public from Thursday to Sunday at the La Salle Hotel in downtown Bryan. The event is presented by A&M but will include a number of academics from universities all over the country.

“We are thrilled that so many outstanding scholars have agreed to come to Bryan-College Station to discuss the Obama Phenomenon,” Mercieca said. “We look forward to having a productive scholarly conversation.”

One of the keynote speakers at the conference, Bonnie Dow from Vanderbilt University, will discuss Michelle Obama and the White House family.

“I’m particularly looking forward to Dr. Bonnie Dow’s keynote address,” said Tasha Dubriwny, professor of communication at A&M. “She is going to be talking about Michelle Obama and our changing understandings of the ‘first family’.”

Dubriwny said the department of communication at A&M is excited about the event, and they look forward to great discussion throughout the four days.

“We are going to have several days of great conversation about Obama with some of the best scholars in rhetoric and political science,” Dubriwny said. “It’s hard to put into words how excited we [the faculty in the communication department] are about this event.”

Some of the points included in the conference are “Constructing the Obama Image,” “Obama and Religion” and “Obama’s Use of New Media.” The conference is not about politics but about the use of political rhetoric and discourse surrounding Obama during the first year of his presidency.

This is an important conference given the social, political and racial impulses swirling in the cultural consciousness with the presidency of Barack Obama,” said Leroy Dorsey, associate head of the communication department at A&M. “President Obama has become a symbol of hope for many and a polarizing figure for others.”

For the last 10 years the communication department at A&M has had a forum on presidential rhetoric.

“These conferences brought to College Station the best of public address scholars, and over the years since we stopped holding the conference, I have heard many of my colleagues at other universities reminisce about their experiences in College Station,” Dubriwny said.

For more information visit http://comm. tamu.edu.

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thebattalion THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893

Amanda Casanova, Editor in Chief THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University. Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111.

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things you should know

5 before you go New Works Festival

Sleeping Beauty Wakes

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Texas border seminar

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Original plays written, directed, produced and designed by students in the English and Performance Studies Departments will be performed at 8 p.m. tonight in Blocker 140. Tickets are available at the MSC Box Office.

Groovealily, a mix between a rock concert and musical theatre, will return to OPAS and perform an original approach to the classic Sleeping Beauty story at 7:30 p.m. tonight in Rudder Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at the MSC Box Office.

Oscar Munoz, the Deputy Director of the Colonias project out of the Center for Housing and Urban Development at A&M will speak about how this project can better the lives of Texans along the Texas/Mexico border from 11:30-1 p.m. today in Rudder 401.

Nicholas Boyarsky, director of Londonbased Boyarsky Murphy Architects, will lecture as part of the Department of Architecture’s Lecture Series at 5 p.m. Monday in the Preston Geren Auditorium in Langford Architecture Center Building B.

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London based Boyarsky

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Jazzy sounds

The A&M Jazz ensembles will perform a concert free to the public at 6 p.m.

Sunday at Christ United Methodist Church.

b! thebattalion 03.04.2010 page3

scene

Aggies break a leg in ‘Lady’ Rebecca Bennett

this time the goal was to be faithful to the nature of the wellknown movie.

“There’s a lot of famous songs in this musical,” I’m sure The rain in Spain may fall mainly on the plain, but Eliza everyone that comes is going to know the songs and that they Doolittle and Henry Higgins will be dancing and singing in will really enjoy getting to hear their favorites,” Hoernis said.

Bryan, until Sunday. The Theatre Company, which offers roles She said that young children in the audience, who may not to people of all ages in the local community, recently opened have seen the movie version or be able to follow the musiits own production of the musical “My Fair Lady.” While audi- cal’s complicated and witty plot, will still be able to enjoy the ences get to enjoy the performances for relatively low-ticket exciting stylized dance numbers. prices, cast members—including several Aggies—benefit from “I think it’s really great that the Theatre Company offers the joy of performing. the opportunity for people to go see these shows.

The leading lady is played by Melissa Hoernis, Most of the things we perform are very classic. a third-year veterinary student, who became Unless people want to drive out to Houston, involved with the Theatre Company during people wouldn’t otherwise be able to see The Theatre Company, her undergraduate studies at A&M. “My Fair them,” Van Zandt said. “Plus, it’s a chance located in Bryan, is putting Lady” will mark her 10th production with for performers to do what they love and the company, but she said she was especially on “My Fair Lady” with a cast gives them a place to do it.” ranging from elementary-aged excited to take on this title role.

Andy Wagers, another member of the cho“I love this show because with some children to A&M students. rus and a physics graduate student, said being musicals, the characters are so one-faced and able to perform gives him a welcome break in fake, and you don’t have to do a lot of acting; his days spent doing science-related research. it’s just about the singing and dancing,” she said.

“I think everybody just gets along really well.

“I love this show because I feel like Eliza really has We’re all having fun with it,” he said. “It’s a lot of a character. I really get to act. I really connect with the work, but a lot of fun as well.” character and get to share that with the audience.”

“My Fair Lady” marks Wagers first performance with the Robin Van Zandt, a sophomore business major and chorus group. He said he and his wife were interested in getting inmember with the Theatre Company, thinks audiences will also Courtesy photo volved after viewing a number of the company’s productions, connect to Eliza. but had no idea how much work and dedication went into the The actors playing Eliza and Henry take center stage at The “I think [the audience members] are just going to really enjoy whole process. the storyline,” said Van Zandt. “I think they’re really going to fall Theatre Company. Eliza must take speech lessons from Participants, ranging in age from elementary-age children in love with Eliza, just watching her transformation throughout Professor Henry Higgins to pass for a lady. to senior adults, commit to six nightly rehearsals each week in the whole show.” addition to helping prepare sets. All work is voluntary, but helps working one’s way up.

Long-time lovers of the film version, which stars Audrey Hep- keep admission prices low so that more people in town are able “You just kind of have to learn as you go. They understand burn, will recognize a replication of one of Eliza’s dresses from to attend. that it’s a community theater and that people aren’t going to be the movie. Van Zandt said the costumes are one of her favorite Auditions are open to all, including those with little or no professional.

I’ve been very impressed with how things are run parts of the production process because the Theatre Company previous theatrical experience. Hoernis said there have been there and learned a lot,” she said. “It’s not like they taught me has accumulated a large number of costumes over the years from some cases in which individuals who had never performed on directly, but just through doing the shows, the singing and dancwhich the actors choose their attire. stage before landed major parts. Seeing as this was an unusual ing and performing, I have a lot more confidence in myself.”

While the Theatre Company’s director, Randy Wilson, has circumstance, Hoernis said she recommends auditioning for taken creative approaches to productions in the past, Hoernis said performances with larger casts, starting as a chorus member and

The Battalion

First Thursday fills shop Austin Meek Special to The Battalion Grabbing a beverage, jamming to tunes, and adding to one’s wardrobe all in one place is now attainable for pennypinching students.

On the first Thursday of every month, Northgate Vintage holds an event it calls, appropriately, First Thursday.

“It’s basically a big party that we throw here at the beginning of every month. We have free beer, free hot chocolate, and live music,” said owner Zack Ewing, Class of 2009. “The first one was in October. The whole idea behind it was just to throw a party to get people aware about the store.”

The event begins at 8 p.m. and lasts until midnight. Ewing said they generally have a couple hundred people come throughout the evening to enjoy the free snacks and live music.

“Usually we have four or five live acts playing throughout the night,” he said. “It’s a great way to start off the weekend and you always end up running into people you know.”

Ewing said he wanted to bring the spirit of the Bryan First Friday event to College Station.

“First Friday goes on in downtown Bryan, but we wanted to try to do something like it on Northgate,” Ewing said. “We have a good time with it and people seem to enjoy it. We just want to keep doing it and stay true to why we’re doing it.”

In addition to being a model for Northgate Vintage, senior history major Whitley Gillis lends her vocal talents to First First Thursday Thursday’s musical line-up. Whitwas started by the ley and her sister, sophomore owners of Northgate English major Carley Gillis, can Vintage, a clothing be seen donning samples of the store on Northgate, store’s clothing in the photos decorating the walls of the fitto offer college ting room. students a night of free “It’s a really fun and casual entertainment. atmosphere,” Gillis said. “Zack and Ryan are so friendly and love having anyone come in.”

Ewing established Northgate Vintage as a kiosk in the Post Oak Mall 10 years ago. Initially, Northgate Vintage appeared only on weekends, gaining a reputation for providing unique and affordable vintage clothing.

When retail space opened up in the Northgate area, Ryan moved his operation into its current residence. Ewing said the change of location hasn’t brought a change in philosophy.

Ewing handles the marketing for Northgate Vintage, the clothing store nestled above Pita Pit on the corner of University Drive

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Courtesy photo

Whitley Gillis listens to musician Danny Tano who will perform in the clothing store. Gillis designs dresses for Northgate Vintage for a clothing line called “Material.” and College Main.

The first thing one notices upon entering into Northgate Vintage is the number of old records adorning the walls. The iconic faces of Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, Elton John and Diana Ross give a warm welcome along the lazily winding staircase leading up to the store.

“We get clothes in every day from distributors nationwide,” said Kellie Lewis, who makes dresses for her clothing line “Material” which is sold at Northgate Vintage. “Everything is hand-picked and previously worn, so you know it’s cool and comfortable.”

The showroom bursts with rack after rack of vintage apparel, encompassing everything from puffy vests and pearl snaps to Tshirts and TOMS. “A lot has changed over the last ten years, but our mission has always remained the same,” Ewing said. “We exist to provide everyone in the Bryan and College Station areas with garments that are interesting, individual and fashionable. We also want to create a clothing store that people feel comfortable in.”

3/3/10 6:40 PM

news

page 4 thursday 3.4.2010

thebattalion

International Continued from page 1

groups and International Student Association was recruiting a new team to ensure it wouldn’t happen in the future.

“We were upset that there was no formal notice,” Monson said. “We weren’t event taken into account for the decision when the whole event is about us supporting our cultures.”

Mexican Student Association President Paola Ochoa said she was disappointed I-Week was canceled.

“It’s the main event where our members get to bond,” said Ochoa. “Under competition with other countries, we show our patriotism and culture. It’s the sole purpose of our organization, which is why we were so upset when it was originally canceled.”

It was very important to the organizations to still be able to have some sort of event, Monson said.

“We wanted to have something, even if it wasn’t the whole week,” Monson said. “We especially wanted to do the variety show and cultural displays.”

International Day will be held on April 12. Cultural displays can be viewed at Simpson Drill Field throughout the day and in the evening there will be a variety show at Rudder Theatre.

Ochoa said this year they will commemorate Mexico’s bicentennial with cultural displays.

“We all have to split up and be in charge of not only our organization but also different areas of I-Day, but it’s

worth it,” Monson said.

“Without I-Day, my organization could disappear.”

International Student Association Vice President of Advocacy Zach Gibson said he knows how important I-Day is to the international student body.

“It’s important to the international community that we take the time to display their hard work and effort over the years,” Gibson said. “For a lot of the organizations, it is the main event and what they work for all year long. The event is especially for the newer groups that are still growing and recruiting. It’s important to do something together and for the student body. This is a way to grow and to give back to the student body but also to receive and gain new members.”

The event important is for the international student population and for the entire student body.

“This year we are developing an International Council to discuss topics that affect student body on and off campus so that there is a united international student body,” Gibson said.

“International Day is a good step for us to come together and have fun and celebrate the coming together of the council.”

Gibson said the day is a chance for the students to display the diversity of their cultural heritage.

“We all come from different cultures and different backgrounds and have different thoughts and ways of looking at things; it is important to share our similarities and celebrate our differences,” he said.

Fort Hood suspect to move to jail

GE is looking for more

top talent

FORT WORTH, Texas — The Army psychiatrist charged in the worst mass shooting on a U.S. military base will soon be moved to a county jail near Fort Hood after four months in a military hospital, his attorney and jail officials said Monday. Maj. Nidal Hasan, who is paralyzed, is to be transferred to the Bell County Jail and will Hasan be housed in a cell in the medical unit, said jail administrator Bob Patterson. “We’re prepared to handle inmates with medical needs,” Patterson said, declining to elaborate or comment on whether special security measures would be taken. Hasan’s attorney, John Galligan, said he would be transferred as soon as this week. Bell County Sheriff Dan Smith declined to discuss details about housing Hasan until he has been moved.Hasan has been at a San Antonio military hospital since shortly after the Nov. 5 shootings. He remains paralyzed from the chest down after being shot that day by two civilian members of Fort Hood’s police force. Doctors told him late last week that his physical therapy was finished and that he would be moved out of the hospital by helicopter, Galligan said.

Associated Press

Starbucks asks not to be involved in gun debate

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Sophomore history major Alyson Kastner said her parents, David and Kelly Kastner, embarrass her sometimes, but overall she enjoys them being here.

Family bonds Continued from page 1

“It was really good to see her,” Beye said. “It had been a really long time since I’d seen her, so I was happy.”

He only talks to his parents once or twice a month, but he says that it’s easier to cope if he doesn’t think about being apart from them.

“You have to grow up a little faster, because if you keep thinking about them, you’ll get homesick,” he said. “I miss my family, and Senegal’s culture, but you’ve just got to be strong.”

Balancing sanity and safety net Alyson Kastner’s adjustment to college was different than Beye’s. When she moved to College Station, her parents did too.

“My parents had it in their heads that they were going to move regardless of which college I went to,” Kastner said.

“My dad is class of ’80 and loves it here.

They began looking for houses here at the beginning of my senior year.”

Kastner said there are good and bad things about having her parents so close.

She said the best part is having her parents near in case anything bad happens.

“I have that support system always with me,” she said. “There have been times I’ve broken something and my mom was able to meet me at the doctor’s office. It’s really great to just always have that rock.”

However, with her parents in College Station, she said she doesn’t have the opportunity to go back to the town she gradu-

ated from to see friends.

“Sometimes I wish I had the opportunity to go home,” she said. “I miss my friends and would like to see them more often.”

Even though her parents live in the same town, she said it’s important to embrace the independence of college and not still have the dependence on her parents she had before.

“It’s important to set some boundaries where I’m still a college student and still making decisions on my own,” she said.

“It’s our first taste of freedom in a way, and we should embrace it.”

Though college is a time to become independent, she said she can still count on her parents for the important things.

“It’s a privilege and honor to have them near,” she said. “I always know I can call if the situation calls for it or I need help.”

A sibling sorority Some students may be miles away from their family, but are able to find a sense of home through attending college with a sibling.

Becky Brozek, a senior biomedical science and animal science major, and Katie Brozek, a sophomore biomedical science major, didn’t plan from childhood to go to A&M together.

“A&M has a vet school. I didn’t really know about the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Spirit and stuff until I got here,” Becky said.

“I didn’t know where I wanted to go, and my parents knew A&M was a good school, because my sister went there so that’s where I went,” Katie said. “I’m glad I did because I love it and couldn’t imagine going anywhere else.”

Katie and Becky live together, and like any college living arrangements, there are pros and cons.

“The best part about having us go to the same University is being able to always have a friend and someone you can count on no matter what,” Katie said.

Katie said going to the same college as your older sibling has drawbacks.

“The worst part is having a second mom on occasion, and having random people come up to me and asking if I am Becky Brozek’s sister,” Katie said. “My mom promised that I would never get that once I got out of high school.”

Becky said being around each other for a long time is both a good thing and a bad thing.

“The best part is seeing each other all the time, but that also can be the worst part sometimes,” Becky said. “It’s not bad going to college with your sibling. The only reason that people know Katie is my sister is because we are in the same major and I’m an officer in a huge organization. If you aren’t in the same major and don’t live together than most people won’t recognize you as siblings.”

Katie added that although it wasn’t originally the plan for them to go to college together, it’s been an experience that has turned out well.

“I definitely wasn’t excited about having to go to college with Becky at first, but I’m glad we do because I have someone I can always count on,” Katie said. “She feeds me when I’m poor, and she always knows exactly what I’m going through because she just went through it.”

Courtesy photo

Freshman general studies major Chiekh Beye reunited with much of his family, including his aunt, Marietou Beye, at his sister’s graduation in Houston last May.

Senior biomedical sciences major Becky Brozek and sister sophomore biomedical sciences major Katie say they enjoy living together, despite sibling disputes and conflicts.

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Photos by Jonny Green— THE BATTALION

Top left: Senior guard Donald Sloan drives the lane in the Aggies’ 76-61 victory over Oklahoma State Wednesday at Reed Arena. Top right: Sophomore guard Dash Harris goes up for a layup in the victory. Harris finished with eight points, seven rebounds and six assists. Bottom left: Senior forward Bryan Davis finished the night with eight points and five rebounds. Bottom right: Harris and Davis embrace as Davis finishes his home career at A&M.

Basketball Continued from page 1

there was no need for that tonight.”

After two straight offensive plays from Davis and a hook shot from sophomore forward David Loubeau, the Aggies pulled ahead to a 24-11 lead.

But following the Aggies’ largest lead, Oklahoma State screamed on a 17-4 run to bring the game within two points.

The Aggies shot a blistering 64 percent from the field in the first half, including 55 percent from behind the arc on 6 of 11 shooting. The Cowboys struggled, shooting 25 percent from 3-point range.

“I guess the guys were just feeling it,” Sloan said. “With it being the last home game of the season, I guess it gave us extra confidence to shoot them with determination.”

Sophomore A&M guard B.J. Holmes, who went down with a foot injury in the Aggies’ previous game against Texas, didn’t miss a beat as he knocked down

four 3-pointers in the game and first half yet again, the Cowfinished with 12 points. boys then went on a 12-2 run “B.J. is a tough kid. He has to bring the game to only an a lot of guts,” Turgeon said. “I 8-point lead after being down think he really wanted to come 18 points. out and play for Bryan and The Aggies, however, would Sloan on senior night. not be denied on senior We got a lot more night. They pulled A&M can clinch out of him than we together an up-anda bye in the first expected.” down run to finish Poor free the home season round of the Big throw shooting with a 15-point 12 tournament and a seven turnvictory. with a win over over difference in With 38 secOklahoma. favor of the Cowonds remaining, boys left the Aggies Turgeon subbed in up by only three points Schepel and Chapman, going into halftime, 38-35. who had not seen time in Big “We kind of knew that 12 play prior to Wednesday.

Oklahoma State would make a After the victory, Roland, run,” Turgeon said. “But over- who was forced to sit and watch all, I thought their top players during his final home game as played a lot of minutes in the an Aggie, was shown on the first half and had to work for video screen crying. their shots.”

“It’s tough going out the A&M would find its fire way he did — being at the last again at the start of the second home game of his college career half, as it would explode on a and not being able to play in it,” 14-0 run over the first 3:08 sec- Sloan said. “But he’ll be OK, he onds. Sloan scored seven points won’t be crying for long.” in the run after only scoring five A&M will finish the Big 12 in the first half. regular season at 11 a.m. SaturBut, to stay in line with the day when it takes on Oklahoma.

Stop by our office in The Grove, Bldg. #8901 (next to the Albritton Bell Tower,) or visit our website: http://aggieland. tamu.edu call 979.845.2681

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Senior Ashley Freeman fires an approach shot onto the green. The No. 16 Aggie women captured their third team title of the season Tuesday at the UCF Challenge.

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The Battalion The No. 16 Texas A&M women’s golf team captured their first tournament victory of the spring, third of the season, by winning the UCF Challenge.

The Aggies also captured the individual title as graduate student Julia Boland finished the tournament at six under par, winning her third individual title of the season.

The Aggies entered the final round of the tournament trailing the tournament leader Georgia State by seven strokes.

Under windy conditions, the Aggies charged up the leader board by posting a team score of seven over par, the best team score of the day by nine strokes.

Georgia State posted a team score of 16 over par and surrendered the tournament lead to the Aggies in the final round. “I can’t be more proud of these girls,� said A&M Head Coach Trelle McCombs. “They were very tough in some really

difficult conditions. The wind gusted up to 30 miles per hour at times.�

The Aggies were led by Boland, who tied a school record by posting an opening round of 65, seven under par. Boland stumbled in the second round of the tournament, posting a score of three over par. However, in the final round Boland was the only player in the tournament to score under par and was able to capture the individual title. “Julia’s round was the best I’ve seen in college golf,� McCombs said. “Her composure was amazing and she was in control the entire round.�

Junior Sarah Zwartynski finished as the runner-up in the tournament to Boland by firing a tournament score of one under par. Zwartynski and Boland were the only two competitors in the field to finish the entire tournament with a score under par.

The No. 3, 4 and 5 spots on the Aggies’ lineup struggled in the tournament, as all three fin-

ished in the bottom half of the field. Freshman Chloe Garner finished in 55th place, senior Ashley Freeman finished in 61st place and freshman Sarah Beth Davis finished 90th. “We needed a little more help from our three, four and five players,� McCombs said. “We still have a little work to do before our next tournament but we’ll be ready. We are in good position to do something special.�

Also competing in the tournament from the Big 12 were Baylor, Nebraska and Oklahoma. The Aggies finished 14 strokes ahead of Baylor who finished in fifth place, 25 strokes ahead of Oklahoma who finished in ninth place, and 52 strokes ahead of Nebraska who finished in last place.

The Aggies will regroup over the next three weeks until they return to the course on March 26-28 to compete in the Betsy Rawls Longhorn Invitational in Austin.

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Pg. 8-03.04.10.indd 1

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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.

call must be fewer than 200 words and include the author’s name, classification, major and phone number. Staff and faculty must include title. Guest columns must be fewer than 700 words. All submissions should focus on issues not personalities, become property of The Battalion and are subject to editing for style, clarity and space concerns. Anonymous letters

‘

will be read, but not printed. The Battalion will print only one letter per author per month. No mail call will appear in The Battalion’s print or online editions before it is verified.

voices Reviewing the record book MAILCALL GUESTCOLUMNS

Make your opinion known by submitting Mail Call or guest columns to The Battalion. Mail

Direct all correspondence to: Editor in chief of The Battalion (979) 845-3315 | mailcall@thebatt.com

thebattalion 03.04.2010 page9

E

verybody loves home runs, and it follows that the two most revered records in American sports both involve the home run. The single season and career total records are both at 73 and 762 respectively, by Barry Bonds — arguably the No. 1 poster boy for steroids in sports.

A wealthy businessman bought the baseball from Bonds’ 756th home run (the recordbreaker) and conducted a poll to see what fans wanted to do with it — give it to the Hall of Fame, give it to the Hall of Fame with an asterisk branded on it or launch it into outer space. The ball is now in Cooperstown with an asterisk forever emblazoned on it. Fans spoke loud and clear, “we love records, but we hate cheaters.” But with the advances in medical technology, what exactly constitutes cheating when it comes to records?

Besides the ability to build an incredible amount of muscle, synthetic drugs give athletes a much quicker turn-around time in their workouts and injury rehabilitation. For these reasons, the list of MLB players affiliated with “performance-enhancing drugs” reads like a Who’s Who list of the last decade in baseball: Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Jason Giambi, Andy Pettitte, Roger Clemens. And let’s not forget about the 101-name mystery contained in a sealed document with the names of players who failed a 2003 drug test.

It’s been said steroids make good athletes great and great athletes gods. Without a doubt anabolic steroids yield the greatest results of all supplements in users looking to stack on muscle and increase their strength. But synthetic steroids injected by athletes are simply lab-produced copies of different hormones found naturally in the human body. HGH (human growth hormone) is produced by the pituitary gland and, among other things, triggers puberty. Anabolic steroids replicate, on a huge scale, testosterone – the androgenic hormone produced primarily in the testicles of men and, to a much lesser degree, the ovaries of women. So technically, one could argue (though they would find few supporters) that steroids and HGH are “natural,” but are simply administered in high doses.

In the 1990s athletes began using synthetic creatine to help build muscle, increasing their strength and performance. Creatine, like HGH and testosterone, is found naturally in the human body. However, the average dosage of a creatine supplement is around 550 grams in a threemonth cycle, or about twice the natural levels of a normal diet. Effectiveness varies from person to person. Some people see little to no results, while others can see their strength and performance increase by as much as 10 percent. Sounds performance-enhancing to me. And protein?

“A healthy diet should be about 0.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight. If you’re looking to stack on muscle, you can go as high as 2 grams per pound,” said Brad Tillery, owner and head trainer at BCS Fitness.

The straight beef, the average guy would need to eat a normal diet and wash it down with a two-pound T-bone every day. A diet meticu-

Osazuwa Okundaye — THE BATTALION

When we say that “performance-enhancing wins. He added 164 after his operation and findrugs” should be considered cheating, we need ished his career 26th on the career wins list. 124 to be willing to ask ourselves what constitutes would have landed him at a paltry 351st. The “performance-enhancing drugs.” Nutrition surgery enhanced his performance. Not only supplements and the advancements in did it boost his numbers significantly, surgery have impacted the record book but it became a trend. A few years Medical advances along with steroids. What constitutes ago USA Today reported that have impacted cheating is not an easy question, but it’s about one in nine major league Adam Bechtold records as much as a conversation that needs to happen. pitchers had undergone Tommy Baseball’s image has been stained John surgery during their career. steroids, but should lously crafted and strictly maintained can yield One could go on about corboth be considered badly by the steroids era, but records the same amounts, but needless to say it is much are broken with advantages other than tisone shots or even the greater easier to hit the numbers by throwing back a cheating? steroids. If the game will ever garner the effectiveness of modern rehab powdered protein-laden shake. respect and love from fans it once had, the machines players use to recover from But performance enhancement isn’t limited commissioner and players union must come up an injury. But it seems clear that performanceto muscle-building supplements only. In 1974 with a policy that is strict, fair and above all, enhancement is simply a natural byproduct of a pitcher named Tommy John became the first honors America’s pasttime. athlete to successfully undergo ulnar collateral lig- technological progression. As scientists, doctors, ament reconstructive surgery. It was so successful nutritionists and physical therapists become betAdam Bechtold is a senior history major and is ter at what they do, baseball players (and athletes that the procedure became known as “Tommy special to The Battalion. in general) improve too.

John” surgery. Before the surgery John had 124

Progressing away from profiling

O

n Christmas Day, 23-year-old Nigerian terrorist suspect Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab boarded a Detroit-bound plane with the intent of detonating an explosive device stored in his underwear. He checked no luggage, paid for a one-way ticket in cash, and was on the National Counterterrorism Center’s Database of Suspected Terrorists.

His own father had notified authorities of his son’s alarming extremist viewpoints. The fact his attempt failed is nothing short of miraculous, but the knowledge he still managed to fly over U.S. soil is terrifying.

Extra scrutiny might have detected the explosive device. In order to keep our country Camaryn Bolton safe, profiling may be necessary responsibility there’s probable cause that we are committing a to ensure national security. However security crime, our time shouldn’t be taken away. officials should use restraint and focus on other “Being randomly selected at security methods to identify potential threats to checkpoints is inconvenient and national security.

Security unpleasant,” said Mohamad “U.S. agencies are actively should use Mouneimne, junior chemical combating individuals and groups more effective engineering major and education that are intent on killing Americans methods than officer of the A&M Muslim Student and plotting mayhem,” said James Association. In addition to the Carafano, assistant director of the profiling. inconvenience, Mohamad said such Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis checks can affect him psychologically. “I Institute for International Studies in feel nervous for no reason … that they’ll find Washington, D.C. “In case you missed it: something out of nothing.” terrorists are out to get us.”

Muslim women are also affected by such In recent years, airport profiling has been “random” searches. “I often feel singled out associated with racism and mistreatment. The because I wear a hijab [head covering],” said downside of profiling is many blameless people Roaa Taha, junior biomedical sciences major and can be pulled aside and thoroughly searched, social officer of the Muslim Student Association. losing valuable personal time for the bigger concern of American security. Our rights allow us “It’s not like we’re not Americans.”

The other side to profiling is there are cases to go about our business as we please, and unless

Pg. 9-03.04.10.indd 1

Osazuwa Okundaye — THE BATTALION

involving terrorism on American soil that make profiling seem absolutely necessary. Every last person involved in the Sept. 11 attacks was a Middle Eastern male. In light of these facts, how can we risk leaving our air travel unsecured under the guise of political correctness?

But the solution to our security issues lies in a combined effort to share information between agencies. Security should focus more on individuals and their behavior, rather than race and ethnicity and step up checkpoints with more personnel and sophisticated equipment.

The terrorist Mutallab checked no luggage on

a flight that would take him halfway across the world. Even without cause for racial profiling, this should have stood out to security personnel.

Profiling may be a quick fix, but it won’t be effective in the long run as a stand-alone process of choosing people to search. Terrorists will always find new ways to attack, and our national security efforts should be a process of extreme scrutiny.

Camaryn Bolton is a sophomore performance studies major.

3/3/10 9:17 PM

news

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Students advocate for immigrant rights bill Laura Sanchez The Battalion The DREAM Act Group at Texas A&M and the Honduran Student Association have collaborated to present DREAM Week through Friday.

Various events have been planned and implemented during the week to raise awareness of the Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act. Events completed so far during the week include a vigil at All Faiths Chapel and a panel discussion in Rudder.

“DREAM Week is an entire week where we are giving information about the DREAM Act. We’re just trying to bring awareness to Texas A&M about this issue,” said supporter Jose Zelaya.

The DREAM Act was introduced in 2009 as a bill that would provide opportunity for qualifying high school graduates a chance to earn conditional permanent residency. This would in turn allow them to go to college or join the military.

“The DREAM Act is one of those things that every college campus and student should be aware of,” said act supporter and senior communication major Luis Gonzales. “Events like the ones showcased during DREAM Week only strengthen a campus’ perception of the legislation, who it affects, and why it is salient to anyone in higher education.”

The week has been co-hosted with various other student organizations including Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Society of Mexican American Engineers & Scientists, and Destino.

“We’re just trying to keep momentum so this bill can pass,” said supporter and organizer for the event, Greisa Martinez. “We plan to reach those people who may not know much about the Act. We want people to know this is not just a Latino issue, it affects all of us all Aggies.”

The DREAM Act has a few requirements in order for students to obtain conditional permanent residency. The student must have arrived in the U.S. before the age of 16; must have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 consecutive years; must be between the ages of 12 and 35 at the time of the bill enactment; must have graduated from an American high school or obtained a GED and must have “good moral character.”

“We just want people to know the hard situations that undocumented students go through,” Zelaya said. “We want them to know that it’s not easy for students like this. That’s one of the main reasons why people drop out of school, because they don’t have a goal and can’t go to college.”

The national movement, United We Dream, designated the last week in February as the week for this, but the DREAM Act group at A&M decided to keep the momentum going and continue it in March.

“Hopefully by the end of this week, people know more about [DREAM Act],” Martinez said.

“We just want to create a discussion about it. Some people are not going to agree we us no matter how much they know, but at the end of the day, we don’t want people to say they didn’t know.”

The DREAM Act group also does various events throughout the semester to bring awareness about the act. The group has presentations and tries to find organizations both in and outside of Texas A&M to support their cause.

Events for Thursday and Friday include a documentary screening and a field day in Anderson Park.

“The Act is not about politics because DREAM is bipartisan legislation,” Gonzales said. “If anything, it’s the right thing to do, it’s just, and it’s necessary.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Firemen try to put out a fire in Concordia, Chile, on Monday. An 8.8-magnitude earthquake hit Chile on Saturday causing widespread damage and hundreds of deaths.

Fires, looting follow Chile quake CONCEPCION, Chile — Chile’s president defended herself Tuesday against charges of government incompetence in a disaster that not only shattered lives and property but challenged the nation’s very identity.

A government that sent 15 tons of food and medicine, a search and rescue team and 20 doctors to Haiti after the earthquake there found itself seeking emergency aid from other countries.

In Lota, a former coal mining town of 30,000 along the heavily damaged coast, Mayor Jorge Venegas said Tuesday that a “psychosis” had taken hold.

A gas station went up in flames, gunfire rattled through the night and residents guarded streets against roaming bands of looters, he told Radio Bio Bio. He said 2,000 homes had been destroyed, thousands were living in the streets and people were wielding guns, iron bars and long sticks to protect their possessions.

“It’s urgent that the army reach our city,” Venegas pleaded.

“It’s a collective hysteria,” said Francisco Santa Cruz, 20, an aid worker caring for 56 families in a camp for the newly homeless in San Pedro, across the Bio Bio River from Concepcion, the biggest city in the quake zone.

President Michelle Bachelet was on the defensive against a storm of claims that the government’s response to the disaster was a failure.

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La Tercera, an influential daily, said the looting and violence showed “incomprehensible weakness and slowness” by authorities. El Mercurio, a conservative publication many consider Chile’s paper of record, called on President-elect Sebastian Pinera, who takes office March 11, to “restore hope” to Chile.

The government on Monday imposed an 8 p.m-to-noon curfew and sent 14,000 troops to Concepcion and surrounding areas to stop widespread looting — after virtually every market in the city had been sacked. On Tuesday the curfew was extended to begin at 6 p.m.

“People probably are always going to feel that we could have done things better,” Bachelet insisted before receiving U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who promised American aid. “But the reality is given the extent (of destruction), it always will be insufficient.”

The death toll rose to 796 Tuesday and aftershocks continued to roll through the region; the stronger ones frightened residents living in temporary shelter.

Saturday’s magnitude 8.8 quake and subsequent tsunami ravaged towns and cities along a 700-kilometer (435-mile) stretch of Chile’s Pacific coast. Downed bridges and damaged or debris-strewn highways made transit difficult if not impossible in many areas.

Associated Press

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AGGIELAND 2010 Official yearbook of Texas A&M University

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