thebattalion
Run-off results tonight A&M will have new student leadership after the 2010-2011 student body president is announced tonight. Jacob Robinson and Bryan Sims are the two student body president candidates in the run-off. “I think it’s important for students to vote because this person will become the voice of all 49,000 students to the University administration, the Texas A&M System, the Texas Legislature and all other interested parties,” said Student Body President Kolin Loveless. The announcement, will be at 8 p.m. in front of the Sul Ross statue. An e-mail sent Tuesday to students stated an incorrect time. David Benac and Michael Riemer are vying in the run-off ballot for junior yell leader. Students can vote online at http:// vote.tamu.edu until 5 p.m. today.
● wednesday,
march 10, 2010
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● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2010 student media
Altering spring break Students trade partying for service Travis Lawson
Melissa Appel, staff writer
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coming thursday
Tennis athlete shines An in-depth look at Aggie tennis sensation Jeff Dadamo
inside voices | 9
Making a common mistake In academic circles, Before Christ and Anno Domini have been replaced with the Common Era. This effort to make our dating system more politically correct is unnecessary, and neglects culture’s influence on the English language.
this day in
S Uhistory March 10, 1880 The Salvation Army was founded in the U.S. The social service organization was first founded in England by William Booth and operates in 90 countries.
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Aggies in Mission volunteer time to help with Haiti relief Katy Ralston The Battalion One group of Aggie students will be taking a break from the usual surf, sand and sun of spring break and replacing it with service in the Houston area through the organization Aggies in Mission. Aggies in Mission is a faith-based student organization focused on mission work in Bryan-College Station and surrounding area. The nondenominational Christian group does on average two local service
projects a month. In addition, the mission sponsors one short-term mission trip ev“We want to show ery semester and one week-long misGod’s love through sion trip during spring break. our acts, because Service projects and mission trips acts speak louder in the past have included volunteerthan words” ing at the Crestview retirement facilities, Hurricane Ike relief work, working a local elementary school -Austin Miller carnival and building houses for
See ASB on page 4
See AIM on page 4
Police urge students to secure belongings
Despite economy, church, family trips top students’ plans Angela Washeck
Laura A. Sanchez The Battalion Most students are making preparations for a week-long break from classes, while police officials urge students to take measures to make sure possessions will not be stolen during spring break. Sgt. Janice Kemp of the College Station Police Department Community Services division, said although there are not as many thefts during spring break as during the longer breaks, students should take precautionary measures. “One of the things that we recommend is for students to take their items with them like computers and televisions if they’re going home,” Kemp said. The key in preventing spring break thefts is to make your home seem like someone is there at all times and making it seem like nothing has changed, said Kristi Hosea, master officer for the University Police Department Crime Prevention Unit. Having a neighbor occasion-
The Battalion The organization Alternative Alternati Spring Break B eak shows students there is Br i more to spring break than partying. ASB, A which functions func n tions under the Student Stu Government Association, Associat offers students an alternative alt to the break and ann a chance to learn about a other cultures by b sending students all a over the U.S. and soon the world. Ashley Teel, a semecha nior mechanical engimaajo and chairneering major woman of ASB ASB, said ASB provides a chance for students to build leadership sk skills. “The executive team has worked w rked very hardd this year to prowo vide opportunit our most opportunities ever for students,” Teel said. Although the name of Get the organization organizatiion would would involved imply the group operoperrates during spring break Visit http://asb. alone, the group had had a a tamu.edu/ to winter breakk trip this find out more semester and is about to information on have the first internationall trip to Cuernavaca, how to be a part of Mexico. The members of Alternative Spring the organization worked Break. hard to make sure students have a chance at the experience of a lifetime, Teel said. “The student leaders of the trips, site leaders, have dedicated both their fall and spring semester preparing for these trips,” Teel said. “The students involved in ASB have an unwavering passion for service and social change and in the process experience a chance of a lifetime, making memories and friendships to last.” One of these student volunteers, site leader trainer and senior sociology major Caitlin Heyen is just one piece of the puzzle. Heyen said the best part of the experience is gaining knowledge about the way others live.
Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION
Sgt. Janice Kemp said to secure valuables during spring break as opposed to leaving them unattended in an empty apartment or vehicle. ally park a car in your driveway or parking spot can make it seem like someone is home. “If [students] live in apartment complexes, letting the management know that they’re going to be gone or letting their friends know that are staying in town if they’re working or something is a good idea to check in for them and make sure everything is OK,” Kemp said. Hosea said students can register their residence with UPD for checks during the break. “Your answering device message should never indicate that you are not home. Always use plural nouns even if you live alone. Don’t use your name,” she said. Junior horticulture major Mary See Crime on page 4
Avoiding burglary over spring break ◗Engrave driver’s license number on bicycle. ◗Use a U-bolt lock. ◗Have a friend check on apartment or house. ◗Register residence with UPD. ◗Stop mail and newspapers. ◗Do not leave lights on 24 hours.
The Battalion It’s that time again. We are getting antsy in our desks and are starting to count down seconds until class is over. The weather is warming up, and spring fever has ensued. Students will soon pack swimsuits and beach towels into bags in preparation for road trips, or gallivants to Mexico. Too bad there is only one thing stopping us from taking intricate vacations — money. Although the state of the economy has shown improvement since March 2009, Chad Hart, president of Inertia Tours, said it is deterring to travel more domestically. His company works hard to shape low-priced trips geared toward college students. “Beyond the obvious transportation costs, cities have been hit as hard by the recession as travelers have,” he said. “So there are loads of deals to be found as different regions try to compete for folks’
travel dollars.” Inertia Tours offers a fournight trip package for $250, which houses four in a hotel within walking distance of a beach, plus two meals a day and $50 gas card. Hart said this is a deal that cannot be beat by competitors. International travel rates have declined as a result of increasing border security in the past few years. Parents are becoming leery of sending children to Mexico, and on top of the recession, Hart said his business theory is working. See Trips on page 4
inside | 3 Bryan church group reaches out to spring breakers in Panama City, Fla., by offering free rides and pancakes.
3/9/10 10:04 PM
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This workshop looks at perfectionistic behavior and ways to deal with those behaviors at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in suite 1402 in the General Services Complex. To register go to http:// EODinfo.tamu.edu.
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Robert Blackledge speaks about glitter as forensic evidence at 5 p.m. Thursday in Chemistry 2104.
Thursday mostly sunny high: 70 low: 45 Friday mostly sunny high: 63 low: 41 Saturday mostly sunny high: 63 low: 41
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thebattalion 03.10.2010 For daily updates go to thebatt.com ● Facebook ● Twitter@thebattonline
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Death penalty goes on trial
Piling on the pounds
HOUSTON — A Texas judge criticized for declaring the death penalty unconstitutional took back his controversial ruling Tuesday but scheduled a hearing for next month to hear evidence on the issue. State District Judge Kevin Fine said he wants more information before making a final decision about whether the state’s death penalty statute allows for the possible execution of an innocent person. Fine is a judge in Harris County, which sends more inmates to death row than any other county in the nation. During a court hearing Tuesday, Fine rescinded the ruling he made last week in granting a pretrial motion in the capital murder case of John Edward Green Jr., accused of fatally shooting a Houston woman and wounding her sister during a June 2008 robbery. Green’s attorneys argued Texas’ death penalty statute violates their client’s right to due process of law under the 5th Amendment because hundreds of innocent people nationwide have been convicted, sent to death row and later exonerated. Associated Press
Week 9
The week of March 21 - March 25
Acct 229 Agec 105 Chem 102 Econ 202 Allen Econ 202 Mostashari Math 131 Math 142 Math 151 Math 152 Math 251 Mktg 321 Phys 201 Phys 208 Common Phys 208 Youngblood Phys 218 Pols 206 Fulton Pols 207 Dixon
Part 1 of 4 Wed Mar 24 10pm-1am Part 1 of 2 Tue Mar 23 10pm-1am Part 1 of 3 Mon Mar 22 3pm-5pm Part 1 of 4 Tue Mar 23 7pm-10pm Part 1 of 4 Thu Mar 25 4pm-7pm Part 1 of 3 Mon Mar 22 5pm-8pm Part 1 of 4 Wed Mar 10 7pm-9pm Part 1 of 3 Sun Mar 21 5pm-8pm Part 1 of 3 Sun Mar 21 11pm-2am Test Review 1 Wed Mar 24 1am-3am Test Review Mon Mar 22 6pm-10pm Part 1 of 3 Wed Mar 10 9pm-12am Test Review 1 Wed Mar 10 11pm-1am Ch 27 & Rvw Tue Mar 23 1am-3am Part 4 of 4 Wed Mar 10 8pm-11pm Test Review Mon Mar 22 6pm-9pm Test Review Wed Mar 10 6pm-10pm
Part 2 of 4 Thu Mar 25 10pm-1am Part 2 of 2 Wed Mar 24 4pm-7pm Part 2 of 3 Tue Mar 23 4pm-7pm Part 2 of 4 Wed Mar 24 7pm-10pm Part 2 of 4 Sun Mar 28 2pm-5pm Part 2 of 3 Tue Mar 23 5pm-7pm Part 2 of 4 Sun Mar 21 10pm-1am Part 2 of 3 Mon Mar 22 7pm-10pm Part 2 of 3 Mon Mar 22 10pm-1am Test Review 2 Thu Mar 25 6pm-9pm
Part 2 of 3 Sun Mar 21 7pm-10pm Test Review 2 Sun Mar 21 3pm-5pm Test Review Thu Mar 25 10pm-1am Test Review 1 Thu Mar 11 5pm-8pm
Part 3 of 4 Sun Mar 28 10pm-1am
Part 3 of 3 Wed Mar 24 4pm-7pm Part 3 of 4 Thu Mar 25 7pm-10pm Part 3 of 4 Mon Mar 29 10pm-1am Part 3 of 3 Wed Mar 24 4pm-7pm Part 3 of 4 Mon Mar 22 8pm-11pm Part 3 of 3 Tue Mar 23 7pm-10pm Part 3 of 3 Tue Mar 23 10pm-1am Other reviews the following week
Pt 4&Tst Rvw Mon Mar 29 6pm-10pm
Part 4 of 4 Sun Mar 28 6pm-10pm Part 4 of 4 Tue Mar 30 6pm-10pm
Test Review Tue Mar 23 7pm-10pm Test Review Wed Mar 24 7pm-10pm Test Review Wed Mar 24 10pm-1am
Part 3 of 3 Mon Mar 22 11pm-1am Test Review 3 Mon Mar 22 1am-3am
Test Review Tue Mar 23 10pm-1am
Test Review 2 Sun Mar 21 5pm-8pm
Test Review 3 Mon Mar 22 5pm-7pm
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University’s weapons policy challenged OREM, Utah — A Utah Valley University student videotaped and posted online a discussion he had with police after they confronted him because he was openly carrying a gun on campus. Nick Moyes said he has a permit to carry a concealed weapon, but his actions last week have spurred a debate over whether that means guns on campuses must really be hidden from view. Utah Valley University says they do, while Moyes argues he was within his right to carry the gun in a holster on his hip in view of others. State law says a person must have a concealed firearm permit to carry a gun on a school campus. But there are no laws barring a person with a permit from carrying a firearm openly on campus. Moyes said campus police approached him Friday after someone reported seeing a man with a gun at the school. Associated Press
Jonny Green — THE BATTALION
Fuddruckers displays a 32-pound hamburger at the Epicurean Extravaganza on Tuesday. The event, put on by the Bryan College Station Chamber of Commerce and the Brazos Valley Restaurant Association, featured 31 area restaurants and businesses giving out free food and coupons. The burger, which required three and a half hours in the oven to cook, was sandwiched between an eight pound bun and topped with 40 slices of cheese, six sliced tomatoes, two heads of lettuce, three onions and three pounds of pickles.
Fawcett omission from Oscar segment no accident LOS ANGELES — The executive director of the film academy said Tuesday that Farrah Fawcett wasn’t included in the Academy Awards’ In Memoriam segment because the actress was better known as a TV star. It was a difficult decision for the committee that assembles the segment to Fawcett omit Fawcett, said Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences executive director Bruce Davis, who added that he’s not surprised some fans and family members are upset. Fawcett’s family issued a statement through a publicist Tuesday saying they were “deeply saddened” and “bereft with this exclusion of such an international icon who inspired so many for so many reasons.” Davis said the academy committee debated
about including Fawcett and Gene Barry, a longtime TV actor who died in December at age 90, in the memorial segment but ultimately omitted both. Davis and his colleagues thought that while the two actors appeared in movies, they were better known for their “remarkable television work” and would be more appropriately honored by the television academy at the Emmy Awards. The group “was kind of figuring that probably the Farrah Fawcett and Gene Barry omissions would be the ones we’d get the most comments on,” he said. He acknowledged that he “did get one letter about Miss Fawcett.” The academy director said “an unusual number of extremely distinguished screenwriters” died this year, and the academy tried to honor many of them in the short memorial segment. Associated Press
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thebattalion Amanda Casanova, Editor in Chief THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University. Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. News offices are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3313; Fax: 979-845-2647; E-mail: metro@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising, call 979-845-2696. For classified advertising, call 979-8450569. 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 979845-2613.
3/9/10 9:50 PM
things you should know
5 before you go Concert at Carney’s
Guitar duo
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Musician Nick Verzosa will play at 10:30 p.m. tonight at Carney’s Pub in Bryan. Verzosa is an Americana and acoustic songwriter and singer. He has released his first album with his band in 2007 and plans to release his sophomore EP this spring.
Duo Melis: Classical Guitar Duet will perform at 7 p.m. today in Rudder Theatre. The classical guitar duo features Alexis Muzurakis of Greece and Susana Prieto of Spain. Admission is $10 for the general public and $5 for students.
Concert for CARPOOL
Science fiction and fantasy
The Singing Cadets will have a concert to benefit CARPOOL at 7 p.m. Thursday in Rudder Auditorium. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the MSC Box Office or at the door.
Pieces from Cushing Libraries Science Fiction and Fantasy Research Collection will be exhibited from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, including manuscripts, pulp magazines and items that capture science fiction’s influence on literature, media and popular culture.
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Transfer deadline
All domestic transfer applications and documents must be received by March 15 to be considered for summer or fall 2010. For more information about the required documents visit http://admissions. tamu.edu/transfer.
b! thebattalion 03.10.2010 page3
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Reaching ing out at the beach Lorelei Willett The Battalion Spring break — definitely a high time for any college student whether a freshman testing the waters or a senior searching for the light at the end of the tunnel. But a select group of students are going to Panama City, Fla. on a mission known as Beach Reach to make sure that every spring breaker has the chance to search to their heart’s content while spreading the love of Christianity. “Beach Reach is a chance to show the love of Christ to those who find love in the things this world can only offer, and the best part of the experience is listening to the stories of changed lives both from the ‘beachreacher’ and spring-breaker,” said Cameron Habel, junior kinesiology major. First Baptist Church in Bryan is one of many organizations and churches that have been invited to partake in the annual Beach Reach program that started in South Padre, Texas but has expanded to another college spring break hot spot —Panama City. “I want to do something for these people in hope that they can know and have what I have and that’s a relationship with the Lord,” Courtesy photo said Danielle Peddy, junior psychology major. “There is nothing greater than getting the First Baptist Church in Bryan will travel to Panama City, Fla. to assist vacationers in getting home after a night at the clubs and providing chance to just love on people and serve them.” free pancake breakfasts every morning. The college pastor for the church, Toney Garrett Milner, senior business major. “What I’ve gleaned the are at in their lives no matter where that might be,” Peddy said. “It Upton, is leading his sixth trip to Panama City. most from our time on Beach Reach has been our is such a blessing to have people open up to us.” The group of 68 students will meet up with about 250 dependence on the power of God to move in the Upton said though there are some organizations that go out to A group of 250 other students from around the country to embark hearts of others in ways that we could never do it Panama City to preach at the spring breakers — these are not to be on the mission to Panama City. students around ourselves. Not a second goes by when we’re serv- confused with Beach Reach. “We do two main things: free van rides at the country, ing others on the streets that half our team isn’t “It’s not like you have to sit in the van and let us talk about night and free pancake breakfasts in the mornincluding 68 from at the home base covering us in prayer.” Jesus. We ask them about themselves and what they think about ing,” Upton said. “On average we give about First Baptist Church The students that participate in Beach Reach the van, but we don’t bring up religion,” Upton said. “We’re open 700 people rides every night and see 700 people in Bryan, will travel pay $300 to $400 a piece for the experience, but to wherever the conversation goes. I think when we’re out there, every morning.” to Panama City, Fla. they do not accept money from the people they giving them rides and getting them home, it’s like love in action Besides the free rides and pancakes, street over spring break to give rides to. For them, it is about connecting and it goes so much further than any words can say.” teams are sent out with cards during the day to offer free van rides with the vacationers on a personal level and having The Beach Reach crew will have cards and posters displayed on let club owners and vacationers know about the at night. a positive influence on them. the main strip of Panama City as well as 15 passenger vans with the services offered. When the night starts, students rotate “This week is more than just giving van rides and mission name and number shoe polished on the windows. between driving, joining the street team and joining the pancakes, it’s a time to share and show the love that God has for “My hope, always, is to help others encounter God in a way prayer group. them and more importantly the love he has for them where they that is life-changing to them,” Milner said. “The organization has always been centered on prayer,” said
Recognized Student Organization & Advisor of the Year Awards! The Department of Student Activities is currently accepting nominations for Organization, New Advisor, and Advisor of the Year! The Organization award seeks to recognize those groups that have significantly contributed to Texas A&M through their operations, programs, and services. The Advisor and New Advisor awards seek to recognize advisors who have provided exemplary guidance, support, and dedication to a Texas A&M recognized student organization. NOMINATE TODAY!!
http://stuact.tamu.edu/oftheyear All Nominations are due by: Wednesday, March 24th @ 5pm For more information, please contact Bonnie Bustos at bbustos@stuact.tamu.edu or (979) 862-2494 or stop by the Department of Student Activities in 125 Koldus
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3/9/10 7:43 PM
news
page 4 wednesday 3.10.2010
thebattalion
Trips Continued from page 1
“Companies like ours have thrived by offering vacation packages in the U.S. at discounted rates,” he said. Tips such as planning meals and buying groceries instead of going out and drinking in the hotel or on the beach as an alternative to buying beverages at a bar are among other strategies Inertia Tours offers to college students on a budget. Students are already actively prepping for travel with friends and family. Freshman English major Sarah Dean is from Palestine, and is headed to Dallas for a quick vacation this spring break. “I’m just going to Dallas to see The Phantom of the Opera [with my mom.] I’ve never seen it, and
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Crime Continued from page 1
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Coronado has had some experience with theft in her home. “Somebody broke into my apartment while I was still inside, and it was really scary. So I imagine that if someone is willing to do that while the house is not alone, then I’m sure there will be a greater chance of break-ins if they know that hundreds of students are going to be gone for a week,” Coronado said. Hosea said putting timers on outdoor lights is a good idea, but never to leave lights on 24 hours a day. She advises to stop all mail and newspapers for the time students will be gone since piled up mail can be a red flag that no one is home. If students do leave items behind, officials advise to mark a valuable with proper identification so it can be returned if stolen. “We continue to encourage students to write down the make, model and serial number of their bicycle, engrave their driver’s license num-
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These are some of the groups that will be featured in the 2010 Aggieland: • Student Engineers’ Council • MSCC ALOT • Delta Gamma • Company B-1 • TAMU Judo
Will yours be? How to get a contract:
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pg4-3.10.10.indd 1
Continued from page 1
AGGIELAND 2010 Official yearbook of Texas A&M University
families in Juarez, Mexico. “We want to show God’s love through our acts, because acts speak louder than words, so by doing mission work we can show God’s love to people who may not know it,” said Missions Director Austin Miller, a junior general studies major. Brooke Cantrell, president of the mission and a senior communication major, said one of AIM’s goals is to encourage members to continue growing in Christ and help them figure out what serving the Lord looks like after college, from getting a job and serving him in work or being a full-time missionary. “We focus on trying to help A&M students to get involved in the missionary field —whether it is a weekend trip or a semester in Costa Rica — it’s completely up to them,” Miller said. Aggies in Mission was founded a decade ago for the purpose of organizing spring break trips to Juarez to build houses for needy families. The group kept alive the tradition of spending every spring break
it’s my mom’s favorite show. I’m really excited about it because I love musicals more than any normal person should,” she said. Traveling further is freshman business major Allison Krauska. “I am going to Mexico on a mission trip with my church here, Central Baptist,” she said. “I get to make an impact for something so much bigger than I am. Sharing God by serving is the best way I can think to spend my spring break.” Also hoping to make a difference in someone’s life over the week is senior nutritional science major Kristen Danklefs. Danklefs is traveling with Living Hope Church to Gressier, Haiti for earthquake relief purposes. “We’re going to love on the people there and to help them rebuild not only their buildings, but their lives in an area that has been wrecked with poverty before the earthquake hit,” Danklefs said.
ber onto the bottom of their bicycle and use a U-bolt lock to lock their bicycle to the bicycle rack then run a cable lock through both tires,” Hosea said. The department reports show 14 bi“Your answering cycles were stodevice message len in January should never and 11 stolen in indicate that February, four you are not of which were home. Always stolen from use plural nouns West Campus even if you live Garage. alone. “ Hosea said as the semester -Officer Kristi comes to a close, backpack thefts Hosea increase. “There are those out there who are more than willing to sell your books back for you even if you haven’t finished studying for finals yet,” she said.
in Juarez by going every year, with the exception of 2009 and this coming year due to turmoil in Mexico. This year, the mission is partnering with the Houston-based international disaster response organization Christian Alliance for Humanitarian Aid to help retrofit mobile medical clinics to send to Haiti, as well as distribute food to Houston and Galveston’s homeless. Christian Alliance has 14 shipping containers, including some used in the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, awaiting refurbishing for use in Haiti. After undergoing insulation, plumbing and electric wiring these clinics are crafted to become two medical exam rooms and one dental station, with air conditioning and a power generator. “In Haiti or in Chile when they have all these wounded people they are pulling out of rubble that need help and the hospital collapsed, too, they can take them to these mobile medical clinics and get them the help that they need,” Miller said. Members will be cleaning containers, painting the outside, constructing inside walls, making any necessary repairs to floor or wall damage and stock-
ing it with medical supplies and food. They will also add a water filtration unit on the outside of the container for clean water and doing the necessary inventory work will to prepare it to get through customs. Christian Alliance board chairman Frances Stokely said she is thankful for the work students give spring break up to do. “They will be helping us by providing a lot of man power to actually get our clinics out to Haiti,” Stokely said. “We are looking forward to having the Aggies come and I think it’s going to be a great weekend for them.” Cantrell said while they may be giving up time, they are not giving up any of the fun. “I don’t think there is any kind of loss of a good time. You get a group of college students together it is going to be fun,” she said. Out of the 40 students attending this year, vice president of AIM Kyle Egan said about half of the attendees are AIM members and the other half heard about the trip. Cantrell said many people who go on the trips either become members or consistently go on other spring break trips with the mission. “It’s a really cool thing when Aggies go together and serve people together. It creates a really special, really interesting atmosphere. Once you are a part of it you want it continually,” Cantrell said. Egan was one such example. After joining AIM on a shortterm winter mission trip, he later decided to become part of the organization and has been a member and officer since. Egan said the joy of serving is his reason for spending a spring break in service. “I really think that personally I get a lot more joy out of being able to help someone else who really needs help rather than going on a beach and basically just hanging out with friends,” said Egan, a senior health major. Cantrell said mission work is an eye-opening experience about what the other parts of the world look like, which can include places from your backyard in Houston or as far as Mexico.
3/9/10 10:13 PM
Men’s Big 12 tournament thebattalion 3.10.2010 page5
Face it: this team is good Y
es, that was A&M on Monday, rooted to the spot in the rankings. No movement in either. No publicity. Nothing. Just the No. 12 RPI and a lot of quiet momentum. The disrespect isn’t new. It’s Beau Holder boorishly common. It’s often in the conference and knows frustrating. It seems groundless. when and how to take over. And it’s welcome. It’s fuel. Junior guard B.J. Holmes, All the Aggies have to do is when hot, can shoot other keep winning to leave those teams out of the building. doubts behind. We shouldn’t Even further, forget the care what the talking heads and players themselves. This is the the national pundits and ESPN second-best defensive team in think or say. the conference behind Kansas. But what the team’s fans The Aggies finished second to think counts for something. last in turnovers per game. They And you should think this ranked third in both threeteam is really good, because point and field goal percentage they are. allowed. They play smart Don’t look at the rankings. Don’t even At this point and are driven. They have their demons, look at the RPI. in the season, namely 3-point and All you need to this Aggie team free throw shootknow is this Aggie looks like it ing, but tend to team is resilient can play with make up for those and remarkably anybody. deficiencies by suffoefficient in almost cating the other team. every area of the game. They play with passion. Its senior leadership is unmatched — guard Donald Sloan They are not complete, but they’re very good. Better than is cerebral and unflappable and leads by example; forward Bryan No. 23. Better than people seem to think. Davis is demonstrative and The point of this? upbeat and leads with emotion; The Texas Aggies tied for guard Derrick Roland donates second in the Big 12. They his wisdom and quiet strength. They have pushed this team to a ended Missouri’s 32-game level of chemistry and teamwork home winning streak. They didn’t trail for a single minute that transcends the idea of “talof regulation in two games ent.” What does it matter how against Texas and nearly swept “talented” certain outfits are? Baylor. They almost beat KanThe idea is to come together as a group to achieve a sum greater sas; they should have beaten Kansas; they can beat Kansas. than the parts. Have any teams Time and time again this done that better than the Agteam rises to the occasion to gies? How has the “talent” level prove there is something about worked out for Texas, North them, some quality or skill that Carolina and Connecticut? can’t be defined that just makes What A&M lacks in size them better — better than in the post, it makes up for expected, better than the stats with Davis’ constant drive and show and often better than their rebounding, junior forward opponent. Maybe it’s Turgeon. David Loubeau’s ever-improvMaybe it’s D-Ro. Maybe it’s ing play and freshman forward Sloan. It’s something. Ray Turner’s athleticism and Don’t think this team can’t instant impact. The Aggies win the Big 12 Tournament. outrebounded opponents in 21 The Ags didn’t get the most of their 30 games this year. favorable draw, but has someOn the perimeter, sophothing so trivial as adversity ever more Dash Harris is one of the really bothered them? more underrated point guards You can choose not to bein the conference. He runs lieve in them, but the odds are Head Coach Mark Turgeon’s they’ll prove you wrong. offense with precision and is continually developing into an exceptional perimeter defender. Sloan is one of the best scorers
Beau Holder is a freshman English major.
Sophomore forward David Loubeau and the Aggies will play either Missouri or Nebraska Thursday in Kansas City.
Wednesday-Saturday Sprint Center Kansas City, Mo.
Evan Andrews— THE BATTALION
Aggies look to make a run A&M begins tournament against either Missouri or Nebraska T.D. Durham The Battalion The Texas A&M men’s basketball team has never won the Big 12 Championship tournament. In the Aggies’ 2006-2007 season, the squad was led by Head Coach Billy Gillespie and senior guard Acie Law IV to a second place finish in the Big 12 standings, but A&M was defeated in its first Big 12 tournament game that year by Oklahoma State, 57-56. This season, seeded fourth in the tournament, the Aggies have a chance to become the first team in the history of the conference to win the tournament without being a No. 3 seed or higher. Senior guard and leader Donald Sloan, who was recently awarded first team All-Big 12 honors, said he has had high hopes for the team’s chances in the tournament since the beginning of the season. “It’s another goal that I set — to at least get to the semi-finals,” Sloan said. “Last year, we fell really short — losing the first game without a bye. This year, I feel like our chances our good.” After finishing in the Top-4 in conference, A&M will face its first action on Thursday, against the winner of the Nebraska and Missouri game. A&M Head Coach Mark Turgeon said the tournament site in Kansas City will produce mixed feelings for his team. “Obviously, there are going to be too many northern colors
in that building,” Turgeon said. “But we’ve had some success there. There are a lot of positives.” This season, the Aggies pulled out victories against both Big 12 opponents, including a road win against the Tigers to snap a 32game home win streak. After losing to A&M, Missouri has gone 6-3, including a home win over Texas on Feb. 17. Nebraska finished in last place in the Big 12 standings this season with a 2-14 conference record. Sophomore guard B.J. Holmes said the bye the Aggies secured by finishing second in the Big 12 comes at a great time for his team. “Last year, we had to leave Tuesday and play Wednesday,” Holmes said. “Rest is important. It’s a little better to have a day off and go up there ready for either Nebraska or Missouri.” For the Aggies, senior forward Bryan Davis pulled down double-digit rebounds in five out of the last seven games and was named to the All-Big 12 Defensive team for his work this season. Davis said A&M is prepared to win the Big 12 tournament. “We have a real good team, from top to bottom,” Davis said. “The way we’ve been playing lately has been pretty good, and I still don’t think that we’ve played the best that we can play yet. I think we have a good opportunity to go out there and win the tournament.”
Photos by Jonny Green— THE BATTALION
Senior guard Donald Sloan was named to the All-Big 12 First Team after averaging 18.3 points per game during conference play, good for fifth in the Big 12.
Turgeon cementing his place in Aggie lore I
n the spirit of the Lenten season, I’ve been taking the time of late to count my many blessings: my friendships, my family, my health, my flawless hair, etc., etc. You get the drift. Well, last night, I decided the time was right to kneel down and thank my lucky stars for granting me — and the whole of Aggieland — the presence of one Mark Turgeon. Let me first admit one thing. I was skeptical when the little-known coach from Wichita State — the Shockers? Really? — was handed the keys to this refurbished program Billy Clyde Gillespie had literally resurrected from the dead (again with the Lenten theme). I remained skeptical and downright critical of the job Turge did in his first two years, which included gaudy, glamorous regular seasons followed by second-round NCAA disappointments. Now, don’t get me wrong here, I liked Turgeon. Just not as much as I loved Gillespie — man-crush alert — and longed for his presence. But now, after year three, all that’s really left to say is “Billy, who?” In what has been his coming out party, Tur-
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David Harris geon has surpassed Gillespie in Aggie basketball literacy. In forming a connection with the student body and fan base, Turgeon has done what his predecessor could not in gaining the admiration and respect of his peers. In doing the best coaching job in the Big 12 — and in the country, for that matter — Turge has supplanted himself in College Station for the long haul. The adversity he has led this Aggie team through was ostensibly insurmountable. Think about it. Prior to the season, center Chinemelu Elonu bolted unexpectedly for the NBA Draft leaving the Aggies Ashley Olsen-thin on the inside.
And to make matters worse, incoming freshmen is more than evident. It’s obvious. They play tough, gritty basketball every time out. They play Kourtney Roberson and Ray Turner — both hard-nosed, suffocating defense that pesters and big men — had some trouble qualifying, with frustrates opposing offenses. They get after it on Turner finally joining the team at midseason. the glass like rabid banshees with a lineup that Oh, and I almost forgot about Dec. 22, when isn’t going to be mistaken for as large. a gruesome, horrific, *insert grotesque adjecEach player on the team knows their tive here* leg injury took Turgeon’s role to a tee. They have total trust best defender and senior leader out in each other and it shows in the for the season. Turgeon has complete, cohesive basketball they At that point, the derailment of made Aggies display every time they step on the the 2010 season seemed inevitable. forget about court. And understandable. the days of Billy Lastly, but most importantly, Yet somehow, A&M sits tied for Gillespie. they just win. second in the hardest conference in With the calendar having turned to the land. Somehow, the Aggies have March, this Aggie team’s place in history the pieces in place to make their deepest will soon be determined. And if they contournament run in the history of the program. Somehow, the 2010 season has been more special, tinue to mimic one of the best head coaches this program has ever seen, they’ll soon be cemententertaining and unforgettable than anybody — ing their place in A&M lore — and Aggie hearts even the largest of sunshine pumpers — ever everywhere. could have imagined. And for that, we owe the suited man on the sidelines a hug. And kiss … er David Harris is a junior economics major and mugging. sports editor. Turgeon’s identity and imprint on this squad
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news thebattalion
page 7 wednesday 3.10.2010
‘I do’ in DC: Same-sex couples wed in Washington WASHINGTON — One bride wore a black suit, the other had on a white one with rhinestones. They walked down the aisle to Billy Joel’s “Just the Way You Are” and kissed after the pastor pronounced them “legally married.” The Rev. Darlene Garner, 61, and the Rev. Candy Holmes, 53, were among the first samesex couples to marry in Washington on Tuesday, when the district became the sixth place in the country to conduct the unions. “You have been in love, and you have recognized it all along. But today, the love that you have recognized in your heart is recognized by the District of Columbia,” the Rev. Dwayne Johnson told the couple. “Equality and justice for all now includes us,” Garner said after the ceremony. Both she and Holmes are leaders in the Metropolitan Community Churches, a group of Christian churches that primarily serve the gay and lesbian community. The district joins Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont as places that issue same-sex couples marriage licenses. Garner and Holmes were one of three couples married at the office of the Human Rights Campaign, which does advocacy work on gay, lesbian and transgender issues. In the other ceremonies, Reggie Stanley and Rocky Galloway married and then carried their 16-month-old twin daughters down the aisle, and Angelisa Young and Sinjoyla Townsend hugged and smiled after being declared “partners in life this day and for always.” “All of us have responsibilities to ensure the success of this joint endeavor,” said the Rev. David North, who married Townsend and Young. He asked guests to “respect the life path that they choose together” and “commit to loving them.” “I accept this charge,” the guests responded. About 100 guests stayed for the three ceremonies. A cellist played, arrangements of yellow chrysanthemums, roses and carnations flanked the stage, and cream and gray programs announced the couples’ names along with: “Congratulations to the couples on this historic day.” About 150 couples were eligible to pick up marriage licenses after applying last week. Many of them stood in line March 3 at the marriage bureau of the district’s Moultrie Courthouse for four or more hours. Like all couples, they had to wait three business days for their licenses to be processed. By the time the marriage bureau closed Tuesday, 42 couples had returned to pick up their licenses. At least a dozen couples married and returned the licenses the same day. Couples do have 10 days to return their licenses after they have been married, so more couples may have
ASB Continued from page 1
“Alternative Spring Break is not only a service trip, but a cultural experience,” Heyen said. “It gives students the opportunity to become immersed in different cultures around the nation, even internationally, while giving back to the community through service.” Heyen also said the organization was a testament to A&M’s quest to give back. “Not only have I gained numerous friendships from being a part of ASB, but my knowledge of social justices and leadership skills has been enriched,” Heyen said. “The mission of
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says THANKS to the DZ’s and Ol’ Ags. Isaiah’s Place is a retreat and learning center for the deaf of Texas located in Whitney TX. We have been honored and humbled by the participation of two student organizations from A&M. The Old Army Gentlemen’s Society- Ol’ AGS, and the Delta Zeta Lambda XI-DZS. The DZS have given countless service hours, funds, and program items to our facility. The success of “Run To The Chicken” was amazing. Everyone who helped with that event and participated in the run made that success possible for IP. The Ol’ AGS travel to Isaiah’s Place at least once or twice a year and spend 100’s of man hours working on facilities, projects, and grounds that are necessary for the program and operations for a country facility such as our 40 acres. They also have supported IP with their generous funding. Isaiah’s Place staff and Board of Directors are proud to be served by your students (and alumni) who are members of these organizations. And we think all Aggies should be proud of these two excellent examples of the giving Aggie Spirit.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Sinjoyla Townsend, left, and Angelisa Young smile at the crowd as they are married by Rev. David K. North, center, on Tuesday, the first day that gay marriage is legal in Washington, D.C. actually tied the knot. Couples plans for ceremonies varied. District residents Eva Townsend and Shana McDavisConway, planned to marry immediately at a ceremony by their plot in a community garden, where they’ve grown carrots and potatoes. Others said they would be joined over the next several weeks and months. A large number — many of whom had held previous ceremonies — planned to marry at the city’s courthouse. Normally, the courthouse hosts four to six weddings a day, but over the next several weeks, officials are expecting 10 to 12 per day because of the demand for same-sex ceremonies. Rebecca and Delia Taylor picked up their license Tuesday morning and a minister friend immediately married them outside the courthouse. The couple said they long ago exchanged rings and considered themselves married. Still, they were grinning after picking up their certificate inside the courthouse. “We’ve referred to each other as wives,” Rebecca Taylor said. “It’s just a legal document, so if anything happens to one of us, we have rights.”
Spring 2010 Informational
Join us for a casual meet and greet experience! Tuesday, March 23rd at 6pm Wings-N-More Party Room 1803 Deacon Drive, College Station, TX Dress: Business Casual RSVP Information: Taylor Reed 979-595-2600 x 71076 or Taylor_Reed@reyrey.com -ORYou can log-on to careercenter.tamu.edu and RSVP online Please RSVP by March 22nd, 2010
Associated Press
Shooting charges depend on suspect recovery DALLAS — Dallas police say charges against a former city attorney accused of shooting a father and son inside their financial business are on hold because the accused gunman isn’t expected to survive. Police say Robert Mustard shot himself in the head after shooting the others Monday. The 60-year-old was in intensive care Tuesday. Police Sr. Cpl. Kevin Janse says aggravated assault charges won’t be filed if Mustard dies. Police say Mustard
isaiah’s place
turned the gun on himself after shooting 66-year-old Richard Smith and 39-year-old Christopher Smith. Richard Smith was shot four times in the legs. His son was shot in the head and neck. Both remained hospitalized but stable Tuesday. Authorities believe Mustard was upset about financial dealings. Mustard worked for the city in the 1980s.
Play Better In The Corporate Sandbox.
Associated Press
ASB truly exemplifies A&M’s dedication to service, diversity and leadership.” Rachel Bishop, a senior biology major and the marketing executive for ASB, said she believes the group should be present at every university. “Alternative spring break is an organization, in my opinion, that should be on every college campus,” Bishop said. “Our mission is to educate our fellow college students to the social injustices around us, help cultivate those students into leaders, so that we all become active citizens throughout our lives.”
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3/9/10 9:54 PM
Save the date T
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nothing more than a difference in values, with those emphasizing Christianity, tradition or the vernacular standard facing off against others who place a greater emphasis on cultural sensitivity and mutual respect. “Some shared way of reckoning time is a necessity,” said Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the U.N. “The Christian Era has become the Common Era.” But does that mean we should no longer call it the Christian Era in English? Language is a foundational part of the culture from which it originates. It would be ridiculous for Hebrew speakers to assert they are living “In the year of the Lord, 2010,” because the majority of Hebrew speakers do not believe that Messiah has come. ““西暦(seireki) means ‘Western Calendar,’” Adam Bechtold said Kazue Kurokawa, Japanese lecturer at A&M. “But we have our own calendar as well, clearly a cultural struggle rooted in the perone based on the emperors.” sonal views of differing camps. The B.C. and Christianity has not played the historiA.D. system has been the standard for more cal role in Japanese that it has in English, so than a millennium in the English language. it’s only logical Japan has conformed to the A departure from any standard is always a world’s standard while retaining their heritage. conscious decision, and one that strongly Similarly English speakers should be allowed expresses a view on the old method. to keep the traditional B.C. and A.D. without Nearly everyone uses B.C. or A.D. by feeling any ethnocentric guilt. default, without a full understanding of what It’s asinine to imagine everyone in the it means. world believes the same, but it’s ridiculous “Doesn’t B.C. means Before Christ and A.D. and degrading to tip-toe around the world in After Death?” said Samantha Johnson, a sophoconstant fear of the hypothetical offenses your more business major. own culture might have on another. Using the Few people are trying to make a religious nomenclature B.C. and A.D. is an acknowlstatement when they name dates, edgement of an integral and inescapable part they are simply naming dates, of the culture of the English language, not Altering B.C. using the standard for their lanan evangelistic movement. I’ve had both and A.D. is guage. I don’t personally count atheist and Jewish professors who used unnecessary myself a worshipper of Thor B.C. and A.D.; most people are far more and damaging thick-skinned and tolerant to the abbreor Frigg, but the day they try to replace Thursday or Friday to our culture. viation methods of other cultures than we with “Fifthday” and “Sixthday,” give them credit for. Happy Woden’s Day, I’ll be writing that article too. written in the year of the Lord, 2010. When someone suggests changing to B.C.E. and C.E., they begin to assign value to our Adam Bechtold is a senior English major. dating system. At this point the debate becomes
he letters “B.C.E.” or “C.E.” are scribed next to dates in textbooks, magazines or museums more and more. This transformation from the traditional B.C. and A.D., though seemingly insignificant, reflects an intentional shift in academia toward political correctness. But the offenses caused by B.C. and A.D. are largely imagined, and the new nomenclature fundamentally fails to eliminate Christocentrism. Before Christ and Anno Domini is the brainchild of Dionysius Exiguus, a sixth-century monk who was looking to get away from the contemporary calendar based on Diocletian, the Roman emperor who initiated the Great Persecution. Exiguus’ system did not soar to immediate prominence. There were other dating eras in use for centuries before and after, some counting from the creation of the world and others from the founding of Rome, but as the world became increasingly connected, his system became the Christian and then global standard. But some are uncomfortable with a pluralistic world basing time on the founder of a particular religion. Answering the call against Christocentrism, B.C.E. and C.E. came to the rescue. Thank deity, because it was about to get messy. However, the origins of B.C.E. and C.E. aren’t quite as clear. Aside from a smattering of isolated occurrences of the term “vulgaris” (“common” in Latin), B.C.E. and C.E. was first documented in 1856 in a post-biblical history of the Jewish people. Recently academia began using B.C.E. and C.E., removing the reference to Jesus and his lordship. Today many groups opt to use B.C.E. and C.E only, including the Smithsonian Institution and the College Board. Even every college student’s best friend, Wikipedia, uses BCE and CE as the standard in articles that are not Christian-specific. Though some say the shift is necessary for the sake of cultural sensitivity, but the change is superfluous as B.C.E. and C.E. are still based on the birth of Christ. The debate is
voices
Tiffany Tran — THE BATTALION
MAILCALL
From Robert Dowdall, junior agriculture economics major
I’d like to congratulate all the students who voted to support the green fund for effectively wasting our money for the sake of “going green.” This new “green fund” will comprise of nearly $150,000 in student fees, and is aimed to support nothing in particular. That’s right, we have no idea what this slush fund is going to benefit, and most likely it will not be the students. We could have donated this money to something worthwhile, like CARPOOL. They could have bought a fleet of cars to give us rides home. Or better yet, a fleet of hybrid cars, so we could all feel like we’ve “gone green,” which is truly an exhilarating thought. Is the student body going to have any actual input into what the money is going toward? Most likely not. It’s sad to see the students contributing so much to something that they will receive very little for.
MAILCALL GUESTCOLUMNS
Make your opinion known by submitting Mail Call or guest columns to The Battalion. Mail call must be fewer than 200 words and include the author’s name, classification, major and phone number. Staff and faculty must include title. Guest columns must be fewer than 700 words. All submissions should focus on issues not personalities, become property of The Battalion and are subject to editing for style, clarity and space concerns. Anonymous letters will be read, but not printed. The Battalion will print only one letter per author per month. Direct all correspondence to: Editor in chief of The Battalion (979) 845-3315 | mailcall@thebatt.com
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