thebattalionasks
Q:
What would be your
dream job?
thebattalion ● monday,
Daisy Gonzalez sophomore general studies major
april 5, 2010
● serving
texas a&m since 1893
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2010 student media
Whoop ‘Up’
“I am not sure where but I guess traveling the world, and working for different companies.”
Josh Polano junior kinesiology major
GLBT awareness week kicks off The organization Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Aggies are having GLBT Awareness Week Today through Friday. “It is a celebration we hold every week in April that commemorates the court decision to allow GLBT to be recognized as a student organization at Texas A&M,” said Lowell Kane, adviser of GLBT. Throughout the week, GLBT will be having a number of events open to the student body to raise awareness. “First and foremost it is to promote education and awareness about GLBT and ALLY and to promote equity and understanding,” Kane said.
◗ Resource tables, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, Academic Plaza. ◗ Evening of the Arts, 7 p.m. Today., READ 263.
◗ The Coming Out Monologues, 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, ILSB Auditorium. “If I could play athletics for the rest of my life, yeah, that would definitely be my dream job.”
◗ “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” by Lt. Dan Choi, 7 p.m. Thursday, Rudder Theatre. ◗ Club Halo Gender Bender Ball, 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Vicky Flores, city editor
Jose Cespedes
Former students receive Oscar for Best Animated Film
junior mechanical engineering major
“I want to be working on turbines, maybe somewhere on the coast somewhere with an oil company for sure.”
Blake Skrhak freshman electrical engineering major
“I guess a job where I can do what I enjoy, like working at a power plant.” Evan Andrews — THE BATTALION
Walter Briggs freshman chemistry major
Brandi Tevebaugh The Battalion Balloons and a sense of adventure sent the Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios film “Up” soaring into the Oscars with five nominations and a win for Best Animated Feature Film. Eighteen Aggies were part of the Pixar team that made the film possible. “For the first time since ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ an animated film was nominated for the Best Picture,” said Patrick James, who graduated with his bachelor’s in environmental design in 1996 and his master’s in visualization sciences in 1998. “It’s
a huge honor to be nominated as Best Picture and as Best Animated Feature, that’s a big deal around here.” “Up” made more the $700 million at the box office and was the only computer-generated film nominated for Best Animated Feature. It was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Original Score, Sound Editing and Best Original Screenplay. Director Pete Doctor accepted the award on behalf of his studio and animation team March 7. “It’s strange the connection that Texas A&M has to the feature film animation industry and
“If I could have my dream job it would be an airline pilot; no specific company, I just like flying.”
See Oscar on page 8
Aggies can take active part in student government Students wanting to take an active role in the 20102011 Student Government Association can apply for a position on the executive council. “If you want to make a difference on this campus for students, this is the front lines,” said incoming Student Body President Jacob Robinson. “We are going to be doing great and tangible things for the student body and for Texas A&M as a whole.” Open positions include executive vice president, chief of staff, student advocate for academic affairs, student advocate for student services, diversity commissioner, legislative relations commissioner, development commissioner and election commissioner. Interviews for executive vice president and chief of staff will be Friday and April 12. Interviews for the remainder of the positions will be April 20-26. “The exec staff this next year is crucial,” Robinson said. “We have very important things facing students and we need great people to help lead the effort in making sure students are well represented. I am so excited about the team and the plans I have for them.” To access the applications, go to http://sga.tamu.edu/ ExecCouncilApplications. Applications should be turned in by 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Koldus Building. Melissa Appel, staff writer
Community commemorates friend, teacher Xiaoging Zhang accounting graduate student
“My dream job … I hope I can be hired by an accounting firm to be an auditor.”
Vicky Flores and Megan Ryan — THE BATTALION
Pg. 1-04.05.10.indd 1
■ Professor Jeff Conant’s family, students and co-workers attend concert in tribute to his life, work How to help Donate to Project Conant by mailing a check to Theresa Morrison at 4112 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843.
Robert Carpenter The Battalion More than 500 faculty, students and community members converged at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheatre Friday to enjoy the music of Granger Smith, class of 2002, and to honor Jeff Conant, former professor at Mays Business School. The crowd took seats on the hill around the stage wearing turquoise “Project Conant” shirts, which acted as tickets to the event. The proceeds from ticket sales and donations were given to the Project Conant foundation and the Dr. Jeffrey S. Conant Memorial Scholar-
ship Fund. The breezy spring evening’s mood was light as fans cheered and sang along to favorites such as “We Bleed Maroon” and “Gypsy Rain.” Those in the crowd said it was a “bittersweet event.” “When you think about someone who has passed away, [this event] is a joyous kind of affair. I don’t know, it’s kind of hard for me to explain,” said Bryan resident Tom Curtis. In addition to the music, the evening featured a message delivered by the pastor of the Conant Conant family’s church, First United Methodist of Bryan. Lisa Burton, one of Conant’s graduate students and chairwoman for Project Conant, said church and community members volunteered for the event as a response See Conant on page 4
this day in
US
history April 5, 1614 Pocahontas, daughter of the chief of the Powhatan Indian confederacy, marries English tobacco planter John Rolfe in Jamestown, Va. The marriage ensured peace between the settlers and the Powhatan Indians.
4/4/10 8:48 PM
1
“Your One Stop Fun Spot”
FREE $5 Grand Buck Player’s Card when you present this ad. Can be used for
Y L L U F PED P I U EQ
Q-Drop deadline
The deadline for all students to drop courses with no penalty (Q-drop) is 5 p.m. Tuesday.
3
Strengths Round 2
The workshop, “Strengths Round 2: Strengths and Pop Culture” will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday in Koldus 144. The workshop helps students learn to better identify strengths by using the TV show, “The Office.”
3
Parking permits
Online registration for parking permits begins Wednesday. Registrations must be completed by July 13. More information is available at http://transport. tamu.edu
Laser Tag, Miniature Golf and Video Games Limit one coupon per person per visit. Not good with any other offers or specials. Expires 04/30/10
Today mostly cloudy High: 81 Low: 66
Game Room • Sports Bar • Food Court www.grandstationent.com (979) 696-1100 2400 Earl Rudder Freeway College Station, Texas 77840 (South of Post Oak Mall across from Gander Mountain)
courtesy of NOAA
Tuesday breezy high: 81 low: 68 Wednesday 40% chance of storms high: 78 low: 48 Thursday sunny high: 71 low: 44
pagetwo
thebattalion 04.05.2010 For daily updates go to thebatt.com ● Facebook ● Twitter@thebattonline Week 11
The week of April 4 - April 8
Acct 209 Acct 230 Chem 102 Chem 107 Econ 203 Edwardson Econ 203 Nelson Finc 341 Finc 409 Geog 202
Mgmt 211 Phys 208 Pols 207 Ilderton
Pt 4&Tst Rvw Sun Apr 11 6pm-10pm Pt 4&Tst Rvw Mon Apr 12 6pm-10pm Pt 4&TstRvw Thu Apr 8 4pm-7pm Part 4 of 4 Wed Apr 7 7pm-9pm
Part 3 of 4 Wed Apr 7 4pm-7pm Part 3 of 4 Wed Apr 7 4pm-7pm
Part 4 of 4 Sun Apr 11 2pm-5pm Part 4 of 4 Sun Apr 11 2pm-5pm
Part 2 of 4 Wed Apr 7 7pm-10pm Part 2 of 4 Thu Apr 8 10pm-1am Part 2 of 4 Tue Apr 6 5pm-7pm Part 2 of 4 Mon Apr 5 7pm-9pm Part 2 of 2 Mon Apr 12 2pm-5pm Part 2 of 2 Tue Apr 13 7pm-10pm Part 2 of 4 Tue Apr 6 10pm-1am Part 2 of 4 Tue Apr 6 10pm-1am
Part 1 of 4 Sun Apr 4 10pm-1am
Part 2 of 4 Mon Apr 5 11pm-1am
Part 3 of 4 Tue Apr 6 11pm-1am
Pt 4 & Tst Rvw Wed Apr 7 11pm-2am
Times online now Times online now Magn Forces Mon Apr 5 9pm-11pm Ilderton Rvw Sun Apr 4 9pm-12am
Magn Fields Tue Apr 6 9pm-11pm Dixon Packet Times online now
Induction Wed Apr 7 9pm-11pm
Inductors Thu Apr 8 10pm-1am
Math 251 Mgmt 209
Part 3 of 4 Thu Apr 8 7pm-10pm Part 3 of 4 Sun Apr 11 10pm-1am Part 3 of 4 Wed Apr 7 5pm-7pm Part 3 of 4 Tue Apr 6 7pm-9pm
Part 1 of 4 Tue Apr 6 7pm-10pm Part 1 of 4 Wed Apr 7 10pm-1am Part 1 of 4 Mon Apr 5 5pm-7pm Part 1 of 4 Sun Apr 4 7pm-10pm Part 1 of 2 Thu Apr 8 4pm-7pm Part 1 of 2 Sun Apr 11 11am-2pm Part 1 of 4 Mon Apr 5 7pm-10pm Part 1 of 4 Mon Apr 5 7pm-10pm Times online now
Errant text to police leads to drug arrests
Sky’s the limit
PINE PLAINS, N.Y. — An errant text message is costing three New York drug-dealing suspects dearly. Police say the suspects made a mistake when trying to text a potential buyer and instead reached a task force agent in Dutchess County, about 50 miles north of New York City. The three were arrested after arranging a meeting with the agent, who pretended to be the buyer. Associated Press Screenshot
Tickets go on sale Sunday at 3:00 p.m. 4.0 & Go is located on the corner of SW Pkwy and Tx Ave, behind KFC next to Lacks and Bourbon Sreet Bar.
Check our web page at http://www.4.0andGo.com or call 696-8886(TUTOR) .
thebattalion THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893
Amanda Casanova, Editor in Chief Jill Beathard, Managing Editor Matt Woolbright, Asst. Managing Editor Vicky Flores, City Editor Ian McPhail, Opinion Editor
howtoapply If you are interested in writing or contributing content in The Battalion apply at thebatt.com, or call 845-3313. No previous journalism experience is necessary.
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.
In this video screenshot, Evan Andrews, a junior English major, skydives in a tandem jump with an instructor on Saturday in Lexington, Texas to celebrate his 21st birthday.
Police: Notre Dame recruit ‘drunk’ on fatal fall CINCINNATI — A “drunk and belligerent” 17-year-old Notre Dame football recruit was killed in a fall from a fifth-floor hotel balcony during his senioryear spring break in Florida, authorities said Saturday. James Matt James died Friday around 6:30 p.m. at the Days Inn Motel in Panama City Beach. Police said he was dead when officers arrived. “It appears to be a tragic accident,” Panama City Beach police Maj. David Humphreys said. James’ former teammates at St. Xavier High School gathered for a
private prayer service in the school’s chapel, mourning the second death of an athlete this school year. James, an all-state offensive lineman, had been the first top signing for new Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly. James was part of a group of about 40 St. Xavier students and a half-dozen parents on the trip. “Witnesses and friends indicate he had become drunk and belligerent,” Humphreys said. “He had leaned over the balcony rail, was shaking his finger at the people in the next room over. He fell over.” Associated Press
Megan Keyho, Lifestyles Editor David Harris, Sports Editor Evan Andrews, Graphics Chief Megan Ryan, Video/Photo Chief
STAFF MEMBERS CITY – Nathan Alsbrooks, Melissa Appel, Robert Carpenter, Megan Clark, Samantha Johnson, Travis Lawson, Ann Littmann, Katy Ralston, Laura Sanchez, Brandi Tevebaugh LIFESTYLES –Nancy Barrera, Rebecca Bennett, Long Dao, Anthony Gerhart, Clay Harley, Stephen Humeniuk, Logan Nichols, Joe Terrell, Angela Washeck, Logan Westerman, Lorelei Willet SPORTS – Brad Cox, Kyle Cunningham, T.D. Durham, Patrick Hayslip, Beau Holder, Courtney Nelson, Michael Sullivan, Mike Teague OPINION – Cole Allen, Adam Bechtold, Camaryn Bolton, James Cavin, Steven Laxton
COPY – Rachel Latham, Meagan O’Toole-Pitts, Julie Rambin, Jason Staggs, Tracey Wallace WEBMASTER – Liying Wang GRAPHICS – Merid Haile, Osa Okundaye, Tiffany Tran PHOTO – Nick Badger, April Baltensperger, Jonny Green, Jeramie Heflin, Doug Klembara, Jeremy Northum, Natasha Sankovich, Sam Smith, J.D. Swiger, Jessica Szeto, Ben Williamson ADVERTISING –Marcus Eason, Karla Ellis, Luke Finch, Anthony Gerhart, Ashley Gonzales, Adam McDonald, Dustin Neu, Dusty Oney, Garrett Phillips, Kylee Young.
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: 979845-2647; E-mail: metro@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising, call 979-845-2696. For classified advertising, call 979-845-0569. Advertising offices are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fax: 979-845-2678. Subscriptions: A part of the Student Services Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1. Mail subscriptions are $125 per school year. To charge by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, call 979-845-2613.
Pg. 2-04.05.10.indd 1
UIF!LJET!LMVC!bgufs.tdippm!qsphsbn!jt!OPX!IJSJOH!gps!uif!Gbmm!(21!tfnftufs"""
Bsf!zpv!bwbjmbcmf!Npoebz!uisv!Gsjebz-!3;56qn!up!7;26qn@ Bsf!zpvs!sfbez!up!nblf!%9/11!.!%9/86!)cbtfe!po!fyqfsjfodf*!qfs!ipvs@!! Jg!zpv!botxfsfe!zft-!xf!nbz!ibwf!uif!kpc!gps!zpv"!
Bmm!nbkpst!fodpvsbhfe!up!bqqmz/ !Bqqmjdbujpot!bsf!bwbjmbcmf!bu!
Ljet!Lmvc!Qsphsbn!Pggjdf-!3724!Ufybt!Bwfovf!)XN!Ljoh!Dpmf*!¦! :8:.875.4942 Npoebz.Gsjebz!:bn.4qn ps!pomjof!bu;!xxx/dtuy/hpw0ljetlmvc Bqqmjdbujpo!efbemjof;!Bqsjm!27-!311:!bu!4qn!!¦!!Tubgg!nvtu!cf!bwbjmbcmf!gps! usbjojoh!Bvhvtu!27ui!boe!fnqmpznfou!up!dpoujovf!uispvhi!Efdfncfs!28ui-!3121
Dpmmfhf!Tubujpo!JTE!jt!bo!Frvbm!Pqqpsuvojuz!Fnqmpzfs/
4/4/10 6:14 PM
things you should know
5 before you go Asian Heritage Month
1
Asian Heritage Month is celebrated in April. There will be events around campus to raise awareness about Asian culture. For a list of events visit http://dms. tamu.edu/AHM2010.
2
Silver Taps
Silver Taps will be held for all the currently enrolled Aggies who have died in the past month from 10:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday in the Academic Plaza.
3
Farmers market
Fresh fruits and vegetables will be sold from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday in front of Sbisa Dining Hall.
4
Band concert
University Symphonic Band and Concert Band will perform at 7 p.m. Friday at the Bryan Civic Auditoruim to beneďŹ t “Honor Flight,â€? an effort to assist in transporting World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., to view monuments.
Opera comes to OPAS
Rebecca Bennett
Asian culture day trip
5
The Department of Multicultural Services will have the third Cultural Day Trip April 17 to Asian cultural attractions in the Houston area. Registration deadline is April 13. Visit http://dms.tamu.edu/ daytrip/2010asian for more information.
A
lthough OPAS is no longer an actual  acronym, the Tuesday performance by renowned mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade and bass-baritone Samuel Ramey is reminiscent of the days of the Opera and Performing Arts Society. The duo will perform classical opera solos and duets, as well as a number of more light-hearted selections from Broadway.
“This performance highlights von Stade and Ramey’s exemplary voices. They are superstars of opera and anyone with an appreciation for classically trained voices is in for a treat,� said Elizabeth Melton, student committee chairwoman for OPAS and a senior English major. Ramey, who has the distinction of being the most recorded bass in history, has performed to sold-out audiences in opera houses across the U.S. and Europe. Among numerous accomplishments, he has won three Grammy awards and appeared in multiple TV programs, such as PBS’ “Live from the Met.� Question How did you begin working with Frederica von Stade? Answer Well, we’ve been friends for a long time, probably for more than 35 years. We’ve sung operas together, and have the same agent, so the whole thing sort of fell into
thebattalion 04.05.2010 page3
scene
Renowned singer shares experiences, says opera is ultimate art form
place and we’ve had some great performances in the past few years. We’ve really enjoyed working together.
The Battalion
b!
Question The two of you include a variety of genres in your repertoire; what are some of your favorite songs to perform? Answer We each do a section of things we’re more well known for on the opera stage, but we also do some classic American pieces, which I really enjoy. For example, we do some pieces by Gershwin and also some by Cole Porter. I’ve always loved the songs of Cole Porter; he’s one of my favorites. I think he’s definitely one of the great American composers. Question As an experienced and coveted musician, you’ve had the opportunity to travel all around the world. What are some of your favorite places to visit? Answer It’s difficult to pick one of two places, but Italy is one of my favorite places and so is France. As for my favorite venues, the Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Italy, is my favorite opera house. Question How did you become interested in opera performance as a young person? Answer I had no idea that I would pursue opera as a career, although I did become interested in music when in high school. But I really had no exposure to opera. I couldn’t even tell you what opera was, but when I did get exposed to it in college, I got the idea that it’s both a song and play. You get to act and tell a story through the music, so it incorporates all art forms at once. To me, opera is the ultimate art form. Question What experience with music and the per-
von Stade
forming arts did you have a child and adolescent? Answer I grew up around not necessarily classical music, but came from a family in which all were very gifted at music. My mother and father both sang for fun. I’ve sang for as long as I remember — my mother always hoped someone would pursue music, and as the youngest, I was her last hope. I think she was quite pleased with my decision. Question How often do you practice while you are on tour? Answer It depends. Some days, I take a break and don’t practice at all; on other days when I have performances, I can practice for six or seven hours in one day. But when you’re getting as old as I am, sometimes it’s OK to take it easy and go without practicing. Question I get the feeling that a lot of college-age people express apathy or even negative feelings toward opera and other classical music. What do you think such people could gain by exposing themselves to such musical genres? Answer I mean, I like a lot of popular music too, but I do think if people open themselves up to opera, they can become more appreciative of all types of music. And they can also become more well rounded, which is always a good thing. Question: I read that you are commonly cast as evil or villainous characters. Answer That’s true. I get to play the devil often. I always say, “The good guys are alright, but the bad guys have more fun.� And I like to think they’re quite a bit different from who I am.
Ramey
Samuel Ramey will perform with Frederica von Stade at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Rudder Theatre. Stud ent tickets can be purchased from the MSC Box OfďŹ ce for $20.
starting at
$229
YummÊ. These oh so sweet treats are creamy mocha or caramel coffee blended smoothly with ice and topped with dreamy whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate or caramel. New McCafÊ FrappÊs at McDonald’s . They’re a cooler take on coffee. Ž
&2%%Ă´
SMALLĂ´&RAPPÂŻ 7)4(Ă´!.9Ă´052#(!3%
%XPIRESĂ´ *UNEĂ´ Ă´ Ă´ Ă´ Ă´ Ă´ 6ALIDĂ´ ONLYĂ´ ATĂ´ PARTICIPATINGĂ´
"RYAN #OLLEGEô 3TATIONô AREAô -C$ONALD S ô 0RICESô MAYô VARY ô .OTô VALIDô WITHô ANYô OTHERô OFFER ô DISCOUNT ô COUPONô ORô COMBOô MEAL ô #ASHô VALUEô ô OFô ô CENT ô ,IMITô ONEô COUPONô PERô PERSONô PERô VISIT ô4AXôMAYôAPPLY ô0RICEôOFôREQUIREDôPURCHASEôPOSTEDôONôMENUô BOARD ô #OUPONô MAYô NOTô BEô TRANSFERRED ô AUCTIONED ô SOLD ô COPIEDô ORô DUPLICATEDô INô ANYô WAYô ORô TRANSMITTEDô VIAô ELECTRONICô MEDIA ô 6ALIDôWHENôPRODUCTôSERVED ô-AYôNOTôBEôVALIDôFORôCUSTOMôORDERS ô Úô ô-C$ONALD S ô
Participation and duration may vary. Š2010 McDonald’s
Pg. 3-04.05.10.indd 1
4/4/10 5:45 PM
news
page 4
monday 4.5.2010
thebattalion
‘
Join your fellow Aggies for one heck of a blood drive. When you give, lives are saved – and you get a free T-shirt! Give blood. Often. The Aggieland Spring Blood Drive Monday, April 5th – Friday, April 9th On the bus in front of The Zone 12:30pm - 5:30pm Inside The Brown Engineering Building Noon - 5:00pm
Sponsored by carterbloodcare.org • 1-800-DONATE-4 Carter BloodCare is a 501(c)3 not-for-proďŹ t organization.
Don’t be Become a dunce a Money Wise with Aggie! money, IL is APR inancial F nth onal Nati racy Mo Lite
Upcoming Workshops Understanding Credit Cards and Credit Scores April 15 2:00 – 3:00 Love and Money: What You Need To Know Before Getting Married April 12 1:30 – 2:30 April 22 2:00 – 3:00
t t
t
I’m Graduating: Now What? April 12 4:00 – 5:00
t
Money Management for College Students April 13 1:30 – 2:30 April 22 12:30 – 1:30
t
Buying Big Ticket Items (homes and cars) April 14 (home) 12:30 – 1:30 April 16 (car) 1:00 – 2:00
t
Saving and Investing April 13
12:15 – 1:15
Identity Theft April 12
12:15 – 1:15
Cooking on a Budget April 14
2:00 – 3:00
t t
Above: Former student Granger Smith performed for Project Conant participants Friday at Wolf Pen Creek. His singles include “We Bleed Maroon� and “Gypsy Rain.� Below: Stacey Massey, Lisa Burton, Spring Robinson, Janet Parish, Heather Henry and Chelsea Berry stand with Granger Smith after his concert Friday.
Financing Your Study Abroad April 15 12:30 – 1:30
t
moneywise.tamu.edu phone: 979.845.3236
4/5/10
All workshops will be held in room 236 of the Pavilion. Students, faculty and staff are welcome. For a full list of available workshops or to get more information visit us online. Courtesy photos
Conant
Texas Chiropractic College
Continued from page 1
5912 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX 77505
Are you interested in the Medical Field? Have you thought about Chiropractic?
to the constructive effect Conant had on people. “We had a lot of community support. His church was very pivotal in helping us out and other people in the Mays Business School,� Burton said. “Dr. Conant was just a phenomenal, phenomenal professor. He always knew we could do better than what we thought we could do, and he challenged us and told us we could do better. And we did.
We did as a response to him.� One volunteer, junior marketing major Daniel Gerds, said the concert was enjoyable not only for the music, but because of the nature of the event. “It’s a really good atmosphere because everyone knows that what they are doing is benefiting something bigger, it’s not just a concert,� Gerds said. “There’s a sense of community.� With donations still coming in, event organizers did not know the exact amount of money raised, but said the
donations and ticket sales had been successful. Janet Parish, a marketing professor and colleague of Conant, said raising money for the scholarship was a way to honor the legacy Conant left behind. “His passion was for teaching and for making students better. That was his gift,� Parish said. “He challenged students to do that, he challenged his coworkers to do that, and so, by endowing a scholarship in his name, it gives us the chance to help students to continue their career and to better themselves.�
In Chiropractic you will ha opportunity to...
rt Cooper Come visit with Dr. Robe
TODAY
to discuss your future in chiropractic! Texas A&M University (College Station) Monday, April 5, 2010 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. TAMU Career Center , contact To make an appointment admissions@txchiro.edu 281-998-6007 or 1-800-468-6839 Walk-ins also welcome. it For more information vis tcc www.txchiro.edu/go
ve the
‡ :RUN LQ WKH VHFRQG ODUJ HVW KHDOWK FDUH SURIHVVLRQ ‡ %XLOG UHODWLRQVKLSV ZL WK \RXU SDWLHQWV ZLWK D KDQGV RQ DSSURDFK ‡ &RQVXOW DQG WUHDW PDMRU DWKOHWHV ‡ %H D SDUW RI D SURIHVVLR Q WKDW LV SURMHFW HG WR LQFUHDVH LQ WKH QH[W \HDUV ‡ +HOS SHRSOH OLYH ORQJHU KDYH KHDOWKLHU OLYHV DQG EH D YDOXDEOH PH PEHU RI WKH KHDOWK FDUH SURIHVVLRQ
Why TCC?
‡ 7&& LV D VPDOO VFKRRO ZLWK RQH RQ RQH WUDLQLQJ ‡ 6WDWH RI WKH DUW DVVHVVP HQW FHQWHU ‡ +RVSLWDO URWDWLRQ SURJ UDP ZLWK WKH 7H[DV 0HGLFDO &HQWHU ‡ &ROOHJH DWKOHWLFV URWDW LRQ SURJUDP ‡ ,QWHUQVKLSV DQG 3UHFHSWR UVKLSV
UTSA
ÂŽ
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
DGHPE>=@>
?HK : G>P PHKE=Ă
UTSA MBA ÂŽ
#1MBA program
in the nation for Hispanics t &WFOJOH DMBTTFT t 5PQ SBOLFE GBDVMUZ t DPODFOUSBUJPOT BOE TQFDJBMJ[FE QSPHSBNT t "TTJTUBOUTIJQT BOE TDIPMBSTIJQT BWBJMBCMF
'PS JOGP (210) 458-4641 PS mba.utsa.edu
the
battalion Classified Advertising Easy Affordable Effective For information, call 845-0569
Pg. 4-04.05.10.indd 1
4/4/10 8:29 PM
thebatt.com Coverage of the Aggies’ weekend softball series against Nebraska
sports thebattalion 04.05.2010 page5
Aggies split three-game Track is best in Texas series with Jayhawks Aggies win Texas Relays Brad Cox The Battalion No. 27 Texas A&M split a three-game series for the first time ever in Big 12 play Saturday at Kansas. The Aggies went 1-1-1 against the Jayhawks, with the final game of the series ending in an 8-8 tie because Big 12 travel day rules prevent a team playing past an agreed upon time. The game was A&M’s first tie since 2006 and its third in 10 years. The Aggies improved to 18-8-1 overall and 5-3-1 in Big 12 play, slipping to third place in the conference behind Texas, which swept Oklahoma, and Kansas State, which went 1-2 against Texas Tech. It was a back-and-forth battle as the Aggies answered every Kansas run, including a four-run eighth inning that gave them a 7-6 lead. The Jayhawks narrowly escaped losing the game and series when second baseman Robby Price hit a two-out RBI single in the bottom half of the ninth. A&M took the lead again in the 11th inning thanks to a balk by Kansas pitcher Colton Murray, scoring short stop Brodie Greene from third. Both teams knew the 11th would be the final inning because of the travel day rules and the Jayhawks took advantage of the extra frame to avoid the loss. Center fielder Brian Heere hit a one-out RBI single to tie the game again, giving the Aggies their second Big 12 tie in school history. Sophomore Ross Hales, who is recovering from off-season surgery, started the game, pitching 0.2 innings and giving up an early 2-0 lead to the Jayhawks. Hales made his first appearance of the season on Tuesday in a 6-5 extra innings loss to Texas State. Starting the series with its third consecutive loss, A&M dropped the Thursday game
to the Jayhawks, 9-5. as far as getting us off on the right foot,” The Aggies were trailing 7-1 going into Childress said. “In the fifth, I felt like it the eighth inning when they rallied for four was very important to get John Stilson out runs to get the game to within a pair of there. We really needed a win today, and I runs. But Kansas answered with two in the was proud of John.” bottom half of the eighth to extend the lead Sophomore left fielder Adam Smith deto four. livered the game-winning hit with a two“They made the most of their hits and out two-RBI single in the seventh inning, got them when they counted,” A&M Head giving the Aggies a 6-2 lead. Coach Rob Childress said, “We didn’t do The Jayhawks rallied for a pair of runs in that until the eighth and ninth innings.” the bottom half of the ninth inning, making The Aggies rallied again in the ninth, Smith’s hit the difference in the game. loading the bases with two outs, but were unable to plate a runner, stranding all three. They stranded 14 total in the game. Sophomore Ross Stripling pitched 4.1 innings and sophomore John Stilson pitched the other 4.2 to lead A&M to a 6-4 win in Friday’s game. Each pitcher gave up four hits and two runs, though Stilson’s two were unearned. Stilson struck out six in his longest appearance of THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN the year. Aggie catcher Kevin Gonzalez is tagged by Kansas catcher “I thought James Stanfield in a run-down over the weekend at Hoglund Ross StripBallpark. Gonzalez went 5-14 with an RBI in the weekend ling gave us a quality start series, which Texas A&M and Kansas split 1-1-1.
second year in a row Kyle Cunningham The Battalion In front of 21,000 fans at Mike A. Myers Stadium Saturday in Austin, the Texas A&M track team took nine victories on the final day, winning outstanding team honors for the second year in a row at the 83rd Texas Relays. The Aggies won five individual events and four relays, two of which, the men’s 4x200 meters (1:20.61) and the women’s 4x100 (42.56), were meet records. The women’s 4x200 and men’s 4x400 were the other two relays that took home victories. The men’s 4x400 win is their first at the meet since 1980. “We had a day that we can remember for a while at Texas A&M,” Head Coach Pat Henry said. “Anytime you come in here and win four relays, with two meet records and total nine wins on the final day it makes for a very special day. This was a fine, fine meet for this team.” Sam Humphreys took first place in the javelin with a distance of 245 feet 9 inches, winning the event for Texas A&M for the first time since 2004, when Jarrad Matthews claimed top honors. With the win, Humphreys becomes the fourth Aggie to win the javelin at the Texas Relays.
The other field victory was by triple jumper Zuheir Sharif, who went a distance of 54 feet 3.25 inches. Sharif’s win keeps the triple jump title at A&M, defending the crown for last year’s winner, Julian Reid. Sprinter Gerald Phiri took the 100 meter title with a time of 10.17, beating top qualifier Luther Ambrose of Louisiana Monroe by .07 seconds. Phiri becomes the fifth Aggie to win the 100 at the Texas Relays, and the first since Curtis Dickey, who won three consecutive years, the last in 1980. Natasha Ruddock won the 100 hurdles with a time of 12.97 seconds. Aggie sprinter Vashti Thomas finished second in 13.08 seconds, with Donique Flemings finishing sixth with a time of 13.33 seconds. Gabby Mayo defended her Texas Relays women’s 100 meters title with a time of 11.13 seconds, the same time she took the 2009 championship with. The win is Texas A&M’s third straight in the event, with Porscha Lucas winning the title in 2008. The track team travels to Eugene, Oregon, April 10 to compete in the Oregon Pepsi Team Invitational, then returns to Texas for the Michael Johnson Invitational April 17.
What piece are you missing?
Pg. 5-04.05.10.indd 1
4/4/10 8:53 PM
voices
classifieds
monday 4.5.2010
see ads at thebatt.com
Classifieds continued from page 6
HELP WANTED Child Care- FT & PT shifts available. Some nights & Saturdays required. Apply in person at 3609 E. 29th St., Bryan. City of Bryan now hiring lifeguards and water safety instructors, do not have to be certified, apply online bryantxjobs.com call 979-209-5222 for more information. Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment. Experienced part-time lawn maintenance workers needed. $7.50/hr. Call Kirk, 979-324-2719. Kingwood Country Club Hiring life guards and pool managers, No previous experience required. Call us at (800)210-0049 to apply. Now hiring at the MSC Bookstore for summer and buyback. Come by room 110 in G. Rollie White today to fill out an application.
PETS
Adopt Pets: Dogs, Cats, Puppies, Kittens, Many purebreds. Brazos Animal Shelter, 979-775-5755, www.brazosanimalshelter.org Adorable Maltipoo puppy comes with shots and supplies $400 (832)541-1418.
REAL ESTATE We Buy Houses. Cash or take over payments. 979-220-3700.
ROOMMATES 1-F, studious, 2BR/2.5B furnished condo, pool, W/D, bus route, free Internet/cable, $525/mo. all bills paid, starting August, Call Christina 512-557-0256. 2 Bedroom, Furnished apartment, Cable and Internet connection, W/D, on bus route, $535/mo., $267/roommate, +utilities about $125/roommate, Christian Male roommates, 979-224-4098.
Part time position, Tues/Fri morning for general cleaning of our retail store and offices. 979-690-6766.
2-female roommates needed. 4bdrm/3ba house, W/D. $375/mo +1/4 utilities. 832-767-9182.
Part-time job helping handicapped. Male student preferred. $330/mo. 30-hours/mo. 979-846-3376.
Roommate(s) wanted to share large 4bd/2ba house, Available Mid May, for Summer Sub-lease or Full year, 1-mi. from campus, W/D, fenced yard, 3,200 sq.ft., $315/mo. 281-435-3431.
STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in College Station. 100% free to join. Click on surveys. Tutors wanted for all subjects currently taught at TAMU/ Blinn and Sam Houston State starting at $7.25/hour. Apply on-line @ www.99Tutors.com, 979-255-3655. Web Designers/Programmers MEMdata, a College Station-based medical technology firm, is seeking multiple part time or full time Web Designers and Programmers that are well-versed in PHP programming and web design. Work with an existing team of IT professionals to improve our internal and external web design and functionality. MYSQL knowledge and experience a plus. Flash and other skillsets a plus. Flexible hours available. Send resume with PHP or Flash portfolio examples to careers@memdata.com. www.memdata.com
MISCELLANEOUS SELL YOUR USED FURNITURE! Are you leaving this semester? Quality Used Furniture will buy your furniture. Free estimates and moving. Call Quality Used Furniture, 979-693-8669 or visit www.qualityusedfurniturebcs.com Mon-Sat. 9:00-5:30.
MUSIC Party Block Mobile DJ- Peter Block, professional 22yrs experience. Specializing in Weddings, TAMU functions, lights/smoke. Mobile to anywhere. Book early!! 979-693-6294. http://www.partyblockdj.com
PETS A+Teacup puppies: Maltese, Shorkies, Maltipoos, Yorkies &Poodles. $500 &up. 979-324-2866, linda_d_54@yahoo.com
3bd/2bath, $250/mo plus utilities, backyard, one bus route, convenient location, 817-988-2185. Female roommate needed June 1 for 2bd/2ba townhome. River Oaks Townhomes, 1 mile from campus. W/D incl. $575/mo. plus utilities. 210-414-3575. One male roommate needed for a 4bd/2ba at The Trails at Wolfpen Creek starting in May. Contact Kevin at 214-676-6722. Roommates needed. 4bd/4bth $325/mo., washer/dryer. University Place on Southwest Parkway. 281-844-2090.
SERVICES A&M Alterations, professional clothes alteration same-day service, 30-years experience, guaranteed lowest prices, 3601 East 29th, #12, in Bryan, 979-260-2400. Don’t lose your deposit! Door knob hole repair, sheetrock repair, & more! Bid Request Form online @ www.PaintingBCS.com Zach (979)574-6966.
TUTORS Need a Tutor? Friendly, helpful one-on-one private tutors for all subjects at TAMU/Blinn and Sam Houston State. Check us out at www.99tutors.com, 979-255-3655.
WANTED I buy broken iPhones. Water damage, cracked screens, etc. For cash offer, email mybrokeniphone@gmail.com Want quick, fast cash? Sell your jewelry. Call 832-858-3295.
MAILCALL From Katie Bruner, freshman communications major I was very happy to see The Battalion taking notice of the sex trafficking industry in the column “Stopping sex slavery.” I think it’s important to note even though this is a worldwide issue, it still deserves our attention and concern. Sex trafficking is the kind of issue that hinges on the education of the masses, and the only way we can begin to combat this injustice is to spread the word that it still exists in our world today. Sex trafficking is hidden in front of our very eyes; massage parlors, spas and restaurants being the most popular destinations for sex trafficking in America. The current issue of Texas Monthly ran an article that said Houston was the top city for American sex trafficking. This problem is in our own backyard. I wholeheartedly agree with the author’s point that ignorance keeps sex trafficking alive. As Americans, who value freedom and liberty, we cannot stand by and do nothing once we are made aware of this heinous epidemic.
From Steven Craig, senior agricultural systems management major An Aggie does not “lie,” cheat or steal, or tolerate those who do. If every Aggie holds this true, then why was the column “Learning to lie” in our newspaper. This newspaper is the voice of the student body, and the Aggie honor code is something every Aggie should live by. If an individual cannot keep a relationship, it is most likely because they are doing something wrong. Lying to a significant other is not the way to start a healthy relationship. In actuality, it is the exact opposite. By lying to someone, they will never get to know you, and most likely the relationship will end in failure. The fact this article is in our paper directly contradicts a major tradition of our University and is a “slap in the face” to everyone who has graduated from Texas A&M University. Out of respect for former and current students the author of this article should write a retraction and apologize for an attempt to persuade readers to base an important entity of their lives around lies.
Be a Hometown Hero. Donate Blood. You can do something to make a difference in someone’s life. Visit the Scott & White Bloodmobile this week at Sbisa Dining Hall. Blood donation usually takes less than 45 minutes and can save up to three lives. Donors will receive free food, a free squeezie, a coupon for free Maggie Moo’s ice cream, a coupon for Buffalo Wild Wings and a Texas Aggie blood donor T-shirt in their size. Sbisa Dining Hall Bloodmobile Schedule:
Attention: Freshman & Sophomore Students
Annual Mathematics Contest Monday, April 12, 2010 Milner Hall 216 7:30pm-9:30pm 6 awards from $50-$200
Monday, April 5 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, April 6 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, April 7 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday, April 8 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All the blood donated will remain in Central Texas so it will be available when you, your family or your friends need it most. Support your local community. Be a Hometown Hero.
Questions? Contact Doug Hensley dhensley@math,tamu.edu (979)845-3654 For sample problems: http//www.math.tamu.edu/~doug.hensley
bloodcenter.sw.org (For purposes of this contest, only first and second-year undergraduate students may participate. ALL majors welcome!)
Pg. 7-04-05-10.indd 1
877-724-HERO
4/4/10 5:38 PM
TREEHOUSE APARTMENTS MONDAY MELTDOWN
LATE NIGHT PIZZA SPECIAL!
Large 1-Topping
Large 1-Topping Pizza after 10pm
$
5.99
Carry out only
601 University Drive (Northgate)
846-3600
$
8.97
Open Sun-Thurs until 1am, Fri & Sat until 2am
1740 Rock Prarie
680-0508
Valid only at participating locations. Store hours vary by location. Offers may not be used with any other specials or coupons.
page 8 monday 4.5.2010
*ALL RATES ARE PER APARTMENT* 8 FLOORPLANS Efficiency, 1 & 2 BDR units $445 - $655 Includes water, sewer, garbage, gas & Internet Electric is individually sub-metered per unit Only 2 blocks from the center of campus On the TAMU bus route Pet friendly community with low deposit
979-696-5707
200 Marion Pugh ~ College Station
Building Intelligently
Oscar Continued from page 1
visual effects industry,” James said. “The Viz Lab is a small program, there’s not many students there, but all the students that leave there end up working in these really high profile, fun jobs.” Six of the former students had leadership roles on the film, but Aggie involvement at Pixar is not limited to “Up.” There are 32 Aggies employed by the company, said Keith Klohn, who graduated with his bachelor’s in civil engineering in 1994 and his master’s in visualization sciences in 2000 and was also involved with “Up.” “There are Aggies, Viz Lab Aggies, in so many different companies here in California,” Klohn said. “There’s probably 100, easy. They’re at Blue Sky Studios, they’re at Pixar, they’re at ILM, Digital Domain, Rhythm and Hues, Sony. A number of those A&M students, and not just at Pixar, at a number of other companies as well, have gone on to do big and great things.” The Visualization Laboratory was established in 1988, and the Visualization Sciences academic program began in 1989. In Fall 2009, an undergraduate degree program was established. “It’s an amazing program,” Klohn said. “It’s unbelievable, and it’s so small. I didn’t know about it when I went there. I had no idea. It was only years later that I discovered that they had this small specialized program there. It’s interesting. They don’t get a whole lot of recognition, but we have a whole lot of people outside of there who are notable people.” The program is designed to prepare students in a range of areas in visualization. The broad training focuses on the artistic, scientific, cognitive and technical foundations of the field. The Aggies who worked on “Up” were in various departments. James works as a matte painting artist that provides backgrounds for the shots, while Klohn
news thebattalion works in the effects department. “I recreate natural phenomenons: collisions, fire, water, that nobody in their right mind would ever want to animate by hand,” Klohn said. “On ‘Up,’ I did a some balloon canopy stuff, the simulation of balloons, a lot of dust impacts, a lot of rigid body simulations, so like jars breaking and smashing, dinosaur bones rattling around and getting knocked around. I did some house destruction.” While Klohn went back to school to do data visualization for oil companies and was connected with Pixar through his studies, James knew entering as a freshman what he wanted to do later in life and has been able to work on every Pixar film since “A Bug’s Life.” “I remember at my freshman orientation, I was deadset on being an architect, and we walked past the Viz Lab,” James said. “There were students in there that were making computer graphics, and if you look at it now, they were bad. It got me really excited and with Rodney [Hill]’s help I sort of tailored my undergraduate architecture degree so that I could aim it at the graduate program for visualization science with the intent that one day I would end up at one of these places doing movie work, and it worked out.” Klohn was on campus Thursday with a team of Pixar representatives to recruit Aggies from the Viz Lab. Pixar recruits twice a year at A&M. Students have been nominated for individual awards in the past as well, and the Viz Lab serves as a training facility for those hoping excel in the field. Pixar’s visit to campus provides students an opportunity to talk with potential employers. “We’re open to viewing anybody’s material. Usually people don’t have a reel put together that is usually up to snuff unless they’re either going through the computer science department or the Viz Lab,” Klohn said. “Every now and then we’ll see somebody’s reel coming in from outside the program.”
Saving Energy
Science For A Better Life
Children have dreams that can come true. At Bayer, we are working on tomorrow’s next great idea...today. As one of the world’s leading producers of highquality polymer materials, Bayer MaterialScience offers intelligent solutions for energy-efficient construction in all the world’s climate zones. High-performance insulating materials made of polyurethane ensure that roofs, ceilings, walls and floors are insulated effectively. This reduces the energy consumption of buildings significantly. Together with our partners, we bring our visions of energy-saving construction to life – for the sake of climate protection, and for the generations of tomorrow. www.BayerUS.com
Pg. 8-04.05.10.indd 1
4/4/10 8:34 PM