The Battalion: June 15, 2010

news for you texas Gov. Perry visits China

thebattalion ● tuesday,

june 15, 2010

● serving

texas a&m since 1893

● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2010 student media

sports

Gov. Rick Perry is on his first trip to China as he leads a Texas economic mission to Shanghai World Expo 2010.

The governor and his wife, Anita, arrived Sunday; their itinerary also includes Beijing. The couple’s travel and accommodations will be paid for

by TexasOne, a source of economic development marketing funds for the state.

From zero to

A&M, Texas stay in Big 12

HERO

State will execute man for killing cop

Kyle Cunningham

When Austin police officer Ralph Ablanedo pulled over a red Ford Mustang for theft and passing bad checks, passenger David Lee Powell grabbed an AK-47 and fired through the rear window, hitting Ablanedo 10 times. Thirtytwo years later, Powell, now 59, is scheduled to die this evening for killing the 26-yearold officer.

lowest gas price

$2.52 CITGO at 101 S.W. Pkwy. and Wellborn Road. www.texasgasprices.com Matt Young — THE BATTALION

nation &world Flash flood victim found State police say the 20th victim of a flash flood that swept through a popular Arkansas campground was a young girl. But authorities don’t yet know if she is the last person they were looking for. Police will wait to announce the girl’s name until her identity is confirmed by dental records or DNA.

Uzbeks flee mobs of Kyrgyz About 100,000 minority Uzbeks fleeing mobs of Kyrgyz massed at the border Monday, an Uzbek leader said, as the deadliest ethnic violence to hit this Central Asian nation in 20 years left a major city smoldering. Fires raged for a fourth day in the southern city of Osh. The official count was 124 dead and nearly 1,500 injured since the violence began last week.

Staff and wire reports

Pg. 1-06.15.10.indd 1

Fanta, a 9-year-old border collie, won the K9 of the Year award from the National Association for Search and Rescue for her drowning recovery work.

Border collie rescued by an Aggie from shelter becomes award-winning recovery dog

S

he’s a canine with her own Cinderella story. When Fanta was discovered at the Brazos Valley Animal Shelter by Tiffanie Turner, class of 2007, she was a tiny puppy of unknown origin and breed. Over time, she would grow to be a valuable recovery dog for the Cen-Tex Search and Rescue team.

Although the furry hero works hard to locate missing victims, to her, it is all fun and games.

Rebecca Bennett | The Battalion

see story on page 2

entertainment

Starlight Music Series offers free concerts Austin Meek | The Battalion Hotel California, an Eagles cover band, played old favorites for an hour at the Starlight Music Series. Patrons littered the fields with blankets and coolers of beer, providing an Austin City Limits-like atmosphere at College Station’s premier outdoor venue.

The Starlight Music Series began in 2002 as an initiative by College Station to provide free, family-friendly activities.

Now in its ninth season, the Starlight Music Series has brought more than 400,000 visitors with artists such as Jerry Jeff Walker, Roger Creager, Foghat and Asleep at the Wheel to Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater.

Sheila Walker, class of 1987 and the amphitheater’s recreation supervisor, said the city was proud to have events that cater to all interests.

“The music is pretty middle-of-theroad,” Walker said. “Country, western, old rock ’n’ roll — but always good. We had a traditional Indian group play here not long ago.”

She said the city has concerts for the student population. On graduation weekend, Creager played at the amphitheater.

However, the concerts attract a varied audience of all ages.

“We’re here for the Eagles tribute band,” said Elaine Hill, a Bryan resident

Hotel California, an Eagles tribute band, concludes the Starlight series for the summer.

Concerts are at Wolf Pen Creek amphitheatre.

Christina Miranda — Special to THE BATTALION

who was attending the event with her husband, Derick. They had come to see Hotel California before; Saturday night’s show marked the fourth time the band played for Starlight.

“The venue is really nice and beautiful,” Hill said.

Eugenio Benavides, Luis Reyna and Andres Chapa, three students from Mexico, heard about the free outdoor music and wanted to see the concert.

“It’s something new to do,” said Benavides, senior industrial distribution major.

“We like the music and the people,” said Chapa, class of 2007. The students said they were excited about the prospect of hearing

live tunes.

Hotel California took the stage at 7:30 with the applause of more than 5,000 fans as background music. They kicked off with “How Long,” a song from the band’s latest offering, Long Road Out of Eden. They then transitioned into “Witchy Woman,” a release from the Eagles’ eponymously titled 1972 debut album. They circulated through the band’s greatest hits and pleased the crowd with anthems like “You Can’t Hide Your Lyin’ Eyes” and “Desperado.”

Saturday was the final performance of the series for the season.

The Battalion Texas A&M explored every option, including going to the Pac-10 and SEC, but in the end, it was decided that the Big 12 will stay together.

“Texas A&M is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference and will continue to be affiliated with the conference in the future,” Texas A&M President R. Bowen Loftin said in a statement.

“As Athletics Director Bill Byrne and I have stated on numerous occasions, our hope and desire was for the Big 12 to continue. We are committed to the Big 12 and its success today and in the future.”

Loftin said both his and Athletic Director Bill Byrne’s original “desire” was to keep the Big 12 Conference together, although he said “the Big 12 is certainly not what it was” in a statement earlier this week.

Texas, Okla- The homa and Oklahoma State also debate agreed to remain continues in the confer◗ Zachary Papas ence.

According to and David Harris sources cited by discuss A&M’s Chip Brown of decision to remain OrangeBloods. in the Big 12. Was com, Big 12 it right? Should Commissioner they have gone Dan Beebe has to the SEC? Were a plan in place to they bullied by bump television Texas, or is it revenue up from between $7 mil- better they’re lion and $10 mil- staying together?

Sports, page 3 lion to $20 million for Texas, Texas A&M and Oklahoma, while the other seven teams would receive somewhere between $14 million and $17 million, which would begin in 2012.

Texas, however, would be able to See Conference on page 6

charity

Aggie volunteers for year in Guatemala Jessica Funke Special to The Battalion There are several different options for students who have graduated —going into the workforce or continuing education. John Betik decided to do something different.

Betik graduated in May with a degree in cell biology and is putting off medical school for a year to volunteer in Guatemala.

Guatemala recently faced disaster, experiencing a volcano eruption and hurricane within a matter of days at the end of June. Betik decided to go to the Central American country beforehand though.

“I bought my plane ticket Wednesday, on Thursday the volcano erupted, and on Friday and Saturday the hurricane arrived,” Betik said.

The only effect of the natural disasters on his trip is that he will do fewer medical jobs, such as following doctors, and more disaster relief. He has little information on the specifics of the work he will be doing, only that he will be living with a host family.

“I hope they teach me just as much as I teach them,” he said.

The program that Betik is volunteering through is the God’s Child Project.

“It is an educational development organization dedicated to ‘breaking the See Guatemala on page 6

6/14/10 8:50 PM

1805 Briarcrest, Bryan

thebattalion

(corner of 29th St. & Briarcrest)

THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893

979-776-0999 Vicky Flores, Editor in Chief Megan Ryan, Managing Editor Evan Andrews, Graphics Chief Rebecca Bennett, Page One Editor David Harris, Sports/Lifestyles Editor Ian McPhail, Opinion Editor

OPEN

7 DAYS A WEEK!

$60,000 won weekly OVER • Monday thru Saturday 1st Session 6:30, 2nd Session 8:00

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.

• Sunday -

1st

Session 6:00pm,

2nd Session 8:00pm

• • • • •

Y L L U F PED P I U EQ

774-7266

Today 20% chance of showers High: 94 | Low: 75

www.brazosbingo.com

LARGE NON-SMOKING ROOM Great Food • Security • Unlimited Pull & Event Tabs and Much More!

7X .SWITL &VE^SW :EPPI] &YFFE 1SSVI 7X .SWITL 1IQSVMEP %9&$6$ 'EXLSPMG 'EXLSPMG

)POW +VSYT -RG 'LYVGL 7GLSSP

TAKE A PIECE OF A&M HISTORY WITH YOU

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.

· Reserve your

2

courtesy of NOAA

Junteenth

The Lincoln Recreation Center will have its annual historic celebration of independence for African-Americans.

Body Blast Low Impact Aerobics will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. today.

Spend the weekend walking through downtown Bryan, eating steak and drinking wine. The festival will be from noon Friday to midnight Saturday in downtown Bryan.

Event Packages & Planning Availabl e

1/2 price paper on Thursday $10.00 1/2 price FortuNet Electronics Thurs. - Free Beer (limit 2) $2500 session play 1/2 price full pay Monday, Wednesday and Friday

1

Texas Reds

Wednesday 20% chance of showers high: 94 low: 75 Thursday 20% chance of showers high: 94 low: 75 Friday 20% chance of showers high: 94 low: 75

pagetwo

For daily updates go to thebatt.com ● Facebook ● Twitter@thebattonline thebattalion 06.15.2010

dog hero

K9 of the Year award given to collie for drowning recovery

2011 Aggieland The 109th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook will chronicle traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, Greeks, campus organizations and seniors and graduate students.

Distribution will be during Fall 2011.

Cost is $64.90, including shipping and sales tax. Go to the optional services box in Howdy when you register for fall. For info, call 845-2613.

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.

Cover Art Competition!

The Explorations Board announces a

COVER ART COMPETITION Open to all Undergraduates For the second issue of

Explorations: The Texas A&M Undergraduate Journal To be published Fall of 2010.

Your design should represent one or more of 12 articles to be published in the Fall issue ~~~~~~~~

Please e-mail ugr@tamu.edu to obtain article summaries.

Rebecca Bennett The Battalion Helping the police find missing cadavers is easily understood to be a morbid, emotional and challenging task, but for Fanta, it is all in a day’s work. Fanta is a 9-year-old border collie mix who has been recognized for her drowning recovery work in Falls and Navarro counties by receiving the K9 of the Year award from the National Association for Search and Rescue.

She was trained by Tiffanie Turner, class of 2007, who adopted the collie from the Brazos Valley Animal Shelter as a pet after her dog, Tasia, died of cancer.

Turner said she had been at the shelter to pick up the ashes from Tasia’s cremation, but the phone call she received turned out to be a mistake. However, as she walked back out the building, a black fuzzy puppy caught her eye.

“When I saw the puppy, I thought it looked too much like Tasia,” Turner said. “I didn’t want a replacement, but I couldn’t help it.

I was up there at the Brazos shelter before it was even open. I think I was there 30 minutes early.”

Ben Alexander, a doctoral student of animal behavior and president of Cen-Tex Search & Rescue-Canine & Mounted, said the shelter said puppy was a lab and cocker spaniel mix, so Turner was surprised when Fanta grew to such an impressive size.

“They were thinking ‘little lap dog,’ you know?” he said. “Not what she turned out to be.”

Turner had no experience training recovery dogs, but provided Fanta with the right training that would fine-tune the dog’s sense of scent and condition her into believing the work was just a game.

“She wanted me to throw

sticks for her, so I started playing this ‘stick of the day’ game. I would pick one stick that we would play with for the entire day, and I would rub my hands on it and throw it out in the grass for her to receive it,” Turner said.

This daily activity was noticed by Jaime Greenway, fellow member of the search and rescue team, who said she thought Fanta could make a skilled search dog.

“Fanta is a good working dog because she is very focused and loves her job. Tiffanie instilled a good reward system in her without realizing what she was doing,” Greenway said.

Alexander said Fanta became the fastest certified dog he encountered, earning her certification in basic cadaver recovery within six months, notably, under a novice trainer.

The dog spent the past six years recovering deceased victims from various situations including homicides and hurricanes.

According to her trainers, she can detect anything as small as a drop of blood and even bodies that are 40 years old or underwater.

Turner said for each successful find, Fanta is rewarded with a ball, a Frisbee or anything else that can be tossed.

“They really have to enjoy it before they will actually go out and work for you. Sometimes we’re working at night, sometimes in the rain, sometimes we’re working in the rain at night,” she said. “Fanta loves it. If the car door’s open and her search vest is on, she’s out on the search.”

When she is not training or out in the field, Fanta spends her time doing other atypical canine activities. She makes her rounds to the annual Vet School open house, goes on private jet flights and works on perfecting her doggie pushups.

Fanta plays fetch in her search and rescue vest.

Matt Young — THE BATTALION

~~~~~~~~~ To enter the contest, submit your design to ugr@tamu.edu By

noon on Thursday, July 1, 2010 ~~~~~~~ Submissions must be in a Photoshop PSD file With dimensions of 8.75 X 11.75

ugr@tamu.edu

explorations THETEXASA&MUNDERGRADUATEJOURNAL

COME

BY A N D

TA KE

A

TO U R

TAKE ADVANTAGE

how toapply

corrections

If you are interested in writing or contributing content in The Battalion apply at thebatt.com, or call 845-3313.

The Battalion welcomes readers’ comments about published information that may require correction. We will pursue your concern to determine whether a correction needs to be published. Please e-mail at editor@thebatt.com.

The Battalion welcomes any Texas A&M student interested in writing for the arts, campus, metro or sports staffs to try out. We particularly encourage freshmen and sophomores to apply, but students may try out regardless of semester standing or major. No previous journalism experience is necessary.

1PQ@AJP !KJBANAJ ?A 1LA?E=H

OF O U R

2SHQ +RXVH 7RGD\

/LYH LQ 3DUDGLVH W AVE ’S Z I S L A N D E R I S L A N D S T Y L E A PA R T M E N T L I V I N G 3803 W Wellborn ellborn Road • BRYAN BRYAN, TX TX. • ph ph. 97 979.268.9999 • Z ISLANDER.COM • Z ISLANDER.MOBI

Pg. 2-06.15.10.indd 1

Need to have your wisdom teeth removed?

Don’t hope for hocus-pocus.

We have a research study.

Right now, PPD is looking for men and women for a post-surgical pain relief research study of an investigational medication. Surgery for qualified study participants will be performed by a board certified oral surgeon. Financial compensation is provided upon study completion and the surgery is performed at no cost.

For information, call 1-800-866-0492

6/14/10 6:09 PM

Conference realignment thebattalion 06.15.2010 page3

A letter to the decision makers

“

Texas A&M is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference and will continue to be affiliated with the conference in the future. As Athletics Director Bill Byrne and I have stated on numerous occasions, our hope and desire was for the Big 12 to continue. We are committed to the Big 12 and its success today and in the future.

A&M made the right choice

W

hatever happened to tradition?

D

earest A&M officials and decision makers,

”

-R. Bowen Loftin

That word used to mean something here in dear old College Station. But while the Aggies were looking to bolt Zachary for the Southeastern Conference this Papas past week, it was replaced with words senior nuclear like “money,” “TV,” “desertion” and engineering major “abandonment.” It would have been a sad day in Aggieland if Texas A&M had disowned its Texas brethren and departed for “supposedly” greener pastures. Thankfully, the big cigars had some sense — or perhaps money — knocked into them, and blocked a move that would have ended 300 combined years of Texas state football tradition.

Our beloved Aggies have enjoyed an intense, yet brotherly rivalry with the University of Texas since 1894. Eighteen Hundred and Ninety Four! Since that first meeting, we’ve seen the invention of the crayon, the vacuum cleaner and the escalator. Did we really want to wait for the creation of another writing utensil to have a rivalry as fierce as we do with our compadres to the west? Did we really want to wait another 116 years to feel that same unbridled joy as we did when Jeff Fuller reeled in Jerrod Johnson’s bomb down the left sideline last year? Did we really want to replace “Saw Varsity’s Horns Off” with “Saw Mike the Tiger’s Tail Off”? I sure as hell didn’t. And I didn’t want to break tradition and replace the Longhorn-dominated lyrics of the famous Aggie War Hymn either. However, a break with Texas by joining the SEC would have forced us to abandon these long-held athletic traditions; something that merely a month ago would have been seen as Aggie blasphemy.

Which brings me to yet another Longhorn-based tradition: Have you ever spent Thanksgiving in Aggieland? I have had such a pleasure only once. Quite frankly, it was unbelievable. We grilled Bevo Burgers on Wednesday night, dyed our sweet potato casserole and pumpkin pie maroon on Thanksgiving Day — because God forbid we had

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe presented a last-minute pitch to the remaining 10 teams in the conference Monday. Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State have reportedly committed to the Big 12 for the future.

See Tradition on page4

I want to thank you for giving your loyal fan base a couple days David Harris of happiness and anticipation. It was well deserved. I mean, we’ve senior economics all sat through the garbage that has major, sports been presented every fall Satureditor day during the last 10-year run of inconsequence, unimportance and irrelevance. Sure, the best record we’ve seen was a very fortunate 9-4 campaign under Fran, but still we’ve packed Kyle Field religiously for the better part of every blowout, every disappointment, every embarrassing loss to an inferior opponent.

That’s of course because you’ve always got that Aggie spirit to fall back on. That no matter what product you put forth, come Saturday afternoons, your former and current students will stand in the sweltering heat, wear maroon and yell at inconceivable levels for absolutely no reason. You know you’ll pocket from the Aggie family because Aggies always stick together, right?

Of course, it was nice to envision a capacity crowd welcoming in Alabama or Arkansas or LSU to Kyle Field.

But I guess we’ll settle for Baylor and Iowa State. Pretty entertaining squads, if you ask me. Heck, the Cyclones made a bowl game last season!

Yeah, today, y’all had the opportunity to free this great university from the firm hold that our rivals in Austin have had on us for the better part of 14 years, but we can understand that you enjoy resting in Texas’ shadow. It’s cooler and more comfortable there. Nobody in the country expects anything from you, so you can only exceed expectations, right? Sound logic, for sure.

Yeah, yeah, I get it. I understand we’ve only beat Texas four out of 14 years on the gridiron. It’s not that big of a deal, I guess. Those four times were super-fun and extremely memorable. I get that their program is the most See Letter on page4

Super

Summer Savings HALF OFF

10% OFF* with purchase of $10 or more

A Tasty Creation ICE CREAM COMBINATION With The Purchase of a Regular or Large Tasty Creation The Freshest Ice Cream on Earth.™ 2010 Texas Ave. S College Station, TX ®

Japanese Casual Restaurant Sushi • Roll • Teriyaki

New Ag Owner, New Manager and New Look Expires

08/31/10

Mon-Fri: Lunch 11:00-2:30 • Dinner 5:00-10:00 • Sat 12:00-10:30

(979) 846-7000 • 3700 S. Texas Ave, Ste #900 • Bryan

Discounted item must be equal or lesser value of purchased item. Valid only at this location. Not valid with any other offer. Not redeemable for cash.

Limit one per customer. Customer responsible for applicable taxes.

Expires 12/31/10

Get FIRED Up!

caffé capri

U Pick the piece…

U Paint it & We do the glazing and Firing!

FREE appetizer

Bring in this Coupon for $2 Off your Studio Fee

(1 per table with meal purchase) Expires 06/28/10

(not valid on Wednesdays or special event nights/one per person)

not valid with any other offer

900 Harvey Rd • 695.1500 www.upaintit.com

ÓÓÓÊ °Ê > ]Ê` Ü Ì Ü ÊLÀÞ> ÊUÊ­ Ç ®ÊnÓÓ ÓÈÇx www.theplaceforitalian.com

ion pect p ins ange i r t Free th oil ch wi

Top Nails

CarDoc

Complete & Professional Nail Care

Experience the experienced, not the experiment of automotive service.

4 Tire Balance & Rotation $

24.88

or

Free Tire & Brake Inspection w/ $69.99 wheel alignment

Excludes custom weights

Pg. 3-06.15.10.indd 1

cardocbcs.com

5 off 19

w/ coupon

Most cars & light trucks

Solar Set

“We Do Original Solar” w/ coupon

Manicure & Jacuzzi Full Acrylic Set Spa Pedicure Spa Pedicure

$

979-693-8575 204 A Harvey Rd. College Station

$

Mon.-Fri.: 9am-8pm Saturday: 9am-7pm Sunday: 12-6pm

$

26

w/ coupon

Train with Us!

We use Autoclave to sanitize all instruments

Peter is now at Top Nails!

$

w/ coupon

17

(979) 693-4101

$

$

10 off membership, 2 days a week

5 off

Summer Special

Refill

- Cage conditioning and training (2-8 to apply) - Drop in and group rates

(Acylic)

$

10

w/ coupon

Appointment and Walk-In Welcome

£nääÊ-°Ê/iÝ>ÃÊ Ûi Õi]Ê-Õ ÌiÊ ÊUÊ - (next to Harvey Washbangers)

i

includes a free MMA shirt

Call today to set up a time Complete MMA Fitness 903 Harvey Rd., Ste. A Behind the Tap

979-693-3200 www.mafitness.org

6/14/10 9:05 PM

sports

page 4 tuesday 6.15.2010

thebattalion

pen to our beloved Aggies by breaking up with the other Texas universities. We remembered that we’re all Continued from page 3 Texans, and Texans stick together. of it was that, even though all we had anything orange at the table —, wanted to do was beat the snot out of and yelled “Beat the hell outta t.u.!”

Texas, we could share the experience more times than I can count. But the with our Longhorn-loving friends beauty of it was that, even though all because, in the end, we’re all Texans. we wanted to do was beat the snot That’s something many Aggies out of Texas, we could share the seem to have forgotten over the past experience with our Longhorn-loving week. As Texans, we are brothers, friends because, in the end, we’re all not enemies. In the past several days, Texans.

I have seen an outpouring of hatred That’s something many Aggies directed towards the Longhorns and I seem to have forgotten over the past just don’t understand it. Where was week. As Texans, we are brothers, not enemies. In the past several days, this anti-Texas sentiment in November of 1999? Have we as AgI have seen an outpouring of gies forgotten the incredible hatred directed towards Aggies need not sympathy and gratitude the Longhorns, and I forget about the University of Texas just don’t understand showed us in our most the memories it. Where was this trying time? Have we the rivalry anti-Texas sentiment forgotten the moving with Texas has in November of 1999? halftime tribute The Have we as Aggies brought us.

University of Texas Band forgotten the incredible offered us ten years ago? sympathy and gratitude Have we forgotten that we are, the University of Texas showed were and always will be Texans? us in our most trying time? Have Last time I checked, Texans stick we forgotten the moving halftime tribute The University of Texas Band together. And that’s exactly what we offered us a little more than ten years should do.

We must learn from Arkansas’s ago? Have we forgotten that we mistake.

The Razorbacks, then a are, were and always will be Texans? charter member of the Southwest Last time I checked, Texans stick together. And that’s exactly what we Conference, were faced with the same decision twenty years ago as should have done. the Aggies have today when the SEC It seemed we learned from Arcame calling. Arkansas eventually kansas’s mistake. The Razorbacks, a ditched the 100-year old SWC and charter member of the 100-year old chose SEC. Two decades later, they Southwest Conference, were faced have no conference championships with a similar dilemma twenty years and no real rivals. ago as the Aggies had over the past We can’t let this happen to our several days when the SEC came callbeloved Aggies by breaking up with ing. Arkansas chose the other side’s the other Texas Universities. We greener grass and joined the SEC. must remember that we’re all Texans, Two decades later, they have no SEC and Texans stick together. championships and no real rivals.

Thankfully, we did not let this hap-

Tradition

Letters

The new Big 12:

Continued from page 3

Texas Texas A&M Oklahoma Oklahoma St Texas Tech Baylor Kansas Kansas St. Missouri Iowa St.

The pitch: Each school will receive double the television revenue they received in 2009. Each school will also be able to pursue forming their own television network, which Texas is expected to do. The teams will form one division and will play each school once, making nine conference games each season.

prominent and prestigious currently constructed in the country. It’s not like we share the same recruiting base as them…

How could you turn down the Big 12’s — wait, it’s the Big Ten, now right? — offer of increased, guaranteed revenue? It’s like these fans don’t understand that we’re currently in a multi-million dollar hole the size of the Grand Canyon.

Heck, we’re still paying off Fran. Of course, we have to go after the gold.

I guess we’ll ignore that Texas is going to make millions more annually than us.

That this move makes them the Yankees of our conference. Besides, equal revenue sharing is boring. Everybody does it. We’re A&M. We like to be unique.

Fine, we’ll also ignore the little fact that Texas is now going to be capable of starting their own television network.

I think they’re going to call it the “Longhorn Sports Network.” Pretty creative name if you ask me. They’ve always been the more creative types down there.

Just think about it. They were able to play not only the Pac-10 but also their supposed brethren here in College Station. They’re going to get a television network that will only increase their brand name across the country — hard to do considering it already is the most recognizable name in

college athletics. They’re going ing state. In the best conferto get to dominate this pathetic ence in America. Did you know they’re the same team excuse of a conference for five that has won two national titles more years, make unholy and unparalleled amounts of money in five years and is one of the top three programs in college and bolt as an independent football? That’s probably just a entity — like Notre Dame — stupid coincidence. leaving A&M and the Big 12 But I get it. That’s not us. in shambles.

We’re Texas A&M. Besides, I get it, I get it. It was that 1939 National Champiawkward being in a position onship is still fresh on all our of power for once. If you minds. And who needs more play too close to the sun, than one conference champiyou’ll get burnt. Too many onship every 15 years? expectations. Lots of heat.

Wait, what is the Not worth it. date again? June 14, Sure, we could’ve 2010. Oh, that’s been the sole school The hierarchy right. The day from this recruiting of A&M made A&M could’ve, hotbed of a state a decision that for once, been in the most powthey’ll live to proactive.

The erful, prestigious regret. day A&M could’ve conference in the made an audacious, country. It would’ve bold move into an been a pretty good sellunknown abyss. The day ing point to the best players the Aggie athletics program in Texas. “Hey, come play could’ve taken the next step on national television against — the key step — towards the best players in the country national relevancy. in front of boisterous, sell-out Instead, we’ll remember this crowds. It’ll be sweet.” as the day everything stayed Sounds like a pretty good the same. The day A&M pitch to me. A lot better than proved that money, and not its “Yeah, we’re still seconddevoted fans, is all that matters. fiddle to the empire of Texas The day A&M crept back into — and yeah, our conference is its cave of insignificance. The a failing one built on a faulty foundation, but have I told you day A&M showed its contentabout Northgate, our gorgeous edness with being Texas’ redheaded stepchild. The day this campus and our time-honored university’s decision-makers traditions?” lost my respect.

But I can see the other side.

You want Coach Sherman to With love, earn that fat contract. Make him work for these recruits’ Dave devotion.

I mean, we could’ve been like the University of Florida.

Same premise. Fertile recruit-

classifieds

PLACE

AN AD Phone 845-0569 or Fax 845-2678 The Grove, Bldg. #8901 Texas A&M University

FOR RENT

WHEN

TO CALL 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Insertion deadline: 1 p.m. prior business day

FOR RENT

$295, 1-room in shared, furnished apartment. All bills paid. Short term leases o.k. Call agent Ardi 979-422-5660.

2bd/1ba apartment, 800sq.ft. New appliances, carpeting and tile. W/D. Bus route. $550/mo. +$300 deposit.

210-391-4106.

$375 Available Now or Pre-lease.

1/1, 2/1, 2/2 Free Wi-Fi, On Northgate, on Shuttle. Short term leases ok. Call agent, Ardi.

979-422-5660.

2bd/2ba 4-plex. Spacious floorplan, W/D connections, close to campus. $550/mo. www.aggielandleasing.com, 979-776-6079.

$850 Available Now or Pre-lease, 3 & 4 bdrm. houses near TAMU, pets ok. Call Agent Ardi 979-422-5660.

2bd/2ba, less than 1-mile from campus, 1-block from shuttle &park.

NCS, close to shopping. www.hollemanbythepark.com

1-3/bedroom apartments. Some with w/d, some near campus. $175-$600/mo. 979-696-2038.

3/2 duplex, fenced, pets allowed.

New carpet/tile, w/d, off Graham Rd., $930/mo. total. 210-687-5111.

1-bdrm., plus office. Less than 1-mile from campus, 1-block from shuttle &park. NCS, close to shopping. www.hollemanbythepark.com

3/2 duplexes. Prelease August. Very nice. 5mins to campus. W/D. Lawn care, security system. $900/mo.

979-691-0304, 979-571-6020.

1bd/1ba., less than 1-mile from campus, 1-block from shuttle &park. NCS, close to shopping. www.hollemanbythepark.com 2,3&4 bedroom houses w/yards.

Great locations for students. Pets welcome. 979-492-3990.

2/1 duplex. W/D, bathroom and kitchen newly remodeled. Large backyard, lawncare provided. Pets o.k. $625/mo. 979-229-9890.

2/2 Fourplex. Upstairs, wood floor, deck, pets allowed, close to campus, on bus route. Available August.

979-204-1950.

2bd/1.5ba w/study. Fenced, covered parking, pets ok, updated. 1714 and 1716 Leona. On shuttle and biking distance to campus. $750/mo. 979-739-4455. aggielandrentals.com

3/2 Townhouses &Apartments, 1250sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, walk-in pantry &closets, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing for 2010, excellent specials. 979-694-0320, office@luxormanagement.com 3/3 newer duplex includes all appliances, tile floors, backyard, pets allowed. Available August. Call Tia 979-739-1160.

3bd/1.5ba, carport, on shuttle, pets ok, fenced, $750/month. aggieLandRentals.com 979-739-4455.

3bd/2ba house, large fenced back yard, tile floors, less than 1-mile from campus. www.aggielandleasing.com

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

SPECIAL

see ads at thebatt.com

PRIVATE PARTY WANT ADS

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

FOR RENT 3bd/2ba C.S. Huge duplex, fenced, shuttle route, w/d connection. Treehouse Trail, $995/mo. www.c4properties.net 979-268-1074.

3bd/3ba. duplex, both sides at 925/927 Crepe Myrtle. Pets o.k.

Available July/2010, August/2010. $1050/mo. Call Dawn 936-499-7183.

3bdrm/3bth house. Great floor-plans, fenced yards, W/D, tile floors, icemakers, alarm systems.

979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com

4/2 Country home, all appliances. $1500/mo. Available now, 979-229-6326. See photos and info at www.texagrentals.com 4/2/2 off Dominik. Updated house, tile, carpet, with W/D, pets allowed. $1600/mo. Tia 979-739-1160. Available August.

4bd/2ba. House! 2 open rooms for girl or guy. Fenced yard, W/D, $400/mo. +1/4bills. Available Summer and Fall. 361-463-6763 or 361-463-1726.

FOR RENT 4/3, 3/3 &3/2 Townhouses, Duplexes &Fourplexes, 1250-1700sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing for 2010, excellent specials. 694-0320. office@luxormanagement.com 4bd/2ba house, covered and garage parking, tile and hardwood floors, less than 1mile from campus, www.santinos.com 4bdrm/2bth house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards.

979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com Clean 3/2 available August. Rock Prairie area. 3703 Marielene, W/D, refrigerator, lawn-service provided.

979-450-5666.

CS 1.3 miles from campus. 4bd/3bth house, new tile and paint, fenced yard. $1600/mo. 1401 Lawyer.

979-219-6108.

Duplex near campus. 2bd/2ba.

W/D. No backyard. 307 Spruce. $695/month. Call 254-760-8242.

FOR RENT Duplexes near campus. 2 and 3/bedrooms and 2bd/2ba. in country. 979-229-3420.

House for lease. 3/2/2, large fenced backyard, off Rock Prairie. W/D, refrigerator, fire place. $1500/mo.

Available 6/1/10. 281-342-6969, gary@garygillen.com Immaculate 3bd/2bth house. 812 Blanco, in Bryan off 2818. Updated.

Fireplace, fenced. No pets. No HUD. $895/month. Available August.

254-289-0585 or 254-289-8200.

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

New construction. 4br homes, rent entire house or by the room, 1950SF, washer/dryer, individual leases, fenced, $425/room 979-776-5079. www.tricaprealty.com Walk to Kyle Field! 1-2bd house, pre-leasing for August 1st. $600/mo. 963-545-6044.

FOR SALE Ag Discount! 4bd/3ba brick 2100sqft house. New flooring, new applicances, on tree lot. $213,000.

979-595-5050, 979-690-1126. tlturner72@yahoo.com, nancy.turner@avon.com

HELP WANTED Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day.

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

The Callaway House, a private student housing residence hall, is accepting applications for P/T Night Desk. Apply in person at: 301 George Bush Drive West. EOE. Various duties from watering plants to driving tractor at our country home. Thursday or Friday and Saturday or Sunday. Minimum 4-6 hrs/wk, $8/hr. Respond to llgstar@aol.com put your name and number in subject line, include two references.

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 Adopt Pets: Dogs, Cats, Puppies, Kittens, Many purebreds. Brazos Animal Shelter, 979-775-5755, www.brazosanimalshelter.org Chocolate Lab male and female puppies. Champion pedigree.

OFA-CERF-DNA. $700-$900.

Doug, 713-201-7731, madeley07@gmail.com

ROOMMATES 1 roomate needed. Spacious 2 story townhouse in Canyon Creek. Fully furnished. 4/2.5 $400/mo. +1/4 utilities. 713-823-9340.

1-female roommate needed for fall 2010. Private bath, wi-fi, w/d, $500/mo. +utilities. For more info call 409-748-0400.

Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment.

One female roommate needed.

4bd/4ba townhome in Waterwood. $565/mo. Utilities included in rent.

W/D, cable included. 214-263-2555.

Full-time night labor position, 11pm-5am. Transportation required. Call for interview.

979-450-0060.

Roommate needed. 1-block from campus. All amenities.

979-846-3376.

Household cleaning, ironing, organizing help needed. Minimum 6/week $10/hr. Heavy detailed cleaning inside and out, year-round commitment necessary, begin work immediately. Fax info to 979-690-8075.

J. Cody’s Hiring kitchen and meat table help. Apply within, 3610 S. College. No experience necessary just common sense!

SUMMER WORK, Great Pay, immediate FT/PT openings, customer sales/svc, no experience necessary, conditions apply, all ages 17+, 979-260-4555.

Pg. 4-6.15.10.indd 1

HELP WANTED

Roommates needed, 4bd/2bath house, available June 1st, clean, good condition, on-shuttle. Free cable/Wi-Fi. $350-400/mo.

512-203-5888.

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.

6/14/10 9:06 PM

On thebatt.com Politics as usual: the voices podcast Tune in to hear Richard Creecy, Ian McPhail and of course, James Cavin discuss current events.

‘ voices thebattalion 06.15.2010

Thrown under the bus

page5

EDITORIALBOARD

The Battalion’s editorial opinion is determined by its Board of Opinion, with the editor in chief having final responsibility.

Editor in Chief Vicky Flores editor@thebatt.com

Managing Editor Megan Ryan battcopy@thebatt.com Opinion Editor Ian McPhail opinion@thebatt.com

EDITORIAL

Fixating on the future

A

A

lthough the spring semester is a recent memory, for many Aggies school continues into the summer. As parking pass prices have soared in recent years, coupled with the extreme prejudice of parking enforcement in College Station, the bus is certainly the most convenient form of transportation.

Every student at Texas A&M pays for the bus while enrolled. There is a $70 per semester fee, except in the summer when it is $35 per fiveweek term. This fee is to “provide unlimited free access to all students to the on-campus and offcampus services.� Much like printing services and library enhancement fees, if you do not use it, you lose it. All students should utilize these services, and just as we riders and patrons of the transit system must conform to certain rules and standards like departure times and no spitting on the windows, bus drivers should also be held to certain standards.

Anyone that has ridden the bus with any consistency has come across this rogue bus driver. The one that does not stop for the person

that state the obvious: too much noise is distractrunning to catch the bus, ing, and being distracted while driving is never a blares whatever music suits good thing. his fancy and keeps the Of course, most bus drivers are dedicated temperature at such hot or to their job and consequently provide great cold extremes that passengers wish they had brought customer service. But students who are unfortunate enough to come across a less than courteous a wide variety of apparel.

Richard These are the bus drivers driver have options. “All the complaints we get are read and that give transit service a Creecy processed,� said June Broughton, communicabad name.

These drivers are senior classics tions and marketing manager for transportation forgetting the most fundamajor services. “Students with complaints can mental aspect of having go to the transit services website and a job: being emBus drivers submit a complaint form under the ployed. Bus drivers are our employees, and ‘contact us’ section, or they can as we pay our $70 fee to partake of passengers call 979-847-Ride (7433).� this service. Imagine if while shopneed to be But students should be just as ping at H.E.B. you went up to an courteous for a courteous to drivers and keep in employee to ask him a question, but pleasant trip. mind that driving a bus is a stressyour desperate pleas were drowned ful job. Remember that being a bus out by a large boom box blasting music driver brings long, monotonous hours, as he went about his job. It would be and the constant stress of traffic is bound to inconsiderate and rude under any other circummake any one cranky once in a while. stances, and is improper here.

No matter what the situation is, bus drivers Bus drivers need to adhere to certain comneed to remember they are public servants while mon workplace etiquette standards. This is not performing their tasks on and off campus. The to imply that the bus driver does not have the drivers should be a neutral presence while drivright to be comfortable while performing his or ing the buses by maintaining proper workplace her duties, but that power is limited by prevailetiquette. Proper courtesy and consideration by ing customer opinion. After all, the customer bus drivers and passengers can help both have a is always right. Also, there are a plethora of better ride. important-sounding facts and figures out there

Better clinic.

Better medicine.

Better world.

s college students we are faced with some of our toughest decisions yet, decisions that will map out our future, decisions that affect who we will be 10 years from now. It can be pretty scary when you think about it.

I know I am constantly worried about what my next step will be. What you choose to do now shapes who you will be in your adult life.

What I have learned so far in my two years at Texas A&M and my shorter time as editor-in-chief is you cannot go back on any choices that you have made. All that can be done is to move forward and know you made the best decision you could at the time.

College is So for all those the time to make new incoming freshmistakes men I am here to and ďŹ gure say that yes, college out your is very scary, and future. yes, you are going to be faced with very challenging choices, but I promise somehow it will work out.

Along the path that is four years of college, you will be faced with failed exams, broken relationships and financial worries. But always remember from these experiences you will learn so much and you will be stronger.

My number one piece of advice as you embark on the next four years is to try everything you can and never forget it is OK to make mistakes; live for the moment but always have your future in sight.

Stover Boys Welcome Back!

Study Hard This Summer!

Everybody counts on having safe, effective medicine for anything from the common cold to heart disease. But making sure medications are safe is a complex and careful process.

At PPD, we count on healthy volunteers to help evaluate medications being developed – maybe like you. You must meet certain requirements to qualify, including a free medical exam and screening tests. Many different study lengths are available and you’ll ďŹ nd current studies listed here weekly.

PPD has been conducting research studies in Austin for more than 20 years.

Call today to ďŹ nd out more.

Men 21 to 45

Men 21 to 45

Compensation Up to $3500

Up to $3500

Requirements

Timeline

Healthy Thu. 24 Jun. through Sun. 27 Jun. BMI between 19 and 29 Thu. 8 Jul. through Sun. 11 Jul. Thu. 15 Jul. through Sun. 18 Jul. Thu. 22 Jul. through Sun. 25 Jul. Sun. 27 Jun. through Wed. 30 Jun. Healthy BMI between 19 and 29 Sun. 11 Jul. through Wed. 14 Jul. Sun. 18 Jul. through Wed. 21 Jul. Sun. 25 Jul. through Wed. 28 Jul.

$ Pg. 5-06.15.10.indd 1

Bacon Double Cheeseburger during June and July It’s always $4:20 at

Current Research Opportunities Age

Ask for our $4:20 Special

Stover Boys!

4337 Wellborn Rd., Bryan 1 mi. from Kyle Field

(979) 846-4555 stoverboys.com

the battalion Classified Advertising • Easy • Affordable • Effective Call 845-0569 6/14/10 6:37 PM

news

page 6 tuesday 6.15.2010

thebattalion

Time for Three

Seacrest stalker sentenced to two years in prison LOS ANGELES — A man who stalked Ryan Seacrest was sentenced Monday to two years in state prison and ordered to stay away from the host of “American Idol” for 10 years.

Chidi Benjamin Uzomah Jr., 26, received the maximum sentence after previously pleading

Conference Continued from page 1

MAIN STAGE

INTIMATE GATHERINGS

Season tickets as low as $198

Season tickets as low as $176

SFER THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER September 25

AMERICAN BLUEGRASS MASTERS October 14 TIME FOR THREE November 18 BUS STOP March 22 NAT KING COLE REMEMBERED April 7-9

Sponsored by Allstate

BURN THE FLOOR October 27-28 AN IRISH CHRISTMAS WITH RONAN TYNAN November 30 DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST December 11-12 Sponsored by Aggieland Credit Union

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT January 18-19 THE COLOR PURPLE February 8-9 Sponsored by Wells Fargo

MAMMA MIA! February 22-24

Associated Press

ment from reports coming out earlier on Monday, when sources cited by ESPN.com’s Joe Schad reported that Beebe’s last-chance plan for salvaging the conference ranged from having “zero” chance of success to “very unlikely.”

But the ball started rolling earlier today when the Longhorns rejected an offer to join the Pac-10, as confirmed by Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott. Oklahoma State, which had a Board of Regents meeting scheduled for Wednesday, canceled as well.

However, nothing is official yet. No deals have been signed, and according to Brown, Texas A&M still has an offer from the SEC, if they want it.

Jackson’s doctor keeps license

between God’s Child and other volunteer abroad agencies is they focus on the underlying causes of poverty, not just treating the symptoms. The project has helped more than 5,000 people worldwide succeed in going from being homeless and abandoned to professionals with families and homes.

Betik is not the first Aggie to volunteer his time with the God’s Child program in Guatemala. Brandon Brickley, class of 2006, worked with the project for a year and a half.

“The first part of my time I spent learning Spanish and designing a database to help the social workers track their visits to families in the area,” Brickley said. “I was then asked to become the director of the Scheel Education and Technical Training Center.”

Brickley said his advice for anyone considering volunteer

work would be to do it, but to do it responsibly.

“By that, I mean that it is easy to go to a developing nation with the attitude that you are going to change their world,” he said. “The truth is despite all of your experience and talent, alone you can do nothing. Only by coming alongside the work that God is already doing there can you accomplish anything worth doing.”

Betik said he recommends checking out the resources available on campus, such as Multicultural Services and the Jordan Institute, where he was able to find the right program.

His journey begins July 6th, and he will be in Guatemala until early September.

Betik plans on packing one bag and bringing another filled with supplies for the people he meets.

LOS ANGELES — Michael Jackson’s family sat solemnly across the courtroom from the doctor charged in the death of the pop legend, listening as a judge said Monday he could not suspend Dr. Conrad Murray’s medical license in California and that it could take months for the case to go to trial.

“I want to give this case priority,” Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor said.

Associated Press

Series sponsored by Ashford Square Realty, Sterling Auto Group and St. Joseph Express

OPAS JR

Season tickets only $30 IF YOU GIVE A CAT A CUPCAKE AKE November 7 FRED GARBO INFLATABLE THEATER CO. March 4 Sponsored by Blue Bell Creameries riees Series supported by OPAS Encore!

Order your OPAS tickets before you leave for the summer!

Season Ticket Packages & Single Tickets

ON SALE NOW MSC Box Office 979-845-1234 www.MSCOPAS.org

Pg. 6-06.15.10.indd 1

pursue their own network, as would every team in the conference. The predicted amount of revenue from the Texas network is valued from $3 million to $5 million.

With only 10 teams in the foreseeable future, a conference championship would be temporarily scrapped since the NCAA mandates that a conference needs 12 teams for a conference championship. The retracted conference would play every team in a nine-game conference schedule, like the design of the PAC-10.

This is a 180-degree move-

no contest to stalking. Uzomah did not speak during the sentencing hearing. Superior Court Judge John S. Fisher rejected a defense request to sentence Uzomah to probation.

Guatemala Continued from page 1

chains of poverty through education and formation,’” said Chris Mathew, the executive director of God’s Child.

The program was founded in 1991 and aids in providing clinics, schools, social work, microfinancing, homeless shelters, drug rehabilitation and ending human trafficking. The program currently has 12 program sites in Guatemala, El Salvador, Malawi, India and on the Native American reservations in the U.S. “We regularly have teams from four to 80 people who come down and build homes for people who are currently living with dirt floors and sheet metal walls,” Mathew said.

He also said the difference

6/14/10 9:01 PM