The Battalion: June 25, 2009 by The Battalion

thebattalion ● thursday,

Johnson County, Texas

june 25, 2009

● serving

texas a&m since 1893

Sizing up seismic activity

horizontal drilling

Julie Rambin The Battalion

he small town of Cleburne, in North Texas, has been experiencing something unprecedented in its 142-year history – earthquakes.

ground water

Barnett Shale

Jordan Bryan — THE BATTALION

The Barnett Shale is an area of natural gas in Johnson County, Texas. The company, Chesapeake Energy, is drilling natural gas wells through the horizontal drilling method. There is question as to whether the drilling is responsible for recent earthquakes.

“The major thing I can do is do things like this — listen to you, understand what concerns you have, and do my very best to try to answer those concerns.” — R. Bowen Loftin Interim President

“It’s a little unnerving,” said Cleburne Mayor Ted Reynolds. “We’ve had five in recent days.” The earthquakes have been between 2.0 and 3.0 magnitude – just enough to be felt, but not enough to damage property, Reynolds said. “Some people haven’t felt them at all. No damage, no injuries,” he said. “Most people are curious rather than scared.” Beneath Cleburne is the Barnett Shale formation, one of the largest onshore natural gas fields in the nation. In the last several years, the city has received between $20 million and $25 million in drilling royalties, and some people are asking whether the drilling and the earthquakes are connected, Reynolds said. “We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the drilling company so far,” Reynolds said. “We hope that’s not what it is.” Geophysicists from Southern Methodist University were interested in the possible causes of the earthquakes, and have begun a research study of the area, said geophysics research projects director Chris Hayward. “Cleburne was very interested in finding out more about it and we were very interested in doing the research,” Hayward said. “We’ll try to decide where the earthquakes are, how deep they are. Right now

we don’t have any evidence one way or another. We just don’t know.” There is currently no evidence to show that natural gas drilling causes earthquakes, Hayward said. “There are some papers in the State of Texas talking about induced seismicity in West Texas, suggesting that if you drill [an oil] field for a long period of time, you might induce earthquakes,” Hayward said. Chesapeake Energy, the company responsible for much of the drilling in Cleburne, denies any connection between drilling and earthquakes. “Often earthquakes are located many miles below drilling sites,” said Chesapeake Energy public relations manager Jerri Robbins. “There is no proof yet that drilling activities and seismic activities are related.” However, drilling and seismic activity can be related, according to some geophysicists. “The shale is pretty brittle. [Drilling] changes the pressure from the natural gas field to the rock itself,” said Christopher Mathewson, a Texas A&M University regents geophysics professor. “So the rock fails.” Earthquakes are comparable to a whoopee cushion, Mathewson said. “When you sit on it, you increase the load at the surface to the point that you push the air out of the cushion. When you’re expelling the air from the cushion, you’re sinking further into the seat,” Mathewson said. “You moved down, didn’t you? That’s subsidence, because of the change of pressure.” Subsidence is the downward movement of a field, he said, and this term is more apSee Earthquake on page 2

SGA discusses shared governance Julie Rambin The Battalion The Student Government Association met Wednesday to discuss the interim administration and the Board of Regents. Interim President R. Bowen Loftin opened the meeting, stressing the importance of shared governance in the University administration. “Shared governance to me is simply communication,” Loftin said. “That’s why I’m here.” The interim president expressed gratitude for former president Elsa Murano, citing her support during Hurricane Ike. “That was a very difficult event,” Loftin said. “She

was there to support me.” Loftin acknowledged the difficult transition between presidents. “We’ve taken some hits,” Loftin said. “The major thing I can do is do things like this — listen to you, understand what concerns you have, and do my very best to try to answer those concerns.” He asked students to present their concerns to him, and to the University administration. “If I can do more, let me know what that is,” Loftin said. “I’ll talk to you as openly as I possibly can.” Students from the SGA stressed the need for rationality in communication.

Loftin shares plan

“We don’t want to be reactionary,” said SGA Chief Justice Joseph Reed, a public service and administration graduate student. “We don’t want to be emotional; we want to be logical, we want to base things off of facts and we want to make statements that represent the student body.” The definition of shared governance is disputed, and means different things to different people, Reed said. “I talked to Morris Foster today, the chair of the Board of Regents,” Reed said. “His definition of shared governance is different from what the faculty think … Not everyone’s going to be happy.” See Government on page 2

Rock and Roll

Open forum provides opportunity for input from students, faculty and staff Meagan O’Toole-Pitts The Battalion

Summer style Find out the different summer 2009 trends for swimwear, casual wear and date wear for guys and gals. fashion | 4

Interim President R. Bowen Loftin addressed University stakeholders for the first time in an open forum yesterday to discuss plans to “reallocate costs.” In a memorandum Monday, Loftin announced his plan to review administrative staffing patterns, in both the president’s office LOFTIN and in vice president areas. “I’ve asked that, I repeat, I’ve asked that non-faculty employees making more than $175,000 to be excluded from [cuts],” Loftin said. “I will not get a pay raise, at all.” With the recent resignation of executive vice president for operations H. Russell Cross, Loftin said he doesn’t plan to fill the position as an additional effort to cut costs. “He’s been a great friend of mine and a great supporter of the Galveston campus so I really miss his skills,” Loftin said. “I won’t replace him, I can’t replace him literally, so that office will be abolished and that means that my work load will go up.” Also announced in Monday’s memorandum was a reduction of the 3 percent merit program to a 2 percent mandatory merit pool: 1.5 percent funded centrally and 0.5 percent from

J.D. Swiger — THE BATTALION

Senior finance major Joshua Parulian escapes the heat by climbing the rock wall Wednesday in the student recreation center.

See Forum on page 2

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6/24/09 11:54 PM

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

Kalee Bumguardner, Editor in Chief Mattie Williamson, Managing Editor Meagan O’Toole-Pitts, City Editor Jason Staggs, Opinion Editor Jill Beathard, Lifestyles Editor Brett Sebastian, Sports Editor Karen Cruickshanks, Graphics Chief Christine Soriaga, Photo Chief THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University. Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. News offices are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3313; Fax: 979-845-2647; E-mail: metro@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising, call 979-845-2696. For classified advertising, call 979-845-0569. Advertising offices are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fax: 979845-2678. 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 $100 per school year. To charge by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, call 979-845-2613.

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thebattalion 6.25.2009

Calif. running out of money SACRAMENTO, Calif. — To hear Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state finance officials tell it, July 28 is California’s last stand before fiscal Armageddon. Top financial officers say that’s when the state will run out of cash to pay its daily expenses unless lawmakers pass a balanced budget. Schwarzenegger has warned that government will come to a “grinding halt.” But what exactly will happen is less clear-cut than the dire pronouncements suggest. California government will not come to a dead stop: Police will still patrol the highways. Prisoners will still be guarded. Still, many services funded by the state, such as road projects, would either stop or get cut back. College students who rely on state assistance might have to pay their own fees. How did California arrive at this point? The state’s budgeting system was strained by years of overly exuberant spending. Then the recession caused a sharp drop in sales and income tax revenue. The result: California’s main bank account, has a projected $24.3 billion deficit for the fiscal year that begins July 1. By the end of July, incoming cash will fall below the state’s payment obligations if lawmakers do not enact a balanced budget, either by slashing spending, raising taxes or doing both. By September, California could be $6.5 billion in the red.

Where on campus?

J.D. Swiger — THE BATTALION

Think you know every nook and cranny of Texas A&M? Test your campus know-how by e-mailing The Battalion and telling us where you think this photo was taken. The first people to get the answers correct will have their names published in The Battalion. Send your response with your name, class and major to photo@thebatt.com.

Wednesday’s answer: Research park

LSU wins national baseball title over UT

Correct responses: Matthew Darden, graduate student in mechanical engineering Leia Lozano, senior genetics major Carlos Sanchez, senior mechanical engineering major Erin Schertz, class of 2009, educational curriculum and instruction major Ryan Williams, class of 2002, industrial engineering major

OMAHA, Neb. — LSU, which two years ago wasn’t good enough to qualify for its conference tournament, is the best team in college baseball again. The Tigers won their sixth national title Wednesday night, breaking open Game 3 of the College World Series ﬁnals with a ﬁve-run sixth inning that carried them to an 11-4 victory over Texas. Associated Press

Student Government Chief Justice Joseph Reed speaks to the Student Senate about shared governance and open discussion between the student body and the administration.

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Earthquake Continued from page 1

propriate for the Cleburne earthquakes. “They’re caused by changing the stress,” Mathewson said. “They’re not associated with a major fault displacement.” The seismic events in Cleburne may continue and might augment the available quantity of gas in a particular field, Mathewson said. “Sometimes the rock breaks and it increases the amount of gas you can get out of them,” Mathewson said. “So gas producers like them.” Though no damage has resulted, it is necessary to learn more about the unexpected seismic activity, Hayward said. “If I were in the town, I would not be particularly worried about them,” he said. “The big question is, how deep are they? One of the reasons we’re doing the study is to find out.”

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Pg. 2-06.25.09.indd 1

Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

Government Continued from page 1

The meeting with Foster went well, according to Student Government members who attended. Topics discussed included the past experience of Foster, an overview of the presidential selection process, and a discussion on shared services, said campus liaison Mark Womack, a junior political science major. “The meeting was very

productive,” Womack said. “Foster was very transparent about the issues of the past few weeks.” Other students at the meeting agreed. “We feel that we got straight answers. He didn’t try to deceive us,” Reed said. “I believe every word that he said, and he said they have not outlined a process right now for choosing the next president.” Shared governance will be a priority for the administration,

and student concerns will be taken into account, said Texas A&M System student regent and senior accounting major Hunter Bollman. “I will be the biggest advocate in the world for students,” Bollman said. “I do have a seat at the table.” For shared governance to work, students need to make their voices heard, Loftin said. “My job is to listen,” Loftin said. “I urge you to communicate.”

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voices Take

EDITOR’SNOTE The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants in this paper do not necessarily reﬂect those of Texas A&M University, The Battalion or its staff.

thebattalion 6.25.2009 page3

GUESTCOLUMN

Top 10 percent is past its prime

down this fence

Michael Cox

Not only does the rule not achieve its purpose, it works against it. It’s time to cut our losses and make a new system.

eading the article about the Texas Legislature amending the Top 10 percent rule, I had to chuckle. The state government’s affirmative action bill is backfiring. The bill originally was passed in 1997 to increase the geographic and ethnic diversity of students admitted to a state universities by automatically giving admission, regardless of the high school in which they graduated, to students who were in the Top 10 percent with respect to grades. The problem is caused by the fact that the majority of the students utilizing this bill are white and middle class. The Top 10 percent rule is not achieving its intended purpose simply because the legislature failed to foresee who would make use of the rule. Students are much more likely to attend a college in state than out of state due to in-state tuition being more affordable and because of the closer proximity to home (something parents usually like). Therefore, of students in the top 10 percent of their high school, middle- and upper-middle-class students are just as likely to apply to state institutions and gain automatic admission as are poorer students. The difference is, though poorer students may gain admittance to these institutes of higher learning, the bill does not offer financial means to attend school, and many of these students may not be able to attend due to financial reasons. Even with outside scholarships and other financial aid, it still may not be enough. So, the majority of students being admitted under the Top 10 percent rule are white upper-middleclass students, and the bill’s purpose is not being fulfilled. Also, with the number of high school students admitted growing faster than the space at public universities and with so many students taking advantage of this bill, the University of Texas’ latest freshman class was made up of 80 percent of Top 10 percent students. The bill is now preventing them from diversifying the incoming class. Forcing universities to admit Top 10 percent is no way to increase the school’s diversity. It’s far too vague. If a university really want to diversify its student population it can’t just automatically admit the smartest students, that can’t work. It needs to go out of the way to make sure students of “geographical and ethnic” diversity are given an advantage and have a better shot of getting admitted. While my system is shocking, I believe it makes more sense than simply admitting students because they managed to get enough As to be in the top 10 percent of their graduating class. At least my system takes into account activities and achievements outside of the classroom. In Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, the Supreme Court prohibits quotas, but allows race to be a “plus factor.” How much of a plus factor? Now that it’s a hot topic, how beneficial is it to be a minority when applying to college? How much of an advantage do minorities receive? Right now, it’s up to each university to decide; at least my system gives you a number. Michael Cox is a guest columnist and a senior mechanical engineering major.

My Plan I will create a point system for admittance. GPA greater than three: 20 points. Sports: 5 points. Extracurricular activites: 5 points each. Ethnic minority: 30 points. Out of state: 25 points, and so on down the list of attributes of applicants. Then admit the 8,000 students (for Texas A&M) that have the most points and viola, you have your “geographic and ethnic” diversity you wanted.

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Chris Griffin — THE BATTALION

Separation of church and state should apply to marriage

Kat Drinkwater

he gay marriage debate has evolved from a whisper of discontent to a roaring, mud-slinging brawl. The situation could be mildly called a snafu, and more accurately termed something I can’t print in the paper. Everyone has an opinion; not only do people stand on both sides of and astride the metaphorical fence, there are people tunneling underneath and flying overhead. With courts and legislatures making and reversing decisions like a toddler flicks a light switch, it’s time to think outside the box and tear down the fence: abolish marriage altogether. The solution, first suggested by two law professors and published in the San Francisco Chronicle, isn’t as revolutionary as it first sounds and is gaining popularity. Marriage, as a religious institution, has no place in the government, as evidenced by the brawl currently going down between conservative Christians and gay rights activists. Nationally, marriage should be relegated to the church and gay and straight couples alike should receive the same recognition from the government: a document that

recognizes them as a family. It’s impossible, from a secular position, to defend denying a segment of the population a right that is given indiscriminately to any male-female couple who are more than 18 years old and sober enough to sign the paper. Beliefs that gay couples would get divorced more often or be ill-suited to raise children have been proven myth. The only defense is a religious one, because traditionally marriage is a sacred institution involving the union of one man and one woman in the eyes of God. Even that defense falls flat when the option of abolishing marriage in the government is considered. The real issue at the heart of the gay marriage debate is that of separation of church and state, another one that’s been argued over, under and every other way around. Personally, I think separation of church and state is one of the best things to ever happen to this country. Not since biblical times, and then only in fits and starts, has there been a religious government of a large society which was anything other than tyrannical, oppressive and barbaric. “Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you” and all that, but when religion and politics start holding hands we just can’t seem to help ourselves from oppressing somebody. While the debate over separation of church and state may never be completely laid to rest, a strong precedent has been set. Currently marriage is the exception rather than the rule; baptism, bat mitzvahs,

confirmations and all other religious rites require no license and afford no benefits from the government, so why marriage? Gay rights activists aren’t asking for the church’s blessing — they aren’t asking for holy union — they’re simply asking for the same legal recognition and benefits afforded straight couples. We’ll have to come up with a new name for marriage in the eyes of the state, which is sure to be an argument in itself. Marriage is definitely out, and civil union has received a certain amount of stigma after it was offered up as a notquite-as-good alternative. We could call it a legal union, official bond, partnered or even hitched. It doesn’t matter, as long as it’s the same for everyone. The argument for abolishing marriage practically makes itself, and with the 2009 Lyceum poll released Tuesday showing the 58 percent of Texans would support some form of same-sex union, we may be ready to move forward on a solution. If we abolish marriage Christians can continue to impose whatever restrictions they wish on marriage without the government trying to tell them what it is and isn’t. Meanwhile, gay rights activists get the equal rights they’ve been asking for. I really can’t see a “con” position. It’s time to be fair to everyone, let’s tear down this fence. Kat Drinkwater is a senior University Studies-Honors: psychology and neuroscience major.

MAILCALL From Lana, posted at thebatt.com I agree that if you have the grades and the extra-curriculars you should be accepted into the University. That does not mean that you should get a free ride simply on those grounds alone if you don’t have the money to attend. My family’s ﬁnancial situation in no way could have allowed me to attend any university, much less Texas A&M. I was aware of this and I worked my tail off in high school to get good grades and be involved in as much as possible. As a result, I have received enough scholarships to attend this University. That is what responsibility is all about. You recognize the realities of your situation and act accordingly. In my opinion, A&M would be an even greater institution if it scrapped the entire “Aggie Assurance” program and taught students this responsibility ﬁrst-hand,

instead of making other students pay for them to attend the University. Just because your parents make more than $60,000 per year, it in no way means that they are willing or able to ﬁscally support a college education. Their children have to ﬁnd the means to pay for school themselves. It is not fair for them to also foot the bill for other students. A&M acceptance as well as aid should be entirely merit based, that is the true mark of the top institution in my eyes.

From Crystal Arnote, senior accounting major I agree that change and progress are necessary to better ourselves, and that we should never be content with where we are. That being said, we do already create great graduates and have the Aggie Network

to back us. I think we should be working toward bettering all parts of campus, but we also need to be careful that we are not pushing forward too forcefully and losing sight of those parts of Texas A&M that are not quantifiable and will never be reflected in a college ranking system. These very things are what I love about being an Aggie and are what make us the Aggie family that will do anything for one another. Our roots and heritage as an agricultural and mechanical college should never be lost, as they, combined with Aggie military service, are indeed what made this place so unique and special in the first place. I thank and respect every service man and woman that has graduated from our fine institution and hope that Texas A&M continues to produce the finest U.S. military officers.

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FOR RENT $295 1-room in shared, furnished apartment. All bills paid. Short term leases o.k. Call agent Ardi 979-422-5660. $375, AVAILABLE NOW and pre-lease. 1/1, 2/1. Free Wi-Fi, On Northgate, on Shuttle. Short term leases ok. Call agent, Ardi. 979-422-5660. $800, PRE-LEASE, 2, 3, and 4 bdrm. houses near TAMU, pets ok. Call Agent Ardi 979-422-5660. 1,2,3&4 bedrooms available. www.bcspm.com B/CS Property Management. 1-3/bedroom apartments. Some with w/d, some near campus. $175-$600/mo. 979-696-2038. 1-MILE FROM CAMPUS, 3bd/3ba duplex, all appliances, 1916 West Hollemon Drive, $1175/mo 832-689-1984. 2,3&4 bedroom houses w/yards. Great locations for students. Pets welcome. 979-492-3990. 2/1 apartment $500/mo, no dogs, $300 deposit, Northgate area 979-696-7266. 2b/1b four plex. 2000 Longmiere College Station. $475/month. Call 979-822-1616. 2bd/1ba house w/office, all appliances, fenced yard, close to TAMU, $650/mo. 979-268-1509. 2bd/2.5ba for $1040/month at River Ridge Townhouses. Call John Beck at 361-550-5593. 2bd/2ba 4-plex. Spacious floorplan, W/D connections, close to campus. $550/mo. www.aggielandleasing.com,979776-6079. 3/2 duplex at Western Oaks, W/D, yardcare, spacious, available August, 713-854-2211. jennifer.treibs@gmail.com 3/2 Townhouses &Apartments, 1250sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, washer/dryer, walk-in pantry &closets, extra storage, great amenities, on bus route, excellent specials. 979-694-0320, office@luxormanagement.com 3/2/2 Townhome, close to campus, w/d, fridge, fenced backyard. Available early August, $1300/month. 832-863-5911. 3/2/2, 2700 Normand Circle, College Station $1250/mo 979-822-1616 3/3 Duplex, all appliances, fenced yard, large living ares, yard maintenance, available August 979-204-2644 or echrentalinfo@gmail.com 3bd/2ba C.S. huge duplex, fenced, shuttle route, W/D conn., Treehouse Trail, $995/mo. www.c4properties.net 979-268-1074 3bd/2bth- 1209 Milner. Wood floors, new bathrooms, fenced. 2 blocks from Texas Ave. across from TAMU golf course! $1500/mo. Avail. Aug. Call 832-215-1801 or 832-338-5397. 3bd/2bth- 512 Kyle St.- Wood Floors, 2 car garage, fenced. Walking/Biking distance to TAMU! $1500/mo. Avail. Aug. Call 832-215-1801 or 832-338-5397. 3Bd/2Bth/2Car 1208 King Arthur off Southwest Parkway. $1350/month including all appliances and lawn maintenance. 979-224-1434 3bdrm/3bth duplexes. Great floorplans, fenced yards, W/D, tile floors, icemakers, alarm systems. 776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com 4/2/2 House, close to campus, newly remodeled, available July or August. $1650/mo . aggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984.

4bd/2bth on Welsh Ave- fenced, in view of Kyle field! NO PETS. $1300/mo. Avail. Aug. Call 832-215-1801 or 832-338-5397. 4bdrm/2ba house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com 5-bedroom house for lease. For more information 979-966-3913 or www.tricaprealty.com Apartment for lease, pool-side at the Zone, on bus route, available now through 7/2010, $560/mo. 713-823-6820. Available 8/09. Bryan historic district, large 5-2 on large 1.3 acre lot, secluded, includes 2 bay metal garage with workshop, ideal for students with projects, pet friendly, handicap accessible, W/D connections, energy efficient. 806 E.29th $1900/mo. 979-255-5461. www.picketfenceproperties.net Big 3/2 duplex with all appliances, lawncare, tile and carpet, fenced yard. $900 979-324-5835. Bike to campus, available August 1st. 2/1 C.S. duplex, fenced backyard, w/d connections, pets allowed. E-walk shuttle route. $575. 979-218-2995. Bryan huge 4-2 clean and quiet, historic area, large trees, w/d connections, fenced yard, students welcome. 701 Banks. $1300. 979-255-5461. www.picketfenceproperties.net Callaway Villas. Need to sublease. Fall-2009. 4/2.5, W/D. $615/mo. 936-348-1561. Cozy 2bdrm/2bth condo 3-blocks from campus, yard, w/d connections, over 1000sqft., no HUD, updated, $585/mo., 506-C College Main 254-289-0585. Duplex near campus. 2bed/2bath. W/D. No backyard. 307 Spruce. $650/month. Call 254-760-8242. Fully Furnished 3 Bed 3.5 Bath Townhome. No more hassles with trying to find a hotel. This townhome has eveything you need furniture, dishes, linens, appliances, cale and internet, televicion, washer and dryer and fenced bak yard. Great for Parents for game season!!!!! You can rent by the month or long term. Just need it for the weekend? Call for rate. $1800.00 per month $1000.00 deposit. Call for Tour 979-485-0300 or 979-255-3280. Email: manager.brenda@gmail.com Web: www.bigdogmanagement.info Great 4bd/2ba house in popular area400 Pronghorn Loop. Comes w/ W/D, refregirator, large fenced bkyrd, pets o.k. w/ deposit, 2-car garage. Available in July or August, $1475/mo. Call Joey at 979-218-4091. http://sites.google.com/site/aaarentalcs/ Duplex for rent, 2/1. No deposit. $675/ month rent. Immaculate 3bd/2bth house. Updated. Fireplace, fenced. No pets. No HUD. $895/month. Off 2818 in Bryan. Available July. 254-289-0585. Large 2bdrm/2bth, 3204-Cougar Trail, Bryan. Water, sewer, &trash paid. Everything’s new inside. $675/mo. 822-1616. Limited time only $999.00! 3bd/2.5ba in College Station, Built in 2000, serene country setting, minutes from campus, fully loaded, Full size W/D and kitchen appl., Free lawn care, fenced backyards. Pets (including large dogs) welcome. Must see! Call for tour. 979-485-0300 or 979-255-3280. Web: www.topdogmanagement.info Need 2-people to take over 12-month lease August 2009. 2bd/bth at Woodlands. E-mail if interested whitneyjt8@hotmail.com Newly remodeled 4/2 house. Walking distance to campus, tile &wood floors, great location, nice big deck &yard. 776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com Nice 2/2 Duplex- On TAMU bus route! All appliances, NO PETS. $800/mo. Call 832-215-1801 or 832-338-5397. Oak Creek Condos high-speed internet and basic cable. 2bdrm/1.5ba. $515/mo Water, sewer, trash paid. Fireplace, icemaker, pool, hot-tub. 822-1616.

One room available in 3/2 on 3-acres, just four miles from campus. Horse property. $470/mo. Cable/Internet provided. 858-442-4918.

comics/fashion

page 4 thursday 6.25.2009

thebattalion

Open House, for lease, 3/2 townhouse, 203 Navarro, 1278 sqft, built in entertainment center, high ceilings, dedicated parking space, 3 blocks from shuttle, ceramic tile, microwave, w/d, stove, side by side refrigerator, $1200/mo. 979-268-3200. Pre-leasing for August. 3b/1.5b, carport, on shuttle, pets ok, fenced, $750/month. aggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984. Room for lease under Helen Kline, Callaway House, available 6.23.09, call 979-260-7700 or 817-991-6803 Upstairs 2/1.5 off Holleman. W/D included, new flooring throughout, non-smoking. $675/mo. 979-220-0468.

HELP WANTED Assistant teachers part-time. Working with children 18-mo. through 6-yrs, great learning opportunity for education majors or anyone wanting experience woring with children. Please apply at swlccs@gmail.com or 979-693-6556. Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. 512-684-8296, photoguy@io.com Career Apparel now hiring retail sales position P/T. Apply in person 4001 E. 29th #103. 260-2727. Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment. Cook, cashier and runner, 7-day a week position. Background check Evening employment. 979-776-8135, call for an appointment. Part-time housekeeping Mon-Fri only, no weekends, general home cleaning and housekeeping, 10-15 hours per week, apply in person at 3131 Briarcrest Dr. Bryan, TX, Suite 112, Mon-Wed 1:30-2:30 PM. STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in College Station. 100% free to join. Click on surveys. We are casting 2 spokespersons for a 5 minute video production. Previous experience is not necessary but preferred. Must be a current student, have good presentation skills, ability to memorize lines and available to work the week of July 13th. This will pay $150. To schedule a time, please send resume to: tpeterson@shs.tamu.edu

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

On her: Swimsuit by Gianni Bini; sunglasses by Ralph On him: Swimsuit by Polo Ralph Lauren; sunglasses by Ray Ban

PETS Teacup puppies: Maltese, Shorkies, Maltipoos, Yorkies &Poodles. $500 &up. 979-324-2866, linda_d_54@yahoo.com

ROOMMATES

Photos by Patrick Clayton — THE BATTALION

1-roommate needed Fall, & Spring. 4/2 house. 2505 Antietam. $400/mo +1/4 utilities. Clara, 361-463-1727. 2-Roomates needed for 09-10 year, 3/2 house on bus route with backyard, $400/mo +1/3 utilities, Lindsey 512-557-5592.

Summer trends

2-roommates needed. 3/2 house, close to busroute. $350/mo. +1/3bills. 817-475-0093.

Fringe sandals

Male roommates wanted in 4bd house. $300/mo. +1/4 bills. 979-777-4379.

Boyfriend shorts

Roommate needed. 2bd/2ba on shuttle route, $500/mo., includes all bills. 936-591-1053. Roommate needed, female non-smoker. Fully furnished, all bills paid. $550/mo, C.S. 979-690-7394. Roommates needed. Two male roommates needed for 3/2 duplex off of University Drive in College Station. On TAMU and Blinn bus route. Great Location. Small deck and fenced yard. Small pets allowed w/deposit. Partially furnished, W/D included. Lease $350 per month and 1/3 of utilities. Call 361-230-9119 or 210-845-6474. Available 8-15-09.

Tie-dye Light distressed jeans Long necklaces Sharp shoulders Tribal prints Silk printed blouses Zipper details Jean jackets with sundresses Cut-outs Technicolor People magazine

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

STUDIES IN PROGRESS ATHLETE’S FOOT STUDY Volunteers ages 12 and older are needed to participate in a clinical research study with an investigational topical medication for the treatment of Athlete’s foot. Study participation will be a maximum of 8 weeks. Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study related medication • Medical examinations relating to their athlete’s foot • Compensation of $50 per visit for maximum of $250 For more information please contact:

RED DRY SCALY PATCHES OF SKIN ATOPIC DERMATITIS STUDY (ECZEMA) Volunteers ages 18 and older needed to participate in a 6-week clinical research study with an investigational topical medication for atopic dermatitis (RED, DRY, SCALY PATCHES OF SKIN). Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study related ointment for 4 weeks • Physical Examination • Dermatological Assessments • Compensation up to $300 for time and effort For more information please contact:

J&S Studies, Inc. 979-774-5933 1710 Crescent Pointe Parkway, College Station, TX 77845

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fashion thebattalion 6.24.2009 page5

splish splash

style

Megan Clark

Logan West

New trends update old classics for girls

Put away the T-shirts and boots, guys

ith the blazing Texas heat, it stands to reason that there is some serious need for fashion updating. Our wardrobes from the fall and spring generally do not accommodate the necessities of 100-plus degree temperatures. This summer offers great style potential whether you are hitting the beach, enjoying a summer day or going out on the town. Sometimes it’s hard to notice the differences in swimsuits from season to season, but there are some noticeable fashion shifts that you might want to take note of. Two main trends in swimsuits this summer are halters and bandeaus. The halter swimsuits vary from your typical triangle string bikinis to the slightly more conservative with broader straps, both equally stylish. These are considered classics and will probably not go out of style for the next few seasons. The latest trend in bathing suits is the bandeau style. The straps differ from suit to suit but the overall concept is the same. The bandeau is a ruched, or scrunched, band that wraps around and then either ties around your neck, has spaghetti straps or no straps. You see this style in almost any store or magazine. It’s chic and vogue, and flatters almost any figure. A common trend for summer casual wear is lightweight dresses. This season is based on extremes: the mini and the maxi. The allocation of the younger demographic wearing minis has extended across the ages and is popular for everyone. The newest style is the maxi, the long dress that extends down to the ankles with an empire top and elongating bottom. This trend is commonly paired with the newest gladiator sandals. What summer would be complete without summer dates? Date wear this season mixes up some old styles with new twists. Instead of regular jeans, stores are stocking crops, shorter than jeans and longer than Capri pants. Cropped jeans are multi-functional and can be worn with heels for date night or sandals for daytime shopping. Sleeveless shirts are the most comfortable for being outside. The illustrated bib style is flattering and dressier. Other styles, like floral prints or the trapeze cut, look more laid back and casual. Lightweight jackets transform these ensembles into something that could be warmer for a cold movie theater. The greatest thing about these fashions is the ease of mix-and-match by which a few small pieces can make several outfits, great for saving money and looking great. No matter what your plans are this summer, be sure that you visit the malls and go everywhere in style. What could a good first impression do for you?

On him: Swimsuit by Polo Ralph Lauren On her: Swimsuit by Gianni Bini; sunglasses by Ralph

On him: Cotton shirt by Murano; cotton jeans by Banana Republic; silk tie by Calvin Klein premium; leather shoes by Cole Haan; steel watch with leather strap by Fossil

n College Station, style usually boils down to many of the same things: boots, jeans and T-shirts or pearl snaps. It’s summer and just as weather changes, so should style. Everything about summer, the weather and the women, is hot, so your style should be cool. First off, there is sure to be time spent at the pool this summer, and it’s easy to relax with a swimsuit, preferably Photos by Patrick Clayton — THE BATTALION trunks and no Speedos. Dress Clothes courtesy of Dillard’s Modeled by Karina Rodchenko and Kevin Westerman the swimsuit up for a pool party with boat shoes that stand out and are sure to get compliments. Also, if you wear a T-shirt, think about a solid V-neck, or dress it up with a short-sleeved button down. Not every day will be spent at the pool this summer, so wear something that is ready for anything. A great choice is a smart polo paired with shorts. One thing that will help you stand out is the choice of color in your shorts. Anyone can buy a pink polo and look daring, but it takes courage to wear some green or red shorts and have the wit to match them to a nice shirt and good-looking boat shoes. Now, these clothes are probably not going to impress ladies on Northgate, unless they are hungry for a man who just got off the fishing boat or an underachiever. That is what the next tips are for. When going out, a man needs to look as if he cares to be there and he has things going on in his life other than the party at hand. Throw the Hurley hat, the T-shirt and the boots that you were planning on wearing back in your closet. You are not a mixed martial arts fighter, and if you are, your clothes do not have to tell your story before the ear of the girl across the bar hears it from your mouth. A good way to show all On her: Top by Gibson Tank; cropped jeans by Joe’s this is with a button down shirt and a tie; however, go Jeans; shoes by Charlotte Russe Ari Gold style and undo the top button and loosen the tie. Also, wear some dressier shoes in brown or black. This will get looks, questions and compliments, guaranteed to make you feel better if you are down or boost your confidence at the bar. Add these On him: Cotton shirt by Polo Ralph Lauren; sunglasses by Ray Ban, clothes to your steel watch by Fossil wardrobe to class up your style and make a change. This year is all about change as we have seen, so why not take it to your clothes and not just politics. Logan West is a senior political science major.

On her: Dress by Chelsea and Violet

Megan Clark is a sophomore English major.

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6/24/09 10:49 PM

news

page 6 thursday 6.25.2009

thebattalion

Officials look into anomalies of circuit WASHINGTON — Federal investigators say they are looking at a track circuit near where a deadly transit train crash occurred in Washington, D.C. Five of six circuits, or stretches of track, in the area showed no problems during tests Wednesday. But there were anomalies with the sixth circuit. Equipment along each circuit receives signals that generate speed commands for the train.

SC first lady asked gov. to leave COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina’s first lady says she asked Gov. Mark Sanford to leave home and stop talking to her two weeks before he publicly admitted an affair with a woman he visited on a secret trip to Argentina. Jenny Sanford said Wednesday that she needed a trial separation from her husband of nearly 20 years to preserve her own sense of dignity. Mark Sanford said he has ended the yearlong affair and his wife has known about his infidelity for five months.

HS coach killed, he launched careers PARKERSBURG, Iowa — A high school coach who helped launch several professional football careers was gunned down by a former player Wednesday in front of students taking part in an offseason workout, authorities said. Mark Becker unloaded several rounds into AplingtonParkersburg High School football coach Ed Thomas and was arrested at a nearby home. Associated Press

Plans to simplify college aid form WASHINGTON — The Obama administration plans to simplify the federal college aid form, which at 153 questions drives millions of families to give up before they finish it. President Barack Obama wants to make the form much more user-friendly as part of a sweeping plan to put higher education within reach of students. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, who announced the changes at the White House on Wednesday along with IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman, said the goal is to boost college enrollment among lowand middle-income students. Both men described the current form as a nightmare. Duncan said it has prevented hundreds of thousands of students from going to college because they could not navigate the form and pursue aid. The proposed change comes as demand for aid is rising. Last year, after the recession had begun, the number of applications rose by 12 percent to more than 16 million, according to the Education Department. Detailed estimates are not yet available for last year, but of all full-time college undergraduates in 2007, 58 percent applied for aid, and 47 percent received it. The college aid form will become part of a student aid bill centered on Obama’s plan to end a program of governmentsubsidized college loans.

Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

Interim President R. Bowen Loftin speaks in an open forum Wednesday morning in Rudder Theater. Loftin introduced himself, discussed his agenda, and answered audience questions.

Forum Continued from page 1

departmental funds. Reducing the merit pool will provide flexibility in preparing the fiscal year 2011 operating budget, Loftin noted in the memorandum. “It affects you, but I hope you’ll be willing to sacrifice the 1 percent to help us,” Loftin said. “I’m cutting $800,000 in salary budget of my office. I will never ask of you what I won’t ask of myself.” Departments will not have to cut back on necessities, Loftin said. “We will make adjustments. We will not force them to cut into what they really have to have to accomplish their missions. We’re going to be carefully working with every single unit.” Divisions unable to supply such funds should contact the budget office, Loftin noted the memorandum, and will be assisted on a caseby-case basis. “We really worry about how we’re going to do this that’s not going to affect in a negative way our core mission,” Loftin said. Cost reallocation will be a collaborative effort, Loftin said. “I will work closely with the 12th Man Foundation and with the former students in their efforts to raise funds for this campus,” he said. “I’ll be there, out on the front lines with them, finding private dollars to achieve our purpose.”

The initial Academic Master Plan proposed a financial need of $11 million, Loftin noted in the memorandum, but only $6.8 million has been secured as of yet. “I’m committed to restoring it back to $11 million with the help of the units. We’re not going to cheat this plan; we’re going to make it work,” Loftin said. “It will not be a steady plan; as we go through it we’re going to continue to access our progress and we will tweak it as appropriate to make it the very best it can be.” All funds will remain at the University, Loftin said, but it is uncertain whether it will go to the colleges or administration. “I’m not going to commit right now to keeping every dime here,” Loftin said. A question, which received applause, inquired of Loftin his motives in accepting his new position, under direction of System Chancellor Mike McKinney. “I want to address the 800-pound gorilla in the room: the issue of trust. Many faculty at this point don’t trust the board of regents, many faculty don’t trust the chancellor,” said architecture assistant dean for research and director of graduate studies Lou Tassinary. “If I were you, the only reason I would accept the position is if on some level I thought I could trust them, so can you tell me why you do?” Texas A&M is home, was Loftin’s answer.

“I love this school, so if I can in any way help this University heal and move on, I’d consider myself successful in being an Aggie,” he said. Though we are not in a financial crisis, Loftin said, it is decisionmaking time. “I think we really are facing uncertain times in the ability to raise tuition in the future and the revenue we receive from the state. I can certainly ask for a tuition increase but I can’t approve it.” Because of the focus on cost reallocation, expansion will take a back-seat for now, said provost and executive vice president for academics Jeffrey Vitter in reply to an audience member question. “The plan is not to increase interim class size; we’ll see our total enrollment grow to about 50,000,” Vitter said. Methods of gathering input have yet to be specified. “I’ve only been told that they are going to consult widely with stakeholders, that’s really all I know right now,” Loftin said. “The goals are coming out in print very soon.” The budget review will be reported, he said. “We need to continue the excellence of our programs; to add to those programs in a systematic way with your input. We can’t get it all done today but we’ll keep doing [talking],” Loftin said. “The purpose is not for me to tell you, it’s for you to tell me. We will do this again.”

Associated Press

campaign finance reports. At this point, the candidates need to get voters to pay attention. A Texas Lyceum poll, a nonpartisan survey conducted by University of Texas and released Wednesday, showed 45 percent of Republicans were undecided. Of the likely GOP primary voters who said they made up their minds, 33 percent supported Perry and 21 percent backed Hutchison. Even if Perry trails in money this summer — a real possibility because he couldn’t accept donations all spring but Hutchison could — he’ll likely catch up quickly because of established donors who are willing to give him as much as $100,000 per four-year term, said Cal Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University.

ALL TICKETS $15 IN ADVANCE AT BASKINS, CAVENDER’S, THE HALL AND ONLINE, OR $15 AT THE DOOR

“This is a race that will see larger amounts of money spent in the primary, maybe, than in the general election. It’s going to be a slugfest between Perry and Hutchison,” Jillson said. Hutchison held an early money lead at the start of this year, with nearly $8 million to Perry’s $6.6 million in the bank. Since then, she’s been working on more state fundraising. She named John Nau, a Houston businessman and former Perry backer, as her finance chairman. She sent out a fundraising letter that sounded the national Republican theme but referred to Perry in saying, “We simply can’t afford this type of leadership negatively defining our party for four more years.”

979-693-5731

ALL TICKETS $5 AT THE DOOR

2701 Longmire Dr. College Station

■ Create a Web application to use tax data families have already submitted to the IRS, helping to eliminate confusion in answering questions. ■ Ask Congress to pass legislation that removes more than half of the ﬁnancial questions on the form. Students and their families must ﬁll out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to get any type of federal aid or loan.

On the net Chandra X-Ray Observatory: chandra.nasa.gov

15% Student Discounts!*

• Fitness Center • Located on the A&M Shuttle • Six Floorplans to choose from • 24 hr. Emergency Maintenance • Swimming Pool • Free Video Library • Ceiling Fans • Spacious Closets • Exterior Storage Space • Close to Shopping & Dining • Pets Welcome • WiFi Free On-Site Tanning and Computer Labs

■ Shorten and streamline the online application, reducing the number of screens by about twothirds.

WASHINGTON — Mysterious space blobs aren’t infant galaxies as astronomers once thought. Scientists say they mostly consist of galaxies going through puberty, all hot and bothered. A new study using NASA’s Chandra X-Ray Observatory and other space and ground telescopes comes up with an explanation for these high-energy glowing blobs that have been observed for about a decade. Astronomers looked at 29 of these gaseous blobs in one distant area of the universe, dating back to more than 11 billion years ago. One theory was that they were young galaxies cooling off. But the new research says they are hot and chaotic with gas halos, growing supermassive black holes and about to stabilize. The blobs are the adolescent galaxies and the hydrogen gas, leftover from their creation.

Amenities

w/ The Trishas

The administration is taking three steps to simplify the form, which some consider more complicated than a tax return:

Telescope ﬁnds space blobs are pubescent galaxies

Governor race, Republican slugfest AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Rick Perry is ready to raise campaign cash, while Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison may finally be ready to raise a ruckus as the Republican heavyweights begin combat for the governor’s office next year. The race is projected to cost millions of dollars. The winner of the GOP primary in March will be favored in the November election. “I’m raising funds again for my campaign ... first time since December,” Perry wrote Monday on Twitter. He couldn’t collect contributions during the legislative session that ran from mid-January until June 1. Money-raisers for Perry and Hutchison will be in high gear until the end of June, the deadline for donations that will appear on July

What they plan to do

Amenities

• Washer and Dryer Connection • Large Oversized Units • Walk-in Closets • On Texas A&M Shuttle Route • 3 Laundry Rooms Enter to win • Fitness Center $ 5000 rent credit! • Computer Lab • Basketball Court • Tennis Court • Volleyball Court • 2 Pools

No Deposits! No Application Fee! Semester Leases Available! with this ad

WiFi at Pools!

979-696-9100

503 Southwest Pkwy. College Station

www.cncinvestments.com *limited units available

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