thebattalion Leave a mark
Note from the editor
This is a special edition to show how The Battalion is produced and the processes we go through to get a paper to the stands each morning.
●
july 7, 2010 special edition
● serving
texas a&m since 1893
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2010 student media
Honor 117-year-old tradition: read The Battalion
T
EXAS A&M is a special place. It’s filled with both incredible faculty and ambitious students, and its halls echo with traditions honored for decades. I want to tell you about one tradition with which I have fallen in love. Like many other things at Texas A&M, this tradition centers on service. However, unlike most traditions, it is 117-years-old. The Battalion was here before the Aggie Ring design we know and love, before the Ross Volunteers and even before Silver Taps, the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band and Yell Practice. The only tradition older is Muster. The Battalion is the student voice of Texas A&M University. And I am honored to serve as its editor-in-chief for fall 2010 and spring 2011. I began writing for The Battalion before attending classes my freshman year, and I knew long before that I would be serving Aggies by reporting when I arrived in Aggieland. This will be my third year on
staff, and I have learned so much. In the beginning, I did not realize the hard work that goes into making a single issue. The Battalion staff devotes about 100 man hours a day to produce the paper. It is completely student-run and studentproduced. We are the student voice and, as such, we want to know what you have to say. If you have a story idea, e-mail it in; if you have a suggestion or complaint, give us a call. We serve you. We need to hear from students to learn what happens in their lives. That is my favorite part of the job. Every issue, a story reminds me of the uniqueness
of A&M, its traditions and its students. Consider the resolve and strength of those at the turn of the century when one of the greatest traditions of Aggieland Matt Woolbright became one of its greatest tragedies, the junior sociology day Bonfire collapsed. major and fall Even though we lost editor-in-chief 12 family members, we became stronger. Two years later, we saw the patriotism and love for country inherent at A&M when Kyle Field became a symbol of American pride days after Sept. 11, 2001. Fundraising for victims of the Virginia Tech shootings and Hurricane Ike relief are only two examples of the volunteer spirit prevalent at this university. Take advantage of your time here. You’ve heard it a million times, but it’s important. There are more than 800 student
2010-2011 editor-in-chief
7,000 hours a semester in the fall and spring to produce content for the paper 3,500 hours a semester in the summer to produce content for the paper 17,500 hours annually 1,850 pages produced each year by students
Days in the newsroom never quite go as planned. Working at The Battalion, or any news publication, brings the excitement and anxiety of the unexpected. This is why I love, and occasionally dislike a teeny tiny bit, working at the Texas A&M student newspaper. Working for The Battalion is challenging, but it is far more rewarding. The Battalion has allowed me to interview and meet interesting, inspiring people and to learn more about the world. I’ve experienced the most marvelous stress and sense of accomplishment putting The Battalion together, and the latter is something every college student needs more of.
Getting involved with your student newspaper How to apply If you are interested in writing or contributing content in The Battalion apply at thebatt.com, or call 845-3313. 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. How to submit a story idea To submit a story idea to The Battalion, send it to metro@thebatt.com and editor@thebatt.com. You are the eyes and ears of the campus and this is your student newspaper. You should include the time, date and place of the story idea. Please include at least three contact names, e-mails and phone numbers.
Pg. 1-07.07.10.indd 1
350 hours a week in the summer to produce the paper
Fall 2010 managing editor
I began working for The Battalion before I attended college classes. I practiced journalism in high school for three years before I arrived in Aggieland and knew I wanted to continue at A&M. I love informing students, sharing little known stories and the pulse of the newsroom. Journalism is a thrill for me. It’s never the same, and it’s always about telling other people’s stories. So I learn more about A&M daily. I love this school, and I love The Battalion more than I can put into words.
The Battalion newsroom is south of Albritton Tower off Wellborn Road.
To contact Matt Woolbright, send him an e-mail at editor@thebatt.com
500 hours a week in the fall and spring to produce the paper
Megan Ryan
Matt Woolbright
The Grove
organizations at A&M, and I’m sure one of them matches your interests and passions. Maybe it’s The Battalion. Perhaps you love knowing what’s going on at A&M and want to keep students informed. Or you relish the idea of improving your writing, photography or video skills. Maybe you want to share opinions with a column or podcast. Regardless, you will never be bored. Every day is different. If we have piqued your interest at all, shoot me an e-mail, and we can sit down and talk. Whether it’s with The Battalion or another one of A&M’s phenomenal groups, we want to encourage you. Make a mark on Aggieland while you are here, and then make a mark on the world when you leave. Your time here is so short, and we are fortunate to be here. There are thousands wishing they were in your shoes, but you have earned the right to be here. Make the most of it.
Workload
The Battalion is a student publication, so please include student contacts. Let the staff know who is important in the story idea, why it’s important that they cover it, what the story idea is, when it is taking place (timely coverage is best), where the story idea is and how does this story idea pertain to students at Texas A&M. Also, the editors are asked to answer: Why do I care? for each of the stories they assign. Let them know why students should care about the story idea you are proposing. The editors of The Battalion are asked to plan content at least two weeks in advance. If you know of a story idea that can be planned early, send the idea in as soon as you can. The earlier, the better. If you know of a student, faculty or staff story that would make a great profile, please send us your ideas. If it’s breaking news, call the newsroom ASAP 845-3315 to report news. For more information, go to thebatt.com/about-us
7/6/10 6:30 PM
Inside The Battalion
Angela Washeck Sophomore communication major
Why The Battalion? Hands
thebatt.com
down, The Battalion is the best job. I love to write, I love people, I love hearing people’s stories. I like knowing about things that matter and breaking that news to fellow students. It has honed my skills and further confirmed that this is what I’m supposed to do with my life. You should apply because you’ll come out smarter and more creative. Plus, you’ll add something to your resume while having fun!
Random Fact: My favorite food is salad. Yum!
Better clinic. Better medicine. Better world.
David Harris Senior economics major
Why The Battalion? Working for The Battalion — along with weekends at Northgate — is one of the highlights of my college career. Having the opportunity to cover something I love while at the same time being able to voice my opinion is something that has had a profound effect on me. It’s a pretty empowering experience to see your fellow students in class reading your work. Hence, why you should apply. That and the fact that it gives you the opportunity to work with great, experienced people. Regardless, if you enjoy putting pen to paper and talking with extraordinary people who litter our wonderful campus, then send in an application.
PPD has been conducting research studies in Austin for more than 20 years. Call today to ďŹ nd out more.
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Men 21 to 45
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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. Sun. 1 Aug. through Wed. 4 Aug.
Men and Postmenopausal or Surgically Sterile Women 18 to 55
Up to $3200
Healthy & Non-Smoking BMI between 18 and 30
Wed. 14 Jul. through Sun. 18 Jul. Fri. 20 Aug. through Tue. 24 Aug. Multiple Outpatient Visits
Men and Postmenopausal or Surgically Sterile Women 18 to 65
Up to $4800
Wed. 21 Jul. through Fri. 30 Jul. Healthy & Non-Smoking Wed. 18 Aug. through Fri. 27 Aug. BMI between 18 and 32 Outpatient Visit: 16 Sep. Healthy & Non-Smoking BMI between 19.0 and 29.9 (for females) Weigh between 99 and 220 lbs BMI between 19.0 and 32.0 (for males) Weigh between 110 and 265 lbs
Men Women 18 to 55
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Men and Women 18 to 55
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Women 18 to 40
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Two Weekend Stays Multiple Outpatient Visits
Fri. 23 Jul. through Sun. 25 Jul. Fri. 30 Jul. through Sun. 1 Aug.
$ Pg. 2-07.07.10.indd 1
senior visual studies major
Ian McPhail Senior history major
Why The Battalion? My experience at The Battalion has taught me how to manage my time and how to work as part of a team. I have learned that there is always work to be done and efficiency is a key factor to success in a career field.
Random Fact: I’m hoping to someday work for Pixar.
Why The Battalion? The Battalion gives students the chance to voice their opinions, and to be paid to do so, an opportunity few college newspapers provide. Over the past two years, working for The Battalion has given me the incentive to constantly improve my writing, a skill useful for everything from essays to impressing friends with Facebook posts. Freedom of press is an essential American value, and The Battalion and particularly the opinion desk plays an important role in enabling students to exercise their First Amendment rights in a tangible way. Random Fact: I am colorcapable, and actively choose not to recognize the difference between red and green, or any color with an adjective preceding it. Â
Random Fact: I was born on Christmas Day.
Rebecca Bennett Senior English and communication major
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.
Evan Andrews
Why The Battalion?
Jeffery Frankens Junior international studies major
Why The Battalion? I work as a photographer and desk assistant for The Battalion. This job allows me to develop my skills as a photographer and use my passions to be a part of the Texas A&M community. As a photographer, The Battalion allows you to be a part of a support system that will help develop skills that will last a lifetime.
Random Fact: I traveled to the Middle East this summer to work on a film.
I enjoy working for The Battalion because it makes me feel more connected to what’s going on at the University and in the community. I’ve been fortunate in meeting and talking with different student leaders, all of whom are inspiring because of the visions and dedication they have for their passions. Working for the paper has made me more aware of the sheer variety of impressive endeavors that Aggies pursue. You should apply to work for The Battalion because it’s an enjoyable way to serve the campus, get connected and gain professional experience.
Random Fact: Due to being a Marine Corps brat, I have lived in five states and Iwakuni, Japan.
Julie Rambin Senior philosophy major
Why The Battalion? My job is fun for me because I enjoy fixing problems. I like the variety — I edit all content, design pages, and fact-check. Working at The Battalion has made me a more focused writer and helped me clarify my career and life goals. If you like writing and want to improve your skills, you should apply. Random Fact: My last job was in an emergency room.
thebattalion THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893
Vicky Flores Editor in Chief
THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University. Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. News ofďŹ ces 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 classiďŹ ed advertising, call 979-8450569. Advertising ofďŹ ces are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and ofďŹ ce hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fax: 979-845-2678. Subscriptions: A part of the Student Services Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1. Mail subscriptions are $125 per school year. To charge by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, call 979-845-2613.
7/6/10 5:49 PM
The making of the battalion
page 3
thebattalion
Make the most of Aggieland H
ere it is: a new start, a clean slate, a window of opportunity. As you take your first steps into your college life, think carefully about who you want to be.
When I was a freshman, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to be a part of a tradition, something unique. I wanted to leave my legacy at this University, so I applied for The Battalion.
I remember nervously reporter, you are the paper, walking into the newsand there is so much freeroom to hand in my dom in choosing whose application, but when story to tell and how to I arrived there I was tell it. surprised at the friendly As a sophomore, I welcome and knew I had started working in the Vicky Flores newsroom as the city found my home. My freshman year, junior MIS major editor, which I loved even I was a reporter for the and summer 2010 more. Articles came in city desk, which I loved. editor-in-chief from reporters, and my I had the opportunity to job was to edit all of the meet so many interesting people and news stories and decide which stories it was my job to tell their story. As a would be published in upcoming
issues. It was a dream job to plan and put together the paper every day. This summer working as editorin-chief, I have learned so much about journalism and the news business. Not only have I learned about this career, but I have made friends and learned about who I am. I encourage you to join The Battalion. We have news and sports reporters, opinion and lifestyle writers, photographers, page designers, copy editors, videogra-
phers, graphic designers, podcast personalities and advertising sales representatives. There are many ways to contribute and be a part of this time-honored tradition. Even if journalism isn’t your calling, find out what is. Try everything you can while you’re in college and don’t let a moment go to waste. Get involved and find your home within Texas A&M, as I have found mine. Discover for yourself what being an Aggie is all about.
classifieds
PLACE
AN AD Phone 845-0569 or Fax 845-2678 The Grove, Bldg. #8901 Texas A&M University
ANNOUNCEMENTS
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR Ag owned. Affordable, honest auto repair, a/c service, performance, and customization. No job too small! Mobile service available! Call 979-574-1223. www.gwcustoms.com
FARM/RANCH Equestrian Boarding Facility, Covered and Outdoor Jumping Arena. All day turnout. Lessons and training. 979-324-0654, www.sundownequine.com
1-bdrm., plus office. Less than 1-mile from campus, 1-block from shuttle &park. NCS, close to shopping. www.hollemanbythepark.com 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, 950sq.ft., large living room, ceiling fans, W/D connections, fenced backyard, near A&M/ Shuttle. $625. 229 Brentwood, CS. Contact 512-206-6658, Nabilski@hotmail.com 2/1 duplex, fenced, pets ok, on shuttle, 1406 Bermuda, $600/mo, 693-1448.
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 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.
2/1 duplex. W/D, bathroom and kitchen newly remodeled. Large backyard, lawncare provided. Pets o.k. $625/mo. 979-229-9890. 2/2 Condo, upstairs, Double Tree 1901 W. Hollemon. 900sq.ft., all appliances, W/D, water paid, bus route, available now. New paint and carpet. No pets. $700/mo., $700 deposit. 979-255-9432. 2/2 Fourplex. Upstairs, wood floor, deck, pets allowed, close to campus, on bus route. Available August. 979-204-1950.
$850 Available Now or Pre-lease, 3 & 4 bdrm. houses near TAMU, pets ok. Call Agent Ardi 979-422-5660.
2ba/2bd S.W. Valley. Fireplace, fenced, new carpet, paint, +ceramic tile, shuttle. Available August. Perfect for students, yard maintenance. 979-696-0895
1-3/bedroom apartments. Some with w/d, some near campus. $175-$600/mo. 979-696-2038.
BRYAN: CHARMING 2/1 Duplexes, WOOD FLOORS, privacy fenced COMMON AREA. $525-$545/mo. 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.com
BRYAN: PRELEASING!! 2br DUPLEXES & 4PLEXES, GREAT LOCATION, DIFF FLOORPLANS. 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.com
TO CALL 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Insertion deadline: 1 p.m. prior business day
FOR RENT
Absolutely 1-Fun Defensive Driving! Ticket dismissal/ insurance discount. W&Th (6pm-9pm) or Sat (8am-2:30pm). Denny’s (near TAMU). $45 cash, $25 Special (w/purchase 2-food items). Restrictions apply. 979-694-8888.
BRYAN: MIDTOWN TERRACE- 1710 Echols, PAID W/S, INTERNET, CABLE!! 2/2 duplexes w/NEW EVERYTHING - new WOOD FLOORS, new CABINETS, new BLACK APPL!! 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.com
WHEN
BRYAN: 2/1 AMAZING FLOOR PLANS, fenced yards avail, pets ok, w/d conn, spacious rooms, mins from Blinn & TAMU!! $515-$565/mo. 979.775.2291. www.twincityproperties.com
COLLEGE STATION: SPACIOUS 2/1, all appl, BIKING/ WALKING distance to TAMU, close to TAMU shuttle! $495/mo. 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.com
COLLEGE STATION: MANY HOMES TO CHOOSE FROM 2br, 3br, & 4br! Wolf Pen Area!! Pets welcome! 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.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
FOR RENT
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
2bd/2ba 4-plex. Spacious floorplan, W/D connections, close to campus. $550/mo. www.aggielandleasing.com, 979-776-6079.
2bd/1ba apartment, 800sq.ft. New appliances, carpeting and tile. W/D. Bus route. $550/mo. +$300 deposit. 210-391-4106.
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
2bd/1ba duplex. $675/mo. 1601 Cloverdale, C.S. Newly remodeled. Call 979-575-3553. 2bd/1ba Walk to campus, $900/mo., W/D, ref., and lawn service included. Pets O.K. 4309 Old College. 979-739-4930. 2bd/1ba, 2bd/1.5ba, Fourplexes starting at $650/mo., 980sq.ft, W/D connections, on shuttle, water paid. $100 off 1st/mo. with ad. www.pontalbaapartments.com 979-693-6102. 2bd/2ba, less than 1-mile from campus, 1-block from shuttle &park. NCS, close to shopping. www.hollemanbythepark.com
COLLEGE STATION: 4/2 AWESOME HOUSE, PRIME LOCATION!! ASF 1600, biking distance to TAMU, June move-in, open floor plan! 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.com
BRYAN: 3/2, QUIET EAST SIDE HISTORICAL DISTRICT, one of a kind, over 1800 sqft., WOOD FLOORS, 9ft ceilings, LARGE living & dining area, BIG walk-in closet, front porch and brick patio!! 979.775.2291. www.twincityproperties.com
BRYAN: 3/3 AMAZING HOUSE! WOOD FLOORS, COMPLETE RENOVATION! NEW EVERYTHING! A MUST SEE! 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.com
3/3 newer duplex includes all appliances, tile floors, backyard, pets allowed. Available August. Call Tia 979-739-1160.
NOW LEASING 4 BEDROOM HOMES!! Call for Move-in specials!! Rent from $1300 - $1700 3909 Aspen, Bryan 2310 Avon, Bryan 905 Bougainvillea, CS 4140 McFarland, CS 1220 Ridge¿eld, CS 600 Thompson, CS 3512 Vienna, CS www.AtHomePM.com 979-696-5357
BRYAN: ASF 1400, WOOD FLOORS, BIG kitchen, lots of cabinet space, living & dining area, GREAT LOCATION! 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.com
BRYAN: 2/1.5 & 3/2 MASSIVE APTS!! COVERED PARKING, laundry facility, central area! PAID W/S, INTERNET, CABLE, GARBAGE! 979.775.2291 www.twincityproperties.com
puzzle answers can be found online at www.thebatt.com
FOR RENT 3bd/1.5ba, carport, on shuttle, pets ok, fenced, $750/month. aggieLandRentals.com 979-739-4455. 3bd/2ba C.S. Huge duplex, fenced, shuttle route, w/d connection. Treehouse Trail, $995/mo. www.c4properties.net 979-268-1074. 3bd/2ba C.S. Historic District. Walk to campus. $1200/mo. W/D, ref. and lawn service included. Pets O.K. 902 Welsh. 979-450-5666. 3bd/2ba house, large fenced back yard, tile floors, less than 1-mile from campus. www.aggielandleasing.com 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
4/2/2 off Dominik. Updated house, tile, carpet, with W/D, pets allowed. $1600/mo. Tia 979-739-1160. Available August. 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/2.5ba Spanish style duplex w/garage + off street parking. Security system. All appliances including w/d. $1500/mo. No pets allowed, Available mid July and August. 979-297-3720 or 979-292-6168. 4bd/2ba house, covered and garage parking, tile and hardwood floors, less than 1mile from campus, www.santinos.com 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. 4bd/3ba townhouse, 2 car garage, spacious, pool, landscape back yard, $1900/mo, 777-9933. 4bdrm/2bth house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com
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/2ba 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. Large 4bd/2ba house, 2 living room areas, fenced, pets ok, 1217 North Ridgefield, $1400/mo, 693-1448. 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 Roommate needed. 1-block from campus. All amenities. 979-846-3376.
HELP WANTED Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. 512-684-8296. photoguy@io.com Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment. FT/PT openings, customer sales/svc, no experience necessary, conditions apply, all ages 17+, 979-260-4555. Hiring full-time and part-time temporary help for August, carpet cleaning technician, 979-693-6969. Housekeeper for C.S. home. P/T, M-F, daytime only. $10/hr. Call 979-450-4363, laladypoet@yahoo.com
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
REAL ESTATE
Beautiful 3bd/2ba home, lots of ammenities, minimum 1 year lease, $1500/mo., all appliances. 3808 Dresden C.S. Call for details 979-485-0571, 979-764-7921, 479-422-7505.
2bd/2ba mobile home for sale, nice park in C.S., excellent investment, all appliances included, call 979-204-7702.
BRYAN: 1/1, 2/1, & 2/2 APTS! COVERED PARKING, laundry facility, in HISTORICAL DISTRICT! PAID W/S, INTERNET, CABLE & GAS! 979-775-2291 www.twincityproperties.com
1 roomate needed. Spacious 2 story townhouse in Canyon Creek. Fully furnished. 4/2.5 $400/mo. +1/4 utilities. 713-823-9340.
BRYAN: MIDTOWN VILLAS 1601 S COLLEGE, COMPLETE RENOVATION!! 2/2 DUPLEXES w/PAID W/S, INTERNET, CABLE! WOOD FLOORS! 979-775-2291 www.twincityproperties.com Clean 3/2 available August. Rock Prairie area. 3703 Marielene, W/D, refrigerator, lawn-service provided. 979-450-5666.
SALES CONSULTANTS
Due to tremendous increase in our business, we are seeking 2 to 3 additional sales consultants. We offer a great working environment for motivated individuals including medical insurance, retirement plan, 5 day work week, a world class Honda Product, and hands on training from our experienced management staff. Please contact Jack Neville at 979-696-2424 or come by in person for an application. ALLEN’S GOT YOUR HONDA! 2450 Earl Rudder Fwy S., C. S.
Pg. 3-07-07-10.indd 1
FOR RENT
ROOMMATES
1-female roommate needed for fall 2010. Private bath, wi-fi, w/d, $500/mo. +utilities. For more info call 409-748-0400. Roommates needed. 4bd/4bth $325/mo., washer/dryer. University Place on Southwest Parkway. 281-844-2090.
the battalion Classified Advertising • Easy • Affordable • Effective For information, call 845-0569
7/6/10 5:59 PM
the making of the battalion
page 4
thebattalion
Our mission
Putting together a paper Advertising
S S
S
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Advertising is the financial heart of The Battalion. We are out and about calling on advertisers, selling and creating advertising that generates revenues of $1 million annually and supports a student payroll of more than $250,000 a year. The Battalion reaches 48,000 students and 20,800 University and System employees. The amount of advertising determines the number of pages for each issue. Ads are placed, and pages are sent to the newsroom.
More than a newspaper
Gathering stories Continously — Stories fill more than 1,800 pages a year in print and online, informing students of news affecting them. Stories must have three sources and tell all sides of the story. We strive to cover major events, but we cannot be everywhere at once so if you know something, tell us. E-mail your story ideas to metro@thebatt.com.
Story
3 2 1
Budget meeting 3 p.m. — This is where we plan what is going in the paper. Desk editors tell the staff what content they have for the day and the next two papers. We discuss important issues of the paper, go over the previous day’s paper and share reader feedback.
Editing Stories 3 p.m. through the night — The Battalion uses the AP Stylebook, but we also have our own specific style guide. We meticulously edit every story, and each one must pass the desk editor, copy editor, managing editor and editor-in-chief. the batt Headline
Designing pages 3:30 p.m. through the night — Desk editors design the page with content using Adobe InDesign CS4, and page one designers layout the cover. Desk assistants work one night each week, creating content and designing pages. The editor-in-chief and the managing editor also design pages. The finished pages are proofed by at least three editors.
Sending pages Usually around 11 p.m. — The managing editor sends the pages to a pressroom in Huntsville, 50 miles away. This involves formatting the page and uploading it to a server. The final deadline is 1 a.m. After sending the pages, the managing editor calls the employees at The Huntsville Item to confirm that pages were received. The editor-in-chief and managing editor stay every night until pages are received.
Huntsville
Circulation ◗ The Battalion publishes more than
Final product
180 issues a year.
Before 6 a.m. — Stacks of papers are delivered to the stands before 6 a.m. for students to pick up on the way to class. And then we do it all over again. Graphics by Evan Andrews — THE BATTALION
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◗ Fall and spring circulation is 22,000; summer, 10,000.
◗ The Battalion is published Monday through Friday during fall and spring semesters, and Monday through Thursday during the summer session.
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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
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The Battalion, the student newspaper at Texas A&M University since 1893, is a forum for student expression, which serves the University community by accurately and fairly reporting the news of the day and by developing informed opinions regarding issues of interest to Battalion readers. The Battalion trains students in news journalism by setting high standards and by providing the resources and guidance to reach those standards.
I
never thought I’d be a desk job kind of person. I never once pictured myself at a desk in front of a computer and a keyboard every day. But here I am, typing away and having the time of my life. When I applied to The Battalion about a year and a half ago, I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. I knew how to read and write, and that’s about it. I applied because I love writing. Megan Ryan Little did I know that within a year I’d learn to senior English love detecting misplaced major and commas and lining up managing editor text on a page layout. It’s even more surprising to me that I spend the majority of my time putting together a newspaper. That’s what I find special about working for The Battalion. We teach students how to put the paper together. I knew how to string a few sentences together when I got here, and now I’m the one who sends the pages to the pressroom in Huntsville at the end of the night. That could be you. If you’re willing to learn, we’re willing to teach. If it weren’t for the managing editors before me, and the editorsin-chief who believed in me, I might have quit the news business before I got to experience what it’s like to have my name on the front page. To get the chance to talk to a soldier in Afghanistan. To get an e-mail after a story is published expressing gratitude for taking the time to talk to them and tell their story. Robert D. Atkinson, president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, talked about some problems he sees as businesses try to recruit recent college graduates. “What he needed to know was how to think, how to write, how to speak intelligently, how to find information and make sense out of it, how to argue coherently and how to do basic math,” he said. These are things students can learn from working at The Battalion. For the most part, these are things I could not have learned in my courses, but it is part of my dayto-day life working in the newsroom. This newsroom isn’t just about putting out a paper, though. It’s about learning how to talk to people — the people you’re interviewing, your boss, the team you’re leading. It’s about learning to deal with conflict and criticism. It’s about time management and diligence. It’s about late nights and last minute changes. Most importantly, it’s about accomplishing something. Being a part of something campus wide — writing something your peers and elders might actually read. It’s about writing or taking a photograph or drawing a picture of something that is going to make the paper better. We make mistakes. We misspell words on occasion. We don’t see that there are two commas in the midst of a paragraph. We misunderstand something a professor a told us and misrepresent it in print. But we’re learning, and with a newspaper, there is always tomorrow. I’d like to invite you to be a part of tomorrow’s newspaper. Apply and be a part of making The Battalion. To contact Megan Ryan, send her an e-mail at battcopy@thebatt.com
TAKE A PIECE OF A&M HISTORY WITH YOU · Reserve your 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.
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