thebattalion
news for you campus Big 12 media day
● tuesday,
july 27, 2010
● serving
texas a&m since 1893
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2010 student media
At the Big 12 media day in Irving, Texas, coaches answer questions regarding upcoming seasons. Page 4
texas State claims “The Alamo”
Animal hospice in Snook helps injured reptiles
The state is opposing an attempt by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas to trademark the phrase “The Alamo.” The state argued in a brief filed Friday with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that it is the rightful owner of the trademark. The state says the Daughters’ application would likely cause confusion.
Up scale neighborhood
lowest gas price
$2.68 Chevron at 600 Graham Road and Victoria Ave. www.texasgasprices.com
nation &world BP executive to work in Russia Tony Hayward, who became the face of BP’s flailing efforts to contain the oil spill, will step down as chief executive in October and be offered a job with the company’s joint venture in Russia. It’s not yet clear what Hayward’s role will be with TNK-BP. BP owns half of the oil firm, which is Russia’s third-largest.
Khmer Rouge jailer sentenced A tribunal sentenced the Khmer Rouge’s chief jailer, Kaing Guek Eav, to 35 years for overseeing the deaths of up to 16,000 people — the first verdict involving a senior member of the regime that devastated a generation of Cambodians. Staff and wire reports
Politics as usual: Lowell Kane
Tune in for current events, Cavin Fever, and an interview with Lowell Kane, program coordinator for Texas A&M’s GLBT Resource Center.
On thebatt.com and the iTunes store
S
nakes and lizards might not be the most beloved creatures in the animal kingdom, but at one veterinary technician who works at Texas A&M’s veterinary college had the compassion to tend to injured reptiles. Teresa Shisk-Saling opened the Reptile Hospice and Sanctuary of Texas in Snook to provide a welcoming home and rehabilitation center for scaly critters feeling a little under the weather. Animals are shipped in from around the state and elsewhere in the country to recuperate. The reptiles also travel throughout the Brazos Valley, helping educate others about proper handling. Gayle Gabriel | The Battalion
see story on page 2 Tyler Hosea — THE BATTALION
community
engineering
Police officers organize Tip-a-Cop fundraiser
Students improve aerial vehicles
Officers from Bryan and College Station law enforcement departments will raise money for the Special Olympics with the Tip-a-Cop fundraiser tonight. Wait staff at the Texas Roadhouse in College Station will be assisted by officers from Bryan and College Station Police Departments, Brazos County Sheriff’s Department and Texas A&M University Police Department in exchange for some extra tips, with all proceeds going to the area’s Special Olympics organization. Chiefs from each department will greet guests at the door and the departments’ vehicles will be on display in the restaurant’s parking lot. “We encourage anyone who thinks they might want to come to be here,” said Officer Jon Agnew with the Bryan Police Department. “It gives us a chance to reach out the community and the tips we collect go to a great cause.” In addition to holding annual fundraisers for the organization, officers participate in the torch run for state Special Olympics events and volunteer time working security at the Brazos Valley games. Alec Goetz, staff writer
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The event ◗ The fundraiser lasts from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. today at the Texas Roadhouse in College Station.
◗ Participating officers will refill drinks and assist customers to collect tips, with all proceeds going to the area’s Special Olympics organization.
◗ If you are unable to make Tip-a-Cop and would like to make a monetary donation to the Special Olympics you mail to: Special Olympics Texas 2518 Dartmouth St. College Station, TX 77840-5071 Attention: Patricia Jones
Six Texas A&M students are spending the summer break studying nanomaterials to improve the execution of unmanned aerial vehicles via advanced 3-D replicas, composite materials and cost-efficient fabrication items. Nate Miller, junior aerospace engineering major, is one participant in the 10-week program called Research Experiences for Undergraduates, founded by the National Science Foundation. The program allows students to earn one credit hour of independent study. “I am working to build a quad rotor helicopter,” Miller said. “These are used frequently by the Air Force for surveillance missions, and I would like to see if they have practical use in the civilian world.” In addition to lab work, participating students attend workshops that teach presentation skills, and work on a formal poster presentation of research. The program brings in students who might never have had the opportunity to perform academic research. “Conducting valid research is a universal skill,” Miller said. “Giving undergrads the opportunity to perform research is like jump-starting their careers.” More than half of students
Courtesy photos
Nate Miller, junior aerospace engineering major, tests a 3-D replica of a helicoptor model. involved in the program in the past four years pursue graduate degrees, and nine professional publications have been produced with the research of students from the program. “Once or twice a week, a
group will come in wanting to see the quad rotor,” Miller said. “Two weeks ago a visitor from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research flew in to review our entire program.” Angela Washeck, staff writer
7/26/10 5:47 PM