July 29 2009 The Battalion Print by The Battalion

thebattalion ● wednesday,

july 29, 2009

● Serving

Texas A&M since 1893

Loftin names interim provost Texas A&M University Interim President R. Bowen Loftin announced Tuesday that Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives Karan Watson will serve as the interim provost and executive vice president for academics. “Given that Texas A&M’s presidential search is now under way, my intent is to WATSON allow the new president the opportunity to begin the search process for the University’s next provost and executive vice president for academics,” Loftin said. Watson is a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Her awards include the U.S. President’s Award for Mentoring Minorities and Women in Science and Technology. She joined the faculty in 1983 and has served as a member of the Faculty Senate. “I’m honored to serve [as interim provost and executive vice president for academics],” Watson said. “I don’t think any of us were expecting all the transitions that have happened in the administration but I am committed to do my best.” Meagan O’Toole-Pitts, city editor

Farmers’ Market recycles Courtesy Photo

Senior economics major Logan Campbell begins his second term as Interfraternity Council president in the fall. This summer Logan is interning in Washington, D.C., for the nonprofit organization Citizens Against Government Waste.

Against

the trend Patrique Ludan| The Battalion

nterfraternity Council President Logan Campbell will begin his second term this fall, and though busy with plans and an internship, he still makes time for what he considers the most important: family. As president, Campbell serves as the “pillar of strength” for all fraternities at Texas A&M University. Student leader proﬁle series Once a week during the summer, The Battalion will be proﬁling a student leader to gain insight into their lives and what it takes to do their job.

Campbell, an economics major, began his college career rushing the fraternity Kappa Alpha, KA. Since the beginning of his pledgeship, Campbell stood out as having the characteristics of a leader, said Eric Doyal, former IFC president and a member of KA. “He is what I call a character-based leader, and he understands what is right and wrong,” Doyal said. “He is willing to make the tough decisions, and is willing to stand up for what he believes in and unfortunately there are a whole lot of people who aren’t able to See Campbell on page 5

Meet Logan Campbell Find out what he loves the most about being an Aggie. Changing lives Read about Logan’s dreams to build sports fields in Central and South America. Hear from him Read his guest column to students. student leader | 5

The Brazos Valley Farmers’ Market will accept food packaging for recycling, including egg cartons, glass jars, plastic bags, paper bags, rubber bands, twine, plastic berry boxes, fabric scraps, buttons and plant pots. “Not only does recycling keep waste out of our landﬁll, but it keeps costs down at the market,” said Heather Duchscher, founder of Friends of the Brazos Valley Farmers’ Market. Duchscher requests that individuals recycle by delivering items to one of the three markets from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays at the corner of William J. Bryan Parkway and Texas Avenue, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays at the corner of 29th Street and Briarcrest Road and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays in College Station’s Central Park. “It’s important that customers begin to build relationships with the farmers themselves and you never know — sometimes a vendor will offer an immediate discount for certain donated items,” Duchscher said. Everything donated is reused in marketing and selling products. “If the new customers continue to bring back these items, they can be used indeﬁnitely,” Duchscher said. “There’s nothing more green than that.” Visit brazosvalleyfarmersmarket. com for more information. Alex Worsham, staff writer

Aggie gains hands-on experience interning at NASA ■ Scruggs’ is part of the National Space Biomedical Research Institute’s summer program

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Kalee Bumguardner The Battalion During the summer, many students get internships working for companies to gain experience in their field of study. For junior biomedical engineering major Heather Scruggs, this means an internship working for NASA. Scruggs was one of 18 college students selected to participate in the National Space Biomedical Research Institute’s, NSBRI, summer internship program. She’s working on the International Space Station Medical Project at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. “The internship is all about introducing students to the space life

sciences through not only their work but a series of speakers, tours and events,” Scruggs said. The project Scruggs is assigned to is called MARES, the Muscle Atrophy Research and Exercise System. The system is used to conduct research on the effect of microgravity on the human body. “I built mockups that will be used to train astronauts who will use the hardware on the International Space Station,” Scruggs said. Scruggs is the only Aggie to be chosen for the internship this year, and joins students from Rice, Harvard, Purdue, Michigan State and other top-notch research universities, said Roy Bradford Thomas,

senior communications specialist for the National Space Biomedical Research Institute. The institute focuses on developing counter measures to the healthrelated problems, both physical and psychological, that astronauts develop over time in space, Thomas said. “Our primary objective is to ensure both safe and productive human space flight,” Thomas said. “Even though our research is for space flight, most of our projects have applications for health care here on Earth.” The research at the institute helps with conditions such as osteoporosis, See Space on page 2

Courtesy Photo

Heather Scruggs builds a light-weight model of the International Space Station’s Muscle Atrophy Research and Exercise System.

7/28/09 8:22 PM

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Judiciary committee OKs Sotomayor

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WASHINGTON — Pushing toward a historic Supreme Court confirmation vote, the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday approved Judge Sonia Sotomayor to be a Supreme Court justice, over nearly solid Republican opposition. The panel’s 13-6 vote for Sotomayor masked deep political divisions within GOP ranks about confirming President Barack Obama’s first high court nominee. Hispanic and civil rights groups hailed the panel’s vote as a turning point in the march toward embracing diversity and racial equality in the U.S.

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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 979-8450569. 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. 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 979845-2613.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — After 11 days together in orbit, Endeavour undocked from the International Space Station on Tuesday and began its trip home, leaving behind a larger and more energized outpost. The shuttle’s departure broke up the biggest off-the-planet gathering ever: 13 people in space. Seven astronauts headed back aboard the shuttle and six remained. The two spacecraft parted company 220 miles above the Indian Ocean. Endeavour is aiming for a Friday touchdown.

Snakes in a car HARTFORD, Conn. — Police say a driver blamed a car crash in Hartford, Conn., on two pet baby snakes that he said escaped from his pants pockets as he was driving. Hartford police Sgt. Christene Mertes says Angel Rolon, of New Britain, claimed he lost control of his SUV Monday when the snakes slithered near the gas and brake pedals and he and a passenger tried to catch them. The SUV veered into some parked cars and overturned. Associated Press

Stephen Fogg — THE BATTALION

Incoming freshmen Marquis Alexander and Farhan Sherali go through the buffet line Tuesday at the New Student Confrerence’s freshman dinner. New Student Conferences offer incoming undergraduate students an opportunity to register for classes and begin to learn about the Aggie community.

in and they’ve brought ideas to the researchers. They’ve had their experiences enriched, and enriched the knowledge of the space researchers.” Scruggs said she has learned a lot from her time in the program.

Space Continued from page 1

sleep disorders, balance disorders and cardiovascular system problems. Thomas said research on how moon dust affects the lungs and how dangerous it is could benefit people who have asthma. “Pretty much everything we do you can tie it into somewhere on Earth,” Thomas said. The internship program, which began in 1998, has introduced 117 students from all over the country to the space flight program. “Eighty percent of what we do is research, but another 20 percent is education, where we try to share the excitement and importance of space research with students and interns,” Thomas said. “When Heather and the other interns go to the labs around the Johnson Space Center, in addition to getting exposed to JSC and what NASA’s all about, they’ll go back and help get other people excited about it.” Thomas said he hopes the interns will gain an interest in space flight and come back to work on the program. “We use [the internship] as a teaching tool,” Thomas said, “but we hope that it becomes viral, that [the interns] will spread the word, and in some cases these students have come

“This internship opened doors that I didn’t even know existed.” — Heather Scruggs junior biomedical engineering major

“There’s a lot more to NASA than most people usually see,” Scruggs said. “The public really only hears about NASA during shuttle launches or when there are problems or catastrophes. I got to experience what happens at the Johnson Space Center every day, and see the kinds of experiments and activities that are going on in space all the time, not just things that are televised.” Her favorite part of the internship, she said, was the many different sides of NASA. “I was introduced to so much more than just my project,” Scruggs said. “It really exposed me to multiple career opportunities that I wouldn’t have even considered before

Courtesy Photo

Heather Scruggs stands by a version of the International Space Station’s Muscle Atrophy Research and Exercise System. because I didn’t know about them before this summer. This internship opened doors that I didn’t even know existed.” Many students get handson experience in internships, but for Scruggs this means she might have the opportunity to see something she helped build go into space. “The internship program gives these high-caliber students the opportunity to work on research related to human space exploration,” NSBRI director Jeffrey Sutton said. “Along the way, they gain first-hand knowledge of the numerous Earth applications of their work.”

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sports

Men’s basketball releases schedule ■ Program unveils its 2009-2010 lineup Brett Sebastian The Battalion The Texas A&M men’s basketball program has revealed its 2009-2010 schedule. Headlining the schedule are games against Southern Methodist University, Clemson, New Mexico and Washington, in addition to the Big 12 opponents. A&M will play at least 28 games, with 16 home games. A&M will play several prominent nonconference games. A&M hosts Mid-American Conference champion Akron in early December, then travels to New Mexico for a game on Dec. 12. New Mexico qualified for the 2009 National Invitational Tournament, NIT. In late December the Aggies travel to Seattle for a game against Washington in the Big 12/Pac 10 Challenge. Washington ended the 2009 season ranked No. 16. Also in nonconference, A&M will play in the 76 Classic during Thanksgiving week in Anaheim, California. A&M will match up against 2009 NCAA tournament team Clemson in the first round. If they win, they will face off against either West Virginia or Long Beach State. If they win in that round they will take on either UCLA, Portland, Butler, or Minnesota. UCLA and Butler both ended 2009 ranked No. 18 and No. 25 respectively. On Jan. 9 A&M opens Big 12 play with a home game against Nebraska, an NIT qualifier from 2009. A&M then travels to Kansas State for another game against an NIT team. The Aggies then play back-to-back games against Texas and Oklahoma. Texas, which ended the season ranked No. 23, hosts A&M on Jan. 16. A&M then hosts Oklahoma, who ended ranked No. 7 but will not have NBA first overall pick Blake Griffin, on Jan. 19. A&M travels to Oklahoma State, then hosts rival Texas Tech to close out January. In February, A&M travels to defending Big 12 champion and No. 8 Missouri on Feb. 3 before hosting Baylor. Baylor went to the NIT finals in 2009, but lost to NIT champion Penn State 69-63. A&M then travels to Lubbock to close out the series with Tech. On Feb. 15 A&M hosts No. 10 Kansas on Big Monday. A&M then travels to Iowa State, then Waco to take on Baylor Feb. 24. The Aggies close out February against Texas in College Station on Feb. 27. A&M then hosts Oklahoma State and travels to Oklahoma to close out the regular season in early March.

thebattalion 7.29.2009 page3

Year round winter David Harris| The Battalion

About 35 years ago, George Jessup brought skiing and mountain sports to College Station when he came up with the idea to build a turf mountain for Kinesiology purposes. Since its inception, Mount Aggie has transformed from a tiny hill to a thrill ride. It has moved spots three times, from Spence Park to near the old tennis courts, to its present location, next to the George Mitchell Tennis Center on West Campus. Mount Aggie was started as a kinesiology teaching facility. It now, along with serving as an outdoor classroom, is the home of the Aggie Mountain Sports Club. “I remember most everyone out there was excited to ski,” said Rick Hall, senior associate director at the Student Recreation Center and former ski teacher. “It really helped them to hone their skills, and it was really neat to see progress. I personally loved it because I was getting to be with students even as an administrator.” In addition to having beginning and intermediate skiing classes, Mount Aggie is open to all students, former and current, who join the Aggie Mountain Sports Club. Members are allowed to ski for free from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays. “Students that may be interested in skiing have the chance to learn the basics of skiing,” said kinesiology professor Frank Thomas. “Mount Aggie is an excellent place to begin to learn the skills needed to be successful on the slopes. The thing I like most about Mount Aggie is that the skill that the students develop there will more than likely be used throughout their lives and possibly passed on to their children as they continue to vacation to a sport they grew to love from a start at Mount Aggie.” If students do want to take part in Mount Aggie without becoming a member, they can purchase private sledding parties. There is also a yearly skiing trip put on by the Mountain Sports Club every winter. “It’s a pretty cool idea,” said junior civil engineering major David Pretorius. “I mean, where else can you go skiing in southeast Texas?”

Graphics by Ramya Prakash — THE BATTALION

NFL commissioner reinstates Vick

Viking coach says Favre not returning

NEW YORK — Michael Vick is back in the NFL. Now all he needs is a team to play for. Vick, free after serving 18 months in prison for running a dogfighting ring, was reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday. Vick can immediately take part in preseason practices, workouts and meetings and can play in the final two preseason games — if he can find a team that will sign him. A number of teams have already said they would not.

MINNEAPOLIS — Brett Favre won’t be coming out of retirement to play for Minnesota. Vikings coach Brad Childress conﬁrmed to The Associated Press in a text message Tuesday that the three-time MVP quarterback for the Green Bay Packers would not join his team when training camp opens later this week. Childress said Favre did not want to put himself through the grind of a 19th NFL season. Associated Press

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Absolutely 1 Fun Laugh-A-Lot Defensive Driving! Ticket dismissal/insurance discount. W&Th (6pm-9pm) or Walk-ins welSat (8am-2:30pm). come. At Denny’s (across from TAMU). $25 cash, restrictions apply. 979-694-8888.

3bd/2ba, 3703 Marielene, Rock Prairie, available August, $1200/mo., includes W/D, refrigerator and lawn service. 979-450-5666. 3bd/2ba, utility room with W/D, off Texas Avenue across from campus, $1,000/mo. 210-696-2841

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4/2 house, fall 09 sem only, available immed. close to campus, on bus route, W/D, wood/tile floors, internet, cable, yard and cleaning service incl in rent. Huge yard, great deck, $400/mo per room plus 1/4 electric. NS NP 713-304-3433 or amberpropmgmt@comcast.net

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CHILD CARE Child sitter needed for after school care, 2-3 times per week, must have own transportation. References requested, call 936-348-4426.

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. 1-3/bedroom apartments. Some with w/d, some near campus. $175-$600/mo. 979-696-2038. 1-acre, 5 minutes to campus, 1998 5bd/3ba, 1850sq.ft. double wide, fenced yard, large deck, W/D, $1100/mo. Owner/broker 979-219-0405. 1-Roommate needed. 4bd/4bth $325/mo., washer/dryer. University Place on Southwest Parkway. 281-844-2090. 1bed on shuttle route. $475/mo. +200 deposit. 979-219-3278.

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2,3&4 bedroom houses w/yards. Great locations for students. Pets welcome. 979-492-3990. 2/1 duplex in Bryan. Very nice, close to campus, ceramic tile and carpet, nice appliances. No-smoking. Available August, $675/mo. 979-220-7041. 2bd/1ba duplex in Wellborn area. Best suited for individual or couple. Rural setting, pets ok. 979-690-6161. 2/1 fourplex available now, w/d, bus route, 1537 Pineridge, $510/mo. plus $350 deposit, 979-450-0609. 2b/1b fourplex. 2000 Longmire in College Station. $475/month. Call 979-822-1616. 2bd/1ba duplex on Holik. Garage, fenced in backyard, W/D. $750/month. August- August lease preferred. Contact 903-388-3588 or 903-388-6098. 2bd/2ba 4-plex. Spacious floorplan, W/D connections, close to campus. $550/mo. www.aggielandleasing.com,979776-6079. 2bd/2ba condo, in DoubleTree, large walk-in closets, fireplace, water paid. 1901 W.Hollemon $700/mo. 979-693-1448. 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, 2700 Normand Circle, College Station. $1250/mo. 979822-1616. 3bd/2ba C.S. Huge duplex, fenced, shuttle route, w/d connection. Treehouse Trail, $995/mo. www.c4properties.net 979-268-1074. 3bd/2ba house on 3 acres, pets okay, 901 Krenek Tap Road, $1250/mo. 979-693-1448 Cottage Holik C.S. 2bd/1ba W/D $600/month . 979-777-2472.

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. Quiet country atmosphere, fireplace, very large 1bdrm brick duplex. $415/mo. +bills. No pets. 979-693-8534.

4/2/2 House, close to campus, available July or August. $1295/mo . aggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984.

Room in nice mobile home. Internet, cable, central-air/heat. $300/mo. everything included. Natalia 210-364-7006.

4bd/2.5ba. Walk to Campus & Kyle Field! Huge, (1,770sq./ft/) newly remodeled house with 2 master bedrooms. Must See! New woodfloors, paint, bathrooms, ceilingfans, large fenced yard w/big deck. Available now! 1013 Welsh. $1500/mo. Call 972-313-5834 or 512-944-5264.

Mobile home near 2bdrm/1ba., w/d, fridge. 979-985-5413 after noon.

4bd/2ba house, 2,200sq./ft. All appliances included. Backs up to park w/b-ball court &track. On sorority row w/bus-route. 1-mile from campus. Two spots available. Call 713-443-2055. 4bd/2ba house, w/fenced backyard, pets okay, all new on inside. 3104 Longleaf. $1300/mo. 979-693-1448. 4bd/2ba. 6 MIN WALK TO TAMU, IN VIEW OF KYLE FIELD! Large fenced yard, new carpet. Appliances provided. $1200/mo. Available August, 804 Welsh. Call 832-215-1801 or 832-338-5397. 4bd/2ba., 307 Timber Street, 3-blocks from TAMU, located in historic district, available for August, 979-450-5666. 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, 2-bedroom, includes covered parking, $557.06/mo. Jefferson at the Zone, contact Barbara 713-550-6560. 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 $1700/mo. 979-255-5461. www.picketfenceproperties.net Callaway Villas, furnished room, private bath, reserved covered parking, 4/4.5 $555/mo. 713-408-8597. Callaway Villas, furnished room, 2-month free, 4/2.5, $575/mo. 936-348-1561. College Station: 4003 So. Trace, 4/3 $1475. 4130 McFarland, 4/4, $1700. 2901 McLaren, 4/4.5, $1700. 1101 Haines, 3/2, $1100. 4033 Southern Trace, 4/4, $1600. 4064 Southern Trace, 4/4, $1600. Alpha-Omega/Broker, 979-774-7820, alphaomegaproperties.com Cozy 2bd/2ba condo, 3-blocks from campus, all new flooring, paint, appliances, yard, w/d connections, over 1000sqft., no HUD, updated, $645/mo., 506-D College Main 254-289-0585. For lease: 3bdrm/3bath duplex. 3733 Oldenburg, $1000/mo. 979-324-9666. Furnished house. $450/room +1/3utilities or whole house unfurnished $1550/mo. 407-721-3300 or 214-707-8429. House Rent Free. Farm chores, horse care. Wellborn area. 979-690-6951. JUST REMODELED! 4br/2ba 1115 Merry Oaks. Available Now. Big Yard, Big House w/ Detached Garage. $1500/mo. Call 214-704-3503. Large 2bdrm/2bs, 3204-Cougar Trail, Bryan. Water, sewer, &trash paid. Everything’s new inside. $675/mo. 979-822-1616. Newly remodeled 4/2 house. Walking distance to campus, tile &wood floors, great location, nice big deck &yard. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com

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HELP WANTED ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? NEED EXTRA CASHH? We need officials for Youth and Adult Flag Football Leagues. Pay ranges from $8.00 to $20.00 per game. Games last about one hour. Call 764-3424. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME SOFTBALL? Registration for C.S. softball leagues are forming now, so get your coed, women’s or men’s team together. Individuals also welcome. Call 764-3486. Assistant teachers part-time. Working with children 18-mo. through 6-yrs, great learning opportunity for education majors or anyone wanting experience working 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 Child Care- FT & PT shifts available. Some nights & Saturdays required. Apply in person at 3609 E. 29th St., Bryan. Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment. COACHES WANTED! We need enthusiastic, positive, motivational volunteer coaches for Youth Flag Football. Call 764-3424. Cook, cashier and runner, 7-day a week position. Background check Evening employment. 979-776-8135, call for an appointment. Doctor’s assistant, will train. Apply in person 3733 East 29th. Street Bryan or fax resume to 979-260-0610. FLAG FOOTBALL PLAYERS WANTED! College Station is currently forming an 8 on 8 league. For team or individual registration information, call 764-3424 Looking for a great job? Starting Pay $10.02 hourly. Are you mature and responsible, reliable, able to make good decisions and available evenings and weekends? Do you enjoy working with the public and need to work 12 to 20 hours per week? Applications are now being accepted at the Brazos County Administrative Office for a Building Attendant position at the Brazos Center. Position is responsible for setting-up tables and chairs for events, assisting customers, performing janitorial duties such as cleaning restrooms, mopping/vacuuming floors and emptying trash. Hours and days can be arranged around reasonable requests. Download an application at www.co.brazos.tx.us or call Brazos Center for more info. 776-8338. EOE Needed, data entry person with excellent computer skills and typing speed. Temporary position. 979-690-6766.

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Office assistan/ secretary needed for small local business, part-time, flexible hours, for information call 979-492-6077.

wednesday 7.29.2009

thebattalion

Seasonal Positions Available. Wage increase. Local travel with outdoor work required. Work vehicle provided. No experience necessary and we are willing to train the right person for a very enjoyable job. Must be at least 18 yrs old. Must have valid driver’s license and be insurable under the Foundation’s fleet insurance policy. Retiree’s welcome. More information at www.txbollweevil.org or 877-605-0705 Pre-employment drug testing, required, EOE, Drug-Free Workplace. STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in College Station. 100% free to join. Click on surveys. The Steamery Carpet Cleaning now hiring temporary helpers for the month of July and August. Call 979-693-6969. Wanted, graphics student for part-time work from home. Includes light to medium web and ad design work. Flexible hours and schedule, fax resume 888-668-4017. Work Mornings, Own Your Nights! Great hours, great food, and great people here at Kolache Rolf’s. If you’re friendly, energetic and dependable then we’ve got a job for you! Apply at 3525 F Longmire.

File photo

Financial troubles could doom Byrne

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

ROOMMATES $1,000 incentive. Need female, 1bd/1ba, $4,584/semester. Serious inquiries. Callaway Villas or call Debra 325-277-9828 dgarcia@suddenlinkmail.com $475/mo. +bills, for 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, pets okay on approval. Call 925-998-6108. 1 roommate needed. Spacious 2 story townhouse in Canyon Creek. Fully furnished. 4/2.5 $400/mo. +1/4 utilities. 713-823-9341. 1-female roommate needed for 2009-2010 school year. 3bd/2ba townhouse. $425/mo. +utilities. 979-574-4582. 1Female roommate 3/2 duplex, W/D and furnishings. $250 month, +1/3 bills, non-smoker, no pets prefered. Rock Hollow Loop & 2818. Call 979-229-0778. 3 roommates wanted. 4bd/2ba house, bike/walk to TAMU, $500/mo., utilities included, large yard, easy access to Blinn, 832-492-8447. Engineering student needs 2 roommates: furnished townhouse at River Oaks 305 E. Holleman. $500/mo. +1/3utilities -On bus route -Large rooms and private baths. email Nick: nroma23@gmail.com Male roommates wanted in 4bd house. $300/mo. +1/4 bills. 979-777-4379. New house, fenced yard, 1 pet okay, close to campus, $550/mo. private bedroom, shared bathroom, all utilities included, 817-9172347. One male roommate 3/2 with large yard on Dexter $400/month plus 1/3 361-815-2408 rsharp08@tamu.edu

house Drive bills. email

One roommate needed, 4/4/2, clean, good condition, on-shuttle. $375/mo. 512-248-9330. Roommate needed. 4/4 University Place condo, W/D, private bath, pool, volleyball court, on shuttle. Prelease for summer or fall. $300/mo., call 979-690-8213 or 979-422-9849. Sub-leasing one bedroom in 2bd/2.5ba Cottage at the Woodlands of College Station. $700/mo. For information call 817-271-2939 or e-mail thebangor@yahoo.com

TUTORS ESL tutoring and editing, masters level teacher, $15/hour. cmizc@aol.com

David Harris

For all his successes, the athletic director might not be the best thing for A&M.

n a year when Texas A&M athletics garnered more trophies than any other Division I school, is it stupid to ask whether or not Athletic Director Bill Byrne has been a success? Is he really “Building Champions?” His achievements and accolades are, like his salary, plentiful. “Bill the Builder” turned Oregon, an athletic afterthought, into one of the most relevant departments in the Pac 10. In 11 years at Nebraska, Byrne oversaw a department that won 83 conference championships and 10 national championships. And, at Texas A&M, he has improved a crumbling infrastructure of facilities with renovations and expansion. He’s run a program that has won 23 conference championships and three national titles. He hired Billy Gillespie and revived a basketball program that could have best been described as being on life support. The athletic department finished 12th in this season’s Director’s Cup standings, a record high. Looking at those merits, it seems silly to even think about questioning the guy. However, in light of “Black Thursday,” where 17 positions in the Athletic Department were eliminated because of financial reasons, one would think that the blame should rest at the foot of the man who received a $204,000 raise in the midst of a severe economic downturn. The main criticisms of Byrne have been consistent at both Oregon and Nebraska, whose athletic departments he also looked over. One, he will make all of your fringe sports relevant but will run your football program into the ground. And, two, he will do whatever necessary to get himself that extra dollar. Hence, the nickname “Dollar Bill.” Take Byrne’s hiring of Frank Solich at Nebraska. Solich was a consensus decision to replace Tom Osbourne, winner of three national championships. However, in his time at Nebraska, Solich took a program from a perennial powerhouse to a Big 12 “also ran” in a mere five years. At Texas A&M, football, the moneymaker, is struggling mightily, and much of the blame belongs to Byrne. He not only stuck us with Dennis

Franchione, an obvious lame duck coach, but also gave him a misguided raise and contract extension after a 7-5 record in 2004 that the department is still paying. Finally, after five years of mediocrity and a newsletter scandal, Byrne fired Franchione. And in the most important hiring of his tenure, he spent 48 hours of his time and interviewed one person during his so-called nationwide search: Mike Sherman. After a 4-8 debut, Aggie fans are tiring, ticket sales are dwindling, and revenues are shrinking. See, the thing is, in Texas, especially at A&M, football is king. A golf national championship is fine and well. And, it’s pretty cool to lead the country in national championships. But there is nothing that sends an Aggie fan to the Chicken faster than having to watch teams routinely come into Kyle Field and stomp on their football team. Unfortunately, that is what is happening. And, as a result, money is being lost and people are getting fired. Looking across the conference, Texas A&M ranked fourth in gross margin for the 2008-2009 year at more than $5 million, which sounds good on paper. However, taking into consideration the $16 million loan the department took out four years ago and must begin paying in November, that $5 million total looks a bit smaller. Then, taking into account the budget cuts that the University is undergoing, one can see that the profit on paper is really a deficit. Byrne and his running of the football program is the reason for the predicament. Football accounts for nearly a third of the Athletic Department’s revenue. And, with the economy in recession and Byrne insisting on raising ticket prices, A&M is seeing some of the lowest season ticket sales in quite some time. Byrne and his athletic department face their most important football season in their seven-year stay at A&M. With many paying customers wavering in hope, another losing season could be disastrous. Attendance and revenues would fall even more. More people would be fired. And, Byrne’s “well thought out” hiring of Sherman would be lambasted across the country. Believe it or not, Byrne sits on the hot seat. He and his university-high, $690,000 salary are very much expendable. It’s pretty simple. If Sherman wins, Byrne, in all probability stays. But, if he doesn’t, then come December, the University could and should be conducting a search for a new athletic director. David Harris is a junior economics major.

STUDIES IN PROGRESS 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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7/28/09 8:33 PM

President, Interfraternity Council Logan Campbell senior economics major

treasurer, Maroon Coats intern, Citizens Against Government Waste

studentleaders

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thebattalion

What do you love most about being an Aggie? While spending a summer in Washington, D.C., I have experienced firsthand the extent of the Aggie network. There really are Aggies everywhere in the world, and the Aggie Ring is easy to recognize and start up a conversation. I would not be surprised if my first job after graduation was from a fellow Aggie, because the Aggie network is so large and powerful.

wednesday, 7.29.2009

If you had three hours of free time, what would you do with it? I would probably try to start a pick up game of basketball or do something outside with my friends.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I changed my mind hundreds of times on what I wanted to be when I grew up. When I was in kindergarten, I remember wanting to be a pirate and would always build forts in my room and pretend it was a pirate ship. The last dream job I wanted in elementary school was to be an astronaut, and then I realized that my math skills were far inferior to a lot of children in my grade.

What are your goals for after graduation? I am studying for the LSAT and plan to attend law school at some point in the future somewhere in Texas. I am looking into taking one or two years off to do mission work before I attend law school. After I graduate law school, I would like to become more involved in public policy and politics as a lobbyist.

Greeks share Aggie ideal of leadership

Brett Sebastian

Logan Campbell is a senior economics major.

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Campbell shares hopes for football

GUESTCOLUMN

hen looking back at my time at Texas A&M University and how much I have grown, I have to give credit to my experiences as an Aggie Greek. I think that many students at Texas A&M do not realize that there are significant differences between Aggie Greeks and other Greeks across the country. Unique to Texas A&M, Aggie Greeks embrace that we are Aggies first and Greeks second. An Aggie Greek is one who represents the Aggie Spirit and displays the qualities of a true Aggie. Aggies emphasize the importance of succeeding academically, giving back to the community and being leaders, all of which are characteristics promoted through the individual fraternities that make up the Interfraternity Council. The most memorable experience during my time at Texas A&M has been this year over spring break. Since September 2008, I and two other Greek Life students have been involved in organizing and leading the first Greek Life Spring Break Mission Trip. Although this was the first year for a Greek Life mission trip at Texas A&M, it was a success. For five days, March 13-17, Greek Life teamed up with Aggies in Mission to take more than 150 Aggies to Galveston, Texas, to work at Central United Methodist Church and repair some of the damage from Hurricane Ike. The mission trip was an unforgettable experience and the lessons I learned during the trip reinforced what it truly means to be an Texas Aggie. I am looking forward to Spring Break 2010 and want the Greek Life mission trip to be larger than 2009. There are many Greek Life students who are passionate about the trip and want to help plan it this year, so I know the impact that we can have is endless. I do not know if we will go back to Galveston, but I am sure that wherever we decide to go, we will help a lot of people. In my opinion, A&M has helped prepare me for the future not only through what I have learned in the classroom, but also because of the guiding principles and values that A&M has developed within me. Although an Aggie may succeed academically, a true Aggie holds core values that involve succeeding not only inside, but outside the classroom. Core values such as selfless leadership and the will to help those who are less fortunate are ideals endorsed and lived out by Aggies. When I graduate and look back at my time at A&M, I know that it will not be my GPR that I am most proud of, but rather the time I spent organizing events such as the 2009 Greek Life Spring Break Mission Trip and the help that I was able to bring to those in need.

What is your favorite memory made at Aggieland so far? The day that I was elected to my first term as IFC president. I kept telling myself that things happen for a reason and that if I was not elected then maybe there was a different path for me to take my junior year. After I learned that I was elected, I was so excited and grateful for all my friends that I could barely pay attention during the rest of the elections.

Courtesy Photo

Logan Campbell will serve his second term as president of the Interfraternity Council in the 2009-2010 school year. He was first elected his junior year.

Campbell Continued from page 1

make those tough calls.” Campbell credits his success to his ability to not always do what is popular with others. He tackles many issues that Greek Life is dealing with, such as negative stereotypes affecting the social aspect of fraternities. “Although Greek Life is heavily involved in philanthropies and community service, there will always be the social aspect to Greek Life that can give fraternities a bad name,” Campbell said. Policing fraternity soirees is only one of several ways the IFC tries to break down Greek Life stereotypes, Campbell said. “IFC in no way condones those social events that fraternities hold, but wants to help make sure that

fraternities are planning those events responsibly,” Campbell said. “Certain social events such as crush parties or tailgates are examples where the IFC will offer fraternities help and guidance so that they are following all University rules and state laws.” One goal that Campbell said he wants met on his watch as president is to make the Greek Life Mission Trip even more of a success than it was in 2009. The Greek Life Mission Trip started last year with the IFC teaming up with Aggies In Mission. The group of about 150 students with approximately half coming from those involved with Greek Life, traveled to Galveston to help those who are still experiencing the damaging effects of Hurricane Ike. Another plan Campbell looks to achieve is to help Greek students

The Battalion Though many A&M student have the sports dream of being hall of fame players or All-World coaches, Logan Campbell’s dream is considerably different. “I would love to take a year or two off and do mission work,” Campbell said. “I would build sports fields across Central and South America, if not the world. Soccer, baseball, anything. It’s amazing how one game can stop a war and bring people together. That is the beauty of sports and I would love to spread it.” Campbell graduated from Austin High School, where he played for the baseball team. It was on the team that Campbell learned the work ethic that has served him well in his leadership roles and now in Washington, D.C. “Sports has had a big impact on my life in terms of my work ethic,” Campbell said. “If I wanted to be starting center fielder, then I had to work my ass off. I would run extra wind sprints or run at night. “All that extra work is what you have to do if you want to play in the big games. Go above and beyond — that is how you

run for positions of student leadership throughout A&M. As Campbell begins his year, he said he looks to his family and friends for support and guidance. “Logan is quite confident and lets his actions speak for him,” said Tyson Fetzer, Campbell’s friend and former KA member. In December 2008, Campbell experienced the loss of a family friend. The death occurred during finals, so Campbell had to cancel all of his meetings and give up studying in order to be with his family through the situation. “It was a very emotionally draining week, but getting through it helped me reaffirm my core values that sometimes in life there are more important things than meetings and schoolwork, and in this situation, being there for my family and friends came before anything else,” he said.

succeed.” Campbell’s love for baseball started not in high school, but in his childhood. His favorite professional team is the Houston Astros, though he also likes the

I’m not getting my hopes up, but there’s no reason we can’t have a better season than last year and win six games to make a bowl.” — Logan Campbell, president of the Interfraternity Council

Texans and Rockets, as well as all things A&M. A former player for the Astros is also his childhood sports hero. Despite his love for baseball, Campbell did offer a prediction for the upcoming Texas A&M football season. “I’m really optimistic when it comes to these things,” Campbell said. “If we can get off to a strong start, win three of those winnable games right off the bat, we can carry some momentum going into the Big 12. I’m not getting my hopes up, but there’s no reason we can’t have a better season than last year and win six games to make a bowl.”

After graduating, Campbell said he plans to do mission work for one to two years. “I am currently studying for the LSAT and plan to attend law school in the future somewhere in Texas,” he said. “After I graduate law school, I would like to become more involved in public policy and politics as a lobbyist.” Campbell is spending the summer as an intern researching and writing for the nonprofit organization Citizens Against Government Waste in Washington, D.C. “I have enjoyed researching various earmarks in appropriation bills and writing press releases or position papers to help uncover some of the wasteful ways that lawmakers spend taxpayers’ money,” Campbell said.

7/28/09 7:42 PM

news/comics

page 6 wednesday 7.29.2009

thebattalion

Where on campus?

Haitian boat sinks

Comics

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos – Rescuers searched by sea and air Tuesday for nearly 70 Haitians after an overloaded sailboat ran aground and capsized in the reef-studded waters off the Turks and Caicos Islands, killing at least 15 migrants.

US takes back visas Stephen Fogg — 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.

Drug used for 2 years

Tuesday’s answer Memorial Student Center

Correct responses Katie Sivils, junior civil engineering major Austin English, senior political science and economics major Phillip Dorsett, Class of 2004 Ralph Segars Jr., Thermographer, Physical Plant Department Mary Thelen, graduate student, biological and agricultural engineering

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Michael Jackson is believed to have been using propofol for about two years and investigators are trying to determine how many other doctors administered it. Conrad Murray told investigators he had given Jackson the drug several times. Jackson relied on the drug like an alarm clock, an ofﬁcial said, explaining a doctor would administer it when Jackson went to sleep then stop the IV drip when the singer wanted to wake up. Associated Press

Police search home of Jackson’s doctor LAS VEGAS — Authorities searched the sprawling Las Vegas home and medical office of Michael Jackson’s personal doctor Tuesday, seeking documents as part of a manslaughter investigation into the singer’s death. Los Angeles police and federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents entered Conrad Murray’s home in a gated community while others across town searched Murray’s medical offices, Global Cardiovascular Associates Inc. Michael Flanagan, assistant special agent in charge of the Las Vegas DEA office, said the warrants were sealed and he couldn’t say what documents agents were seeking. He said he expected the search would last five hours. It was the second time in less than a week that investigators targeted Murray’s property. Last week in Houston authorities searched his clinic and storage. Court records show they were seeking evidence of whether the doc-

OCOTAL, Nicaragua – The U.S. government said Tuesday it has revoked the diplomatic visas of four Honduran ofﬁcials, stepping up pressure on coup-installed leaders who insist they can resist international demands to restore the ousted president.

tor committed manslaughter. With toxicology reports pending, investigators are working under the theory that Murray gave Jackson Murray the powerful anesthetic propofol to help him go to sleep, and the drug caused his heart to stop, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. Murray told investigators he administered propofol sometime in the early morning of June 25, the day Jackson died, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing. The official told AP that Murray left the bedroom where Jackson was sedated and returned to find the star unresponsive. Police have said Murray is cooperating and have not labeled him a suspect.

Iran silent about US

Associated Press

TEHRAN, Iran – The U.S. is hearing only silence from Iran on its offers of dialogue. Iran’s leaders, who initially seemed to welcome engagement, are turning inward to deal with the post-election crisis. If Iran’s rulers mention the West at all these days, it’s to tell Iranians the U.S. and its allies are behind the turmoil.

7/28/09 7:16 PM