August 4 2009 The Battalion print by The Battalion

thebattalion ● tuesday,

august 4, 2009

● Serving

Texas A&M since 1893

A latté more space Renovation includes integrating Poor Yorick’s Coffee House and the first floor of the library. The construction will be minimal and is estimated to be completed by Fall 2010.

entrance

Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

lounge area

Library, Poor Yorick’s to be renovated By Julie Rambin | The Battalion

ince June 2007 Evans Library has been planning a $1.2 million first-floor redesign project. More computers, more areas for group study and more comfortable furniture are in the works. Inspirational, adaptable and comfortable are some of the guiding principles for the redesign, said Susan Goodwin, library head of humanities, social sciences and learning and outreach services. “We think this will be a great place to come and get work done collaboratively,” Goodwin said. “We want to make the spaces flexible so students can design the spaces they need for their work.” Student input played a significant role in

ideas for the redesign, said library head of public and research services Dennis Clark. “We asked the students, ‘If you ran the library, how would it look?’ So we put out wall-sized posters of the library where people would mark up what they wanted,” Clark said. “When we got comments from them, we asked more questions.” One common response from students was that the low tables on the first floor were not useful for studying. The committee was surprised by that, Clark said, but higher tables will be purchased for the redesign. Another unexpected response was the lack of interest in gaming options at the library. See Renovation on page 2

Evans Library Ramya Prakash — THE BATTALION Information provided by TAMU University Libraries

A&M professor researches cocaine ■ Barry Setlow receives federal grant to study effects of cocaine on decision-making Rebekah Skelton The Battalion Texas A&M University’s Barry Setlow, a professor in the behavioral and cellular neuroscience program in the Department of Psychology, has received a federal grant of $1.4 million to study the effects of cocaine on decision-making. “We want to know just how little cocaine it takes to cause lasting impairments in decision-making, and how long these impairments last,” Setlow said. “In addition, we want to know how chronic cocaine use affects the brain, and how these brain changes are linked to the alterations in decisions-making.” The grant, which is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, will be distributed over five years, with $400,000 going to the University to pay administrative costs. The remaining $1 million will be used to pay salaries and buy equipment and supplies. Setlow is working with a team of graduate and undergraduate students and technicians in his lab,

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as well as Paul Wellman, another faculty member in the psychology department. Since it is not feasible for the team to use human subjects, they will be using rats, which have been shown to display the same patterns of decision-making as humans, and will use cocaine as readily as humans. The team will give the rats small doses of cocaine until they become addicted. Once the rats become addicted, the team will begin studying how the drug impairs the rats’ decision-making abilities. “By giving rats cocaine and, essentially, making them ‘addicts,’ we are able to determine how cocaine causes these problems and, perhaps most importantly, how brain function and behavior can be restored to normal levels in these addicted rats,” said behavioral and cellular neuroscience graduate student Nick Simon. “If we can develop behavioral or pharmacological therapies to improve the decisionmaking impairments, abnormal motivation for drugs, and impulse control disorders observed in rats with a history of cocaine exposure, these treatments could conceivably be used sometime down the line to reduce addictive behaviors and prevent drug relapse in human drug addicts.” According to a 2006 National

Courtesy Photo

Barry Setlow, a professor in the Department of Psychology, is conducting an experiment on the effects of cocaine on decisionmaking by studying how the drug affects lab rats. Survey on Drug Use and Health, 7.728 million Americans ages 18 to 25 had used cocaine within the previous year. “Obviously, we already know that cocaine is highly addictive and can cause long-term damage to the brain,” Simon said. “What we are interested in as a lab includes which brain structures are altered by cocaine exposure, how these alterations take place, and what are the specific consequences of these changes.”

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said that cocaine is one of the oldest known drugs, and is a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, meaning that it has a high potential for abuse. “If we could figure out where the compulsion for taking the drug … comes from, then we could prevent this from happening,” said behavioral and cellular neuroscience

AggieSat2 transmits weak signal On Thursday, Space Shuttle Endeavour launched AggieSat2 and BEVO-1, picosatellites designed and built by students from Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin. The satellites were connected to each other in the payload bay, and were supposed to separate and begin relaying signals to the ground. “It came out and it took off like it was supposed to,” NASA program manager David Kanipe said. “The problem occurred when they didn’t separate.” The design of the satellites is such that their batteries only become active once the satellites have separated. “They didn’t want to have the batteries active while it was sitting in the payload bay waiting to launch,” he said. “Fortunately, the AggieSat2 has at least been providing a signal … The UT satellite has yet to say anything.” The fact that AggieSat2 has broadcast a weak signal means that its batteries were recharging, suggesting that the satellites may be gradually separating, Kanipe said. “They haven’t given up — they’re still working on it,” he said. “It was very exciting to get it up there and get it moving but it’s unfortunate that it’s not functioning yet.” Julie Rambin, staff writer

See Cocaine on page 2

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Kalee Bumguardner, Editor in Chief Mattie Williamson, Managing Editor Meagan O’Toole-Pitts, City Editor Jill Beathard, Lifestyles Editor Brett Sebastian, Sports Editor

Jason Staggs, Opinion Editor Karen Cruickshanks, Graphics Chief Christine Soriaga, Photo Chief

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.

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.

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“We assumed we would have folks in that direction, but we didn’t,” Clark said. However, some responses were almost unanimous. “The Kindles have been very popular, and our iPods have been very popular,” Clark said. “We talked this morning about going to the larger version of Kindle. In the spring we’re looking at having a multimedia studio.” Recently, the library purchased 100 netbooks for student use, starting in the fall. “Technology applications will continue to grow and we need to stay focused on the tools the students are using,” Goodwin said. “We have to keep our eyes and ears open and respond and be proactive.” One important part of the redesign is Poor Yorick’s, the coffeehouse run by Dining Services. “Poor Yorick’s will open into

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the library without having to go outside the library,” Clark said. “They’re going to be expanding their counter so they can do more.” Integrating Poor Yorick’s with the library is important, said Dining Services executive director David Riddle. “We’ll be able to deal with the volume much better. There’ll be more seating for people,” Riddle said. “You’ll be able to walk right out of Poor Yorick’s directly into the library, and sit down and study.” As one of the most popular Dining Services locations, the lines at Poor Yorick’s are often out the door during peak hours. The renovation should help fix that situation, Riddle said. “We hope the lines are shorter and we can move people through faster. We’d ideally like to be able to offer a larger selection of food,” Riddle said. One common concern among students is the problem of noise during the renovation. However, construction itself should be minimal, and will take

place during interim periods. “Ideally, we’ll be doing all the major construction parts when students are gone,” Clark said. The Memorial Student Center renovations had an impact on the library’s decision to minimize construction. “We don’t plan on closing our space,” Goodwin said. “We anticipate a larger volume and people needing space.” Student fees are not expected to increase as a result of the renovation. “It has no impact on student fees,” Clark said. “We’re going to do this as low cost as possible. We’re not looking at major renovations, just finishes and furnishings.” The majority of construction work should be complete by the beginning of the fall semester in 2010. “It’s become more collaborative, more comfortable, integrating more of a ‘Barnes & Noble’ feel,” Clark said. “The process takes a long time and we want to make sure we get it right, rather than get it fast.”

Cocaine

“However, it is not clear the extent to which this impaired cognition in cocaine users is caused by the cocaine, or whether people with impaired cognition are just more likely to start using cocaine in the first place. [Our study allows us to] determine a) does cocaine itself cause cognitive deficits, and b) what is cocaine doing to the brain to cause these deficits?” Setlow and his team have high hopes for their research, and are confident they will be able to find information that has the potential to help recovering addicts. “Armed with information about how cocaine alters the brain in ways linked to impaired decision-making, we hope to be able to design treatments that could reverse these changes and ultimately reduce the likelihood of relapse to drug use,” Setlow said.

graduate student Marci Mitchell. “This not only would give thousands of people back their lives and help their families, but also save the taxpayers millions of dollars each year. We realize that most people know drugs are bad or the stereotypical effects that comes with taking drugs, but what we need to know is exactly how the brain is functioning in these situations.” U.S. residents’ use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs costs the U.S. approximately half a trillion dollars annually, Setlow said. These costs include health care, law enforcement, and loss of productivity. “There is considerable evidence from studies in [cocaine users] for compromised cognitive function,” Setlow said.

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BEIJING — U.S. attempts to draw up a broad contingency plan in case North Korea’s government collapses are being complicated by China’s refusal to talk about potential chaos engulﬁng its dysfunctional neighbor. Both Washington and Beijing are growing more anxious about the stability of the Korean Peninsula, with Pyongyang’s recent missile and nuclear tests, uncertainty about the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il and the apparent designation of his 26-year-old son as successor. The U.S. has raised the idea of joint talks in several meetings with senior Chinese ofﬁcials, who rejected the overtures, although they pledged to work constructively with the U.S. on North Korea. Associated Press

Continued from page 1

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Google CEO leaves Apple board to avoid conﬂicts SAN FRANCISCO — Google Inc. Chief Executive Eric Schmidt has resigned from Apple Inc.’s board because of the companies’ conﬂicting interests as competition between the one-time allies heats up. The split announced Monday comes just a few weeks after Google unveiled plans for a personal computer operating system that could siphon sales from Apple’s Mac line and just a few days after the Federal Communications Commission contacted the companies about Apple’s decision to block a Google application from its popular iPhones. Regulators from the Federal Trade Commission had already been looking into whether Schmidt’s dual role on the boards of Google and Apple would make it easier for the technology trailblazers to collude in ways that would diminish competition. Thorny questions about corporate governance could remain, even though Apple and Schmidt mutually agreed to sever their ties. That’s because another Google director, Genentech Inc. Chairman Arthur Levinson, remains on Apple’s board. Associated Press

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

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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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. 1bd/1ba for rent after December until May or late. Stadium View Apartments. 979-661-1633. 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. 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/2ba 4-plex. Spacious floorplan, W/D connections, close to campus. $550/mo. www.aggielandleasing.com, 979-776-6079. 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. 979-822-1616. 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 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 3bdrm/3ba duplexes. Great floorplans, fenced yards, w/d, tile floors, icemakers, alarm systems. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com 4bd/2ba house, w/fenced backyard, pets okay, all new on inside. 3104 Longleaf. $1300/mo. 979-693-1448.

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

Quiet country atmosphere, fireplace, very large 1bdrm brick duplex. $415/mo. +bills. No pets. 979-693-8534. Room in nice mobile home. Internet, cable, central-air/heat. $300/mo. everything included. Natalia 210-364-7006.

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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 August help needed for apartment turn, Call 979-229-8584 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.

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HELP WANTED 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

STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in College Station. 100% free to join. Click on surveys. 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.

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 room in 2bd/2.5ba cottage at the Woodlands for sublet, from August to May, $600/mo. Please contact 817-271-2939 for any additional information. 1 room in 3bd/2ba mobile home, $325/mo. all bills paid. Male roommate. 972-921-5955. 1-roommate needed, separate bedroom in like new, 3yr old, 1550sqft house, yard, 4bd/3bth, $400/mo, Dove Crossing off of Graham Rd. 940-390-6021

Cook, cashier and runner, 7-day a week position. Background check Evening employment. 979-776-8135, call for an appointment.

2 Male roommates needed to share 3bd/2ba mobile home in Rolling Ridge. $300/mo. including electricity. No partiers. 210-843-6595.

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.

Doctor’s assistant, will train. Apply in person 3733 East 29th. Street Bryan or fax resume to 979-260-0610.

First month rent free or cash for taking over Callaway Villas Lease! Call 936-254-2471 or 936-554-4447. 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. 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 Newly remodeled 4/2 house. Walking distance to campus, tile &wood floors, great location, nice big deck &yard. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com 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.

Internet Marketing Positions Available. Unlimited Income Potential. No Experience Required. wwwXonBiz.com K2Share, LLC has an immediate need to fill the following position: Part-time Content Development Technician. Please access our web site http://www.k2share.com/jobs for a complete description of the position, associated skill, requirements, and application instructions. If you are interested in working for a growing company with exciting opportunities where your work makes a difference, e-mail your resume to jobs@k2share.com Voted one of The Best Companies to Work for in Texas, 2006, 2007, 2008, & 2009. K2Share, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Skilled lead carpenter needed. Construction, remodeling, and boat docks. 45 min NW of Bryan/CS. Transportation required. Prefer applicants have tools and bags. Compensation DOE. Travis 979-828-2677 tgolden@goldenconstruction.org 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. Marketer needed for t-shirt and sign company. E-mail inquiries bdebrabsims@yahoo.com

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

Bitter sweet

Shipwreck Grill opening in August! Hiring outgoing individuals for all positions. Restaurant experience preferred. Apply Monday-Friday 9a.m.-5p.m. 206 E. Villa Maria.

COACHES WANTED! We need enthusiastic, positive, motivational volunteer coaches for Youth Flag Football. Call 764-3424.

FLAG FOOTBALL PLAYERS WANTED! College Station is currently forming an 8 on 8 league. For team or individual registration information, call 764-3424

monday 8.4.2009

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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 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.

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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 roommate, 2bd/1.5ba. Available August 15, $300/mo. +utilities, Autumn Circle behind Hilton. 979-324-3834. 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, house 1/2-mile from campus, furnished, $400/mo., +1/4 utilities. Stephen 512-762-2151. Spacious 2bd/2ba corner condo with fresh paint, new carpet, tiled floors and granite countertops, all in neutral tones with small private back patio. Creekside Terrace at 1702 Deacon #301. Ample parking, on bus route 33. $500/mo. +1/2 electric. Prefer females GPA with at least 3.25. No Pets. Ready for move-in August 22nd 2009. Please call Linda 713-562-4916.

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

UNIVERSAL PICTURES

After he discovers he has leukemia, George Simmons, played by Adam Sandler, visits his ex-girlfriend, played by Leslie Mann, who is married to Eric Bana’s character.

n his newest film, “Funny People,” writer and director Judd Apatow undertakes a departure from his usual rose-colored comedies, instead exploring the sometimes irreversible nature of people’s mistakes and flaws, and the disappointment these can bring. Protagonist George Simmons, played by Adam Sandler, is an immensely famous comedian and hopelessly lonely soul. Just over 40, George learns he has a form of leukemia that will almost certainly result in his death. The only possible cure is an experimental treatment that yields a very low possibility of success in curing the disease. While the physical battle is being fought in George’s body, he is forced to encounter his broken relationships with his family, friends and former lover, and this becomes the focus of the film. It is no stretch to say that George, in all his fame, is a jerk, and because of this he has virtually no friends. His relationship with his parents is almost non-existent, his friendships are only with other superstars, and he has driven away the love of his life, Laura, played by Leslie Mann. However, shortly after George learns he is dying, he meets lowly stand-up comedian Ira Wright (Seth Rogen). In a desperate and unconscious reach for friendship, George hires Ira as his assistant and joke writer. The two become friends — though George refuses to treat Ira as such — and spend a lot of time together. We watch George drag Ira into his life and struggle as he looks for the support he needs. The story climaxes when George visits Laura at her house while her husband is away. This is a rather long sequence, and the film does start to drag a bit, but is kept afloat with plenty of humor. There is great banter between the characters as they constantly joke around with each other. Ira’s friend Leo, played by Jonah Hill, has some especially funny and biting lines. The movie is filled with laughs, most of them centered on stand-up comedy type jokes. Bits of stand-up routines by George, Ira and Ira’s friends are thrown into the mix. All these bits are funny, and they provide extra insight into the characters, particularly with George, who tends to get dark and hostile in his routines after receiving the bad news about his health. As is customary in Apatow’s films, there is considerable emotional depth throughout

Clay Harley

‘Funny People’ full of humor, truth the movie, thanks in no small part to the acting. This is easily Sandler’s best performance in any film, and he proves that he is a quality actor. His character is extremely charismatic and immediately likeable, and he certainly has no trouble portraying this. Also, though, Sandler is shows a deep loneliness and sorrow within George Simmons. It seems a major focus of the film is exploring people’s flaws. Sandler’s character has many, and he shows an understanding of that. The strong supporting cast proves its worth as well, and each of the actors exhibits ample insight. From Rogen’s depiction of the overly nice guy to Mann’s charm as ‘the one that got away’ to Eric Bana’s funny rendering of a man caught up in the toil of the world, each member contributes to the story. Even less central characters are believable. Particularly notable is Torsten Voges, who plays Sandler’s doctor. Or, as you probably know him from the trailer, the guy from “Die Hard.” Voges is fully convincing as a doctor and the interaction between he, Sandler and Rogen is hilarious. The major striking truth in this movie is the painful understanding that sometimes we must simply accept the consequences of our mistakes. Even if we understand why we made the mistakes, even if we are sorry, even if we see clearly now, even if we are forgiven. Sometimes we must bear the pain they bring. This was, to me, the central message Apatow intended to communicate. However, I wouldn’t call the film a downer, because it does emit optimism in the end. Apatow continues to prove his talent as a writer and director with “Funny People.” The film is insightful, emotionally complex, well constructed, believable and of course, very funny. I find that I am already excited to see what Apatow’s next production will bring.

Clay Harley is a junior business administration 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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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.

voices thebattalion

page4 8.4.2009 8.4.

Of dining and dollars

Dining Services must make affordable options available in order to survive

Chris Griffin — THE BATTALION

ining Services has had a rough few years. They don’t receive any funding from the University, so they have to be entirely self-sufficient, and even students who live on campus aren’t required to purchase a meal plan, so they have to entice customers solely on the quality of their services. Lately, they’re not doing a good job of it. The number of combinations of meal plans and Dining Dollars has steadily deteriorated since the system was changed in 2007. Now, the 75 meals or 105 meals (five or seven a week, perfect for people who live off campus or just don’t eat on campus that often) are gone, and on the opposite end of the spectrum, 800 Dining Dollars is the most offered in one plan. The meal plans most frequently advertised are the 200 and 250 meals for the semester. There is even a deal so you can buy a plan for the whole year at once and get an additional discount. The problem is that most students

Kalee Bumguardner don’t use anywhere near that amount of meal plans. Once they’ve bought a plan for the whole year, students don’t have the option of getting a smaller plan when they realize they still have 50 meals left over from one semester. What’s available on the Maroon Plate Special — what you can buy with your meal plan — is slowly shrinking, as well. Gone are the days when any entrée was up for grabs with any version of a meal plan. You can’t even get a medium drink anymore, only a small. Many people opt for more Dining Dollars now, because there is greater

flexibility of choices. Dining Services has countered by raising the prices of all food, so a meal bought with Dining Dollars will cost about $8. When it is cheaper to dine out at restaurants surrounding campus, there is a problem. Dining Services also has the misfortune of having three of its most popular dining options closed for the next three years: the 12th Man Café, Hullabaloo Food Court and Rumours. However, what are they doing to redirect the students who now have to find other places to eat on campus? Putting up two kiosks: one that will serve beverages in Rudder, and another serving the Simply Fresh line (cold sandwiches and salads) in front of the G. Rollie White Coliseum. This is a pitiful attempt at alleviating the crowds sure to form at Sbisa, the Underground food court and Bernie’s on North Side, and the Commons food court on South Side. Of course, they also plan to put in additional seating at several locations, but that won’t do

Congress should update cannabis laws

n 1996, the marijuana reform movement won a major political battle in California, legalizing medical marijuana in the nation’s second largest state. Today, more than 115 million people live in 13 states that have decriminalized marijuana, and Americans have yet to see the apocalypse promised by the national government. Over the past 70 years, the national government has overstepped its powers in enforcing what has become a prohibition against cannabis. Equally shocking is the failure of the media to act as a watchdog against federal agencies and reflect the mores of a changing population in the U.S. With just the price of a ticket to California, marijuana users can change their legal status from criminal to respected citizen. Medical marijuana in California is a polite euphemism for legalization, as $150 buys a doctor’s recommendation and card. With this white plastic license, marijuana becomes a legitimate product no different from tobacco or alcohol, purchased by responsible adults out of vending machines. Legalization has made procuring marijuana safe and profitable, and over the course of the next month, the Oakland city council will strongly consider passing a bill taxing the $20 million in legal marijuana sales that coffee shops and clubs made in profit last year. Though California is the most liberal example, 13 states have decided to legalize medical marijuana. Others, like New York, have decriminalized small amounts of cannabis. But while throughout the country citizens are electing local and state officials who reflect their more tolerant view of marijuana, the national government continues to ignore the will of the people. Upstanding citizens like Charlie Lynch and Ed Rosenthal, who grew and sold medical marijuana within California’s state guidelines, have been prosecuted in federal court. Drug enforcement agencies have regularly harassed citizens by superseding state law and ignoring local policy in federal court. “In a federal court you cannot even

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Ian McPhail

Regulations are outdated, biased fears from a bygone era. mention the medical marijuana card, because the federal government has the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ delusion that medical marijuana doesn’t exist,” said Allen St. Pierre, director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). “Ed Rosenthal had video tapes of him and a chief of police with his marijuana that were not even allowed to be shown in court.” Rosenthal did everything within his power to ensure that his operation was within the law, yet in federal court he was found guilty of three felonies. In 2007 Lynch was involved in a similar case, where his medical marijuana store was harassed before his home and business were raided by DEA agents with guns and shields. “They sent in undercover sheriff’s deputies to go encourage Charlie to break the federal law,” said Lynch’s lawyer, John Littrell. “In every case, what they found was that his employees always verified doctors’ recommendations. No one could manage to get anybody — Charlie or anyone that Charlie was working with — to dispense marijuana in a way that violated state law.” There are many marijuana users and businessmen persecuted in the same way as Lynch, who received a minimum year sentence from a federal judge. These citizens are not dealing drugs in a back alley, they are selling “medicine” in stores. Businessmen like Lynch and Rosenthal have shown the ability to legitimize a black market industry, and turn it into a taxable cash crop. Government can afford to be more responsive to the changes of attitudes, and should be given greater influence in enforcing marijuana laws.

More importantly, the powers not delegated to national government by the U.S. Constitution are reserved by states. Citizens like Lynch and Rosenthal are not criminals, and their cases do not warrant the suspension of the 10th Amendment. Americans’ opinions on the practicality of legalizing a drug less potent than alcohol is changing, and this is being made possible partially through the examples set by California and 12 other states. Voters in California have told elected officials their views on marijuana, and the state has responded. The Drug Enforcement Administration and its “War on Drugs” was not created to limit democracy by circumventing state law. “Executive departments and agencies have sometimes announced their regulations preempt state law, including state common law, without explicit preemption by the Congress or an otherwise sufficient basis under applicable legal principles,” read a memo on May 20 from the office of the press secretary to the heads of executive departments. Thankfully, President Obama has indicated through his May 20 press release that the national government is no longer willing to ignore the constitution to continue this prohibition against pot. Unfortunately, this comes on the heels of federal anti-drug agencies acting overzealously with their policies, willing to ignore both the law and the Bill of Rights to catch more marijuana users. Perhaps in an attempt to propagate themselves, institutions like the DEA and other enforcement agencies have continued this prohibition against cannabis in sovereign states no longer desiring persecution. Opinions and attitudes about cannabis are changing slowly, and state governments need their constitutional right to govern.

anything significant for the lines. The kiosks themselves are a good idea, but instead of offering merely coffee and pastries or a cold sandwich and salad, Dining Services should take the kiosks further. Why not have a portable Chick-fil-A, or Sargino’s pizza? Bring in other restaurants to give students more food choices. Time Out Sports Deli, in the Student Recreation Center, is the best place to eat on campus because of its combination of healthy options, normal entrées like hamburgers and chicken strips, smoothies, breakfast foods like burritos and croissant sandwiches, and overall great, grilled-right-there food. The only downside is its out-of-the-way location. Dining Services needs to do something to keep students happy, or they’re just going to continue to lose money hand over fist. Kalee Bumguardner is a junior agricultural communications and journalism major.

MAILCALL GUESTCOLUMNS Make your opinion known by submitting Mail Call or guest columns to The Battalion. Mail call must be fewer than 200 words and include the author’s name, classification, major and phone number. Staff and faculty must include title. Guest columns must be fewer than 700 words. All submissions should focus on issues not personalities, become property of The Battalion and are subject to editing for style, clarity and space concerns. Anonymous letters will be read, but not printed. The Battalion will print only one letter per author per month. No mail call will appear in The Battalion’s print or online editions before it is veriﬁed. Direct all correspondence to: Editor in chief of The Battalion (979) 845-3315 | mailcall@thebatt.com

Editorial cartoon Bob and Mary don’t like options. Good thing they have a meal plan.

Ian McPhail is a sophomore history major. Editor’s note: This column is the first in a three-part series discussing the incongruence of federal and local laws regulating marijuana and the history of the drug’s prohibition. The series will run today, Wednesday and Thursday.

Osa Okundaye — THE BATTALION

8/3/09 6:25 PM