August 6 2009 The Battalion Print by The Battalion

thebattalion ● thursday,

august 6, 2009

● serving

texas a&m since 1893

Loftin asks for safety analysis ■ McFerrin Athletic Center to get a closer look in light of Cowboys’ collapsed facility

Carillo, Costa Rica is known for its pristine beach where snorkeling is popular.

Preserving paradise Aggies work to enrich Costa Rica Photos and story by Patrick Clayton | The Battalion

Konrad Sauter, former student, and daughter Elke Sauter, a senior environmental engineering major share a common passion for environmental responsibility.

City of Bryan offers option of teen court The City of Bryan has instituted a new approach to juvenile delinquency. First time offenders under 18 who are enrolled full-time in high school may request teen court service for Class C misdemeanor offenses committed in the City of Bryan. Teen Court is a mock court in which offenders can be heard by a jury of their peers. The purpose of the court is not to determine a verdict. Those sent to court have already been determined guilty or pleaded no contest. It is instead to determine the punishment for the offense. The punishments range from community service to educational programs, depending upon the offense. The judge assigns Teen Court, which operates once a week and alternates between the schools. It operates at Bryan and Rudder high schools and will launch at middle schools in the spring. “I’ve taken a little bit different approach,” said juvenile

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case coordinator Rick Montero, “and thrown more education in it — having students, faculty and staff understand that it’s all of our jobs to help children understand the rights and wrongs so they don’t reappear in court again.” Every offender must return to the Teen Court as a juror so that they can experience both sides, Montero said. “Volunteering is a big thing, too,” he said. “We need attorneys to volunteer their time to help the students understand the role of defense attorney and prosecutor.” Offenders who complete the requirements of the punishment phase will have the offense dismissed by the court and will avoid the larger fines of adult court. If the punishment phase is not completed, the case will return to the municipal court for enforcement of fines and fees. Megan Clark, staff writer

enior environmental engineering major Elke Sauter grew up green long before the 21st century marketing campaign used the word “organic.” For years, developing countries have had to get creative when using natural resources and her native Costa Rica is no exception. For the Sauters, environmental responsibility has been a family tradition. With a passion for nature and agriculture, Elke’s father, Konrad Sauter, grew up in San Jose, Costa Rica, with a passion for the outdoors. Konrad, who has a bachelor’s degree in agriculture engineering and a master’s degree in food science and technology

from Texas A&M University, said he remembers his first vegetable garden, growing chayote, an indigenous vegetable of Costa Rica. “It’s important to remember the fruits and vegetables that are indigenous to our lands, which require little or no fungicides and pesticides,” Sauter said. Stressing the importance of the use of indigenous plants, Sauter said people can reduce the amount of chemicals needed to protect, grow and harvest such crops. “We need to pay attention to our forest, learning about the natural eco-

Texas A&M University Interim President R. Bowen Loftin has requested an independent safety analysis of the McFerrin Athletic Center. The company that built the $35.6 million center, Summit Structures LLC, of Allentown, Pa., has had five facilities collapse in the past seven years, most notably the Dallas Cowboys’ indoor practice facility, which injured 12 people when it collapsed in a windstorm in May. Jason Cook, vice president for marketing and communications, said there have been some ongoing questions regarding the facility, and Loftin wanted some additional data and information on the structure. “He wanted to make sure we had the best information possible given the circumstances,” Cook said. The building meets campus construction standards, and has withstood several events, including Hurricane Ike. “We don’t have specific safety concerns,” Cook said, “but given that the facility is used heavily by athletes, students and guests we always want to err on the side of caution.” The 191,000-square-foot complex is the home of an indoor football practice facility and an indoor track where the men’s and women’s track teams compete. Cook said the University is searching for an individual who has experience with the center’s structure type, and that the search and analysis are going to be done expeditiously. Kalee Bumguardner, editor in chief

See Costa Rica on page 4

Where on campus?

Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

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

Wednesday’s answer Easterwood Airport

Correct response Paul Segars Jr., Thermographer, Physical Plant Department

Crash course to begin at Texas World Speedway The Texas World Speedway will launch its ﬁrst Teen Survival Driving Academy Monday, a safety course that teaches young drivers accident avoidance techniques. “We are aware that the teen driving death toll is on the rise in the Brazos Valley and we are taking the challenge to reduce and hopefully eliminate this death toll altogether in the future,” said TSDA program coordinator and lead instructor J.C. Kester. “What really sets this course apart from the state driving courses and defensive driving is that we take the students out of the classroom and put them behind the wheel and show them what it feels like to nearly lose control of a vehicle.” Though the four-hour course was designed for new drivers, it is not limited to teenagers, Kester said. “Anyone can beneﬁt from this course. And we promise to make it fun…even for the grown-ups.” After completion of the course, many students will receive auto insurance discounts, he said. “Most insurance providers will provide up to a 10 percent discount for the next three years for courses such as the Teen Survival Driving Academy.” The next course is Aug. 16. “We hope to have as many as one to two classes per month, however, since we are hosted by Texas World Speedway, we do have to schedule our events in between events at the speedway,” Kester said. “Courses also have limited seating, as we want to ensure we provide the best instruction possible for our class sizes.” For more information, visit texasworldspeedway.com. Meagan O’Toole-Pitts, city editor

8/5/09 9:33 PM

pagetwo

Today Mostly sunny and hot High: 102 Low: 77

thebattalion 8.6.2009

SCENE

Places to go,

money to save

Austin

For an urban outing, try Austin, a city with something for everyone. Some things to do include shopping the Drag, the eclectic section of Guadalupe Street; visiting museums, including the Texas Natural Science Center and Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum; swimming in Barton Springs and checking out the food, drinks and entertainment on 6th Street. Be sure to check out Bat Fest on Aug. 22, a celebration of the bats that live under the Congress Avenue Bridge. The festival features art, music, food and of course, bat watching. Also in August is the third annual Austin Ice Cream Festival, which will feature live music and ice cream for an admission fee of $5. Compiled from the Roadway Productions Web site, roadwayevents.com and 6street.com

ummer session II is drawing to a close, and if you haven’t already made travel plans for the rest of summer break, it’s not too late. These travel locations are just a road trip adventure away, and are great options for people trying to save money in the harsh economy. Compiled by Jill Beathard

Parks This summer, the U.S. Department of the Interior designated three weekends during which entrance fees at all National Parks would be waived, with the goal of boosting attendance. The last fee-free weekend will be Aug. 15-16. National parks in Texas include Fort Davis National Historical Site, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Padre Island National Seashore and Big Bend National Park. Big Bend is named for the sharp turn the Rio Grande takes at the southern tip of the park, which encompasses mountain, desert and river topographies. Big Bend is one of the largest national parks in the U.S. and is a great place to hike, spot wildlife, float the river, camp and experience the natural landscape of West Texas. Compiled from the National Park Service Web site, nps.gov

Beaches

Osa Okundaye — THE BATTALION

If you’re looking to hit the beach, look no further than the Texas Gulf Coast. Locations to visit include Port Aransas on Mustang Island, Padre Island, South Padre Island, Corpus Christi and Galveston. Each location has something different, so do your research before you go and find out which location caters to more of your interests, be it Texas historical sites, good food or just sun and sand. Save money by camping, carpooling or bringing your own food and beer in coolers. Compiled from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Web site, tpwd.com

Tubing Floating down rivers has become a popular pastime in Texas, and there are at least five different rivers that offer tubing, including the Guadalupe, Frio, Comal, San Marcos and Brazos. The Brazos gets significantly low in late summer, which makes the river flow very slowly. The Guadalupe is arguably the most popular river to float, but if you would like to avoid the crowds, try the Frio, which is known for its natural beauty. Just be sure to bring your own alcohol, as the river runs through many dry counties. Compiled from the Tube Texas Web site, tubetexas.com

VOICES

Just the facts, please Ian McPhail

Marijuana has been the subject of smear campaigns since the 1930s. As the oldest generations become out-numbered, it’s time for a change.

oth the government and the press have collaborated in the prohibition against marijuana, a drug millions of Americans have realized does not deserve the same enforcement policy as heroin. Federal institutions and many state governments have fallen behind on the sentiments of almost half the population that claims to have tried marijuana at least once in their lives. Still, a strong anti-cannabis minority exists, supported by industries built on prohibition. Advocates work toward legalization, but their success is far from inevitable. The country’s mindset about marijuana is changing, but it has been slowly hindered by slander from the media. “Informative” videos similar to the ’30s short Reefer Madness films have indoctrinated the oldest generation to ridiculous untruths about marijuana. Even today, the “Above the Influence” campaign claims that smoking pot hurts video game performance, undoubtedly attempting to compare this to the way college students struggle to combine beer and ping-pong. The organizations funded by the government have been feeding Americans a biased view on marijuana for the past 70 years, one filled with half-truths and lies. Before the 1960s, when there was no Internet and less of a counter-culture, the lies on the screen had more weight. These are people who grew up with the almost-comical myths about marijuana leading to rape and murder, and many will never change their minds. But because the older generation watches news and votes, they wield tremendous power in maintaining the status quo. The major news outlets feed a constituent audience the information it wants to hear about marijuana. The news shows the large illegal marijuana fields, protected by armed gunmen, with officers panicked about the criminal growth. A core audience wants to believe that marijuana is the danger they think and the

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Tiffany Tran — THE BATTALION

media is always willing to sell to both sides and call it balanced. “The general mindset is changing, through the demographic change is in the baby boomer generation. As, regrettably, we say goodbye to the last generation, and whether the generation’s values are liked or not, each new one gets the opportunity to lead,” said Allen Saint Pierre, director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. “Each generation clearly inserts and acts upon their ideas. Right now, the people who are leading the country are the first ones to use recreational drugs that institutions will not allow, both Republicans and Democrats. My mother has a very different view on marijuana than my grandparents.” The laws against marijuana have justly been referred to as a prohibition, and should be compared to that more well-known ban. For every Joseph Kennedy who went legitimate with the drink, there was an Al Capone — a career criminal encouraged by profits to be made by outlawing something everyone did. The violence and criminal behavior associated with marijuana would disappear if the drug

were legitimized and treated more like alcohol and tobacco than heroin and LSD. Oakland’s city council estimates that it could earn at least $400,000 from taxing a fledgling industry at a modest rate. Taxing and regulating marijuana would also create more jobs, in both production and sales. NORML estimates that enforcing laws alone cost the country $7.6 billion, with countless more money lost from treating cannabis as an enemy combatant in the War on Drugs. This does not mention the harm caused to the average marijuana user, a productive person caught up in the teeth of the criminal justice system. Surely half the country does not belong behind bars for smoking a mild plant. More convincing than what marijuana activists are saying is the lack of legitimate negativity reported by the media. Decriminalized states have not crumbled and fallen into the sea, and the best arguments against legalization do not hold water. Drug dealers don’t have health standards or check identification, and an awareness program similar to Mothers Against Drunk Driving could educate teenagers better than current abstinent lies.

Adults should be able to make their own decision about marijuana and their health in the same way they do about fast food, tobacco and alcohol. Not all states should have to adopt marijuana legalization, but the ones who do should be allowed to make decisions free from federal meddling. Regardless of your opinion on legalization, Americans deserve an accurate depiction of cannabis in our culture, the good with the bad and the freedom to make decisions based on facts. The first step is for people to give smaller organizations and private residents the chance to inform them and force the media into action. Then enter the political playing field, let your congressman know your opinions on marijuana through an actual letter and that you will vote accordingly. Give a spare dollar to support politicians, or donate one to a private group providing you with quality information. The elderly have largely made their decision on marijuana, and to change the culture before 2025 many more young poeple will have to participate equally in America’s political system.

Ian McPhail is a sophomore history major.

8/5/09 10:40 PM

A CLASSIFIED AD: Phone 845-0569 or Fax 845-2678

OFFICE:

BUSINESS HOURS

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Insertion deadline: 1 p.m. prior business day

Memorial Student Center, Room 032

SPECIAL

TO PLACE

classiﬁeds PRIVATE PARTY WANT ADS

$10 for 20 words running 5 days, if your merchandise is priced $1,000 or less (price must appear in ad). This rate applies only to non-commercial advertisers offering personal possessions for sale. Guaranteed results or you get an additional 5 days at no charge. If item doesn’t sell, advertiser must call before 1 p.m. on the day the ad is scheduled to end to qualify for the 5 additional insertions at no charge. No refunds will be made if your ad is cancelled early.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOR RENT

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.

3bd/2ba house on 3 acres, pets okay, 901 Krenek Tap Road, $1250/mo. 979-693-1448

Need an apartment? Up to $500 Rebate or free move credit! ApartmentGurus.com is a free service! 1-866-933-GURU (4878). Hassle free Apartment Search!

3bd/2ba, utility room with W/D, off Texas Avenue across from campus, $1,000/mo. 210-696-2841

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

3bdrm/3ba duplexes. Great floorplans, fenced yards, w/d, tile floors, icemakers, alarm systems. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com

Newly remodeled 4/2 house. Walking distance to campus, tile &wood floors, great location, nice big deck &yard. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com

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

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.

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR Ag owned. Affordable, honest auto repair, a/c service, performance, and customization. No job too small! Mobile service available! Call 979-574-1223. www.gwcustoms.com AG OWNED. Affordable, honest auto repair, a/c service, performance, and customization. No job too small! Mobile service available! Call 979-574-1223. www.gwcustoms.com

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. $599 Grand reopening special. 2-1 Totally remodeled four-plex. 5-minutes to campus. New stainless steel appliances with W/D included. 904 Navidad. 2-1.5 Townhouse style with yard, also available. 979-450-9093 or 979-450-9094. $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.

Pool, Call

1br/1ba w/Study -Recently Remodeled- up and downstairs available, all appliances, w/d conn, some have fenced patios or yards, lawn care provided. Please call or visit online today!!! www.twincityproperties.com or 979-775-2291. 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.

3bd/2ba, 3703 Marielene, Rock Prairie, available August, $1200/mo., includes W/D, refrigerator and lawn service. 979-450-5666.

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 house, w/fenced backyard, pets okay, all new on inside. 3104 Longleaf. $1300/mo. 979-693-1448. 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 4br/2ba Studio Homes -2 living areas, spiral staircase, fireplace, extra fridge upstairs, balcony all appliances, w/d conn, Please call or visit online today!!! www.twincityproperties.com or 979-775-2291 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, 2-month free, 4/2.5, $575/mo. 936-348-1561. Callaway Villas, furnished room, private bath, reserved covered parking, 4/4.5 $555/mo. 713-408-8597. 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. 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. 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.

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

Furnished house. $450/room +1/3utilities or whole house unfurnished $1550/mo. 407-721-3300 or 214-707-8429.

3/2/2, 2700 Normand Circle, College Station. $1250/mo. 979-822-1616.

JUST REMODELED! 4br/2ba 1115 Merry Oaks. Available Now. Big Yard, Big House w/ Detached Garage. $1500/mo. Call 214-704-3503.

3bd/2ba C.S. Huge duplex, fenced, shuttle route, w/d connection. Treehouse Trail, $995/mo. www.c4properties.net 979-268-1074.

House Rent Free. Farm chores, horse care. Wellborn area. 979-690-6951.

Large 2bdrm/2bs, 3204-Cougar Trail, Bryan. Water, sewer, &trash paid. Everything’s new inside. $675/mo. 979-822-1616.

One room with private bath in 2bd/2ba townhome at the Woodlands. Sublease, $650, utilities included. Call Ryan, 903-521-0468 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. Too Many Roommates, Too Little Space? Huge 2bdrm/1.5ba Apartment in Bryan. Only 4-mi. to Campus. Newly Remodeled, $625/mo. 979-402-0913.

GARAGE SALES Huge Garage Sale! A&M Methodist Annex, 300 College Main. Furniture, housewares, tools, shelving, books, electronics, etc. 7-noon August 22nd.

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. Experienced part-time lawn maintenance workers needed, $7.50/hr. Call Kirk, 324-2719.

HELP WANTED

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

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

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

Waitstaff, Pizza Cook, Hostess. Call for appointment, 979-676-0327.

Doctor’s assistant, will train. Apply in person 3733 East 29th. Street Bryan or fax resume to 979-260-0610. Edge Cafe in The Tradition at Northgate. Cashier, Cooks and Line-Servers. F/T and P/T. Apply in person at 303 Church Ave., C.S. 979-268-3001. FLAG FOOTBALL PLAYERS WANTED! College Station is currently forming an 8 on 8 league. For team or individual registration information, call 764-3424 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. 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 Marketer needed for t-shirt and sign company. E-mail inquiries debrabsims@yahoo.com Needed, data entry person with excellent computer skills and typing speed. Temporary position. 979-690-6766. Sales/Greeter positions available. Varsity Ford is seeking highly motivated people, looking for a strong future in one of the fastest growing lines in the automotive industry. Apply in person 1351 Earl Rudder South or Highway 21 and Tabor. Benefits and 401K available. 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. 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

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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. Workers needed to install lofts in dorm rooms at A&M. August 23-28. Call for more information 979-492-6077.

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 and a 3/3, W/D, Fenced yard, $350 plus utilities. 512-431-2212 or 210-215-0852 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 2 Male roommates needed to share 3bd/2ba mobile home in Rolling Ridge. $300/mo. including electricity. No partiers. 210-843-6595. 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 Female roommate. Brand new house (behind Gander Mt). Private bedroom share bath with 1 other. Off street parking. $450/mo includes utilities and internet. Avail Aug 15. Contact: slang2754@yahoo.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

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

One roommate needed, 4/4/2, clean, good condition, on-shuttle. $375/mo. 512-248-9330.

STUDIES IN PROGRESS

Roommate, house 1/2-mile from campus, furnished, $400/mo., +1/4 utilities. Stephen 512-762-2151.

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.

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Daily Masses Mon. - Fri.: 5:30 p.m. in the Church

Confessions Mon. - Fri. 4:30 - 5:00 p.m. Wed. 8:30-9:30 p.m., Sat. 4:00-5:15 p.m. or by appointment.

Christian First Christian Church 900 South Ennis, Bryan

823-5451 Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship 10:45 a.m.

thursday 8.6.2009

Soldier gets month in jail ■ Army specialist refuses to deploy to Afghanistan FORT HOOD, Texas — A Fort Hood soldier who refused to deploy to Afghanistan over his beliefs that the war violates international law was sentenced Wednesday to a month in jail. Spc. Victor Agosto, 24, of Miami, pleaded guilty to disobeying a lawful order to report to a site that perAgosto forms medical, legal and other services for troops before they deploy. The judge also reduced his rank to the Army’s lowest level, a private, which also was part of the maximum penalty he faced in his plea agreement with the military. After the sentence was announced, Agosto immediately ripped the rank patch from his uniform. He later was escorted out of the building and taken to the county jail, where he will start serving his sentence. “The Army is a values-based organization which embraces the values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage; for a soldier to violate military law by refusing to obey orders is a serious matter,” Fort Hood officials said in a statement released late Wednesday. Associated Press

WWII grave unites countries ■ Germans, Poles rebury discovered bones MALBORK, Poland — Germans and Poles are laying ghosts of World War II to rest this week — more than 2,000 of them. At a ceremony Friday, they will rebury the bones that were discovered last fall in a mass grave at the foot of this northern Polish city’s medieval castle, setting aside the grievances that linger from the war and often bedevil relations between the two countries. But the uncertainties about who the dead were and who killed them may never be resolved. All that authorities can say with some assuredness is that they were probably German civilians who died in the ferocious final months of the war, in a city with a shared Polish-German past that dates back more than 700 years. Poland and Germany are at peace today — fellow democracies in the 27-nation European Union. But the war still shadows the relationship. They argue, often bitterly, over war damages, past suffering, and the rights of an estimated 3 million ethnic Germans expelled as Poland headed into a future as a Soviet communist satellite. Yet the grisly find by redbrick Malbork Castle seems to have drawn hearts and minds together. Polish authorities have handled the discovery with sensitivity, neither side has voiced recriminations, and discussions on where to rebury them have reached a cordial, mutually agreed conclusion. Associated Press

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page 4 thursday 8.6.2009

thebattalion

Tropical view Photos By Patrick Clayton | The Battalion The Rio Segundo snakes down through the mountains of Heredia, located in San Rafael de Heredia, Costa Rica. Located about an hour north of San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica.

Fog rolls in over a mountain road near the Poas Volcano in the province of Alajuela, Costa Rica. A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck the area in January.

Surfers wait for waves off of Samara Beach where Chora Island is seen in the distance. Like much of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, the beach hosts numerous surf schools and rental shops. Costa Rica’s growing tourism has posed issues for the country’s natural resources.

Samara Beach on a clear day, Samara, Costa Rica. Samara is located within the Guanacaste Province on the Pacific Coast.

Costa Rica Continued from page 1

systems and how they function as a whole,” Sauter said. “Every day we throw away many forms of organic matter that can be used in compost, which can later be used as organic potting soil.” Like other Aggies in Costa Rica, Konrad wanted an avenue to share his experiences and education at Texas A&M with his country. He was involved in the forming of the Costa Rica Aggie Club. The club works to bring Aggies together and join efforts to benefit communities. Texas A&M has many projects within Costa Rica, including the Soltis Center for Research and Education in San Juan de San Isidro de Peñas Blancas, which opened on June 18. When faculty and staff from other campuses visit such projects, the club works to make

sure the trips go smoothly. Beyond the social aspects of the club, the group wanted a way to give back to communities. As the club’s president for about 10 years, Konrad, along with several members from the club, formed the foundation TAMU-Costa Rica. Working with the Aggie club, the foundation gave the group more tools for fundraising and community involvement. Headed by Konrad, the first project was a recycling separation project in the municipality of Escazu. The project began with education seminars, teaching the public on the importance of recycling. Small steps, such as separating trash from recyclables, can produce great effects as environmental education of the public continues to increase, he said. Once opened, the program included a truck that collected the recyclables and a facility that could process and sell the raw materials for reuse. The facility, now fully sustainable

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and growing, created jobs that before were inexistent for residents. The project was made possible through a grant from Holland and the profits of selling the raw materials. The final stage of the project, scheduled to take place next month, is the donation of the facility from the TAMU-Costa Rica Foundation to the government. Environmental responsibility is a global concern and Konrad has worked hard to stress its importance to his children. When it came time for his oldest daughter Elke to apply for college, she knew she wanted to carry on her family’s respect for the environment. After researching careers in geosciences and engineering, Elke wanted an applied science education that would allow her to work closely with environmental issues. Elke found the environmental engineering program at Texas A&M to be the perfect fit. The program is designed to develop engineers who “apply science and engineering principles to develop sustainable systems that

Elke Sauter holds a bowl of Jocotes, a native fruit of Costa Rica. Native fruits and vegetables do not require the amount of pesticides and fungicides that imported species require. protect human health and welfare and minimize the adverse effects of human activities on the environment.” As an environmental engineering student, Elke has enjoyed her studies,

especially in the area of wastewater treatment. Eventually, Elke hopes to return to work in Costa Rica, helping to solve environmental issues her country and much of the world face.

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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 979-845-0569. Advertising offices are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fax: 979845-2678. Subscriptions: A part of the Student Services Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1. Mail subscriptions are $100 per school year. To charge by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, call 979-845-2613.

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