The Battalion: August 9, 2010 by The Battalion

news for you editor’s note This is the ﬁnal summer 2010 issue of The Battalion. The ﬁrst issue of the fall semester will be Aug. 25.

texas IBM defends contract with state

thebattalion Labor of love ● monday,

august 9, 2010

● serving

texas a&m since 1893

graduation

IBM Corp. is defending an $863 million data center contract with Texas; the state has threatened to terminate the contract, claiming the company failed to live up to its promises. The contract requires the company to merge the data centers of 28 state agencies into two facilities.

Aggies receive diplomas Friday

Habitat for Humanity constructs five houses in five days during Builders’ Blitz

Gayle Gabriel

Mentally ill inmates left untreated At least 16 percent of Texas inmates are mentally ill and some counties in the state don’t follow a law passed in 2009 requiring a psychiatric evaluation of those suspected to be mentally ill before proceeding with trials. However, many inmates wait for treatment in their cells for years.

s students receive residence hall assignments for the upcoming school year, it can be easy to forget there are others in Bryan-College Station who do not have the luxury of secure housing. Fortunately, volunteers from the area’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity pitched in extra hours for the “Builders’ Blitz” week this July, in which five houses were constructed in five days. So after a lengthy application process, hours of “sweat equity” work and much persistence, five families can enjoy the comforts of home.

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see story on page 2

nation &world BP receives mixed grade Retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen, who is overseeing BP’s response to the oil spill gives the company high marks for its engineering response, but low marks in dealing with people. Allen said that BP was too big to deal with the problems the spill caused individuals along the coast. Staff and wire reports

Politics as usual: Harry Podcast

On thebatt.com Tune in to hear Ian McPhail and Richard Creecy discuss current events. James Cavin checks in with Cavin Fever.

Student to lead agriculture group

Alec Goetz, staff writer

Sarah Ammerman, staff writer

Associate veterinary professor trains wildlife rescuers An oil-soaked seabird struggles against the side of the HOS Iron Horse supply vessel as the ship sails near the site of the blown-out oil well Deepwater Horizon. The 184 million gallon spill is one of the world’s worst to date. ASSOCIATED PRESS

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oil-covered animals are easy to trip on or get tangled in, and the slick oil often makes things slippery. “I’ve been told that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologists who came through our workshop have been using the skills they learned here,” Schmalz said. “We’ve built a much bigger team as interest in helping with the most recent spill has grown, and we’re much more prepared for the future.”

oil spill

risks of handling them. “Much of our training is an emphasis on the volunteers’ safety,” said Sharon Schmalz, executive director of the center. “Working with wild animals can be dangerous, so we teach them how to interact with the animals safely and avoid exposure to zoonotic diseases, which can be passed from animals to humans.” Responders are also educated on the potentially hazardous conditions they will be working in. The hoses and equipment used to clean

See Graduation on page 6

The National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow named senior agricultural communications and journalism student Lauren Greaves first vice president. “I’m really excited to be able to represent Texas A&M as first vice president, and I hope I’ll be able to make the organization better,” Lauren Greaves, Greaves said. senior agricultural The or- communications and journalism ganization major helps members further their career interests through interactions with other students and professionals. Members will manage different organization activities and communication within the next year, concluding with the national convention in New Orleans next July. Representatives of colleges across the nation elected the members of the team and were chosen based on their individual service, leadership, involvement and passion for agriculture. Greaves was elected at the 2010 Agricultural Media Summit in St. Paul, Minn. along with four other college students from the University of Missouri, Texas Tech University, Oklahoma State University and Cal Poly.

Photo illustration by Vicky Flores and Sarah Ammerman — THE BATTALION

Volunteers in Texas will be prepared to respond to future oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico thanks to a Texas A&M veterinary expert. Dr. J. Jill Heatly, clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, is the lead veterinarian working with the Wildlife Rehab and Education Center in Houston, training volunteers to assist response teams during a spill. Heatly, who is certified in aviary medicine, began teaching classes earlier this year as part of the center’s Oiled Wildlife Training workshops. Aimed at state wildlife officials, U.S. Fish and Wildlife service representatives, industry environmental personnel and local veterinarians and vet techs, the workshops are designed to teach volunteers everything they need to know in order to effectively respond to an oil spill. “Birds are very visible victims of oil spills,” Heatly said. “But it’s important that the people working with them know how to handle them.” While the goal of the workshops is to teach participants how to save the lives of animals affected by an oil spill, the volunteers also spend time learning about the

The Battalion Caps and gowns at the ready: it’s time for graduation. Though summer graduation is smaller than its fall and spring counterparts, there is just as much excitement. “For the College Station campus, there are approximately 1,800 degree candidates listed for the Aug. 13 ceremonies,” said Andrew Armstrong, acting associate registrar for the office of the registrar. August graduation kicks off with the commencement convocation on Thursday. “Commencement convocation provides an opportunity for every degree candidate to hear the same inspirational speaker in a less formal setting,” ArmR.C. Slocum, strong said. former head “Our Univer- football coach sity has been for Texas A&M blessed to receive such noted speakers as President [George W.] Bush and Gen. [David] Petraeus. Our August speaker, Coach [R.C.] Slocum, is a legend and highly respected member of the Aggie family. He will certainly give a

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Habitat for Humanity’s ‘Builder’s Blitz’ provides five homes in five days Austin Meek

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The Battalion Every family deserves a safe home. Habitat for Humanity and the Bryan-College Station Home Builders Association teamed up to make that possible for five families. The two groups collaborated for “Builder’s Blitz,” a five-day build-athon where five houses were constructed for needy families. “Our year-long goal was to build 20 houses, so getting five of them knocked out in a week was a huge endeavor,” said Abby Johnson, director of communications for Habitat for Humanity’s local offices. Dickson Clements of the Bryan-College Station Home Builders Association helped construct the five houses. There were 14 builders. “Mornings started at 6:15 a.m. with donuts, coffee and prayer, and we usually worked until dark,” Clements said. The foundations and driveways were laid the week before, to give the concrete sufficient time to dry, but nothing went vertical until the wall raising ceremony at the beginning of the week, signaling the beginning of five days of blitzing. Many people working on the sites were involved in construction for more than 20 years and had a grasp of what needed to be done — and in what order. “We started off with the framing and shingling the roof,” Clements said. “Then we worked inside with trimming, putting up drywall, texturing the walls, painting and priming. After installing the

cabinetry, appliances, electricity and gas, we took Friday to clean up and landscape.” These houses were well constructed and equipped with the necessary modern conveniences. That’s why Habitat doesn’t just give them away to anybody. “All prospects must fill out an application that is reviewed by the family selection committee,” Johnson said. “The biggest question asked while reviewing the applicants is, ‘How sub-standard is their current housing situation?’” The Cabreras, a College Station family of two parents and four children — Francisco, Cleopatra, Elianni and Yael — applied for a Habitat Home over a year ago but were denied. The father, Ismael, is a self-employed contractor and the mother, Erendira, works at the Brazos County Sheriff’s Department. She works 12hour shifts, as does her husband, and hasn’t had a day off since February. “After we were rejected the first time, Ismael threw up his hands and said we would just have to find another way,” Erendira said. “When I heard about this upcoming Builder’s Blitz, I applied without him knowing. I figured if we didn’t get it, nothing would change. But if we did get it? I mean, wow.” Applicants must have at least 500 hours of “sweat equity,” which is when they help build other people’s homes. Then they have to take 12 hours of home ownership classes and finally must be approved for a

Courtesy photo

The Cabrera family sits outside their new home built by members of Habitat for Humanity and the Bryan-College Station Home Builders Association. mortgage. “The Cabreras have worked incredibly hard and completed all the requirements,” Johnson said. “Their enthusiasm during work days has been infectious.” The children were especially excited about having rooms and a yard to play in. “We are all so overjoyed and thankful,” said Erendira said. “Every day Yael asks me,

‘Mommy, are we moving yet?’ And I always tell him that yes, we’re almost there.” Habitat for Humanity is a Christian nonprofit organization that builds affordable housing in partnership with people in need. The Bryan-College Station Home Builders Association exists for advocating, promoting and educating about the home building industry in the area.

HOW TO GET YOUR AGGIE RING ON NOVEMBER 12, 2010: If you meet the requirements after Summer 2010: 1. Log on to AggieNetwork.com beginning August 20th to check your Ring eligibility. (You will need to create an account on this website.)

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howtoapply If you are interested in writing or contributing content in The Battalion apply at thebatt.com, or call 845-3313. The Battalion welcomes any Texas A&M student interested in writing for the arts, campus, metro or sports staffs to try out. We particularly encourage freshmen and sophomores to apply, but students may try out regardless of semester standing or major.

correction: The Battalion welcomes readers’ comments about published information that may require correction. We will pursue your concern to determine whether a correction needs to be published. Please e-mail at editor@thebatt.com.

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UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT REQUIREMENTS: 1. 90 cumulative completed undergraduate credit hours. 2. 45 undergraduate resident credit hours completed at TAMU. 3. 2.0 cumulative GPR at Texas A&M University. 4. Must not be on academic probation, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, or on honor violation probation from the university. GRADUATE STUDENT REQUIREMENTS: Master’s Thesis Option 1. Defended Thesis Due to ordering deadlines, you may order at the beginning of the semester you will graduate. Your Aggie Ring will be delivered on Aggie Ring Day if you have defended your thesis prior to the deadline set by the Office of Graduate Studies. If you do not defend your thesis prior to this date, your Aggie Ring will be held until the qualification is met. 2. Must not be on academic probation, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, or on honor violation probation from the university. Master’s Non-Thesis Option 1. 75% of coursework completed for degree program at TAMU. 2. Must not be on academic probation, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, or on honor violation probation from the university. Ph.D. Students 1. Accepted as a Ph.D. candidate at TAMU 2. Must not be on academic probation, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, or on honor violation probation from the university.

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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: 979-845-2678. Subscriptions: A part of the Student Services Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1. Mail subscriptions are $125 per school year. To charge by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, call 979-845-2613.

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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.

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voices thebattalion 08.09.2010

Cause for concern

page3

Discussing our differences

his summer, I had the opportunity to work in Mexico. It was one of the best experiences of my life because I had the privilege to live in another country and encounter a unique culture. Although the two places I worked in, Ciudad Juárez and Ciudad Acuña, are highly American-influenced border towns, they are still significantly different from cities I have visited in the U.S.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

People flee their flooded villages in Rajanpur in Pakistan on Sunday.

e shouldn’t be surprised, but the level of callous reporting on the recent flooding in northwest Pakistan has been alarming. The media has continued with the same old political positioning story.

Instead of focusing on the Already, disaster, news outlets have saturated the U.S. and reports with comments on the U.N. have struggle between the United Napledged $10 tions and Pakistan activist groups million in for the most aid delivery. It is a aid, providsad reminder that people are often ing tempothought of only for political gain. rary housMatt Poarch ing, aircraft Numbers continue to multiply as damage is assessed from the senior wildlife and and troops worst flood to ravage Pakistan ﬁsheries major to help in in decades. Of the 3.2 million the recovpeople affected by the flooding, ery. These the United Nations estimates figures were also reported in that 1.8 million will require food the context of the U.S. winning assistance for at least a month. friends and improving its image in More than 100,000 are threatPakistan. By the same token, it is ened by disease due to poor hyfrustrating that groups would seize gienic conditions and the lack of this chance to stir support for its clean water. Sadder still, own agendas. the floodwaters have While it’s hard to quesHumanitarian tion the money and time claimed 1,600 lives as aid shouldn’t spent by relief workers of Aug. 8, and the number might rise to now and in the weeks to be a as much as 3,000. come, what’s bothersome competition. Somewhere along is the manner in which the the way, concern for efforts are being reported. the people stopped. While a Something about the reduction mother watched her son be swept of this situation to a humanitarian away by the flood, the struggle boxing match just doesn’t sit right. for political advantage in the area “It shouldn’t be treated as a way began. FoxNews and other outlets to get political advantage,” said referred to the relief efforts of the Amanda Jezierski, senior communiU.S. and Pakistan’s Islamic groups cation major. “It should be treated as a competition. as a natural disaster and left at that.”

Giving and loving go hand-inhand. It is saddening to read about the opportunity political officials and militant groups see in the death of 1,600 people. When the Albert Pike campground in southwest Arkansas flooded in June, 20 people lost their lives. I was recently in the area listening to people give accounts of the day following the tragedy. The emotions were unanimously shock and sadness. Over a month after the event, those affected are still at a loss for words. Pakistani victims are no less human than Arkansans. Pakistanis have come to realize that they cannot rely on the government to adequately respond to these situations, so they turn to private and foreign aid to struggle through recovery process. UNICEF and CARE both have donation links provided on its websites for those who can give. That Pakistani mother will be forever haunted by the memory of her little boy being swept away by flood waters. As much as the flood victims need provisions, they need to know that the world cares. Generosity given out of love will mean so much more than a gift to win political ground.

GUESTCOLUMN

Guiding the way Howdy! Do you remember all the stress of being a new student in an unfamiliar place? Not only did you need to figure out where your classes were, you needed to do it with enough spare time to find a good seat. Well, GUIDE needs Serve A&M your help. As an Student by helping Government Association students to their organization that helps classes. Check mentor freshman in the guide.tamu. transition process from high school to college, edu or e-mail GUIDE will be holding tourguideday@ a “Tour Guide Day.” gmail.com for This is a great way to start more information. the year and show new students on campus the true Aggie spirit. On the first two days of the semester, we will have groups of volunteers stationed at various locations to help direct new students around campus. This is where you come in. To make this a success, we need about 125 volunteers.

If you would like to volunteer for “Tour Guide Day” check out our website at http://guide. tamu.edu or e-mail me for more information at tourguideday@guide. tamu.edu. We ask that each volunteer try to sign Raechel up for at least two or three Schneider slots, but any time you can spare is appreciated. Each Chair, GUIDE 2010-2011 Texas A&M University volunteer will receive a free t-shirt to be worn during your shift. There will be a mandatory orientation for volunteers at 3 P.M. on Sunday, Aug. 29 in Wehner 114. Let us know if you may not be able to make this orientation and we can make other arrangements. This campus wide event will help welcome the Class of 2014 and we want you to be a part of it. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We hope you can help and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Courtesy Photo

Children in Mexico find different ways to entertain themselves with less.

I won’t pretend to know everything in Mexico. Time doesn’t hold a death about Mexico after grip on everyone’s lives. What we spending only three view as fashionably late is considered an months in the early arrival in Mexico. I still hated the country, but I speed bumps, but they were a constant would like to share reminder not to live in hurry-up mode my experiences of around the clock. culture shock durOne thing I struggled to remember ing my stay. all summer was not to flush toilet paper. Besides everyMany of the septic systems can’t handle Caleb Wilson one but me speak- an excess amount of the product due ing fluent Spanish, to expensive maintenance. There are junior history the most glaring several areas where you can flush toilet major and special paper, like in tourist hot spots, but I was to The Battalion difference was the overwhelming not anywhere near those. amount of military It took some time to get accustomed personnel, mainly in Juárez. At first, it to using a wastebasket. I will sadly admit was startling to constantly pass federal vethat my first trip to the little niños room, hicles full of soldiers in SWAT gear. Call I remember thinking how backward and me crazy, but I don’t immediately warm gross it is to throw used toilet paper into up to people carrying assault rifles. a trashcan. What I didn’t know then is After I almost soiled myself a couple of the majority of the world’s population times, I began to realize that the Mexican doesn’t flush toilet paper. military was on my side. The military The most surprising discovery for presence is so large to combat the corrupt me during my time in Mexico was the local police as well as the cartels. When inexplicable joy many of the people I knew who the good guys were, having have. I say inexplicable because the my truck searched at military average household income for the checkpoints actually made communities I worked in was me feel safe, because I less than $60 a week. They knew they were just have nothing, yet they doing their jobs. are happy. Even open-minded While driving, At first, I couldn’t Americans can have I always had to be figure out how anyone trouble adjusting to on the lookout for could be content with the differences of speed bumps. I’m constant military checkanother country. used to encountering points, poor plumbing them in parking lots, and godforsaken speed but in Mexico speed bumps. None of that makes bumps are everywhere, sense to me, but that’s because even on major highways. My I’ve only known how to view first few times behind the wheel in the things through my American lenses. country were pretty unfortunate, as I I hope this doesn’t sound like one of learned that there are not always road those “we’re too culturally insensitive” signs to forewarn you of those demonic speeches, but it is easy to view our culspeed barriers. Many bumps are not even ture as the status quo. painted bright yellow, but camouflaged These past three months have into the road to ensure maximum misery. helped me understand some of our But the more I thought about speed cutural differences. Just because another bumps, the more I realized how much country does not operate the same way they reflect Mexico’s siesta culture. With as America doesn’t make it wrong or speed bumps, you have to slow down. inferior. It’s just different. I’ve always In the U.S., everything is always “go, known that, but it’s something I’m only go, go,” but life is a lot more relaxed beginning to understand.

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1bd/1ba., less than 1-mile from campus, 1-block from shuttle &park. NCS, close to shopping. www.hollemanbythepark.com

3bd/2ba 1201 Hardwood C.S., behind sorority houses, W/D, fridge, lawn service. Pets ok. $1150/mo. Kyle 979-777-5553.

2/2 Condo, upstairs, Double Tree 1901 W. Hollemon. 900sq.ft., all appliances, W/D, water paid, bus route, available now. New paint and carpet. No pets. $700/mo., $700 deposit. 979-255-9432. 2/2 Fourplex. Upstairs, wood floor, deck, pets allowed, close to campus, on bus route. Available August. 979-204-1950. 2ba/2bd S.W. Valley. Fireplace, fenced, new carpet, paint, +ceramic tile, shuttle. Available August. Perfect for students, yard maintenance. 979-696-0895 2bd/1.5ba w/study. Fenced, covered parking, pets ok, updated. 1714 and 1716 Leona. On shuttle and biking distance to campus. $699/mo. 979-776-8984. aggielandrentals.com

3bd/2ba C.S. Huge duplex, fenced, shuttle route, w/d connection. Treehouse Trail, $995/mo. www.c4properties.net 979-268-1074. 3bd/2ba C.S. Historic District. Walk to campus. $1200/mo. W/D, ref. and lawn service included. Pets O.K. 902 Welsh. 979-450-5666.

2bd/2ba 4-plex. Spacious floorplan, W/D connections, close to campus. $550/mo. www.aggielandleasing.com, 979-776-6079.

4bd/2.5ba Spanish style duplex w/garage + off street parking. Security system. All appliances including w/d. $1500/mo. No pets. Available August. 979-297-3720 or 979-292-6168. 4bd/2ba 804 Welsh C.S. Historic District, walk to class, W/D, fridge, lawn service. Pets ok. $1400/mo. Justin 979-739-4930.

4bd/3ba House for rent, 903 Lazy Lane, $1500/mo. Available 8/1 979-450-3011. 4bd/3ba townhouse, 2 car garage, spacious, pool, landscape back yard, $1850/mo, 777-9933. 4bd/4ba 431 Forest C.S. Luxury condo behind Home Depot, granite, W/D, fridge, pool, lawn service. Pets ok. $1350/mo. Justin 979-739-4930. 4bdrm/2ba beautiful house in nice neighborhood, large backyard. $1490/mo. 979-422-4296. 4bdrm/2bth house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com BRYAN: 1/1 & 2/1.5 NEWLY RENOVATED Midtown Manor Apts-200 Rebecca St!! ALL NEW APPL, CENTRAL A/H, NEW CABINETS, NEW COUNTERTOPS, Clothes Care Center and POOL ON-SITE! W/S, INTERNET, CABLE, GARBAGE PAID!! $395-525/MO 979-775-2291 www.twincityproperties.com BRYAN: 1/1, 2/1, & 2/2 APTS! COVERED PARKING, laundry facility, in HISTORICAL DISTRICT! PAID W/S, INTERNET, CABLE, & GAS! 979-775-2291 $425-$550/MO www.twincityproperties.com BRYAN: 2/1 Midtown Towers Apts 1601 S College Ave!! WOOD FLOORS, NEW BLACK APPL, NEW CABINETS, w/d conn, POOL! W/S, INTERNET & CABLE PAID! $575/MO 979-775-2291 www.twincityproperties.com

3bd/2ba house, large fenced back yard, tile floors, less than 1-mile from campus. www.aggielandleasing.com 3bdrm/2ba duplex. All appliances. $850/mo. Fenced, pets ok. Available now! 979-777-3905. 3bdrm/3bth house. Great floor-plans, fenced yards, W/D, tile floors, icemakers, alarm systems. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com

4/2/2 off Dominik. Updated house, tile, carpet, with W/D, pets allowed. $1600/mo. Tia 979-739-1160. Available August. 4/3, 3/3 &3/2 Townhouses, Duplexes &Fourplexes, 1250-1700sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing for 2010, excellent specials. 694-0320. office@luxormanagement.com

BRYAN: 3/2 HOUSE OFF WOODVILLE!! GREAT FLOOR PLAN w/PRIVACY FENCED BACK YARD, all appl, w/d conn, central a/h!! $ 825/mo. 979-775-2291. www.twincityproperties.com

COLLEGE STATION: MANY HOMES TO CHOOSE FROM 2br,3br, & 4br! Wolf Pen Area!! Central a/h, w/d conn, fenced yards. $675-$825/mo. Pets welcome! 979-775-2291. www.twincityproperties.com

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

FOR RENT

BRYAN: MIDTOWN VILLAS 1601 S COLLEGE, COMPLETE RENOVATION!! 2/2 DUPLEXES w/PAID W/S, INTERNET, CABLE! WOOD FLOORS! 979-775-2291 www.twincityproperties.com

Magnificent 3/2 w/walk-in closets. August move-in 1365 sq.ft. Local owners. Privacy fenced yard, shuttle route, ceramic tile, ceiling fans, W/D connections. www.c4properties.net 979-268-1074.

College Station. 2 and 3 bedrooms. $650/mo. to $700/mo. Availability negotiable. AggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984.

Male rommate wanted. Room for rent in good 3bd/2ba house, close to campus near sorority row, with 2 cool roommates. Call Tucker 830688-1472.

College Station. 2bd/1.5ba close to campus, 402 Fall Street, $695/mo. AggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984. COLLEGE STATION: 1/1, 800 sqft, shuttle, all appl, W/D, lawn/pest/maint incl, 906 Spring loop (off University), $575. KAZ Realty 979-324-9666. COLLEGE STATION: 2/2, 1000 sqft, shuttle, all appl, W/D, lawn/pest/maint incl, 906 Spring loop (off University), $675. KAZ Realty 979-324-9666. COLLEGE STATION: 3/2, 1240 sqft, shuttle, all appl, W/D, lawn/pest/maint incl, 905 Balcones (off Welch), $850. KAZ Realty 979-324-9666. COLLEGE STATION: 3/3, 1450 sqft, all appl, W/D, lawn/pest/maint incl, 3745 Oldenburg (off Graham), $1100. KAZ Realty 979-324-9666. Cottage Holik C.S. 2bd/1ba, 1000 sqft., W/D, balcony, wooded. Private drive. Quiet. $600/month. 979-777-2472. For rent: 1bd/1ba studio Snook, TX, easy drive to west campus, $400/mo. 3bd/1ba/1cg easy walk/bike to Blocker 4321 Maywood Bryan, $865/mo. 979-229-5334. Fox Run Condo- $525. Large bedroom, 281-578-6477. Free Internet, cable, utilities in a 2BR/2-1/2/B furnished condo, pool, W/D, bus route, $450/mo. call Christina 512-557-0256. Large 4bd/2ba house, 2 living room areas, fenced, pets ok, 1217 North Ridgefield, $1400/mo, 693-1448.

Need person to take over lease, $680/mo. Duplex off William/J. Bryan. 2bd/1ba, lots of parking and big fenced yard. Large living/dining room. Washer/dryer/appliances included. Pets allowed and property maintained by manager. jovitaduran@gmail.com Need replacement for 1 yr. lease. Woodlands of C.S., 1 br individual lease in 3br/3ba apt. $570 includes utilities, w/d, etc., on shuttle. I will pay $150 security deposit, plus $100. 512-961-2045.

Offering credit union memberships to Texas A&M students and faculty.

HELP WANTED Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. 512-684-8296. photoguy@io.com Callaway Villas is now accepting applications for Community Assistants. Apply online at: http://www.studenthousing.com/co mpany/employment.asp or apply in person at: 305 Marion Pugh Dr. EOE. Child Care- FT & PT shifts available. Some nights & Saturdays required. Apply in person at 3609 E. 29th St., Bryan.

Local business needs office assistant M-F. No weekends. Apply at 3320 S. College Avenue. 979-779-7044.

Nice 2bd/1ba, 715 San Saba, fenced, lawncare, W/D connections, $650/mo. 979-822-9223. www.willrentbcs.com No deposit required! 2bd/2ba, $640/bdrm. Separate leases. Woodlands of College Station. Beautiful student friendly complex. Tons of amenities. Available 8/15. woodlandssublease@yahoo.com

Needed part-time help for document scanning and social networking expertise for business. 979-574-7474. Personal assistant needed, flexible hours, digital camera needed. $11/hour. 214-934-5851. Student Media has an opening for a student to deliver The Battalion newspaper starting with the fall semester (Wed., Aug. 25th). Position requires paper delivery between 6am-9am, Monday-Friday. Must have reliable transportation. Great pay! Interested applicants apply at The Grove Building 8901, ask for Joseph.

Older newly remodeled 3bd/1ba brick home with open garage and carport. Approximately 16 miles east off Highway 6 down OSR. Small pasture and barn. $950/mo. Perfect for horse owners. Contact Cullen at 979-255-5555.

Student needed for part-time data entry. Must have excellent computer skills. 979-574-7474.

Room for rent in a 3bd/2ba mobile home, central air/heat, W/D, cable, fenced yard, nice neighborhood, $400/mo all bills paid. Rolling Ridge MH Park. 210-288-5881. Room in nice mobile home, Central-air/ht, internet, cable, $375 everything included. 210-364-7006.

Student needed for part-time work scanning documents and photos, 979-574-7474.

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

Wolf Creek Condos 2bd/2ba available 8-3, granite, ceramic, 9-foot ceilings, W/D, shuttle, cable &internet, $1100/mo. Broker/owner 979-777-5477.

PETS

FOR SALE BRYAN: 2/1.5 & 3/2 MASSIVE APTS!! COVERED PARKING, laundry facility, central area! PAID W/S, INTERNET, CABLE, GARBAGE! 979-775-2291. $ 495-$695/mo. www.twincityproperties.com

Sofa, 3yrs old. Rust color, excellent condition. $300, paid $1200. 979-357-4744.

Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment.

New homes for lease. 3 and 4 bedroom pet-friendly homes, close to campus, granite counter tops, w/d, refrigerator included. Call 979-777-5777.

Designer breed tea cup puppies: Maltese, Maltipoos, Yorkies, Poodles &Shih Tzus. $325 &up. 979-324-2866, linda_d_54@yahoo.com

1969 Chevy Camaro Z28 LA car, blue, restored, V8, 33K miles, $16,000 281-601-4179 or mdos2010@ar.com

Adopt Pets: Dogs, Cats, Puppies, Kittens, Many purebreds. Brazos Animal Shelter, 979-775-5755, www.brazosanimalshelter.org

2007 Chrysler PT Cruise, 52,000 miles, Provided Carmax evaluation report 979-739-3298. Mobile home in excellent condition, 76x16, 2bd/2ba, $17,500. Located on country lot. 830-879-5073.

BRYAN: 3/1.5 HOUSES OFF WOODVILLE w/VAULTED CEILINGS, WALK-IN CLOSETS, FENCED YARDS, ALL APPL, W/D CONN!! $ 775/mo. 979-775-2291. www.twincityproperties.com

REAL ESTATE 2bd/2ba mobile home for sale, nice park in C.S., excellent investment, all appliances included, call 979-204-7702.

ROOMMATES COLLEGE STATION: SPACIOUS 2/1, all appl, w/d conn, BIKING/WALKING distance to TAMU, close to TAMU shuttle!! $ 475/mo. 979-775-2291. www.twincityproperties.com

1 roomate needed. Spacious 2 story townhouse off Dartmouth. Fully furnished. 4/2.5 $400/mo. +1/4 utilities. 713-823-9340. 1-Male Roommate needed 2/2 condo at Fox-Run. $400/mo. +1/2bills, on bus route. Call 936-581-4504.

BRYAN: PRELEASING!! 2br DUPLEXES, GREAT LOCATION, w/d conn, all appl, fenced yards, central a/h, DIFF FLOORPLANS. $ 495-$615/mo. 979-775-2291. www.twincityproperties.com

BRYAN: CHARMING 2/1 Duplexes, WOOD FLOORS, central a/h, all appl, w/d conn, FENCED YARDS AVAIL, $ 445-$495/MO 979-775-2291. www.twincityproperties.com

1-Male Roommate needed. Room with half bath in privately owned 2/1.5 duplex. Serious minded student or professional. On bus route, 1.5 mi from A&M, w/d, parking, fenced yard, cul-de-sac, well maintained. $330/mo +1/2bills. Pet at owner discretion w/deposit. Call 281-788-6659, 281-704-0619 or e-mail sw8914@gmail.com 2-female roommates needed. Large updated townhouse off S.W. Pkwy. Bus-route, w/d, 1/3-utilities. Large room $350/mo., smaller room $250/mo. 979-204-9788.

BRYAN: 2/1 FOURPLEXES w/AMAZING FLOOR PLANS, fenced yards avail, pets ok, w/d conn, spacious rooms, mins from Blinn & TAMU!! $ 395-$495/mo. 979-775-2291. www.twincityproperties.com

BRYAN: MIDTOWN TERRACE – 1710 Echols, PAID W/S, INTERNET, CABLE!! 2/2 duplexes w/NEW EVERYTHING – new WOOD FLOORS, new CABINETS, new BLACK APPL!! $ 595/mo. www.twincityproperties.com

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FOR SALE

BRYAN: 1/1 w/STUDY BROADMOOR @ BRIARCREST APTS, central a/h, w/d conn, all appl! W/S, INTERNET & CABLE PAID!! $495-$550/mo. 979-775-2291. www.twincityproperties.com

2bd/1ba apartment, 800sq.ft. New appliances, carpeting and tile. W/D. Bus route. $550/mo. +$300 deposit. 210-391-4106. 2bd/1ba Walk to campus, $900/mo., W/D, ref., and lawn service included. Pets O.K. 4309 Old College. 979-739-4930.

4ba/2bd 3806 Dresden C.S. Clean 2-car garage, Edelweiss area, W/D, fridge and lawn service. Pets ok. $1650/mo. Justin 979-739-4930.

4bd/2ba. House! 2 open rooms for girl or guy. Fenced yard, W/D, $400/mo. +1/4bills. Available Summer and Fall. 361-463-6763 or 361-463-1726.

3bd/1.5ba, carport, on shuttle, pets ok, fenced, $699/month. aggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984.

2/1.5 apartment close to campus, W/D in unit, small pets ok, available immediately, 409 Manuel. $550/mo. 574-3534

FOR RENT

3/2 duplex. W/D, fenced, lawn-care included, new carpet/tile, new paint, located off 2818, minutes to TAMU. $300 off the first month, $900/mo. available now, Call 979-774-7483 or 979-220-5255.

1-3/bedroom apartments. Some with w/d, some near campus. $175-$600/mo. 979-696-2038.

2/1 duplex. W/D, bathroom and kitchen newly remodeled. Large backyard, lawncare provided. Pets o.k. $625/mo. 979-229-9890.

$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.

4bd/2ba house, covered and garage parking, tile and hardwood floors, less than 1mile from campus, www.santinos.com

3/3 newer duplex includes all appliances, tile floors, backyard, pets allowed. Available August. Call Tia 979-739-1160.

2/1 duplex, fenced, pets ok, on shuttle, 1406 Bermuda, $600/mo, 693-1448.

PRIVATE PARTY WANT ADS

3-3 Paloma Ridge Duplex in C.S. $1100/mo. Pets ok, backyard, w/d and lawncare included. Jerald. 713-594-3787.

1 and 2 bedrooms, $450-$550 rent specials! 3919 Olive, 2005 Monito Way, 4409 College Main. 1yr leases, no pets, close to campus, clean and safe. Available now! 979-777-3371.

2,3&4 bedroom houses w/yards. Great locations for students. Pets welcome. 979-492-3990.

SPECIAL

see ads at thebatt.com

One female roommate needed. 4bd/4ba townhome in Waterwood. $565/mo. Utilities included in rent. W/D, cable included. 214-263-2555, half off first months rent.

Roommates needed. 4bd/4bth $325/mo., washer/dryer. University Place on Southwest Parkway. 281-844-2090.

SALES CONSULTANTS

Due to tremendous increase in our business, we are seeking 2 to 3 additional sales consultants. We offer a great working environment for motivated individuals including medical insurance, retirement plan, 5 day work week, a world class Honda Product, and hands on training from our experienced management staff. Please contact Chris Collins at 979-696-2424 or come by in person for an application. ALLEN’S GOT YOUR HONDA! 2450 Earl Rudder Fwy S., C. S.

8/6/10 2:31:33 PM

sports

page 5 monday 8.9.2010

thebattalion

Thrown into the fire Freshmen offensive tackles key to team’s success “They’ve got a shot to jump up and do it this year…” — David Ubben, ESPN.com. “…the talent, the skill, and the experience are all in place to finally, finally, finally make some real, live noise and be a player for not just the division, but for the conference title.” — Pete Fiutak, cfn.com. “I think the Big 12 needs A&M to step up to the plate ... and be that type of team … We’re ready to accept that challenge.” — Mike Sherman, A&M head coach

- Special for THIS WEEK only - Unbeatable Price and Service - Best value at Northgate - One Block from TAMU - Free Washer/Dryer in each Condominium - Free Hi-Speed Internet - Free Water - Covered Underground Parking - Bookshelves and study desks in each room - No Application Fee, No Deposit - 2 Bedroom: $575/month - 3 Bedroom: $780/month - Why rent a room when you can get full one or two bedroom condominim

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he dark horse of the Big Fall practice 12. The potential resurgence of a program on life The Texas A&M football team begins fall camp at 6:30 p.m. support. The alarm clock to today at the Coolidge practice the sleeping giant. The 2010 ﬁelds. Practices will continue season is supposed to be the year that Texas A&M finally, through the month and are to borrow a phrase from seopen to students, faculty and niors Jerrod Johnson and Von staff with a valid ID. Miller, “takes the next step.” If they say starting as a freshTexas and Oklahoma are man is a lot like being thrown believed to be on the brink of into a fire, then what do they down years. Gone are Aggie say about starting at offensive killers Sam Bradford, Colt tackle as a freshman and proMcCoy and Mike Leach. Retecting your Heisman canditurning to A&M are the predate of a quarterback’s blind season offensive and defensive side? Being thrown into hell? conference players of the year There is a world of differand a plethora of skill position ence playing a skill position players to rival the best in as a true freshman — a la the country. running back Christine But with fall Michael — versus camp merely days playing in the trenches away — ah, can’t as a true freshman. you smell it in the Your body hasn’t maair? — and kickoff tured to its potential. just a month away, You’ve had limthe preseason David Harris ited time in a college hoopla surroundsenior economics strength and condiing the nation’s major, sports tioning program. And No. 5 offense in editor the speed and power 2009 will simply of the game multiplies be yesterday’s exponentially. news. “There’s a physical matuBecause 2009 is a thing of rity they don’t really have but the past and this remarkably these guys seem to have overtalented 2010 offense and its come that obstacle,” Sherman success hinges on two 18-year said last month when asked olds — freshmen offensive about his freshman offensive tackles Luke Joeckel and Jake line class. Matthews.

Campus Lodge at Northgate

Courtesy photo

Freshmen offensive tackles Luke Joeckel (above) and Jake Matthews are slotted to start on the A&M offensive line as fall practice begins at 6:30 p.m. today at the Coolidge practice fields. If Sherman’s correct — and Johnson is praying he is — then this situation will be something of a rarity. The last true freshman to start on the offensive line of the eventual Big 12 champion was Davin Joseph in 2002 for Oklahoma. And Joseph played guard. The issue is that defensive coordinators around the conference and the country salivate at the thought of sending their best pass rushers against true freshman linemen. They love the idea of overloading a side or disguising a blitz against a player who has never seen anything like it. And with Joeckel slotted to start at left tackle, Matthews to start at right tackle and potentially freshman Shep Klinke to get some playing time at center, 60 percent of the A&M offensive line will have never played a down of college football. The good news: with powderpuffs Stephen F. Austin, Louisiana Tech and

Jake Matthews, freshman offensive tackle

Florida International to start the season, they will have a chance to get their feet wet. More good news: Joeckel and Matthews are extremely capable. They each have long arms, a wide base and are very agile for their size. The bad news: It took 2009’s seniorladen offensive line until game seven to fully gel. They’re the sexy pick to do damage in a down Big 12. They have the most potent offense in the entire conference. They have a wide array of stars awaiting their opportunity to make a lasting imprint on the college football world. The pundits and prognosticators are beginning to buy in. Yet none of it will matter for A&M football if Matthews and Joeckel don’t mature and mature quickly.

the battalion thebattalion IN PRINT • ONLINE News Sports Voices Mailcall

Photos Comics AP News Classiﬁeds

www.thebatt.com

TAKE A PIECE OF A&M HISTORY WITH YOU · Reserve your 2011 Aggieland The 109th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook will chronicle traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, Greeks, campus organizations and seniors and graduate students. Distribution will be during Fall 2011. Cost is $64.90, including shipping and sales tax. Go to the optional services box in Howdy when you register for fall. For info, call 845-2613.

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8/8/10 3:21 PM

Pregnant? Need answers? There is Hope.

news

page 6 monday 8.9.2010

thebattalion

Demonstrators carry cans of oil to London’s Tate Gallery in a protest against BP sponsorship of the arts. BP has finished pumping fresh cement into the blown-out oil well Deepwater Horizon, sealing the ruptured pipe that for months spewed up to 184 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico in the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history.

Well wreckage may be raised

979-695-9193

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NEW ORLEANS — Now that BP appears to have vanquished its ruptured well, authorities are turning their attention to gathering evidence from what could amount to a crime scene at the bottom of the sea. The wreckage — including the failed blowout preventer and the blackened, twisted remnants of the drilling platform — may establish who is responsible for the biggest peacetime oil spill in history. The FBI is conducting a criminal investigation, the Coast Guard is seeking the cause of the blast, and lawyers are pursuing millions of dollars in damages for the families of the 11 workers killed, the dozens injured and the thousands whose livelihoods have been damaged. BP and

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Transocean have said they will raise some of the wreckage if it can be done without doing more damage to the oil well. That would give the two companies responsibility for

gathering up the very evidence that could be used against them. BP and Transocean, which could both face heavy penalties, have disagreed on who is at fault for the spill.

Iraq violence, deaths increase as US pullout nears BAGHDAD — A suicide car bomber struck a police patrol west of Baghdad Sunday and killed eight people, most of them civilians, police ofﬁcials said. The blast comes just a day after explosions tore through a market in the south killing 43 people. Violence across Iraq has

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spiked in the past month as the U.S. plans to pull out many of its troops by the end of the month. The increase in violence has raised concerns about whether Iraqi security forces are up to the job of keeping militants from destabilizing the country.

Schwarzenegger: Let gay weddings resume now SAN FRANCISCO — California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who twice vetoed legislation that would have legalized same-sex marriage, has surprised gay rights supporters by urging a federal judge to allow gay couples to resume marrying in the state. Lawyers for

Graduation Continued from page 1

memorable and inspirational speech for our students.” There are two graduation ceremonies in the summer. However, the registrar and staff make sure every degree candidate is taken care of. “Even with two ceremonies, the faculty and staff work hard to make sure degree candidates clear their final degree audit the night before the ceremony,” he said. “On the plus side, we do see fewer degree candidates showing up at the wrong ceremony since there are only two.” In the days leading up to

Schwarzenegger ﬁled legal motions Friday asking Chief U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker to implement his ruling striking California’s voter-approved same-sex marriage ban as unconstitutional. Associated Press

the ceremony, the registrar’s office is at work verifying degree candidates have completed requirements. “We make sure that the degree candidate’s audits are all correct,” said Kimberly Berry, assistant registrar of degree audit. “We order the diplomas and proof them in accordance with the student’s records and we manually roll and stuff the diplomas so that they’re ready to go. Then, the Thursday night before graduation, our whole office goes and stacks all the diplomas on the racks so that they’re ready to go for all the students at the ceremonies on Friday. We even have several degree candidates that come over and make

sure that their names are spelled correctly on their diploma and make sure that their audits are clearing. It is a very rewarding experience knowing that all of our hard work paid off when that student opens their diploma tube and their diploma is in there.” Summer degree candidates eagerly await the ceremonies. “I am so excited to be graduating this summer,” said Jean Ilustre, senior human resource development major. “It is great because they are not as long as May and December ceremonies. It is going to be a perfect end to my summer and my time here at A&M. Congratulations to all the summer 2010 grads. Whoop!”

You are about to be a Former Student! and friends andus join us after BringBring your your familyfamily and friends and join before or after Commencement 17,2010 2009toto CommencementConvocation ConvocationononThursday, Thursday,December August 12,

Come get your Decal Enjoy cold drinks, door prizes and learn what The Association of Former Students can do for you!

Come here Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center *Enjoy music, a chance to win door prizes. and have your photo taken under the Haynes Ring Replica

Thursday

on this day

Aug

anytime between

to get this & find out about this. Tell the world who you are & show them how much you care. (And get a deal!)

Can’t join us on the 12th? We invite you to The Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center on Friday, August 13th from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm. Come have your photo taken under the Haynes Ring Replica!

Questions? Call 979.845.7514 or visit AggieNetwork.com/TheNextTradition

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8/8/10 4:49 PM