The Battalion: September 1, 2010 by The Battalion

thebattalion ● wednesday,

september 1, 2010

● serving

texas a&m since 1893

Hit the books Top 10 study spots 8

SCC Like it or not, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter online homework at some point during your time at A&M. Whether mastering physics or navigating French verb conjugations, take advantage of the computers, printers and scanners available in the Student Computing Center. Since students pay printing fees each semester, dropping by the SCC is always a good option for printing massive PowerPoints or last-minute papers.

Blue Baker on University Drive provides a variety of sandwiches, soups and pizzas to keep your growling stomach at bay while you conquer a mountain of assigned reading. There’s also something about that overly blue ambience that lends itself to increased thoughtfulness.

3 West Campus Library

Evans Library

Frequent visitors to West Campus need a study haven, too, thus necessitating the West Campus Library. Equipped with its own Writing Center and study rooms, the library offers some of the same amenities as Evans, except with more windows. This way, studying inside doesn’t mean being locked in a prison-like cell.

There is something intrinsically academic about six-story building ﬁlled rows of books, regardless of the fact that you might never check out anything from the library. One has to admit there is something oddly comforting about being surrounded by a plethora of untouched resource materials. And the numerous tables, chairs and couches? Well, those are useful, too.

The Annex

The Annex is perfect for those who prefer open, quiet spaces to work. Just be sure to make sure you’re on a designated quiet floor, otherwise you’ll find yourself shooting a lot of unnecessary dirty looks. On the other hand, those who find themselves easily distracted by the volumes of — again, untouched — books in Evans can easily retreat to the Annex. Or they could sneak away to Educational Media Services, perusing the University’s DVD collection rather than its chemistry books. It’s always better to have options.

Whether students prefer to get their daily caffeine ﬁx in the artsy atmosphere of Sweet Eugene’s or from the familiar corporate menu of Starbucks, coffee shops provide a social atmosphere for a rendezvous with a study buddy. Plus, the extra kick of espresso it takes to get through mind-numbing organic chemistry assignments is a few steps away.

The Commons Lobby isn’t ideal for heavy studying, but there are tables and couches available. Ping-pong and pool make for good diversions during breaks, and the food court offers a variety of study time meals.

Zachry, home to Aggie engineers, has large tables for spreading out work and nearby professors’ ofﬁces to help when you have a panic attack over differential equations. There’s also microwaves on the third ﬂoor, so leaving the building becomes unnecessary.

Coffee shops

Commons Lobby

Blue Baker

Zachry

4 Rudder

Conveniently near a number of off-campus bus stops, Rudder is an ideal hub for meeting with groups, or sprawling out on a couch between classes, especially if one needs background noise to focus.

The Grassy Knoll Dread harsh ﬂuorescent lighting? Hit the books while lounging about the rolling lawn of the Grassy Knoll, simultaneously absorbing knowledge and sunshine. For some serious multitasking, take a break to toss about a Frisbee.

Compiled by Rebecca Bennett, photos by Jeffrey Frankens and Matt Young

Professor cave-dives, featured in National Geographic

Campus services offer help for students at Texas A&M Gayle Gabriel

Gayle Gabriel The Battalion Aggies have left their mark again, this time on the cover of National Geographic. Tom Illife, Texas A&M Galveston marine biology professor is featured for his discoveries and work in cave diving. “My cave research work has been funded by grants from the National Science Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and of course National Geographic,” Illife said. “I have had my research featured on TV documentaries by National Geographic, NOVA and Discovery Canada. A new video describing my cave research is being filmed by the History Channel and will be featured at the Ocean

Hall exhibit of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.” Cave diving is an activity that involves the exploration of caves that are nearly or completely submerged in water. Illife Cave divers or “cavers” take cave courses and are trained in Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Cavers can also continue training and take on more technical cave diving that involves advanced SCUBA and more specialized training. “I can tell you that it has changed my life for See Research on page 8

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The Battalion While figuring out a schedule, joining organizations and balancing a personal life, students might not realize some of the services on campus designed to make their lives easier. The University Writing Center, Student Legal Services and the Aggie Hotline are three helpful resources that can be found on campus. Sometimes a pen and paper isn’t enough. When students lack writing skills, there are people on campus who can help. On the second floor of Evans Library, the University Writing Center is available to help any student with all types of writing from essay, poetry, technical or personal writing. “Most students think they can only bring aca-

demic writing, such as essays and assignments to us for help, but we do not only provide services for that, we are more than willing to look at personal writing as well,” said Steve Kaminczak, assistant director of the University Writing Center. “In general, most people consider writing services and centers like this one as a remedial service and they think ‘Oh, I can write just fine,’ but what they do not know is that we are not here to teach them necessarily. We provide a reader’s perspective on their writing. We look at things like clarity, order, logical sequences and brainstorm ideas and give advice as to why they made that grade on a particular assignment or how to start on one.” Setting up an appointment for a counseling See Services on page 5

8/31/10 10:31 PM

Today 20% chance of t-storms

Talk sports with Thom

Howdy Ags! I’m Thom and I’m talking sports. Every Wednesday, I’ll be High: 97 breaking down on the tops stories in Low: 77 the sports world and giving Aggies a heads up on the events you won’t courtesy of NOAA want to miss. In this week’s podcast, thebattalion 09.01.2010 For daily updates we recap this summer’s sizzling sports action. Tune in to hear about the Rockets’ big trade and where all the NBA free agents ended up. I’ll tell you about the big hit against baseball’s “Year of the Pitcher.” And since everybody’s drafting and setting their rosters, so why not listen to a little Fantasy Football humor? Don’t miss out on my weekly segment “Aggies in the Pros,” where I keep tabs on the former Aggie stars we know and love. Next week, I’ll breakdown the fresh NFL season and take a look at the Aggies performance in this Saturday’s season opener against SFA. There’s something for everybody on Talk sports with Thom, so tune in to catch the news and analysis you won’t get anywhere else!

Thursday 20% chance of thunderstorms high: 97 low: 76 Friday 40% chance of thunderstorms high: 91 low: 70 Saturday mostly sunny high: 92 low: 70

pagetwo

fully ed p p i u q e

go to thebatt.com ● Facebook ● Twitter@thebattonline

Show your Aggie spirit

The annual NCAA College Colors Day is Friday. Aggies worldwide are encouraged to wear maroon to show support for Texas A&M.

Add/drop deadline

Friday is the last day to add or drop courses without penalty for the fall semester.

Prevent theft

The University Police Department will offer free property engraving to protect against theft from 5 to 7 p.m. today in the Commons Lobby, and 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday in Wehner.

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thebattalion THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893

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8/31/10 9:16 PM

things you should know

5 before you go Learn about architecture for health

Campus police offer free engraving

Welcome Wear for new maroon engineering for College students Colors Day!

Dave Schulz to perfom at The Stafford

Walter Orzechowski, executive director of the Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program, and Father Paul Fagan, a Roman Catholic priest who serves in Africa, will deliver the lecture “A Rural Hospital for Tanzania” from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. today in Langford Building A.

The Texas A&M Police are offering free property engraving for students’ valuables, such as bicycles, laptops, cell phones and MP3 players. Engraving will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. today and Thursday in the Zachry Engineering Center.

Freshmen and transfer engineering students can meet with professors and other students from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday in the Zachry Engineering Center. Student organizations and other engineering programs will distribute information.

Proudly display your Aggie Spirit by wearing maroon and white Friday, Sept. 3, as part of nationwide observance of College Colors Day.

Singer-songwriter Dave Schulz will perform 9 p.m. on Sept. 6 at The Stafford, as part of his ﬁrst tour to promote his debut indie release “Connect.” Elyse & the Aftermath will also perform.

b! thebattalion 09.01.2010 page3

trends

Musical therapy

Alex Goetz | The Battalion

One of Texas’ alternative rock icons is returning to Aggieland this weekend. Blue October will headline Ziegfest Sunday with popular country stars Eli Young Band, Jack Ingram and other performers at the Texas World Speedway. We sat down with bassist Matt Noveskey to hear the things which make the Houston natives glad to perform again in College Station, why there won’t be any acoustic arrangements in the set list and what to expect from the upcoming album. Question You guys are on the Pick Up the Phone tour to raise awareness of mental illness and encourage people to reach out in times of need. Since this is a pretty personal issue for you guys, what sort of effect has it had on the band? MN It wakes you up a bit. Playing for a cause gives you a purpose, especially one like this that carries a lot of weight with the band [lead singer Justin Furstenfeld has battled bipolar disorder most of his life, and a severe anxiety attack led to the band canceling a tour last year]. I think it shines through in the way we play and changes our general attitudes too. Little things that might have made you angry in the past don’t seem to matter as much after you meet people struggling with much more serious problems. Question This is your last show in Texas on this tour. Is there anything you like about playing in Texas more or less than when you tour out of state or internationally? MN There’s a lot more history for us in Texas than anywhere else. When we play in Houston or Dallas or another Texas town, we see a lot of the same people who have been coming to see us play for 12 to 15 years. It’s almost like a family reunion in a way. Having that kind of support keeps you grounded, makes sure you stay true to your roots. Question Have you guys performed in College Station before? What kind of reception have you had here in the past? MN We used to play here quite a bit in the early days, especially at Shadow Canyon and a few times on Northgate. I think we even played Hurricane Harry’s once or twice. Back when we didn’t always get a great crowd at our shows in towns or venues outside of Texas, College Station was one of those places we always seemed to have a pretty rabid fan base. We’d always get a lot of people at our shows, and they’d just have this amazing reaction to us. It’s definitely one of those towns that kept us going when we might not have otherwise.

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Courtesy photo

Question The other bands at this festival have a much different kind of sound than you guys do. What’s it like to be playing at a festival full of country bands? MN We actually really enjoy playing festivals like this, where you have Eli Young and Jack Ingram and not just a bunch of other hard rock bands. You never really know what will happen when you have a crowd out there that might not necessarily be there for your kind of music. I get up there and think “Will they like us? Are we scaring them?” In the end, we just try to stay true to our music and win over some new fans. Question Will we be hearing any arrangements from your recent acoustic tour?

MN Probably not. When we plugged back in and turned everything back up to 11 after the acoustic tour, it just felt so good. We’re having too much fun embracing the loudness again to go back to the acoustic stuff for a while. Question You guys have a new album in the works. Any chance we’ll hear some new songs this weekend? MN We’re not far enough along to play anything new at this stage of the tour. We’re still heavily into the writing process, but we’re going to try to work some new songs later this fall. We don’t want to make the same record over and over so this album is going pretty ambitious. Personally, I think it’s some of our best work yet, but it’s not necessarily going to be what you expect.

8/31/10 7:53 PM

news

page 5 wednesday 9.1.2010

thebattalion

Services Continued from page 1

session at the University Writing Center can be done on the center’s website and in the office. “We work to make better students, not better papers,” he said. “We do not work to tell them what is wrong with their writing and to critique, but to provide them a place where they can run ideas by, brainstorm and expand in their writing. We are a resource that students can use throughout their college career from day one as a freshman all the way through their graduate dissertations.” Another lesser-known service available to Aggies is Stu-

dent Legal Services. Located in Cain Hall, they provide Aggies with two licensed attorneys who provide counsel on a variety of topics such as free notary public services, landlord/tenant disputes, traffic tickets, power of attorney, divorce and real estate. “Student Legal Services maintains strict confidentiality and adheres to attorney-client privilege,” said Rick Powell, students’ attorney. All discussions between the student and attorney will remain confidential. However, we do not render advice to students in a dispute against other A&M students or against Texas A&M University and do not represent students in court.” The Aggie Hotline is an-

other service provided by the university. The hotline is a listserv available to all Aggies to join but its main subscribers are faculty and staff. It provides information about policy, awards, campus events and activities. “Aggie Hotline is a listserv service primarily intended to provide needed and nice-toknow information to faculty and staff,” said Lane Stephenson, director of news and information services. “Emphasis is on policy-related announcements, recognition of personnel for awards, honors and other accolades, along with gift and grant acknowledgments, in addition to announcements about campus activities and events. Subscription is open to anyone.”

w/ Corb Lund ALL TICKETS $8 IN ADVANCE AT CAVENDER’S, THE HALL AND ONLINE, OR $10 AT THE DOOR

w/ Josh Ward EVERYBODY GETS IN FREE!!! Evan Andrews — THE BATTALION

More services ■ There is a Write Line at (979) 845-2160 that Aggies can call for quick tips and help if they are not available to come in for an appointment. ■ To schedule an appointment with Student Legal Services students can go to Cain Hall, room B-117 or call Student Legal Services ofﬁce at (979)-862-4502. ■ Aggie Hotline is a companion piece to our online news page www.tamunews.tamu.edu that has additional coverage.

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8/31/10 10:30 PM

sports thebattalion 09.01.2010 page7

Photos by Meagan O’ Toole-Pitts— THE BATTALION

The Texas A&M volleyball team takes on LSU Saturday at Reed Arena. The Tigers eventually defeated the Aggies 3-0.

Looking to rebound A&M volleyball team hopes to get back on track against Sam Houston State Mike Teague The Battalion Following a disappointing showing in their own tournament, the Texas A&M volleyball team will look to rebound Wednesday at Reed Arena against Sam Houston State. After a successful first weekend as the new focal point of the A&M attack, junior outside hitter Kelsey Black wants to get her teammates all on the same page and minimize the squad’s costly mistakes. “I’m excited to get out in the gym and compete,” Black said. “We have a lot of work to do and we’re all ready to get in the gym and figure it out.” After a devastating loss to LSU Saturday, the Aggies will focus on getting their offense into rhythm and improving their attack. Playing key roles in this challenge, freshman setters Allie Sawatsky and Allie Freiwald will need to improve quickly. “Our setters are both working their tails off on the court,” said A&M Head Coach Laurie Corbelli. “They’re really putting in a great effort to get done what we want to get done. They’re easy to coach but they’re just 17-and 18- yearsold, so it’s just going to take more time with the ball and the team.” Struggling to fit all of their new talent together, A&M will need to come together as a team if the younger players want to see immediate improvement. “[Against LSU], we were out of system the first two sets more than 90 percent of the time,” Corbelli said. “It’s very difficult to win a match

when you’re out of system that much. There are just little details and parts of plays that need to be changed by individual players. Our young setters are trying to get there but their learning how to run an offense out of system and that’s doubly hard.” Making the short trip from Huntsville, the Bearkats will bring several players with faces familiar to the A&M squad. Junior outside hitter Carlie Kolbe from A&M Consolidated High School leads Sam Houston in kills with 3.54 per set. “I expect them to be very fired up to play against Texas A&M,” Corbelli said. “They have a lot of Texas players that know our Texas players from club and high school so there are some rivalries engrained in the whole thing. I think it’s going to be very spirited.” Despite the Aggies’ size with seven players standing at least 6 feet 2 inches, Corbelli pointed out that Sam Houston’s undersized roster will not keep them from competing with the Aggies at a high level. “They have some nice athletes that are going to be hitting the ball,” Corbelli said. “I anticipate them to play a really smart game. We may be a little bigger but they’re athletic and it’s going to be a great match.” With another tournament this weekend in Missouri, A&M’s match with Sam Houston will be a crucial test that the Aggies must excel at. The team doesn’t want to hit the road after three-straight home-losses. “We’re just chipping away at all the lists we have of things we need to do,” Corbelli said. “It’s a work in progress right now.”

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8/31/10 7:58 PM

news

page 8

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.

wednesday 9.1.2010

thebattalion

Research Continued from page 1

the better,” said Tami Thomsen, owner of Diversions SCUBA in Madison, Wis. “There are three classes Cavern, Intro to Cave and Full Cave, and I teach cave diving classes. But, it is not for everyone; I do not encourage just anyone to take it up.” Illife began cave diving while he was a graduate student. “I started cave diving nearly 40 years ago when I was an oceanography grad student at Florida State University,” Illife said. “At first, I ventured barely inside the entrance of freshwater springs. In 1973, two friends of mine who were both cave div-

ing instructors invited me to accompany them on several of their dives, using double tanks and going much farther into the underwater caves. In 1977, I finished my Ph.D. in biochemistry and got my first job as a research scientist at the Bermuda Biological Station. In 1981, I became certified as a cave diving instructor with the National Speleological Society Cave Diving Section.” From there, discovery abounded. “Although my job in Bermuda involved studies of tar washing up on the beaches, I spent much of my free time searching for and exploring caves,” he said. “I asked the director of the Biological Station if anyone had looked for animals inhabiting

these caves. He told me that several years before, a biologist tried to find animals in Bermuda’s cave pools but saw nothing and decided that these were lifeless habitats. Since this man was not a diver, he was limited to wading in shallow water. It was in these deeper, fully marine waters that we discovered many previously unknown marine species.” Since his initial diving discoveries in Bermuda caves, Illife has led cave diving expeditions to numerous other areas in the Caribbean, North Atlantic, Mediterranean and South Pacific. As a professor, Illife communicates his knowledge of cave diving to his students. “I teach graduate and undergraduate courses in Biospeleology - cave biology, Scientific

Diving and Tropical Marine Ecology, all of which directly relate to my research interests in the biology of underwater caves,” he said. Illife discovered and described more than 300 new species of cave animals. “I was assisting a professor and archaeologist, Guillermo de Anda at a cave site in the Mayan villages,” Thomsen said. “We realized that the site we were diving was a purposeful burial. So many amazing things.” Though not for everyone, cave diving has interested Aggies. “A friend of mine was into cave diving,” said Tam Nguyen, class of 2006. “He persuaded me to take a SCUBA course and since hitting the water I love it. ”

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Condos BRYAN : 2804 Village, 2/1.5, $875. 1425 W. Villa Maria #402, 3/3.5, $1400. COLLEGE STATION: 1501 Stallings #52, 2/2.5, $825. 1501 Stallings #59, 2/2.5, $875. 904 Univ. Oaks #116, 1/1, $650. Four-plexes BRYAN : 1906 Barak #11, #12, 2/1, $600. COLLEGE STATION: 1505 B Oakdale, 2/1, $575. 2400 D Blanco, 2/1, $675. Houses BRYAN : 1009 E. 29th, 2/1, $900. COLLEGE STATION: 209 Richards B, 3/1.5, $1100. 4003 Southern Trace, 4/3, $1475. 4130 McFarland, 4/4.5, $1400. 4107 McLister, 4/4, $1600. 3407 Wildrye, 3/2, $1000. Efficiencies BRYAN: Efficiencies-309 Mobile #4, $515. Lofts-309 Mobile #6, $695. BRYAN: 3612 A Western, 2/2, $650. COLLEGE STATION: 938 Willow Pond, 3/2, $900. 3754, 3776 Oldenburg, 3/3, $1000. Alpha-Omega Properties, Inc. Broker 979-774-7820.

Just reduced, $500/mo. vennovated 2/1 CS duplex, near campus, on shuttle, new refrigerator, dishwasher, and central air and heat, W/D connections, no pets, no smoking, 713-729-2893.

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Apartment for lease. Reduced to $485/mo. The Zone. Call 903-724-4600 or 903-724-4604. House for rent 3/1.5/1, 0.75 acres, horse ok, $875/mo., $875 deposit. 979-696-1670.

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Need person to take over lease at WaveZIslander. 12 month lease with 2months paid plus signing bonus. Call 281-659-6005. 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. $795/mo. Perfect for horse owners. Contact Cullen at 979-255-5555. Reduced! $895/mo, 3bd.2ba C.S.. Huge duplex, fenced, shuttle route, w/d connection, lawn services included. Treehouse trail. www.c4properties.net 979-268-1074 Room in nice mobile home, central-air/ht, internet, cable. $375 everything included. 210-364-7006. Small house for rent on ranch. 15mins from campus. 2bd/1ba, refrigerator, stove, W/D. 979-690-6192.

FOR SALE 1996 Honda civic, 4-door automatic 145,700mi works great, $2000 979-574-4637

HELP WANTED Ag Football Concession Staff. Champion Concessions will be providing Dippin’ Dots at all home football games. We ar looking for energetic students to work in a fun and fast-paced environment. Pay is $8.50/hr. Email louie@championconcessions.com Alteration and counter help needed. Apply in person. Pruitt’s Fabric. 318 George Bush Drive, College Station. Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. 512-684-8296. photoguy@io.com Attention Students! *PT workflexible schedules* $15 base/appt Flexible schedules, customer sales/svc. No experience necessary. Conditions apply- Call now! 979-260-4555 COACHES WANTED! We need enthusiastic, positive, motivational volunteer coaches for youth flag football. Call 764-3424.

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HELP WANTED Camp For All is looking for creative and energetic staff who are interested in working with children and adults w/challenging illnesses and special needs. These paid positions will be trained to lead activities for our campers on weekends. Please contact Larry Geiger at lgeiger@campforall.org or visit our website at www.campforall.org/joinourteam CiCi’s Pizza Now Hiring! Counter Staff/ Register/ Drive-thru personnel needed. Experience necessary, Evenings &weekends a must. Starting Pay $8 hour. Apply in person at CS location. Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment.

HELP WANTED Landscape architect student wanted to draw to scale plot plan of house and yard for use in developing landscape. On farm, 3mi east of Hern. Dave Martin 979-280-5797. Lawn crew member needed, $9/hr. Hrs Monday, Wednesday and Friday 12-6, experience required. 979-224-2511. MEN & WOMEN VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS WANTED! College Station is currently forming a 6-on-6 co-ed volleyball league. For team or individual registration information, visit our website www.eteamz.com/cspard Need a part time job with flexible hours? Call 979-255-2303.

Part-time house cleaning. 4hrs per week, Thursday or Friday, $45. ProFLAG FOOTBALL PLAYERS vide own transportation. Home: WANTED! College Station is cur979-690-3986, Cell: 979-820-2686. rently forming an 8-on-8 leagues. For team or idividual registration STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid SurNO PICTURE – REGULAR LINE AD) information, visit our website vey Takers Needed In College Stawww.eteamz.com/cspard tion. 100% Free To Join. Click On Surveys. FT/PT openings, customer sales/svc, no experience necessary, conditions apply, all ages 17+, 979-260-4555.

The Corner Bar &Grill now hiring. Apply in person at 9pm Monday through Wednesday. All positions available.

Help Wanted Part Time Building Attendant for the Brazos Center. $10.02 hourly. Work schedule will MOTORCYCLE vary from 12-20 hours a week. Jani(NO PICTURE – REGULAR LINE AD) torial duties and customer service. Apply: Brazos County HR Dept. 100 MPG scooter. Street legal, great County Courthouse. Visit our webfor campus. $1000. 979-220-7777. site for more info @ 2003 Yamaha RSWarrior, excellent www.co.brazos.tx.us condition. $5200/obo. 13,000 miles. Napa Auto Patrs Byran hiring Call 979-255-5654 part-time counter personnel. Expe2006 Yamaha Vino 125 scooter for rience preferred. 979-779-6842. sale, only 1,150miles. See http://collegestation.craigslist.org/mcy/18987 46673 200cc brute cruiser. Stylish w/saddle bags. 100MPG, Efficient. $1,500. 979-220-7777.

BRYAN: 1/1 w/STUDY BROADMOOR @ BRIARCREST APTS, central a/h, w/d conn, W/S, INTERNET & CABLE PAID!! $445/MO. 979-775-2291. www.twincityproperties.com

BRYAN: 2/1 FOURPLEXES w/WOOD FLOORS, pets ok, w/d conn, spacious rooms, mins from Blinn & TAMU!! $ 465-$515/MO. 979-775-2291. www.twincityproperties.com

September 3, 2010

MUSIC Best deal in town- DJ services/audio rentals. RDM Audio does it all! Weddings, parties, band set ups, PA systems, Event Lighting, 979-260-1925. rdmaudio.com 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 Adopt Pets: Dogs, Cats, Puppies, Kittens, Many purebreds. Brazos Animal Shelter, 979-775-5755, www.brazosanimalshelter.org

For more information visit yell.tamu.edu BRYAN: 2/1.5 MASSIVE APTS!! COVERED PARKING, laundry facility, central area! PAID W/S, INTERNET, CABLE, GARBAGE! 979-775-2291. $ 495-$695/MO. www.twincityproperties.com

ROOMMATES Female roommate needed. Large updated townhouse off S.W. Pkwy. Bus-route, W/D, covered parking, 1/3-utilities. $350/mo. 979-204-9788. Roommate wanted in a 4bd house off of Graham Road. $300. Call 575-7891.

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

COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK

COLLEGE STATION: 3br & 4br homes in Wolf Pen Area!! Central a/h, w/d conn, fenced yards. some have WOOD FLOORS. $725-$825/MO. Pets welcome! 979-775-2291. www.twincityproperties.com

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8/31/10 9:58 PM

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We make it easy to... Christina Fuentes— THE BATTALION

ith Twitter, Facebook, blogging and message forums, the reach of the news has never been farther. The information age has changed everything, but unbridled access to news, sources and people on the Internet can be double-edged sword. The benefit is technology can allow anyone to report news, with obvious disadvantage that it could be anyone reporting the news. From the mildly interesting news you might have missed, and for many, the big news that slips by unnoticed, anyone can go on Facebook to see links and comments on just about anything. It is an easy way to find important stories, or at least a fun read. “We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from Facebook and Twitter,” said Darren Benson, managing editor of The Eagle. “It reaches an audience that wouldn’t read the paper, but they found us through links. It is stretching our reach.” Many no longer subscribe to physical newspapers; it simply isn’t necessary. Having every back issue available online is convenient and cheaper. Because space isn’t limited, there is access to more content, features and options along with it. “We used to need just one [photo] for print,” Benson said. “But now, we ask for a whole online gallery.” With extra pictures, public feedback

through comments Obama being the worst thing to happen to and external links to America, both in the comfort and security follow, reading the of their own living room news online can be It reminds me of the famous words of much more effective Justice Oliver Holmes, who said, “The uland interactive than timate test of a belief in only having a hard free speech should paper. Combine be whether it can Matt Poarch that with the The newspaper be extended industry is to people senior wildlife and accessibility, becoming more ﬁsheries major especially you hate.” with the The means accessible by advances of to exercise embracing wireless technology, and this new this right has new internet age of reporting is terrific. certainly been technology. The Internet extends the reach extended, and of individuals who want to be heard. the belief should While the blogging world flooded the be too. Thanks to cyber-sea with opinions waiting to be writconsistent Internet adten, other sites such as Flickr, YouTube vances, anyone who wants to have their and even Facebook have provided an outlet voice heard easily can, through many new for those masters of the digital camera. and different mediums. But the double-edge sword swings its other side here. It’s neat to read about the adventures of a couple of friends planning to go to Haiti, but I could go the rest of my life without seeing another black and white picture with Jane Artsy holding a yellow sunflower. with Matt Poarch It is fantastic that these outlets exist for those who enjoy them. When the Tune in next Wednesday to hear whimsical musings of the Colbert Nation Matt interview Allen Duty, preaching waged intellectual warfare with Wikipedia, pastor at New Life Baptist Church it is nice to have a credible source to read about Christianity’s position on while you’re waiting for the bus. environmentalism. “There is a need for newspapers to be on Do you have a religious authority the Internet as that reliable source to counyou would like recommend to the teract all the other stuff,” Benson said. show? Divine Perspectives welcome With all of these resources available, we every religion in its non attack, open can be more grateful for the First Amenddiscussion. E-mail contact information ment. Online one blogger can write about to multimedia@thebatt.com. how Christians are hateful and wicked while the other writes about Barack

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MAILCALL From Nicole Ketchum,

Amber Gnatzig, Kristin Arnold and Rachel Balaguer, women’s soccer captains. To the class of 2014 and Fish Camp counselors, the Aggie Soccer team would like to thank you for your incredible support at our game against Virginia Tech Friday. Your attendance and encouragement truly fueled us out on the ﬁeld and was the fourth largest crowd in school history. This is what Aggie soccer and athletics are all about.

We hope you enjoyed Friday night because thanks to you, class of 2014, it was a night that each of us will never forget. Fish Camp counselors, thank you for teaching the incoming freshmen about what it means to be an Aggie, and for allowing Aggie soccer to be a part of an awesome Fish Camp reunion. We hope to see you back at the Aggie soccer stadium this year as part of the best atmosphere for college soccer in America. Thanks again class of 2014 and Fish Camp leaders, and Gig’em.

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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.

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

Direct all correspondence to: Editor in chief of The Battalion (979) 845-3315 | mailcall@thebatt.com

voices

thebattalion 09.01.2010 page11

Bored with video games?

Evan Andrews — THE BATTALION

efore I made my way back to college, my family guilted me into playing board games with them. Something was said about me being anti-social, but it was hard to hear behind my locked bedroom door. I reluctantly stepped outside of my cave expecting the worst, but a couple hours later I found myself begging everyone else to play just one more round. Because I hadn’t touched a board game since the release of Zelda: Ocarina of Time I forgot how much fun you can have, even with your family. Considering that no one likes video games more than college students, I know a lot of us might not be diversifying our fun. According to the market research company Harris Interactive, college students spend 12 hours a day using some type of media. For many, 11 and a half of those hours are spent with a game controller in hand. December was a record selling month for the video game industry. Online multiplayer has become one of the most popular game consoles offers. Xbox Live General Manager Marc Whitten announced in February that the Microsoft gaming service reached 23 million members. But as gamers engage with other individuals online, they also disconnect from

‘

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.

face-to-face interaction. However, successful systems like the Nintendo Wii create a much stronger social environment than online games. This helps explain why the Wii reaches a wider demographic than both the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3. Still, the very nature of video games makes the conversation more about swearing and grunting, compared to actual conversation during board games allow. For a board game, the pace and tempo of the game is much more controllable by the players and allows the players to socialize when and how much they want to,” said Bill Fogarty, director of marketing for Mayfair Games. The kitchen table banter that breaks out during games is one of the things that make playing these seemingly rustic games still enjoyable. Regardless of whether a player is winning or

losing, he or she can remain interested in the game when everyone is delving into discussion or sharing uproarious stories. Although video games are becoming more popular among adults, the popularity hasn’t spread to Caleb Wilson all generations. The Pew junior history Internet and American major Life Project reported more than half of U.S. adults play video games, but that hardly includes anyone who is eligible for AARP membership. Technology and games are something that we grew up with, but the series of tubes called the Internet still baffle our grandparents. When we grow older, we’ll be able to play video games with younger age groups, but that’s not the case for many older Americans today. It’s difficult to imagine Grandpa holding his own against you in Madden 2011, even if Chris Johnson is his running back. “Most video games require hi-speed handeye coordination, something older generations do not have,” said Luke Warren, public relations director and sales representative for

Making an appearance A

s class schedules become set, students will face the age-old dilemma: go to class or roll back into bed. It really can be a tough choice when the weather is nice and playing with friends in the park seems much more appealing than sitting in a classroom listening to a professor talk about nuclear physics. The same is true when the weather is not so nice and you have no desire to brave a heavy storm, but despite the disadvantages, students have never needed an excuse to skip class. Going to class usually means learning (depending on Going to class what level sets students up of consciousfor success, in ness more ways than you have simply learning at 8 the material. a.m.), which Earning your means better professors favor grades will help you on tests. Obviously earn a degree. attentiveness will boost your G.P.R., and help you get a better job and a bigger salary, so you can buy the Mazarati you have always dreamed about.

Pg. 11-09.01.10.indd 1

When you think about it, a day in the park doesn’t seem worth the sacrifice. Professors typically recognize the students who are regulars in class, especially if the class is small. They get to know Caroline students even better in their office hours, but Ward that’s another column. junior There are many perks communcation to getting to know your major professor. If a grade is borderline, they are more likely to bump up to the next letter grade if they know you as a regular attendee and a hard worker in class. This is not to say that because they know a student, they will always curve, but they are more likely to do it for a name they recognize. For jobs, internships, graduate school, nearly everything in the years A.C. (after college), letters of recommendation are often needed. Professors are usually willing to write letters of recommendation for those they know personally. They can also serve as a mentor. Especially at Texas A&M, most professors are willing to bend over backwards to help you in anyway they can. They may even be willing to help find a job for their favorite students around graduation. Another key reason to attend class is that the more students are exposed to the course material, the easier it is to remember on the test. The professors can explain it more clearly than the book does and most are more than willing to answer questions (books are usually not). Hearing the material is also helpful for auditory learners, and nearly every professor hints about what will be on the test to reward the students

who are in class. Many benefit by studying in groups. By going to class, it is easy to make friends to form study groups. It can also provide a student with someone to call with last minute question, or help on a study guide. In small classes, attendance is often taken. Points are deducted from the final grade if students miss too many classes. And if the professor is keeping track of who is in class regularly… see paragraph two. In large, lecture style classes, professors are inclined to give bonus points to students who are in class when attendance is particularly low. I speak from personal experience on this one. I was in a Monday, Wednesday, Friday class last spring at 3 p.m. with an enrollment of 300 students. One Friday afternoon (parent’s weekend and ring day) I went to class with no more than 20 people in the class. For our dedication, we all got two bonus points added to our final grade of 400 points. This doesn’t sound like much, but those two points bumped me up to an A. Had I decided to go to the park with my friends or lay out by the pool, my G.P.A. would have missed out. Finally, the financial aspect of attending class comes into play. You, your parents or financial aid are paying for your education. If someone is willing to provide you with the funds to further your education, it is important to show gratitude by going to class. Who wants to pay money just to make poor grades and get nothing out of the academic aspect of the collegiate experience? Next time friends are tempting you to skip class, take the high road. Go to class for better grades, tuition, relationships with teachers, knowledge and to get your money’s worth. It certainly has its advantages.

The younger generations should toss in the game controller and go old school for their gaming needs now and then.

North Star Games. One of the beauties of board games is that they are inter-generational. Everyone can play them. Even so, many gamers might be turned away from playing them because they seem too dull or lengthy, but even a marathon game of Risk will end, unlike World of Warcraft. Despite the focus on technology, the board game market is growing rapidly because of improved games. “Newer games are better designed and themed than classics like Monopoly,” Warren said. “The newer games are faster, and you do not know who is going to win until the end of the game.” I’m not trying to say that video games should never be played, I enjoy them too much myself. Every form or entertainment has different advantages. But when you spend the majority of your time glued to a TV, you miss out on the social and cross-generational opportunities that things like board games offer. So maybe the next time you’re tempted to pull an all-nighter playing Call of Duty, you could take your headset off and join your roommates or family in something like Settlers of Catan or Apples to Apples. You might even enjoy it.

MAILCALL From Katherine Hysmith, University of Texas class of 2011 On the A&M ofﬁcial website it states, “Aggies do not lie, cheat or steal nor tolerate those that do.” However it seems that vandalizing is permissible. This past weekend I drove home to College Station to celebrate my Dad’s birthday. I went to my usual haunts, the same ones I’ve always been to growing up, including Sweet Eugene’s, Coco Loco’s and Blue Baker. At some point during the weekend the metal longhorn emblem secured on the back of my trunk was pried off using a metal object that left my car with deep gashes in the paint and me with a true sense of the so-called “Aggie Spirit.” Sadly, this isn’t the ﬁrst offense. While driving, people have tailgated me, yelled at me, thrown objects at me, simply because I have an indiscreet emblem of my own school spirit. I’ve been told to “go back home to Austin, T-sip!” Funny thing is, I am home. I was born and raised in College Station. I’m afraid very few members of the A&M student body can compare. I do not consider four to six years of education and traditions, which are obviously wasted on petty people who clearly do not understand their implications, as grounds to claim this as your home. My parents are both Aggies, my father even teaches at the University; I know all the school songs and was raised to bleed maroon. Just because I choose a different educational path, one that is better for my career, does not merit expulsion from my own hometown and it surely does not entitle me to behaviors such as these. Until each and every student or fan is reminded of the real meaning of Aggie Spirit I will not be proud to call College Station home.

8/31/10 10:33 PM