thebattalion ● wednesday,
september 2, 2009
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Finding fault
Traffic laws in effect Tuesday ■ College Station police begin issuing tickets for violations Rebekah Skelton The Battalion
Chesapeake Energy closed off two re-injection wells, one in Cleburne, Texas, as a precautionary measure related to recent area earthquakes. The saltwater disposal wells are used to dispose of excess salt water, which is used to fracture the ground in the gas well drilling process. Photos by Bryan H. Conner II — Special to THE BATTALION
Natural gas lines might be cause of Cleburne earthquakes Julie Rambin The Battalion Cleburne, Texas, had never seen an earthquake — until last June. Since that first quake on June 2, the town has experienced seven earthquakes, though all have been small enough not to cause damage. At the time, town officials denied a link between those quakes and the extensive natural gas drilling taking place in the area. Cleburne is situated on the Barnett Shale formation, one of the largest deposits of natural gas in the United States. To extract this gas, a well is drilled to the depth of the shale, and water is forced down the well and into the shale in a process known as hydraulic fracturing. This causes cracks in the shale and releases the trapped natural gas. The recovered saltwater is injected into disposal wells with a depth
of over 1.5 miles beneath the earth’s surface. Drilling and hydraulic fracturing may not be the source of the earthquakes, but the injection of saltwater into disposal wells could cause seismic events, said Texas A&M University geology professor Christopher Mathewson. “In order to make the disposal wells work, you want to have a porous rock unit that has void spaces in it so that you have room to store the waste units you’re disposing,” Mathewson said. “If you lack those void spaces, then the injection process makes them by breaking the rock.” The recent earthquakes may be caused by failure of the injected rock, Mathewson said. “Instead of removing fluid from the rock we increase the fluid pressure within the rock and the rock has to create a void to accept the See Earthquake on page 5
Former A&M professor to campaign for Congress Katy Ralston The Battalion Former Texas A&M professor and director of Texas A&M’s Integrative Center for Homeland Security Dave McIntyre has announced his bid for Congress, kicking off his campaign with a whirlwind of appearances throughout the district. During the opening “See the People” tour, McIntyre spent 19 hours driving 600 miles and visiting seven groups. “It’s a very hectic business, it has to be tightly coordinated because the idea is to get out to the people, which I think is very important,” McIntyre said. McIntyre is a 30-year veteran and graduate of the U.S. Army War College and the National War College, where he served as dean of faculty, educating military officers about the workings of Congress. For the past four years, he has been a professor of homeland security and terrorism at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, and
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directed the graduate Certificate in Homeland Security program. McIntyre has spent the last two decades at the war college and at A&M as a strategist specializing in why nations succeed or fail, and he said it is his background that led him to seek election. McINTRYE “As a strategist I am motivated by the fact of looking ahead and seeing the nation is in great trouble,” he said. “We have built a system that is not sustainable, we have made promises we can’t keep, we don’t have the resources to pay off the promise we’ve made.” McIntyre said he believes his time at A&M will serve as an asset to his congressional bid and term, if elected. “It helped me make contacts in Texas A&M and elsewhere with a broad range of people who have an understanding in what we need to do to
The Wright Plaza Mural on South Main Street in Cleburne, Texas, features a panel of Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne, a Civil War hero who the town was named in honor of, and the natural gas wells that populated Johnson County.
Texas began enforcing tougher driving laws Tuesday, especially for teens. Say sayonara to sitting in the backseat without being buckled, tootaloo to talking in school zones, and au revoir to your right to refuse a blood test for a suspected DWI if you already have one on record. “I think the reason these laws are being passed is because traditionally younger drivers are more likely to be in an accident,” said College Station Police Department Master Officer Rhonda Seaton. The Texas Legislature passed several new laws that pertain to driving, the first of which states that every passenger in the car must now wear a seatbelt. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, House Bill 537 requires “all occupants of a vehicle, no matter their age, to be secured by a safety belt, no matter where they are seated in the vehicle.” Senate Bill 61 amends the former law concerning child safety restraints, now saying that any child under the age of 8 or shorter than 4 feet, 9 inches in height must ride in an approved safety seat. For the first offense the fine is no more than $25 and for the second offense $250. Although the law went into effect Tuesday, drivers cannot be ticketed for this offense until June 1, 2010. Although Texas passed a law stating that cell phones may not be used in active school zones, offenders can only be ticketed if the city elects to post signs before the zoning area. College Station will not be displaying the signs, and therefore drivers will not be prosecuted. Those who are under 18 and receive their license after Sept. 1 will not be allowed to talk or text on cellular devices until they are legally considered adults. Teen drivers who received their license before Sept. 1 are still restricted from using wireless devices for the first six months. See Traffic on page 5
Code maroon upgrade Due to Code Maroon’s change in vendor Monday, and the fact that the old system is not capable of transferring contact information into the new one, those who registered to receive notifications before July 21 will need to re-register. The new alert system will send out notifications via text message, Texas A&M e-mail, KAMU-FM radio, campus cable television, Emergency Alert System radios, Twitter and RSS. “Emergencies on campus can happen at any time,” said Pierce Cantrell, vice president and provost for information technology. “Code Maroon’s advanced system helps Texas A&M University quickly notify campus members of an emergency.” All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to sign up for Code Maroon as it gives the University the ability to quickly notify campus members of health and emergency alerts. Students can register at codemaroon.tamu.edu. Rebekah Skelton, staff writer
See McIntyre on page 5
9/1/09 11:45 PM
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Want to get fit and lose weight? Participants Needed for a Weight Loss Study Researchers in the Exercise & Sport Nutrition Laboratory at Texas A&M University are recruiting 160 women between the ages of 18 and 45 to participate in a weight loss program. Participants will be randomized into one of four intervention groups involving varying exercise and nutrition requirements for six months. Eligible participants will receive $200 for completing the study. For more information call: Exercise & Sport Nutrition Laboratory, Dept. of HLKN Research Park, Building #2, Suite # 2500 979- 458-1743
thebattalion THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893
Amanda Casanova, Editor in Chief THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University. Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. News ofďŹ ces 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 classiďŹ ed advertising, call 979-845-0569. Advertising ofďŹ ces are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and ofďŹ ce 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.
freedom the college ministry of central baptist church www.thecollegeministry.org
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Patrick Clayton — THE BATTALION
Pedestrian traffic increased Tuesday through the Rudder Tower Lobby as students adjust to the closing of the Memorial Student Center. To accommodate students, Dining Services has opened a “Sidewalk Cafe� within the lobby offering drinks and snacks.
Gmail knocked offline for 2 hours SAN FRANCISCO — Google Inc.’s Gmail service was knocked offline Tuesday in an outage that the company said affected a “majority� of its millions of e-mail users, including consumers who get Gmail for free and businesses that pay for a supported version for their employees. The disruption, which lasted under two hours, was a reminder of the growing dependence on Google’s technology. The free version of Gmail is the world’s third most-popular e-mail program with some 149 million users worldwide in June, ranking behind the free e-mail services offered by Microsoft Corp. and Yahoo Inc.,
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according to data from comScore Inc. Google only says Gmail is used by tens of millions of people. Though occasional disruptions are common, widespread outages involving Google’s services are rare. They are becoming a bigger threat to Google as it tries to sell more of its services to businesses. Businesses are increasingly leaning on Google’s services because they are delivered over the Internet instead of being managed in-house. That can save companies money and buy them more storage than they could otherwise afford. But many corporations are skeptical
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about outsourcing such critical tasks. Google argues that Web-based services are more reliable than those handled in-house, but big outages like Tuesday’s add another challenge to selling to reluctant businesses. It wasn’t immediately clear what caused Tuesday’s disruption, which led Gmail users to get an “Unable to reach Gmail� error message as their computers tried repeatedly to reconnect to the service. Google said it was investigating. Associated Press
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9/1/09 9:47 PM
soul
Fall Kick Off Catholic Students’ Association will hold the Fall Kick Off Sept. 6 after Sunday masses, offering food, music and ministry displays. This event is sponsored by the Catholic Students’ Association and the Knights of Columbus. For more information, visit aggiecatholic.org.
thebattalion
9.2.2009 page3
Under the influence
Catholic students welcome freshmen at retreat Megan Clark The Battalion With games, food and prayer, St. Mary’s Catholic Church made incoming new students feel at home at the annual Welcome Weekend retreat Friday through Sunday. Approximately 200 freshmen and transfer students attended, and about 150 upperclassmen served as retreat counselors. “The function of Welcome Weekend is to give the new students a lighter dose of what occurs at the, so to say, stronger activities,” said senior music major David Casper. “I thought it was incredibly successful and I was amazed at the end how responsive and energetic the students were.” Welcome Weekend is designed to help incoming freshmen and transfer students prepare spiritually for college, get acquainted with St. Mary’s and meet friends. “The retreat exposes new students to a new faith community that is the largest campus ministry in the country,” said Marcel
LeJeune, assistant director of Campus Ministry for St. Mary’s. “With as much as we have going on at St. Mary’s — 80 student organizations — Welcome Weekend proCourtesy photo vides an easy way to become a part of the St. Senior construction science major Brandon Ernzen leads a team building Mary’s family from the beginning.” activity during Welcome Weekend, a retreat held annually for incoming Another retreat provided by St. Mary’s is students by the Catholic Students’ Association. Aggie Awakening, held three times a year. same desires as you.” Occurring in the fall, spring and summer, it There are two Catholic student associations that are ministries consists of talks and activities advocating the “awakening” of the of St. Mary’s, one for Blinn and one for A&M. The purpose of Holy Spirit within the students. these organizations is to increase awareness of the Catholic faith “I think it creates a family environment for retreaters and among University students. These organizations sponsor socials allows them to grow closer to God as well as growing closer to and events for students, and CSA is the only St. Mary’s ministry their fellow retreaters,” said Sarah Vines, a sophomore agriculrecognized by Texas A&M. tural communications and journalism major. “Being part of an Awakening family can be a very deep bond and the weekend itself gives an opportunity to meet other people who have the
Pastor: Don’t neglect the other education Editor’s Note: Over the course of the semester, the Soul section will be featuring columns written by various campus ministry representatives. College is a time of personal growth and exploration. As a news medium, it is important to represent all religions participated in at Texas A&M, in addition to supplying information and contacts for those doing some soul-searching. To submit, contact aggielife@thebatt.com.
I
f you only get a degree at the end of your time at Texas A&M, then your education will be incomplete. Naturally, a student’s focus is on getting that degree, but there are hidden opportunities around every corner at A&M, and most Aggies never take full advantage of them. One of the most important things a young adult can do is to begin healthy life habits that
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Kyle Walker
Learn healthy habits, explore your faith and meet new people while in college will sustain them throughout their lives. How we take care of our mind, spirit, heart and body can help us be successful and happy our whole lives. Here at A&M, you have an opportunity you will never have again to train yourself in each area. First, you have an opportunity to learn, to satisfy your curiosities about the world. The best and brightest professors are here to teach
you about this world on a micro and macro level, from the right brain all the way to the left brain and from liberal to conservative and all the nuances in between. What questions do you have about this world? Get them answered, or at least better understood, while you are here. Second, you have a world-class recreation center for your body, and the best mental health professionals in the area. You’ve already paid them, go get your money’s worth. Just like a gym isn’t just for those out of shape, the Student Counseling Service isn’t just for those with a mental health crisis. You’ll be shocked at the fun and helpful things they offer, and you’ll be glad you stopped in. Third, and my bias, is that you have an opportunity to learn about various spiritual walks of life. We have 104 religious organizations at Texas A&M, representing nine world faiths and close to 90 Christian variations. There is a religious service, prayer group or religious study going on every day of the week
and close to every hour of the day for you. Explore your faith, stretch your faith, challenge your faith, affirm your faith. If you don’t have a faith, learn about this very large part of our world. It will help you understand your friends, if nothing else. Finally, you are at one of the largest and perhaps the friendliest universities in the nation. Join an organization or two that offer some new experiences with interesting people. Say howdy to people you walk by on campus, but don’t let it stop there. Get to know that person and learn about them. People can be the best textbook you see in a day. Make this year and the years ahead in Aggieland ones that you will look back on knowing you took advantage of all the opportunities offered to you and left with a complete education and satisfaction in your soul. Rev. Kyle Walker is the campus minister for United Campus Ministry.
9/1/09 10:01 PM
news
page 4 wednesday 9.2.2009
thebattalion
Vampires, liars lead fall film cast David Germain Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Hollywood might be telling its own life story this fall, presenting a lineup of liars, phonies, smooth talkers, bloodsuckers and greedy old men. Granted, there are heroes in the mix, including Robert Downey Jr. as the great detective in “Sherlock Holmes” and Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela in Clint Eastwood’s drama “Invictus.” Beloved literature and storybook adventures come to the screen with Maurice Sendak’s children’s classic “Where the Wild Things Are,” Disney’s animated fairy tale “The Princess and the Frog” and “Lord of the Rings” filmmaker Peter Jackson’s adaptation of modern favorite “The Lovely Bones.” And audiences will be reunited with absent friends, among them director James Cameron on the sci-fi epic “Avatar,” his first narrative film since “Titanic,” and Woody, Buzz Lightyear and their plaything pals as 3-D versions of “Toy Story” and “Toy Story 2” hit theaters. Still, rascals, rogues, beasts and baddies abound. Vampires and werewolves form opposing cliques in the season’s supernatural heavyweight, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” with Kristen Stewart and Rob Pattinson back for the second chapter of Stephenie Meyer’s vamp-schoolgirl romance. The vampire-werewolf feud makes for a nice exploration of our own psyches, said “New Moon” director Chris Weitz. “I suppose they’re the two most relatable human monsters that we can think of. They nicely encapsulate restraint and passion,” Weitz said. “Vampires are cold-blooded, literally, and
ASSOCIATED PRESS
In this film publicity image released by Summit Entertainment, Kristen Stewart, left, and Taylor Lautner are shown in a scene from, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon.” werewolves are hot-blooded.” Downey and director Guy Ritchie inject some passion into cold-blooded rationalist Holmes with their Victorianera crime tale inspired by Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective stories, featuring Jude Law as sidekick Watson. Holmes “is a weirdo by any standards,” Downey said. “He has dedicated the entirety of his adult life to this one purpose, which is being a consulting detective and knowing things that other people don’t take the time to make it their business to know. “That said, there’s something kind of bohemian about him. He also has made no effort to cultivate friendships with anybody, because that would be to the exclusion of his prime mover. So he’s trippy.” Here’s a look at some of the other good, bad and trippy types in store this season: Ricky Gervais directs, cowrites and stars as the world’s first fibber in “The Invention of Lying,” featuring Jennifer Garner and Tina Fey in a comedy about an alternate reality where everyone tells the truth — until one man discovers the benefits of dishonesty.
Hilary Swank stars as Amelia Earhart in director Mira Nair’s “Amelia,” co-starring Richard Gere and Ewan McGregor in the life story of the aviation pioneer who vanished on her aroundthe-world flight in 1937. Peter Jackson adapts Alice Sebold’s “The Lovely Bones,” featuring Rachel Weisz, Mark Wahlberg and Susan Sarandon in the saga of a murdered girl (Saoirse Ronan) watching over her grieving family — as well as her killer — from beyond the grave. “I read the book and I cried,” Jackson said. “If you’ve lost somebody and somebody close to you has passed away, that book is a terrific tonic, because it affirms the afterlife and it gives you hope. And it gives you an understanding that so long as you remember people, they’re never going to go away.” Singing rodents return in “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel,” with Alvin, Simon and Theodore in a battle-of-the-bands showdown with three female chipmunks. Are” casts an adventurous boy onto an island where he rules over an assortment of cuddly but unpredictable beasts.
Texas A&M University Honor Council Are you an Aggie with integrity and ethical principles that genuinely cares about upholding the Aggie Honor Code? The Honor Council is looking for new Undergraduate Student members. If you are interested, then the Texas A&M University Honor Council needs you! Pick up your application to be a new Honor Council member at the MSC Open House on September 6, 2009 (1-6 PM). For more information call 458-3378. Pg. 4-09.02.09.indd 1
9/1/09 8:32 PM
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page 5 wednesday 9.2.2009
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Earthquake Continued from page 1
fluid,” Mathewson said. “The rock fractures, it breaks, it fails. The release of energy when the rock fails is what causes microearthquakes.” Chesapeake Energy, one of the main companies drilling in Cleburne, recently closed a saltwater disposal well in the area as what the company calls a “precautionary measure.” “When they stopped injecting in the disposal wells the seismicity stopped,” Mathewson said, “which would support the hypothesis that the disposal wells overstressed the rock leading to failure of the rock and corresponding seismic events.” The city partnered with
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geophysicist Chris Hayward study indicated that closure of from Southern Methodist Uni- several saltwater disposal wells versity to conduct research on in the Dallas-Fort Worth area the earthquakes. was warranted. One well in “We have an ongoing study Cleburne was shut down. here,” said Cleburne mayor “Horizontal drilling is a Ted Reynolds. “They’re a very very new concept,” Reynolds well respected team and I am said. The closure of the wells confident that they will have was “purely a precautionary some answers for us.” measure … Chesapeake’s a very Results from the study will good corporate citizen.” not be available before the end Cleburne citizens are not of the year, Hayward said. overly about www.concerned villagefoods .comthe “We make will it easy be making We to eat...quakes, Reynolds said, which, preliminary looks at the data, given their low magnitude, but will be concentrating on would be unremarkable in making sure that the observa- many areas of the country. tions are complete, the data was The city of Cleburne has made recorded correctly, and that between $20 million and $25 we have the information nec- million in royalties from natural essary to do the later analysis,” gas drilling. Hayward said. “This stage “Chesapeake is a big part of of observation will continue our community fabric here,” through the end of the year.” Reynolds said. “They’re just Early findings from the good folks to work with.”
Traffic Continued from page 1
TRAFFIC LAWS Seatbelts: Every passenger in the vehicle must now be buckled, regardless of age. Fines can be up to $200. Cell phones: Drivers can no longer talk or text on mobile phones in active school zones. Fines can be up to $200. DWIs: Police can now perform blood tests on drivers suspected to be driving under the influence if they already have a history of a DWI.
McIntyre Continued from page 1
get the nation on track and keep it on track,” McIntyre said. “Economics, safety, security, jobs, education, border issues— all of these issues are issues where A&M is a huge player and are very important for a congressman to understand.” McIntyre said his affiliation with A&M presents a unique opportunity for students and the nation as a whole. “It’s not very often that you get a candidate for Congress who has just come from teaching hundreds of students at a university, and I think it’s a unique opportunity for Texas A&M
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Driving with a suspended license or without insurance will now cost drivers. Fines up to $2,000 and 180 days in jail can be the maximum sentence for offenders. Causing an injury or fatality in an accident while driving without a valid license or insurance can lead to a fine of up to $4,000 and a year in jail. For teens under 18, a driving skills test will now be required to obtain a license. Furthermore, restrictions regarding the midnight to 5 a.m. curfew and number of passengers in the car will
students to become focused and engaged.” Texas A&M College Republicans interim chairwoman Elizabeth Bledsoe said the vote will not be based solely on Aggie affiliation. “As far as student involvement, I think the election is going to come down to the issues rather than just being from A&M,” Bledsoe said. McIntyre encouraged students to get engaged no matter who they vote for. “I hope people will not see it as a political divide on campus but as a huge opportunity for Aggies to be involved in their own future,” McIntyre said. “Don’t turn this page and go back to your business thinking somebody is going to fix it for you; the future is in your hands,
be extended from six months to one year. Motorcyclists will now be required to provide proof that they have required a certified training course to obtain a license. Bikers will not be allowed to transport passengers under 5 years of age. If suspected of driving while intoxicated, police can now draw blood on-site if the offender has a previous record of a DWI. Drivers that meet these conditions will not be able to refuse the test. For a complete list of laws passed by the legislature this session, log on to the DPS Web site at www.txdps.state.tx.us.
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you better get out here and get engaged. It’s not just a ringside seat, but a chance to get in the ring.” Campaign manager Rod Walline, an A&M graduate, said volunteering for the campaign is an opportunity for students to learn more about the political process and have a chance to meet influential political players such as Gov. Rick Perry. “What’s really cool about the campaign is when you volunteer we will be putting you right in the political trenches and as far as connections go you just can’t do any better than that,” Walline said. Learn more about the campaign or volunteer at www.votemcintyre.com.
9/1/09 11:47 PM
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Gates gives wounded Aggie key to a home
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CYPRESS, Texas — Hundreds of people arrived today at the home of retired Marine Capt. Dan Moran, a warrior severely wounded in Iraq, to see Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates present him the keys to his new home on behalf of the Helping a Hero organization. They came to see Moran lauded as a hero by a host of luminaries: Astros legend Craig Biggio, Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurt, U.S. Rep Todd Tiahrt from Kansas, and hundreds of others from the community. What most didn’t expect is that Moran would steal their hearts in the process, thanking them with a humility and pride that brought tears to their eyes and lumps to their throats. Gates had been personally moved before by the story of the Marine he presented his Aggie diploma to while serving as president of Texas A&M University in December 2003. Four years later, then as defense secretary, Gates met with Moran as he was being treated for extensive burns received in Iraq at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. Moran received third-degree burns over 50 percent of his body when his platoon was ambushed during his second tour of duty in Ramadi, Iraq. He also suffered a compression fracture to his T-8 vertebrae, herniated discs, a mild traumatic brain injury and an inhalation injury. He underwent more than 30 surgeries and spent two-anda-half years recovering at the Brooke burn center. Wearing a Texas A&M Tshirt when Gates visited the center, Moran asked the secretary to autograph his graduation photo, then asked later for him to present his Purple Heart. Last fall, Gates and former President George H.W. Bush joined Moran on the field dur-
ing a Texas A&M football game and awarded him the Navy Commendation Medal with “V” for valor. Today, Gates presented Moran the keys to a brand-new home in the Bridgeland community near Houston, donated through HelpingaHero.org. The non-profit, non-partisan group funds financial, emotional, educational, mentoring, recreational and scholarship support for severely injured military members and their families.
“This is how I am going to pay you back, by how I live my life and the impact I will have.” — Dan Moran, retired Marine Capt. and Class of 2003
Meredith Iler, national chairperson for HelpingaHero.org, called Moran a patriot who loves his country deeply, served valiantly, and continues to reach out to help other wounded warriors as they recover. “Dan is a real hero and a true patriot,” Gates echoed. “He is an inspiration to us.” The new 3,300-square-foot home was funded by the Strake Foundation, Rex and Marilyn King and the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. Perry Homes built it with special accommodations for Moran’s physical condition. It features tinted windows, a high-efficiency air conditioner and heating system and other enhanced temperature-control measures because Moran is no longer able to control his body temperature. “We are thrilled to be able to give something back to a man who has given so very much for his country, and we know our residents will gladly welcome
the Morans and immediately make them feel at home,” said Peter Houghton, a Bridgeland community vice president. Gates said the new home “represents a new beginning and a down payment on a new future.” As Moran accepted the keys to the new home, he put his prepared notes aside and decided to talk “from the heart.” “What do I say to people who have given me so much? What can I say?,” he said. “So let me tell you right now: It is going to be the way that I live my life. And the way I am going to live my life is by honor, courage and commitment.” Moran recognized everyone involved in “making this a reality” – from those who donated money to make it possible to those who did the construction. “You made an investment in me and other wounded warriors,” he said. “And I promise you, you will get a return on your investment in me.” Moran said he refuses to live his life for himself and wants it to honor his fallen Marines and others in and out of the military who serve others. “This is how I am going to pay you back, by how I live my life and the impact I will have,” he said. Moran said he’s proud to be a Texan, an Aggie and an American. “Americans never waiver. They never quit,” he said. “And when faced with a challenge, they face it head-on.” That’s a standard Moran said he plans to pass on when he talks to his son in his new backyard or in the adjoining pond. “That’s what we believe is the standard that has been set, and it’s a standard we will continue to hold,” he said. American Forces Press Service
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9/1/09 9:50 PM
sports
Cross country opens season The Texas A&M men’s and women’s cross country team opens its season at the Baylor Early Opener Friday at 6 o’clock.
thebattalion 09.2.2009 page 7
Senior skills
Fútbol: the next football
Amber Gnatzig Midfielder scored a career-high two goals in one game vs. UNC in 2008.
T.D. Durham
Though it might not be the frontman of American sports, soccer’s popularity is growing
J
Emily Peterson Defender made the 2006 All-Big 12 First Team as well as the 2006 and 2008 Academic All-Big 12 First Team.
Cydne Currie Forward scored four goals in 2008 despite receiving a season-ending injury
File photos — THE BATTALION
Soccer upperclassmen expect good things David Harris The Battalion Leadership: for some, comes naturally. For others, it has to be learned. Either way, it is a trait that must be present for success in a team setting. There is more of an impetus on leadership when a team is chockfull of inexperience. Such is the case for the sixth-ranked Texas A&M soccer team. With 19 underclassmen on the roster, the leadership role falls to the three seniors on the squad:
Pg. 7-09.02.09.indd 1
Amber Gnatzig, Emily Peterson and Cydne Currie. “The three of us lead by example,” Gnatzig said. “A lot of people feed off of it.” Peterson, a defender, Gnatzig, a midfielder, and Currie, a forward, provide a veteran mentality to every position on the field. “We all feel like we have a role at the position we’re at,” Peterson said. Being a national title contender and the preseason pick to win the conference doesn’t help in relieving the pressure on the seniors’ shoulders.
“For me, it’s all about providing a spark,” Currie said. “I have to bring energy and create chances.” Peterson, a Tulsa native, has been an All-Big 12 selection in her time on the Aggie soccer team. She’s provided the team with a solid foundation on the backline for three years. Currie, hailing from Irving, TX, has overcome two knee injuries in her career. At the same time, she’s been a relentless goal scorer at the forward position, with 11 goals in her 50 games as an Aggie.
Gnatzig, out of Humble, TX has a second team All-Big 12 selection to boast, along with 14 goals in her 64 games at midfield. All three have played roles in A&M becoming a staple at the top of the college soccer landscape. However, following a weekend when the Aggies were shocked on their home field in front of 6,500 fans, the team’s toughness and trust in each other will be tested. “It’s a good thing to learn from, See Seniors on page 9
im Rome may hate every screaming fan, raucous riot and undeserved yellow card in the game, but he can no longer deny this simple fact: People in the United States like soccer. I know the age-old argument about the boredom inspired by watching a 90-minute match that usually produces more yawns than points, and we’ve all seen “The Simpsons” episode that pokes fun at the way soccer players control the ball. But this summer, when the FIFA Confederations Cup was underway and the U.S. defeated No. 1 ranked Spain 2-0 in the semi-finals, who saw anything other than soccer fill up Facebook statuses? The summer after my sophomore year in high school I watched in amazement as Italian defender Marco Materazzi was leveled by French midfielder and three-time FIFA World Player of the Year winner Zinedine Zidane (Zizou) in the finals of the 2006 World Cup. The day after “Zizou” head-butted his talkative opponent, the news world stopped in its tracks. Trained lip readers were hired by national organizations to decode the insult that inspired such violence, and speculation still spirals over the truth to what Materazzi yelled at one of the greatest football players of all time. When the 2010 World Cup in South Africa rolls around, who’s to say what could happen? Regardless of who hits whom in the competition, one thing is for sure, the world (including the U.S.) will be watching. International play is not the only proof of popularity for the “global” sport. The very campus we walk is infected with fútbol fever. Printed out pictures of club teams, cleats and See Futbol on page 9
9/1/09 11:49 PM
HELP WANTED
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FOR RENT
FOR RENT
Absolutely 1 Fun Laugh-A-Lot Defensive Driving! Ticket dismissal/insurance discount. W&Th (6pm-9pm) or Walk-ins welSat (8am-2:30pm). come. At Denny’s (across from TAMU). $25 cash, restrictions apply. 979-694-8888. Getting Married or Planning an Event? Fall Bridal Show and Benefit. Sunday, September 13 from 12-4pm at College Station Hilton. Over 75 local wedding vendors! Grand prize: $1000 shopping spree. Proceeds benefit BV Breast Cancer Support. Tickets are $15 online at www.ido-ido.org or $20 at the door.
3 bedroom 2 bath, like brand New! $900/mo. pets OK. Available Now! 622-624 San Mario, 979-255-2704.
Too Many Roommates, Too Little Space? Huge 2bdrm/1.5ba Apartment in Bryan. Only 4-mi. to Campus. Newly Remodeled, $625/mo. 979-402-0913.
Our food will delight you, our prices will please you, our service will impress you! La Riviera 3700 South Texas Bryan.
FARM/RANCH Horse boarding, large pens with shelter, lighted arena and more. 25-minutes from campus. Call 979-589-2334.
FOR RENT $375 pre-lease. 1/1, 2/1. Free Wi-Fi, On Northgate, on Shuttle. Short term leases ok. Call agent, Ardi. 979-422-5660. $599 Grand reopening special. 2-1 Totally remodeled four-plex. 5-minutes to campus. New stainless steel appliances with W/D included. 904 Navidad. 2-1.5 Townhouse style with yard, also available. 979-450-9093 or 979-450-9094.
3/2 House w/study-Wolf Pen Area! Close to shuttle, w/d conn, fenced w/ lawn care, www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291. 3/2 house, quiet neighborhood. Available now. 1057 Pets ok. Windmeadows, 979-255-2705.
16’ Aluminum Boat with 40HP Mercury, ideal for fishing or hunting, asking $2500/obo, 979-450-5666.
3/2/2 Townhome, close to campus, w/d, fridge, fenced backyard. Available now, $1300/month. 832-863-5911.
House for Sale. 1107 Bayou Woods, College Station, TX 77840. 3bd/2bth, 1727 sqft, 2 car garage. Less than 1 mile to TAMU campus, close to Sorority, shopping, and TAMU bus route. Custom built in 1997. Large living area, huge backyard, and very well maintained property. Must sell!! Call (316)-990-7252 for a preview.
3/3 Duplexes, 1400sqft, fenced backyard, all appliances, new, excellent specials, 979-694-0320 office@luxormanagement.com 3bdrm/2bath large duplex. Washer/Dryer &Refridgerator, walking distance to campus, fenced backyard. 209B Cooner. 979-224-2047. 3bdrm/3ba duplexes. Great floorplans, fenced yards, w/d, tile floors, icemakers, alarm systems. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com 3bed/1.5ba. Fenced backyard, close to campus. (979)774-9181. On bus route. 4 bedroom 2 bath, large yard, pets ok, 525 Moran. Ready Now! 979-255-2704. 4/2 Studio, over 1600sqft, w/d conn, 2 living areas, spiral staircase, fireplace, balcony, ext storage, www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291.
1-3/bedroom apartments. Some with w/d, some near campus. $175-$600/mo. 979-696-2038.
4/3, 3/3 &3/2 Townhouses, Duplexes &Fourplexes, 1250-1700sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, extra storage, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing for 2010, excellent specials. 694-0320, office@luxormanagement.com
1bed loft, located 401 Summer Court, on Bus Route 12. Student special: $400 off 1st month’s rent with 12 month lease. $100 deposit, $625 monthly. 214-682-5510
Affordable country living, four minutes to campus, 2bd townhouses with fenced courtyards, were $795/mo now $595/mo, 979-777-3371
2 rooms for rent! at 1207 Hardwood, $375/mo., plus split utilites. call 214-213-9718
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$900, Available Now, PRE-LEASE, 3, 4 bdrm. houses near TAMU, pets ok. Call Agent Ardi 979-422-5660.
2-bdrms available $650/mo. Cable &internet included. Eastmark at Wolfpen apartments 979-693-8066, eastmarkapartments@yahoo.com 2/1 Duplex, faux wood floors, w/d conn, lawn care provided. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291. 2/1 forplex, newly remodeled close to campus on bus route for $650/mo. call 979-966-3913. 2/1 Fourplex, up and downstairs, w/d conn, fireplace, balcony, ext storage, lawn care provided. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291. 2/1 Victorian Style 4 plex, All Wood Floors! w/d conn, www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291. 2/1.5 Duplex, fireplace, w/d conn, fenced with lawn care. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291. 2b/1b fourplex. 2000 Longmire in College Station. $475/month. Call 979-822-1616. 2bd/1ba, W/D, water included, bus stop in front, very clean, 1mi from campus. 690-4181 or 219-2683. 2bdrm/2ba. duplex with huge back yard, privacy fencing, pets welcomed, ceramic tile floors, lawn care provided, 7min from campus. $715/mo. Available Now! 979-739-7717 2bdrm/3ba duplexes. Great floorplans, fenced yards, w/d, tile floors, icemakers, alarm systems. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com
Spend an evening with Jeff Dunham! September 4, 2009 For more information visit yell.tamu.edu
FOR SALE
Available Now for rent! 3bdrm/2ba. with 3 acres fenced with pasture $1200/mo. 979-774-0802. Available now. 4/2/2 newly remodeled, pet-friendly, new carpet &paint. $1275/mo. 1208 North Ridgefield. Biking distance to campus. aggielandrentals.com 979-776-8984. Beautiful duplex, 2/1, remodeled, new floors, designer extras, 1 week free. Call for special, 832-646-2329. College Station 2bdrm/1ba., house! 504 Cooner, 5min. walk to campus, fenced, pet ok, $800/mo. 979-450-3812. College Station, 3bd/2.5bath, $999/mo +specials. Flexible lease terms, large fenced backyard, pets OK, W/D, free lawn care. www.topdogmanagement.info Cozy 2bd/2ba condo, 3-blocks from campus, all new flooring, paint, appliances, yard, w/d connections, over 1000sqft., no HUD, updated, $645/mo., 506-D College Main 254-289-0585. Cozy 2bdrm/2bth condo 3-blocks from campus, yard, w/d connections, over 1000sqft., no HUD, updated, $565/mo., 506-C College Main 254-289-0585. Large 2bd/2ba. condo. All new on inside. Water paid. 1901 W.Holleman, $650/mo. 979-693-1448. Large 2bdrm/2bs, 3204-Cougar Trail, Bryan. Water, sewer, &trash paid. Everything’s new inside. $675/mo. 979-822-1616. NO FEES! NO DEPOSIT! HurryWe have extended our special through Friday 9/4!!! Hurry in to take advantage! Houses, duplexes & fourplexes. Visit or call TODAY! twincityproperties.com or 979-775-2291 Oak Creek Condos high-speed internet and basic cable. 2bdrm/1.5ba. $515/mo. Water, sewer, trash paid. Fireplace, icemaker, pool, hot-tub. 979-822-1616. Richmond Ridge Townhome, 1/1.5 loft, available Sept. 1st, 2 miles north of campus, large open plan, broker/owner 979-777-5477
HELP WANTED ARE YOU READY FOR SOME KICKBALL? Registration for C.S. kickball leagues are forming now, so get your coed or mixed teams together. Individuals also welcome. Call 764-3486. Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. 512-684-8296, photoguy@io.com
J. Cody’s hiring part-time cashiers. Apply within. 3610 S. College. No experience necessary, just common sense! Marketer needed for well established t-shirt company. Full or part time. No experience necessary. Call Kelly Sims, 936-661-1049. MEN & WOMEN VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS WANTED! College Station is currently forming a 6 on 6 co-ed volleyball league. For team or individual registration information, call 764-6386. Notes & Note Takers wanted immediately. Freshman & Sophomores in demand. We pay top dollar for notes & note takers. e-mail: tamunotes@gmail.com P/T service station attendant and lube tech. Basic Automotive knowledge. Villa Maria Chevron, Villa Maria & E.29th. 979-776-1261. Part-time clerical for busy ob/gyn clinic. Monday thru Thursday 8-1. Apply at 1602 Rock Prairie Road Suite 430 (west building), C.S. Retired professor desires Upperclassmen to assist in memoirs. Call 979-690-6192. STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in College Station. 100% free to join. Click on surveys. The Corner Bar &Grill now hiring. Apply in person wednesday night 8pm. All positions available.
MUSIC Party Block Mobile DJ- Peter Block, professional 22yrs experience. Specializing in Weddings, TAMU functions, lights/smoke. Mobile to anywhere. Book early!! 979-693-6294. http://www.partyblockdj.com
PETS
Babysitter needed. Must be fluent in Spanish. 9am-2pm M-F. Must have references. Please email information to csmith@aggielandcarpetone.com
Adopt Pets: Dogs, Cats, Puppies, Kittens, Many purebreds. Brazos Animal Shelter, 979-775-5755, www.brazosanimalshelter.org
Child Care- FT & PT shifts available. Some nights & Saturdays required. Apply in person at 3609 E. 29th St., Bryan.
Teacup puppies: Maltese, Shorkies, Maltipoos, Yorkies &Poodles. $500 &up. 979-324-2866, linda_d_54@yahoo.com
Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment. COACHES & BUDDIES WANTED: Our challenger soccer program (a program for mentally and/or physically challenged children) is looking for people to volunteer and provide a positive experience for challenged children. Call 764-3424.
REAL ESTATE Buy &Sell B/CS homes, condos, duplexes. RE/MAX. Nadia 979-693-1851. Michael 979-739-2035. www.bcsrealty.com Sale large house, Bryan. Call for details. 979-324-6939. Excellent condition.
ROOMMATES
COACHES WANTED! We need enthusiastic, positive, motivational volunteer coaches for Youth Flag Football. Call 764-3424.
1-Male roommate wanted in 4bd house. $300/mo. +1/4 bills. 979-777-4379.
COACHES WANTED! We need enthusiastic, positive, motivational volunteer coaches for Girls Volleyball. Call 764-6386.
1-Room in 3bd/3ba house on Welsh. On bus route, in biking distance to campus. W/D, $450/mo. +1/3 utilities, 979-324-9190.
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1-roommate needed Fall, & Spring. 4/2 house. 2505 Antietam. $400/mo +1/4 utilities. Clara, 361-463-1727.
Experienced part-time lawn maintenance workers needed. $7.50/hr. Call Kirk, 979-324-2719.
Roommate, house 1/2-mile from campus, furnished, $400/mo., +1/4 utilities. Stephen 512-762-2151.
FLAG FOOTBALL PLAYERS WANTED! College Station is currently forming an 8 on 8 league. For team or individual registration information, call 764-3424
W/F seeking female roommate. New 2bdrm. condo with own bath, located University and South loop, nest to bus stop. $450/mo. +1/2 utilities. Call 281-615-8070
Help needed in fabric shop, Tuesdays and Thursdays, web page experience required. Apply in person, 318 George Bush Drive (next to Mi Cocina).
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Help Wanted. UPS Store in Bryan, corner of Texas Ave and Villa Maria. Next to Walgreens. Apply in person.
COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK breckenridge
Roomate needed for 3/2 house in Rantree. $350 +1/3 utilities. 979-324-9485.
SERVICES
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news
page 8 wednesday 9.2.2009
thebattalion
Calif. wildfire peek at season Greg Risling Associated Press LOS ANGELES – Firefighters reported progress Tuesday against a gigantic blaze on the edge of Los Angeles that might be just a preview of even greater dangers ahead. The peak Southern California fire season hasn’t even started yet. The worst fires typically flare up in the fall, when ferocious Santa Ana winds can drive fires out of wilderness areas and into suburbs. As a result, Southern California could be in for a long wildfire season. “When you see a fire burning like this, with no Santa Ana winds, we know that with the winds, it would be so much worse, more intense,” said Los Angeles County fire Capt. Mark Whaling. The Santa Anas are so devastating when they carry fire because they sweep down from the north and reach withering speeds as they squeeze through wilderness canyons and passes and plunge into developed areas. Even though winds have been mostly calm since the blaze began along the northern fringe of Los Angeles and its suburbs, the flames have spread over 199 square miles of forest in a week. Citing new damage assessments, officials Tuesday raised the number of destroyed homes from 53 to 62 but said the number of homes remaining under mandatory evacuation orders was reduced by 300 to 6,000. Up to 12,000 homes were considered threatened at the height of the fire, though not all were ordered evacuated. One of the threatened houses was the home where the movie “E.T.” was filmed. Associated Press
2 killed fighting blaze Two firefighters — Capt. Tedmund Hall, 47, of San Bernardino and firefighter Specialist Arnaldo “Arnie” Quinones, 35, of Palmdale — were killed Sunday when their vehicle plummeted off a mountain road. Quinones’ wife is expecting a child soon, and Hall had a wife and two adult children. In Washington, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama sent their condolences to the firefighters’ families. Gibbs said the White House will do whatever it can to assist state and local governments.
H1N1 virus: what you need to know ATLANTA — Since it first emerged in April, the H1N1 epidemic has sickened more than 1 million Americans and killed about 500. It’s also spread around the world, infecting tens of thousands and killing nearly 2,000. So how worried should you be and how do you prepare? The Associated Press has tried to boil down the mass of information into 10 things you should know to be flu-savvy. No cause for panic. So far, swine flu isn’t much more threatening than regular seasonal flu. During the few months of this new flu’s existence, hospitalizations and deaths from it seem to be lower than the average seen for seasonal flu, and the virus hasn’t dramatically mutated. That’s what health officials have observed in the Southern Hemisphere where flu season is now winding down. Still, more people are susceptible to swine flu and U.S. health officials are worried because it hung in so firmly here during the summer — a time of year the flu usually goes away. Virus tougher on some. Swine flu is more of a threat to certain groups — children under 2, pregnant women, people with health problems like asthma, diabetes and heart disease. Teens and young adults are also more vulnerable to swine flu. Wash your hands often and long. Like seasonal flu, swine flu spreads through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick. Get the kids vaccinated. These groups should be first in line for swine flu shots, especially if vaccine supplies are limited — people 6 months to 24 years old, pregnant women, health care workers. Get your shots early. Millions of swine flu shots should be available by October. If you are in one of the priority groups, try to get your shot as early as possible. Immunity takes awhile. Even those first in line for shots won’t have immunity until around Thanksgiving. That’s because it’s likely to take two shots, given three weeks apart, to provide protection. And it takes a week or two after the last shot for the vaccine to take full effect. Vaccines are being tested. Health officials presume the swine flu vaccine is safe and effective, but they’re testing it to make sure. Help! Surrounded by swine flu. If an outbreak of swine flu hits your area before you’re vaccinated, be extra cautious. Stay away from public gathering places like malls, sports events and churches. Try to keep your distance from people in general. Keep washing those hands and keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth. What if you get sick? If you have other health problems or are pregnant and develop flu-like symptoms, call your doctor right away. You may be prescribed Tamiflu or Relenza. These drugs can reduce the severity of swine flu if taken right after symptoms start. No swine flu from barbecue. You can’t catch swine flu from pork — or poultry either (even though it recently turned up in turkeys in Chile). Swine flu is not spread by handling meat, whether it’s raw or cooked.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
STUDIES IN PROGRESS RED DRY SCALY PATCHES OF SKIN ATOPIC DERMATITIS STUDY (ECZEMA)
Volunteers ages 18 - 64 needed to participate up to a 12 week long clinical research study with an investigational topical medication for atopic dermatitis (RED, DRY, SCALY PATCHES OF SKIN). Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study related medication • Physical Examination • Dermatological Assessments • Compensation up to $675.00 for time and travel For more information please contact:
J&S Studies, Inc. 979-774-5933 1710 Crescent Pointe Parkway, College Station, TX 77845
Pg. 8-09-02-09.indd 1
9/1/09 11:50 PM
sports
page 9 wednesday 9.2.2009
thebattalion
Astro returns to roster CHICAGO — Aaron Boone returned to the major leagues Tuesday, rejoining the Houston Astros just five months after having open-heart surgery. The 36-year-old third baseman was activated off the disabled list. “It’s good to be in this position and back here after all that has gone through in my life this year. I’m excited about it,” he said. Boone was not in Tuesday night’s lineup against the Chicago Cubs, but will play soon, manager Cecil Cooper said. “He can pinch-hit, play tomorrow, there are a lot of options. I want to do it as soon as I can. I don’t want to wait too long, cut the suspense. I know he’s pretty anxious and everyone wants to see him out there,” Cooper said.
Boone signed with the Astros in the offseason, then had an operation on March 26 because of a congenital defect in his aortic valve. He has already completed a minor league rehab assignment. At the time of his surgery, the 11-year veteran did not expect such a speedy return. “Five months ago, no,” Boone said. “But I think fairly shortly after surgery and once I knew everything went well, I wouldn’t say it was a priority, but I certainly thought it was possible.” Boone said he was impressed how much the Astros organization supported him through his rehab. “Unbelievable. I’ve been blown away by how much they have been behind me, how much they supported me, how
Seniors Continued from page 7
in each other will be tested. “It’s a good thing to learn from, with it being so early in the season,” Gnatzig said of the 3-2 defeat at the hands of Purdue. “We’re going to be seeing a lot of teams that play a direct style, so we’ll need to get used to it. Other than that, you’ve got to tell everybody to shake it off.”
Fútbol Continued from page 7
dominating players cover the doors in the dormitories around campus. Every day and night, a swarm of students wage battle at the Student Recreation Center on the indoor soccer court, much to the dismay of frequent basketball pick-up players. Students donning jerseys of Arsenal’s Dirk Kuyt or Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney can be spotted walking around the construction of Military Walk just like everyone else. These things aside, the true culprit of “Aggie Soccer Sickness” is the No. 6-ranked Texas A&M soccer team. When the Aggies lost 3-2 to undefeated Purdue on Fish Camp Night in front of 6,589 fans, it
Pg. 9-09.02.09.indd 1
much they made this completely about me, I feel forever grateful to them by the way they have treated me,” Boone said. Boone has played for Cincinnati, the Yankees, Cleveland, Florida and Washington, batting .264 with 126 homers and 555 RBIs. “It’s just remarkable that’s he’s come this far. I didn’t think he was going to be able to play this year. My thoughts was for him just to get healthy and live a normal life,” Cooper said. “He’s got some will and determination to get all the way back.” The Astros also activated right-hander reliever Doug Brocail (right strain shoulder) and left-hander reliever Wesley Wright (left shoulder strain) off the disabled list. Associated Press
As the season progresses, there are sure to be trials and tribulations that will chip away at the team’s foundation. It will be up to the leadership to keep the young ones even-keeled, Currie said. “It’s all about keeping the freshmen positive,” Currie said. “You’ve got to keep them under your wing. They need to know that it’s not one person. It’s a team effort.” And if the underclassmen can handle the situation and play to their potential, then the Aggies may be raising a national championship trophy in College Station come early December. was the talk of the student body for days. Having a national powerhouse with dynamic players and game traditions that rival those at Olsen Field makes for a captivated audience and extreme involvement. After defeating UTSA 3-0 in a solid response to a disappointing loss, the soccer team now boasts a 2-1 record going into its first road game of the year against the Cal-Berkley Golden Bears. So when the Aggies’ only three seniors lead the 19 underclassmen onto the field against the topranked North Carolina soccer squad, I won’t be thinking of Rome’s nasty rants on violent game attendees, I’ll be excited to watch a sport that has now taken a greater precedence in our country than ever before. T.D. Durham is a sophomore English major and the sports editor.
9/1/09 11:50 PM
voices
page 11 wednesday 9.2.2009
thebattalion
Lost in the
crowd
Texas A&M is big — 48,039 students as of last year, and apparently still counting. So Evan Andrews — THE BATTALION that makes you small, as in smaller than ever before, and you are literally the smallest fish in the biggest fish pond ever. Orientation programs like Fish Camp and New Student Conference will certainly prove to be beneficial to those Steve Humeniuk of you that attended in terms Stepping out of of meeting new people, but eventually it will occur to you your dorm room you would rather dodge might be beneficial that cars on the highway than spend for your social the next four years hanging around the same people you well-being. met in your Fish Camp DG. Welcome Class of 2013, So where does that leave you are poised to be the largest you? Probably hopeless, lost freshman class ever enrolled and isolated in the midst of at this University and you a Mecca of Aggies returning should all be proud to be a to campus to fulfill their own part of it. The funny thing agendas—with little to no is—everyone else already here time to nurture you. was once a part of the fleeting Hopefully, you are coming “largest class ever” gimmick. here with the mentality that Instead of taking false pride in making friends amongst 48,039 a meaningless statistic, what students will be easy. And to you should really be thinking many it really is. But to some, is that you are now, as an when it comes to socializing individual, the most statistically versus the enticing mystical irrelevant person to ever grace realm of World of Warcraft, the sanctity of this place. staying in and driving your
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roommate crazy with 16-hour binges of online warfare wins out every time. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that, not to your face anyway, but when you look back on your college career and something appears to be lacking, just know that I really want what’s best for you. As humans, we are wired to be social creatures—it’s just that some are better at it than others. On your first day, when you walked into your first class of 300 people, some of you were overwhelmed while others saw opportunity. But if step one to your plan of meeting people in college is creeping on people in class, you may soon find that you were mistaken. The person you sit next to one day may very well be lost in a sea of blank faces the next—two rows and eight seats too far away for you to work on reestablishing your awkward first-day relationship. Call me a realist, but I’m willing to admit that I will never meet every student here. I’ve never even met Reveille. The point is, this is nothing like your high school, but you are all probably aware of that. In four years or so, you are going to walk the stage amongst hundreds of strange faces that you have never seen before, but hopefully you will have more than a few friends sprinkled in there as well. All said, the best way to meet people and find friends here is to isolate the
numbers. Parties are one excellent way to comfortably talk to people in an open and casual setting, but the catch is that you have to actually know someone to score an invitation in the first place. Soon you will find that here, at the school appropriately named via an acronym, we are all about organizations and acronyms. Whether it be through a church group, Freshman Leadership Organization (FLO), volunteer organization, Greek Life, Student Government (SGA), the Corps of Cadets, the A&M Quidditch team or whatever else is out there—there is a legitimate activity for everyone to find their place here. Getting involved in something, anything, is by far the easiest and best way to find your fit here at this school. So do it. Don’t be so naïve to think that this place is perfect for everyone. In 2007, a U.S. News & World Report claimed A&M has a 90 percent freshman retention rate. When you sit in those blank seas of 300 faces try to keep in mind that 30 of them won’t even be around next year. So get involved. Don’t just be a statistic. Turn yourself into a real, contributing person by finding yourself a niche and making the best of it. And if all else fails, don’t bail on us—stick it to the man and form an organization of your own. That way all your friends will come to you, and what is cooler than that?
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Weekly Specials 5pm - 10pm $ 5 Pitchers Monday Tuesday 1/2 Price Kids Menu Wednesday 1/2 Price Burgers $ Thursday 2 Pints 11907 Wellborn Road, College Station
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Steve Humeniuk is a senior political science major.
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thebattalion
Putting practice
Jon Eilts — THE BATTALION
Junior industrial distribution major Dillon Pool practices his putting Tuesday at the Texas A&M Golf Course. You can add the option to use the course on your student fees for $299 a semester or you can pay per use.
Train within your means. Duo Dry Pieced Tech Tee 12.99 Duo Dry Super Helix Training Shorts 12.99 C9 BY CHAMPION Shop C9 at Target.com/c9 ®
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