The Battalion: September 2, 2010 by The Battalion

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lifestyles Review Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin doesn’t overshadow his past acheivements, but the August release does show off his skill as a songwriter and arranger.

● thursday,

september 2, 2010

● serving

texas a&m since 1893

A&M lays off staff

lifestyles | 6

sports Aggies back on track

Earlier this week many employees in the Texas A&M Human Resources Department were laid off. President R. Bowen Loftin and his executive team have been working to strategically reallocate the A&M budget. This new budget reallocation has changed many aspects of life at A&M for faculty and students including the elimination of many positions. “Our thoughts are certainly with the individuals, and their families, whose positions have been eliminated as part of the strategic budget reallocation process that Dr. Loftin and his executive team have been communicating campuswide for about several months,” said Sherylon Carroll, associate vice president for the Communications Division of Marketing and Communications. Haley Lawsom|Staff Writer

The A&M volleyball team swept Sam Houston State Wednesday at Reed Arena.

sports | 3

opinions Ending before over? President Barrack Obama announced Tuesday the war in Iraq is ending, but the withdrawal of nearly 100,000 soldiers by July is too soon. Regardles of the reasons behind Operation Iraqi Freedom, Americans need to honor the sacriﬁces made and actually accomplish the mission.

opinions | 7

nation Microsoft hikes Live prices Microsoft is raising subscription prices for its popular Xbox Live Gold online gaming service in the U.S. and three other countries. Beginning Nov. 1, an annual Gold membership will cost $60, up from $50. A three-month subscription will cost $25, up from $20. And a onemonth subscription will be $10, up from $8. Xbox owners mainly use the service to play multiplayer games such as “Call of Duty” online.

Apple unveils streaming box Computer corporation unveiled its new Apple TV, featuring newly compact size and HD streaming capability. Apple also showed a redesigned lineup of iPods including a touch-screen Nano, an iPod Touch with video-chat features and a design overhaul for the Shufﬂe. Associated Press

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April Baltensperger — THE BATTALION

Internet grant helps students

Phil and Lori Stephenson work together as they play together since the addition of Lori to the coaching line.

Match makers Assistant soccer coaches serve same family T.D. Durham The Battalion In the competitive and monstrously successful realm of college athletics, there are things that are simple to do as a fan. Choosing a favorite player, following statistics and cheering your lungs out at a sporting event are examples of these simple things. What usually slips past the DVRs of passionate sports zealots are the people behind the scenes who give their very hearts and souls to make sure that what you watch on your plasma screen is even possible.

Texas A&M soccer team assistant coaches Phil and Lori Stephenson are not only prime examples of those who put sweat and blood into the athletic programs at A&M, but they are one of the only examples of co-coaches who share a family. Yes, they’re married. Phil grew up in England and was recruited to play soccer on the collegiate level in the United States. Lori was the daughter of a United States military man and grew up participating in nearly every sport. Both of the Stephensons played soccer in college and went on to be All-

Americans on the pitch. Phil said they both attended a ceremony honoring their abilities but didn’t find out the other had been there until years later. “It was a funny story,” Phil said. “We had no idea that the other one of us was there!” After playing in college, Phil was offered the head coach position at Methodist College in Fayetteville, N.C. Phil also was working with the Olympic Development Program for the southern U.S. See Soccer on page 5

Library renovations improve study space Katie White The Battalion Sterling C. Evans Library reopened this fall after a summer of renovations with remodeled and updated study space and a larger café area. The University renovated Evans and the popular Poor Yorick’s Coffee House this summer with their patrons’ needs in mind. “We really just wanted to make it more comfortable for students to study,” said Robin Bedenbaugh, coordinator of marketing and communications for the University libraries. Junior communication major

Morgan Blohm visits the library and coffee shop often and said she is pleased with the new layout, which has more seating. “The line out the door is no longer,” Blohm said regarding Poor Yorick’s, which now seats 85 people, up from 16 before the renovations. Bedenbaugh said students now have the opportunity to recycle plastic and paper and can bring food from the café into the study areas. The hours at Poor Yorick’s have also been extended, closing at midnight Sunday through Thursday. See Evans on page 5

Jeffrey Frankens — THE BATTALION

Students study in the renovated first floor of Sterling C. Evans Library. The library redesign incorporates more earth tones and open areas.

■ Federal funds improves online access on rural campuses Travis Lawson The Battalion Federal legislation signed in 2009 provides 11 Texas A&M University System universities with high speed broadband Internet. A $6.6 million grant given to A&M is just one part of the $7.2 billion American Reinvestment and Recovery Act signed into law by President Barack Obama last year. Vice President Joe Biden said in a White House press release that the broadband portion of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act would provide new opportunities in areas such as job opportunity and education. “In addition to bringing 21st century infrastructure to underserved communities and rural areas, these investments will begin to harness the power of broadband to improve education, health care and public safety,” Biden said. The Broadband Technology Opportunities Program grant also came with $3 million in matching contributions that will go towards providing a fiber optic network to places like Texas A&M at Galveston and the Texas A&M Health Science Center. A&M is partnering with rural telephone and cable companies as well as the Texas Department of Public Safety as part of the effort. The new Texas Pipes network will be capable of providing speeds between 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps and will call 147 miles of new fiber. See Broadband on page 2

9/1/10 10:37 PM

TRUNK SHOW Thursday 12:00pm - 6:00pm read the fine print.

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Friday 10:00am - 6:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm

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The University Police Department will offer free property engraving to protect against theft from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday in Wehner.

Today 20% chance of thunderstorms High: 97 Low: 75

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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 University.

Add/drop deadline

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

Friday 40% chance of thunderstorms high: 93 low: 66 Saturday mostly sunday high: 90 low: 64 Sunday sunny high: 92 low: 68

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

Matt Woolbright, 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 offices are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3313; Fax: 979-845-2647; E-mail: metro@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising, call 979-845-2696. For classified advertising, call 979-8450569. Advertising offices are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fax: 979-845-2678. Subscriptions: A part of the Student Services Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1. Mail subscriptions are $125 per school year. To charge by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, call 979845-2613.

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April Baltensperger— THE BATTALION

Students gather under the shade of a tent to browse movie posters for sale Wednesday in front of G. Rollie White Coliseum. The MSC visual arts committee sponsors the sale.

Broadband Continued from page 1

According to Texas Pipes, many communities and health facilities will also be affected by the project. As many as 114,000 students will be affected by the broadband overhaul, along with 27,000 faculty and staff. The new network will also connect University police departments to the Department of Public Safety in an effort to make campuses safer. Pierce Cantrell, A&M Vice President

for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer said students in College Station would see no noticeable differences. “It’s not going to be any faster for us in College Station because we already have incredible connections,” Cantrell said. “For the other branches it will make a big difference.” Although the flagship campus will not experience major speed increases, Cantrell expressed his excitement about the project as a whole. “We are really excited about this project. The University has really spectacular con-

nections, but this really extends the ability to get that high speed out to all the members of the A&M System,” Cantrell said. Jason Cook, Vice President of Marketing and Communication said the project is a result of cooperation within the A&M system. “This grant is a great example of collaboration across the members of the A&M System and the communities they serve,” Cook said. “This project will directly impact the Riverside Campus in terms of significantly improving connectivity and networking speeds.”

UNIVERSITY DINING

9/1/10 10:32 PM

sports thebattalion 09.02.2010 page3

Sam Houston stew Aggies defeat Bearkats in straight sets Mike Teague

Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

Sophomore middle Lindsey Miller goes up for a block during the Aggies’ 3-0 win over Sam Houston State Wedensday at Reed Arena. A&M won the match 25-15, 25-16, 25-11.

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The Battalion Texas A&M’s volleyball team got back in the win column Wednesday with a 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 2511) sweep of Sam Houston State at Reed Arena. “It was nice to be able to start the match with a lot of positive energy and be able to compete at the pace that we’ve been working towards,” said A&M Head Coach Laurie Corbelli. “We had a lot of contribution from a lot of attackers and everybody got on the floor.” Junior outside hitter Kelsey Black continued to head the Aggies’ offense with a game-high 12 kills. Black also put on a clinic from the serve, recording a career-high six aces. By switching to a jumping serve, Black has found it easier to get the ball over the net. “If I ever have to stand and serve again, I’m going to panic,” Black said. “I hate standing and serving so to jump and swing just takes my focus off anything that could go wrong. I’ll I’m thinking about is swinging hard so I like it a lot.” In her second match of the season, junior utility player Elise Hendrickson showed her dynamic ability picking up four kills and eight digs. “Elise is a very well-rounded player,” Corbelli said. “She’s the perfect Twelfth Man because she can play so many positions. It’s nice to have that cushion for us that we can mix-and-match wherever we need her to go. She’s a very reliable player. There’s not a lot of high error games. Her training from club and her collegiate experience make her fundamentals very solid.”

Paul Mezier — THE BATTALION

Senior libero Sarah Grace serves during the Aggies’ 3-0 win over Sam Houston State Wednesday at Reed Arena. In contrast to this weekend’s tournament, the Aggies spread the attack around the court Wednesday. Sophomore middle blocker Lindsey Miller had six kills while sophomore middle blocker Stephanie Minnerly scored a career-high eight kills. The balanced offense helped relieve pressure off Black who found herself responsible for most of the production in losses to Pacific and LSU. “I like watching other people score because celebrating to me is like half the fun of the game,” Black said. “It was really exciting to see everybody get in there and to see a lot of production out of a bunch of different players. Going into the Big 12, a key thing to the team is going to be getting more people into the offense and more people causing problems for the other team.” Making a huge difference in the functioning of the A&M offense, freshman setters Allie

Sawatzky and Allie Freiwald kept their team in flow with crisp passing and few errors. “Allie came in early this spring and started running fast tempo sets,” Minnerly said. “We’ve just been working that in every practice and so far I’m impressed with our freshman setters.” Putting up a tough defense line, A&M held the Bearkats to a .010 attack percentage and only 20 total kills. Sophomore libero Tori Mellinger led the Aggies with a gamehigh 15 digs. Black attributes their defensive play to the communication that is developing amongst the team. “We’ve got comfortable with each other now,” Black said. “We understand whose going to do what and what we expect out of each other. Now we’re just much more well-rounded.”

9/1/10 9:30 PM

news

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Obama pushes peace

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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks with Middle East peace negotiations in the White House with President Barack Obama. WASHINGTON — Under the shadow of fresh violence, President Barack Obama solemnly convened the first direct Israeli-Palestinian talks in two years Wednesday, challenging Mideast leaders to seize a fleeting opportunity to deliver peace to a region haunted by decades of hostility. “I am hopeful, cautiously hopeful, but hopeful,” Obama said with the leaders of Jordan, Egypt, Israel and the Palestinians beside him in the crowded East Room of the White House. Earlier Obama had met with each individually, and they gathered afterward for dinner. The mood appeared cordial as the leaders commenced the talks aimed at creating a sovereign Palestinian state beside a secure Israel. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shook hands warmly and thanked Obama for pressing for the renewed talks despite such seemingly intractable differences as Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank. The two leaders begin face-to-face talks on Thursday at the State Department. “Do we have the wisdom and the courage to walk the path of peace?” Obama asked. In turn, each of the leaders answered positively but with qualifications. And they spoke hopefully of chances for a breakthrough within the oneyear timeframe prescribed by Obama.

Netanyahu said his nation desires a lasting peace, not an interlude between wars. He called Abbas “my partner in peace,” and said, “Everybody loses if there is no peace.” Abbas urged Israel to freeze settlement construction in areas the Palestinians want as part of their new state, and to end its blockade of Gaza, which is controlled by the militant Hamas movement. The settlements issue is a central obstacle to achieving a permanent peace. “We will spare no effort and we will work diligently and tirelessly to ensure these negotiations achieve their cause,” Abbas said, as translated into English. Urging them on, Obama said, “This moment of opportunity may not soon come again.” While the talk at the White House was of peace, violence continued unabated in the region. Obama assailed those responsible for the killings of four Israelis near the West Bank city of Hebron on Tuesday. The militant Hamas movement, which rejects Israel’s right to exist and opposes peace talks, claimed responsibility. On Wednesday, Israeli police reported still another attack, saying Palestinian militants wounded two Israelis driving in the West Bank. Two people were reported injured, their car riddled with bullets. Associated Press

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 5, 2010 (1-5 PM).

For more information call 458-3378. Pg. 4-09.02.10.indd 1

9/1/10 9:56 PM

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Date Night for two on Thursdays....

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Students and staff line up Tuesday at the newly renovated Poor Yorick’s for coffee and treats. Evans Library opened Monday debuting a new lobby and study space.

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Daniel Crump — THE BATTALION

Evans Continued from page 1

The renovation also expanded studying space on the first floor of the library, with 12 new group study rooms. The Federation of Texas A&M University Mother’s Clubs helped refurnish the first floor, with new couches and benches arranged in enclosed circles. Cameron Chandler, a junior agriculture leadership major, said the renovated spaces were “a

Soccer Continued from page 1

A&M head coach G Guerrieri had worked with Phil in the development program, and when an assistant coaching position opened up for the A&M team, Guerrieri immediately pursued Phil for the job. “Phil and Lori and I always had similar beliefs about the game,” Guerrieri said. “So when the opportunity came to hire a new assistant coach, Phil was the guy I went to.” Soon after, Lori and the couples’ two children moved down to College Station, and another coaching position opened for the A&M soccer team. Guerrieri said that the team at that time lacked a personal role model in the coaching staff that could connect with

Pg. 5-09.02.10.indd 1

cozier place to study.” The library also added more electrical outlets to allow more students to recharge laptops and cell phones while studying. Students who need help with research can visit the renovated service desk, said Bedenbaugh. The new, centrally located service desk is not only easier to find, but subject librarians are always available to help students with research in their specific fields. “We worked with students and patrons to include their input into our design,” said Bedenbaugh. ”This is a two-year culmination of our efforts.”

the players. Lori became that figure immediately when she was hired. As a former player, Lori fit in the position well, and continues to be everything the players need to transition from high school to college competition. Senior midfielder Nicole Ketchum said that Lori’s presence with the players is priceless. “She has this ability to really seek out the players,” Ketchum said. “She always knows if something is wrong, even if you’re trying to hide it.” But the pitch is not the only place where the Stephensons share turf. Life at the Stephenson home, Phil said, is a place where soccer and coaching become irrelevant. “We joke about it all the time, but the only way to make a marriage and life work is to be able to separate work and

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home,” Phil said. Even when watching a soccer game on television, Phil has two sides that can watch the game: the fan and the coach. He said he prefers to relax and just be the fan when enjoying professional soccer. “Phil comes off as this serious guy, but he’s actually very, very funny,” Ketchum said. “He’s very professional on the field, but he’s definitely the goofy one.” Ketchum said that the one thing that really characterizes the Stephensons as coaches and as people is that they are completely selfless. “They give up so much time for the players, for the team,” Ketchum said. “Their hearts are genuinely into what they do, and to see that really represents the only way that this team can function.”

9/1/10 10:34 PM

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page 6 thursday 9.2.2010

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Rehabilitating & reimagining Brian Wilson shows off songwriting skill in his August release

he chose to complete, “The Like in I Love You.” Honestly, it’s the gem of the album because Wilson doesn’t have to stick to a game plan set to him by Gershwin’s original composition. It sounds like a warm, I love Brian Wilson – I truly believe cozy love song which, let’s face it, is his Beach Boys stuff in the midBrian Wilson’s bread and butter. 1960s (the Today! album through And give that credit to Wilson Pet Sounds) was as good as anythe thing anyone had written in the Arranger — none of the instru20th century. Every child, fresh ments overpower the backout of the womb, should be given ing voices, or the other way a copy of Pet Sounds to learn Kyle around. Instead, we’re treated how music should be written and Cunningham to the two working together to emoted. senior sport carry Wilson’s still-not-perfect management major voice. After that album, however, Wilson fell into a deadly mix of “Nothing But Love,” the overindulgence — everything second completion by Wilson, from food to sleep to drugs — isn’t the home run that “Like” and mental illness — depression and tarwas, but still is more than serviceable. It dive dyskensia, caused by a large amount features strong guitar (but alas, only in the of antipsychotics in the mid-80s. beginning), and has a toe-tapping charm In recent years, he’s released a few to it, even if it’s not going to be albums, including the long-aborted Beach 100 percent memorable by Boys product Smile, most with critical acthe time you’re done claim. Some attest this is more because of with it. the “kid gloves” Wilson has been treated The rest of the with since becoming capable of writing Brian album connects and recording. strongly like Wilson So the debate becomes this — do I treat the four-song Reimagines him with a bit more sympathy, considerPorgy and Gershwin ing what he’s gone through, or treat him Bess suite like any other artist who’s coming down ■ Necessary Tracks: “The (especially Like in I Love You,” “I’ve the pike? the instruGot a Crush on You” The answer is neither and both. You mental “I can’t treat Wilson like anyone else because Got Plenty ■ Released: Aug. 17 he hasn’t been down the same road, but O’ Nuttin’,” ■ Label: Disney he can’t be graded lightly — this man was which could Pearl the best songwriter in the 1960s. sneak its way onto All of that aside, let’s get to the actual Pet Sounds). While album. Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin is the cover of “They exactly what you’d expect — Brian WilCan’t Take That Away son and his band, The Wondermints, plus From Me” isn’t legendary, the an orchestra backing on occasions, putting song has the same driving sound as “Help their own spin on 12 George Gershwin Me Rhonda” and is still damn good. “I’ve songs. The album also includes two songs Got a Crush on You” is sweet and nostalthe composer didn’t finish (“Nothing But gic-sounding (think 50s doo-wop) withLove” and “The Like in I Love You”) out the annoying feeling that it knows it’s due to an early demise at the age of 38. being nostalgic like so many rock stars who From the very beginning, with the release standards albums (here’s looking at nearly a capella, stacked vocal in “Rhapyou, Rod Stewart). sody in Blue,” the thing that hits the The one song that is comhardest is the newfound vigor pletely up in the air for me is in Wilson’s voice, “Let’s Call The Whole Thing which Off,” which bounces between had been fun cover and grating track, hit hard bordering on radio jingle by age and schlock. drugs. Wilson’s best work was His previin the 1960s — I will ous album, admit that, although I That Lucky hope for one last gasp of Old Sun, saw excellence. While this the transformamay not be it — it’s tion start, but tough to make a denow it seems like finitive statement on he’s stronger — he Courtesy photo works such as Gershsays he went to a win’s — it’s still a very vocal coach to pregood album from a very good musician, pare for the album — almost who can arrange music in a way that’s to the point of being where we’d expect a pleasing to the ear and has substance to it. 68-year-old star to be as a singer (any one, Not many musicians can do that. that is, not named Sinatra or McCartney, It isn’t Pet Sounds, but Brian Wilson who didn’t and don’t age vocally). Reimagines Gershwin is an enjoyable album Next comes the first of the two songs from beginning to end.

efore I get into the actual album, let me take you through a bit of the inner conflict I faced in this review.

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9/1/10 9:57 PM

voices

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Take the hint W thebattalion

thursday 9.2.2010

omen can be complicated.

Relax. I am here to help those lost in the intricate maze of relationships. Many have heard of the book and Caroline movie “He’s Just Not That Into Ward You,” by Greg junior Behrendt and Liz communcation Tuccillo. The major general concept gave women around the world a giant reality slap, one many men need even more. The authors had to be cruel to kind, and it was refreshing to have a neutral third party say he’s just not that into you, move on with your life and, most importantly, “don’t waste the pretty.” Let me provide men with the same perspective (minus a few hundred pages). Keep in mind, each woman is different and what is one woman’s way of saying “get away from me before I take out a restraining order” could be another’s way of saying, “go pick out a ring.” But with these few simple tips, hopefully you will have the skills to determine if she is just not that into you. The most obvious clue is if she doesn’t give you her number. The phone number is key for dating and/ or starting a relationship, or even ever seeing her again. Having her number and a conversation with her should be the only way you know where she is, what she is doing, who she is doing it with and, most importantly, if she has any interest in spending time with you. If you are thinking, “Hey, I can do all those things on Facebook!” go back to middle school until you learn how to pick up the phone. “One time, a girl gave me a sixdigit phone number. I think that’s when I realized that she just wasn’t that into me,” said Jevon Jemaa, a sophomore English major. When you ask for a potential date’s number, she will make sure you have said number if she doesn’t find you repulsive. If she’s suddenly Amish when you ask and doesn’t believe in phones, she’s just not that into you. Move on and find someone who is interested in

Osa Okundaye — THE BATTALION

all you have to offer. Her body language and demeanor can say it all. If she leans away from you, she’s just not that into you (unless you don’t smell good, in which case apply deodorant). If she answers your questions with only one-word answers, she’s just not that into you. If she doesn’t make eye contact and never throws a glance your way, she’s just not that into you. If she can’t remember your name, she’s just not

that into you. Even if she is shy, if she is interested, she will make an effort. What if she is playing hard to get? Let me clue you into a big secret: playing hard to get means she’s just not that into you. Suppose she needs to focus on her job or classes or restore a 1968 Mustang and needs to commit her time to that (a.k.a. she doesn’t have time for a relationship). These are called excuses. Many people who make excuses just

don’t want to hurt your feelings, but being nice can be misleading. Guys are likely to think she doesn’t want a relationship because of the above reasons, but she has no interest in you. “Girls will just make up excuses as to why they can’t hang out, but guys never get the hint,” said Ashley Brouillard, a junior finance major. If she can’t see what a great guy you are, find someone who can appreciate you.

This may seem blunt, but don’t waste your time or feelings on someone who’s never going to be into you. Unlike in the movies, in real life romantic gestures that are too forward are more likely earn you a restraining order than win someone’s heart. Don’t lead yourself on chasing a woman you don’t have a romantic future with. Apply these thoughts with your common sense and in the words of Greg Behrendt: “Don’t waste the pretty!”

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resident Barack Obama addressed the nation Tuesday and announced an end to the U.S. combat mission in Iraq. While handing autonomy and control back to Iraqis has to be an eventual exit strategy, the departure of nearly 100,000 U.S. combat troops by July puts too much pressure on a new government. Certainly Iraq is in better shape today than in 2007, but it’s too soon for 50,000 U.S. troops to keep control of the country. In his speech, Obama all but credited former President George W. Bushwith stabilizing the country, mimicking the build-up strategy by sending Gen. David Petraeus to Afghanistan. The surge has been effective, but committing to such a massive reduction in less than a year leaves too much pressure on a country

still unable to completely police itself. It did not take the past seven years of Operation Iraqi Freedom for Obama to sense the country is tired of war. Ending the war in Iraq was one of Ian McPhail many campaign promsenior history ises the president has yet major, voices editor to keep. And with the recession still affecting countless Americans, the Obama administration has surely felt the pressure to end a war that has cost the American taxpayer nearly $750 billion. While violence has decreased in Iraq over the past few years, credit needs to be given to the American military presence. Although the president acknowledged that sacrifice, Obama’s

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ask troops who have already paid a high price speech bore an eerie resemblance to Bush’s to stay longer, with Iran as its nuclear neighinfamous “Mission Accomplished” speech, in bor, America cannot afford to leave Iraqis to which a large banner declared victory as the their fate. death toll climbed. A reduction of troops is ultimately the Terrorism has changed the scope goal in an occupation, but as recently as and length of war. Sending 100,000 2004 the U.S. still had 70,000 troops troops home or to Afghanistan Conﬂict in stationed across Germany. The idea will leave Iraq vulnerable in a Iraq is far that Iraqis need less of a military presdangerously unstable region. As from over. ence than a western democracy 15 Iran marches towards nuclear war, years after the Berlin Wall is ridicutroops may ultimately be necessary www.villagefoods.com lous. to fight more than terrorists. Alof your beliefs on the legitiready, Iraqi insurgents have an ally to We make it easy Regardless to... macy of the war, more than 4,000 Americans the east willing to fund and support attacks have lost their lives in the conflict; we owe it against the American military. to them to remain committed to the cause they No one can fault Americans who want this died for. Every American can agree Iraq should war to be over, but a declaration of victory be governed and policed by Iraqis, but as much still seems premature. When Bush entered as we’d like to, Americans cannot end the war the war in 2003, few predicted an occupation too soon. lasting into the next decade. While it’s hard to

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US moves toward Iraq pullout BAGHDAD — The U.S. on Wednesday moved into the ﬁnal phase of its military involvement in Iraq, with administration ofﬁcials saying the war was ending even as the new commander of the remaining 50,000 troops warned of the ongoing threat from “hostile elements.” A six-month stalemate over forming a new Iraqi government has raised concerns about the country’s stability and questions over whether the leadership can cope with the insurgency.

25 dead in Pakistan bombing LAHORE, Pakistan — Three bombs ripped through a Shiite Muslim religious procession in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore on Wednesday, killing 25 people and wounding about 150 others, ofﬁcials said. The explosions appeared to be the latest in a string of attacks by Sunni extremists against the minority Shiites they consider inﬁdels. Allied with alQaida and the Taliban, the bombers are also seeking to destabilize Pakistan’s U.S.backed government.

South China landslide kills 3 BEIJING — Rescuers are searching for 57 people missing after a landslide hit southern China and killed at least three people. The official Xinhua News Agency reported Thursday that the landslide hit Wama village in the southwestern province of Yunnan on Wednesday night. Rescue efforts could be hindered by additional heavy rains in Yunnan that the Central Meteorological Station expects through the weekend. China regularly suffers devastating floods, but this year’s were the worst in a decade. Xinhua reported late Tuesday that the death toll from floods has risen to 3,185, with more than 1,000 people still missing across the country.

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An Afghan refugee stands over the rubble of his house destroyed by floods in Pakistan.

Floods devastate Afghan refugees AZAKHEL, Pakistan — After fleeing the So- refugee camp, 95 miles (150 kilometers) from the viet invasion of his country with nothing, Afghan capital, Islamabad. www.villagefoods.com refugee Ziarat Gul spent three decadesWe building a it easy All ofto... their homes, made of mud and loose make new life in neighboring Pakistan. brick, are gone. Unable to open bank accounts After the devastating floods that rolled across because of their refugee status, they kept their Pakistan last month, he is back to nothing. cash savings in their houses. Much of that disapGul and tens of thousands of other Afghan peared as well, with the refugees accusing neighrefugees here are struggling to recover from a boring villagers of looting it. double tragedy, seeing their homes across the Gul, who lived with his extended family of 22 border engulfed by war and then their refugee people, kept 200,000 rupees ($2,300) as well as camps here demolished by floods. jewelry in a wooden box in a cupboard. Now, he “Again, I am left with only the clothes I am can’t even find the cupboard. wearing,” the 60-year-old said. “Everything vanished,” he said. The floods, which swamped wide swathes of Nearly 70,000 Afghan refugees in 13 camps the country and left 8 million people in need of were affected by the floods, said Ariane Rumaid, will hammer Pakistan’s economy and lead mery, a spokeswoman for the U.N. refugee agenwww.villagefoods .com to “massive” job losses, Prime Minister Yousuf cy. Many refugees complain that they have not We make it easy to eat better Raza Gilani said Wednesday, predicting a grim yet received any aid; Rummery said the agency couple of years for the already fragile country. has sent tents, tarps and mosquito nets to the refuOne-fifth of the country’s irrigation infrastruc- gees, but has yet to reach everyone. ture, livestock and crops were destroyed, and The scene in Azakhel, the largest of the dethe reduction in agriculture will snowball into stroyed camps, is a testament to the ferocity of other parts of the economy, he told his Cabi- the floodwaters that overflowed the rivers rushnet. The situation is particularly grim for Gul ing down from the mountainous northwest in and the 23,000 other residents of the Azakhel the past month.

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Netanyahu at the White House. Hamas has claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s shootings. In an address to Hamas members, Gaza strongman Mahmoud Zahar said the movement would resist

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peace efforts and criticized the Palestinian president for joining the negotiations. Following Tuesday’s fatal shooting, Jewish settler leaders said they would unilaterally resume construction in the West Bank.

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242 raped near Congo UN base JOHANNESBURG — Congolese community leaders say they begged local U.N. ofﬁcials and army commanders to protect villagers days before rebels gang-raped scores of people, from a month-old baby boy to a 110-year-old great-great-grandmother. The rapes occurred in and around Luvungi, a village of about 2,200 people that is a half-hour drive from a U.N. peacekeepers’ camp and a 90-minute ride from a base for hundreds of Congolese troops. The number of people treated for rape in the July 30 to Aug. 4 attacks now stands at 242. The rebels occupied

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A Congolese girl walks past a United Nations peacekeeper as he stands watch in eastern Congo. the area for more than four days until they withdrew voluntarily. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared his outrage and sent his assistant secretarygeneral for peacekeeping, Atul

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