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Committee keeps search process open Julie Rambin The Battalion The Presidential Search Committee announced in an open forum Thursday that candidates’ names will not be publicized, but the finalists might be. At Rudder Theater, faculty and students gathered to ask questions. “We want to hear what you’re thinking,” said committee chair and regent Richard Box. “All of us sitting at the table
here are committed to this process.” The committee discussed the ongoing survey regarding what attributes would be desirable in a new Texas A&M University president. The survey is online at tamu.edu/president/search/index.html and will be open for comment until Sept. 30. “You can be assured, the committee takes those [survey] comments very seriously,” said committee member Neal Adams. “We really need your input.”
Study: texting while driving dangerous Rachel Latham The Battalion With fall classes starting, Texas A&M University students are back on College Station roads, and some will be using cell phones to text while driving. “Students need to be made aware of the deadly consequences of texting while driving,” said Kristi Hosea, master officer voices | 7 for the Texas A&M University Police crime preColumnist Kat vention unit. Drinkwater Anything that takes a discusses the driver’s eyes from the road dangers of texting is dangerous, but according to Virginia Tech Transand driving. portation Institute (VTTI), texting has the highest risk of causing a crash. VTTI also found that texting distracts a driver’s eyes off the road for the longest amount of time. Writing a typical text message can distract a driver’s eyes from the road for approximately 4.6 seconds over an interval of six seconds. While driving 55 mph for six seconds, a driver could travel the length of an entire football field without looking at the road. “Just think of a child in the bathtub, the phone rings and the mother leaves the child unattended to answer the phone instead of letting it just
Some students raised concerns that the Board of Regents had chosen a candidate prior to the search. “I don’t think that is happening,” Box said. “The next president of Texas A&M will have to go through this committee to be selected. I think that the work we do will put that question to rest.” During the search process, the names of the candidates will not be publicly released. Finalists will also have the option of remaining anonymous.
Video
“It would be much better if we had finalists who would go public. I don’t think that we can ensure that it will absolutely happen,” said committee member and geography professor Robert Bednarz. “The plan is to bring people to College Station to meet with stakeholder groups, so that even if their names are not public, we as the Aggie community can be sure that there is a relatively large group of people that have
Students share what qualities they want in the next president.
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See Open Forum on page 4
13 from
2013
See Texting on page 4
2 rob man at gunpoint A man was robbed near his apartment at 503 Southwest Parkway around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, according to College Station Police. The victim said two black males approached him as he was walking back to his apartment. The men demanded his keys, wallet and phone, and then fled the scene without harming the victim. It remains unclear if the two men were armed. Police reported that the victim called 9-1-1, but after searching the Madison Pointe apartment complex, they were unable to locate the suspects. Daphne Cheke, a sophomore biology major and resident of Madison Pointe apartments, was returning from the football game when the incident occurred. “I am definitely going to be more cautious, and I’m going to try to not go out at night alone,” Cheke said. “I don’t feel that safe anymore, and I need to be more aware of my surroundings.” The suspects were described as tall males both appearing to be in their 30s and both wearing dark-colored clothing. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the College Station Police Department at 979-764-3600. Hunter Lockhart, staff writer
A&M ranks top of class Texas A&M University ranks at the top of the class for its focus “on education, not reputation,” according to the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA). WhatWillTheyLearn.com, a project by the ACTA, rates the core subjects required by colleges and universities. The Web site based its ratings on composition, literature, foreign language, U.S. government or history, economics, mathematics and natural or physical science. Texas A&M met six of the seven requirements, placing it among one of only seven institutions to be ranked as an “A” school. The University of Texas at Austin also received an “A,” while Texas Tech University scored a “B” and Rice University was given a grade of “F.” According to the Web site, the seven core subjects give students “the knowledge and skills they need to compete in the global marketplace, lead our nation thoughtfully and be lifelong learners.” “I’m glad to hear that Texas A&M is one of the leading schools on education,” said sophomore political science major Emma Locke. “It’s good to see that people are realizing that you don’t have to go to a prestigious school to get a great education.” Jane Lee, staff writer
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Jon Eilts — THE BATTALION
Freshmen lead Aggies past Lobos, 41-6
Jonny Green — THE BATTALION
Members of Percussion Studio create rhythm onstage at First Yell Friday. The organization was one of several student groups to perform before Jeff Dunham’s comedy act. scene | 3
Jon Eilts — THE BATTALION
Top: Defensive back Jordan Pugh holds the ball high at the end of the football game against the University of New Mexico. Bottom: Members of the Corps of Cadets walk onto Kyle Field for the first time of the 2009 football season. sports | 5
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MSC Fish, a Freshman Leadership Organization, kicked off the football season Saturday prior to the game by running an inflatable obstacle course called the “Fanzone� for the young Aggie fans.
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MANAGUA, Nicaragua — Nicaragua’s San Cristobal volcano has let off a series of explosions, spewing gases and showering ash on nearby towns. There are no reports of injuries or damage. Civil Defense Maj. Carlos Caceres says Sunday’s blasts prompted ofďŹ cials to issue an alert for 25 districts near the volcano. The 5,725-foot volcano is located about 70 miles northwest of Managua, near the Honduran border. San Cristobal’s last such activity occurred three years ago. Associated Press
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Navy ships approach the tilted Superferry 9 off Zamboanga del Norte province, southern Philippines, Sunday. Rescuers transferred 900 of 968 passengers and crewmen to two nearby commercial ships, a navy gunboat and a fishing boat from the sinking ferry. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Philippine ferry capsizes MANILA, Philippines — Passengers leapt into the dark sea and parents dropped children into life rafts when a ferry carrying nearly 1,000 people capsized in the middle of the night in the southern Philippines. Nine people died and more than 30 were missing though rescue efforts saved about 900 terrified victims on the Superferry 9 early Sunday after it turned on its side 9 miles off Zamboanga del Norte province. The vessel’s violent rotation roused frightened passengers from their sleep and sent many jumping in the darkness into the water, coast guard chief Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo said. Many aboard panicked as the
huge ferry listed, said passenger Reymark Belgira. He said he saw parents tossing children to people on life rafts below, but he could not immediately jump himself. “I held on to the ferry for hours until daybreak. I couldn’t jump into the water in the dark,� Belgira said. Rescuers transferred 926 of 968 passengers and crewmen to two nearby commercial ships, a navy gunboat and a fishing boat, Tamayo said. A search was under way for 33 missing people. “We really hope they’re just unaccounted for due to the confusion,� Tamayo told The Associated Press. A coast guard statement said rescue efforts were continued
through the night. The cause of the listing was not clear. The ferry skipper initially ordered everyone on board to abandon ship as a precautionary step, said Jess Supan, vice president of Aboitiz Transport System, which owns the steel-hulled ferry. There were reports the 7,268-ton vessel listed to the right because of a hole in the hull, the National Disaster Coordinating Council said. The ferry left the southern port city of General Santos on Saturday and was scheduled to arrive in Iloilo city in the central Philippines on Sunday but ran into problems midway, Tamayo said. Associated Press
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THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University. Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. News 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 979-8450569. 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 979845-2613.
9/6/09 10:56 PM
scene
First Yell
thebattalion the battalion 9.7.2009 page3
a whoop ing success Megan Ryan The Battalion
Photos by Jonny Green — THE BATTALION
Ventriloquist and comedian Jeff Dunham performs with his puppet “Walter” Friday at First Yell. Dunham performed with five of his puppets and showed a clip of his upcoming reality comedy show, which will air on Comedy Central in October.
Pg. 3-09.07.09.indd 1
Reed Arena was roaring with whoops and laughter Friday at First Yell. Current and former students packed the place, sat down, read the program and committed to more than three hours of non stop laughter. “I think everything went excellent,” said Rusty Thompson, associate director of student affairs and adviser to the yell leaders. “I think the production was great — the opening acts, the guitar man and then Jeff gave the crowd everything they expected and more.” All the effort that went into First Yell paid off and was well worth it, according to students. “It was one of those funny, chill atmospheres,” said Cassey Bell, junior recreation, parks and tourism sciences major. “Everyone was whooping, and Jeff was including us in the show with all the whooping and hissing. Aggie jokes were coming out everywhere, and it was really funny.” The yell leaders surprised their fellow students when they took the stage with opening acts and showed off dance moves and supreme attitude. “I did really enjoy Jeff, but seeing the yell leaders dance with Fade 2 Black was pretty awesome,” Bell said. The Singing Cadets shocked the crowd when the group performed personal renditions of a few songs by the Temptations. Students were impressed by the Cadets’ hidden talent of dancing gracefully and hilariously while still maintaining a perfect pitch. “We tried to spice it up a bit with the yell leaders being more involved with the student acts,” Thompson said. “Everyone up there just
made the night really special.” After the student acts, Brian Haner, also known as the “Guitar Man,” took the stage where just about every word that came out of his mouth was humorous and entertaining. He did some stand-up comedy, and then blew the audience away when he started playing guitar. Then Jeff Dunham took the stage, and even after students thought they didn’t have it in them to laugh anymore — they laughed some more, Thompson said. “Everyone was rolling laughing in the aisles,” Thompson said. Dunham informed the crowd of his new show which premieres in October on Comedy Central. He showed the audience clips of what he calls a “reality comedy show” so the world could see what real life is like for him and his puppets, “I thought the show was fantastic and Jeff Dunham was a great entertainer to bring to Texas A&M,” said Alex Grant, junior ocean engineering major and member of the Aggie Wranglers. He then brought out Walter, Achmed the Dead Terrorist, Peanut, Jose Jalapeno on a stick and Bubba. Bubba’s act was a favorite because the audience was saying his lines simultaneously with Jeff Dunham. At one point Bubba commented, “this sounds like some weird kind of church…we will now read from the book of Bubba.” Dunham and his puppet said they were both impressed with the fans’ perfect delivery of the lines. After the performance, many Aggies headed to Kyle Field for yell practice and mugging down — the Aggie way to end a perfect evening.
9/6/09 8:55 PM
news
page 4 monday 9.7.2009
thebattalion
Texas faces doctor shortage AUSTIN, Texas — Advocacy groups say the number of primary care physicians in Texas isn’t keeping pace with the state’s growing population, with rural areas taking the hardest hit. The state’s high birth rate and the influx of new residents from other states also comes as about one in four Texas residents goes without health insurance — the highest rate in the country, said Tom Banning, CEO of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians. “There aren’t enough doctors currently practicing in Texas to care for the folks we have, much less the uninsured,” Banning said. There are 27 Texas counties that have no doc-
tor at all, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Some residents must travel across counties to find basic medical care. Reforms adopted in 2003 that limited medical liability brought a significant number of primary care doctors to Texas, but attracting them to rural areas was a problem, said Jon Opelt, executive director for Texas Alliance for Patient Access. Banning said the doctor shortage also could be alleviated under proposed national health care reforms that would change how Medicare, and thus private insurers, pay doctors. Associated Press
Student Body President Kolin Loveless and other members of the Presidential Search Committee address student concerns about the selection of a University president Thursday in Rudder Theater. Stephen Fogg — THE BATTALION
Open Forum Continued from page 1
met with these candidates.” A well-known scholar with experience in administration would be the best choice for a president, said professor emerita Diane Kaplan. “Once upon a time we came up with a Vision 2020. In the meantime every year, ‘U.S. News and World Report’ comes out with the rankings and we’re not in the Top 10,” Kaplan said. “I think
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we should be looking for ... provosts and deans of some of the best schools in the country. I don’t want anything less than that for Texas A&M.” Attaining top 10 status, however, is less important than upholding the core values and traditions of the university, said student senator and junior chemical engineering major Scott Bowen. “While it’s important to have really good academic credentials, to be a top university, Texas A&M is so much more than that,” Bowen said. “We
need to have a university president who understands that, who knows what it means to be an Aggie.” A legacy of academic competence and proven leadership would be necessary in a competitive candidate, said committee member and distinguished professor of aerospace engineering John Junkins. “We have to have a broad, strong, well-qualified person,” Junkins said. “How do we move to the next level here? I’m looking for someone with gravitas and strength. It’s a tough job to be a president.” Communication and information access is a top priority for the committee in this search, Bednarz said. “The more information we can make public, the better we can keep everybody informed, the better it will be for us,” Bednarz said. “We want all of you to have faith that we are doing our best, that things are proceeding smoothly.”
Texting Continued from page 1
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ring,” Hosea said. “The phone conversation takes a few seconds longer than the mother planned, and the kid drowns in the bathtub. “The same thing happens with text messaging; the driver is not paying attention to the road,” Hosea said. “What happens when someone steps out into the road or the car in front of you has to slam on their brakes?” U.S. Transportation secretary Ray LaHood will hold a distracted driving summit in late September to raise awareness of the dangers of text messaging and other distractions. “I plan to announce a list of concrete steps we will take to make drivers think twice about taking their eyes off the road for any reason,” LaHood said. A recent public service announcement video produced in part by UK police illustrated the potential dangers of texting while driving. Three women are shown talking while driving down a highway. The driver is texting, and crosses into the other lane, colliding with oncoming traffic. The driver lives, but the passengers, as well as two others involved in the accident, are killed. This video has been shown in schools throughout the UK. Currently, 17 states and the District of Columbia have laws banning texting while driving. The Texas Legislature approved a bill stating that drivers may not use mobile devices while in active school zones. The governor signed it into law June 19 and the law became effective on Sept. 1. “The law does prohibit the use of all phones in school zones,” said College Station Police Department public information officer Lt. Rodney Sigler. However, the department will not be enforcing this law until signs are posted in front of school zones, Sigler said.
9/6/09 11:05 PM
sports
On the web Take a peek at the post-game press conference with Head Coach Mike Sherman, Christine Michael, Jerrod Johnson and others.
thebatt.com
thebattalion 9.7.2009 page5
Sweet victory
Soccer splits road games T.D. Durham The Battalion
Jon Eilts — THE BATTALION
Sophomore quarterback Jerrod Johnson went 31-41 and had 349 passing yards in A&M’s 41-6 victory against New Mexico.
A&M football earns its first 2009 win 41-6 Brad Cox The Battalion Texas A&M made sure the past stayed in the past. With the help of 13 true freshmen, five redshirt freshmen and a multi-pronged offensive attack, the Aggies blasted New Mexico 41-6, preventing a repeat of the 2008 season opening loss. “There’s a lot of things we can learn from this game, and a lot of areas that we need to improve in,� said A&M Head Coach Mike Sherman. “But I thought one area was that the kids really came to play.� The young guns led the way, accounting
for 233 of A&M’s 606 total offensive yards in the game. The output was the best offensive production in a single game for the Aggies since Sherman took over in 2008. It was freshman running back Christine Michael who stole the show. Listed third on the depth chart behind sophomores Cyrus Gray and Bradley Stephens, Michael exploded onto Kyle Field in the second quarter during A&M’s third scoring drive of the game. During the seven-play, 80-yard drive, Michael strung together three rushes for 56 yards. Though Gray ultimately earned the touchdown of the drive, with a 13-yard rush up the middle to give the Aggies a 17-0 lead, Michael was not finished.
In the opening drive of the third quarter, junior quarterback Jerrod Johnson showed off A&M’s passing game by completing six consecutive passes for 62 yards of an 86-yard drive. With six yards to the goal line, Johnson handed the ball over to Michael twice for a rush of four yards and a rush of two yards to give Michael his first career touchdown and put A&M up 27-3. “As far as the freshmen, we are all in it together,� said Michael, who finished with 93 rushing yards in his debut. “We look up to those older guys. They are like brothers to us. We came here, and they took us in under See Football on page 6
GIVE
The No. 10-ranked Texas A&M soccer team split a pair of games this weekend against two Californian opponents. The Aggies opened the first of a three-game road stint with a 1-0 loss to the No. 14 California Golden Bears on Friday. The two ranked teams were at a stalemate for the majority of the game, as both sides combined for a total of only five shots on goal in the match. Going into halftime, the Aggies were tied with California 0-0. “It was a tough game, fast-paced and combative,� said A&M Head Coach G Guerrieri. “It was one of the back-andforth contests that you’re waiting to see who’s going to get the break-through moment and Cal got it, and then held on.� In the second half, A&M threatened when junior forward Whitney Hooper crossed the ball to freshman forward Kim Castleberry, who found the back of the net only to be called offsides, negating the goal. The Bears turned in the only goal of the night in the 70th minute, when junior forward Lisa Kevorkian found the upper corner of the net from nearly 20 yards out.
The lone goal proved to be the game-winner as the Aggies were unable to answer in the remainder of the game. The Aggies moved to 2-2-0 in 2009, while California improved to 2-1-0 overall. A&M took to the pitch again Sunday and won its third match of the season with a 2-1 victory against the St. Mary’s Gaels. The Aggies took control of the game in the 27th minute, when sophomore defender Bri Young scored the game’s first goal off of an assist from teammate sophomore defender and midfielder Becca Herrera. A&M, which took 11 shots and six shots on goal during the game, continued to attack and converted again in the 41st minute. Senior midfielder Amber Gnatzig capitalized on a pair of assists from her teammates and drove the ball into the back of the net to give the Aggies a 2-0 lead going into halftime. The goal was her first of the season. A&M’s defense stood out in the match, allowing only one shot in regulation, a penalty shot in the 49th minute. Senior Gael forward Jessica Menzhuber converted the penalty, the only goal for St. Mary’s in the match, after the Aggies See Soccer on page 6
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Absolutely 1 Fun Laugh-A-Lot Defensive Driving! Ticket dismissal/insurance discount. W&Th (6pm-9pm) or Sat (8am-2:30pm). Walk-ins welcome. At Denny’s (across from TAMU). $25 cash, restrictions apply. 979-694-8888.
3/2 House w/study-Wolf Pen Area! Close to shuttle, w/d conn, fenced w/ lawn care, www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291.
Ag and hunting fans go to www.collegiatecamo.com and receive 10% off first order! Deer hunters water fowl pheasant boating combined with Ag pride! Enter code AGGIE10 for discount.
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. Our food will delight you, our prices will please you, our service will impress you! La Riviera 3700 South Texas Bryan.
BED AND BREAKFAST www.thebirdsnestcottage.webs.co m check pics and prices only 15 minutes from town.
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. $900, Available Now, PRE-LEASE, 3, 4 bdrm. houses near TAMU, pets ok. Call Agent Ardi 979-422-5660. 1-3/bedroom apartments. Some with w/d, some near campus. $175-$600/mo. 979-696-2038. 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. 2 rooms for rent! at 1207 Hardwood, $375/mo., plus split utilites. call 214-213-9718. 2/1 Duplex, faux wood floors, w/d conn, lawn care provided. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291. 2/1 fourplex, 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/1.5ba townhouse located less than 2mi from campus. all deposits and September rent paid. Large pet friendly. Call 979-703-7203. 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 3 bedroom 2 bath, like brand New! $900/mo. pets OK. Available Now! 622-624 San Mario, 979-255-2704. 3/2 house, quiet neighborhood. Pets ok. Available now. 1057 Windmeadows, 979-255-2705.
3/2/2 Townhome, close to campus, w/d, fridge, fenced backyard. Avail$1300/month. able now, 832-863-5911. 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. 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 4bd/2ba, 2-living, 2-dining, 2-car garage, security system. Available now. $1600/mo. Call 979-587-2550. Affordable country living, four minutes to campus, 2bd townhouses with fenced courtyards, were $795/mo now $595/mo, 979-777-3371. Ag Special! 1805 Briaroaks, got 5 to 6 roommates? this colonial mansion is perfect, behind Hilton, fantastic deal, covered parking, shuttle bus, only $375/person, call 979-777-3371. Available Now for rent! 3bdrm/2ba. with 3 acres fenced with pasture $1000/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. +study house w/laundry room! 504 Cooner, 5min. walk to campus, fenced, detatched storage building, pets 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 Efficiencies and 2 bedrooms. 1mo. free rent. 979-693-1906. Large 2bd/2ba. condo. All new on inside. Water paid. 1901 W.Holleman, $650/mo. 979-693-1448. 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. The Woodlands Complex 2Bdrm 1st-Floor flat. $625/mo per bedroom. Utilities paid. 832-731-2627. 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.
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. Sony 52” widescreen projection HD TV $500. Like new! 979-229-7412 STUDENTS! When you find you need $$, a different look for your room, or want to share suggestions for college life, check out www.HisListing.com here you can buy, sell, barter.
HELP WANTED Ag Football Concession Staff. Champion Concessions will be providing Dippin’ Dots at all home football games. We are looking for energetic students to work in a fun and fast-paced environment. Pay is $8.50 -$15/hr. Email louie@championconcessions.com 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 Babysitter needed. Must be fluent in Spanish. 9am-2pm M-F. Must have references. Please email information to csmith@aggielandcarpetone.com Child Care- FT & PT shifts available. Some nights & Saturdays required. Apply in person at 3609 E. 29th St., Bryan. Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment. 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. COACHES WANTED! We need enthusiastic, positive, motivational volunteer coaches for Girls Volleyball. Call 764-6386. COACHES WANTED! We need enthusiastic, positive, motivational volunteer coaches for Youth Flag Football. Call 764-3424. Experienced part-time lawn maintenance workers needed. $7.50/hr. Call Kirk, 979-324-2719. House keeper needed, 15-20 hrs/wk, $8.64/hr. Email me at barrmri@yahoo.com J. Cody’s hiring part-time cashiers. Apply within. 3610 S. College. No experience necessary, just common sense! Local business needs office assistant M-F. No weekends. Apply at 3320 S. College Avenue 979-779-7044.
COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK
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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 A+Teacup puppies: Maltese, Shorkies, Maltipoos, Yorkies &Poodles. $500 &up. 979-324-2866, linda_d_54@yahoo.com Adopt Pets: Dogs, Cats, Puppies, Kittens, Many purebreds. Brazos Animal Shelter, 979-775-5755, www.brazosanimalshelter.org Australian shepherds for sale. Puppies and adults. Call Vivian 979-777-1093.
Nick Badger — THE BATTALION
Sophomore A&M place kicker Randy Bullock boots the opening kick off in the Aggies’ first game of the 2009 season. Bullock was 2-2 in field goals and kicked five extra points in the victory.
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 1-Male roommate wanted in 4bd house. $300/mo. +1/4 bills. 979-777-4379. 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. 1-roommate needed Fall, & Spring. 4/2 house. 2505 Antietam. $400/mo +1/4 utilities. Clara, 361-463-1727. Roomate needed for 3/2 house in Rantree. $350 +1/3 utilities. 979-324-9485. 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.
SERVICES Conversational Czech language class. Call Trent 618-334-4584 or e-mail trentpearson@gmail.com
Howdy! Are you taking Anatomy and Physiology this semester? Get online help at www.mrfordsclass.net -Hours of lecture videos, interactive exam reviews and notes that can be printed out and taken to class.
puzzle answers can be found online at www.thebatt.com
Football
Upcoming
Continued from page 5
their wings. We all just did the best that we could.” In the receiving corps, freshmen Uzoma Nwachukwu, Kenric McNeal and Brandal Jackson accounted for 122 receiving yards and one touchdown. By comparison, sophomore receiver Jeff Fuller had 111 yards and one touchdown. “Tonight was a great coming out party for us,” said Nwachukwu, who had a 42-yard reception during the first quarter that led to the first touchdown of the game, a 16-yard scrambling touchdown by Johnson. “Jerrod had a great throw on that ball; he judged it right. I just went up and made the catch.” Johnson threw the ball to 10 different receivers in the game, tallying 349 passing yards and two touchdowns against the Lobos. His first touchdown was on a seven-yard pass to Fuller with 31 seconds remaining in the third quarter. In the Aggies’ first offensive drive of the fourth quarter, Johnson connected with freshman McNeal for his second passing touchdown on a 44yard pass. “A lot of our veteran guys did their best to get the fresh-
Soccer Continued from page 5
www.AggieNetwork.com
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STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in College Station. 100% free to join. Click on surveys. Supplement your college income! Work your own business, “energy drinks” -better health -both physically and financially. If motivated contact Tammie at 979-690-6513. The Corner Bar &Grill now hiring. All positions available. Apply in person.
TUTORS Vail Beaver Creek Keystone Arapahoe Basin
sports
page 6
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. Musicians needed for small baptist church Sunday services. Instruments needed are drums, strings, and brass. Contact Mary at mary@christsway.org or 979-776-5000. 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. Pulltab manager needed for large bingo hall. Full-time 2-10pm 6 days/week. Email resume to brazosbingo@verizon.net Retired professor desires Upperclassmen to assist in memoirs. Call 979-690-6192.
breckenridge
FOR SALE 16’ Aluminum Boat with 40HP Mercury, ideal for fishing or hunting, asking $2500/obo, 979-450-5666.
HELP WANTED Marketer needed for well established t-shirt company. Full or part time. No experience necessary. Call Kelly Sims, 936-661-1049.
were called for a handball in the penalty box. A&M held on for the rest of the match and improved its overall record to 3-2-0 this season, while the Gaels fell to 2-30 in 2009.
A&M will take the next week off before playing Utah State on Sept. 19 at Kyle Field. men ready,” Johnson said. “But I think a lot of it has to do with them as people. A lot of times, freshmen come in with a big head, but they came in and accepted everything. They accepted the help.” The original Wrecking Crew appeared to be in control on the defensive side of the ball, holding New Mexico to two field goals for six points and 231 total offensive yards, their best performance in the Sherman era. Junior “jack” Von Miller was a frequent predator in the backfield, sacking Lobos quarterback Donovan Porterie three times and recording five tackles. “We had a chip on our shoulder from last season,” Miller said. “Last season wasn’t a good season for our defense or our whole team. We just went out there, the defense, and just played.” Though A&M did not turn the ball over against New Mexico, the Aggies were plagued by penalties with 14 for 123 yards, sometimes negating long passing and running plays.
“Any road win is a good one,” Guerrieri said. “We will look at this weekend as another good learning experience for our team and have to continue to get better this week in training.” The Aggies will face off against No. 1-ranked, and reigning national champion, the University of North Carolina, Saturday in Chapel Hill, N.C.
STUDIES IN PROGRESS SWIMMER’S EAR/EAR INFECTION STUDY Volunteers ages 12 and older are needed to participate in a 3 week long clinical research study of an investigational ear drop for the treatment of SWIMMERS EAR (external ear infection). Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study related ear exams by the doctor • Study examinations or placebo (ear drops) • Compensation up to $200 for time and effort For more information please contact:
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
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voices
EDITOR’SNOTE The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants in this paper do not necessarily reflect those of Texas A&M University, The Battalion or its staff.
thebattalion
9.7.2009 page7
Texting Miss Daisy MAILCALL Studies show that cell phone use can be as dangerous as drunk driving.
I
need technology like a 4-year-old needs cotton candy. It may just be a really strong want, but it sure feels like a requirement. When Gmail was down last week I could only think of all the things that I couldn’t do without it. When I go back to my home county, which has a telephone co-op that blocks out all major carriers, I feel a physical loss with the absence of my signal bars. I need to be able to get in touch with anyone at any time, which is why I think nothing of calling someone while I’m on the road. But that’s changing as cell phone laws already present in other states creep into Texas. Six states already ban handheld cell phones for all drivers and 18 ban text messaging. Texas’ first foray into cell phone legislation took effect Sept. 1, and bans the use of cell phones in school zones, as well as for drivers under the age of 18. The restriction has some caveats that prevent it from being exercised to its full effect, the greatest of which is that, in order to ticket drivers for the offense, signs must be posted outside the school zone. Despite the small scope of the restriction, the law has met a frosty reception. Still, I don’t think it’s a bad idea. For one thing, there is that memorable “Mythbusters” episode where they demonstrated that talking on a cell phone was more impairing than driving a little bit drunk. However, despite their precedent for mostly foolproof and highly entertaining tests, that experiment had a lot
From Nicholas Stolfi, senior university studies agriculture major.
Evan Andrews — THE BATTALION
Kat Drinkwater
I was on campus today and was getting on Wehner Express to head over for my last class of the day, and saw about 20 people on the MSC grass, and this really upset me. I know the fence is now blocking the view of the sign asking not to be on the grass because of the memorial, but that should still be common knowledge not to be on that grass. What surprised me more is that no one asked them to step off, if I wasn’t in such a state of shock I would have gone over myself and told them why Aggies don’t go on the grass.
of flaws. Fortunately, slightly more reliable research has been conducted elsewhere. In 2001, the University of Utah demonstrated that hands-free cell phones are just as distracting as handheld ones. A study published in 2006 found that people were as impaired while talking on a cell phone as they were driving with a .08 percent blood alcohol count. The drivers on cells were slower to brake than in their control runs, and their following distance varied wildly as their attention on the road and the car in front of them faded in and out. In fact, the only wrecks during the experimental test drives occurred when drivers were on cell phones, not when they had been drinking. Perhaps the most important results to come out of the Utah studies were published in 2008, with tests that compared conversations with a passenger to the same conversation held on a hands-free cell phone. It’s a common misconception that it’s the message and not the medium that distracts the driver, an experiment
notably not tested by the “Mythbusters.” The results are clear, while talking to a passenger had virtually no impact on driving, talking on a cell phone impaired drivers’ ability to stay in their own lane and made them four times as likely to miss their destination. In the end it’s really a simple issue. Talking on a cell phone, no matter if it’s hands-free or handheld, seriously impairs your ability to drive. We all know that drunk driving is a foolish and reckless act that endangers not only the driver, but everyone else on the road. It’s time talking on a cell phone took on that same stigma. I’ll be the first to say that I really like my phone and I’m going to be annoyed by not using it, even just in school zones. But, like that 4-year-old with the cotton candy, I don’t actually need technology every minute to survive, and too much can be a very bad thing.
TOSUBMIT Mail call must be fewer than 200 words and include the author’s name, classification, major and phone number. Staff and faculty must include title. Guest columns must be fewer than 700 words. All submissions should focus on issues not personalities, become property of The Battalion and are subject to editing for style, clarity and space concerns. Anonymous letters will be read, but not printed. The Battalion will print only one letter per author per month. No mail call will appear in The Battalion’s print or online editions before it is verified. Direct all correspondence to: Editor in chief of The Battalion (979) 845-3315 | mailcall@thebatt.com
Kat Drinkwater is a University Studies-Honors: psychology and neuroscience major.
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Calif. wildfire half contained LOS ANGELES — With the massive wildfire burning north of Los Angeles more than half contained, hand crews were working Sunday to keep the fire’s eastern flank from crossing a rural mountain highway, a U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman said. The fire, which started Aug. 26, has killed two firefighters, blackened nearly 246 square miles of the Angeles National Forest and destroyed at least 76 homes. Authorities on Sunday were trying to determine who set the deadly fire. Associated Press
Texas A&M University Yearbook
comic
Layoffs toughest on young, older workers
Are you an Accounting/Finance Major? Dairy Queen is seeking a Junior or Senior to assist our Accounting/Finance staff 20 hours/week. This position pays $11.00/hour. 3.00 GPA required. We are located at The Metroplex Centre on 3833 S. Texas Avenue. For more details about the position, contact us at 1-800-729-2226. Submit resumes to teamdq@smithdq.com.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Marcus Wells and Shirley Walker view their economic prospects from opposite ends of the age spectrum. Wells, 25, was initially optimistic about his prospects for finding a new job after he was laid off as a systems analyst in January in San Jose, Calif. Now unemployment has begun to wear on him, and he believes his age has factored into his frustration. “More experienced people are getting hired, and they’re downgrading their skills to get the job,” Wells said. “I feel like I’m competing with older workers, not college graduates. It wears on your confidence.” Walker, 58, lost her job running a nonprofit which helped minority women in business in Orlando and hasn’t had any luck finding new work in the three months since. “What they tell us is that they’re looking for more mature and experienced workers, but they want us to work for less, or what they could pay younger people to do,” she said recently outside an Orlando job fair. “Maybe younger people would be willing or able to accept lesser pay.” Would-be retirees have watched their savings dwindle and health care costs soar, while workers recently out of school and burdened by debt try to advance in careers that no longer have room for them. The results show up on the map: Places with high concentrations of people in their
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Marcus Wells prepares his job resume in this Sept. 1 photo in his bedroom in San Jose, Calif. late 20s or nearing what they thought would be their retirement age are feeling the recession the hardest, as measured by The Associated Press Economic Stress Index. The index assigns each county a score from 1 to 100, with higher numbers reflecting greater stress, based on its unemployment, foreclosures and bankruptcy rates. The groups associated with the highest stress scores in each U.S. county are men and women between ages 25 and 29 and women over age 55. That doesn’t necessarily mean having a high percentage of people in those groups causes a county’s economic health to worsen, though the two appear to go hand in hand. Experts said a variety of factors may be at play. Young adults are more at risk for losing their jobs and homes
in a recession, while people later in life are more likely to declare bankruptcy in order to protect their assets, said Tay McNamara, director of research at the Center on Aging and Work at Boston College. “Last hired, first fired. Generally, that is very true,” McNamara said. Though younger people may be more likely to be laid off, older workers are less likely to recover from a layoff, experts said. Part of the reason stems from the myths surrounding older workers — that they’re tough to train, more expensive and not comfortable with new technology, said Joseph Quinn, a professor of economics at Boston College. “Once they do get laid off, they’re really hosed,” he said. Associated Press
Astronauts pack for ride home
Online core courses when you need them.
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American Gov Nat/State/Local I
GOVT 2302
American Gov Nat/State/Local II
HIST
1301
U.S.History to 1877
HIST
1302
U.S.History after 1877
MATH 1314
College Algebra
SOCI
Intro to Sociology
1301
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Pg. 8-09.07.09.indd 1
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The astronauts aboard the linked space shuttle and space station are nearly finished packing up a moving van for return to Earth in a few days. The Italian-built van flew up aboard Discovery with seven tons of space station supplies and equipment. It will come back filled with a ton of trash, surplus gear and completed science experiments. The astronauts will place the van back aboard Discovery on Monday night, just in time for Tuesday’s shuttle undocking.
Internet addiction center opens FALL CITY, Washington — Ben Alexander spent nearly every waking minute playing the video game “World of Warcraft.” As a result, he flunked out of the University of Iowa. Alexander, 19, needed help to break an addiction he calls as destructive as alcohol or drugs. He found it in a center, called ReSTART, what claims to be the first residential treatment center for Internet addiction. It opened in July and for $14,000 offers a 45-day program intended to help people wean themselves from pathological computer use, which can include obsessive use of video games, texting, Facebook, eBay, Twitter and any other time-killers brought courtesy of technology. Associated Press
9/6/09 10:41 PM