Sep 22 2009 The Battalion Print

thebattalion ● tuesday,

A

new, influenza-specific class excuse form is available online at flu. tamu.edu. “The note itself is just an explanation of your absence.

This one is very specific to absences related to influenza-like illness,” said Student Health Center director Martha Dannenbaum. “Ultimately it’s going to be the decision of the professors.”

Seasonal flu shots are available at the health center. Shots are $18, and students can schedule an appointment online at shs.tamu.edu or by phone at 979-458-8250. Flu shots also will be available on campus at various locations on Oct. 7 and 8 as part of the SHS Seasonal Flu Shot Campaign.

During the campaign, the first 5,200 shots administered to students will be free of charge. After the 5,200 shots have been given, shots will cost $23.

Symptoms of the H1N1 flu strain are identical to seasonal flu, Dannenbaum said. Following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Student Health Services has stopped typing the virus except in cases of seriously ill students. “We had confirmed cases of H1N1 throughout the summer and through the early part of the fall,” Dannenbaum said. “We have H1N1 on our campus.”

Julie Rambin, staff writer

september 22, 2009

● Serving

Texas A&M since 1893

● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2009 Student Media

Seasonal solutions LIFESTYLES How to stay healthy this flu season. lifestyles | 3 OPINION Students need to follow Aggie Honor Code using excuse letters. opinion | 8

VIDEO The Batt asks students how concerned they are about the H1N1 virus this upcoming flu season

thebatt.com Photo Illustration by Stephen Fogg — THE BATTALION

Student bonfire landowner has criminal record

Counseling center offers help in time of stress Helping students with academic achievement Melissa Appel The Battalion Most students want to succeed academically, but many factors can affect that success, including mental, physical and emotional status. Student Counseling Services caters to a multitude of these needs with programs and services geared toward helping students with academic achievement.

“We’re here to help students succeed academically, so [we do] anything that we can help in counseling, in psychology,” said Student Counseling Services Director Maggie Gartner.

Student Counseling Services offers individual, group and couple counseling. They also offer crisis intervention, support groups and a variety of screening services including learning disabilities. Workshops include anger management, culture adjustment and healthy relationships.

However, Student Counseling Services also takes a more holistic approach to the student and offers programs to help the student as a whole. In an effort to help students find academic success, the center has tutoring services, stress management pro-

grams, sleep seminars and study habit workshops. Students can also use the biofeedback machine, which allows them to learn how to handle stress and how to relax.

Student Counseling Services is in Cain Hall and employs a varied and well-equipped staff, including both psychologists and psychiatrists, to meet students’ needs. One psychologist is staffed at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. Staff members also are available to facilitate workshops and seminars outside of Cain Hall at the request of organizations.

“I think the staff is the best staff in the country.

They are committed to helping students,” Gartner said. “There’s a good stability in the staff, lots of continuity. They understand A&M; they understand the traditions; they understand the rhythm of the semester.”

Students can schedule appointments with the staff

by Internet or phone. Even during busy times, the staff is willing and available to provide assistance, Gartner said. The center does not allow students to

Stephen Fogg — THE BATTALION

be put on a wait list; instead, all staff members reassess workloads to pick up more clients.

If students need assistance after business hours, the Student Counseling Help Line is available. The hotline, whose number can be found on the back of student IDs, is handled by volunteer students who have undergone a competitive selection process and intensive training. “[Help Line] is a crisis line operated by and for A&M students,” Gartner said. “It provides coverage from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. and 24 hours on weekends.

There is literally coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And it doesn’t have to be a major problem See Counseling on page 6

The 2009 student bonfire will burn on Nov. 24, at a location closer to campus. The location is owned by Bryan resident David Michael Lightsey. In 1986, Lightsey was arrested on two counts of dealing 28-200 grams of methamphetamine and one count of unlawful carry of a weapon. Lightsey was sentenced to 45 years in prison.

He is on parole, and student bonfire leaders said they had no idea of Lightsey’s history; however, they did not comment on whether the burn would be changing locations. “We have a policy of keeping our anonymity with our landowners, and we don’t reveal their personal history with the press,” said finance major Mitch West, a senior redpot. “We didn’t have prior knowledge of Mr. Lightsey’s past, and we do not feel this reflects on us as an organization.”

Matt Woolbright, staff writer

‘40 Days for Life’ starts Wednesday Students and Bryan-College Station community leaders will have a 40-day prayer vigil outside of Planned Parenthood Melissa Appel The Battalion Texas A&M University students and Bryan-College Station community members will join in prayer during 40 Days for Life in an effort to stop abortions.

40 Days for Life is a 24-hour prayer vigil Wednesday to Nov. 3 in front of Planned Parenthood.

Coalition for Life, which organizes the campaign, members said the sight of people constantly praying in front of the business will cause others to think about abortion and the lives it affects.

“The idea is to bring awareness in our community and an end to abortion in the Brazos County

community,” said Coalition for Life communications director Bobby Reynoso. “When you do it for 40 days straight, you have an intensive amount of prayer being shot up to heaven, and you have something tangible for people driving by.”

40 Days for Life is a peaceful protest that consists of volunteers standing outside of Planned Parenthood to pray or to hold prolife signs.

“We’re not there to hurt people; we’re there to educate people, make sure that people have taken an honest look to what abortion does to women,” Reynoso said.

“This is definitely something of

an outreach — make them really think about what abortion is and what it does to them and their children.”

While Coalition for Life stresses the peaceful nature of 40 Days for Life, Planned Parenthood and prochoice groups have questioned the group’s methods.

“They continue to do these 40 day harassment protests,” said Abby Johnson, health center director for Planned Parenthood in Bryan. “It seems kind of silly because their claim is that the first year they did it, there was a reduction in the number of abortion See 40 days on page 6

File Photo — THE BATTALION

Breakaway to make history Nondenominational campus Bible study to take place on Kyle Field for the first time Katy Ralston The Battalion Breakaway has started its 20th anniversary year with record-breaking attendance, and the nondenominational campus Bible study will be making history today.

Started in 1989 as a small group of friends gathered in an apartment, it has increased to more than 6,500 students this fall and is the nation’s largest college Bible study.

Since Breakaway’s humble beginning,

the Bible study has outgrown 14 different locations, moving most recently to Reed Arena. With the Memorial Student Center renovation displacing the bookstore to G. Rollie White Coliseum and relocating women’s volleyball to Reed Arena, Breakaway has had to find alternative locations to meet.

“For years we had talked about how neat it would be [to be on Kyle Field]. It wasn’t until late this summer, with some of the musical chairs athletics is having to See Breakaway on page 6

Aston Hall resident dies of natural causes

Evan Andrews — THE BATTALION

Pg. 1-09.22.09.indd 1

Robert Briggs, a 19-year-old resident of Aston Hall, died Sunday afternoon. Texas A&M University Police Department received the call at 3:45 p.m. Texas A&M Emergency Medical Services and University police responded to find Briggs in his room. “There is no indication of foul play,” said University Police Department Chief Elmer Schneider Jr., in a press release Monday. “An autopsy has been ordered.” The case has been turned over to investigators. Briggs was a freshman environmental design major from Maple Valley, Wash.

Julie Rambin, staff writer

9/21/09 10:28 PM

Today t-storms High: 82 Low: 65

Wednesday Thursday mostly cloudy cloudy High: 84 High: 79 Low: 71 Low: 67 50% chance of rain

80% chance of storms 50% chance of rain

Calling all tweeting Ags, The Battalion has 185 followers.

Let’s get 500 by Wednesday

@ thebattonline

pagetwo thebattalion 9.22.2009

corrections

Garden grooming

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

If you are interested in writing or contributing content in The Battalion apply online at thebatt. com, or come by The Grove, 845-3313.

Gilbert enters Texas governor’s race DALLAS — A former candidate for the Texas agriculture commissioner’s post is announcing he is seeking the Democratic nomination in the governor’s race. Hank Gilbert kicked off his gubernatorial campaign Monday in Dallas.

Gilbert, who lost the 2006 race for agriculture commissioner, is an East Texas rancher who has actively opposed Gov. Rick Perry’s Trans-Texas Corridor project. Others seeking the Democratic nomination include former ambassador Tom Schieffer, therapist Mark Thompson and humorist Kinky Friedman.

Associated Press

Jonny Green — THE BATTALION

Senior landscape architecture major Adam Feller loads dead plant matter into a wheelbarrow for composting on Monday in the Holistic Gardens. Feller works on the ornamentals crew in the gardens, which are located on West Campus behind the Horticulture Building.

Space shuttle Discovery returns to Florida

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Space shuttle Discovery, mounted atop a modified Boeing 747 shuttle carrier, rides in on Monday at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Space shuttle Discovery is finally back home in Florida following a cross-country journey and a trip to orbit.

Discovery arrived at Kennedy Space Center at noon Monday atop a modified jumbo jet. The plane left Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana in the morning. The flight actually began Sunday at Edwards Air Force Base in California, where Discovery ended its space station visit.

Stormy weather prevented Discovery from returning to its home base 1½ weeks ago. It ended up in California, the backup landing site. The detour cost NASA nearly $2 million.

Discovery’s next flight is in the spring.

During the two-week mission, Discovery and its crew delivered a fresh load of supplies to the international space station.

Associated Press

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

Amanda Casanova, Editor in Chief Mattie Williamson, Managing Editor Matt Woolbright, Mng. Editor–News Meagan O’Toole-Pitts, City Editor Jill Beathard, Lifestyles Editor

Timothy Durham, Sports Editor Calli Turner, New Media Chief Evan Andrews, Graphics Chief Nick Badger, Photo 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.

Pg. 2-09.22.09.indd 1

9/21/09 9:02 PM

Boot Dance Friday The Class of 2010 Boot Dance begins at 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Zone Club in Kyle Field. Tickets are available for Class of 2010 Corps of Cadets members and dates for $30 per person at Duncan Dining Hall during morning and evening formation.

Stay healthy this

health thebattalion 9.22.2009 page3 theb

flu season

Be prepared You should see a doctor if you’re experiencing: ■ sudden high fever ■ cough ■ sore throat ■ body aches ■ fatigue ■ nausea ■ vomiting ■ diarrhea

A&M offers options to remain virus-free Tiffany Neal Special to The Battalion It’s that time of year again. And no, I’m not talking football season. The incessant coughing, sneezing and rubbing of the nose by practically every Aggie in sight can only mean one thing: flu season is underway.

Due in part to students and faculty returning to campus with germs picked up during summer travels, the flu has begun to run its course before the autumn wind has blown. And with the added threat of H1N1 flu, it is important for Aggies to protect themselves from the flu.

The H1N1 flu virus, which was first detected in people in the U. S. in April, is contagious and spreads from person to person in the same way that seasonal flu viruses spread.

The H1N1 virus has infected 120,653 Americans and taken the lives of 2,467 as of Sept.

6, according to the World Health Organization. While the disease ranges in severity, most people who have become sick have recovered without needing medical treatment.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says when compared to previous flu seasons, the 2009 H1N1 flu has impacted people younger than 25 more significantly than people 65 and older this year. The shift in demographics of those who are more vulnerable to the virus requires students on campus to be more diligent than before in recognizing symptoms.

Officials with the Texas A&M Student Health Services advises students who have flu-like symptoms to rest and drink plenty of fluids. But more importantly, the health center asks that people experiencing flu-like symptoms stay home and away from those who are not infected. Sick students should not attend class or work for at least 24 hours after having a fever.

Individuals whose permanent home is close to College Station may want to consider returning home during recovery.

Students with flu-like symptoms should take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and body aches and use over the counter remedies for symptom relief. Additionally, individuals should check the labels to ensure they are not duplicating medications.

Since the virus is spread from person to person, it is also important to practice good health habits.

“Take everyday actions to stay healthy,” said Theresa Manthei, a health educator at Brazos County Health Department.

“Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don’t have a tissue, cover your cough or sneeze with the inside of your elbow instead of your hands.

“Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcoholbased hand cleansers are also effective. Stay home if you get sick.

CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.”

While the threat of contracting the H1N1 virus is present this fall, most Aggies are taking the flu season in stride.

“I’m not too worried about catching the flu this season,” said senior English major Ja’Niece Leslie. “My roommates and I all carry hand sanitizer with us and we drink lots of fluids as well.”

Texas A&M’s efforts to fight the flu — such as making the seasonal flu vaccination available through SHS — have lessened the anxiety over flu for some students.

H1N1 vaccinations will be available at Beutel in mid to late October.

Arne Duncan, secretary of education, and Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of health and human services, suggest ways for students and professors to avoid and prepare for flu outbreaks: ■ Promote the “self isolation” of students who have H1N1 or symptoms, encouraging them to stay away from classes and other activities and to stay in their rooms or, if they have family members in the area, to travel there (not using public transportation).

■ Create “flu buddy” systems in which healthy students may get food, assignments and medicine for ill students.

■ Create systems so staff members can check on students in “self isolation.”

■ Modify absenteeism policies so both students, faculty members and others who are ill have no incentive to return to campus activities earlier than they should.

Gail Hernandez — THE BATTALION

“I think A&M is doing better than most colleges around the country in terms of flu prevention,” said senior English major Monica Sales.

Sales said the decision by Texas A&M officials to plant hand sanitizer base stations across campus to prevent the spread of germs.

“For students who don’t carry the product around with them, the stations are a nice and convenient alternative,” she said.

■ End rules that require doctor’s notes to excuse absences from class or work.

■ Expand or create distance learning programs for those who need to be isolated.

■ Increase “social distances” between students by moving desks further apart (6 feet most of the time).

U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Service

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President makes appearance on ‘Late Show’ NEW YORK — Add this one to the presidential collection: the heart-shaped potato.

By the time Barack Obama came on stage to the taping of the “Late Show� on Monday, host David Letterman had offered up 10 reasons why in the world the president had agreed to do it.

Among Letterman’s theories: Obama said yes without thinking about it, or as Letterman put it, “Like Bush did with Iraq.�

But Obama had other ideas. It turns out he was listening when Letterman had bantered with a woman in the audience who brought — yes — a potato in the shape of a heart to the show.

Obama told Letterman: “The main reason I’m here? I want to see that heart-shaped potato.�

The woman tossed the potato to Letterman.

She agreed to let Obama keep it. Said the presi-

dent: “This is remarkable.�

Obama also had his most irreverent answer yet on the question of whether some of the vitriolic reaction to his health care plan is driven at least partly by racism. “First of all, I think it’s important to realize that I was actually black OBAMA before the election,� Obama said to huge laughs from Letterman and the audience.

Responded Letterman: “How long have you been a black man?�

Letterman covered a number of topics with Obama — many of them serious — in a taping that ran about 40 minutes. The show was broadcast on CBS on Monday.

Associated Press

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thebattalion

Hearne Junior High receives grant use student voice and get their input,” Wilson said.

Students said they are looking forward to seeing their hard work pay off.

“I think we are all dedicated to go and do the work,” said eighth grader Ramell Strickland.

The project will have students focusing on water conservation and restoration in riparian zones around the Hearne area. The students will conduct initial water quality tests, plant grass in the areas, and then run more tests to observe how the grass affects water quality.

“I’m most looking forward to testing the water,” said student Taylor Mikell.

The grants’ purpose is to teach students the importance of caring for the environment.

“I’m most excited about going and testing the water quality and learning about how the water is being contaminated. It’s important because we might run out of other water and then we can use that water if we clean it,” said student Maranda Gomez. “I’m hoping to learn how we can use the cleaner water or try to find new ways to keep the water clean.”

Katy Ralston The Battalion Eighth grade Hearne students have a new reason to look forward to science class — conservation, restoration and out-ofclass learning.

Hearne Junior High School received $14,863 to fund an informal science education program taught by eighth grade teacher and Texas A&M PhD student Robert Wilson.

The Texas Healthy Habitats grant was awarded by the Texas Center for Service-Learning in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. EnCana Oil and Gas donated $255,000 to fund these grants, which were given to 15 Texas schools.

As part of the project students will get to take three field trips to A&M to explore the different aspects of water conservation and restoration.

The students had a major hand in the grant initiative. In May 2008, students at the school brainstormed project ideas and chose a topic.

“The major part of the grant was to

For some students the hands-on experiments are their first time to try field research.

“It’s my first time to go do research, and I think I will enjoy it very much,” said student Erica Vasquez.

Wilson is a doctoral student in the College of Education Department of Teaching, Learning, and Culture at Texas A&M University. The project applies to his area of research in informal science education, he said.

“My main goal is to get them out of the classroom and into a real science exploratory environment,” Wilson said. “It’s about getting those kids outside of a classroom setting, taking that classroom and putting right next to a creek or stock pond or marsh.”

Wilson said he believes this type of learning will help students make connections between science and real life.

“You have to build relationships with kids to get them to learn and go from the concrete to abstract,” Wilson said. “Using these types of real world scientific experiences, I can make a lot better connections with them.”

Notice of University Student Rule Revisions Additions, deletions and changes to the University Student Rules may occur over the course of the academic year. Significant revisions will be communicated through The Battalion, Aggie Hotline, appropriate university offices and the TAMU Student Rules website.

Motorcyclist dies A motorcyclist was hit and killed on State Highway 21, at 9:44 a.m. Monday. Eric Barker, 29, was traveling westbound along the 2900 block of Highway 21 when he was struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound in the outside lane.“The vehicle traveling eastbound failed to yield right of way while turning left,” said Sgt. Dennis Thane of the Bryan Police Department. The vehicle collided with Barker while turning into a McDonald’s restaurant, and the impact caused the motorcyclist to be ejected from his bike. The victim was rushed to St. Joseph Regional Health Center.

Resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful and the victim was pronounced dead.

Barker was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. The westbound lane on Highway 21 was shut down for several hours but reopened before noon.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Storms flood southeast ATLANTA - Storms that pounded the Southeast on Monday turned sleepy creeks into rivers, and rivers into raging floodwaters. Six people were killed across the region, including five in the Atlanta area. Aerial shots showed schools, football fields, even entire neighborhoods submerged by the deluge, sending some residents scurrying for higher ground.

Associated Press

Melissa Appel, staff writer

TUESDAY

The following sections of the student rules have been revised : Student Rule 41 Student Organizations Student Rule 14.9 Calculating GPA for Major Student Rule 14.16.6 Calculating GPA for Minor Student Rule 10.20 Calculating GPA for Degree Audit Student Rule 12.6.3 Communication Probation Student Rule 13 Classification Student Rule App.VII TAMU Drug Rules

Student Rule revisions are available online at: http://student-rules.tamu.edu/changes Fore more information, please contact the Offices of the Dean of Student Life at (979) 845-3111 or email studentlife@tamu.edu

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news

page 6

The Creator God Leaves Heaven for You! The Jesus Story: The Creator-God of the universe, Jesus Christ, left His home in heaven to become a human being. He lived a perfect life, performed miracles, was betrayed, and wrongfully condemned to death.

After being crucified, Jesus' body was placed in a tomb. Three days later, he rose from the dead. After His resurrection, he remained on earth speaking to people for 40 days and then ascended to heaven. Jesus sacrificed himself to make a way for all people to have eternal life in heaven.

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." -John 8:12. God is reaching out to men and women through His son, Jesus Christ. To find out more about God's relevance in your life, we encourage you to read this article

by Josh McDowell: Does Christianity Work? at www.leaderu.com/everystudent/josh/josh.html.

CHRISTIAN FACULTY We are a group of professors, instructors, lecturers, and administrators united by our common experience that Jesus Christ provides intellectually and spiritually satisfying answers to life’s most important questions. We are available to students, faculty, and staff who might like to discuss such questions with us. For more information about the Christian Faculty network and it's activities, please visit our website: http://christianfaculty.tamu.edu Rusty Burson 12th Man Foundation

Paul Roschke Civil Engineering

W. Miles Marks 12th Man Foundation

Hayes E. Ross Jr. Civil Engineering - Emeritus

Natalie L. Allen Accounting Jeannie Barrett Accounting Chris Duzich Accounting Mary Lea McAnally Accounting Sean McGuire Accounting Mike Shaub Accounting L. Murphy Smith Accounting Michael Wilkins Accounting Steve Smith Admissions & Records

James Sterling Family & Community Medicine Linda Ladd Family Development & Resource Mgmt.

Donald Saylak Civil Engineering - Emeritus

Paige Fields Finance

Ralph Wurbs Civil Engineering

Shane Johnson Finance

LTG John Van Alstyne Commandant's Office

James Kolari Finance

Michael Greenwald Communications

Lawrence Wolken Finance

Walter Daugherity Computer Science

Walter F. Juliff FSIS Project Management

Mac Lively Computer Science

Terry Spencer Geophysics

Dick Volz Computer Science

Rachel Aaron Health and Kinesiology

Charles W. Graham Construction Science

Danny Ballard Health and Kinesiology

-

James Boyd Aerospace Engineering

Buzz Refugio Corp of Cadets

Gregg Bennett Health and Kinesiology

Walter Haisler Aerospace Engineering

Mort Kothmann Eco Science & Mgmt.

Stephen Crouse Health and Kinesiology

John Valasek Aerospace Engineering

W. Todd Watson Ecosystem Science & Management

Carl Gabbard Health and Kinesiology

John Whitcomb Aerospace Engineering Oral Capps, Jr. Agricultural Economics James E. Christiansen Agricultural Education Alvin Larke Jr. Agricultural Education Landry Lockett Agricultural Education Kim Dooley Agricultural Leadership, Educ & Communication Clay Cavinder Animal Science

Richard K. Anderson Economics Tim Gronberg Economics Steven Wiggins Economics Kelli Shomaker Education and Human Development Maynard Bratlien Educational Administration David A. Erlandson Educational Administration - Emeritus Bryan Cole Educational Administration

Dan Hale Animal Science

Debra Howard Educational Administration

Paul Harms Animal Science

Robert K. James Educational Curriculum

Andy Herring Animal Science Douglas Householder Animal Science

Patricia Larke Educational Curriculum

David Greg Riley Animal Science

Lisa Perrott Educational Psychology

Richard Davison, Jr. Architecture

Jim Ji Electrical & Computer Engineering

Jeff Haberl Architecture Jay Holmes Athletics Colin Killian Athletics Marion Alcorn Atmospheric Sciences James R. Wild Biochemistry & Genetics

John H. Painter Electrical Engineering

Ben Welch

Jerry Vinson Engineering Design - Emeritus William Bedford Clark English

Richard Davison Chemical Engineering - Emeritus

Elizabeth Robinson

Jack Lunsford Chemistry - Emeritus

Elizabeth Tebeaux English

Jim Pennington Chemistry

Craig Kallendorf English & Classical Languages

Bob Hildreth Chemistry

Terry Larsen Environmental Design

Daniel Romo Chemistry

Steven Oberhelman European & Classical Languages

Dallas N. Little Civil Engineering Lee Lowery, Jr. Civil Engineering Jose M. Roesset Civil Engineering

Barry Nelson Health Science Center

English

Cheryl Schaile European Languages Russell K. Biles Family & Community Medicine George McIlhaney Family & Community Medicine Lamar McNew Family & Community Medicine David Segrest Family & Community Medicine

H.J. Sue Mechanical Engineering C. Steve Suh Mechanical Engineering Dan Turner Mechanical Engineering Ilona Petrikovics Medical Pharmacology Janet Parker Medical Physiology Karen Beathard Nutrition and Food Science Jimmy T. Keeton Nutrition and Food Science Joyce Davis Pathology & Lab Med - Emeritus Duane McVay Petroleum Engineering Roger Schultz Performance Studies John A. McIntyre Physics - Emeritus Marlan Scully Physics Rob Heffer Psychology Charles Johnson Psychology Gary W. Maler Real Estate Center Louis Hodges Recreation & Parks Maurice Dennis Safety Education Jane Nelson Bolin School of Rural Public Health James N. Burdine School of Rural Public Health

Hilaire Kallendorf Hispanic Studies

Brian Colwell School of Rural Public Health

Cindy Raisor Honors/English

Kerrie Green Social & Behavioral Health

Richard Feldman Industrial Engineering

Monty Dozier Soil and Crop Sciences

Cesar Malave Industrial Engineering

Henrik Schmiediche Statistics

Don Phillips Industrial Engineering Della Whitcomb Information & Operations Mgmt.

O. E. (Ed) Elmore Management

Matt Upton Bush School

Gene Hawkins Civil Engineering

Wayne Wylie Health and Kinesiology

Robert Nevels Electrical Engineering

Lee Felder Employee Services

Seth Guikema Civil Engineering

Leah Venable Health and Kinesiology

Robert Field Large Vet. Animal Clinic

B. Don Russell Electrical Engineering

Lynn Beason Civil Engineering

Rose Schmitz Health and Kinesiology

Andrew K. Chan Electrical Engineering

James M. Griffin Bush School

Stuart Aderson Civil Engineering

Leonard Ponder Health and Kinesiology - Emeritus

Randy Kluver Institute of Pacific Asia

Brandon Dixon Biomedical Engineering

Jodee Bailey Career Center

Ernie Kirkham Health and Kinesiology

Will Worley Electrical Engineering - Emeritus

A. D. Patton Electrical Engineering

Business Center for Exec. Dev.

Mary Beth Isenhart Health and Kinesiology

Ozden Ochoa Mechanical Engineering

David Flint Management Charles Futrell Marketing Richard T. Hise Marketing Stephen McDaniel Marketing Katherine T. Smith Marketing Robert Gustafson Mathematics David Manuel Mathematics Patrice Poage Mathematics Nancy Simpson Mays Business School Walter L. Bradley Mechanical Engineering - Emeritus

Barbara Henry Student Financial Dept.

Ann Reed Student Health Services Sharon Haigler Student Learning Center Joel McGee Student Learning Center Diane Graham Student Teaching H. Wayne Sampson Systems Biology & Translational Medicine Mike Nelson TEES Information Systems Russell Brewer TEES Sponsored Research Jon Perrott Texas Coop Extension Donald A. Sweeney Urban Planning Joe Arosh Veterinary Biosciences Sakhila Arosh Veterinary Biosciences

Richard Griffin Mechanical Engineering

Kenneth Pierce Veterinary Pathobiology - Emeritus

Dennis O'Neal Mechanical Engineering

Counseling Continued from page 1

for you to call the Help Line.�

Student Counseling Services is funded primarily through the Student Service Fee that all students pay, so all programs are offered free of charge to current students. Even with this financial incentive, however, a majority of students have yet to use these services. “I’ve heard of them, but I don’t really know what they do,� said junior communication major Kelly Mattingly. “If they do more than counseling, they should let people know. I don’t think I need counseling, so why would I go see them?�

Between 10 percent and 13 percent of the student body comes to SCS for counsel-

40 days Continued from page 1

procedures done, which is ridiculous because, if you look at our numbers, there has been a steady increase in all of our numbers.�

Planned Parenthood said the event is more of an annoyance than an effective way to reduce the number of abortions performed. “It is anything but silent,�

Johnson said. “They continue to harass our patients about getting any of our procedures. It’s really just a nuisance. It’s never slowed down our business.�

40 Days for Life first began in College Station in 2004 with approximately 60 students and volunteers. By 2007, Coalition for Life had noticed that other communities had begun to mimic the 24-hour a day, seven days a

ing, Gartner said, and 20 to 25 percent participate in outreach programming and other types of sponsorship.

SCS is also looking for ways to serve Aggie students. Additions include anger management programs and support groups and resources for veterans. New programs and greater outreach has caused a continued increase in the number of students utilizing SCS resources. “I know you can go in and just talk to them about your problems, and they’re not supposed to advise you; they’re just supposed to listen,� said senior communication major Mary Kate Pharis. “They’re also there for time management.�

Gartner said she and her staff love working with, for and alongside A&M students as they work toward their goals

because Aggies are just as willing to put forth the effort. “The students here are unique,� she said. “They’re some of the best students in the country. I’ve been other places where administrators are considered the enemy, and there’s some mistrust between students and the staff. The assumption here is that I’m ready to help, and I am. “If Aggies say they’re going to do it, they’ll do it. There’s an intelligence and a way of looking at things that is solutionfocused. How can we make it right? How can we fix it? It’s really unique.�

For a full list of the programs, groups, and workshops available through SCS, visit the Web site at scs.tamu.edu.

week model of praying in front of abortion clinics. Today, the protest is a biannual event with participating cities around the state, country and world. More than 200 cities have organized 40 Days for Life campaigns for this fall.

Since the beginning of the prayer vigil, Coalition for Life has collected data about the effectiveness of the simple actions.

Coalition for Life reports that abortion rates have dropped by 28 percent in the Bryan-College Station community since 2004, and more than 1,500 cases have been documented where mothers said that, because of the actions of the volunteers, they chose not to have an abortion.

Campaign participants, however, emphasize that their actions come from a desire to show compassion, not to harass the clinic.

“I got involved because I feel very strongly about the cause and I’ve seen how effective it can be, and I just see it as a great opportunity to minister to these women in a crisis situation,� said sophomore nutrition major Amanda Blume. “I’m not there to cause trouble; I’m there to show these women that I care about them.�

Though 40 Days for Life aims to influence pro-life values in the community, volunteers say the main goal is to care for the women coming to the clinic. “I just see having that many people out there, showing that much care, as having a great impact on the women that are going through an abortion or considering an abortion, just knowing that there are people there that care about them,� Blume said. “That’s what I would like to convey by participating.�

MOTORCYCLES DIRT BIKES SCOOTERS WE’LL MATCH ONLINE PRICES* z New

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Michael Willard Veterinary Medicine

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Tillie McVay Mechanical Engineering

do, it was getting difficult to schedule; so we just had a brainstorming session of where could we go and we thought let’s just try it, let’s try Kyle,� said Breakaway director Ben Stuart.

Breakaway founder Gregg Matte said he never thought it would grow so immensely and one day take place on Kyle Field. “To look back on the days of it being in my apartment, who would have ever thought that would happen?� Matte said. “I am amazingly excited. I just think it is such a testimony to the power of God and to the students of A&M that something so neat would happen as having a Bible study on a football field.�

Stuart attributes the reason for the Bible study’s exponential success to something higher

can and said she would not miss this week. “I’m really excited, I’ve been thinking about it all week,�

Foote said. “Breakaway in itself is a really cool experience. Every time seeing the body of Christ at A&M all worshipping together and seeing the huge crowds that come is really moving, but being at Kyle Field is going to be perfect.�

Stuart said this Tuesday is about more than just the turf. “I want students to come not because we want to break records so Breakaway can be awesome. It’s never been about the awesomeness of Breakaway,�

Stuart said. “It’s about the awesomeness of God, and what He is doing and the person of Jesus Christ. That is what we want to celebrate. That is what we are going to be doing at Kyle.�

Loren Skow Veterinary Medicine

L. Roy Cornwell Mechanical Engineering - Emeritus

Gerald Morrison Mechanical Engineering

Continued from page 1

than himself. “I certainly would have to say I can’t take credit for it. I can’t say it’s because we really plan a great service, or we really have this strategy that we accomplish,� Stuart said. “As simplistic as it sounds to say, it’s something I believe that God decided He wanted to do.�

Breakaway has a message for students, no matter backgrounds or experiences, Matte said. “Whatever (your) conceptions are of what a Bible study is, Breakaway is going to be different,� Matte said. “I think that it is real. We are able to come in one hour and students are able to authentically connect and look at real issues in their lives, get help, be encouraged, be challenged.�

Junior early education major and self-proclaimed “Breakawayer� Katie Foote has attended every Breakaway she

E. Dean Gage Veterinary Medicine

Judith M. Ball Veterinary Pathobiology

Harry Hogan Mechanical Engineering

Breakaway

thebattalion

Robert Field Veterinary Medicine

Dave Claridge Mechanical Engineering

Warren Heffington Mechanical Engineering

tuesday 9.22.2009

Karen Snowden Veterinary Pathobiology James E. Womack Veterinary Pathobiology Larry D. Claborn Veterinary Physiology - Retired Jim Jensen Veterinary Physiology

NOTE: This ad presents the personal convictions of the individuals listed herein; the ad does not represent or support any view or position of Texas A&M University or any academic department. The ad does represent and acknowledge the diversity of academic contributions to Texas A&M University by men and women of various race, ethnic group, and cultural background who share the Christian faith.

Veritas Forum is Coming February 22-24, 2010

Pg. 6-09.22.09.indd 1

9/21/09 10:15 PM

sports

Soccer star Texas A&M junior forward Whitney Hooper was named Women’s Player of the Week by TopDrawerSoccer.com Monday. Hooper scored three goals in two A&M wins during the weekend, including two against formally No. 2 Portland Friday.

Hooper

thebattalion 9.22.2009 page7

Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

Freshman running back Christine Michael runs the ball in the Aggies’ 38-30 victory against Utah State Saturday at Kyle Field. Michael had 94 rushing yards before suffering a strained calf in the third quarter. He is expected to be practicing this week.

Aggies work around injuries Brad Cox The Battalion The top offense in the nation will be without one of its top playmakers for four to six weeks.

Texas A&M sophomore receiver Jeff Fuller, who had 10 receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown against New Mexico and two receptions for 25 yards against Utah State, is expected to miss at least a month after cracking his right fibula Saturday.

Early in the second quarter, Fuller came down awkward from a 15-yard reception and did not get back up on his own.

“My personal opinion is take one to three weeks, but the doctors don’t agree with me and I don’t think the bone does either,” said A&M Head Coach Mike Sherman. “Everybody heals at a different speed. We’re going to do everything we can in our power to get Jeff back as quick as possible.”

Fuller will be missed by an offense that paces the nation in total yards per game with 589.5, leading future opponent Arkansas by 51.5 yards.

As a freshman, Fuller was one of the top receivers in a young corps, pulling down 50 receptions for 630 yards and a school-

record nine receiving touchdowns.

Junior quarterback Jerrod Johnson said other players will need to step up to fill the void left by the 6-foot-4-inch Fuller.

“Losing Jeff is going to hurt because Jeff is an amazing athlete,” Johnson said. “He’s one of those guys you go to when things get a little rough for you. You know where Jeff is going to be; he has those big, strong hands. He’s made a bunch of plays.”

The Aggies were able to deal with the absence of Fuller on Saturday with a deep group of receivers.

Freshmen Kenric McNeal, Brandal Jackson and Ryan Swope had some playing time to fill in for Fuller. Senior Howard Morrow and sophomore backup quarterback Ryan Tannehill also saw time.

“He’s holding up pretty good,” Johnson said about Fuller. “He’s a competitor. Of course he’s kind of bummed. He wants to be out there fighting with the rest of the guys. He’s pretty optimistic. He said he’s going to rehab and try and get back as quick as he can.”

Tannehill, who led A&M in receiving yards in 2008, could be the next best option, but Sherman said his limited role at receiver would continue since he is the next quarterback in line behind Johnson.

Several other Aggies suffered injuries during the game against

Utah State, including senior offensive lineman Lee Grimes and freshman running back Christine Michael.

Grimes suffered bruising on his ribs and Sherman said Grimes was still tender Monday morning.

“He’s a true gladiator in the sense he finds a way to get through pain,” Sherman said. “So you can never rule Grimes out. He does have significant bruising of the ribs and cartilage so we’ll have to wait and see with him.”

Sherman said Michael was limping a little during Monday’s practice, but that he seems to have responded to treatment and will be back in practice by midweek.

Junior defensive back Coryell Judie, who Sherman said has had subluxation of his shoulder continuously all season, is going to have surgery on his shoulder and will take a medical redshirt for the remainder of the season.

“We were really excited of the possibility of him coming in,” said Defensive Coordinator Joe Kines. “It will just be delayed a little bit. Hated that that happened to him but injuries are a part of ball. We’ve worked around him since day one, so it really didn’t change anything.”

Astros fire manager Cooper HOUSTON — The Houston Astros, who failed to make any sort of serious run at the postseason this year, fired manager Cecil Cooper on Monday with 13 games left in the season.

Third-base coach Dave Clark was named interim manager. The Astros were 70-79 headed into Monday’s home against St. Louis.

The 59-year-old Cooper was hired on Aug. 27, 2007, to replace Phil Garner. Houston went 171-170 under Cooper, who was the bench coach under Garner between 2005-07.

Cooper became the fourth manager to get fired this season, all of them in the National League. Arizona dismissed Bob Melvin on May 7, Colorado replaced Clint Hurdle on May 29 and Washington fired Manny Acta on July 13.

Astros general manager Ed Wade said a change was needed. He said making the move now will give the Astros a chance to evaluate “other facets of our operation” heading into the offseason.

He said Clark would be considered a can-

didate during the search for a new manager.

Cooper did not answer calls to his cell phone and his voicemail was full.

Cooper’s initial contract ran through the 2009 season and the Astros picked up his option for 2010. Houston won 86 games in 2008, a 14-game turnaround from 2007.

But this season, the Astros are guaranteed their second losing record in three seasons and only the third since 1991.

Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Houston Astros have fired manager Cecil Cooper, the team announced Monday.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOR RENT

HELP WANTED

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.

3/3 Duplexes, 1400sqft, fenced backyard, all appliances new, excellent specials, 979-694-0320. office@luxormanagement.com

A&M Recycling Services Student Workers wanted (TAMU/Blinn student). Must be able to work 24 hours/week and summers. Apply in person: 204 S. College Ave. 979-862-2069.

Group fundraiser opportunity selling Avon. Lori Thompson, Avon Independent Sales Representative, 979-255-5191.

Our food will delight you, our prices will please you, our service will impress you! La Riviera 3700 South Texas Bryan.

Teal duck hunts. Have openings for September 12-27. $135/gun. Includes full breakfast. Min. 3 guns, max.

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936-825-2119. www.moodyranch.com Yum Yums Texas Style- All you can eat buffet for $7.99. Over 40 menu items to choose from. Less than 10 minutes form campus. College ID discount. 1710 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan 979-268-9867.

AUTO I buy vehicles, running or not running.

979-778-1121.

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.

Stalls and pasture for lease. Full care. $300 lease includes feed, hay, and shavings. AM&PM feeding. 15 minutes to campus. 150x250 riding arena on property. hquiram@cvm.tamu.edu

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.

2/1 Duplex, faux wood floors, w/d conn, lawn care provided. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291.

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.

2bd/1ba, W/D, water included, bus stop in front, very clean, 1mi from campus. 690-4181 or 219-2683.

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 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.

Pets ok.

Available now.

1057 Windmeadows, 979-255-2705.

3bd/2ba great floorplan, on shuttle route. Washer and dryer. Fans, stainless appliances. New, new, new. www.aggielandleasing.com 3bdrm/3ba duplexes.

Great floorplans, fenced yards, w/d, tile floors, icemakers, alarm systems.

979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com 4 bedroom 2 bath, large yard, pets ok, 525 Moran. Ready Now! 979-255-2704.

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 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. 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, many nice extras, big backyard, spacious, convenient to everything. 1 week free.

Call for special, 832-646-2329.

Close to campus 2bd/2bth. Washer and dryer. Fenced yard. www.aggielandleasing.com 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.

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979-822-1616.

Spacious 2bd/2ba, washer and dryer provided, shuttle route, curbside parking. www.aggielandleasing.com Spacious 3bd/3ba. Close to campus. Washer and dryer provided. www.aggielandleasing.com Spring sublease. 2bd/1.5ba duplex.

Wolf Pen area. Pets ok. W/D connections. $650/mo. 954-636-9946.

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.

FOR SALE 16’ Aluminum Boat with 40HP Mercury, ideal for fishing or hunting, asking $2500/obo, 979-450-5666.

Alfalfa hay. $12 979-218-5734.

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

Established construction company with Corporate headquarters in Abilene, TX is looking to hire an Accounting Manager. The Accounting Manager will help support the Accounting and Finance Department by performing general accounting tasks such as P/R, A/P, A/R, G/L and fixed asset accounting. This individual will also supervise staff. Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting is required. Must be very proficient with Quarterly Payroll Reporting.

Experience in multi-state reporting is a plus. Requires a working knowledge of MS Excel and MS Word. Working conditions are normal of an office environment. Work may require occasional weekend and/or evening work. Work requires willingness to work a flexible schedule. Please send resume to: Freire@rpcabilene.com Great college P/T job. 12-16 afternoon/evening hours a week. $8.50/hr, flexible schedule. Apply in person at Scarmado Foods 1289 N. Harvey Mitchell.

979-779-7209ext.125.

Iguana Lounge in downtown Bryan seeking help for wait staff and bartending. Call 979-412-0955.

Models needed for lifedrawing, life-painting class. Model will disrobe, P/T, $10 per hour. Contact Tim tim@twvanya.com or 979-324-6037.

P/T afternoon/evening nanny needed for two girls ages 2 &8.

Previous childcare experience preferred. Fax resumes &availability to 979-764-6702.

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 STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in College Station. 100% free to join. Click on surveys.

The Corner Bar &Grill now hiring. All positions available. Apply in person.

Top $$$$ for Tutors! Fishtutors pays you! 3 Ways! Check our ad on Craigslist, College Station, Jobs, Education.

Tutors wanted for all subjects currently taught at TAMU/ Blinn and Sam Houston State starting at $7.25/hour.

Apply on-line @ www.99Tutors.com, 979-255-3655.

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COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK

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Nintendo Wii with 7 of its best games and extra controller and nunchuck. Everything in like-new condition. (979)318-0157, $360 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 $500 Website designer wanted to improve current site. Send short bio to aikinland@yahoo.com

www.AggieNetwork.com

Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day.

No experience. 512-684-8296. photoguy@io.com

breckenridge

Vail Beaver Creek Keystone Arapahoe Basin

20 Mountains. 5 Resorts. 1 Price.

FROM ONLY

plus t/s

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 Golden RetrieverX great Pyrenees puppies, 8-wks old, first shots, Cute and fluffy, $50. 713-899-9319.

REAL ESTATE Beautiful house for sale. 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, workshop, automatic garage. Quiet, near A&M, many extras. 832-646-2329.

Buy &Sell B/CS homes, condos, duplexes.

RE/MAX. Nadia 979-693-1851.

Michael 979-739-2035. www.bcsrealty.com For Sale 3bed/2bath house, built in 2003, new paint, new carpet, refrigerator, washer, dryer, sprinkler system, huge deck, garage, no backyard neighbors. Available for immediate move in. $126,000. Call Cari Bullington at (979)255-1322 or cbullington@hotmail.com Nice townhomes for sale, 2/1. Two amenities. stories, Many 832-646-2329.

ROOMMATES 1-f needed Oct-Dec in spacious 4/2. $350 plus 1/3 bills. 817-308-4664 1-Male roommate wanted. 3/2 house, bus route. $375/mo. +1/3 bills. 325-212-7410.

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.

1bd/1ba downstairs apartment. For lease! Wolf Pen Creek $475/mo. includes utilities. $400 cash back incentive. 713-253-3399.

Female seeking female roommate.

New 2bdrm. condo with own bath, located University and South loop, next to bus stop. $450/mo. +1/2 utilities. Call 281-615-8070.

Roommate needed. 4/4 University Place condo, W/D, private bath, pool, volleyball court, on shuttle. $300/mo., call 979-690-8213 or 979-422-9849.

SERVICES Attention all dove hunters! Day leases 15 minutes from College Station. 80 acres harvested corn field, 2 ponds, some trees. $25/hunt. Packages and group discounts available.

Call today 979-324-4477.

Conversational Czech language class. Call Trent 618-334-4584 or e-mail trentpearson@gmail.com

TUTORS Need a Tutor?

Friendly, helpful one-on-one private tutors for all subjects at TAMU/Blinn and Sam Houston State. Check us out at www.99tutors.com, 979-255-3655.

NEED EXTRA WRITING HELP? Sharpen your sills with Ambassador’s Ink: experienced college writing assistance! Contact us at ink@ambink.com or 440-376-4247 for proofing, revision, and tutoring services. Highly competitive student rates available!

WANTED Sam Houston State grad student needs managerial accounting (cost) help, lives in college station 979-229-2114.

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

voices

page 8 tuesday 9.22.2009

thebattalion

Students with flu symptoms get relief A s the flu season begins, concern about a potential “H1N1” epidemic has forced authorities to take action. Texas A&M has offered a new explanatory form available online to excuse students from classes for influenza-like symptoms. Safety in the face of an H1N1 epidemic is important, but common sense can be the University’s most valuable tool in the preventing a serious outbreak.

Students who have contracted H1N1 exhibit symptoms similar to the common flu: coughing, sore throat and fever.

Fortunately, while the disease may be difficult to distinguish, most do not require treatment.

Fighting a case of the flu can be done with common overthe-counter medicine, and the traditional flu recommendations for rest and liquids.

The similarities between H1N1 and seasonal flu prevent most students from ever knowing which strain they caught.

The cost to test a patient with H1N1 ranges from $50 to $80, and the results usually take longer to return than the symptoms last. Most infected with the disease are better off spending a few days resting at home, instead of visiting the doctor to be given the same advice.

The explanatory statement is meant to allow students to air on the side of caution if they start exhibiting flu symptoms in case they have H1N1. But the note is not a golden ticket out of class with only Grandpa Joe’s signature. The statement does not guarantee an excused absence, instead it is meant to prevent the outbreak from overwhelming health care professionals with thousands of unnecessary visits to procure a necessary note. This should allow sick students to spend their time at home resting instead of waiting at Beutel or infecting their class to fulfill a mandatory attendance policy.

Professors are aware that allowing students to print their doctor’s notes can breed dishonesty, and will be on guard against anyone trying to take advantage of any policy.

However, a certain level of understanding should be given to honest Aggies legitimately concerned about their health.

Students are adults, paying for the privilege to attend class.

Leniency during flu seasons should be freely given as long

Ian McPhail

Online explanatory form will ease the excessive load of doctors’ patients as the absence does not provide an unfair advantage for an assignment.

The solution to the swine flu epidemic is simple common sense. Information is available at http://flu.tamu.edu, and students sick enough to be concerned should do their professor and class a favor by infecting only their home. Flu vaccines should be available toward the middle of October, free for students, but health officials have encouraged citizens not to overlook the dangers presented by seasonal flu. Texas A&M will offer free seasonal flu shots to the first 5,200 students on Oct. 7 and 8.

On Thursday, the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services released a detailed guide on how colleges should prevent H1N1 outbreaks.

In addition to expanding “social distances” between students and promoting selfisolation, the departments are advising colleges to change absenteeism policies so students and faculty will not feel pressured to return to school earlier than necessary.

Another advisement, which reflects the policy being adopted at A&M, is to no longer require doctor’s notes to excuse absences.

The departments are also encouraging schools to create distance learning programs for sick students. Many universities, such as ones in Virginia and Pennsylvania, are already taking measures to prepare campuses if illness forces students out of the classroom.

While the flu continues to spread, students have a responsibility to abide by the Aggie Honor Code in using their illness excuse. Otherwise understanding professors may not be readily available to those who are legitimately sick.

Ian McPhail is a junior history major.

WWW.UBSKI.COM

1-800"H@>"L>A9 &"-%%",*)".)*(

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.

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

Pg. 8-09-22-09.indd 1

9/21/09 10:08 PM

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 9.22.2009 page9

A foundation

for the future C.H. Nygard

Being politically correct can prevent students from getting the full Texas A&M experience.

I

t is often said that college is more about the education you receive outside the classroom.

This is especially true at a tier one research university like Texas A&M. The opportunities to learn about both other cultures and your own are staggering. No matter if you came from Small Town, USA, or a sprawling metropolis, A&M will challenge your identity. But how can we define ourselves without getting lost in the status quo?

One great fear that all college students face is becoming a nameless face in the crowd. At Texas A&M there is an abundant supply of various student organizations and extra-curricular activities that give any Aggie an opportunity to find their niche. You can easily turn this gargantuan institution into an intimate family circle. Outside of these social bubbles though, will you know who you are in the face of adversity? In college you get to add a section to your biography; your definition of yourself.

You get to determine your most prevalent ideals and essentially live by your discernment.

I am not suggesting that in college you should shirk all previous indicators of your personality as supplied by your parents, religion, and culture, but that you take a good hard look at them and ask the all important question: why? If we are striving to be tomorrow’s leaders, then we must determine who we are so that when we are accepted as leaders we will have solid ground to stand on. A growing trend in our society is the deification of diversity. It is force-fed to us by the realization that not everyone in the world is the same. Diversity at Texas A&M is a huge factor in shaping what will become our view of others in the workplace and our scope of influence in all areas of life. At A&M we get to enjoy cultures and ideas that would have been completely foreign to us in our hometowns, a chance to celebrate life in all of its vibrant hues and shades. But there is an alarming facet

Pg. 9-09.22.09.indd 1

of this society that should cause concern to everyone, a stripping of identity for congregational acceptance. In essence, we are fighting to be ourselves.

It is a great thing to live in a nation where we are free to exercise our opinions and speak our minds freely, but the growing trend is to sequester these rights in order to maintain harmony. Unfortunately, this only leads to a massive destruction of individualism that allows little room for revelation or innovation. For the sake of avoiding conflict, we are sacrificing our identities. Democracy itself works on the disagreements and solutions found through reasonable discussion. America was born as a mass of people who fought to have their voices heard at the risk of losing their lives.

Opinion and conflict breed progress, and in order to move forward we must stand firm in our beliefs and engage in intelligent discourse with our unlike-minded peers.

Now hear me correctly, I am not encouraging violence or discrimination in any way. It is important to maintain respect for everyone who is different and their sorted opinions, just as you would hope they would respect you. But when we force ourselves to adopt every opinion presented to us, we lose our foundation. When operating in the corporate world, the values you develop today will set the stage for your professional reputation.

So Aggies, don’t fall into the trap of relativism. Question your peers, professors and pastors; ask them why they believe what they believe and use discernment to incorporate or debate those ideas. Questions are the seed of education, and debate is the water that makes them grow. Most importantly, share your beliefs and values with those around you. It is key that we learn from each other and take the time to define ourselves now in this period of growth, so that when we get out into the world, we can flourish as pillars of society.

MAILCALL From Benjamin Cole, graduate atmospheric science student It seems strange to me that College Station is paying a private company, American Traffic Solutions, a portion of each ticket generated from the city’s red light cameras. This arrangement is expressly prohibited by Texas Transportation Code which states: “A local authority that contracts for the administration and enforcement of a photographic traffic signal enforcement system may not agree to pay the contractor a specified percentage of, or dollar amount from, each civil penalty collected.” It goes on to say that each ticket issued under such an arrangement is actually invalidated. Red light cameras create a dangerous environment, making drivers more likely to slam on the brakes unnecessarily. I live near a photo-enforced intersection and hear squealing tires all the time. It is clear the city will not give up its cash cow voluntarily, and in fact had planned to use our (public) money to convince us to keep these cameras.

It’s time for the voters of College Station to have their say.

From Robert Carpenter, sophomore political science student The House of Representatives recently voted 345-75 to cut federal funding to ACORN in lieu of the recent revelations. Unfortunately, 3 of the 75 votes to keep your tax dollars funding this morally bankrupt organization came from Texas representatives: Reps. Eddie Bernice Johnson, of Dallas; Sheila Jackson-Lee, of Houston; and Al Green, also of Houston.

It is an embarrassment to our state and to the representatives’ respective districts that our congressmen would even consider to fund ACORN with the taxes of honest Americans. A message needs to be sent to these congresspersons that such disgraceful representation will not be tolerated. E-mails, phone calls and letters from Texas A&M would go a long way towards putting them back into their right minds.

TOSUBMIT

C.H. Nygard is a senior agricultural leadership and development major.

Chris Griffin — THE BATTALION

Mail call must be fewer than 200 words and include the author’s name, classification, major and phone number. Staff and faculty must include title. Direct all correspondence to: Editor in chief of The Battalion (979) 845-3315 | mailcall@thebatt.com

9/21/09 9:50 PM