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Fire engulfs Campus View apartments A fire broke out destroying two apartments and damaging several others early Friday morning at Campus View Apartments at 401 Harvey Road in College Station. College Station Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at 2:12 a.m. and arrived at the scene at 2:14 a.m. The first responders reported heavy smoke and determined apartment #92 to be the origin of the fire. Evacuation of all apartment units in the building was carried out and crews able to enter the building established the fire had spread to the attic area. Flames were contained by 3:45 a.m., but fire squads remained on scene to continue extinguishing hot spots and to investigate the cause. According to the College Station Fire Marshal’s office, the cause of the fire was accidental. A freestanding lamp fell over and ignited the carpet. There were no reports of civilian injury and one firefighter was treated for exhaustion. A total of 14 residents were displaced due to the damage and are receiving assistance from the College Station Community Action Response Team, the American Red Cross and TAMU Critical Incident Response Team. Gayle Gabriel, staff writer
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january 24, 2011
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Miki Fan — THE BATTALION
Transfer students face tougher hurdles Connie Thompson The Battalion As Texas A&M December graduates walked across the stage and received their diplomas, they left behind a place they called home and an empty space in Aggieland that yearned to be filled. This spring that emptiness is packed with new Ags: transfer students. Transferring into A&M is no easy task. Prospective transfer students are selected through each individual college and department, while students with the higher grade point ratio and the most courses completed in the Degree Track for the selected major are given priority. Transfer students for the spring semester made decisions for A&M early in the fall since the applications were due Oct. 15. Students did not find
out if they were admitted until late November or early December. The Office of Admissions works to ensure that all students who are prepared to handle the A&M academic environment are given the opportunity to attend the University. The office produces numerous initiatives to assist prospective students in the important decision. The Office of Admissions and Records has the primary responsibility of disseminating admissions information and materials to prospective undergraduate students, acting as the catalyst in identifying the students who will be admitted to the University. Texas A&M University is dedicated to the discovery, development, communication and application of knowledge in a wide range of academic and professional fields. [We] are responsible for promoting
environment
the visibility of the University to prospective students, high school and college counselors and the general public. The Office of Admissions public relations initiative has caught the attention of numerous transfer students, including Molly Tafreshi, a sophomore who transferred from Blinn College for the spring semester. “Growing up as a Longhorn fan, I never imagined myself attending Texas A&M,” Tafreshi said. “Thankfully, the Aggie Spirit got the best of me, and I am now a proud fightin’ Texas Aggie.” As with new freshmen, transfer students are given numerous opportunities to get involved and learn what it means to be an Aggie. One of the first See Transfer on page 6
club sports
Students voice ideas for green fund spending Haley Lawson The Battalion Students and faculty of Texas A&M have the opportunity to present sustainable ideas to the Aggie Green Fund Advisory Board to determine Submit how the $3 green fund ideas paid by each Aggie will be spent. To learn how In the spring of 2010, to present your the $3 charge was implesustainable idea or to mented toward maklearn about the green ing the campus more fund itself, visit sustainable. The charge greenfund.tamuedu. was voted in by 57 percent support of the student population. “In the spring of 2010, a consortium of student organizations led the charge to implement a $3 per fall or spring semester fee or a $1.50 summer semester fee,” said Robbie Chimmino, chairman of the Aggie Green Fund. “This fee will generate approximately $300,000 per academic year for sustainability initiatives.” Students can present ideas to the Aggie Green Fund Advisory Board to potentially be chosen for projects funded by the Green Fund. “We are looking for students to come to the Aggie Green Fund as a great way to get their sustainable ideas funded,” Chimmino said. “We are a board of nine members [six students, three faculty and staff] who vote on grant proposals.” Many Texas universities are implementing projects similar to the Aggie Green Fund. Members of the Aggie Green Fund Advisory Board said they would like to keep A&M at the forefront of the sustainability movement. “We hope that Texas A&M can continue to be at the forefront of Texas universities implementing similar projects, that other Texas school in Austin included,” Chimmino said. “Aggies
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Stephanie Leichtle — THE BATTALION
Students are encouraged to recycle plastic bottles and paper materials in the above bins throughout campus. voted to get this funding, now we want them to start spending it.” The projects chosen by the board will receive adequate funding to execute the project. Many examples of projects are recycling programs, access to more local and organic foods and energy efficiency. “Students can get involved by identifying environmental improvements that could be made on campus, formalizing their ideas and applying for funds to get them enacted. A few examples of projects that other schools’ have funded include energy efficiency improvements, expanding recycling programs, increasing local and organic food options and many more,” said Jason Wagner, statistics graduate student board member and marketing officer. The fund will be intended to provide environmental and efficient improvements to the See Funds on page 2
Courtesy photo
The Texas A&M ice hockey team will face the University of Texas at 8 p.m. Friday at Chaparral Ice in Austin.
Ice hockey gears up for postseason Adrian O’Hanlon III Special to the Battalion Imagine the bone-crushing hits from football games, the speed and agility of basketball games, the sharp passing seen on the soccer field and the strategic defensive play of baseball all combined into one team on skates striving to continue making history for Texas A&M. This is the scene of the A&M ice hockey club team preparing for another historic postseason run. Nathan Banks, self-proclaimed big-hitting center and senior engineering technology major, explained the significance of carrying momentum into the regional tournament. After posting a record of 18-7-0-1 in the first half of this season, the team gained a No. 8 ranking
in the region after an upset of the No. 1 Colorado State Rams. He said the team thrives on working together and they can count on each other to continue the push to the national tournament of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). “We’re pretty confident we’ll be making the trip to the tournament this year, and with a couple wins, we’ll make it to nationals,” Banks said. Nick Xenakis, right wing and senior engineering technology major, expressed the significance of bonding with teammates off the ice toward manufacturing a premier team. Xenakis, team captain, said teammates study together on road trips, go out to eat together, See Hockey on page 6
1/23/11 7:07 PM
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Need answers? There is Hope.
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Today is the last day to add or drop courses for the spring semester. For more information, contact the Office of the Registrar at 845-7117 or e-mail registration@tamu.edu.
Today 30% chance of showers High: 53 Low: 27
979-695-9193
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Money management
A Money Wise workshop will be from 1:50 to 2:50 p.m. today in room 236 of the Pavilion. The workshop will teach students the importance of establishing a written budget and how to prepare one.
3
Identity theft
A workshop will be from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. Tuesday in room 236 of the Pavilion to help students learn how to protect their identity. For more information, call Money Wise Aggie: 845-3236.
Tuesday 20% chance of showers high: 56 low: 32 Wednesday sunny high: 59 low: 33 Thursday mostly sunny high: 56 low: 31
courtesy of NOAA
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thebattalion 01.24.2011 For daily updates go to thebatt.com ● Facebook ● Twitter@thebattonline
From Jonathan Storm, senior computer
Opening doors to new opportunities
engineering major The article about the UT network just bashed A&M for no reason. So we stayed in the Big 12; why not it is a great conference. All the article did was brag about how Texas is better than A&M. Everyone knows ESPN gives no love to A&M, we don’t need to hear it from an ATM student. How about you stop talking trash about A&M staying in the Big 12 and start supporting our athletic department. We went to the Cotton Bowl, which I’m sure the writer had us losing. We are a top 15 program in basketball which shows how great of a coach Turgeon actually is. Women’s basketball is top 5 and both track programs are phenomenal. Golf won a national championship as well. If you are not on the field you cannot really talk so why not show support for the teams that play for us.
Paul Mezier — THE BATTALION
Students and student organization members came together Sunday in the Student Recreation Center for MSC Open House. The event occurs at the beginning of every semester to showcase organizations to students looking to get involved.
From Justin Kaspar, senior microbiology major
From Morgan Rutherford, senior international studies major
Rehabilitation Sciences • • • •
Master of Athletic Training Master of Occupational Therapy Doctor of Physical Therapy Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Pathway* • Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy* • Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Sciences
Clinical Administration & Rehabilitation Counseling • B.S. Clinical Services Management* • M.S. Clinical Practice Management* • Master of Rehabilitation Counseling* *Distance Learning Programs
Laboratory Sciences & Primary Care • B.S. Clinical Laboratory Sciences ~ Also available as Second Degree* & Certificate* Programs • M.S. Molecular Pathology • Master of Physician Assistant
Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences • B.S. Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences • M.S. Speech-Language Pathology • Doctor of Audiology • Ph.D. Communication Sciences & Disorders
In response to the “Reality of gun control” printed in this past Friday’s edition of The Battalion: Despite the title of this opinion article, the idea that ubiquitous gun ownership will discourage or prevent gunmen determined to commit mass murder is in fact not based in reality. The scenarios presented in this argument do nothing to support loosening restrictions and everything to support the further regulation of gun ownership. Tragic shootings like the ones mentioned in this article should not be used to feed some fear driven call to arms for each and every citizen, this is not the Wild West. The article claims that gun control methods are ineffective because criminals can find ways to outmaneuver gun ownership regulations. Following that logic, the U.S. should cease all its efforts to control illegal
activity because criminals are just too smart. Following that logic further, if criminals can find ways to outsmart legislatures and policemen alike the public should just let any John Doe next to them tote a weapon and rely on that person for protection. What? No! As a responsible gun owner myself, the only thing tragedies like these described here convince me of is higher safety precautions and better funding for our nation’s police. Let’s focus on establishing better safety programs like A&M’s Code Maroon, or putting better equipment in the hands of trained law enforcement professionals and cutting down response times. Putting guns in the hands of minimally trained citizens is not going to win the fight against gun violence. Better laws and better law enforcement are what catch and deter criminals, not the deregulation of firearms.
David Harris’ recent article about the University of Texas’ deal with ESPN was filled with misinformation. It should be noted that Texas already had a deal in place with IMG for media rights close to $10 million a year; very similar to A&M’s media rights deal with Learfield Sports for $8 million a year. ESPN only enhanced the contract between all three parties to $15 million, an extra $5 million a year. I would hardly call that “an insurmountable level.” David also failed to mention that the channel can only feature one live football game and eight live Men Basketball games per year, so there are limitations to what they can broadcast. President Loftin, in an interview with TexAgs.com that can be easily seen on YouTube, has been on record to saying there were many hurdles A&M had to overcome in switching conferences; one of those is the state legislature that is currently meeting in Austin. One of the topics of discussion this session is A&M’s budget, which has already been cut back 10 percent. Does anybody think it’s a good idea right now to create a fire storm when our most precious asset is being handled in Austin?
3601 4th Street | Stop 6294 | Lubbock, Texas 79430 806.743.3220 | www.ttuhsc.edu/SAH
US diplomacy embracing Twitter amid global crises
Funds Continued from page 1
University and will work in accordance with House Bill 3353. “The fund will be managed in accordance with House Bill 3353 and ultimately is designed to provide environmental improvements at the institution through services related to recycling, energy efficiency and renewable energy, transportation, employment, product purchasing, planning and maintenance, or irrigation; or provide matching funds for grants to obtain environmental improvements described in Subdivision 1,” said Kelly Wellman, sustainability officer and ex-officio member of the board. Wagner said the board is looking forward to seeing what projects will be presented, and can visit greenfund.tamu. edu to apply and get more detailed information.
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WASHINGTON — The State Department is tightening its embrace of Twitter and other social media as crises grip the Middle East and Haiti, with officials finding new voice, cheek and influence in the era of digital diplomacy. Even as it struggles to contain damage caused by WikiLeaks’ release of classified internal documents, the department is reaching out across the Internet. It’s bypassing traditional news outlets to connect directly and in real time with overseas audiences in the throes of unrest and upheaval. American diplomacy isn’t a newcomer to Facebook, YouTube, Flickr or Twitter, but it has stepped up online efforts as those networks play a growing role in events around the world.
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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.
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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 979-845-0569. 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 979-845-2613.
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April Baltensperger — THE BATTALION
Green building seminar
1
A King remembered,
a movement continued
Students learn of need to continue fight for social justice Gabrielle Royal The Battalion Thursday morning, the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center overflowed, selling out seats with more than 300 students, community members and Texas A&M staff and faculty. Sponsored by the MSC Carter G. Woodson Black Awareness Committee, students celebrated the fourth annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on campus. Each year, a speaker is chosen to reflect on and honor the life of King. This year’s guest speaker, Angela Davis, is an activist of social justice, an educator and fighter of gender, racial and economic equality. Davis lectures nationally and internationally on these issues. “The MLK Breakfast is one of our premiere annual events. Whether you attended the event or not, the presence of Dr. Davis is one that cannot go unnoticed. There is no denial that Texas A&M is one of the most conservative campuses in the nation,� said Leah Wade, a senior University studies major and director of Black History Month for the MSC Carter G. Woodson Black Awareness Committee. At the breakfast, Davis encouraged people to think critically about a system with global prison abolition. “As college students, our purpose should be think critically, not just in the classroom. As we build the lenses in which we look at the world, we should be free and without restraint to have speakers from any political stance come and speak on campus,� Wade said. Davis also spoke on racial and gender equality, as she fashioned the notion of a “prison industrial complex� to the crowd. She answered impromptu questions from the audience in a question and answer session toward the end of the event. “Having someone such as Angela Davis speak at Texas A&M University was important for our campus community not just to promote an awareness of diversity in Aggieland, but to demonstrate the need for social activism,� said Jonathan Luu, a junior philosophy major. Sharing her personal experiences as she lived and rallied through the civil rights movement and stories of fighting against racial discrimination, Davis left an imprint on the campus. The events of her past have truly influenced her scholarship, activism and lectures,
Jose Fernandes-Solis, assistant professor of construction science, will have two sessions of the “Green is Mainstream� seminar on residential green building technology from 2 to 5 p.m. today in Langford Building A.
Post grad information
2 Above Students, faculty and community members gather Thursday morning in the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center to reflect on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s contributions to the civil rights movement. Left Guest speaker Angela Davis shares her personal experiences of fighting against racial discrimination, urging students to question current issues of race, gender and equality in the U.S. Gabrielle Royal — THE BATTALION
she said. Davis was on the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted List.� Some students said they found Davis’ political background controversial, others said they found it to be a perspective that deserved to be presented to the campus. Her lecture promoted people to build a dialogue about race across A&M, students said. “Texas A&M University was never able to confront its own racism. It is interesting how the University community turns ecstatic when speakers such as Dick Cheney and Karl Rove come to campus, but when we have speakers such as Angela Davis who challenge their authority, the Aggie Spirit turns sour,� Luu said. Davis has spent the past 15 years at the University of California at Santa Cruz as a professor of the history of consciousness; she has also published eight books. “Dr. Angela Davis provided a greater understanding and calling for Martin Luther King’s actions in
calling for equality and change through all aspects of life,� said Joshua Garcia, a sophomore communication major. “She broadened my cultural lenses to recognize how times have gotten better, but that the need for change is still evident in many social systems.� Overall, students said the MLK Breakfast served as a way to reflect on leaders, voices and efforts of people who fought and continue to fight for equality in the name of social justice. “She was an excellent speaker; she truly helped further my understanding of diversity and equality,� Garcia said. Students said attending her speech gave them an alternate view of the world regarding issues involving race, gender and problems with the prison system in the U.S. “Our country must start thinking in more complex ways,� Davis said.
Students graduating this May can learn how to overcome many of the common ďŹ nancial challenges graduates face when starting their careers from 3 to 4 p.m. today in the Pavilion, room 236.
Cooking on a budget
3
Money Wise Aggies will have an information session on how to budget to spend less on food from 1:50 to 2:50 p.m. Wednesday in the Pavilion, room 236.
Texas country show
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sports
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Photos by Joshua McKenna — THE BATTALION
Top left: Adam Ruiz, freshman diver, turns to flip in Saturday’s meet against LSU. Top right: Balaz Makany cools off after one of his races. Makany took many points for the men’s team and helped them remain undefeated with a 166-134 score against LSU. Bottom left: Melanie Dodd swims butterfly. The No. 8 Aggie women finished with 168-120 win and won 13 out of 16 possible events. Bottom right: Diver Janie Potvin took first place in the three-meter springboard with a score of 351.10.
club sports
Courtesy photo
The Texas A&M women’s club water polo team is one of the many club sports at A&M.
Upcoming events ◗ The Texas A&M women’s water polo team will have their first match Feb. 12-13 in the natatorium.
Women’s water polo begins new season Jared Baxter Special to The Battalion
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With the spring semester now in full swing and students back in the classroom, the Texas A&M women’s water polo team will get back to work with practice starting today. Erin Kasperek, president and team goalie, has high hopes for the season after placing 13th at Nationals last year. Kasperek, a senior political science major, is backed by fellow seniors Michelle Horner and Chelsea Olson. The three seniors are lifelong swimmers and have been playing since high school. When speaking with the girls it is obvious there is a great sense of camaraderie between them. “We’re such a close knit group. And I know every team says that, but I really think it’s true with us,” Kasperek said. Recruited by an old high school friend who was already part of the team, Kasperek has been on the A&M squad since her freshman year. She has steadily risen through the ranks to become the leader. Kasperek’s talent does not go unnoticed by teammates with Olson noting with great inflection and confidence, “she is so good.” Olson, who is also an officer for the team, took a brief leave of absence from the game her freshman year after suffering an injury in high school. “I wasn’t ready to give it up,” Olson said. Playing alongside Olson at the outside position, or “drivers,” is Horner, who actu-
ally played against Kasperek throughout high school. After venturing on several recruiting trips, Horner, an aquatic conservation and ecology major, decided on A&M as her choice to continue playing the sport she loves. And that’s a sentiment shared by the entire 25-member team. “We have such a mix of people that played against each other in high school,” Kasperek said. With players from numerous states and countries, the familiarity among them has led to many team members becoming roommates. It is that developed trust and chemistry which leads Kasperek to believe this upcoming season will see a significant improvement in an already accomplished program which won conference championships in 2008 and 2010. The trio of seniors is looking to make their mark against longtime rivals when they host the first of three conference tournaments at the Student Rec Center on February 12-13. They will especially be looking to take down University of Texas-Austin after losing a nail biter final game in 2009, which prevented a three-peat of conference titles. “It always comes down to us two,” Kasperek said. After the UT tournament, the women’s water polo team is scheduled to travel in late February to Notre Dame where they will compete against other highly talented schools. For Kasperek and her teammates, the new season cannot start soon enough.
1/23/11 7:20 PM
equestrian | The Texas A&M equestrian team will have their first show of the spring season Friday against South Carolina in Bryan.
sports
track and field | The men’s and women’s track and field teams will welcome the SEC on Friday to the Gilliam Indoor Track Stadium.
club sports | The Women’s Volleyball Aggieland Classic will be at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Student Recreation Center. thebattalion 01.24.2011 page5
track and field
Teams sprint past LSU No. 2 Aggie women, No. 3 men qualify for NCAA’s Adrian O’Hanlon Special to The Battalion The Texas A&M track teams made a statement this weekend in front of a crowd of 2,054, as both men and women defeated LSU on Saturday in a dual meet that produced many NCAAqualifying performances. The No. 2 Aggie women clinched victory (91-57) after 13 events, while the No. 3 Aggie men squeaked out a win over No. 2 LSU (84-75) in the final event. Head Coach Pat Henry said the win confirms the national relevance of A&M as a complete track team. “We don’t just have sprinters and hurdlers, we have a track team,” Henry said. “It’s about a lot of individual efforts, but they make a team.” Jessica Beard, senior sprinter, supplied one of those individual performances by winning the 200- and 400-meter runs. In what many consider the most competitive event of the meet, the 200-meter run produced three NCAA qualifying times by Beard (22.95), teammate Jeneba Tarmoh (22.975) and LSU’s Semoy Hackett (22.98). Beard said the meet helped compare the progress of A&M to that of other national contenders. “It’s an okay opener for me, but I know I have a lot more left and my 400 can definitely improve,” Beard said. “I knew [Tarmoh and Hackett] were going to be fierce competitors. Knowing I can be up there with them, that really boosts my confidence.” Another bright spot for the Aggies was the return of women’s senior hurdler Natasha Ruddock after suffer-
Senior sprinter Gerald Phiri races against LSU at Saturday’s meet. ing a leg injury late last season. In her first race since having surgery in June, Ruddock showcased her determination to return in top-form, winning the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.29. She said she enjoyed having supporters in the crowd to soothe the anxiety of returning to the track. “It’s awesome, and I’m happy people are supporting me,” Ruddock said. “Everything happens for a reason, but I know God had a plan for me, so I just rebound and come back stronger.” The A&M men’s team overcame a resilient LSU squad late in the meet. The Tigers controlled the field events, while the Aggies dominated the track events; highlighted by Gerald Phiri’s NCAA-qualifying performance in the 200-meter run (20.80) and meetrecord performance in the 60-meter run (6.63). Phiri, senior sprinter, said he was confident in his preparation
and excited to face the championshipcaliber squad from the prestigious LSU program. “LSU’s a great program, [and] when it comes to competing for championships, they’re always right there,” Phiri said. “Hopefully we proved LSU can be beaten. Football didn’t go so well in the Cotton Bowl, but LSU went down today.” The Aggies triumphed over LSU of the Southeastern Conference, but will face competitors from the entire SEC and Big 12 this Friday in the Texas A&M Challenge. Coach Henry said the team needs to improve in some areas to attain more overall balance and continue competing at the highest level. “We’re searching for some additional balance, but things are going real well,” Henry said. “If we continue to get better as individuals, we’re going to be a better team.”
Senior pole vaulter Laura Asimakis takes on LSU challengers.
Photos by Joshua McKenna — THE BATTALION
Men’s track clinches victory against LSU.
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news
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Transfer
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traditions new spring students are invited to experience is Howdy Camp. “Howdy Camp is one of the most amazing programs I have ever been a part of,” said Ellie Matsuska, sophomore Howdy Camp Counselor. “I am so lucky and excited to have the opportunity to welcome some of the most fun, brightest new students to the Aggie family.” Another opportunity for transfer students to get involved is through the MSC Open House which took place from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Rec Center. This gave transfer students the chance to find organizations to join and become active in the Aggie family. Whatever the reason might be for these transfers to choose A&M over any other university, many students are thankful they have chosen Aggieland as their new home. “I can’t wait to see all of these new Aggies have a blast at Texas A&M,” Matsuska said. “Welcome home.”
and have an occasional Xbox hockey tournament. Xenakis pointed out the same chemistry used last year when the team made history by becoming the first team from Texas to make the ACHA regional playoffs. “With our success as a team, other schools around here want to build and compete with us,” leading-scorer Xenakis said. This week, the team focuses on the next obstacle standing in the way of the goal - the last regular season series against the team from Austin. A&M travels to Austin for a home and home series with the Texas Longhorns beginning Friday (28th), returning to College Station for the final game against Texas on Saturday (29th) at Arctic Wolf Ice Center off Holleman at 5:45 p.m.
As the postseason draws nearer, Xenakis is weary of even the lowly Longhorns. He pointed out the importance of respecting each team and progressing from game to game in order to reach the postseason. “We can’t, obviously, take any team lightly,” Xenakis said. “Every game from here on out is a must win for us to get to regionals, and they’re another team in the way.” None of that success comes easy. Players, like Xenakis and Banks, must balance being fulltime students, playing a 37-game regular season, practicing twice a week at 10 p.m., and having a social life. When asked how hockey affects academics, Banks said the players get into study groups with teammates of the same major when traveling or after late practices. He said it brings them closer together and helps them to succeed in the classroom. “Our teachers are great too,”
Xenakis said. Xenakis said the players also notify teachers in advance of future absences for away games, and the teachers accommodate justly and conveniently. Players are often given the task of completing homework, quizzes and tests early to maintain their grades and stay on schedule with other students. “Having a lot of students [at the Texas game] gets us clicking,” Head Coach Sean Boyle said. “The guys feed off the crowd a lot.” Boyle said having students in attendance is important because the team plays ferociously, determined to get the crowd involved. He said that involvement comes from well-orchestrated goals, timely defensive play and big hits. Banks said the atmosphere is always loud and electrifying, pushing the team to play more aggressively and efficiently. He said having big crowds excites
the players and pushes them to give the Twelfth Man every reason to stay up the entire game yelling for the team. “Hopefully, we can put a big beating on them,” Banks said. “We see that burnt orange and we get a little quicker step.” The origins of ice hockey at A&M trace back to the 1980s, when students played recreationally. Students formed a team in 1997 and traveled to the closest ice rinks in Houston or Austin for practices and games. The dedication of the players led to the Texas A&M ice hockey team becoming an official club sport of the University in 2001. Now the team applies that same devotion to achieve new heights in its sport, thus continuing the tradition of winning at A&M. “We have the guys to make hockey what is should be [and] make other teams take us seriously,” Boyle said.
classifieds
PLACE
AN AD Phone 845-0569 or Fax 845-2678 The Grove, Bldg. #8901 Texas A&M University
BED AND BREAKFAST Bogart’s Casa Blanca B&B/Weekend Restaurant. Now booking rooms for all University events. Gated 4 acres, 12 elegant rooms with private bath and heated pool. Green Parrot Bar. Hearty Southern breakfast. (Hollywood in Texas). www.bogarts.org (936)825-1969.
COMPUTERS Superior Teks. $59.95 for software repair. $80.00 for hardware repair. Call 979-703-7963 or visit www.superiorteks.net
FOR RENT $1200 Available now, short-term leases ok. 3&4 bedrooms. W/D, pets ok, near TAMU. Call agent Ardi 979-422-5660. $295 1-room in shared, furnished apartment. All bills paid. Short-term leases ok. Call agent Ardi 979-422-5660. $375 Available now and prelease. 1/1, 2/1. Free Wi-Fi, on Northgate, on shuttle. Short-term leases ok. Call agent Ardi 979-422-5660. $400/mo. 1/1 in 2/2 apartment. 1030sqft, free January rent, move in ready, bus 22, pet ok, no deposits. 832-334-1426. 2-3/bedroom apartments. Some with w/d, some near campus. $175-$600/mo. 979-219-3217. 2bd/1ba apartment, 800sq.ft. New appliances, carpeting and tile. W/D. Bus route. $550/mo. +$300 deposit. Available on, or before January. 210-391-4106. 2bd/1ba duplex, recently remodeled, new carpet, fresh paint on all walls, new A/C inside/outside. $575/mo. $450deposit. Available now. 609-954-1550. 2bd/1ba in Northgate, $525/mo. No dogs, cats ok. 6mo. lease. 979-696-7266.
WHEN
TO CALL 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Insertion deadline: 1 p.m. prior business day
FOR RENT
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FOR RENT
HELP WANTED
3/2 Houses, Townhouses &Apartments, 1250sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, walk-in pantry &closets, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing, excellent specials. 979-694-0320, office@luxormanagement.com
Mobile home room to rent, on culdesac, quiet, furnished, W/D central A/C &heat, all bills paid. $400/mo. 210-288-5881.
3bd/2ba Nice house. Rock Prairie and Wellborn area. W/D, garage, backyard. $950/mo. Short-term lease through May/June. Contact Mike 512-887-0318.
Northgate, available now and prelease, new duplexes and fourplexes, 1/1, 2/2, and 3/2, call 979-255-5648.
3bd/3ba duplexes. Great floorplans, fenced yards, W/D, tile floors, icemakers, alarm systems. 979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com 4/3, 3/3 &3/2 Houses, Townhouses, Duplexes &Fourplexes, 1250-1700sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing, excellent specials. 694-0320. office@luxormanagement.com 4/4.5, like new. High ceilings, huge closets, large front porch, tile floors, all appliances, many extras. $1750/mo. Preleasing for August. 979-229-6326. See photos and info at www.texagrentals.com 4bd/2ba house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com 4bd/4ba house, 3526 Wild Plum, refrigerator, W/D, huge backyard! $1,650/mo. 361-290-0430. Bogart’s beautifully furnished bedroom w/bath. Run of the house, W/D, ground, &pool. Two great furnished apartments. 936-825-1969. www.bogarts.org Cottage. Holik C.S. 2bd/1ba, 1000sqft., W/D, Balcony, wooded. Private drive. Quiet. $600/mo. 979-777-2472.
2bd/2ba 4-plex. Spacious floorplan, W/D connections, close to campus. $550/mo. www.aggielandleasing.com 979-776-6079.
Fully furnished, luxurious 4/4 Waterwood townhome for lease August 2011. 1596 sf. W/D, 2-miles to TAMU, on bus-route. 1001 Krenek Tap. $2000/mo. Contact Stephen 512-694-3311.
3bd/1.5ba for lease, close to campus, newly remodeled, fenced backyard, W/D, call 979-774-9181.
Large 3bd/3ba Fox Run Condos. W/D, gated. $1600/mo. Utilities paid. Available now. 979-575-7343.
www.AggieNetwork.com
New homes for rent. Close to campus! 4bd/4ba, 3bd/2ba. Call today! 254-721-6179. Broker.
One room availabe in 3bd/3b apartment, close to Blinn and TAMU, $333/mo plus utilities, call Sara 979-966-7597, a_brooks@verizon.net Walk to TAMU! 2bd/2bth/office, all appliances, W/D, spacious, newly remodeled, fenced townhouse. 979-846-1887.
HELP WANTED Artist needs female canvas subjects, body image project. $30/hr. call Alyssa 817-507-6140. Cheddar’s Casual Cafe and Fish Daddy’s on University Drive are now accepting applications for servers and hostesses. Come be a part of our friendly team! Apply in person. EOE. Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment. COLLEGE STUDENTS! Part Time work. $16 base-appt. Flexible, conditions apply, all ages 17+. Call now! 979-260-4555.
MONDAY
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979-846-3600
979-680-0508
Commerce National Bank is seeking Part Time Tellers available to work either a morning shift of 7:15a.m.-1:00p.m. or afternoon shift of 1:00p.m.-6:00p.m. and alternating Saturday mornings. CNB Tellers provide excellent customer service while completing transactions such as cashing checks, receiving deposits and making withdrawals. Must have previous cash handling experience, strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Visit www.commercenb.com for application. Applications & resume may be faxed to 806-792-0976 or emailed to gmills@lubbocknational.com EOE Experienced part-time lawn maintenance workers needed. $7.50/hr. Call Kirk, 979-324-2719. Full-time medical technician for growing allergy practice wanted. 4-year degree and 1-year commitment required. We are looking for an intelligent, positive, friendly person to join our team. We teach skills that are an asset for anyone interested in a career in healthcare and can help a candidate get into medical school. E-mail resume to docmgr@yahoo.com Have the summer of your life at a prestigious coed sleepaway camp in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, 2.5 hours from NYC. We’re seeking counselors who can teach any Team & Individual Sports, Tennis, Gymnastics, Horseback Riding, Mt. Biking, Skate Park, Theatre, Tech Theatre, Circus, Magic, Arts & Crafts, Pioneering, Climbing Tower, Water Sports, Music, Dance or Science. Great salaries and perks. Plenty of free time. Internships available for many majors. On-campus interviews on Feb. 1. Apply online at www.islandlake.com Call 800-869-6083 between 9-5 eastern time on weekdays for more information. Little Guys Movers now hiring FT/PT employees. Must be at least 21 w/valid D.L. Apply in person at 3209 Earl Rudder Freeway.
puzzle answers can be found online at www.thebatt.com
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Have you seen the cool handles on board the Spirit shuttle buses? HIGH FIVE ADVERTISING needs students on a part-time basis that have some flexibility with their schedules to sell advertising to the local business community to go on the handles. This is a great way for advertisers to get their messages in front of the students. Please send your resume to Gregg Brogden gregg@h5advertising.com Help wanted part-time building attendant for the Brazos Center. $10.10hourly. Work schedule will vary from 12-20 hours/week. Janitorial duties and customer service. Apply: Brazos County HR Dept. County Courthouse. Visit our website for more info at www.co.brazos.tx.us Hollywood Cafe Bistro at Premiere Cinema, Grand Opening, Feb. 2011, wait staff, cooking, and coffee barista needed, experience preferred, shift pay, movie tickets, and other perks, call 713-291-2923 for information and interviews. Now hiring bike or car delivery. Burger Boy Northgate. 311 Church. Now hiring college sales agents for goWiFi to sell WiFi to local businesses. Earn up to $115/sale and make your own hours. Seeking motivated students looking to build business skills and make money. No experience necessary. Contact info@gowifi.com or visit gowifi.com for more information. P/T computer technician. Available to work Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. employment@systekct.com Part-time IT network help desk technician. Commerce National Bank is seeking individual to assist in daily support of CNB/LNB employees by providing hands on and remote support of hardware and software issues. Assist in research and signature detection of email spam, Internet Trojans, and various other internet based threats as they relate to end-user awareness and prevention. Assist in software and hardware configurations and updates to end user workstations. Qualifications: Working ability to troubleshoot and work through a wide variety of computer support issues. Customer-service oriented and the ability to work with others. Written and oral communication/organization skills. Hours: 20hrs/wk- flexible schedule. Visit www.commercenb.com for application. Applications & resume may be faxed to 806-792-0976 or emailed to gmills@lubbocknational.com EOE Part-time secretary/receptionist, counseling office, flexible hours, 6-8 hrs/week. Call 979-255-2789. PT help needed. Local hunting club needs PT guides. Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior level workers. Average 1 day/week in off- season; 2-3 days/week in Fall and Winter. Limited hunting privileges. Applications at www.yardbirdhunting.com
SKISPRING SPRING BREAK BREAK 2010! SKI 2011!
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MUSIC Best deal in town- DJ services/audio rentals. RDM Audio does it all! Weddings, parties, band set ups, PA systems, Event Lighting, 979-260-1925. rdmaudio.com Party Block Mobile DJ- Peter Block, professional 22yrs experience. Specializing in Weddings, TAMU functions, lights/smoke. Mobile to anywhere. Book early!! 979-693-6294. http://www.partyblockdj.com
REAL ESTATE B/CS. Sell/Buy/Invest! Re/Max, Michael McGrann. TAMU ‘93 engineering. 979-739-2035, 979-693-1851. aggierealtor.com
ROOMMATES 1 roomate 3 bed 2 bath. $425/mnth+utl. Contact email: baloo1515@yahoo.com 1-2 roommates needed. 4bd/4ba at Waterwood on SW Parkway. W/D, private bath, on bus route. Short or long term leases available. $400/mo. includes utilities, cable/internet. Call 254-721-2716. 1-2 roommates wanted. 3bd/2ba 1800 sqft house. Big backyard, W/D, next to Sorority Row. Close to campus. Male preferred. $450/mo +utilities. 830-688-1472. 1-male roommate needed at Zone Apartments. 2bd/2ba fully furnished, W/D, bus route. $485/mo +electricity. 512-398-5787. 1-Male roommate needed for 1/2 fully furnished condo. Close to campus, on shuttle route, W/D. No smoking/pets. $450/mo. lmzachary@hotmail.com 281-543-6263. 1-Male roommate needed in 4bd/4ba condo. W/D, on bus route, bike to campus. $350/mo +utilities. Sublease through May or August. 361-816-1224. 2bd/1ba Anderson Place Apartments. W/D, cable/internet, all bills paid. $360/roommate. Male. Busroute. 979-224-4098. Female roommate needed for Zone Apartments. February Free! 4bd/2ba fully furnished, W/D. $460/mo +electricity. Bus route. Call/text Liz 979-450-8090. Female roommate wanted, $450/mo. plus utilities, Woodbrook Condos. Call 281-795-4110. Female wanted. 3bd/3ba Woodlands. Private bed/bath, fully furnished, $650/mo, new custom paint/carpet. Workout facility, theater, computers, study room, security on premises. 630-536-9001. Male roommate needed for sub-lease. $300/mo. 3bd/2ba house. Contact 210-347-9604.
breckenridge
Vail • Beaver Creek • Keystone • Arapahoe Basin
20 Mountains. 5 Resorts. 1 Price. FROM ONLY
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P/T work cleaning pools, 15-20/hrs a week, Spring semester and maybe Summer, 979-402-0878 or 979-229-0071.
Two male roommates needed. On bus route. $500/mo. Everything included. 817-739-3700.
TUTORS Online math tutor. $8.50/hr. Calculus I/II, Trig, Business Math. http://JimmieMathTutoring.blogspot.com
1/23/11 7:07 PM
news
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thebattalion
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student life
Drinking is growing problem on campus Reginald Clark Binge drinking is believed to be one of the most serious problems on college campuses according to college administrators. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism said that binge drinking is defined as a pattern of drinking that brings one’s blood alcohol concentration, BAC, to 0.08 percent or more. This typically happens in men when five or more drinks are consumed within two hours; in women, when four or more drinks are consumed within two hours. Studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that in the past 30 days 5 percent of the population drank heavily and 15 percent of the population binge drank. Some studies show that binge drinking is more common than believed. “One-fourth of adults binge drink,� said Dr. Dafna Kanny, senior specialist of the alcohol program at CDC. “Binge drinking for the age group of 18 to 24 is getting worse. We found that approximately 35 percent of those surveyed binge drank.� There are many risks associated with binge drinking; one of the major risks is car crashes due to drunk driving. According to the CDC, other risks include sexual assault, domestic violence and alcohol poisoning amongst many more risks. The highest risk of binge drinking is death. “About 1,700 college students die from alcohol-related injuries,� Kanny said. According to Anna Williams, interim program coordinator of alcohol and drug education programs at Texas A&M, “the majority of the students I interact with are not what would be classified as alcoholics, they would fall into the category of substance abuser.� The Student Counseling Services place student drinkers into three categories: social us-
Special to The Battalion If you were to walk into the Stevenson Center on a regular afternoon, you could expect to be greeted by the smiling faces of the staff and Happy the Chihuahua, a resident pet at the Texas A&M University Stevenson Companion Animal Life Care Center. While each pet has a unique story, the animals have a similar background. Animal residents of the Stevenson Center each had owners that “wanted their pets to live out their days here,� said Ellie Greenbaum, assistant to the director of the care center. Some pet residents move to the center due to their owners’ hospitalization, movement to a retirement facility, or having an owner pass away. All 36 pet residents moved to the center after Dr. Ned Ellett, former director of the Small Animal Clinic at Texas A&M University, received donations from Madlin Stevenson and the Luse Foundation in 1993 to bring his dream to life. Dr. Henry L. “Sonny� Presnal, is the director of the center. The Stevenson Center was born from the dream that the pets are provided with all of their needs after being with an owner that is no longer able to care for them.
979-846-2237
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might be able to understand the situation more from seeing it while living or working at the Stevenson Center. Kim Muth, an animal care taker at the Stevenson Center, also loves animals and is responsible for the bathing, grooming and loving the animal residents. She monitors the health and personalities of the animals, and can tell if something is wrong. Kim said the animals have “affected her life tremendously. If I have a bad day and come in here, it puts me in the best of moods.� It is hard to imagine all the dogs, cats, birds and the llama not having a good life after having to lose their former family. The center has open space and offers companionship between the animals and the owners. The care of these animals within a home makes the need for expansion more serious. �There are so many animals, we need more space to spread out,� Muth said. Greenbaum said the center’s main mission is to “care for these pets when owners no longer can within a teaching environment.� With the expansion about to begin, Greenbaum and the staff said there could be more animals coming in the future, and they want to be prepared.
979-680-0508
979-846-3600
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are also held through the Texas A&M Chapter of AA. Information can be found at Texas A&M Chapter-Alcoholics Anonymous on Facebook.
Elana Prejean, a senior psychology major, said there are other ways to have fun besides binge drinking. “If they decide to drink, they should drink responsibly and shouldn’t be careless,� said Prejean, who had to complete a Texas Alcoholic Beverage Certification program for one of her former jobs. There are resources for students with substance abuse problems in the Student Counseling Services. “There are substance abuse counselors in Student Counseling that specialize in supporting students with substance abuse issues,� Williams said. Students can also seek out support from Alcohol and Drug Education Programs by scheduling a meeting and receiving advice on what programs are the best fit for the student.
1740 Rock Prairie Rd.
Sun.- Wed. 11am-midnight
Hours
Thurs.-Sat. 11am-1am
(if you haven’t)
order your 2011 yearbook today. The 109th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook will chronicle the 2010-2011 school year — traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, greeks, campus organizations, and seniors and graduate students. By credit card go online to http://aggieland.tamu.edu or call 979-845-2613. Or drop by the Student Media office, Bldg. #8901 in The Grove (between Albritton Bell Tower and Cain Hall). Cost is $64.90, including shipping and sales tax. 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday.
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Pet center provides new home, awaits expansion In 2003, the center underwent its first expansion and it was unveiled in August 2004. Currently, a new expansion is in the works. The center plans on expanding by 2,600 square feet, and the new part of the building will be ready later this spring. Once completed, the center will provide more than 11,000 square feet of space for all the furry friends living there. The expansion will provide two more indoor canine areas and yards, two feline areas and outdoor porches and two additional avian areas and porches. Michelle LaRue, a second year veterinary student class of 2009, lives and works at the center. LaRue started by working at the center, and now lives there with other veterinary students. She initially became involved since she is “so interested in the best veterinary medicines and noticed what a great opportunity it was for both sides.� Greenbaum said that this type of experience is “invaluable to a student’s career choice and gives them a unique sense of compassion when they move on to a practice.� Life at the center and the memories with the animal residents will be an experience students take with them through their career. If there is a client with a problem, the student
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The Battalion
ers, substance abusers and alcoholics. Social drinkers include most people; social drinkers drink responsibly and with little or no risk. Substance abusers are defined as some people who drink alcohol and/or use drugs and do so irresponsibly at some risk to themselves or others. People who are substance abusers experience negative consequences associated with their alcohol use, but they are able to alter the way they drink to avoid a recurrence of those problems. According to Williams, they get complaints about their behavior and sometimes feel embarrassed or remorseful about things they say or do when drinking or using. They oftentimes use alcohol or drugs to medicate certain feelings, to change the way they feel about some aspects of their lives and/ or change the way they feel about themselves. For students who are substance abusers, abstaining from alcohol might not be necessary, but changing their behaviors of dealing with problems is necessary. According to Anna Williams, “examples of the kind of problems, issues and situations that encourage one to abuse alcohol and drugs include depression and anxiety, anger and resentment, insecurity, low self esteem, immaturity and peer pressure.� “Most binge drinkers are not alcohol-dependent. Only a small percentage, 10 percent, are alcoholics,� Kanny said. Alcoholics are a small percentage of people who drink alcohol and are dependent on it. They drink for any reason or no reason at all. They get complaints about their drinking but tend to resent, discount and/or disregard those comments. There are some effective ways to decrease the amount of binge drinking. “Increasing alcohol taxes will decrease alcohol consumption,� Kanny said. “Reducing hours and days sold and decreasing the availability will also help with binge drinking.�
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