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october 20, 2009
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Stanford University
Condoleezza Rice to speak at Bush Library Former President George H.W. Bush will welcome Condoleezza Rice to the Texas A&M University Campus as part of a daylong event on Nov. 9 marking the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Rice, who served as secretary of state under the administration of George W. Bush, will speak as part of the Lenore and Francis Humphrys International Speakers Program. The Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs is sponsoring the event. “[Rice] will be speaking on her experiences as she was serving under George Bush’s administration,” said Assistant Director of the Scowcroft Institute Griffin Rozell. “With her expertise in international affairs, she’ll be talking about what the fall of the Berlin Wall means for the world as we move forward.” Before being appointed as secretary of state in 2005, Rice served as the national security advisor during George W. Bush’s first term as president. Rice and Bush will speak at 5:30 p.m. at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center. Free tickets are available for the event and can be picked up at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, the Bryan-College Station Eagle, the Bryan-College Station Convention and Visitors Bureau, KBTX and WTAW. Other events for the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall include a viewing of newly declassified exhibits at the George Bush Presidential Library, a discussion panel of German and American journalists looking at international relations since the Berlin Wall and a book release of “The Fall of the Berlin Wall: The Revolutionary Legacy of 1989.” More details about the day’s agenda and ticket information can be found at the Web site http://eucenter.tamu.edu/Events/ Content/FBW/FBW_site.html.
Deep in the heart of
Texas Event puts BCS on the music map
Lorelei Willett The Battalion The weather was crisp and cool; music was floating in the air, and rockers were coming out to play at the first Rock the Republic in Bryan. More than 140 acts of mostly Texas-based rock bands and poets were invited to perform in 12 ven-
Photos by Jonny Green — THE BATTALION
ues over the three-day event. Creators of Rock the Republic said it was not a festival, but a spectacle of sight and sound that fused music with the magic of the spoken word and performance. “We’re trying to get it established and get the city behind us so we can make it even bigger,” said online director Cody Marx Bailey.
The coordinators of the event made up a schedule for the threeday event of the acts, times and locations, which included the Palace Theater, Murphy’s Law, The Stafford, The Village, Revolutions, The Stage Center, Halo and Square One. See Rock the Republic on page 3
Melissa Appel, staff writer
Big Dipper tells historic story
amplify.tamu.edu
Program amps up Aggie life Vicky Flores The Battalion
Tiffany Tran — THE BATTALION
Travis Lawson The Battalion Ken VanLew, a scientific storyteller, will be presenting his inspiring narrative at Texas A&M University from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m and again from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. tomorrow in the Frymire Auditorium at the George Bush Presidential Library Center. VanLew’s story puts into perspective the historical effect of the Big Dipper on events such as Christopher Columbus’s voyage to America and the Underground Railroad. The Communications Director for the George Bush Presidential Library Brian Blake said he is looking forward to the VanLew presentation because it promises to be fun and educational.
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“I am very excited to have Ken VanLew coming to the Museum,” Blake said. “Our Education Department’s storytelling events really engage and capture the imagination of students.” VanLew’s story focuses on the importance in gaining knowledge in the field of astronomy to help better understand history and the cosmos. The narrative will be one of many events taking place during the “Bush Museum Storytellers Guild.” Other events include “Meet Ben Franklin!” and “Celebrate Presidents Day.” “These dramatic presentations provide a new perspective for students to experience historical events that shaped the world they live in,” Blake said.
New this fall, Amplify is a campuswide effort to help students adjust to campus life, become aware of resources the campus offers and to make the most of their time in Aggieland. Amplify is geared for freshmen, sophomores and transfer students but is open to any student said Meredith Malnar, coordinator of Amplify. “We have worked with departments all across campus to
bring together over 100 programs and workshops offered throughout the fall semester and put them together in one place where students can easily find resources that meet their specific needs,” Malnar said. Whether a student needs help managing stress, enhancing their study skills, creating a budget, writing their resume or gaining leadership skills, Amplify offers workshops to assist them, Malnar said. Workshops and programs are offered under eight differ-
ent themes: Academic Engagement/Success Strategies, Health & Wellness, Leadership, Civic Engagement, Global Awareness & Diversity, Financial & Debt Management, Current Issues and Life Skills & Personal Development. These themes were designed to help students identify Amplify programs. “The idea of Amplify came from Malnar benchmarking other systems in different universities after a need was clear See Amplify on page 6
Come spoon with us
Protestors fumble the truth
What started from a Mays Business School Project is an Aggieowned and operated frozen yogurt shop.
Anyone can manipulate a photo, but to make a real claim you need facts.
lifestyles | 3
opinion | 9
10/19/09 11:24 PM
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Amanda Casanova Editor in Chief
THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University. Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111.
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corrections Monday’s edition of The Battalion incorrectly stated the party of Sen. Chet Edwards. Edwards is a Democrat. www.villagefoods.com
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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.
Man takes car on 1,000 mile test drive JANESVILLE, Wis. — A Massachusetts man who allegedly kidnapped a car salesman during a test drive and drove the vehicle more than 1,000 miles is in custody in Wisconsin. Authorities said a Wisconsin State Patrol trooper pulled over a 32-year-old man near Edgerton, Wis. on Friday for speeding, reckless driving and operating a motor vehicle without owner consent. The suspect is expected to be extradited back to Massachusetts to face charges of kidnapping, larceny of a motor vehicle and unarmed robbery. The incident began Thursday afternoon when the man and a Honda car salesman went on a test drive but the man refused to turn back around. The salesman was able to get out of the car when it slowed at a tollbooth near the Massachusetts state line.
Calif toddler OK after 30-foot fall ANTIOCH, Calif. — Talk about a tough kid: a California toddler is alive after falling 30 feet from an apartment window and landing on concrete and rocks. Contra Costa County Fire Capt. Charles Thomas said the 22-month-old boy was alert and crying after the three-story plunge Sunday in Antioch that left him with just a cut on his abdomen, a bruised lung and a bump on his head. The boy appeared to have climbed onto furniture near an open window and fell after pushing against the screen. He landed on concrete and a bed of rocks. Associated Press
how to apply If you are interested in writing or contributing content in The Battalion apply online at thebatt.com, or come by The Grove, 8453313.
Jonny Green — THE BATTALION
Seniors allied health major Morgan Brawly and kinesiology major Lauren Richards promote Tri Delta’s upcoming Gameday and collect donations Monday outside the Commons. The event is Saturday at Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater and will feature food, televisions playing football games, and live entertainment. Proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Sheriff: Boy-in-balloon was hoax, charges expected FORT COLLINS, Colo. — The story that a little boy had floated away in a giant helium balloon was a hoax concocted to land a reality television show, authorities said Sunday, and the boy’s parents will likely face felony charges. The stunt two weeks in the planning was a marketing ploy by Richard and Mayumi Heene, who met in acting school in Hollywood and have appeared on the ABC reality show “Wife Swap,� Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden said. The Heenes have reportedly been working on a reality TV deal in Los Angeles. Investigators are examining the possibility of other conspirators, “including the possibility that even some of the media outlets may have had some knowledge about this,� Alderden said. Documents show that a media outlet has agreed to pay money to the Heenes with regard to the balloon incident, Alderden said. He didn’t name the media outlet, but said it was a show that blurs “the line between entertainment and news.� It wasn’t clear whether the deal was signed before or after the alleged hoax, or whether that media outlet was a possible conspirator. Six-year-old Falcon Heene may not even have been hiding in the rafters of the family’s garage during the intense five-hour search for him Thursday, Alderden said. “For all we know he may have been two blocks down the road playing on the swing in the city park,� the
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Richard Heene’s balloon is held for evidence in the Larimer County Sheriff’s evidence area in Fort Collins, Colo. sheriff said. Alderden also said investigators want to talk to Robert Thomas, a Denver man who claimed Heene had told him he was planning a media stunt to promote a proposed reality show. Thomas, a selfdescribed researcher, sold his story to the Web site Gawker.com, which billed it with the headline: “Exclusive: I Helped Richard Heene Plan a Balloon Hoax.� Web site editor-in-chief Gabriel Snyder confirmed that the site paid Thomas for his story but declined to say how much it paid him. In an e-mail Sunday to The Associated Press, Snyder said editors there had not contacted the Heene family or offered them money for their story, referring to Alderden’s reference to a deal being struck by a media outlet. “No, that wasn’t us,� Snyder said. Snyder said Thomas, 25, was planning to meet with investigators Sunday night, though sheriff’s officials didn’t return messages seek-
ing confirmation. Messages left for Thomas by the AP were also not returned. In a statement, Gawker. com described how Thomas told them the hoax was part of Heene’s plan to shop a proposed reality series billed as “Mythbusters-meets-mad scientist.� Thomas told the site that the plan called for releasing a flying-saucer shaped balloon to garner attention for the Heene family, the proposed show and UFOs. Thomas said in his Gawker.com story that the plan he knew about did not involve the Heenes’ children. Thursday’s stunt temporarily shut down Denver International Airport and caused the National Guard to scramble two helicopters in an attempt to rescue the boy, who was believed to be inside the flying-saucer shaped homemade balloon that hurtled more than 50 miles across two counties. Associated Press
WARRANT AMNESTY OCT. 12 - OCT. 23 COLLEGE STATION MUNICIPAL COURT If you have a warrant out of College Station Municipal Court or think you have a warrant, come to Court at 300 Krenek Tap Road or call 764-3683. If Âżnes are paid in full, the warrant fee will be waived from Monday, Oct. 12 through Friday, Oct. 23. The Court will be open Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. the remainder of the week during the Warrant Amnesty Period. The Court accepts cash, checks, or credit card payment. Those who do not come to Court during the Amnesty period and have a warrant outstanding for their arrest will be pursued during the
WARRANT ROUND-UP OCT. 26 - NOV. 6
Warrants are available on the web at www.cstx.gov/warrants
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10/19/09 9:53 PM
flavor
Sbisa pumpkin-carving contest Pumpkins will be on display from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Thursday to Monday at Sbisa Dining Hall to be voted on by students.
thebattalion 10.20.2009 page3
Rock the Republic Continued from page 1
Jillian Edwards, who performed at Murphy’s Law Thursday, came in from Waco for the event. “I started doing shows my freshman year at Baylor, but I’m still kind of awkward [on stage]. Music is what I want to do; I’ll do it forever, even if it’s just stuff like this,” Edwards said. RTR representatives contacted Edwards via her MySpace page and said they were impressed by her ‘pop folk’ sound of singing with her acoustic guitar. Music was not the only entertainment offered at RTR. Creators and coordinators brought slam poetry performers and teams from across Texas, as well as hip-hop productions, street artists, stomp and stepping routines and the Retro Rainbow Sound Circus. Other performers included the 70’s throwback group, but only in dress, the Black & White Years, a country girl with tattoos and dreadlocks calling herself Magic Girl, the rapper Fat Tony, The Roomsounds, Oso Closo — who was known as ‘the guys with the beards’ — and The Happen-ins, an Austin rock band. One of the crowd’s
Grab a spoon and
help yourself
Customers line up to weigh their chilly creations and pay up at Spoons, a new frozen yogurt shop in College Station.
“
I think this is a great concept and I hope the city gets behind it. If they can get national exposure brought to this, then other universities will pick it up and eventually make [Rock the Republic] universal,” — Larry Gayao lead singer for Odis
favorites, Odis from Dallas, performed at Revolutions Thursday. “The Web site impressed me the most. It says a lot about the place you play for,” said Larry Gayao, lead singer for Odis. Gayao said the band had a lot of eclectic influences that went into their sound and are working on their second album, which has more of a story-telling vibe as opposed to their first rhythm and blues album. Other members include Rob Bastion on guitar, Bristen Phillips on bass and Mikey Ratliff on drums. “I think this is a great concept and I hope the city gets behind it. If they can get national exposure brought to this, then other universities will pick it up and eventually make [Rock the Republic] universal,” Gayao said. Catherine Nichols, a senior international studies major, who had just come from watching and dancing on stage with Fat Tony at The Palace Theater, said she was enjoying the shows. “I came for the music and the sexy boys,” Nichols said.
Rock the Republic For video of the event check out
Engagement Ring Event October 23/24
thebatt.com
Sam Smith — THE BATTALION
Students open frozen yogurt shop Megan Ryan The Battalion What started as a project for the Mays Business Fellows program is turning into a hot spot with cold treats. Andrew Pappas, senior accounting major, and his group members pitched the idea for Spoons, a new frozen yogurt shop, to David Mebane, an entrepreneur and former student. Mebane wanted to start a business in College Station, so when Pappas and his group mentioned a frozen yogurt shop, they went for it. “Mebane said he wanted to start a drive-in movie theater, so we pitched the idea about a yogurt shop, we did some research for it, and he kind of mentored us during the way,” Pappas said. “Then he invested in it and opened the business.” Pappas and the group had to figure out a lot of the logistics. They came up with the name, figured out what kind of yogurt, worked with construction artists, realtors and designed the logo. “Mebane was a fantastic mentor throughout the whole process,” Pappas said. “He was so interested in our success. I spent the whole summer making sure everything was going alright with everything. A lot of the logistics has happened in the past few months, and I’ve been really involved with that. We wanted to make sure we had great employees and impeccable service.” The group had some challenges along the way, but opening day went well, Pappas said. “The entire process was something none of us had experience with, but the most challenging part was that it was uncharted territory for all of us,” he said. “We had to learn about yogurt and decide what we wanted for our business.” The shop uses a weigh-in concept. The yogurt machines are on the wall for self-service
and the toppings range from fruit to cereal. After customers have created a desired treat, the cashier weighs it and prices accordingly. Paige Smiley, senior finance major and part of the group who came up with the idea, said the concept took a lot of time and research to bring together. However, she said it was worth it on opening day. “We had to think about how healthy it would be and what kind of toppings we wouldd have and whether it should be self-served and weighed,” she said. “Ultimately we wanted too create a company where students would not only any. love the product, but also just love the company. he And I’m really pleased with the design and the opening day, because it did just that.” Pappas said he was pleased with opening day. he “Not only were people there enjoying the ing a yogurt, but you could tell people were having mpact good time, and we were making a good impact on the community,” he said. “Hopefully itt will ly and be a place for people to go with their family friends. It’s great to see everyone receive itt so well. It’s not just about the food, which I think is great.” Scott Winkler, a graduate student in finance and friend of Pappas, said Spoonss was packed on opening day. hen “The place was insane on Friday when they opened, people were coming in by the dozen,” he said “It’s a great place withh a great atmosphere. If you haven’t been, grabb a date and Spoon.” on. They Pappas said the next goal is expansion. ocation and are pleased with the college campus location ns in similar would like to continue to place Spoons locations. re so far, and “We have had a lot of people there ’t I want to get everybody out,” he said. “I won’t be happy until every student has tried it out. I
would love to see everybody see what we’ve put so much time and effort into.” Ashley Schill, a senior marketing major, said she liked the concept Spoons had put together. “Spoons was freaking awesome,” she said. “I can’t believe they had cinnamon toast crunch as a topping.” bu The business has taken a lot of hard work and the sky’s y the determination, but Pappas said “the limit” for the shop. “A week before the opening I was there every single day, and starting on Wednesday I was there until about 2:45 in the morning, and got up and went there at 8 a.m. the next day,” he said. “I was pulling 21-hour days, it was crazy but it was awesome, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I couldn’t be happier.”
Gail Hernandez — THE BATTALION
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comics/people
page 4 tuesday 10.20.2009
thebattalion
Blagojevich’s appearance on TV concerns feds CHICAGO — Prosecutors said Monday they are worried about what ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich might say on Donald Trump's “Celebrity Apprentice” TV show that could taint the jury pool for his federal corruption trial. The show is likely to air just as jurors are being qualified for the trial, which is scheduled to start June 3, and anything Blagojevich might say about the evidence could cause complications, prosecutors told U.S. District Judge James B. Zagel. Blagojevich has “repeatedly commented on the evidence” in appearances on TV and radio shows in the months since he was indicted on charges of scheming to trade or sell President Barack Obama's former U.S. Senate seat, Assistant U.S. Attorney Reid Schar told Zagel. Prosecutors did not ask Zagel to bar Blagojevich from going on the show. The judge said he was similarly concerned and told Blagojevich's attorneys to work out an agreement with prosecutors that would allow Blagojevich to appear on the show but prevent the sort of remarks that might cause concern. He said he wanted the sides to show him their agreement once it's completed. Public statements by defendants about criminal charges they are facing could “create a certain amount of jeopardy for the defendant,” Zagel said.
TUESDAY
Such remarks could also create “a problem that would cause me to have to make difficult judgments,” such as how far the government could go in introducing evidence to balance what the jury might have heard on the television BLAGOJEVICH show, he said. Defense attorney Samuel E. Adam told reporters after court it would be unfair to block Blagojevich from proclaiming his innocence in public. He said U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald used such strong language in announcing the indictment that the jury pool was already effectively tainted. Fitzgerald said at a news conference after the indictment was returned that Blagojevich's crimes would make “Lincoln roll over in his grave.” Blagojevich, who did not attend the hearing, was in New York last week as taping for the show got under way. The show is due to air in March. Blagojevich was impeached and kicked out of office after he was accused of trying to sell or trade Obama's former U.S. Senate seat. He has denied wrongdoing, and pleaded not guilty to the corruption charges against him. Associated Press
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news
page 5 tuesday 10.20.2009
thebattalion
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,350
Feds to stop prosecuting medical marijuana users in some states
As of Monday at least 4,350 members of the U.S. military had died in the Iraq war since it began in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. The figure includes nine military civilians killed in action. At least 3,474 military personnel died as a result of hostile action, according to the military’s numbers.
WASHINGTON — Pot-smoking patients or their sanctioned suppliers should not be targeted for federal prosecution in states that allow medical marijuana, prosecutors were told Monday in a new policy memo issued by the Justice Department. Under the policy spelled out in a three-page legal memo, federal prosecutors are being told it is not a good use of their time to arrest people who use or provide medical marijuana in strict compliance with state law. The guidelines issued by the department do, however, make it clear that federal agents will go after people whose marijuana distribution goes beyond what is permitted under state law or use medical marijuana as a cover for other crimes. The memo advises prosecutors they “should not focus federal resources in your states on individuals whose actions are in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws providing for the medical use of marijuana.” The new policy is a significant departure from the Bush administration, which insisted it would continue to enforce federal anti-pot laws regardless of state codes. “It will not be a priority to use federal resources to prosecute patients with serious illnesses or their caregivers who are complying with state laws on medical marijuana, but we will not tolerate drug traffickers who hide behind claims of compliance with state law to mask activities that are clearly illegal,” Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement. By the government’s count, 14 states allow some use of marijuana for medical purposes: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. Some medical marijuana advocates say Maryland shouldn’t be included in that group, because the law there only allows for reduced penalties for medical marijuana usage. California stands out among those for the widespread presence of dispensaries — businesses that sell marijuana and even advertise their services. Colorado also has several dispensaries, and Rhode Island and New Mexico are in the process of licensing providers, according to the Marijuana Policy Project, a group that promotes the decriminalization of marijuana use.
Police arrest man for third DUI in 17 days RENO, Nev. — A 50-yearold Reno man has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving for the third time in less than three weeks. Reno Police Sgt. Tom Robinson said the man was stopped Monday on a U.S. Highway 395 off-ramp on the south end of town after a concerned citizen alerted police about his erratic driving. He said a check of the man’s police record found he had been arrested on the same charge two other times since Oct. 2. Robinson said officers contacted the city attorney, who contacted a Reno municipal court judge so the man’s bail would be raised to $25,000. Associated Press
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Samuel Bagdorf of San Francisco, who suffers from anxiety disorders, lights his marijuana pipe at the San Francisco Medical Cannabis Clinic in San Francisco. Advocates say marijuana is effective in treating chronic pain and nausea, among other ailments. Holder said in March that he wanted federal law enforcement officials to pursue those who violate both federal and state law, but it has not been clear how that goal would be put into practice. The memo spelling out the policy was sent Monday to federal prosecutors in the 14 states, and also to top officials at the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration. The memo written by Deputy Attorney General David Ogden emphasizes that prosecutors have wide discretion in choosing which cases to pursue, and says it is not a good use of federal manpower to prosecute those who are without a doubt in compliance with state law. “This is a major step forward,” said Bruce Mirken,
TUESDAY
communications director for the Marijuana Policy Project. “This change in policy moves the federal government dramatically toward respecting scientific and practical reality.” The change has critics, including lawmakers who see it as a tactical retreat in the fight against Mexican drug cartels. “We cannot hope to eradicate the drug trade if we do not first address the cash cow for most drug trafficking organizations — marijuana,” said Rep. Lamar Smith of Texas, the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee. Administration officials said the government will still prosecute those who use medical marijuana as a cover for other illegal activity. Associated Press
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news
page 6 tuesday 10.20.2009
thebattalion
Hanging domestic violence out to dry
Nate, Erica, Holly, Miguel... We work at the Bryan Center, Come See Us!
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700 University Dr. E, Suite 111 College Station 979-268-6050 www.dciplasma.com Natasha Sankovich — THE BATTALION
The Clothesline Project, sponsored by the Women’s Resource Center, is a project designed to help spread awareness about domestic violence. The Clothesline Project is located in Rudder and will be there until Friday.
Gabe, Ashley, Vicki, Kat, Kylie... We work at the College Station Center, Come See Us!
Amplify Continued from page 1
for a program geared towards helping out freshmen,” said Tara Boyle, coordinator of New Student Programs Boyle said the program that used to be in place, First Time Aggie Contact Team, would call first-time students after the 12th day of classes to ask if they had any questions about adapting to university living, but after landlines began to be used less in dorm rooms that program became obsolete. “The program has been a success as we have gotten many experts onboard from across the University to conduct workshops and build a strong student base,” Boyle said. What makes this program unique is that it offers one place for freshmen and transfer students to have all of their
questions answered and it has a goal of uniting every different resource offered on campus, Boyle said. Plans are already underway to also be available in the spring semester, offering even more workshops. “We are working with additional departments who don’t currently have programs included in Amplify,” Malnar said, “and we also hope to add an incentive type rewards program to encourage student participation.” Amber Acosta, part of the Amplify steering committee, said she recommends Amplify to her students. “I have encouraged all my students to use Amplify as a resource for their personal, academic and leadership development,” Acosta said, “the neatest thing is that I see them recommending programs to their peers using the Amplify brochure or
The program has been a success as we have gotten many experts onboard from across the University to conduct workshops and build a strong student base.”
“
— Tara Boyle coordinator of New Student Programs
Web site.” Although workshops are open to any Aggie and are free, students wanting to attend must register online beforehand. For more information on Amplify or to register for workshops, log on to amplify.tamu.edu.
the battalion Classified Advertising • Easy • Affordable • Effective Call 845-0569 Pg. 6-10.20.09.indd 1
10/19/09 10:59 PM
sports
Soccer to have free clinic The 14th-ranked Texas A&M soccer team will have a free youth clinic and a coaches clinic for U-5 and U-6 divisions at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Aggie Soccer Stadium. Each participant must bring a soccer ball and shin guards. Parking is available in lot 100.
thebattalion 10.20.2009 page 7
Traveling to Tech
Stephen Fogg — THE BATTALION
Texas A&M sophomore running back Cyrus Gray carries the ball in the Aggies’ 36-31 loss to Oklahoma State Oct. 10 at Kyle Field. Gray leads A&M running backs in carries with 74 and rushing yards with a net total of 317 yards in the 2009 season.
After a rough loss to Kansas State, the Aggies look to rebound in Lubbock Brad Cox The Battalion Texas A&M has had little luck playing Texas Tech in Lubbock during the past 14 seasons. The Aggies have not won a game on their semiannual trip to the West Texas town since 1993, losing seven consecutive including a 35-7 loss in 2007. “I hate going to Lubbock,” said senior lineman Michael Shumard. “I absolutely hate going to Lubbock. Their fans do a great job of making it the worst place in the whole wide world to go to.” From flying tortillas to flying curse words, Jones Stadium is considered to be one of the most hostile venues in the Big 12. Many horror stories have stemmed from meetings between A&M and Tech, including batteries being thrown at opposing fans and players and
a goal post being marched into the A&M fans’ section in 2001. “It’s pretty tough out there,” said junior “jack” Von Miller. “The fans, the student body – that’s how it should be. That’s how it’s always been at Texas Tech. We’re not playing the fans, we’re playing the team. It’s not really a big deal about the fans. I think we’ll be alright.” But the often heated rivalry might not be quite as hostile when Saturday arrives. A&M is on a three game losing streak and has struggled to remain competitive against Red Raider Head Coach Mike Leach’s spread offense. “We have to go play a great ballgame,” said Head Coach Mike Sherman. “Playing at nighttime out in Lubbock, the crowd is going to be right behind our bench, it’s going to be very threatening. Our kids have to rise to that challenge.” Some players are finding hope though, referencing the 2008 team, which led Tech at halftime
by three points before losing 43-25. But hope is limited after the Aggies were destroyed 62-14 at Kansas State Saturday. “We certainly did our best to give Tech an opportunity to be overconfident,” Sherman said jokingly. “That part of the plan has worked and hopefully the rest of it will.” Both sides of the ball struggled to do anything meaningful against the Wildcats, particularly after an early fumble led to the Wildcats taking an early lead. “It felt like the harder we tried, the further we fell,” Shumard said. The week before, Kansas State lost at Tech 66-14, giving up 554 passing yards and 8 passing touchdowns. By comparison, A&M mustered only 314 passing yards and negative 13 rushing yards against the Wildcats. If both the Raiders and the Aggies play the same on Saturday, Tech would be on pace to break the
100-point mark in a single game. “Texas Tech’s scheme is proven through the years,” said defensive coordinator Joe Kines. “It’s one of the best schemes throwing the football in the country.” A&M was able to control the first half when the two met in 2008 at Kyle Field. Tech was on its way to an 11-2 season, including an upset win over Texas two weeks later, but the Aggies had the Raiders in their sights for 30 minutes. Thanks to three field goals by Randy Bullock and a pair of touchdowns, A&M took a 23-20 lead into the locker room at halftime. But Tech continued to score at the same pace, and the Aggie offense was shut down by something not always synonymous with the Raiders: defense. “I’m very impressed with them defensively,” Sherman said. “They’re very fundamentally sound. They believe in what they do and they do it very well.”
Aggie golfers take first in Lonestar Invitational Michael Sullivan The Battalion The No. 18 Texas A&M men’s golf team became the first team to hoist the Lone Star Invitational trophy and gained the state champion title in the process. The Aggies closed the tournament with a final round of six under par on the way to a 10-stroke victory over Big 12 conference rival, No. 4 Texas. “It’s always a neat thing to win an inaugural event because your name will always be at the top of the list,” said
A&M Head Coach J.T. Higgins. “The fact that it was for the state championship of Texas makes it extra special. To hold a national championship and a state championship at the same time is a great accomplishment for our program.” The Lone Star Invitational was the first collegiate golf tournament to have a field of competitors from a single state. Of the 14 Division 1 schools in Texas, 12 attended the event excluding Texas Tech and TCU. The Aggies were led by solid play from junior John Hurley who captured
the individual victory, the first of his career. Hurley entered the tournament averaging 74.67 strokes per round but fired three rounds below that average with scores of 71, 64 and 71. In the second round, Hurley’s 64 tied a school record set by former A&M standout Bronson Burgoon. Hurley missed birdie putts on the 17th and 18th holes to break Burgoon’s record. “I knew I was playing pretty good,” Hurley said. “Golf is fun when you hit the ball where you want it. I had a couple of opportunities to break Bronson’s
record on the last couple of holes, but I’m really happy about the round.” Entering the tournament, the Aggies had yet to finish with multiple players in the Top 10 individually. The Aggies finished the tournament with four of the five starters placing in the Top 10. Senior Andrea Pavan finished the tournament tied for fourth place after posting a score of six under par. Junior Nacho Elvira and sophomore Geoff Shaw both finished tied for ninth place posting scores of one over par. “I’m really pleased with how we
played,” Higgins said. “We were very businesslike today and did what we were supposed to do. We never got uptight or worried about the score board, we just let the results take care of themselves.” The Aggies will close out the fall season at the Baylor Intercollegiate Invitational, a tournament the Aggies won during the 2008-2009 season. After the trip to Waco, the Aggies will have several months off until they return to action on Feb. 1 for the Arizona Invitational.
Dec ’09, May ’10, Aug ’10
GRADUATING SENIORS AND GRADUATE STUDENTS Have your free yearbook portrait taken Oct. 6– Oct. 22 in Training Room 027 of the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center.
TUESDAY TRIO! Enjoy Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Fettuccine Alfredo and a Slice of Pizza.
To schedule your appointment, go to www.thorntonstudio.com Go to School Portraits, Scheduling, click New User, complete with Login Password: tam
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TUESDAYS ALL DAY
It’s your yearbook. Be in it.
AGGIELAND 2010
COLLEGE STATION: 400 Harvey Rd. 979-694-5199
Official yearbook of Texas A&M University
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
FOR SALE
ROOMMATES
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. Boss Hogg Limo. Northgate formals, Houston, Louisiana, football games. www.bosshogglimo.com (254)721-6179
Beautiful oak pool table, $400, full-size, low-price due to work of moving it. 979-575-9514
1bd/1ba downstairs apartment. For lease! Wolf Pen Creek $475/mo. includes utilities. $400 cash back incentive. 713-253-3399.
Texans for Rick Perry is hiring paid part-time Field Staff Representatives in College Station! Support for Governor Perry and interest in politics are a must! Contact Casey Christman, 512-558-1306, caseychristman@rickperyy.org. Political advertisment paid for by Texans for Rick Perry.
AUTO I buy vehicles, running or not running. 979-778-1121.
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. $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. 2 bedroom Four-plex and Duplex, a couple of different floor plans to chose from. Some with wood floors, fireplace, fenced yard. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291. 2/1.5 with W/D connection, great location, with backyard. Near bus-stop. Water , lawn, & pest paid. $600/mo. 422-4296. 2/2 sublease. $660/mo, all deposits paid including pets. Willow Wick Nov1-Aug 2010 cable and Internet paid. williamm@tamu.edu 2bdrm/3ba duplexes. Great floorplans, fenced yards, w/d, tile floors, icemakers, alarm systems. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com 3/2 House w/study-Wolf Pen Area! Close to shuttle, w/d conn, fenced w/ lawn care, www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291. 3/3 Duplexes, 1400sqft, fenced backyard, all appliances new, excellent specials, 979-694-0320. office@luxormanagement.com 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 4/3, 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 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. Balcones Apartments, only 2 left! 1/1 on bus route $475/mo. 703-8282. Casa Verde town-home 2/2 W/D connection. Near bus stop. Pest, water, lawn paid $695/mo. 703-8282. Close to campus 2bd/2bth. Washer and dryer. Fenced yard. www.aggielandleasing.com Pre-leasing Townhome Style Condos 2bd/2.5ba off Spring Loop and University Drive. River Ridge Townhomes. Close to campus on the bus route. Call 979-690-1504 or email Sieglipp@yahoo.com Quiet country setting 1.5 miles from A&M. Nice 3/2 double-wide. Fireplace, deck, stalls available. $1000/mo. 979-846-5950. Save $1000 on Spring lease at Callaway Villas. 2/2.5 with meal plan. (325)-656-9713. 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 Sublease! Callaway Villas 2/2 flat by pool. Male only $365/mo. +1/2 bills. Fully furnished & move-in ready. Avail. now. 281-639-0303.
Mobile home for sale to be moved (Fleetwood) 16x66. Like new. $19,000. (979)-535-7524. Negotiable.
HELP WANTED
Looking for female roommate to share 2bd/2bth apartment. Available for immediate move-in. $530/mo. Contact Barbara 713-550-6560.
Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. 512-684-8296. photoguy@io.com
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.
Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment.
TUTORS
Healthcare technology firm MEMdata now hiring. Local, just minutes from campus. Part-time openings (20 hrs/wk minimum), M-F 8 to 5. Flexible Hours. Good Verbal Communication and Computer Skills a Must. $8/hr plus bonus. E-mail resumes to careers@memdata.com or fax to 979-695-1954. Healthcare technology firm MEMdata now hiring part time IT Systems Analyst. Local, just minutes from campus. Flexible hours. Pay based on qualifications. Email resumes to careers@memdata.com or fax to 979.695.1954. Local Medical Technology Firm MEMdata is seeking part time/full time graphic designers/web designers/video blog editors for our growing business. Local, just minutes from campus. Flexible hours. Paid internship available if preferred. Email resumes to careers@memdata.com or fax to (979)695-1954.
Math tutor algebra through calculus. Over 45yrs. engineering experience. Grady (404)422-0989. 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 skills 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! Stressed out about Grades or Passing? Let Fish Tutors Increase your GPA and Lower Your Stress! Enroll today at www.Fishtutors.com.
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battalion Classifieds
Weekend and holiday work in Houston installing holiday decorations, work is physically demanding. Pay starts at $10/hr, Email tdmi1@verizon.net Weekend merchandisers. Budweiser has immediate opening for part-time positions. Great pay! Pre-employment drug screen. Apply at Jack Hilliard Dist., 1000 Independence, Bryan, TX.
Call 845-0569 To Place Your Ad
COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK
MOTORCYCLE 2003 Suzuki SV650. 18k miles. $3250. Great condition, garage kept, new tires and chain, M4 exhaust. 979-739-4905.
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
REAL ESTATE 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
Where on campus?
One roommate in duplex on bus route needed. $450/mo +1/2 utilities. Pets ok. 817-266-1286.
Part time temporary accounts recievable data entry, account reconciliation and some filing. Excel knowledge required. Accounting/ business knowledge helpful. Call Katie, 979-260-3835ext.11.
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.
thebattalion
Female roommate needed. 2/2 in Enclave Apartments. Available for immediate move-in. $495 +electricity. Contact Ramey 903-521-9708.
AgniTEK looking for part time employee- responsible for creation of websites using content management system, customer training, and development. Experience in Photoshop and Fireworks a plus. No programming experience required. Send resume and cover letter to work@agnitek.com
Experienced wait staff for new wine bar. Must be 21 w/wine knowledge or willing to learn. 979-204-6030.
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puzzle answers can be found online at www.thebatt.com
Nicholas Badger— THE BATTALION
Last week’s answer Medical Sciences library courtyard
Think you know every nook and cranny of Texas A&M? The first people to get the answers correct will have their names published. Send your response with your name, class and major to photo@thebatt.com.
Correct Responses Bill Murray, senior forensics science major Will Todd, junior management informations systems major
Mexico’s pink taxis cater to fed-up females MEXICO CITY — Each pink taxi comes with a beauty kit, a GPS system and an alarm button. The new fleet of 35 cabs in Mexico’s colonial city of Puebla are driven exclusively by women and don’t stop for men. The cabs cater especially to those tired of leering male drivers. “Some of the woman who have been on board tell us how male taxi drivers cross the line and try to flirt with them and make inappropriate propositions,” said taxi driver Aida Santos, who drives one of the compact, four-door taxis with a tracking device and an alarm button that notifies emergency services. “In the Pink Taxi they won’t have that feeling of insecurity, and they feel more relaxed.” Women’s rights activists are aghast at the cars’ sugary presentation and said the service
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Lidia Hernandez, 40, drives her pink taxi in the city of Puebla, Mexico. The pink cabs are part of a governmentbacked fleet in Mexico’s colonial city of Puebla aimed at helping female passengers tired of leering male drivers. does not address the root of the harassment problem. “We are in the 21st century, and they are saying women have continued worrying about beauty and nothing more,” said Vianeth Rojas, of the Network for Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Puebla. “They are absolutely not helping eradicate violence against women.” The new taxis, however, undeniably open up to Mexican women what has been an overwhelmingly male profession. Forty-year-old taxi driver Lidia Hernandez, who previously worked at a gas station, called the pink Chevy compacts “a new and attractive source of employment.”
Women-only taxis have been catching on in cities from Moscow to Dubai. In Puebla, privately financed Pink Taxi de Puebla invested 5.8 million pesos (about $440,000) to start the service and the Puebla state government provided licensing and training. If the program succeeds, officials plan to expand it to other cities. A proposal to create a pink taxi service in Mexico City failed to get off the ground in 2007, but the crime ridden metropolis offers womenonly buses and subway cars at rush hour. Associated Press
STUDIES IN PROGRESS DO YOU HAVE FACIAL ACNE? www.AggieNetwork.com
We are looking for volunteers to participate in a twelve-week research study of an investigational topical medication for acne. Those who qualify will receive at no cost: • Study related medical evaluations by a dermatologist • Study related medication • Reimbursement for time and travel, up to $250. Participants must be 12-45 years of age. 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 www.js-studies.com
Pg. 8-10-20-09.indd 1
10/19/09 10:20 PM
voices
Heil to the Chief
thebattalion 10.20.2009 page9
Ian McPhail
Photoshop can be used to ‘prove’ anything, but LaRouche’s comparison of Obama to Hitler is pure propaganda.
W
hile many protesters at the “Hands Off Texas” rally used their presence to rationally plea for change, Lyndon H. LaRouche Jr. and his distasteful images brought ignorance to the event. Associating President Barack Obama with Adolf Hitler is despicable, and unfortunately their pamphlets and posters have littered our campus. LaRouche’s claim that health care reform will lead to death camps is blatant propaganda, an unfounded excuse to galvanize support through shock value. Certainly everyone is entitled to free speech, but their unfiltered propaganda has hurt Texas A&M’s image, along with the validity of legitimate conservative complaints. LaRouche’s political action committee does not have any qualms about its graphic cover. Urging students to “Act now to stop Obama’s Nazi health plan,” the title is overshadowed by a picture of Obama, apparently telling an amusing anecdote to a giggling Fuhrer. A similarly slanderous photo wielded on numerous signs Friday shows Obama with a moustache shaved in all the anti-Semitic places. These inflammatory images, although devoid of respect for our country, could be understood if LaRouche adequately supported their claims. Instead the articles that make up the short magazine wildly accuse Obama without offering evidence. Founder Lyndon H. LaRouche Jr. pleads with Americans to change the behavior of the president, “for no lesser reason than that your sister might not end up in somebody’s gas oven,” before continuing a history lesson on the British Empire. Similarly writer Nancy Spannaus focuses her article on de-
Illustration by Evans Andrews - Photo from the Associated Press
scribing the path toward genocide in Nazi Germany, but fails to connect her outlandish charges back to the U.S., even admitting “American physicians are still far from the point of thinking of killing centers.” Instead of rationally understanding th cost and probability of success will always play a part in determining medical care, Spannaus uses pragmatism practiced by physicians for decades to connect American doctors to Nazi death camps. In “Obama’s Nazi Doctors and Their Reforms,” Tony Papert uses the publications of papers on voluntary euthanasia to connect Obama’s policies to Hitler’s extermination programs. Although Papert at least offers examples for his outlandish claims, essays written in the late 1980s and bonuses to doctors for cutting costs are hardly evidence of a plot for mobile death camps. The conservative critics for LaRouche seemed unanimous in their belief that cost-cutting concerns would lead to a genocidal weeding out of the old and infirm, akin to Hitler’s T4 program.
Unfortunately these analogies are nothing more than radical rhetoric, medical professionals are just that, physicians who deserve to be paid. The medical community will always be concerned with the monetary bottom line, but discussing self-assisted euthanasia and the rationing of service to the rich is not the path toward death camps. Discussions on quality of life and cost dominate the medical community for decades, without the elderly being quietly led to their deaths. LaRouche simply saw a political opportunity to associate America’s medical reform with fascism, and did not concern themselves with providing a coherent argument. While these graphic images will continue to scare ignorant citizens into the Republican camp, conservative critics should focus on reasonable arguments that will appeal to moderate citizens as well as radicals. Ian McPhail is a junior history major.
Stop sending listless listservs Steve Humeniuk
Joining organizations should be about fun and community, not deleting masses of e-mails. Useless messages should not fill e-mail accounts
I
n the ongoing struggle against electronic clutter, listservs are claiming the integrity of inboxes everywhere. Students with perfectly good intentions often join organizations without considering the consequences of giving out their e-mail address. But sadly the hope of broadening social networking and contributing to the greater good of Texas A&M comes at the costs of our inboxes. Overzealous listservs are ruining all of the fun in getting involved, wasting student’s time and energy with pointless e-mails. When signing up for a club or organization an e-mail address is usually required. But little do students realize the danger they place their accounts
in. E-mail is the epicenter of how students receive the majority of information and the most useful way to get in touch with most students in lieu of a direct phone call. Personally, sometimes I forget when meetings are and need to be reminded. I also realize that from time to time special events will pop up that require my participation and I need to be notified about them as well. Many aspects of organizational involvement require mass notification through e-mail in order to effectively run a cohesive group, and e-mail is the best medium for communication in those cases. However, people seem to forget that for students involved in more than one activity, these e-mails add up. But before you press the ‘send’ button or the almighty ‘reply all’ key, please bear in mind several things. When an e-mail forwarded to you has nothing to do with the orchestration of any activity pertaining to your organization, do not pass it along over the listserv. This explicitly includes chain letters. I promise that God, the Democratic party and all of the unborn babies in Indonesia will not think any less of you for stopping that junk from cluttering my inbox. I am willing to risk the 12-year hex of temporary blindness rather than passing on garbage. YouTube links are also included under this
umbrella. “Kittens inspired by Kittens,” is adorable; however it serves no functional purpose in informing me how to better serve my organization. Also, don’t be that guy who has open conversations over the listservs. Contrary to some beliefs, listservs are not think-tanks; that’s what meetings are for. Any e-mail that starts with “What do you guys think about…” will automatically make me hate the senders for trying to inspire further conversation. The first person who responds over the listserv inspires further abuse. Before anyone can comprehend the scope of the situation, 15 e-mails are floating around discussing trivial matters like how many chairs we should set out for the next meeting. After seeing the first few replies, there’s no choice but to delete them all. Sending open invitation e-mails qualifies as listserv abuse as well. Asking, “who wants to play Frisbee with me tomorrow at noon?” is a waste of my time. If you have anyone in mind who might want to do some kind of activity like that, then pick up the phone and call them. Your recreational deficiency serves no purpose other than advertising to others you don’t have friends. Leadership positions are the most frequent offenders of listserv abuse. Most organizations
meet routinely to handle business, an appropriate time to discuss matters pertaining to the group. Leaders, before you send an e-mail, think back as to how it portrays your ability as an executive. If you are constantly reminding the group about trivial things then you are blatantly exposing yourself as either a micromanager or an incompetent scatterbrain. It doesn’t matter. Unless the issue is life or death for the group, then save it for the next meeting. In closing, there is already an appropriate venue to violate all of these rules, and it’s called Facebook. Use its esteemed tools for the riff-raff worthless banter instead of ravaging my e-mail, an account I need to conduct my business. Create a group for your organization, make it private and let your elementary junk thrive within that realm. My inbox is reserved for important matters, like correspondence with professors and other administrators. It is a place to coordinate certain essential student activities, but please bear in mind that it is not a petting zoo atmosphere. There are rules and boundaries to listservs, and frequent violations of these can turn being happily involved into an irritating inconvenience. Steve Humeniuk is a senior political science major.
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