thebattalion ● monday,
october 26, 2009
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Hate crimes bill passes ■ Assault based on sexual orientation is federal crime Tiffany Neal Special to The Battalion On Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed legislation that expanded the civil rights-era hate crime law, making it a federal crime to physically assault an individual based on their sexual orientation. The bill is named after Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Matthew was a homosexual Wyoming student who died after being kidnapped and brutally beaten in 1998. Byrd was a black man from Jasper, Texas who was dragged to death that same year. “The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act is significant on many levels, but at the base of everything, this act finally extends the basic human right of safety from hate-based acts of violence to a segment of the population that is often subjected to bias on the individual and community level,” said Lowell Kane, GLBT Resource Center Program coordinator. After years of being defeated in Congress, the hate crimes bill was attached to a $680 billion defense authorization bill to assure passage. The bill now needs the signature of President Barack Obama — who has already pledged his signature — to become a law. See Hate Crimes on page 5
Aggies honor victims
ASSOCIATED PRESS
A&M 52, TEXAS TECH 30
Back on track Saturday success Texas A&M Head Coach Mike Sherman celebrates with Uzoma Nwachukwu (left) and Aaron Arterburn (right) and the rest of the team after the victory against Texas Tech in Lubbock on Saturday.
Aggies take fourth win After a 52-30 beatdown of Texas Tech in Lubbock, the Aggies move to 4-3 in 2009. Check the details at
thebatt.com
Violence Vigil to bring community together
Vicky Flores
Katy Ralston
See Vigil on page 5
Pg. 1-10.26.09.indd 1
Texas A&M vs. Iowa State 2:30 p.m. Oct. 31
Students promote ‘going green’
■ Domestic
The Battalion Tuesday night a flicker of light will represent a flicker of hope when candles burn bright for the victims and survivors of domestic and dating violence. The Brazos County Coalition Against Domestic Violence will have the 15th annual Candlelight Vigil in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month at 7 p.m. on Oct. 27 at the Brazos Cotton Exchange in Bryan. “The vigil brings community members together with those who help victims of domestic and dating violence every day in order to learn more about the domestic violence issues impacting our community; honor survivors who are now leading violence-free lives; and remember all of those who have died as a result of domestic violence,” said Ashley McCollum, the coalition’s, public outreach committee chairwoman. In 2008, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported 193,505 family violence incidents across Texas. That year, 136 women and 11 children were killed as a result of domestic violence, one of which was 1-year-old Bezni Que King of College Station.
What’s Next
Natasha Sankovich — THE BATTALION
Scene | 6
Record thrills While participants did not break a Guinness World Record, Aggies did help break the record for the Record Holders Republic Saturday at Sbisa when they danced to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” as part of the global event “Thrill the World.”
The Battalion Giveaways on campus help spread the importance of being environmentally-friendly and promote a day devoted to going green. After being delayed, the second annual Sustainability Day will take place Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sbisa Plaza. “Sustainability Day is for us to promote the message of living to provide a better future for the future generations by building a community with our neighbors, classmates and professors,” said Kristen Williams of the Aggie Community Garden. Volunteers with the Aggie Community Garden will be in the plaza promoting the benefits of home growing vegetables and providing a platform for a healthier lifestyle. Kelly Wellman, sustainability officer for the office of vice president for Facilities said the event will have informational booths from representatives from both College Station and Bryan, such as the Aggie Community Garden, a farmers’ market and the office of sustainability. “Booths will provide information as well as small giveaways such as food and reusable grocery bags,” Wellman said. Sustainability Day on the national level was established seven years ago. When the office of sustainability was formed, officers decided Texas A&M also needed to push the issue of sustainability, Wellman said. Because there was an overwhelming amount of student responses from the previous year’s event, it enforced the plan to make the day an annual event.
More Info What: Sustainability Day celebration Who: The Aggie Community Garden Where: Sbisa Plaza When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Evan Andrews — THE BATTALION
See Sustainability on page 5
10/25/09 9:57 PM
Today heavy rain High: 68 Low: 50 courtesy of NOAA
For daily updates go to thebatt.com ■ Facebook ■ Twitter @thebattonline
Man calls other man ‘zombie’
Mondays: Tuesdays: Texas Hold’em Poker Night
Thursdays: Fitzwilly’s Unplugged w/Nick Verzosa
303 University Dr.
(979) 846-8806
Week 3
Week of October 25 - October 29 Test Review Mon Oct 26 6pm-10pm Li Review Mon Oct 26 5pm-7pm Rabe Review Mon Oct 26 3pm-5pm
Other reviews for Miles online Other reviews Simnk/Stone online
Econ 202 Allen
Part 1 of 4 Tue Oct 27 7pm-10pm
Part 2 of 4 Wed Oct 28 7pm-10pm
Part 3 of 4 Thu Oct 29 9pm-12am
Pt 4 & Tst Rvw Sun Nov 1 5pm-9pm
Econ 202 Mostashari
Part 1 of 4 Thu Oct 29 6pm-9pm
Part 2 of 4 Sun Nov 1 10pm-1am
Part 3 of 4 Mon Nov 2 8pm-11pm
Pt 4 & Tst Rvw Tue Nov 3 6pm-10pm
Part 1 of 3 Sun Oct 25 9pm-11pm Part 2 of 3 Mon Oct 26 7pm-10pm Part 2 of 3 Mon Oct 26 10pm-1am Last Review Mon Oct 26 6pm-9pm Test Review Sun Oct 25 6pm-8pm Smith Review Thu Oct 29 6pm-9pm Luttbeg Rvw Wed Oct 21 6pm-9pm
Part 2 of 3 Mon Oct 26 9pm-12am Part 3 of 3 Tue Oct 27 10pm-1am Part 3 of 3 Tue Oct 27 7pm-10pm
Pt 3&Tst Rvw Tue Oct 27 6pm-9pm Test Review Wed Oct 28 7pm-10pm Test Review Wed Oct 28 10pm-1am
Test Review Wed Oct 28 9pm-11pm
Acct 229 Bich 410 Chem 101
Math 142 Math 151 Math 152 Mgmt 211 Phys 218 Pols 206 Pols 207
Associated Press
corrections 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.
how to apply CommonExam Mon Oct 26 1am-3am
Vanhightower Wed Oct 28 6pm-9pm
Tucker Review online soon
Tickets go on sale Sunday at 3:00 p.m. 4.0 & Go is located on the corner of SW Pkwy and Tx Ave, behind KFC next to Lacks and Bourbon Sreet Bar.
Check our web page at http://www.4.0andGo.com or call 696-8886(TUTOR) .
thebattalion THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893
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. 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.
Pg. 2-10.26.09.indd 1
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Iowa City police are investigating an early morning assault in which a man accused another of being a zombie, then punched him twice. Police said the assault occurred at 1:17 a.m. Sunday at an Iowa City restaurant south of the University of Iowa campus. A man was ordering food when he was approached by another man who called him a zombie, then hit him in the eye. When the victim tried to call police on his cell phone, the man punched him again, breaking his nose. The man then ran out a back door. The victim was taken by ambulance to a hospital.
If you are interested in writing or contributing content in The Battalion apply at thebatt.com, or call 845-3313. The Battalion welcomes any Texas A&M student interested in writing for the arts, campus, metro or sports staffs to try out. We particularly encourage freshmen and sophomores to apply. No previous journalism experience is necessary.
Tuesday sunny high: 70 low: 56 Wednesday 20% chance storms high: 80 low: 69 Thursday 50% chance storms high: 72 low: 52
pagetwo thebattalion 10.26.2009
Happy homecoming
Texas A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson is greeted by jubilant fans outside the Bright Building early Sunday after returning from the Aggies’ 5230 victory over Texas Tech. Stephen Fogg — THE BATTALION
President Obama declares swine flu a national emergency WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama declared the swine flu outbreak a national emergency, giving his health chief the power to let hospitals move emergency rooms offsite to speed treatment and protect noninfected patients. The declaration, signed Friday night and announced Saturday, comes with the disease more prevalent than ever in the country and production delays undercutting the government’s initial, optimistic estimates that as many as 120 million doses of the vaccine could be available by mid-October. Health authorities say more than 1,000 people in the United States, including almost 100 children, have died from the strain of flu known as H1N1, and 46 states have widespread flu activity. So far only 11 million doses have gone out to health departments, doctor’s offices and other providers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials. Administration officials said the declaration was a pre-emptive move designed to make decisions easier when they need to be made. Officials said the move was not in response to any single development. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius now has authority to bypass federal rules when opening alternative care sites, such as offsite hospital centers at schools or community centers if ASSOCIATED PRESS hospitals seek permission. People line up to get free swine flu vaccines Some hospitals have opened drive-thrus and during a vaccine clinic at the Fairfax County drive-up tent clinics to screen and treat swine flu Government Center in Fairfax, Va. on Saturday. patients. The idea is to keep infectious people out of regular emergency rooms and away from other tez, a research professor and chairman of the Departsick patients. ment of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Hospitals could modify patient rules — for ex- Medicine at George Washington University. “It’s ample, requiring them to give less information dur- largely an administrative move that’s more preemping a hectic time — to quicken access to treatment, tive ...” He said such a step would give emergency with government approval, under the declaration. rooms and hospitals the flexibility they need. The national emergency declaration was the secIt also addresses a financial question for hospitals — reimbursement for treating people at sites not ond of two steps needed to give Sebelius extraorditypically approved. For instance, federal rules do not nary powers during a crisis. “As a nation, we have prepared at all levels of allow hospitals to put up treatment tents more than 250 yards away from the doors; if the tents are 300 government, and as individuals and communities, yards or more away, typically federal dollars won’t taking unprecedented steps to counter the emerging pandemic,” Obama wrote in Saturday’s declaration. go to pay for treatment. He said the pandemic keeps evolving, the rates Administration officials said those rules might not of illness are rising rapidly in many areas and there’s make sense while fighting the swine flu, especially if the best piece of pavement is in the middle of a park- a potential “to overburden health care resources.” The government now hopes to have about 50 ing lot and some medical centers already are putting million doses of swine flu vaccine out by mid-Noin place parts of their emergency plans. “I think the term emergency declaration sounds vember and 150 million in December. more dramatic than it really is,” said Dr. Peter HoAssociated Press
10/25/09 5:52 PM
EDITOR’SNOTE
voices
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants in this paper do not necessarily reflect those of Texas A&M University, The Battalion or its staff.
Capitalizing on
page3 e3 10.2 26.200 09 page thebattalion theba attalion 10.26.2009
the cannabis memo Ian McPhail
With the federal government no longer superseding medical marijuana laws, dispensaries in California have the chance to profit from their states’ sovereignty.
L
ast week the justice department took a strong stance toward legitimizing medical marijuana by restricting federal prosecutors from focusing resources on medical marijuana patients and retailers. Although ambiguity muddles the memo, it seems states will regain rights to self-govern. Stopping enforcement of federal anti-marijuana laws on states with medicinal marijuana policies is certainly progress toward marijuana reform, but it is a larger victory for state rights. America long has been shrouded in myths about marijuana, but today 14 states have provisions for medical marijuana. California has started the most compelling argument for marijuana reform, with Oakland passing a bill to tax cannabis dispensaries in July. For 15 years California has boasted the nation’s most tolerant marijuana policies; however, federal interference has resulted in the arrest of many citizens complying with state laws and officials. The justice department’s statements echo a May memo from the office of the press secretary, as President Barack Obama took a stand for states’ rights. “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. The message is clear, federal money will no longer be wasted pursuing policies in states that do not consent. Citizens, like Charlie Lynch and Ed Rosenthal, will no longer be persecuted by the federal government, provided they continue to follow state law. California’s policy requires little medical evidence
to acquire a medical marijuana license. Marijuana has been functionally legalized in California for years, and the decision to tax it in Oakland passed by an overwhelming 80 percent of the votes. These guidelines from the justice department mean $400,000 in taxes can be expected from Oakland’s four cannabis clubs. Unimpeded by the threat of federal intervention, several cities in California will follow Oakland’s example. “Dispensaries like Stephen DeAngelo’s bring in $20 million annually, and they are going up every year,” said Allen St. Pierre, the director of the National Organization For the Reform of Marijuana Laws. “Many owners have been working their whole lives to become a legitimate business, and the greatest joy in their lives is the ability to sign a quarter of their profits over to the government.” Similar marijuana businesses are scattered throughout California, and certainly other California cities will tax the profit from a growing marijuana industry. The money made from marijuana should change the negative culture around a drug that should be classified the same as alcohol and tobacco. The benefits of a more businesslike approach to a drug 50 percent of Americans, including the past three presidents, have used will further legitimize marijuana and its users. More importantly the cost of uniformly enforcing the War on Drugs came at the expense of the Constitution. The federal government had no right to supersede the laws of 14 states. The citizens of states from California to Maine voted to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes, and their voices deserve to be respected by the rest of the country. Thankfully the president has restored the sovereignty of states to determine their drug policy. Ian McPhail is a junior history major.
TOSUBMIT Mail call must be fewer than 200 words and include the author’s name, classification, major and phone number. Staff and faculty must include title. Guest columns must be fewer than 700 words. All submissions should focus on issues not personalities, become property of The Battalion and are subject to editing for style, clarity and space concerns. Anonymous letters will be read, but not printed.
Don’t be Become a dunce a Money with Wise money, Aggie!
Evan Andrews — THE BATTALION
Upcoming Workshops t Understanding Credit Cards and Credit Scores November 2
1:30 – 2:30
t Love and Money: What You Need To Know Before Getting Married November 2
3:00 – 4:00
t I’m Graduating: Now What? November 3
1:00 – 2:00
t Creating a Budget That Will Work For You November 6
12:00 – 1:00
t Buying Big Ticket Items (homes and cars) November 5 (home) November 6 (car)
1:30 – 2:30 1:30 – 2:30
t Saving and Investing November 3
4:00 – 5:00
t Identity Theft November 3
2:30 – 3:30
t Cooking on a Budget November 6
moneywise.tamu.edu phone: 979.845.3236 Pg. 3-10.26.09.indd 1
3:00 – 4:00
All workshops will be held in room 236 of the Pavilion. Students, faculty and staff are welcome. For a full list of available workshops or to get more information visit us online.
10/25/09 8:31 PM
sports thebattalion 10.26.2009 page4
Aggies beat Buffs, tie Tech Kyle Cunningham The Battalion
Sam Smith — THE BATTALION
Texas A&M sophomore midfielder Katie Hamilton takes a shot during the Aggies’ 0-0 tie with Texas Tech Sunday at the Aggie Soccer Stadium.
Texas A&M goalkeepers Kristin Arnold and Kelly Dyer combined for 200 minutes of shutout soccer and nine saves this weekend as the Aggies took four points in a 2-0 win over Colorado on Friday and a 0-0 draw with Texas Tech on Sunday at Aggie Soccer Stadium. The win and draw push the Aggies to 11-5-2 overall for the year (5-2-2 in Big 12 play) and second place in the Big 12. Junior forward Alyssa Mautz scored the first goal of the weekend against Colorado, striking the ball from 25 yards out into the upper-left corner, giving the Aggies a 1-0 lead. “I saw an opening and shot it,” Mautz said. “I felt I hit it well. I was really shocked I had that much space since usually someone’s usually on you that close to the box.” A Dyer punt went to sophomore midfielder Katie Hamilton, who was able to get off a pass despite being well covered. Mautz received the pass and rocketed the shot past keeper Kara Linder. “Alyssa’s goal was right out of a highlight reel,” Head Coach G Guerrieri said. “Everything was lined up perfectly, and she’s been striking a lot of those lately in training, so it was good for her to get one in the match.” One of Colorado’s best opportunities came in the 13th minute, when Buffalo striker Nikki Marshall was given a through ball in the box. The senior mishit the ball, however, sending it wide right. In the 34th minute of the match, sophomore defender Bri Young brought the ball into the attacking third before passing off to freshman Chelsea Jones. Jones was able to find Hamilton inside the box and Hamilton put the Aggies up 2-0. “The second goal was a fantastic build up,” Guerrieri said. “I don’t know how many passes we strung together, but it was quite a few, and then to find a smart forward in front of goal is always a great thing and Katie buried it just like
she has been doing all season.” Colorado had an opportunity in the 80th minute of the match when Shaye Marshall tapped a shot by Arnold, who had come out of her box to make the play. Sophomore Rachel Balaguer made the defensive play of the night by stopping and clearing the shot, keeping the shutout intact. In the second match of the weekend, the Aggies hosted the Texas Tech Red Raiders, who had played to a draw against Texas in Austin the Friday before. Texas A&M outshot the Red Raiders by a count of 35 to 14, but when the whistle blew to end the second overtime, the teams left the field in a 0-0 draw. Aggie keepers Arnold and Dyer combined for five saves on Sunday afternoon. Tech goalkeeper Colleen Pitts made repetitive acrobatic saves to keep the Aggies off the scoreboard. “You have to give Tech a lot of credit,” Guerrieri said. “They gave up 35 shots and they hung in. The goalkeeper made four big time saves and had three shots hit the post.” Texas A&M had multiple opportunities within the attacking third, including 16 corner kicks, but could not convert. “It seemed inevitable that we were going to break the draw and score, but it never happened,” Guerrieri said. “We should be able to finish these things off, but Sundays have been a challenge for us.” Tech had an opportunity to win the game in the second overtime when a shot from Taylor Lytle was saved by Dyer. The junior keeper was able to corral the loose ball before the oncoming Connor Williams could get her foot on it. The Aggies will end the regular season at home at 7 p.m. Friday against the Texas Longhorns. Texas (8-7-3, 4-2-3 in the Big 12) tied with Texas Tech 2-2 on Friday, then upset Colorado 1-0 in double overtime Sunday to move into a three-way tie for third in the Big 12.
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What is law school? A place where convention is reinforced?
Or more than that? A place to learn a broad repertoire of skills. A rigorous curriculum in a supportive environment. An intersection of theory and practice.
Explore the full potential of the law in a school devoted to the big picture.
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Pg. 4.10.26.09.indd 1
10/25/09 9:08 PM
news
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Hate Crimes
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In recent months, the Obama administration has come under fire by gay and civil rights activists alike for what they consider is the president dragging his heels when it comes to fulfilling the promises he made while on the campaign trail. “The passing of the bill doesn’t say much about Obama’s commitment to gay rights, but it does say that he
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“Unfortunately, it is common and we need to raise the awareness and educate our young ones because we don’t want them to fall into the same lines,” said University Police Department Crime Prevention Master Police Officer Kristi Hosea. According to the coalition, domestic violence is defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. McCollum said the vigil, which drew a crowd of 250 community members the previous year, fulfills many purposes. “It is our hope that community members will leave the vigil not only with a deeper understanding of this issue but also with the knowledge of what they can do to help when they suspect or witness an animal, child or adult is being abused,” McCollum said. “Survivors and families of victims often find great comfort in attending candlelight vigils. They know everyone in that room cares and wants to help.” Each year the vigil features speakers on different issues relating to domestic abuse. This year’s theme is “Family Secrets: Exploring the Link Between Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, and Animal Abuse.” The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence re-
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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. 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.
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is listening to what people are concerned about, and at the end of the day, right is right and it is not right to murder anyone under any circumstance,” said Autumn Gardner, a senior kinesiology major. Texas has a hate crime statute that increases the penalties for crimes motivated by a victim’s sexual preference. The new bill will not change the way officials investigate and prosecute hate crimes. The bill broadens the range of actions that can get the federal government involved if the
justice department certifies that a state is unwilling or unable to follow through on an alleged hate crime. “When a person has to hide who they are, fear being exposed or found about, or pretend to be something they are not, they expend a tremendous amount of energy that should be directed towards so many other things,” Kane said. “The importance of living and working in an environment that is safe is paramount to achieving success in a academic, professional and personal development.”
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read the fine print.
the
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ported that more than 80 percent of families being treated for child abuse were also involved in animal abuse, and in twothirds of the cases the abusive parent killed or injured the pet. In one-third of the cases, a child victim continued the cycle of violence by abusing a pet. Keynote speaker Ashley Wesp, executive director of the Brazos Animal Shelter, will discuss the link between families being treated for child abuse and the rate of animal abuse along with instances where animal cruelty and child abuse or domestic violence occur simultaneously. Students and faculty on campus also have taken an active role in promoting Domestic Violence Awareness month. “As part of Domestic Violence Awareness month, we have been doing the Silent Witness Program, we just finished doing These Hands Don’t Hurt program, and we still have the Silent Witness figurines and the Clothesline Project on display in Rudder,” said Merna Jacobsen, director of the Women’s Resource Center on campus. The Silent Witness Program is a national initiative to stop domestic violence, domestic abuse, family abuse and assault on women and children. “The silent witnesses are figurines, each which represents an individual who has been murdered by an intimate partner,” Jacobsen said. “The purpose of this project is to call attention to how much relationship violence there is and let people know that this goes on in their local community.” Each figurine has a breastplate describing how they were
For more information about domestic violence or to find out how to get help visit http://bccadv.org.
killed. Four of this year’s figurines displayed are Aggies. In the last few years, hundreds of Aggies have participated in the These Hands Don’t Hurt project where contributors make a pledge not to raise their hands in relationship violence by leaving their painted handprint on a canvas. In the Clothesline Project, Aggies can decorate T-shirts with messages about domestic and family violence that are then put on display in Rudder. Hosea said programs like these and the vigil are important to raise awareness in the community and provide an opportunity for people in these kinds of relationships to see how they can make a change. “It shows that you are not the only one involved and that there are people out there who can help,” Hosea said. The coalition also provides education to teens and college students on healthy and unhealthy dating relationships to give them the information necessary to make good choices in dating and build strong relationships. “We discuss the importance of respect, trust and communication in relationships; the forms of abuse; indicators of potentially abusive partners; and how to get help if they or someone they know is involved in an abusive relationship,” McCollum said.
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The goals of the event are to identify campus environmental initiatives, compare A&M to peer institutions, and to create a green branding identity for campus programs that can unite efforts of students, faculty and staff. “Campus Sustainability Day is an event where students can learn about sustainable initiatives in the area, get free stuff and learn simple things they can do to ‘go
green,’” said Katherine Gnadinger, co-coordinator of Sustainability Day. Gnadinger said it is important to bring ideas of sustainability to college campuses because college students are open to new ideas and can adopt sustainability practices and bring them to their home and business practices. “I hope students will learn that every little thing they do can help the environment,” Gnadinger said. “Hopefully it will show students how simple it is to make
changes that allow sustainability to fit into their lives.” Students can get involved on the issue of sustainability by participating in the event, joining an environmental issues club or bringing green practices to their clubs. “Whether your interest is in recycling, alternative transportation or saving money, there will be something for everyone,” said Andrew Chin, a member of the Environmental Issues Committee.
STUDIES IN PROGRESS DO YOU HAVE FACIAL ACNE? 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
4LTVYPLZ MHKL @LHYIVVRZ SHZ[ H 3PML[PTL Reserve your 2010 Aggieland yearbook (chronicling the 2009-2010 school year). Go to http://aggieland.tamu.edu or call 979.845.2613 to order by credit card.
AGGIELAND 2010
Texas A&M University’s 108th Yearbook
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Bart Crow Band signs CDs at Hastings Jill Beathard The Battalion Bart Crow has been through a lot this year, but it hasn’t stopped what he calls “forward progress.” The leader of the Bart Crow Band said the group tries to always move forward, so while their new album “Heartworn Tragedy” stays true to their old sound, it explores heavier subjects. In writing the tracks of the album, Crow said he disclosed more of his personal life than in past albums. Over the past year one of his immediate family members has been battling alcoholism and depression. As the oldest male in the family, Crow had a heavy burden to bear trying to help her and keep the family strong. “I never got to vent or express anything,” Crow said. “I retreated to the pen and paper to vent and heal myself … So there’s a lot of songs about that, and about the beauty of recovery.” The final song of the album, “Surrender,” is about letting go, about walking away after the realization that a problem is too big to solve alone, a feeling Crow knows all too well. “I realized I can’t fix her struggle,” he said. “I had to let go.” It is the ability to trigger emotions that has carried the band this far. “I enjoy listening to Bart Crow live because every song they sing tells a story about a significant point in life that is easy to relate to and stirs up old memories,” said junior chemistry and nutrition major Christopher Cabrera. Crow, also a guitarist, started playing with a band while attending Tarleton State University about six years ago. The band members include vocalist and guitarist Paul Russell, bassist Matt Slagle, pianist and organist David Fralin and drummer Brian Smith. “We stay on tour,” Crow said. “We don’t have the privilege of being a major label act… We play about three to four times a week.” The band is coming to College Station for a CD signing, starting at 10 p.m. today at Hastings on Texas Avenue. Crow said the band’s records have met with success in Aggieland, and so they wanted to something a little special in return. “I absolutely love playing in College Station, everybody’s so good to us,” he said. The band members will play a few songs and visit with those attending. “Just come ready to break dance, ’cause that’s how we do it,” Crow said.
scene
It’s
thebattalion 10.26.2009 page6
thrill time
Megan Keyho
The Battalion At 7:20 p.m. Saturday, 77 people took their places on the front lawn of Sbisa and waited for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” to start playing. Jennifer Taphorn, music education executive for MSC Town Hall, was on a conference call with other “Thrill the World” event managers from cities around the world, ready to begin dancing simultaneously. At exactly 7:30 the cue came and Taphorn said, “It’s thrill time — press play” into the microphone and ran to join the crowd as the music started. “Thrill the World,”an event created by Ines Markelle in 2006, brings people over the world together to dance to “Thriller” at the same time, in an attempt to break the Video world record for the LargAggies gathered est Simultaon Sbisa Grass neous Dance to dance to to Michael Michael Jackson’s Jackson’s “Thriller” Saturday, “Thriller.” participating in the To break last international “Thrill year’s record, the World” event. 270,000 peoVideo online at ple needed thebatt.com. to participate Saturday. The number of dancers this year totaled at about 23,000 people in 32 countries. Although they did not break the Guinness World Record, they did break the world record for the Record Holders Republic, surpassing last year’s record of 4,179 people. They also raised more than $100,000 for more than 80 charities and nonprofit groups. Taphorn came across “Thrill the World” and decided she wanted to bring it to A&M this year. “Ines Markelle created ‘Thrill the World’ and we are just so excited to bring it here,” said Taphorn, a junior animal science major. “I was actually planning this before Michael Jackson died, but now it’s such a great way to pay tribute to everything he has done for the music industry.” Participants were required to sign in and out and were given a number for an official record. Many were dressed as zombies with tattered clothes, fake blood
Photos by Natasha Sankovich — THE BATTALION
Aggies dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” Saturday in front of Sbisa Dining Hall, participating in the international event Thrill the World. The event, organized at A&M by MSC Town Hall is an attempt to break the world record for the largest simultaneous dance to the song. The Guinness World Record was not broken, but Thrill the World did break that of the Record Holders Republic with 23,000 participants. and painted faces. Some came out because of the connection with the Town Hall organization, others for the love of dancing and some just for the zombies. Meg Gallagher, a freshman nutritional science major, is on the music education subcommittee of MSC Town Hall, which helps bring music and education together with interactive workshops. Gallagher said she would have come out regardless of her committee membership because of the experience. “The ‘Thriller’ is a tight dance,” she said. “I mean how many other places do you get to do the ‘Thriller’ in the middle of a lawn?” Stephanie Shargal, a sophomore elementary education major, also a member of the music education subcommittee, helped teach the dance. Shargal said more than 70 people came to the workshops to learn the dance. They were hoping for at least a 65-person turnout for the evening, and were thrilled to end up with 77. Melanie Spivey, a senior psychol-
Sophomore special education major Erica DeLuna, freshman biology major Maria Suarez and sophomore bilingual education major Celina Zuniga put on makeup in preparation for Thrill the World. ogy major, decided to come out to have fun with her friends. “I love to dance and we [my friends and I] love the ‘Thriller’ dance,” Spivey said. “I thought it would be fun because it’s people
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dancing all over the world. We came to a few practices, watched it online and practiced, and now here we are.”
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Jim James - magna cum laude, Texas A&M 76, honors graduate University of Texas School of Law 78; Board Certified Criminal Law, named Texas Super Lawyer; Speaker at Texas Bar Advanced Criminal Law Seminar. ,
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Craig Greening - Attended Boston University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and from the University of Texas School of Law; Board Certified in Criminal Law; Former Assistant County Attorney and District Attorney in Brazos County. , David Hilburn - graduated from Texas A&M 97 and of South Texas College of Law in 2000. Harris County Assistant District Attorney 2000-2005, Brazos County Assistant District Attorney 2005-2009.
Have your senior portrait taken today in Training Room 027 of the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center. To schedule your free portrait sitting, go to www.thorntonstudio.com
Go to School Portraits, Scheduling, click New User, complete with Login Password: tam Or walk in, 9 am –5 pm weekdays, except Oct. 29 & 30.
Call 979.846.1934 jamesandreynolds.com
AGGIELAND 2010 A Texas A&M tradition since 1895
how to GET A CONTRACT:
feature your organization in the 2010 Aggieland yearbook
• visit our website: http://aggieland.tamu.edu • stop by our office: The Grove Bldg. #8901 (next to the Albritton Bell Tower)
where to TURN IN A CONTRACT:
AGGIELAND 2010 Official yearbook of Texas A&M University
• The Grove Bldg. #8901 (next to the bell tower), 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
have a question? call 979.845.2681
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