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Loftin names task force The Battalion Soon after becoming Interim President, R. Bowen Loftin began planning for solutions to improve Texas A&M’s national standing. Loftin named the Athletics Task Force members Friday, Oct. 30. The task force will seek to make A&M’s Athletics Department fulfill the fourteenth criteria for Vision 2020. Loftin made his decision to use task forces to share resources among A&M System offices and within the University early in his presidency. “Several task forces, with strong University representation, have been established to take a comprehensive look at many non-academic areas,” said Loftin in a news release eight days after becoming interim president. However, the Athletics Task Force was not announced until the Academic Convocation earlier this semester. The task force will debate more than four key considerations: the role of A&M student athletes,
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the comparison of our athletic program to the top 10 in the nation, recommendations for long-term financial plans for the department and the correct vision for creating excellence in the department. “We’re going back to look,” said Loftin during the Academic Convocation, “and make sure we understand how Athletics plays into the entire fabric of Texas A&M, especially how our student athletes integrate into our student body.” H. Russell Cross, professor of animal science and former executive vice president for operations, will become the chairman of the Athletics Task Force. Students and student-athletes are represented in the committee, as are members of the faculty and athletics department staff. “I expect that the Athletics Task Force will work quickly while conducting a thorough evaluation,” Loftin said. “I look forward to receiving their recommendations.”
Texas A&M 35, Iowa State 10
wonder
Photos by Patrique Ludan — THE BATTALION
Texas A&M Architecture Professor Pliny Fisk is known for his endeavors in “green” architecture.
Professor leads way in green design Travis Lawson The Battalion With interns from all over the country working on various projects, the Center of Maximum Potential Building in Austin, Texas, provides a glimpse into the world of “green” architecture. Pliny Fisk, a professor of architecture at Texas A&M University, is known for his work in the field of environmentally-friendly architecture. Fisk uses building methods such as roofs that collect rainwater, walls made of straw and clay and rooms lit with natural lighting. One building on site uses various materials for the floor that eliminate the need for Portland cement, which accounts for about 6 percent of greenhouse gases. “We are now the oldest non-profit doing sustainable architecture and building work in the country,” Fisk said. Fisk said using alternative materials to construct parts of buildings opens up a new market that will benefit businesses. By using “virgin” products, local businesses will be created to sell these materials. “There are a lot of things in the building that can be re-configured and re-used for all kids of things,” Fisk said. “A lot of sustain-
Pictured above is a futuristic view of industrial planning for Corpus Christi and to the left is a “dog trot” area which cools the building, and is an example of historical Texas architecture.
See Fisk on page 6
Schools ready for loan program Jane Lee
Jon Eilts — THE BATTALION
What’s Next Texas A&M vs. Colorado Boulder, Colorado Saturday, Nov. 7 12:30 p.m.
on TV
Taking the wind out of the Cyclones The Texas A&M football team defeated the Iowa State Cyclones 35-10 Saturday at Kyle Field. See the game story at thebatt.com
Fox College Sports
Sports | 5
One away The Texas A&M football team is one win away from reaching bowl eligibility. The Aggies have not made a bowl birth since 2007.
The Battalion Secretary of Education Arne Duncan sent a letter to thousands of colleges and universities around the nation in preparation for the government’s 2010-2011 school year Direct Loan Program. Congress, however, has yet to give final approval to legislation ending federal subsidies for private student loans for college. In September, the House of Representatives passed the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act which would expand the government’s direct lending and end the current program of government subsidies and loan guarantees for private lenders, said Joseph Pettibon, the assistant provost to Financial Aid and Scholarships at A&M. Pettibon said, under the bill, the
Direct Loan Program would replace the Federal Family Educational Loan Program. The program would eliminate the role of private banks in federal student lending and allow students to borrow directly from the federal government. But the Senate has yet to take action on the legislation, and it is uncertain when the transition will occur. The Federal Family Educational Loan Program has existed for almost 40 years, and the loans come from private banks and lenders. The Direct Loan Program has been in effect since 1993 and extends loans directly from the federal government, Pettibon said. “Texas A&M University has been preparing for the change if it occurs,” Pettibon said.
The University changed its student information system from the Student Information Management System to COMPASS, known to A&M students as the Howdy Portal. COMPASS allows the University to work with both the Federal Family Educational Loan Program and the Direct Loan Program unlike the older system, SIMS, which could only manage the FFELP, Pettibon said. Texas A&M University has never worked with the Direct Loan Program, but will be letting students know with ample time how the changes will affect their financial aid. “One of the biggest changes for students would be that they would have to sign a promissory note stating that they understand the changes and where their money is actually coming from,” Pettibon said.
After Dark to deliver music and message through free concert Vicky Flores The Battalion As the sun goes down tonight, Aggies from all walks of life will come together for an event that features a concert and shares the story of hope. After Dark is a free concert and event, taking place from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Nov. 2 at Reed Arena. “The purpose of After Dark is to put on an event where the music and the message meet,” said Adam Martin, event director of After Dark.
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After Dark will feature indie-rock artist Matt Wertz and speaker Joe White, president of Kanakuk Kamps. “Joe White is an amazing speaker,” Martin said. “He speaks to the NFL and major league baseball teams all over the country.” Jordan Pugh, a senior university studies major and defensive back for the Aggie football team, will address students about After Dark’s message. “I thought it would be a really good idea to share my faith,” Pugh said, “I just wanted to let people know about myself and my
faith.” One of the biggest highlights of the show happens when White carries a 250-pound cross he built across the stage to demonstrate the strength of the gospel, said Kassie Cessna, sophomore sports management major. Cessna, an After Dark staff member, also wants to spread the word that although the event centers around the message of the gospel, students from all backgrounds are encouraged to attend because the show has See After Dark on page 6
Sam Smith — THE BATTALION
Students promote After Dark, a free concert event, at Saturday’s football game in the student section of Kyle Field.
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HelpLine awareness week starts The ďŹ rst week in November will be the second annual Awareness Week for HelpLine, a support hotline afďŹ liated with Student Counseling Services. “You might not need to use us right now, but we want you to be aware that we exist,â€? said Susan Vavra, coordinator for HelpLine. HelpLine is open from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekdays and 24 hours a day on weekends. Vavra said Awareness Week includes banners, sandwich boards, yers and even “residence hall raids,â€? where yers are placed under each door in residence halls. “We’ve given our HelpLiners hot pink shirts— our color— that have ‘Need to talk?’ and our number on them,â€? Vavra said. The “HelpLinersâ€? are volunteers who attend a 6-day training to deal with a variety of situations. “Our people get calls from someone who doesn’t know where their class is, or when kickoff for the football game, but the very next call could be someone who is contemplating ending their life, so they have to be prepared for many situations,â€? Vavra said. Contact information is on the back of student IDs and at (979) 845-2700 or scs. tamu.edu Samantha Johnson, special to The Battalion
pagetwo thebattalion 11.2.2009
Staying classy on Kyle Field
12th Man Productions host and producer Will Johnson gives national football game updates on Saturday at Kyle Field dressed as the “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy� title character in celebration of Halloween. Students also dressed up in costume for the game. Sam Smith — THE BATTALION
Coming Nov. 18: BonďŹ re collapse 10 years later This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the on-campus BonďŹ re tradition, if it had continued to burn. But 10 years ago on Nov. 18, the stack collapsed, killing 12 Aggies and injuring 27, and BonďŹ re has not burned on campus since.
BonďŹ re pots tradition In 1967, responsibility for BonďŹ re construction was transferred from yell leaders to “Red Pots.â€? The safety helmets or “potsâ€? worn by BonďŹ re construction workers were painted different colors to designate responsibilities.
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THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University. Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. News ofďŹ ces are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3313; Fax: 979-845-2647; E-mail: metro@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising, call 979-845-2696. For classiďŹ ed advertising, call 979-8450569. Advertising ofďŹ ces are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and ofďŹ ce hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fax: 979-845-2678. Subscriptions: A part of the Student Services Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1. Mail subscriptions are $125 per school year. To charge by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, call 979845-2613.
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scene thebattalion 11.02.2009 page3
Courtesy photo from image.net
The final curtain call for Jackson’s personal library during rehearsals of his final tour, “This Is It” from April to June 2009, before Jackson died on June 25, never making it to his final curtain call. All of the biggest hits are featured in the footage, including “Thriller,” “Man in the Mirror,” “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” a special montage for “Smooth Criminal” and many more, all of which he performs with the utmost enthusiasm even though the audience consists solely of the musicians, dancers, and the production crew. Everything you want to see is there: the hits, the dancing, the singing and of course, Jackson. The film shows Jackson interacting with the musicians, dancers, and the production crew: gentle and always encouraging; yet also knowing exactly what he wanted and what his audience expected. He was committed to delivering exactly what his fans wanted and took every effort to make sure that was possible. He runs through a song several times with one of his musicians explaining he wants the song exactly as it sounds on the original record. The director of the production, Kenny Ortega, consistently asks for Jackson’s opinion and approval on production aspects, and Jackson
Megan Keyho
Film featuring Michael Jackson gives candid look into his fascinating tour.
T
his Is It” is like an intimate backstage pass, allowing the audience to see the heartbreaking what-might-have-been of Michael Jackson’s elaborate final tour. For 121 minutes Jackson comes back to life, so vibrant and energetic that you’re left wondering, “When is this tour?” Jackson moves to his iconic dance steps as effortlessly as the 20-something dancers in the background, leaving no evidence of a 50-year-old man addicted to painkillers. The footage used for the movie was captured
A
THE C
NT
EVE MPUS
often adjusts his music and cues to his liking. Jackson considers every aspect of the show and overlooks nothing, illustrating his complete dedication to his artistry. The respect and admiration of Jackson that everyone on the set has is manifested repeatedly through kind interactions with him, incredible enthusiasm for his work, and compassionate words during one-on-one time they have with the camera. One such interview is a tear-jerking moment when one of the dancers, ecstatic about the opportunity to perform with Jackson, looks forward to the excitement of an opening night that would never come. It is clear how comfortable Jackson is onstage, never looking tired or frustrated, and never complaining with repeated run-throughs of songs. With flawless musicianship he gives 110 percent to every song, even when it is not asked of him. In one instance, he begins singing for his cheering audience of dancers though he said he should be resting his voice, but he just can’t help it—there is no doubt this man truly loves performing. His performances are electric especially when paired with the special effects and colorful
sets. The “Thriller” sequence includes cryptic costumes in a graveyard sequence with Jackson center stage dancing his famous steps. There are also fireworks, flames and impressive video features supplementing songs. For those of us who have never seen Jackson in concert and never will, “This Is It” gives a brilliant insight into his show and the intensity he poured into it. But it also offers something more than just a concert by a great musician (a concert that would have been magnificent in its completion), but also a rare look at a man who remained enigmatic to the public throughout much of his life. As the credits rolled and Jackson’s final single “This Is It” (released post-mortem) was played, no one in the audience moved until the last note. It’s hard to imagine any other artist today that would be able to captivate us for two hours with raw rehearsal footage of an incomplete tour that will never see the sold-out audiences it was intended for. After all, he will always be the King of Pop. Megan Keyho is a senior English major.
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Week 3
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President Barack Obama talks to a children as he hands out Halloween treats in the East Room of the White House on Halloween in Washington.
2,000 kids knock on White House door WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama on Saturday doled out presidential M&Ms and dried fruit mixes to more than 2,000 trick-ortreaters, marking their Halloween at a White House event partly aimed at honoring military families. Dressed as superheroes, pirates, fairies and skeletons, the kids came in with their parents from Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C., and lined up on the orange-lit White House driveway. Standing outside the White House front door, the Obamas smiled, chatted and passed out cellophane goody bags that were also filled with a sweet dough butter cookie made by White House pastry chef Bill Yosses. Kids also received a National Park Foundation Ranger activity book. Mrs. Obama wore furry cat
ears and a leopard-patterned top. Obama said the kids looked adorable, as well as his wife, “a very nice looking Catwoman.” A big, stuffed, black spider dangled in a web of string from the top of the portico, and pumpkins had sprouted up around the columns. Meanwhile, an odd cast of figures wondered around the North Lawn, including skeletons playing musical instruments, walking trees and “Star Wars” characters. The night’s arrangements took a month or two to prepare, the White House said. The loot handed out was just part of the treat for the visiting kids, who were chosen with help from the Education Department. “He touched my hand,” said a beaming Tiera Thomas, 11, of Washington, D.C., after she picked up her candy from
Animal Planet Star Coming to Rudder Auditorium!
President Obama. The Obamas spent about a half hour passing out candy to trick-or-treaters, ages 6 to 14. Then they headed inside to the East Room, where the first couple attended a reception for military families and for the moms and dads who work at the White House, along with their kids. Obama thanked the military members and their families. “We are so grateful to you,” he said. “Especially now, a lot of the times, you guys are separated. It’s tough. The spouses who are at home are serving just as much as folks who are deployed. So we are just so thrilled that you guys could be here.” The president, dressed in casual clothes, was one of the few not in costume. Even Obama’s press secretary, Robert Gibbs, was dressed as Darth Vader, the “Star Wars” villain. It was also the first White House Halloween for the Obamas’ daughters, 8-year-old Sasha and 11-year-old Malia. But the White House would not say what Sasha and Malia were wearing, even though hundreds of other children their ages were in costume in full view of the media. The White House referred back to the first lady’s comment to Jay Leno, that finding out what Sasha and Malia were wearing would require “security clearance.” Over the years, the winter holidays have been the ones to get the full treatment at the White House, with Christmas trees and tinsel all around. Associated Press
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sports thebattalion 11.2.2009 page5
Aggies take third Big 12 away victory Michael Teague
J.D. Swiger — THE BATTALION
Senior A&M defender Emily Peterson pursues a Texas player in the Aggies’ 4-0 victory against the Longhorns Friday at the Aggie Soccer Stadium. The game was Peterson’s final regular season start of her career.
Taking down Texas David Harris The Battalion The No. 20 Texas A&M soccer team saw the end of an era, a shutout of a rival and a boost of momentum towards the postseason Friday night at the Aggie Soccer Stadium The Aggies (12-5-2, 6-2-2 in Big 12) defeated Texas (8-8-3, 4-3-3 in Big 12) 4-0 in front of 4,385 maroon-clad fans. The victory clinched the second seed in the Big 12 for A&M as they move along to the Big 12 Championships this coming week. Freshman forward Kim Castleberry scored her second goal of the season in the 34th minute off of an assist from junior forward Whitney Hooper. The goal stopped Castleberry’s scoreless streak despite being fourth on the team in shots fired. “It was really great to see Kim score,” said A&M Head Coach G Guerrieri. “She’s been working hard; she’s been feeling a lot better and playing a lot better the last three
weeks. She’s a goal scorer, and it’s one of those things that we hope that once the dam gets broken that more can follow.” Sophomore defender Bri Young added to the lead in the 48th minute when she netted a goal from 25 yards out to bring the score to 2-0. Only minutes later did Young find freshman forward Nora Skelton in the box where Skelton wheeled and scored with her left foot. A&M’s last goal came when a handball was called on the Longhorns after senior forward Cydne Currie’s fourth shot of the match. Junior midfielder Rachel Shipley tallied her third penalty kick of the season, her sixth goal of the year. The defense again shined with its third straight shutout and ninth of the season. The nine shutouts already surpass last season’s total of eight. The Aggies led the Longhorns in shots by a count of 26-10 and goalies Kristen Arnold and Kelly Dyer each accounted
for one save. Friday night was also Senior Night at the Aggie Soccer Stadium. It was the end of both Currie and defender Emily Peterson’s careers playing in College Station. Each of the players received a standing ovation when they were substituted out late in the match. With the regular season coming to a close, the Aggies will now begin the postseason. A&M starts off Wednesday night in the first round of the Big 12 Championships against Baylor in San Antonio, and Guerrieri hopes Friday’s win is a sign of things to come. “It was a really good week of practice, and it was a really nice performance for our team,” Guerrieri said. “We talked about before the game that we were due, and I thought it was a pretty complete match by our attacking side. Our defense played well too, and we feel pretty good about the way that we’re going into the [Big 12] tournament.”
The Battalion Texas A&M’s 25th-ranked volleyball team broke out of their slump Saturday with a 3-1 (23-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-15) win at Kansas. The Aggies (14-6, 7-5) benefited from a huge night out of their powerful offensive trio. Coming off two difficult matches, seniors Sarah Ammerman, Mary Batis and Jennifer Banse got back on track against Kansas, combining for 43 kills. “I thought tonight was just a great total team effort,” said Texas A&M Head Coach Laurie Corbelli. “There was great distribution of our sets, and we had four or five hitAmmerman ters hit doubledigit attacks. That is always nice to see across the board that you are going to all of your different attackers.” Ammerman was at her best, leading the Aggies with 21 kills and adding 14 digs defensively. “I thought Ammerman hitting 39 percent on Halloween was scary good,” Corbelli said. “She was really unstoppable tonight. It was so fun to watch her.” The Jayhawks offense struggled against A&M’s tenacious defense. Freshman middle blocker Lindsey Miller got back on track, scoring nine kills and dominating the middle with five blocks. Sophomore outside hitter/ libero Kelsey Black took full advantage of her first start in conference play, adding five blocks to the Aggies’ defensive effort. Batis led the team in digs with 15. “And I think too, our serving and our blocking, especially our blocking, are really improving,” Corbelli said. “It just takes a lot of pressure off of our defense when we are serving that tough and that smart. So it was overall a great effort, and we’re
absolutely thrilled to get back into the win column.” With the win, A&M sits at sixth in the Big 12 standings. The Aggies are a half-game back from Oklahoma and Baylor. Kansas (12-10, 4-8) was led by sophomore Allison Mayfield who finished with 20 kills. Despite her scoring performance, Mayfield needed 60 attacks against A&M’s defense and finished with a .200 hitting percentage. Senior Mellisa Grieb led Kansas in digs with 20. Kansas got on top early, jumping out to a 17-11 lead in the first set. The Aggies rebounded however, pulling themselves to a 21-20 deficit. After Black tied the game at 23-23, Kansas regained control with two kills from junior Karina Garlington to clinch the opening set. After losing their seventh consecutive set in the last three games, the Aggies put their noses to the grindstone and grabbed an early lead in the second set of the game. A&M utilized a .324 hitting percentage to take a 23-17 advantage. The Jayhawks came back to 24-22 before a Mayfield attacking error gave the Aggies their first set in two weeks. Coming out of the locker room, both A&M and Kansas fought to take the 2-1 lead in the match. The third set saw six lead changes and 11 tied scores. Banse, Batis and Ammerman would take over in the last 10 points to lead A&M to another victory in the third set. Feeling the momentum swing in their favor, A&M dominated Kansas from the start of the fourth set. The Aggies quickly took a 14-5 lead that would not be diminished. The final set of the match was dominated by A&M who clinched the match with a 25-15 fourth set victory. The Aggies will return to the Sunflower state Wednesday when they travel to face Kansas State.
Aggies take fifth and 11th in Big 12 championship Michael Sullivan The Battalion The Texas A&M men’s and women’s cross country teams competed in the Big 12 Championship over the weekend finishing in 6th and 11th places, respectively. On the men’s side, No. 3 Oklahoma State defended its Big 12 title from last season by scoring 24 points with four of its runners finishing in the top four spots individually. No. 4 Colorado, which had won 12 straight
Big 12 titles up until 2007, finished in second place for the second year in a row with 56 points. On the women’s side, No. 14 Texas Tech was also able to defend its Big 12 title from last season by scoring 38 points with four of its runners finishing in the Top 10 individually. Finishing second place on the women’s side was No. 3 Colorado with 52 points. The Aggie men continued to be led by their trio of seniors Andrew Montes, Mitch Bible and Joe Sauvageau. Montes was the first to cross the finish
line for the Aggies, in 26th place, with a time of 25:45:56. The 26th place finish was the highest Big 12 finish of Montes’ career after having to sit out of the race during the 2008 season due to an injury. Finishing right behind Montes was Bible, who crossed the finish line in 27th place, with a time of 25:46:29. Sauvageau was the final member of the trio to finish the race, finishing with a time of 25:54:29 and in 33rd place. For the third race this season and third consecutive Big 12 Champi-
Who was the player of the game for A&M?
What did A&M learn in the win?
How important is the win for the Aggies?
Brad Cox
Cyrus Gray rushed for his second consecutive 100-yard game. He is able to rush in both short and long situations.
Class comes first for the Aggies. Kneeling the ball in the red zone to end the game reinforced the character of this team.
Though A&M did what it was supposed to, any win is a plus for confidence, particularly going into the toughest part of the season.
I’m giving my best group award to the offensive line. Jerrod Johnson had time in the pocket and the run game had oodles of space.
That having confidence brings easy wins. The atmosphere was relaxed at Kyle Field and it never seemed like A&M was under stress.
Though it wasn’t a huge win for the maroonclad warriors, the Aggies won easily and are only one win away from bowl eligibility.
T.D. Durham sports editor
Sam Smith — THE BATTALION
pg5-11.2.09.indd 1
Regional Championship. In 2008, the men’s team was able to snap Arkansas’ 18-year winning streak at the championship by winning the race and advancing to the NCAA Championship for the first time in five years. The women’s side will be highlighted by Munoz seeking her third consecutive NCAA Championship berth. In 2008, Munoz finished third place in the regional meet to advance to the NCAA Championship for her second time.
Throwdown
sports writer
Texas A&M sophomore receiver Jeff Fuller catches a pass in the Aggies’ win against Iowa State Saturday.
onship, Christina Munoz paced the women’s side as she finished in 34th place with a time of 22:39:75. Munoz, who had been recognized with All-Big 12 honors during the past two seasons at the Big 12 Championship, was unMunoz able to claim the award this year. The Aggies will have a week off before heading to Waco on Nov. 14 to compete in the NCAA South Central
Have a question for Throwdown? Email questions to battalionsports@gmail.com.
11/1/09 7:42 PM
news
page 6
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FOR RENT
HELP WANTED
Absolutely 1 Fun Laugh-A-Lot Defensive Driving! Ticket dismissal/insurance discount. W&Th (6pm-9pm) or Sat (8am-2:30pm). Walk-ins welcome. At Denny’s (across from TAMU). $25 cash, restrictions apply. 979-694-8888.
Close to campus 2bd/2bth. Washer and dryer. Fenced yard. www.aggielandleasing.com www.southwoodplace.com
The Kids Klub afterschool program is seeking P/T employees for the Spring 2010 semester. People are needed M-F, 2:45pm-6:15pm. ROP: $8.00-$8.75/hr. Please call 979-764-3831 or www.cstx.gov/kidsklub
Boss Hogg Limo. Northgate formals, Houston, Louisiana, football games. www.bosshogglimo.com (254)721-6179.
AUTO 1996 Geo Prizm, 98k miles, manual transmission. $1500 obo, 979-458-0628. 2003 Honda Accord LX, 4dr, dark blue w/tint, 4cyl, 5spd- manual, power windows/locks, 145k-mi, excellent condition inside/out, one owner, runs great, $5,990. 254-337-1591. 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 choose 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. 2bd 1bath University Terrace Apartments, $580/mo obo, lease ends May 2010, NEED TO SELL (512)739-8244. 2bdrm/2ba. duplex with huge back yard, privacy fencing, pets welcomed, ceramic tile floors, lawn care provided, 7min from campus. $700/mo. Available Now! 979-739-7717. 2bdrm/3ba duplexes. Great floorplans, fenced yards, w/d, tile floors, icemakers, alarm systems. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com 3/2 House w/study-Wolf Pen Area! Close to shuttle, w/d conn, fenced w/ lawn care, www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291. 3/3 duplex. All appliances, fenced yard, large living areas, yard maintenance, available January. 979-204-2644 or clydie@elliscustomhomes.com 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 www.southwoodplace.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. Available now. Large 2bd/2ba condo. New carpet, paint, and wood miniblinds. Pool, water paid. Doubletree Condos. 979-777-9933. $700/mo.
Duplexes available 3bd/2ba. $1050/mo. on bus route. Lawn control included. 832-724-3554.
January 1st. Legacy Lane care and pest Call Jimmy
House for rent, 3/1.5/1, 3-quarter acre, rural, fenced, $875/mo., $875/deposit. Available now. 979-696-1670. Midterm lease available! 3bd/2.5ba duplex, full size W&D, country setting, fenced yard, pets ok, flexible lease term, free lawn care. $999. (979)255-3280. CS. Northgate rent new. W/D connection. 1/1, 2/2, 3/3. Walk to campus. (979)255-5648. 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 campus. Nice 3/2 double-wide. Fireplace, deck, stalls available. $1000/mo. 979-846-5950. Roommates needed. 4bd/4bth $325/mo., washer/dryer. University Place on Southwest Parkway. 281-844-2090. Spacious 2bd/2ba, washer and dryer provided, shuttle route, curbside parking. www.aggielandleasing.com www.southwoodplace.com Spacious 3bd/3ba. Close to campus. Washer and dryer provided. www.aggielandleasing.com
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 Six 1/2 blueheeler 1/2 Australian Shepherd, dewormed, had shots, asking $150/obo. 940-357-9743 or tromhang@yahoo.com
REAL ESTATE Buy &Sell B/CS homes, condos, duplexes. RE/MAX. Nadia Michael 979-693-1851. 979-739-2035. www.bcsrealty.com
ROOMMATES Female roommate needed. 2/2 in Enclave Apartments. Available for immediate move-in. $495 +electricity. Contact Ramey 903-521-9708.
Spacious duplex. Many extras! Big fenced yard, convenient to everything. One week free! 979-422-3427.
Female Roommate needed. 3Bd/Ba in Gateway Villas. Available for January move-in. $450/mo. plus utilities. Contact Ashleigh 512-773-1352.
HELP WANTED
TUTORS
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 Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. 512-684-8296. photoguy@io.com Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment.
Domestic A&M alumni grad student in mechanical engineering for math/eng/phys tutoring. Email zachwalton2008@gmail.com with class information. Math tutor algebra through calculus. Over 45yrs. engineering experience. Grady (404)422-0989.
WANTED I buy broken iPhones for parts. Water damage, cracked screens, or anything else. For cash offer, email mybrokeniphone@gmail.com
Experienced wait staff for new wine bar. Must be 21 w/wine knowledge or willing to learn. 979-204-6030.
the battalion
Ft/Pt experienced pharmacy technician at college station HEB 543. Apply at www.workatheb.com.
Classified Advertising
Local Ag businessman seeks aggressive self starting male students for 5 hours each Saturday. No selling, top pay. Call 979-696-0203, 8-10am only.
• Easy • Affordable • Effective
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. Part-time staff assistant needed for busy real estate office. Must be a detail- oriented people person with reliable transportation and have reasonable computer skills in MS Word and MS Excel. This position requires 20-25 hrs/wk beginning as soon as possible and to remain in this position at least through early December 2010. For job description and application, go to www.coventryglenrealty.net and click on Employment Opportunities.
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thebattalion
Arrest made at Aspen Heights
Welcome back
A 19-year-old College Station resident was arrested early Sunday for burglary of a habitation, evading arrest and resisting arrest, according to a College Station Police Department press release. . Marti Jahrel Frieson was and transported to the College Station jail for booking after the CSPD was called to the 3400 block of Treeline Drive at Aspen Heights at approximately 2:59 a.m.in response to a burglary in progress. According to the press release sent out by the CSPD, the unidentified caller said a man entered the residence with the intent to assault. When officers arrived at Aspen Heights, they were given a description of the suspect who was then located and arrested by the responding officers after a short foot chase.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Valentina Izavala Perez, 7, plays her guitar with Academia De Mariachi of Anaheim at the Bowers Museum Day of the Dead celebration Sunday in Santa Ana, Calif. The event celebrates the belief that the spirits of the dead come back to visit their loved ones so that they must be welcomed in grand style.
Ann Littmann, staff writer
After Dark Continued from page 1
been designed to relate to all students. “It is going to unite us,” Cessna said. “Even those that aren’t Christian, they should come to learn and become more knowledgeable.” Also at the event will be the world premiere of a Dude Perfect video, which features students from A&M showing off their best trick basketball shots. After Dark has been in existence for nine years and has done more than 165 shows across the country on college campuses, including every Big 12 school. This will be the fourth time After Dark has stopped at College Station. The event became a reality when White decided he wanted to spread his message and be able to speak to students on college campuses, Martin said. “We do about 15 events a semester so about 30 events a year,” Martin said, “and Joe raises a
Fisk Continued from page 1
ability has to do with the economy, as well as energy and water and waste and so on, and to dovetail those together is a very important thing that a group like ours is trying to push.” One of the agencies involved with Fisk is the Water Development Board of Texas. This building on the complex has a two-layer roof that harvests rainwater, and Fisk’s method can collect enough rainwater for a typical family in Texas. “We really believe in the lifecycle of things, where things source the whole process in between and where they end,” Fisk said. “In the case of water, the quality should be the same or better than when it came in, so we have wetlands. Those wetlands actually treat wastewater after it’s used in the building.” “Water is a very critical issue in Texas as we know with the
lot of the money himself to put on the event.” Martin said out of every university he has visited, After Dark looks forward to visiting Texas A&M because the college has an overwhelming number of students ready to help promote the event and help out in getting other students involved. “I have visited over 70 other universities and I have yet to find a university that has a student body even close to A&M,” Martin said. “This campus is always our largest event and it is so easy to get support.” A&M has more than 75 students recruited to help promote After Dark and can be seen wearing bright neon shirts, holding signs around campus and announcing the event to organizations around campus. Laura Browder, senior communications major and the student contact for After Dark, summed up the event with one word — unity. “The impact of it causes students to think, question and find answers,” Browder said. “It’s designed to tell the most compelling story in a way that relates to college kids.”
droughts,” Fisk said. Students at A&M worked with Fisk in the Galapagos Island to study carbon sinks, which are natural reservoirs that contain carbon chemicals. The Marine Biology Department and Fisk are working on creating an institute on the island. Students from about 46 universities have worked with Fisk at the center. Lauren Jones, a public policy graduate from Duke University, said the job has turned her career path in a new direction. “I’m learning a lot of things that I have not had experience with before,” Jones said. “I wanted to go study law initially and now I’m thinking about getting a masters in sustainable design.” Jesse Miller, an architecture graduate from Ball State University, said working with Fisk is a great time and a rewarding one. “Working here is a lot of fun, it’s difficult, but a lot of fun,” Miller said. “I’m young, I’m out of school, I don’t want
to work in an office and this is great.” Youngja Chung, an architecture design graduate from the University of Virginia, does design work on various energy saving buildings. One of the projects Chung is working on includes creating a bat tower, which is a habitat designed to collect the high amounts of phosphorous in bat droppings. “With ecosystems near us, that kind of ties into the bigger idea here, which is to have this network between different cycles,” Chung said. Fisk is known worldwide and was featured on CNN. Fisk has done architecture work in other countries, including designing a school in Ecuador. Awards he has won include an Earth Summit Award, a Presidential Award and a Sacred Tree Award for his work in sustainability and “green” architecture. Christian Hughes contributed to this report.
puzzle answers can be found online at www.thebatt.com
STUDIES IN PROGRESS
Casa Verde town-home 2/2 W/D connection. Near bus stop. Pest, water, lawn paid $695/mo. 703-8282.
STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in College Station. 100% free to join. Click on surveys. Temporary work, earn extra money for the holidays! Student workers needed to distribute the 2009 Campus Directory to various offices on campus. Must be a TAMU student with a vehicle. Qualified applicants must have at least a three hour block of time available to work. If interested, please come by The Grove, Building 8901 and ask for JD or Selina.
Cheap rent= light work! 1bedroom for rent $250/mo. +bills, on bus route, 1mile from campus, female roommate wanted! Call 979-739-7717.
Weekend and holiday work in Houston installing holiday decorations, work is physically demanding. Pay starts at $10/hr, Email tmdi1@verizon.net
RED DRY SCALY PATCHES OF SKIN ATOPIC DERMATITIS STUDY (ECZEMA)
Balcones Apartments, only 2 left! 1/1 on bus route $475/mo. 703-8282. Beautiful duplex, many extras! Big fenced backyard, convenient to everything. One week free! 979-422-3427.
www.AggieNetwork.com
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:
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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voices
EDITOR’SNOTE The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants in this paper do not necessarily reflect those of Texas A&M University, The Battalion or its staff.
thebattalion 11.2.2009 page7
Fighting for word domination
MAILCALL From Kristin Catron, senior animal science major
Ian McPhail
Discussion is an essential part of education, and should be relevant to the course. The gabby gluttons in class need to give others an opportunity to learn.
W
hile most students appropriately use the time allotted for questions, a few loudmouths feel the need to turn the end of class into their own personal soapbox. The clocks ticks toward the beginning of next class, and innocent students are forced to hear an incoherent rant that should have taken place during office hours. Instead the mouth-breather babbles on, wasting everyone’s time as the professor feels obligated to patiently indulge the classroom idiot. College is the place to engage in debate and offer opinions, but these all-day talkers are not interested in letting others open their mouths. Many are not even inclined to wait for an opening for discussion before they begin dominating the class with a half-baked hypothesis, flagging down the professor as if they were waving for a taxi. Desperately the professor glances around for an actual question, before ceding the remainder of class to the overzealous student. An audible sigh can be heard as several students consider shaking the stupid out of the speaker. During the first few weeks, the class crier woos the professor with pertinent questions and comments relevant to the lecture. But the student speaks too long, reiterating the same information after the point has been made. Initially students are often hesitant to ask questions, as many of us wait for the first failing quiz to start reading material before class and are afraid of drawing attention to our laziness. So under the guise of participation, the student slowly makes a move, seeking to seize the
Evan Andrews — THE BATTALION
lecture. Comments quickly turn into challenges, and the Chatty Kathy continues the plot for total word domination. The eventual end comes when the student interjects personal anecdotes and problems into the one-way conversation. They start describing an imaginary friend in oddly specific detail, a rhetorical tool to prove their real life experiences, and superiority over the rest of us. Inevitably the guise is dropped, and personal experiences are barely connected to the subject. The rest of the class is subjected to a minimum of two incoherent ramblings per lecture, as the windbag drones on long after their point has been made, almost as if in love with the melodious sound of their own voice. For those content to let the faculty of Texas A&M instruct the class, listening to another student talk incessantly limits their learning. Surely apt questions or relevant discussions help many understand course material, but when someone decides to use the University as a personal speaking platform, it is often at the expense of
other students. College is a large investment of time and money, and both are wasted when a student selfishly decides to speak out of turn. Certainly many comments and discussions further education at any university, but when the intention of a question is no longer to better understand the material, it is time to shut up. Don’t disrupt a class for idle conversation, or to further an ideological position, instead try to make sure you are adding to everyone’s education. Office hours and after class are the appropriate time to start an extensive dialogue with a professor, but during the course give the person who already has a degree time to talk. Ian McPhail is a junior history major. Make your opinion known by submitting Mail Call or guest columns to The Battalion. Direct all correspondence to: Editor in chief of The Battalion (979) 845-3315 | mailcall@thebatt.com
I have never felt personally affronted by any article in The Battalion until “Holding back the Hate.” As a Christian, I was offended by this article. Not because the author called out those guilty of using religion as justification for their hate, those people are very much in the wrong and I agree fully, but that the piece exerts no effort to clarify that it is not targeting all Christians in the piece. I’m all for freedom of speech, but to use an article about hate to be hateful? Isn’t that a bit hypocritical? The author should have left personal issues aside instead of underhandedly attacking a faith. The article should clarify the column refers to the confused, overly zealous “Bible Thumpers” who take God’s word far too seriously and to the extreme. The views I have on homosexuality are shared by many of the Christian faith, God does not hate homosexuals, In fact, he loves them, as they are still His children. But he does not stand for the acts and lives they lead. I have homosexual friends, and I still care greatly for them, regardless. My religious beliefs aside, these people deserve to be treated as people and respected as such. On the other side, a Christian is a person, too. I would like to believe that the author’s intentions weren’t motivated by an underlying distaste for the Christian faith, but that is the impression I, and others, have received. We are all here together, so why try to make it harder by spreading hate and intolerance?
What is a lawyer? A debater? A fighter?
Or more than that? A creative problem solver. A principled advocate. A rigorous and versatile thinker.
Explore the wide scope of the law in a school devoted to the big picture.
www.CaliforniaWestern.edu
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news
page 8 monday 11.2.2009
thebattalion
Midnight match
Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION
Senior yell leaders Weston Wilcox and Casey Schafer and junior yell leader Travis Kennedy play senior guard Tanisha Smith and sophomore guard Tyra White Friday at Midnight Yell. The game was a part of Maroon Madness, which kicks off the basketball season.
Police find 6 bodies in rapist’s home
FINAL WEEK Dec ’09, May ’10, Aug ’10
GRADUATING
SENIORS
& GRAD STUDENTS Have your graduation portrait made for Texas A&M’s 108th yearbook 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 –1 and 2-5 today – Friday.
AGGIELAND 2010 A Texas A&M tradition since 1895
CLEVELAND — Six badly decomposed bodies found at the home of a convicted rapist facing a new rape allegation were females and all were homicide victims, the coroner’s office said Sunday. Powell Caesar, a spokesman for Cuyahoga County Coroner Frank Miller, said at least five of the victims apparently had been strangled. Decomposition made it difficult to determine how the sixth victim died, he said. None of the victims have been identified, Caesar said. Two victims were black, but race hadn’t yet been determined in the other four bodies, he said. Police found the first two bodies Thursday night when they went to the home of 50-year-old Anthony Sowell to arrest him on charges of rape and felonious assault, but he wasn’t there. He was arrested Saturday when officers spotted
him walking down the street of his east-side neighborhood. On Friday, police found a third body and remains that were later confirmed to be three additional bodies. It wasn’t determined how long the bodies were at the house, but “they could have been there anywhere from weeks to months to years,” Caesar said. He spent 15 years in prison for choking and raping a 21-year-old woman who was lured to his bedroom in 1989, police said. As a convicted sex offender, Sowell was required to report regularly to the sheriff’s office, which said he had complied. The most recent visit to his home by deputies to confirm where he lived came Sept. 22, but deputies didn’t have a warrant and didn’t walk inside. Hours later, a woman told police she had been raped at the house by Sowell, whom she
knew. That allegation led to Thursday’s search and the discovery of the bodies. The home was still cordoned off with police tape Sunday and officers monitored it from two patrol cars. The windows of the third floor, where the first two bodies were found, were wide open Sunday as a slight breeze blew through the neighborhood. Some neighbors said a bad smell came from the house several months ago, but they thought then that it might be natural gas. Sowell returned to the family home in 2005 after his release from prison. The home was owned by two of Sowell’s relatives, including a woman — described by neighbors as either Sowell’s stepmother or aunt — who kept up the house. Associated Press
COLLEGE STUDENTS DESERVE AN
EDUCATION NOT INDOCTRINATION
Christian students at our public universities are being denied their right to openly express what they believe. The Constitution has something to say about this—and so should you. A RESOURCE OF THE ADF CENTER FOR ACADEMIC FREEDOM
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