thebattalion A sound C ● tuesday,
Courtesy Photo
Student dies while returning to A&M
MSC Month of Giving encourages students to donate Katy Ralston The Battalion Students can start their holiday season off early with the giving spirit of the Memorial Student Center Month of Giving put on by the MSC Leadership Development and Service Programming Council. “As the semester winds down and we are preparing to head home for the break, we want to offer students an opportunity to impact local and international communities,” said Month of Giving coordinator Lara Speights. Open through Dec. 2, the MSC Month of Giving is a compilation of various types of donations benefitting different charities that have anywhere from a local to a global impact. Each of the nine different committees represented in the Leadership Development and Service Programming Council choose their own cause to support. “We hope that each student will be able to identify with a cause that is purposeful to them,” Speights said. Causes include Twin City Missions, the Dallas Children’s Hospital, Phoebe’s Home, Salvation Army, Austin State Hospital, American troops serving overseas, Goodwill, Guatemalan orphans and impoverished Mayan farmers. Items collected are blankets, clothing, toys and books, school supplies and backpacks, mp3 and CD players, toiletries, non-perishable snacks, magazines and hats. One of the special initiatives in the Month of Giving is Whoop for Troops, where students can write letters and send packages to armed forces serving overseas. See Giving on page 4
Pg1-12.1.09.indd 1
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Cantus lights up Rudder Theater
stage
Ann Littmann | The Battalion
antus will perform “All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914” concert Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m. in Rudder Theatre. Cantus is a 9-member a cappella male ensemble including Chris Foss, Eric Hopkins Ellingsen, Aaron Humble, Adam Reinwald, Paul Rudoi, Gary Ruschman, Shahzore Shah, Timothy C. Takach and Matthew Tintes. The concert evokes the memories of World War I truce between Allied Forces and German soldiers. The concert opens with a scene from after the truce as a young German soldier enters no man’s land singing “Stille Nacht.” Cantus’ concert then unfolds into a night of music, friendship and peace told touchingly through actual letters written by soldiers and new arrangements of European carols and war songs. The Washington Post has labeled the group’s sound as having both “exalting finesse” and “expressive power.” However, Cantus’ General Manager Mary E. Lee sees Cantus as much more than just an a cappella group. “In my mind, music is one of life’s most interesting phenomenon’s. It has the ability to get into a corner of our soul and trip a switch, and suddenly we have a new understanding of an emotion we are feeling and we don’t feel quite so alone,” said Lee. “Cantus takes the responsibility of providing that musical illumination very seriously. We ION know it’s a privilege to have [people attending] our concerts. We also believe we have a gift that should be TTAL E BA H T — shared as broadly as possible, and that belief feeds our mission as well.” In addition to touring and performing concerts thum r o N y Jerem nation-wide, Cantus annually works with over 10,000 students in educational activities said Lee. “Our goal is to reinvigorate singers and provide useful, practical knowledge of how to make choral music a vital and engaging part of people’s lives.”
Melissa Appel The Battalion Lauren Baker, a junior international studies major, died in an automobile accident Sunday morning on her way back to Texas A&M University after the Thanksgiving holidays. Baker’s car swerved off the road and hit a tree as she was traveling northbound on Highway 6. The accident occurred about 9:40 a.m., Baker was ten miles south of Navasota. Baker was transported to Grimes County St. Joseph Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Baker was a member of Delta Zeta and a fish camp counselor. She will be remembered for her friendly and optimistic look on life. “She was a person who everyone looked to make everyone happy,” said sophomore general studies major Blake Ferguson, who served as Fish Camp counselor alongside Baker. “She stressed and struggled to make sure everyone was happy. She was one of the most kind and genuine people I know.” Delta Zeta held a memorial service for Baker Monday evening. The funeral service will
december 1, 2009
CANTUS, the ninemember a cappella male ensemble practices Monday in Rudder Theater for their performance.
Ticket Information To purchase tickets call 979-845-1234 or buy online at www.MSCOPAS.org.
Harmonic
A
history
ttending Christmas themed productions is a standard element of many people’s holiday season. What makes “All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914” unique is the true story of a Christmas Day and the people who experienced the violence and social climate of World War I, through their own words. “It’s a combination of music and dramatic readings of actual letters written by soldiers and communiqués by the Armed Forces,” said tenor Gary Ruschman. The music of the production, while artistic, represents the reality of the soldiers’ experience. “What we sing is directly related to what they sang in the trenches and heard,” said tenor Paul Rudoi. Hearing Christmas songs in enemy trenches made the other soldiers seem human, said Rudoi. That seems to be a theme the show adopted in telling the story of the Truce. On Christmas Day in 1914, according to the show’s writer Peter Rothstein, soldiers from both sides left the trenches and met in No Man’s Land to exchange gifts, sing songs, play games and bury each other’s dead, just
for that day. “All Is Calm” tells the story of that day through period songs and readings of letters, addresses and diary entries written by real people. Actor David Roberts said the play has been broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio, Public Radio International and BBC Radio. The live version of the show involves simple staging, set and dress. “Peter’s theory is that he often wants to tell the story with the tools the people in the story would have,” said actor David Roberts. “So it [‘All Is Calm’] was conceived as a radio play because that’s the tool those people would have had.” “All Is Calm” was developed in workshops through the collaboration of Rothstein, three actors and the nine members of Cantus, a male a cappella group. The show includes songs and texts from the countries involved in WWI, so the actors, who each play several characters, have to use a variety of accents, said Roberts. Collaboration is something the members of Cantus are all too familiar with. The group has no director, so the members work together to arrange
Jill Beathard
Through the words of real people and period music, show powerfully evokes the Christmas spirit harmonies. “Our process is collaborative,” Ruschman said. “So we take that collaborative model and try to extend that with other organizations.” Rudoi said some pieces in “All Is Calm” were arranged by a composer, but for other pieces, the group started with a melody and worked together to figure out what sounded good for the harmony. “I think the organic process is why we have such a connection as musicians, … and as a whole,” Rudoi said. In rehearsal, the members of Cantus listen and watch each other, helping them stay in tune and tempo. It’s easy to see how this group works together to produce good, unique music. And with a little more imagination, one can see how soldiers in the trenches of World War I might have sang together and connected in the same way.
Silver Taps to pay tribute to fallen Aggies Jan. 22, 1987 — Oct. 16, 2009 Patrick Noel Jernigan II
File Photo — THE BATTALION
Silver Taps Silver Taps will honor the fallen Aggies at 10:30 p.m. tonight at the Academic Paza.
Jan. 28, 1988 — Nov. 8, 2009 Adam Segura
Laura Sanchez
Matt Woolbright
The Battalion 22-year old, Patrick Noel Jernigan II, was a father and senior industrial distribution major. He died on Oct. 16 after 2 a.m. after a train accident in College Station. Jernigan was born on Jan. 22, 1987 and was the father of 4-year-old daughter Olivia who family say was one of the most important things in his life. “He was outgoing, fun loving and full of life,” said JERNIGAN his sister Alex Jernigan. “We were extremely close; we were like best friends.” Jernigan had received several interviews for jobs in industrial distribution, but it was important to him to stay close to Olivia, Alex said. Jernigan received a full scholarship to attend Texas A&M University after graduating in the top three percent of his class from Caney Creek High School in Conroe, Texas.
The Battalion At the age of 19, Adam Segura was the youngest Hispanic to be certified to judge Boer goats in the United States, ever. “Every weekend we’d travel to look at his goats, that was his passion,” said Imelda Segura, Adam’s mother. “He’d tell us it was only an hour away; then we’d get on the road, and it would be like five; he loved SEGURA his goats.” The senior biology major was born on Jan. 28, 1988, and died in a car crash west of campus on Nov. 8, 2009. In high school, Segura was involved in a wide array of activities, including band, the National Honor Society, the Knights of Columbus at his Catholic Church and Future Farmers of America, but his passion was for goats. “He was a quiet but loving person, he loved to be outside and he was a very, very passionate person,” his mother said.
See Jernigan on page 4
See Segura on page 4
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Calif. might ban divorce SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Til death do us part? The vow would really hold true in California if a Sacramento Web designer gets his way. John Marcotte wants to put a measure on the ballot next year to ban divorce in California. The effort is meant to be a satirical statement after California voters outlawed gay marriage in 2008, largely on the argument that a ban is needed to protect the sanctity of traditional marriage. Marcotte reasons voters should have no problem banning divorce. Marcotte said he has collected dozens of signatures, including one from his wife of seven years. The initiative’s Facebook fans have swelled to more than 11,000. 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 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.
I N V E N T YO U RS E L F
pagetwo thebattalion 12.1.2009
First-class production
Jonny Green — THE BATTALION
Freshmen general studies major Amy Urban and accounting major Sol Vilera-Ramos display their First-Year Photo Project for education major Jennifer Standley in Rudder Exhibit Hall on Monday during the final show for the seminar class. Students worked in groups of three to capture the experiences of their first semester and convey them in a themed display. Freshman general studies major Laci Stovall partnered with Urban and Vilera-Ramos to create their photo project, themed “spirit.”
Obama to expand Afghan war WASHINGTON — After months of debate, President Barack Obama will spell out a costly Afghanistan war expansion to a skeptical public Tuesday night, coupling an infusion of as many as 35,000 more troops with a vow that there will be no endless U.S. commitment. His first orders have already been made: at least one group of Marines who will be in place by Christmas.
Why Obama prefers “not to hand off anything to the next president” and that his strategy will “put us on a path toward ending the war.”
The plan Obama’s war escalation includes sending 30,000 to 35,000 more American forces into Afghanistan in a graduated deployment over the next year, on top of the 71,000 already there. There also will be a fresh focus on training Afghan forces to take over the fight and allow the Americans to leave. He also will deliver a deeper explanation of why he believes the U.S. must continue to fight more than eight years after the
war was started following the Sept. 11 attacks by al-Qaida terrorists based in Afghanistan. He will emphasize that Afghan security forces need more time, more schooling and more U.S. combat backup to be up to the job on their own, and he will make tougher demands on the governments of Pakistan as well as Afghanistan.
The questions How much the additional $30 billion to $35 billion cost will balloon the already skyrocketed federal deficit? How long the U.S. commitment will continue and how it will wind down? Obama was expected to make references without offering specifics.
What’s next Even before explaining his decision, Obama told the military to begin executing the force increases. The commander in chief gave the deployment orders Sunday night, during an Oval Office meeting in which he told key military and White House advisers of his decision. At least one group of Marines is expected to deploy within two or three weeks of Obama’s announcement and will be in Afghanistan by Christmas, military officials said. Larger deployments will begin early next year. The immediate addition of Marines will provide badly needed reinforcements for those fighting against Taliban gains in the southern Helmand province, and also could lend reassurance to both Afghans and a war-weary U.S. public.
Associated Press
Woods withdraws from his own golf tourney rney THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Tiger Woods still isn’t talking. Now he’s not playing, ng, either. Woods withdrew Monday from his own golf tournament, citing injuriess from a car crash near his Florida home. His decision comes as questions continue to mount regarding what happened in the wee hours of the morningg Friday — questions that most certainly would have been asked of him had hee played. The world’s No. 1 golfer posted a statement on his Web site saying that unspecified injuries prevented him from playing in the Chevron World Challenge. He had been scheduled to hold a press conference Tuesday for the he tournament, which he hosts annually for a small, invited, field. “I am extremely ely disappointed that I will not be at my tournament this week,” Woods said. “I am certain it will be an outstanding event and I’m very sorry that I can’t be there.” .” Associatedd Press
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Academic Excellence Award Starting today, students may apply for the Academic Excellence Award. This scholarship is for all currently enrolled students who have excellent scholastic records, campus and community activities, leadership positions and work experience. The deadline is Feb. 1.
thebattalion 12.1.2009 page3
Man purses Patrique Ludan
Author writes inspiring collection of short stories
A
s I sat down to read Michael Chabon’s Manhood for Amateurs: The Pleasures and Regrets of a Husband, Father, and Son, I was a little wary about reading a collection o short stories that could possibly of b simply put, boring. However, be, o once I finished the book, I was hung for more of Chabon’s thoughts. gry
Chabon, author of such novels as “The Yiddish Policemen’s Union” and the Pulitzer Prize winning “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay,” delivers another breathtaking piece of work that touches on many subjects I know many of us, particularly males, have thought about. Take for instance the standout essay entitled “I Feel About My Murse.” Chabon tackles and solves the age-old question, why can’t a man carry a murse, not unlike their female counterpart, the purse? Chabon claims the “fundamental axiom of masculine self-regard” is a male carrying around his wallet, change, pens, pencils and what have you i his in hi pockets k t andd that th t “a “ purse is i basically a vagina with a strap.” But through a series of different instances such as the harmful act of sitting on
your wallet (It can cause damage to your sciatic nerve, leading to fat wallet syndrome) to using a diaper bag for his children, Chabon finally broke down and purchased a man purse. What he realized in the end, was he didn’t care about what others perceived him as being. With each discussion, he masterfully sculpts words to a point where you do not want his particular argument to end. An autobiography of sorts, he also delves into matters of his own family life. He is married to novelist Ayelet Waldman, who once wrote she would never be able to recover if something happened to her husband, and has four
and other things for men to consider About the book ■ Author: Michael Chabon ■ Publisher: ■ Published: October 2009 ■ Number of pages: 306 ■ Cost: $25.99 children, two girls and two boys. The particular love he conveys toward them all throughout his compositions should make this a required reading for every parent and aspiring parent alike. There are many topics and themes Chabon includes in his novels
such as, divorce, nostalgia and Jewish identity. One topic he addresses in Manhood is escape. In the “Mysteries of Pittsburgh,” it is Art trying to get out of the past, or in Adventures, the main comic book character is called the Escapist. “The world, like our heads, was meant to be escaped from,” Chabon writes. He states writers and readers alike “seek the high, small window leading out” which literature and books give you and “make a break for it.” It is a deep look into the mind of a tremendous writer. Along with being father, Chabon offers insightful muses into his past when he was a boy living with his divorced mother and younger brother. In the “Art of Cake,” he discusses how he learned to cook. With his first dish being Bisquick Velvet Crumb Cake, he evolved to the primary feeder of his family, due to the fact that his mother would come home at night with little energy to cook for her two sons. Chabon offers credit to this act, in “a time of dissolving boundaries,” for being able to recognize the processes of life that are unchanging, such as being a mother. Maybe those of us who read this book will take his actions to heart. I think many, males and females included, can see themselves a little bit in this collection, a number of which appeared in Details magazine. I think all can take these writings to heart. If not, then it is your murse to throw away.
4 out of 4 gig `ems
Nicholas Badger — THE BATTALION
Pg3-12.1.09.indd 1
Patrique Ludan is a sophomore physics major.
11/30/09 9:09 PM
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thebattalion
Loftin addresses state of university Patrique Ludan | The Battalion
Good thing she has a meal plan.
Interim President R. Bowen Loftin gave a talk on the state of the university Monday outlining different topics and concerns the university is addressing. Loftin mentioned topics of progress such as athletics, new construction and academics. He spoke with a prepared introduction in hand and later took questions from audience members and peoples emails alike. “[The game on Thursday] gave our university and team exposure nationally,” said Loftin. “It also convinced people that our athletic program was on the right track.” Those in attendance included the various members of the faculty and the administration, the student body president and the student regent. However, the room was void of students. One of the primary topics of discussion was the construction occurring on campus. According to Loftin, construction on the MSC and the Military Walk is proceeding with substantial progress. The Military Walk is set for completion in spring 2010 and the MSC in 2012. David Woodcock, professor of archi-
tecture and chairman of the Design Re- proved its relations between the students, view Board at A&M, spoke to audience faculty and staff. members about the process of creating “We are able to act very quickly with buildings on campus. He spoke at great potential areas of concern,” said Loftin. length about the details discussed, deThe liberal arts building currently bated or deferred when in the review process there is the possibility of with the Board of Reputting a new structure [The game on Thursday] gents, and Loftin said on campus. it will be approved gave our university “The whole process and begin construcand team exposure starts with the need tion as early as next for the building,” said year. nationally. It also Woodcock. “Many Audience members convinced people that factors are considhad either the choice ered such as parking, to ask a question our athletic program classrooms and how from the audience or was on the right track.” submit a question by [the building] contributes to the campus as email anonymously. —R. Bowen Loftin a whole.” The first question interim president The campus is foron the minds of many mally opening two new faculty and staff workbuildings this week, with the Texas ers of the university last week and was, A&M Institute of Pre-Clinical Studies “Why didn’t staff get a half day off on set to open Thursday and the Mitchell Wednesday?” Physics building on Friday, said Loftin. Loftin said there was a very important With the recent controversy surround- football game occurring on Thursday, ing the construction of a new liberal arts and there were many preparations the building, Loftin made it a point that this campus that were occurring on Wedneswas one of the ways the university has im- day that required many workers, such as
Jernigan
“He was just always cracking jokes. He was always down to have a good time and have fun. He was never really serious; I’ve never really seen him serious,” he said. Jernigan is described as living life for what it was and living by the moment. He interned in Houston with Armstrong and was looking for a full-time position in sales after he graduated. Armstrong and Jernigan had a few classes together during their freshman year, and he recalls sitting in class and instead of doing assignments; Jernigan could not wait to show him a picture of his daughter Olivia. University Police Department officials are still investigating his death and have ruled out the possibility of a homicide. Officials say Jernigan was separated from his friends just after 11 p.m. on the night of Oct. 15 after a night with friends
at Northgate. One friend received a call from him saying he had been asked to leave by a bar’s staff member. His body was not seen again until after the accident. “We are waiting on some subpoenas that we have sent out. So once we get that information back and confirm it, then we can go ahead and close the case,” said University Police Department detective Scott Gatlin. “There is no evidence of foul play at this time. The autopsy office has ruled it as accidental at this time,” he said. Jernigan is survived by his daughter Olivia Jernigan, of Conroe, Texas; His sister, mother and step-dad, Alexandra Jernigan and Juanice and Kevin Trujillo, of Cleveland, Texas; his father and grandparents, Patrick Jernigan, Lolette and Charles Hallobaugh, of Leander, Texas.
showing goats and developed a close friendship with them over the years. Jim and Adam often traveled across the state to show goats, attend stock shows or pick up animals, but Segura did not only impact Moran. “Energetic, full of life, always had a smile, never met a stranger—he was one of those people that when you met them, they make an impact immediately, all you could say was ‘wow, just wow,’” said Sylvia Moran. Segura was a leader on the cutting edge research of genetics with the Boer goats; the weekend after his death, Segura was scheduled to be one of the very first to perform a new genetic procedure
with goats. “He was just a student, and he already knew more about goats than many of the leaders in the industry,” said Moran. “I would meet farmers and ask them questions about their livestock, and they would direct me to Adam.” Segura chose to attend Texas A&M to pursue his passion and become a veterinarian, eventually he wanted to travel to Africa, the land Boer goats originated from. “Another one of his passions was to attend A&M, his goal was to become the first doctor in our family and he would have done it,” his mother said. “We are so proud of him.”
UNIVERSITY DINING
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He was scheduled to graduate in December and was looking forward to getting his Aggie ring, Alex said. His family describes him as a man who enjoyed the simple things in life and who would do anything for family and friends. He was involved in the Professional Association for Industrial Distribution that promotes student involvement with industrial distribution faculty and personnel. “He was a very outgoing person, just a very goofy and funny, service oriented guy,” said Cameron Armstrong, senior industrial distribution major and member of the association.
Segura Continued from page 1
Segura’s passion for the Boers was born when his grandfather purchased him his first goat when Adam was eight years old. As Segura grew, so did his love for and knowledge of goats. “I’ve been a teacher 24 years, and I’ve never met another kid like Adam; he could deal with anyone, young or old; there aren’t many made out of that mold,” said Jim Moran, a close friend of Adam. “And he knew so much about [the goats], many people respected him.” Segura met the Moran family through
Giving Continued from page 1
Through the Angel Tree project, students can see a direct local impact by selecting a specific child from the Brazos Valley Phoebe’s Home to give a gift. For a more global reach, students can donate hats that will go to a Guatemalan orphanage on a freshman leadership organization’s international trip. The Shirts Off Our Back project provides gently used clothing to many local organizations such as Twin City Missions, Salvation Army and Goodwill. “The awesome thing about Month of Giving is that its impacts are felt around
“
the world,” Speights said. “Individually, it would be impossible to impact such a variety of communities. However, together, as an Aggie family, we can offer our support.” Collection bins are located in Rudder Lobby, Commons Lobby, the Harrington side of Academic Plaza and Wehner Lobby. CD players, iPods and MP3 players should be delivered to the West Wing front desk on the 2nd floor of Koldus. The MSC Month of Giving is one of many ways the council promotes selfless service. “The Leadership Development and Service Programming Council’s primary goal is to work with the various
Courtesy Photo
Courtesy Photo
Month of Giving is an opportunity for Aggies to show their commitment to others by donating clothes, blankets, school supplies and other goods to people in need.” Students can know that no matter what cause they support and to what extent is enough to make a difference, Speights said. “I challenge each student to be intentional. If you do support this cause, then please take the time to contribute. No contribution is too small,” Speights said. “Your one item may not seem like much, but I guarantee you - someone needs it. Collectively, we will be able to have a phenomenal impact.”
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committees that focus on leadership and service work,” said Associate Director of Student Programs Deryle Richmond. The Council is comprised of the Abbott Family Leadership Conference, Fall Leadership Conference, MSC Hospitality, MSC LEAD, Spencer Leadership Conference, the Spring Leadership Trip and Freshman Leadership Organizations. Over 650 students are involved in the marketing, collecting and donation delivery of the event. MSC President Stephanie Burns said the Month of Giving is a natural fit at Texas A&M University. “As Aggies, we value the importance of selfless service,” Burns said. “The
those from custodial, grounds keeping and physical plant staff. He said he felt it would not be scrupulous to let only a portion of the university workers not working on the game day preparations half of a day early. Another question posed was “Would you consider making A&M smoke-free?’ Loftin gave an example of the many complaints surrounding those who smoke in close proximity to buildings, and he was open to dialogue in making A&M smoke-free. The essential theme of the forum was the fact of the leadership being open with those who are concerned with the affairs surrounding the university. We are always trying to answer those who pose questions, said Loftin. As far as the university presidential search is concerned, there was a small amount of information presented with the fact that the process is going well, according to Student Body President Kolin Loveless. “We’ve cut the list of potential candidates, and we are ready for constituent interviews,” said Loveless. “I am very excited about whom we have chosen.”
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Aggie men’s hoops earn national rank After defeating No. 16 Minnesota and No. 19 Clemson and losing No. 8 West Virginia, the Texas A&M men’s basketball team broke into the AP Top-25 poll at No. 19. The rank is the first time the Aggies have been in the AP Top-25 since Feb. 18, 2008.
thebattalion 12.1.2009 page5
Jon Eilts — THE BATTALION
Sam Smith — THE BATTALION
Jon Eilts — THE BATTALION
Nicholas Badger — THE BATTALION
Jon Eilts — THE BATTALION
Jon Eilts — THE BATTALION
Saying goodbye to the seniors Sarah Ammerman
Jennifer Banse
Mary Batis
Dylan Faulkner
Jola Kelner
Kristen Schevikhoven
Total Kills: 1476 Kills/Set: 3.82 Hitting Pct.: .215 Digs: 997
Total Kills: 570 Kills/Set: 2.07 Hitting Pct.: .233 Digs: 655
Total Kills: 1,396 Kills/Set: 3.38 Hitting Pct.: .207 Digs: 1,323
Total assists: 12 Assists/Set: .19 Hitting Pct.: .091 Digs: 46
Total Assists: 868 Assists/Set: 6.29 Hitting Pct.: .294 Digs: 169
Total Assists: 3,067 Assists/Set: 11.11 Hitting Pct.: .232 Digs: 635
Last year, she was voted Texas A&M’s Most Valuable Player and was All-Big 12 Honorable Mention. She was named to the All-Big 12 first team and the Academic All-Big 12 first team Monday.
Originally a back-up outside hitter before switching positions to start as a right side hitter in the 2008 season. Banse has lettered on the team three years and was named to the All-Big 12 first team Monday.
In season, she was named to the Honorable Mention All-Big 12 Team as well as being named Texas A&M’s Best Defensive Player in 2007 and 2008. Batis is one of three players in A&M history to record more than 1,000 kills, digs and points in her career.
Played for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons her freshman and sophomore year, where she was the setter for the team. Her career there left her in the record books with 11.32 assists per game and 1, 347 assists total. Transferred to Texas A&M her junior year.
Kelner was named the Most Improved Player in 2006 and also Most Inspirational Player in 2008. A native of BielskoBiala, Poland, Kelner is the first person in her family to leave Poland and attend college overseas.
She began at the University of Northern Colorado, where she was named the school’s Freshman Female Athlete of the Year. “Schevi” ranks high in the A&M Record Books with career assists and was named the team’s Co-MVP her sophomore year. Compiled by Courtney Nelson
STRESSED about the end of the semester?? Don’t forget the Aggie Honor Code! “An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal, or tolerate those who do.”
Remember:
As you prepare for the end of the semester and finals, the Aggie Honor System Office reminds you to value Academic Integrity.
x Manage and budget your time wisely x Do your own work and make sure you confirm with your professor if collaboration is allowed. x Do not give into the temptation of looking at another Aggie’s exam x Talk with your professor if you have questions about class expectations
Good Luck from the Aggie Honor System Office www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor Pg5-12.1.09.indd 1
11/30/09 8:57 PM
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REAL ESTATE
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. Train Your Brain for Finals! Improve Study and Test Taking Skills with hypnosis. $25 advance, $30 door- limited seating. For times, directions and reservations 979-739-7143 www.RobinRobertsCH.com
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Buy &Sell B/CS homes, condos, duplexes. RE/MAX. Nadia 979-693-1851. Michael 979-739-2035. www.bcsrealty.com
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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 903 Azalea- Duplex- 3bd/2ba w/d included, new carpet, great location, shuttle, available now $900/$900 www.texascrosswinds.com 979-268-3200. All bills paid, 4-bdrm condo on Southwest Parkway. Has 3 rooms for rent, $425/each with private baths, shared common area, 210-771-4535. Available 1/1/10. 2bdrm/1.5ba. condo w/carport. New carpet, paint. Pool, w/d included, on shuttle route. Water paid. 1501 Stallings. 214-709-6319. aggiecondo@verizon.net 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.
2004 Toyota Tacoma 4-cylinder autmomatic, 60,000mi, extended 100,000mi warranty. Bue book value $11,200 sell for $10,700. 979-220-5890. I buy vehicles, running or not running. 979-778-1121.
FARM/RANCH Horse boarding $100/mo., large pens with shelter, lighted arena and more. 25-minutes from campus. Call 979-589-2334.
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. $400/mo., 2bd/2ba, central heat and air, W/D, Longmire Ct., CS. 979-822-1616 $580/mo 4/4.5 private bath and reserved covered parking at Callaway Villas. Sublet beginning January. Must call me before you conact Callaway. 713-408-8597. $900 Available now 3bd/2ba duplex near tamu. Has W/D, lawn care and pests paid. Call Jimmy (832)724-3554 or duplexrenter@yahoo.com $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. 1-acre close to campus 4bd/2ba +study, 2000sq./ft., newer double wide, fenced yard, large deck, washer and dryer included, $1100/mo. owner/realator 219-0405. 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. 2/2 Duplex on Navarro Drive. Available immediately. 254-396-3993 or Lshanks@tamu.edu. 2419 Brittain, 3bd/2ba duplex, fenced yard, great location, w/d included. Available now. $975/$900 www.texascrosswinds.com 979-268-3200. 2bd/1ba W/D water included, shuttle stop in front, 3/4 mile from campus. Ceiling fans, very clean. (979)690-4181. 2bdrm/3ba duplexes. Great floorplans, fenced yards, w/d, tile floors, icemakers, alarm systems. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com 3 or 4 bd/2ba house. Close to campus. Available Now. Pets allowed. 979-204-9810 or Jm.quast@yahoo.com 3/2 duplex. 5-minutes from campus, fenced yard, bus route, fairly new. Call 214-505-6534, 469-233-4653. 3/2 House w/study-Wolf Pen Area! Close to shuttle, w/d conn, fenced w/ lawn care, www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291. 3/2 house, walk to campus, $1100 +deposit, flexible lease term 979-324-3901. 3/3 Duplexes, 1400sqft, fenced backyard, all appliances new, excellent specials, 979-694-0320. office@luxormanagement.com 313 Sterling 3bd/2.5ba home located minutes from campus. $1300/$1000 deposit. Avail. Now. www.texascrosswinds.com 979-268-3200. 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 www.southwoodplace.com Cozy 2bdrm/2bth condo 3-blocks from campus, yard, w/d connections, over 1000sqft., no HUD, updated, $565/mo., 506-A College Main 254-289-0585. Efficiencies, 1 and 2 bedrooms. 1-month free rent. 979-693-1906. Female roommate needed! Spacious 2-Story House in Horse Haven estates $550/mo. All bills paid! Available 12/2, Call Melody 254-715-3826 mperryman3826@ymail.com For rent/pre-leasing 3 bedroom/2 bath townhouse in Wolf Pen. One block to campus. On shuttle route. $1200/month. 979-777-8407. House for rent 3/1.5/1, 3.75 acres, horse ok, 6mo. lease available. $875/mo., $875 deposit 979-696-1670. 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. Ridgewood Village efficiency with loft. Uniquely designed floor plan. No pets, $385/mo, $250 deposit. 1211-1213 Holik. 979-696-2998. Some short term leases available. $415/mo. Ridgewood Village, large very quiet tree-shaded 1bdrm/1bth studio, no pets. $435/mo, $250 deposit, 1201-1209 Holik. 979-696-2998. Some short term leases available $485/mo. 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 Spring/ Summer sublease at Parkway Place. First Month Paid!!! $448/mo. All bills paid. Call Charlie, 214-929-9435, email roberc12@neo.tamu.edu Sublease 1bd/1ba, w/d. Jan.1st- July31st. $695/mo. University Square Apartments. 979-693-2720 or 707-421-8020. Apply at complex.
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tuesday 12.1.2009
Sublease for spring 2010. 4/4.5 Aspen Heights. $595/m plus electric. LilySanchez@tamu.edu Two rooms in nice mobile home. Master with private bath $475, 2nd bedroom $375. Central-air/ht, internet, cable, everything included. 210-364-7006.
FOR SALE For Sale 1999 Honda Night Hawk, 10,000mi., Black, $1,250 210-363-6837. Wolfpen district 2bd/2.5ba condo on TAMU shuttle. 1904 Dartmouth 817-422-3207
HELP WANTED Assistant teachers part-time. Working with children 18-mo. through 6-yrs, great learning opportunity for education majors or anyone wanting experience working with children. Please apply at swlccs@gmail.com or 979-693-6556. Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. 512-684-8296. photoguy@io.com Child Care- FT & PT shifts available. Some nights & Saturdays required. Apply in person at 3609 E. 29th St., Bryan. Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment. COACHES WANTED! We need enthusiastic, positive, motivational volunteer coaches for YOUTH BASKETBALL. Season begins early January 2010! Call 764-6222 or 764-3424. Horse feeding. 7am Mon-Sun. Can split days with 2 or 3 people. South CS. Jamie, 512-673-0772.
ROOMMATES 1 roomate needed. Spacious 2 story townhouse in Canyon Creek. Fully furnished. 4/2.5 $400/mo. +1/4 utilities. 713-823-9341. 2 rooms open in house- Edelweiss Gardens. Fully furnished 4/2.5 $390 +1/4 bills/$550 all paid. Tile/Central A/C/HBO/Garage/Backyard. Call Shawn 832-788-5093, wnbsos@gmail.com Female roomate sublease 1-room. January-July 2010. One month free. $600/mo. All bills paid including internet and cable. At The Woodlands. Call 214-477-5398. Female roommate needed. 2bd/2ba in The Zone apartments. Available for immediate move in. $530/mo +1/2 electricity. 1st month free. Contact Barbara 713-550-6560. New Condo! Sublease 1 room. Private bath &bed. Wood floor. W/D in unit. December half month free. Jan-May $315/mo. 519 SW Pkwy. Call 281-639-8847, 713-922-7722. One female roommate in duplex on bus route needed. $350/mo +1/2 utilities. Pets ok. 817-266-1286. One roommate needed for spring, 3/1 house 309B Sterling, $250/mo plus 1/3 utilities. Joe, (325)669-7757. Roommate needed. January- May 2010 lease. 12x20 bedroom in 4/2 house. Deck, porches, furnished common areas. $450/mo +1/4bills. Contact 832-326-1955.
TUTORS Need a Tutor? Friendly, helpful one-on-one private tutors for all subjects at TAMU/Blinn and Sam Houston State. Check us out at www.99tutors.com, 979-255-3655.
J. Cody’s hiring all positions. Apply within, 3610 S. College. No experience necessary, just common sense! P/T service station attendant and lube tech. Basic Automotive knowledge. Villa Maria Chevron, Villa Maria & E.29th. 979-776-1261. STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in College Station. 100% free to join. Click on surveys.
read the fine print.
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.
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 Ragdoll Cats and older kittens. Fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and felv/fiv negative. $100 & up. maxinefashion@gmail.com
puzzle answers can be found online at www.thebatt.com
Texas A&M freshman forward Kris Middleton goes for a layup in A&M’s 68-49 win against Samford Nov. 20 at Reed Arena.
the
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Sam Smith — THE BATTALION
It’s time to support hoops N ovember has come to an end and guess how many home football games are left in 2009. I’ll give you a hint: I can count them on zero fingers. At a school that prides itself in its unshakable support of its athletic teams, we ask “Where do we, as die-hard sports fans, transfer our undying spirit when football is over?” Luckily, there exists an athletic outlet that devoted Aggie sports fans can invest in and have no fear of receiving any let down or loss in intensity. This outlet is Texas A&M basketball. I’m not sure if everyone has noticed yet, but the Aggies have a basketball program that has proven to be one of the most successful programs in recent A&M history. To hammer down the point, both the men and women’s teams have made four consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament, with the women making the Elite Eight in 2007 and the men making the second round four years in a row. In short: They’re darn good. But I’m not one to dwell on the past, so why not jump into what these two teams have already accomplished this year. The women’s team, one of the most underrated athletic teams on campus and one that deserves oodles and oodles of support, is undefeated (3-0) in the 2009-2010 season. In the first regular season game of the year, the ladies laid the utmost beat down on No. 4 Duke at Reed Arena. It wasn’t only a win and a breakout party for junior transfer center Danielle Adams; it was an embarrassment of a Top-5 team. The game also served as a statement that even though the Aggies lost two of its star players to graduation last season, they’re not going anywhere. Head Coach Gary Blair, one of the most interesting people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, has things going in the right direction and continues to do the only thing he knows how to: win. On the men’s side, things have started off promising to say the least. Boasting a lineup that includes familiar names like Roland, Holmes, Walkup and Davis, A&M has kicked off the season with a 5-1 re-
T.D. Durham
With football season ending, die hard sports fans should transplant their support to the ever-exciting Aggie basketball program. cord, with its only loss coming from No. 8 West Virginia. The boys in maroon competed Thursday, Friday and Sunday in the 76 Classic in Anaheim, Calif. In three games, the Aggies faced three Top-20 ranked teams and beat two of them. In its only loss, against West Virginia, the Aggies led for a good part of the game and lost by a mere seven. The underclassmen on the team look ready to lead, the sophomores have grown exponentially in the off-season, and the freshmen look like they could be the most dangerous of the bunch. Fortunately, the newbies have the opportunity to learn under a talented coaching staff led by Head Coach Mark Turgeon. Captain Turge is a guy you might have seen around. He frequents himself at numerous events in the off-season to boost the rep of his team, including Aggie Cinema and new student conferences. As a side note, I’d definitely follow him into battle. Take it from a maroonbleeding Aggie, Turgeon and Blair are each coaches that get the Aggie Spirit. They understand the importance of student body support, and they strive constantly to prove they deserve that support. So when you start having withdrawals from LFS, or “Lack of Football Syndrome,” turn your eyes to some of the most successful and exciting athletes at Texas A&M: The Aggie Ballers. T.D. Durham is a sophomore English major and sports editor.
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
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4LTVYPLZ MHKL @LHYIVVRZ SHZ[ H 3PML[PTL
tuesday 12.1.2009
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
the battalion Classified Advertising • Easy • Affordable • Effective For information, call 845-0569
TUESDAY TRIO!
Tom Petty releases ‘Live Anthology’ disc set
Enjoy Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Fettuccine Alfredo and a Slice of Pizza.
$3.49
In this June 17, 2008 file photo, Tom Petty performs with The Heartbreakers during a stop on his summer tour at Madison Square Garden in New York.
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The Associated Press: What made you want to pull out hours and hours of tape? Tom Petty: Well, it seemed like a good time to do it and I thought it would be a chore in a way. I started to do it and I just fell in love with the project. It got better and better. I spent a year digging out stuff and mixing it. It was great. It was like looking at a photo album, but you can all be in the picture. AP: Did you ever get overwhelmed? Petty: Well, you can. But we knew we had plenty of time to do it. So, we just went bit by bit and pretty soon into the project, we told them that this wasn’t going to fit on two CDs. There is no way. To get an idea of what the band was and is, there is a lot of stuff you have to hear to take in an accurate document of all those years. AP: Did you find anything that surprised you about yourself going through all that footage? Petty: I was surprised that we were as good as we were. I really didn’t listen to us when we were back in our 20s and starting out. It was a really good little rock and roll band. I see why it caught on. AP: Any difference between that Tom Petty in his 30s and this one? Petty: I tend now to get to what is really important. I don’t let things bother me too much. One nice thing about getting older is that you don’t want to fight about anything. The argument just delays the solution, because now I have to deal with this fight, too. I still care passionately about what I’m doing. But I can get it done a little easier than I could. AP: You have an exclusive deal with Best Buy for “The Live Anthology.” How does that work for you? Petty: I’ve made sure that the four-disc
package is everywhere. ... If you want the deluxe package, which is five CDs, you have to go to Best Buy. This is just the way it is going. I don’t know what else to do. These are the people that sell records now. AP: What do you think about John Mayer recently saying he is writing in the context of you and that he wants Taylor Swift to be his Stevie Nicks? Petty: It is a very nice feeling that your trip is handed down. And I think it is wonderful, really — if the music touched people that way. I was the same way. I wanted to be like George Jones and Tammy Wynette. That was my picture of Stevie — George and Tammy. I wanted to duet like that. So it is just the way stuff is handed down. AP: Did you learn poetry when you were younger? What inspires your writing? Petty: I never was a big poem reader. I didn’t study poets. I always did really well in English in school. I don’t know why I could do it effortlessly. It is just something I do. I like language. I like words. ... For the longest time, I think, everything I did I wrote the music, and the words just kind of flowed in at the same time. As time went by, I started to concentrate more and more on the lyric and try to make that better and better. AP: Your videos are iconic. Did that come from your love of film? Petty: I probably watch three or four movies a day. ... I got into it kind of like music, kind of as a hobby. I love film. It wasn’t hard to make something better than everyone else ... I was amazed at just how bad MTV was. It was terrible, just terrible. Terrible videos and terrible songs, and most people made them almost all the same. Very silly and I thought let’s just get out of the box here and do something different. AP: What do you think this all means? This album, this life that you have been handed? Petty: It was a gift I was given and what it means I don’t know. Johnny Cash once told me, he said, “It was a noble job.” And I said, “Really?” And he said, “Well, it makes a lot of people happy.” And I always remember him saying that, because I always remember that and it does. It makes a lot of people happy. You can lose sight of that. People come to me and stop me on the street and tell me how some song played some role in their life or how it got them through a hard time or this and that and I just think, “Damn, that’s what it is about.” Associated Press
Chelsea Clinton engaged to longtime boyfriend NEW YORK — Turns out those discredited rumors of a possible Chelsea Clinton wedding last summer were mostly just premature: The 29-year old daughter of former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has become engaged to her longtime boyfriend, 31-year old investment banker Marc Mezvinsky. The couple sent an e-mail to friends Friday announcing the news, saying they were looking at a possible wedding next summer. Matt McKenna, a spokesman for the former president, confirmed the engagement Monday. Mezvinsky is a son of former Pennsylvania Rep. Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky and former Iowa Rep. Ed Mezvinsky, longtime friends of the Clintons. Ed Mezvinsky was released from federal prison last year after serving a nearly five-year sentence for wire and bank fraud. Margolies-Mezvinsky served just one term in Congress before losing her seat in 1994 after voting in favor of President Clinton’s 1993 budget, which was controversial at the time.
Pg7-12.1.09.indd 1
The former first daughter and her fiance became friends as teenagers in Washington and both attended Stanford University. They now live in New York, where Mezvinsky works at G3 Capital, a Manhattan hedge fund, and Clinton is pursuing a graduate degree at Columbia University’s School of Public Health. Before returning to graduate school, Clinton worked at Avenue Capital, a hedge fund run by prominent Democratic donor Marc Lasry. She also worked at McKinsey and Company, a management consulting firm. Since her debut on the public stage as a curly haired 12-year old during her father’s 1992 presidential campaign, Clinton has maintained a fairly low public profile. That changed in 2008, when the press-shy Clinton stepped out on the campaign trail to help her mother’s bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. Word of the engagement was first reported by ABC News.
UNIVERSITY DINING
LOS ANGELES — Tom Petty has grown up, but not too much. The 59-year-old spent a year going through thousands of hours of live concert recordings covering Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers’ tours across three decades. The result is “The Live Anthology” — not a greatest hits album, but a multiple-disc set. There are no overdubs, and the notorious perfectionist can now see why his hard-driven mates were “a good little rock ‘n’ roll band.” Petty, who said the process was like looking at a family photo album, talks about how watching three films a day helped hone his acclaimed music videos and how his love of English as a kid helped him write some of America’s most beloved rock songs.
Meal Plan 101
AP Photo
Questions about Spring 2010 Meal Plans? We’ve got answers.
Today 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Sbisa Dining Center For additional times and locations
Associated Press
11/30/09 8:53 PM
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4.99 Chicken Fried Steak Come in and show your Student ID
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We cater, call for a quote 3231 E. 29th St.,Bryan • 979-776-7500
From A&M, go East on University Dr., turn North on 29th St., beside Hilton Hotel, go 1.8 miles, a mere 5 minutes away.
for
Expires December 15, 2009.
SHAMMY CAR WASH DETAIL, OIL, AND LUBE $
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ANY SMALL SANDWICH, CHIPS & 20oz FOUNTAIN DRINK ÓÓ£äÊ ,6 9Ê / Ê* , 7 9Ê-"1/ ÊUÊ Ç ®ÊÈnä n£xä £äÇÊ-"1/ Ê " Ê 6 1 ÊUÊ Ç ®ÊÓÈä ÓnÈÇ Offer expires 12/1/2009. Limit one coupon per person, per visit. Not valid with any other offer, Meal Deal, Combo Meal or Kid’s Meal. Good only with original coupon at participating Schlotzsky’s® restaurant. ©2009 Schlotzsky’s Franchise LLC. All rights reserved.
See store for details. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 01/31/10.
ABSOLUTELY 1 FUN Laugh-A-Lot Defensive Driving Comedy Class! Ticket dismissal, insurance discount. Walk-ins welcome. W.-Th. (6 p.m.-9 p.m.) or Sat. (8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.)
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204 A Harvey Rd. College Station
A&M Campus Texas Ave.
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11/30/09 10:36:32 AM
voices Come out, come out 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 12.1.2009 page9
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his week the senate released a report revealing Osama bin Laden was easily within the grasp of American military forces in 2001. The report credits this failure to former defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld and highlights that the damage done through allowing bin Laden to escape has undoubtedly hindered American efforts in Afghanistan. While the damage done through his escape can never be truly documented, the opportunity to apprehend bin Laden months after the attack on the World Trade Centers necessitated deploying a military force large enough to complete the objective. Had former President George W. Bush and Rumsfeld been more forthcoming with information about bin Laden’s escape, the justification for hesitating might have been heard. The report written by Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s chairman, Sen. John Kerry was righteously indignant of the risk adverse policy pursed by Rumsfeld and his top commander, Gen. Tommy Franks. Even with information pointing to the location of bin Laden at Tora Bora, their “light footprint” model for war prevented the use - the full use - of the United State’s military in capturing or killing the world’s most infamous terrorist. Merely 100 commandos were deployed, as Rumsfeld decided to continue to use strategic bombing, and U.S. led Afghan forces in place of a traditional sweep-and-block maneuver. President Bush shares his portion of the blame, reported to have been told these tactics were likely to be unsuccessful in ending support for the most potent symbol of the Taliban insurgence. American causalities were cited as the reason bin Laden and a small force was allowed to walk out of Tora Bora and into Pakistan. But Bush and Rumsfeld’s commitment to minimizing our soldier’s causalities does not seem noble, instead it alludes to a timid fear that failing to apprehend bin Laden could cost too much public support. According to the report, finding bin Laden is essential to stabilizing Afghanistan and has helped continue terrorist support presence in the region. Perhaps more importantly, American soil was attacked only months before. The lives of our soldiers should never be risked in vain, but protecting our country means taking every effort to kill or capture the terrorist leader responsible
Ian McPhail
Osama bin Laden’s head seemed to be offered to America on a platter. Did we blow the chance? for Sept. 11. In every military effort lives will be lost as sacrifices for accomplishing crucial objectives, and certainly the terrorist threat would have been reduced by preventing another attack by bin Laden. President Obama will undoubtedly use this information to justify sending 9,000 more Marines into Afghanistan. Had Bush or Rumsfeld been more forthcoming about military operations in Afghanistan, perhaps the current president would not be receiving a free pass on his proposal. As it stands, the country will focus on the failure of the former administration, but increased American military presence may not be the plan for the future. Osama bin Laden is believed to be hiding in Pakistan, outside the reach of U.S. forces. The operation needs to be successful enough to start the process of handing military control over to the Afghanis, before American patience for stabilizing the area runs out. Hindsight has the best vision, and it is entirely possible increased troops presence may have only caused needless American causalities, but the need to apprehend the world’s most dangerous terrorist required the risk. The failure to find bin Laden falls on the Bush administration, and Obama has to deal appropriately with the consequences. Finding bin Laden may no longer be a possibility, and the damage may be done. But blaming Bush for the problems of our military in the Middle East will only buy Democrats time to successively end the war on terror. Ian McPhail is a junior history major. Evan Andrews— THE BATTALION
Humans versus Zombies: relief from the finals grind wo survivors scan the perimeter, carefully searching until a bright red color catches their eyes, and a figure crouches behind the bushes. As they pass the bush one of the survivors discharges their weapon, and the figure falls. A roar is heard, and another shape rushes at them. The other survivor turns and fires, but it’s no good; the gun’s jammed. The survivor’s groan and the zombies cheer, taking their identification cards and rushing off to find another target. This is Humans versus Zombies, an extremely fun, stress-relieving experience to be enjoyed and encouraged and only a little childish. Humans versus Zombies is defined by the official Web site as, “a game of moderated tag commonly played on college campuses. Human players must remain vigilant and defend themselves with socks (Molotov cocktails) and Nerf guns to avoid being tagged by the growing zombie horde.” Campus games and activities like this are healthy sources of stress ventilation, and extremely fun for those who chose to participate. Wearing a bandanna around your arm
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and carrying a Nerf gun attracts a lot of stares and curiosity. “Pretty much everyone who wasn’t playing just seemed to be talking about it,” said freshman political science major Mason Kuzmich, one of the students responsible for coordinating the event. As a student who participated in the first Texas A&M Humans versus Zombies game, I can guarantee that games like these help to knock the fear of exams and approaching deadlines away. The game doesn’t require much. One can play with just a headband to reveal the student as a zombie. Old socks are the cheapest weapon, but those most prepared spend $10-20 on a Nerf gun, before becoming ready for action. Best of all, the game creates its own societal unity. I’ve met the most friends I’ve made all semester through playing this game. It’s easy to head to Sbisa, see someone else with an arm or headband, and next thing you know you’ve got someone coming to the next football game with you.
“We’d just go around campus and people would go hey, we know these guys; they’re the moderators who set it up. It’s a really social game,” said freshman biology major Taylor Waisanen, another of the game coordinators. The way the game is played is simple. Everyone registers to play on humansvszombies.org. Then one person from that list is chosen at random to play the original zombie. The randomly selected initial zombie is unmarked in any way on the first day, and then tags human players, identifiable by the headband around their arm, and turns them into zombies. The goal of new headband wearing zombies is to hunt down at least one human every 48 hours to avoid starving, as the humans try to outlive the zombies. The game ends when either all of the zombies starve off or every human is turned into a zombie. The best thing about the game is the freedom you have to play the game. Indoors are designated as safe zones to prevent interference with regular educational activities, you
can just scout out members of the other team between classes or take the game very seriously. People have been known to modify their Nerf guns with stronger springs, laser sights and flashlights, and I have seen people who have worn zombie face paint. According to Kuzmich and Waisanen, the next game is scheduled to take place during dead week, from Dec. 7 to Dec. 13 and will be halted for finals. “Check out our Facebook group, look for updates,” said Waisanen. Times are not set yet for the next match, but they can be found on the Facebook group or at http://tamu. hvzsource.com/. Campus games like Humans vs. Zombies and Water Wars should be enjoyed and appreciated, not insulted. College may be our only opportunity for these games and nothing’s wrong with a bit of fun. Steven Laxton is a freshman general studies major.
psst...
2009 Aggieland yearbooks are here. IF YOU did not order the 2009 Texas A&M University yearbook (the 20082009 school year), a limited number are available at the Student Media office, Bldg. #8901 in The Grove (between Albritton Bell Tower and Cain Hall). Hours: 8:30 A.M.–4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday. $59.95 plus tax. Cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted. IF YOU pre-ordered a 2009 Aggieland, it has been mailed to your billing address.
WE’VE GOT YOUR NUMBER
2009-2010 Texas A&M University Campus Directory Listings of departments, administrators, faculty, staff, students, and other information about A&M, plus yellow pages.
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TUDENTS: If you ordered a 2009-2010 Campus Directory and did not pay the optional mailing fee, stop by The Grove, Bldg. #8901 (between Albritton Bell Tower and Cain Hall) to pick up your copy. Please bring your Student ID. If you did not order a Campus Directory, you may purchase a copy for $3 plus tax (by cash, check or credit card). Call 845-0569 for info. Hours: 8:30 A.M.–4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday
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