Dec 2nd 2009 The Battalion Print by The Battalion

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Edible Aggies Aggie garden used to stop local hunger. lifestyles | 3

december 2, 2009

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Professor proves ancient Earth cooler Vicky Flores

Obama adds troops to Afghanistan

The Battalion Mike Tice, assistant professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics, just might be changing the history books, one rock at a time. A study of rocks, known as chert, that are 3.4 billion years old has revealed that early earth’s conditions and temperature was much cooler than what previous research has shown. “We get the old rocks and measure the composition of oxygen and hydrogen, and it turns out that they will have the same compositions as the oceans 3.4 billion years ago,” Tice said. He found through the isotopes preserved within the rocks that temperatures in the early ocean, at least in some spots on Earth, was about 40 degrees Celsius, which can be described as warm bath water. Previous to these findings researchers believed conditions were much hotter, around 70 degrees Celsius, 3.4 billion years ago. The significance of the findings in rock temperatures is that at 40 degrees Celsius that capacity for photosynthetic organisms is much greater than if the temperature had been 70 degrees Celsius, Tice said. “At 70 degrees with bacteria, it is hard to get really large communities,” Tice said, “where at 40 degrees you can, and that is the basis of all modern food chains. It is what nearly every organism ultimately derives from.”

Travis Lawson The Battalion Students of Texas A&M University had mixed reaction Tuesday when President Barack Obama announced he would be sending 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan. The president delivered his speech at the U.S. Military Academy where he discussed the war in Afghanistan and the United States’ relationship with Pakistan. Matt Symmank, a sophomore math major, said Obama is taking a step in the wrong direction for peace in the Middle East. “I just think Obama should get the troops out of there,” Symmank said. “I think we need to slowly start to pull the troops out of there and let the government of Afghanistan take care of it.” Erin Roach, a sophomore mechanical engineering major, said enough was enough in Afghanistan. “I think its ridiculous that he comes in on this platform of getting all the troops out, and now he wants to put more in,” Roach said. “I think we need to pull out of the Middle East at some point, but we can’t be sending a bunch of new troops in there.” Not every student agreed with Roach and Symmank. Anahid Sargsyan, an architecture graduate student , said in order to leave quickly more troops were needed. “If we want to get out anytime soon, we need to stabilize the region first,” Sargysan said. “I don’t want America in Afghanistan, but I think right now we need more troops there.” Many people are beginning to compare the Vietnam War to Afghanistan, but the president said in his speech the war would not go on without an end. Obama called this interpretation of the war “a false reading of history.”

Convict armed, remains on run A Code Maroon alert was issued Monday morning informing students and faculty of Texas A&M University to be on the lookout for Arcade Joseph Comeaux Jr. Students and faculty were later sent e-mails stating “no further reason to believe inmate is in Bryan-College Station.” Police are still COMEAUX looking for Comeaux, 49, after he held two transportation officers hostage Monday morning in the Baytown area. The inmate was being transported from Huntsville to Beaumont when he pulled out a pistol and took control of the vehicle. He took with him a 12-gauge shotgun and two semi-automatic pistols when he fled the vehicle. Both officers were found later that day unharmed. The College Station Police Department is still urging people to remain alert and wants anyone with information to call the police immediately. Sgt. Calder Lively of the College Station Police Department said they are doing everything they can to make sure residents are safe. “Since he escaped we have responded to several calls to identify different persons, and we check every call we receive,” Lively said. “We are being proactive and vigilant in watching different areas and responding to calls.” Comeaux is serving a life sentence for aggravated sexual assault from Brazos County and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon from Fort Bend County. Comeaux is described as a 6-foot tall black male weighing 200 pounds. Anyone who sees Comeaux should call 911 or contact local law enforcement officers. Travis Lawson, staff writer

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See Early life on page 5

Jonny Green — THE BATTALION

The rescue robot is equipped with two-way audio, speakers, a microphone and a computer screen that displays streaming video.

Survivor Buddy robot becomes interface to world Laura Sanchez The Battalion Robin Murphy, a Raytheon professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, is working on a joint project between Texas A&M and Stanford universities to create a rescue robot that communicates with trapped victims and the outside world. Survivor Buddy is a webenabled search and rescue robot attachment “head” that can be attached to any rescue robot to enhance the link between a trapped victim and the responders on the outside. “Our work has been focused on

rescue,” Murphy said. “We’re working on simulating what it would be like to be a trapped victim, and we realized that the robot was very creepy. So we added something that we call the Survivor Buddy which is a head that would allow a multimedia interface while the robot is being used by the responders to check out the structural damage and doctors to look at you,” she said. The Survivor Buddy Project began after the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001. Murphy then wondered how a robot could be used to extricate a trapped victim and provide comfort to them.

In 2006, two men were trapped in a mine in Australia and after hours of being helpless, requested an MP3 player with the Foo Fighters on it. Murphy said this is an example of our society reaching out to technology for help and comfort. “We’re doing a lot of research with human-robot interaction. People tend to see robots as machines that move and tend to think that they’re kind of like people,” said Aaron Rice, sophomore computer science major and undergraduate student assistant to Murphy.

Aggie, Miss Rodeo Texas runs for People’s Choice Award Devin Felger, a sophomore agricultural leadership and development major, is Miss Rodeo Texas and a candidate for Rodeo America People’s Choice Award 2010. Voting is accepted by texting 40841 and typing “MISS RODEO TX.” The deadline for voting is midnight of Dec. 3. “Devin is a terriﬁc young lady and we would like to bring this honor back to Texas,” her father J. Felger said. “She is one of the most passionate Aggies I’ve ever met in my life.” The People’s Choice Award is how the public expresses its opinion about who should be Miss Rodeo America. There is no limit on texting, but there is 99 cents charge. More information about Felger and the contest can be found at www.missrodeoamerica.com.

See Robots on page 5

Madiha Rizvi, staff writer

National ‘Hug Your RA Day’ relieves stress Katy Ralston The Battalion Students can spread the love on college campuses across the world today as part of “National Hug Your RA Day.” “I love my RA; he’s the best,” said Cody Franklin, a Fowler Hughes Keathley first floor resident and a sophomore English major. “I’m definitely going to give him a hug on Tuesday.” In the midst of final term papers and looming project deadlines finally approaching, finals season adds more duties for RAs with end-of-semester checking out procedures and paperwork. A study by University of North Carolina researchers found that receiving hugs reduces the amount of stress on an individual, so residents can show their appreciation and help eliminate the end-of-the-year stress. Termed RA for short, Resident Advisers, who provide a basic source of information and help to residents in the transition to campus life, are the peer support for residence halls. This can take the form of academics, roommate relationships, homesickness and dorm concerns. Outlined by the Department of Resident Life, RA responsibilities include community development, safety and security, performing administrative duties, facilitating teamwork and communication and being a university representative. According to Reslife, RAs possess leadership potential, interpersonal skills, positive attitudes and sense of commitment.

McFadden resident advisers, sophomore business administration major Marie MousseauRioux, sophomore civil engineering major Nic Berger and sophomore mechanical engineering major Landry Redding receive a group hug from several residents on ‘Hug Your RA Day.’ Ben Williamson — THE BATTALION

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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.

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DENVER — Federal authorities in Colorado are reviewing a 2002 file on a Muslim cleric who communicated with the shooting suspect at the Fort Hood Army base in Texas. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Denver confirmed Tuesday that it has some record of Anwar al-Awlaki. An official won’t confirm a report by ABC News that the file is about a felony warrant issued on a passport fraud charge but then revoked by the Colorado U.S. Attorney’s Office. Al-Awlaki is a New Mexico native who attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., before moving in 2002 to Yemen, where he is at large. The imam was reportedly corresponding by e-mail with Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan (nih-DAHL’ mahLEEK’ hah-SAHN’), who is charged with killing 13 people at Fort Hood last month. Associated Press

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Where on campus?

Jonny Green — THE BATTALION

Think you know every nook and cranny of Texas A&M? The first people to get the answer correct will have their names published. Send your response with your name, class and major to photo@thebatt.com. Correct responses

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AP Source: Crashers told ‘no’ to state dinner WASHINGTON — The couple who crashed the Obama administration’s first state dinner communicated with a senior Pentagon official about going to the event, but the official denies that she helped the couple in. Michele Jones, a special assistant to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, said in a written statement issued through the White House on Monday evening that she never said or implied she would get Michaele and Tareq Salahi into the Nov. 24 White House dinner. “I specifically stated that they did not have tickets and in fact that I did not have the authority to authorize attendance, admittance or access to any part of the evening’s activities,” Jones said. “Even though I informed them of this, they still decided to come.” This is the latest twist in the unfolding mystery of how the two reality show wannabes managed to get into the highly secured event and shake hands with President Barack Obama. Also on Monday, a House committee chairman asked the couple, Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan and White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers to testify at a hearing Thursday on the incident. The Salahis have boasted about going to the state dinner on their Facebook page: “Honored to be at the White House for the state dinner in honor of India with President Obama and our First Lady!”

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A screen image made from Michaele Salahi’s Facebook page shows a photo of, Tareq Salahi, left, Vice President Joe Biden and Salahi, right, at the White House state dinner in Washington on Nov. 24. they wrote. Michaele Salahi is a reality TV hopeful trying to get on Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of D.C.” NBC said Monday that the Salahis will be interviewed Tuesday by “Today” host Matt Lauer. The interview is scheduled to air in the 7 a.m. half-hour segment. An appearance previously scheduled for Monday night on CNN’s “Larry King Live” has been canceled. Associated Press

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THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University. Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111.

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Aggie Community Garden The Aggie Community Garden is open to the Bryan-College Station community. Plot fees are per semester and include compost, tools and other gardening essentials. All vegetables and fruit produced are organic, and the community garden uses waste to produce its compost. For more information, contact Mikey Burbidge at (469) 879-9393.

scene thebattalion 12.2.2009 page3

Nutrition for those in need Organization donates garden vegetables to community Calli Turner The Battalion

anned goods, boxed meals and packaged pasta line the shelves of food banks across the nation, and while these items help to meet the community’s hunger needs, nutrition falls to the wayside. This is where Edible Aggieland steps in, armed with a garden shovel and a handful of seeds. John Borden, a sophomore landscape architecture major, was planting trees for the Aggie Community Garden when he realized people across the Bryan-College Station area could benefit from fresh, organic produce as well. “It’s really important to recognize that it’s not just hunger that’s an issue in this community; it’s also nutrition,” Borden said. “Whenever you have a large amount of hunger in the community, you’re going to have a large group of people who aren’t getting nutritious food.” Food banks typically offer non-perishable goods, because they do not have the means to preserve fresh produce. “We hoped to fill the gap by growing the foods right here in the local community and donating it to the people that need it,” Borden said. “We really put a lot of effort into growing these foods, so they’re a lot more nutritious than your run-of-the-mill supermarket food.” The Aggie Community Garden relocated to an open patch of land next to the Texas A&M School of Rural Public Health. The community garden membership overlaps with Edible Aggieland, and both organizations seek to provide fresh, organic fruits and vegetables.

At the garden, people can rent plots of one, two or four 20-foot rows. The plot rental fee covers everything needed to grow vegetables and everything produced goes back to the plot gardener. Howdy Farm is a communal area of the garden, in which all members contribute; the fruits and vegetables produced are donated to Twin City Missions, with plans to branch out to other charitable organizations in the future. “We just planted and everything is being reestablished for the cool season crops this fall,” said Community Garden President Mikey Burbidge, a senior spatial sciences major. Edible Aggieland founder Borden worked with Burbidge and Kristen Williams, a junior nutritional sciences major, to bring fresh produce to those in need. The group was recognized as a student organization in the spring. Edible Aggieland is partnering with Lulac Oak Hill, a low-income housing community for the elderly, and Elder Aid, a service organization that delivers food and other goods to the elderly. Lulac and Elder Aid allow Edible Aggieland to use a portion of its property, and in return, Lulac and Elder Aid have the first pick of the produce. The rest is donated to other charitable, food-based organizations. At the Lulac and Elder Aid locations, Edible Aggieland has planted fruit trees and plans to expand the vegetable garden and add berry bushes. The majority of the harvest will take place in the spring and summer, but the gardens have already seen some color — one grapefruit. “But as time goes on, they produce a lot of grapefruit,” Borden said. “I’ve heard of one

Photo illustration by Evan Andrews and Nicholas Badger — THE BATTALION

single tree producing hundreds of grapefruits in a single season.” Williams said she joined the organization because her background in nutrition taught her the importance of a diet rich in vegetables and fruit. “I really find it upsetting to see that the majority of people and kids don’t understand where food is from and always associate food from a grocery store aisle,” she said. “Even a produce section doesn’t represent where a tomato comes from or where lettuce grows from.” Williams said participating in community gardens and initiatives like Edible Aggieland informs children on the importance of a balanced diet. “Kids who will grow their own food are more likely to try new foods,” she said. “Being able to dig a carrot out of the ground is a really cool thing, and kids will really like that and be more willing to try it.” When the organization first started, Borden

Edible Aggieland For information on joining or donating, contact John Borden at 915-929-3266. fronted all of the expenses, but as time has past, Edible Aggieland has received support from A&M and the surrounding community. Professor Joe Novak, adviser for the Community Garden, has helped Edible Aggieland to secure purchase deals for trees, and a local farmer donated seeds for vegetables. Edible Aggieland is working with Elder Aid to create an additional community garden on Bittle Lane in College Station. Similar to the Aggie Garden, residents will be able to rent plots and will be provided with tools. Bolden said events could take place at the garden, and it will be a social place where stories and cultural experiences can be shared.

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.”

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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

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Junior forward Danielle Adams is averaging 20.3 points per game.

Prairie View A&M visits No. 19 men

No. 7 women take on Stephen F. Austin

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The Battalion With a Top 25 ranking and two upsets over Top 20 teams in the past week, the Texas A&M men’s basketball team (5-1) has its first home game in over two weeks tonight when they face the Prairie View A&M Panthers (3-2) at Reed Arena. The Aggies, who went 2-1 at the 76 Classic in Anaheim, Calif., against three teams in the top 25, return to face an unranked opponent. But in a previous matchup with Cincinnati, the Panthers took an eight point lead into the half before falling to the Bearcats on the road. “They’ll be really loose, and fired up now that there’s a ranking with our name,” Head Coach Mark Turgeon said. “I watched them play that way against Cincinnati, and I expect them to play a lot better than everybody thinks.” A smaller team than most, Prairie View relies more on its speed and its pressure defense to keep their squad in matchups with more talented teams. “They press and trap, which we’ve seen,” Turgeon said. “They’re very athletic and can put a lot of

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Jonny Green— THE BATTALION

Senior guard Donald Sloan leads the Aggies with 16 points per game.

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This Aggie team hopes playing at home can heal their inconsistencies on the floor. Slow starts have plagued A&M in a majority of their matchups, especially against lesser opponents. “I don’t know why we start off so slow all the time,” guard B.J. Holmes said. “Sometimes we start off with less energy.” Texas A&M has also had a tough time at the charity stripe throughout the 2009 campaign. The Aggies have shot a woeful 61 percent from the free throw line, 5 percent below their opponents. “I know how our guys can shoot the ball,” Turgeon said. “I’m more worried about our execution on offense. That’s a bigger concern to me than foul shooting.” Despite their problems in the last few games, the team has won some big matchups and believes it can get even better. “We need to be more consistent throughout the entire game,” forward Nathan Walkup said. “We know we can be good. We have great pieces that we can put together. “ Tipoff for the game is set for 8 p.m.

The Battalion After a 10-day layoff, No. 7 Texas A&M(3-0) returns to action Wednesday, playing Stephen F. Austin at Reed Arena. A&M Head Coach Gary Blair will meet many similar faces in facing the school where he coached from 1985-93. Ladyjack’s Head Coach Lee Ann Riley was an assistant under Blair at SFA in the early nineties. Assistant coach Taqueta Braxton played under Blair at Arkansas from 1994-97. Emotions will be at a high, but Blair feels less pressure in this year’s game than when the two teams met in 2008-09. After being inducted into the Stephen F. Austin Hall of Fame at halftime, Blair led the Aggies to a 7736 victory over the Ladyjacks in Nacogdoches last season. “I didn’t want to go lay an egg in front of 5,500 fans over there,” Blair said. “I don’t think they’ve had more than 2,500 since then. You want to go back and see your old friends and people that helped support you. But this year we’ve got higher expectations.” Despite the long break, Blair is confident that his team is

prepared for the Ladyjacks. He’s emphasized the hard work the team has put in since their last game. “I believe we need to help them,” Blair said. “But when they look up as soon as they finish practice; they stop and realize how good they are.” A key to success for A&M, so far this season, has been the cohesiveness and unity they have displayed on the floor. The Aggies’ closeness has created an environment that keeps every player contributing to the team’s goals. “It all starts with getting along,” Blair said. “Our team does that so well. They enjoy each other’s company. Chemistry is everything. It’s about who you can trust. It’s about who can step up when the coaches aren’t around and lead the team.” A&M will look to leading-scorer Danielle Adams to lead the way against Stephen F. Austin. The junior center is averaging 20.3 point per game and has led the Aggies in scoring in all three games this season. Adams has also been tenacious on the boards with a teamhigh 14 rebounds. Tipoff for the game is set for 6 p.m.

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AUTO 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 agent, Ardi. leases ok. Call 979-422-5660. $400/mo., 2bd/2ba, central heat and air, W/D, Longmire Ct., CS. 979-822-1616 $450/m includes utilities, 1/1 furnished, country living, pool, wifi, pets ok. 979-255-7577 $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. $700/mo., available mid-December. 2bdrm/2ba. duplex on San Mario Court. Pets ok, lawn care provided, w/d connection. 979-220-5681. $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. 1/1 apartment, w/d, two huge closets, on bus rout. $500/m. 281-413-5940 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 Efficiencies, 1 and 2 bedrooms. 1-month free rent. 979-693-1906.

thebattalion

4/2, acre lot. Plenty of parking. Just remodeled. All appliances. $1000/mo. 903-693-2544. 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 camaggielandrentals.com pus. 979-776-8984. Balcones Apartments, only 2 left! 1/1 on bus route $475/mo. 703-8282. Casa Verde town-home 2/2 W/D connection. Near bus stop. Pest, water, lawn paid $695/mo. 703-8282. Close to campus 2bd/2bth. Washer and dryer. Fenced yard. www.aggielandleasing.com 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. 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. Oak Creek Condos high-speed internet and basic cable. 2bdrm/1.5ba. $515/mo. Water, sewer, trash paid. Fireplace, icemaker, pool, hot-tub. 979-822-1616. 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 3bd/3ba. Close to campus. Washer and dryer provided. www.aggielandleasing.com

Spring/ Summer sublease at Parkway Place. Was $560/mo, now $460/mo. January free. Furnished, all bills paid. Call Mitchell 903-388-7165. 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. 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. J. Cody’s hiring all positions. Apply within, 3610 S. College. No experience necessary, just common sense! Now hiring waitresses, door girls, and entertainers. Apply in person 4075 Hw.6 South. College Station. 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. 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

puzzle answers can be found online at www.thebatt.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

REAL ESTATE Buy &Sell B/CS homes, condos, duplexes. RE/MAX. Nadia 979-693-1851. Michael 979-739-2035. www.bcsrealty.com

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 for Spring semester. 2/2 apartment. $343/mo. +1/2 utilities. 803-673-4113. 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.

the

battalion Classified Advertising Easy Affordable Effective For information, call 845-0569

Jonny Green — THE BATTALION

The “head” can make expressions like surprise, happiness or sadness.

Robots Continued from page 1

“The more we make this display like a person and to mirror those behaviors, the more it’ll make them feel certain ways about it. It kind of just shows how robots interact with people,” he said. Researchers at Stanford University are working harder to make computers act as social actors. The goal is to treat the Survivor Buddy robot as if it were alive. “We’re taking this idea of the Survivor Buddy head, which was funded by Microsoft, but we’re adding what we call the social media aspect which is the project funded by the National Science Foundation,” she said. The robot is designed to attach to any search and rescue robot about the size of a shoebox. The “head” is smaller than a notebook and can make expressions such as surprise, sadness, happiness and nods. “The Survivor Buddy Project not only provides a great opportunity to learn more about computers and robots as a social medium, but also produces a tool which will be useful to rescue workers every-

Early life Continued from page 1

The measurement of the amount of oxygen and hydrogen has been preserved in the chert is done through isotopes Tice said. Tice either has to drill out a part of the rock or dissolve the rock to look for amounts of hydrogen. Tice and his colleague Michael Hren, of the University of Maryland, collected rocks from South Africa, which is one of the few places geologists can study rocks that range from such a long time ago. “One key question in science is what was the condition of early earth three to four billion years ago,” Hren said. Hren and Tice studied samples of rocks that were once submerged within the ocean using an approach that had not been

where,” said Zachary Henkel, junior computer science major and undergraduate student assistant to Murphy. Survivor Buddy has a fully enabled multimedia interface. It has two-way audio, speakers, a microphone and a computer screen that displays streaming video. “What makes it different than just a straight multimedia computer interface is that the Survivor Buddy monitor can move. So as the robot may be being used by the structural people, the head itself will turn itself and keep eye contact with the victim,” Murphy said. In 2007, the Survivor Buddy Project was awarded a humanrobot interaction grant from Microsoft External Research. In 2009, Murphy and Clifford Nass, another researcher involved in the project, were awarded a $1.3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to continue their research in the project. “We very much want to see these robots being used to find survivors and do the best job they can to be a comfort and an asset. To help reduce stress for the victim while helping the doctors and structural engineers and responders to get the information they need to speed up that extrication,” Murphy said.

done before. Instead of measuring only the oxygen isotopes preserved within the rocks, the scientists decided to also include measurements of hydrogen isotopes, which they believe will give them more of an accurate estimation in temperature. “With our approach we were able to go beyond in looking at it in a different way, we can make some estimates on what the ancient ocean composition must have been like,” Hren said. Jian Gong, a geology graduate student, works with Tice in other projects and is one of Tice’s students. Gong said he is happy to be working with Tice. “Every student needs to do research so I am doing it with Dr. Tice,” Gong said. “I think his paper on the temperature in rocks is very interesting. They took a lot of time and effort with this research.”

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

Pg5-12-2-09.indd 1

12/1/09 11:01 PM

Christmas in the Park

Over ONE MILLION lights /PW o +BO t Q N o Q N

Holiday Celebrations _

%FD t Q N Q N :PV SF JOWJUFE UP NFFU 4BOUB FOKPZ IBZSJEFT DPPLJFT IPU DPDPB BOE MJWF FOUFSUBJONFOU GPS '3&& ADMISSION IS FREE! Stephen C. Beachy Central Park

1000 Krenek Tap Rd, College Station, Texas