Aggies to face Georgia Bulldogs ■ Texas A&M’s 6-6
season ends with Independence Bowl T.D. Durham The Battalion The Aggies received an invite Sunday to play in the AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl against the University of Georgia Bulldogs on Dec. 28. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, La. “I am very proud of our squad,” said A&M Head Coach Mike Sherman. “We have a great group of seniors. This is a very unselfish group that took in the younger players and helped in their development which in turn helped us reach a bowl game.” Georgia finished the 2009 regular season 7-5 overall, with wins over Georgia Tech and Auburn. The Bulldogs are 25-16-3 alltime in bowl games and defeated Michigan State 24-12 in the Capital One Bowl on Jan. 1, 2009. “To be matched with a storied program like the University of Georgia will present a great challenge to our young squad,” said A&M Director of Athletics Bill Byrne. “I am proud of the way these Aggie players and coaches have fought throughout this season. I am certain the Twelfth Man will be in the stands in Shreveport.” A&M, which has played in the Independence Bowl three times in its existence, has not played against the Bulldogs since a 1980 loss to Georgia, 42-0. A&M however, leads the series between the two teams 3-1. Sherman, who is head coaching in his first NCAA bowl game, said that Georgia will be a good challenge for the Aggies. “I know Georgia is a quality SEC team and they will be well-coached,” Sherman said. “I have never participated in the Independence Bowl, but I am certain it will be a great experience for our program.” A total of 17 seniors will be participating in their final game as Aggies, one of which is defensive back Jordan Pugh. “It’s hard to believe these four years are See Bowl on page 6
thebattali n Christmastime ● monday,
december 7, 2009
● serving
texas a&m since 1893
With bright lights, hot cocoa and live entertainment, the City of College Station has begun spreading the holiday cheer with its 26th annual Christmas in the Park.
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2009 student media
is here
Sam Smith — THE BATTALION
Christmas in the Park Holiday Celebrations lights the way for the coming holiday season. Stephen C. Beachy Central Park is lit from 6-11 p.m.
Katy Ralston | The Battalion
F
or College Station residents the Christmas season started before the Thanksgiving turkey had time to get cold. The event began Thanksgiving Day and continues through the month of December with the holiday light display open every night from 6-11 p.m. at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park.
Dec. 4-5 and this coming Friday and Saturday the city will present Christmas in the Park Holiday Celebrations where people can take pictures with Santa, enjoy hayrides, cookies, hot cocoa and live entertainment all at no cost. Parks and Recreation special events supervisor Sheila Walker said the event fits everyone’s budget and has plenty to offer all age groups. “We’ve got something for everyone. We’ve got peaceful holiday ambiance, we’ve got lots of energy, activity, and noise and we’ve got lots for free,” Walker said. “You can sit and watch the entertainment on stage and then go get your free cookies and hot cocoa and then go get in line for your free hayride and just make an evening out of it.” The event started in 1984 from a vision of the City’s forestry superintendent to put up a few
decorations in the then-new Central Park, and from there Christmas in the Park has grown to over one million lights encompassing the entire 47-acre park. All of the displays are handmade by the Parks and Recreation staff. The live entertainment includes local dance studio and choir performances, with Aggies contributing as well. The Texas A&M choral groups Apotheosis, Singing Cadets, and the Femmatas are scheduled to perform, along with the dance group, Aggie Wranglers. “It sounds like a fun way to get into the holiday spirit,” said sophomore petroleum engineering major Jaqueline New. Apotheosis member and booking director Colin Bailie, a senior mechanical engineering See Park on page 7
Bright lights, little city Santa’s Wonderland attracts residents and relatives
Stephen Fogg — THE BATTALION
Chara, a Christian dance company, dances as a part of Songfest Friday in Rudder Auditorium.
Singing sensation Songfest raises money through songs and dance Katy Ralston The Battalion Songfest 2009 “Capture the Classics” captured the traditional Aggie spirit of giving Friday and Saturday night, raising money for the Brazos Valley Rehabilitation Center and the Make-A-Wish Foundation in a night of singing and dancing. Winner of Songfest 2009 was the pair Philadelphia Sisters and Kappa Upsilon Chi. Their “Channeling through the Classics” act staged a family stuck inside on a rainy day flipping through television shows and featured iconic dance acts such as the dance from “Dirty Dancing,” America’s Best Dance Crew, Richard Simmons and the finale from “Step Up 2.” The winning organizations each received $2,000 for their own philanthropies, Phoebe’s House and Twin City Missions. “We were so excited, we just went crazy,” said Courtney Hall, a Philadelphia Sister part of the winning act. “We worked See Songfest on page 10
Pg. 1-12.7.09.indd 1
Luz Moreno-Luzano
Courtesy
Santa’s Wonderland has been open since 1998 displaying more than 1 million lights over a mile long.
The Battalion Many are counting down the days until Christmas and are looking for fun ways to celebrate the holiday spirit. Santa’s Wonderland is College Station’s way of celebrating a family fun Christmas. It is a drive through park displaying a western theme of Christmas. “Santa’s Wonderland is a way to preserve and perpetuate the spirit of Christmas,” said Scott Medlin, Class of 1992, owner and
director of operations. “It’s a place where people can come to lift their spirits.” Guests can take a mile long drive through the Christmas lights. Said to be a “Texas Christmas Experience” and portraying a western theme, visitors can also park and take a hayride or a horse carriage through the park. The staff and Santa Claus participate in the western theme by wearing cowboy hats and boots. See Wonderland on page 7
Giving your pet the perfect gift Vicky Flores The Battalion Has your favorite pet been nice? Well think twice before putting gifts under the tree for your furry friend. Alice Blue-McLendon, a veterinarian in the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences said there are holiday treats that are suitable for your pet during the holidays. “The toy must be appropriate for the pet,” Blue-McLendon said, “in other words don’t get a really small toy if you have a Labrador.” Inappropriate toys that are too small or can be easily chewed and swallowed can
lead to blockage in the animal’s stomach or intestine. One particular toy BlueMcLendon opposes is the prepackaged stocking for your pet because it does not allow you to pick the individual gifts that are most fiiting for your pet. The best toys to buy are those with a lot of texture and make noise to keep them entertained. More items to consider when holiday shopping for your best friend is equipment such as new beds, crates, leashes and collars. At any given time you should have at least six toys in the house for an indoor pet to keep them See Pets on page 2
Photo illustration by Nicholas Badger — THE BATTALION
12/6/09 9:49 PM
ͳ͚͸Ͳ ”‹ƒ”…”‡•– ” ̡ ʹ͝–Š – ʹǤ͡ Â?‹Ž‡• ˆ”‘Â? …ƒÂ?’—• ÇŚ ƒ– ͚njͳͲ Čˆ —Â? ͺnj͝ ͚͝͝Ǥͺ͜͸Ǥ͝͸ͲͲ www.villagefoods.com We make it easy to eat better ”‹Â?‰ …‘—’‘Â? –‘ ‘—” †‡Ž‹Ǥ ‹Â?‹– ͳǤ Expires 12/31/09
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Pets Continued from page 1
Week 15
FINALS SCHEDULE
Acct 209 Acct 229 Acct 230 Bich 410 Chem 101 Chem 107 Econ 202 Mostashari Econ 203 Edwardson Econ 203 Nelson Finc 341 Finc 409 Info 303 Math 141 Math 142 Math 151 Math 152
Mgmt 209
Mgmt 211
Mgmt 309 Abelson Mktg 321
Mktg 409
Phys 201 Phys 208 Phys 218 Pols 206 Pols 207
Part 1 of 4 Thu Dec 10 1pm-4pm Part 1 of 4 Mon Dec 7 7pm-10pm Part 1 of 3 Fri Dec 11 9pm-12am Start Sun Dec 6 Start Sun Dec 6 Start Fri Dec 11 Part 1 of 4 Mon Dec 7 10pm-1am Part 1 of 4 Mon Dec 7 4pm-7pm Part 1 of 2 Sat Dec 12 5pm-8pm Part 1 of 4 Sun Dec 6 9pm-12am Part 1 of 2 Sun Dec 6 9pm-12am Start Sun Dec 6 Start Mon Dec 7 Start Sun Dec 6 Start Sun Dec 6 Start Sun Dec 6 Part 1 of 4 Sun Dec 6 7pm-10pm OR 10pm-1am
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Tickets go on sale Sunday at 3:00 p.m. 4.0 & Go is located on the corner of SW Pkwy and Tx Ave, behind KFC next to Lacks and Bourbon Sreet Bar.
from chewing shoes and carpet, Blue-McLendon said. Pet owners should also never purchase toys that look like household items the pet is not allowed to chew. Chris Schroeder, a junior mechanical engineering major, said he is always careful about buying his pets safe toys for the season of giving. “My dog Jay-Jo is always sniffing around the Christmas tree so we really have to make sure his gifts and everything around them are safe.� Schroeder said. “For my cat we make sure the Christmas tree is very secure so it does not fall down on him.� Not only should pet owners be careful about what to buy their animals for the holidays but many people should also think carefully about giving animals to others as gifts, said Bonnie Beaver, an animal behavior expert at Texas A&M in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. “You have to be very careful if you give a pet as a gift, the person who is to get it should really want to get one,� Beaver said. An alternative to giving a live animal during the holidays would be to purchase a stuffed animal instead to represent the pet that you want to give, Beaver said. The chaos of the holidays is one of the worst times to bring a new pet into your home. One exception to bringing a pet in during the holidays, Beaver said, is if the entire family agrees on buying a new pet as a Christmas present and everyone has a say in the purchase of the pet. “The holidays can be very dangerous for pets, cats like to climb trees that can fall on top of them,� Beaver said. “Animals like to chew on plants like poinsettia and ivy that can lead to abdominal upsets. Chocolate is also very dangerous for them.� Talk with the gift giver to work with them in taking the pet back to the breeder or finding another loving home if you receive a pet for Christmas that you are not prepared to care for, Beaver said. Even for the giving of small animals, such as hamsters or lizards, parents must be prepared to be responsible for theses animals trusted to their children’s care. Parents should not expect children to be fully responsible for the animal, Beaver said. “You have really got to think about it first because you are dealing with a living being,� Beaver said. “We need to be concerned with the animal not just the person who is receiving it.�
pagetwo thebattalion 12.7.2009
Philanthropic physics
Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION
The atrium of the George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Institute for Fundamental Physics and Astronomy features a Foucault pendulum which demonstrates Earth’s rotation. The buildings were officially dedicated in a ceremony Friday on the Texas A&M campus.
Group contends popular Zhu Zhu Pets toys unsafe ST. LOUIS — A consumer group contends one of the holiday season’s must-have toys is unsafe. But the maker of the robotic Zhu Zhu Pets hamsters defended its product Saturday against a study by San Francisco-based GoodGuide that said higherthan-allowed levels of the chemical antimony were found in the toy. Good Guide named Zhu Zhu Pets hamsters one of the top-selling toys with low ratings after finding antimony, which can cause health problems, on the hair and nose of one of the toy hamsters, called Mr. Squiggles. The group assigned the toy, aimed at 3- to 10-yearolds, a rating of 5.2 on a 10-point scale. But the toy’s maker, St. Louis-based Cepia LLC, insisted in a statement that its product is safe and has passed rigorous testing. The company said it was contacting GoodGuide to share its testing data and determine how the report was founded. “I have been in the toy industry for more than 35 years, and being a father of children myself, I would never allow any substandard or unsafe product to hit the shelves,� Russ Hornsby, Cepia’s CEO, said in the statement.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
In this Oct. 1 file photo, Zhu Zhu Pet hamster is shown at the Time to Play Holiday 2009 Most Wanted List event in New York. Zhu Zhu Pets, which retail for about $10, have become this season’s toy craze, following in the footsteps of Tickle Me Elmo and Cabbage Patch Kids. The items fetch $40 or more on resale Web sites like eBay and Craigslist. That’s what brought it to GoodGuide’s attention. GoodGuide CEO Dara O’Rourke told The Associated Press on Saturday that his group bought three of each of the year’s 30 hottest toys and tested them multiple times. Antimony was measured at 93 parts per million in the
hamster’s fur and at 106 parts per million in its nose. Both readings exceed the allowable level of 60 parts per million, said O’Rourke, an associate professor of environmental science at the University of California, Berkeley. O’Rourke said GoodGuide’s test results, released Friday, also indicated the possibility that some toys contained phthalates, chemicals that were subject to tougher standards in the Consumer Protection Safety Improvement Act passed last year. Associated Press
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thebattalion THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893
Amanda Casanova, Editor in Chief Matt Woolbright, Managing Editor Meagan O’Toole-Pitts, City Editor Ian McPhail, Opinion Editor Jill Beathard, Lifestyles Editor Timothy Durham, Sports Editor Evan Andrews, Graphics Chief Nick Badger, Photo Chief THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University. Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. News ofďŹ ces are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3313; Fax: 979-845-2647; E-mail: metro@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising, call 979-845-2696. For classiďŹ ed advertising, call 979-845-0569. Advertising ofďŹ ces are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and ofďŹ ce hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fax: 979845-2678. Subscriptions: A part of the Student Services Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1. Mail subscriptions are $100 per school year. To charge by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, call 979-845-2613.
Pg. 2-12.7.09.indd 1
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scene thebattalion 12.7.2009 page3
Deck the days Ways to enjoy the holiday season in Aggieland Creme De Menthe brownies with raspberry whipped cream Add a minty twist to your holiday brownies. A quick and simple recipe for the college kid in you. 1 package of brownie mix 1 bag Andes chocolate baking chips (commonly located in the baking aisle) 2 cups (or 16 ounces) heavy whipping cream 1 1/2 cups powder sugar (also called confectioners’ sugar) 1 teaspoon raspberry extract (commonly found in the baking aisle) 1 teaspoon of custard powder Mix brownies as directed, but do not bake. Once batter is done mixing, fold in Andes chocolate baking chips. Place batter into baking pan as directed and continue baking as directed on box. While brownies are baking, make the whipped cream. Place all ingredients into a mixing bowl. Turn mixer on medium-high and mix until cream turns stiff and holds peaks (usually takes 10-15 minutes, but if the cream does not start to stiffen after time turn up the speed of the mixer). Once the brownies are done, let them cool completely. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the brownies, cut and serve. Long Dao, Special to The Battalion
Pg. 3-12.7.09.indd 1
Community celebrations Christmas in the Park: Hayrides, cookies, hot cocoa and live entertainment for free, beginning at 5:55 p.m. Friday and at 6:10 p.m. Saturday. The A&M Femmatas perform at 8:30 p.m. Friday. The lights are on every night until Jan. 1.
Service projects
Downtown Bryan: Live entertainment offered throughout the season, free carriage rides every Friday in December.
Giving Tree Holiday Book Drive drive: Donate a book to the Memorial Student Center Bookstore to benefit The Becky Gates Children’s Center. The drive runs through Dec. 21.
Kwanzaa celebration: Celebration to introduce the community to Kwanzaa through traditional West-African dancers, live bands, skits and refreshments. Celebration at Lincoln Recreation Center. Call (979) 764-3779 for more information.
Apotheosis Winter Show: 7 p.m. Saturday Rudder Theater Bring two canned foods for admission.
Hear ye |it’s Christmastime|
1. Mariah Carey “All I Want For Christmas Is You” |show me someone who doesn’t like this song|
and i’ll show you a liar
2. Trans-Siberian Orchestra
“Wizards in Winter” |youtube “Frisco Christmas Lights”|
3. Straight No Chaser “12 Days” |also best youtube’d|
4. Thurl Ravenscroft “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” |you’re bound to sound like that when your name is Thurl Ravenscroft|
5. Marcia Ball “Christmas Fais Do Do” |a keeper for sure|
Concerts
6. Jack Skellington “What’s This?”
HardChord DynaMix Concert 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Rudder Theater $5 admission
|fun fact: J. Skellington (singing) = D. Elfman|
Holiday Brass and Organ Spectacular 5 p.m., Dec. 20, Christ United Methodist Church $20 admission
7. Any a cappella choir “Carol of the Bells” |have you performed it?|
The Houston Ballet, “The Nutcracker” Visit http://www.houstonballet.org/ or call (713) 227-2787 for ticket information.
8. Béla Fleck and the Flecktones “Sleigh Ride” |for all the music snobs|
Things to do
9. Slade “Merry Christmas Everybody”
Aggie Broomball Tournament: Organize a team or call (979) 693-3900 to get placed on one. 10:15 p.m. Friday - 12:15 a.m. Sunday, Artic Wolf Ice Center $20 per player Santa’s Wonderland: 6 to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. $22.50 for up to 10 people in a vehicle. Santa’s Town is a separate fee and charges $5.95 for adults.
|a big deal with the Brits, i think| 10. Leon Redbone/Zooey
Deschanel “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” |is anyone not in love with Zooey D.?| Photos b Ph by JJeremy N Northum h — THE BATTALION
Buy them. |happy holidays| charley
12/6/09 9:10 PM
voices
page 4 monday 12.7.2009
thebattalion
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The season
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Kat Drinkwater
Christmas is comforting for most, but for the less fortunate the holidays are sad and cold. Lend a helping hand to those in need.
I
t’s the most wonderful time of the year, or at least so people say. But for many, Christmas is a time to be reminded of everything they don’t have. For those without family, money or stability in their lives the holidays can be a harsh, cold time of the year in more ways than one. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle and holiday cheer it can be easy to forget others are more worried about having enough to eat this Christmas than which iPod to buy or who’s bringing the dressing. This is the case for many of the people seen at the Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority of Brazos Valley, and one of the reasons the holidays are a peak time for mental crises, said Mike Formichella, a crisis screener at the clinic. Mental health issues can wreak havoc on a person’s life, breaking apart families and making employment difficult, which leads to the stress of money problems, a stress that aggravates the mental illness that caused the problem in the first place. At a time of the year when both consumerism and the idea of the perfect family are celebrated on the TV and in every store, these things that are supposed to make us all happy only exacerbate the problem. The only thing the holidays are giving these individuals is depression. The Mental Retardation Authority is hugely underfunded and overloaded attempting to meet the needs of the public. It’s an example of how government healthcare can be like trying to slap a Band-Aid on a gaping wound, and sometimes there aren’t even enough Band-Aids to go around, which is something lawmakers will have to fix as they go about
socializing healthcare. While the idea of collecting all our funds and designating the government to reallocate them and meet needs as necessary has a certain ring to it, it’s a long way from working successfully in our country. Even after the health needs are met, the system for providing additional support, like food and other necessities, to those who can’t earn it themselves will have to be fixed. In the meantime people continue to suffer needlessly, especially during the holidays. It’s needless because the government shouldn’t have to be in charge of allocating resources for charity. Churches, community organizations and concerned individuals ought to feed the hungry, support the needy and be a friend to the lonely. Helping is easy. The Salvation Army, besides their ubiquitous red kettles, has a great Web site that allows you to send your donation to any region you want. Goodwill and United Way are two other great resources. The real problem isn’t a lack of opportunities to help. The problem is we neglect the true spirit of Christmas in favor of new Xboxes, better iPods, the fastest car or the most expensive jewelry. The spirit of Christmas isn’t about having the newest or best things, the day is about having enough and being loved and sharing that wealth of love around. We tend to keep our pockets too tight and try to avoid hearing about someone else’s issues. Of course, everyone wants to have caveats on their charity, but this Christmas, and maybe, at least at the end of the year we can find it in ourselves to give and love freely, regardless of race, sexual orientation, language, social status or mental health. “It’s the happiest season of all,” at least so they say. The fact is America is full of broken families, widows, addictions, job cuts, family feuds and terrible diseases, but at Christmas we make the most of every moment and enjoy it to the fullest. Everyone will eventually face one or two or 20 Christmases where a positive attitude isn’t enough to “make the season bright,” but by staying sensitive to the needs of others and spreading around the blessings and love on the good years we can make it a merry Christmas for all. Kat Drinkwater is a senior university psychology and neuroscience major.
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12/6/09 8:26 PM
sports
Aggie volleyball advances to Sweet 16 The Texas A&M volleyball team defeated Arizona and LSU this weekend to advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for the ďŹ rst time in program history. The Aggies will face the Texas Longhorns at 4:30 p.m. Friday at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Neb. Read the weekend game stories online at
thebatt.com
thebattalion 12.7.2009 page5
Hoops takes first in Colliers tourney Michael Teague The Battalion
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Texas A&M players and coaches yell during the Aggies’ 68-61 victory against No. 19 California Sunday in the Colliers International Classic tournament in Berkeley, Calif.
Picking up two more victories this weekend, Texas A&M’s No. 7 women’s basketball team remained undefeated and won the Colliers International Classic tournament in Berkeley, Calif. The Aggies improve their record to 6-0 following the tournament. A&M kicked the weekend off with a 72-58 victory over Southern Illinois Saturday and encored Sunday beating No. 19 California on their home floor, 68-61. “Every time you go out and play, you are going to have a bull’s eye on your back,� said A&M Head Coach Gary Blair.
“It’s happening everywhere. There’s a lot of parity and there is a lot of good coaching. We just have to step-up and do a better job against whoever we are playing.� Fans in California witnessed the coming-out party for A&M forward Adaora Elonu. The sophomore recorded 14 points and 5 rebounds in the Aggies’ win over Southern Illinois. Elonu went on to score a teamhigh 16 points against California on Sunday. Junior Danielle Adams continued to add to her phenomenal debut season at A&M. The center picked up 14 points and a team-high six rebounds against Southern Illinois. In the California game, Adams scored 15
points, eight of which came in the last four minutes of the game. Saturday, A&M got off to a slow start against Southern Illinois. Both teams played evenly and were tied at 11-11 going into an A&M timeout with 12:34 in the first half. In the final five minutes, the Aggies finished the half on a 15-4 lead and took a 37-25 lead into the break. After halftime, the Salukis tried to pull themselves back into the game but couldn’t cut the deficit under nine points. A&M held Southern Illinois to only two field goals in the last 11 minutes of play and cruised to a 72-58 victory. Senior guard Tanisha Smith See Basketball on page 6
Aggies welcome Mean Green Kyle Cunningham The Battalion Texas A&M’s men’s basketball team hopes to remain undefeated at Reed Arena this season and push their winning streak to four games with a non-conference matchup Monday against North Texas. North Texas is one of the favorites to win the Sun Belt Conference along with Western Kentucky. The Johnny Jones-led team returned all five starters from the 2008-2009 campaign in which they finished 20-12 and placed second in the Sun Belt West.
North Texas is led by junior guard Josh White, who averages 17.1 points, 4.6 assists, and just over three rebounds per game. On the inside is junior forward George Odufuwa. The 6 foot 8 inch, 240-pound Texas native leads the team in rebounds with 10.9 per game and nine points. Senior forward Eric Tramiel was also named to the all-conference first team in the preseason, and is second on the team in scoring, rebounds, and blocks. “We know North Texas is a good team and very athletic,� A&M Head Coach Mark Tur-
geon said. “There’s a reason we scheduled them; they’ll challenge us. They played Oklahoma State tough and they’re picked to win their league.� If the Aggies can defeat the Mean Green (5-2), it will give Mark Turgeon his 28th straight victory against a non-conference opponent at Reed Arena. “We haven’t had very many easy [games] this year,� Turgeon said. In 18 matches, the Aggies hold an 11-7 series lead, including being undefeated at Reed Arena (2-0) The last time these two teams matched
up was in the 2005-2006 season, when Texas A&M outlasted the Mean Green 72-70 in College Station. Both teams average 45 percent from the floor, and get a high amount of rebounds. North Texas averages 39 boards per game, while A&M sits at 37.5 per contest. Under Mark Turgeon, A&M is 24-0 when the team shooting percentage is at or above 50 percent. The Aggies have matched this goal three times in the 2009-2010 season. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and gates open at 6 p.m.
T N U O C IS D A S R '- OFFE S T N E D U T S E TO COLLEG S D A R G T N E C E R AND .O WAY
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Jon Eilts — THE BATTALION
Texas A&M senior guard Donald Sloan defends against an Akron player in the Aggies’ win Friday, Dec. 4 in Reed Arena.
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sports
page 6 monday 12.7.2009
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continued to lead the A&M attack, putting up a team-high 20 points and five assists. California however, held Smith to 4-of-11 from the field and only 14 points. California’s defense forced the Aggies’ to spread the ball around and get points from everyone on the floor. Five players finished in double-figures against the Golden Bears. Smith and sophomore guard Sydney Carter put the Aggies
on top 11-5 in the early minutes against California. Following a timeout, the Golden Bears responded with an 11-1 run to take the lead. A string of three pointers however, put A&M back on top 36-29 heading into the half. “It was really crucial for us to get back into the game and not get down,” Carter said. “It was really crucial for us to do that, because road wins are always important and winning against a Top-20 team is even better for our program.” The Aggies’ defense clamped down in the second half and
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only allowed two points in the first five minutes. With 12:08 remaining, California pulled to within a 44-41 deficit and with under six minutes remaining took a 52-47 advantage. Tied at 54-54 with 2:38 left, Smith knocked down a three to give the Aggies the lead for good. In the last five minutes of play, A&M put the game away at the free throw line, knocking down 11 of their final 13 free throws. The Aggies will welcome in the North Texas Mean Green Tuesday at Reed Arena to test its undefeated record.
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“
It was really crucial for us to do that, because road wins are always important and winning against a Top20 team is even better for our program.” — Sophomore guard Sydnee Carter on taking the lead in the first half.
a young team anymore because we have been through so much,” Johnson said. The guys worked extremely hard in the off-season and spring, then we had the new guys join our team and they learned quickly the work ethic needed to play in the Big 12.” Johnson also said the Aggies have just one goal left this season. “Now it’s up to us to focus on a good Georgia team and prepare to the best of our abilities,” Johnson said.
Bowl Continued from page 1
coming to a close,” Pugh said. “It would be very special for this group of seniors, we have seen some ups and downs; to go out with a bowl victory against a very good Georgia team.” Junior quarterback Jerrod Johnson said the Aggies, who many have pegged as a youthful team, are past the point of inexperience. “I would not consider us
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FOR RENT
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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.
2bdrm/3ba duplexes. Great floorplans, fenced yards, w/d, tile floors, icemakers, alarm systems. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com
Available now. 4/2/2 newly remodeled, pet-friendly, new carpet &paint. $1275/mo. 1208 North Ridgefield. Biking distance to campus. aggielandrentals.com 979-776-8984.
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.
Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment.
Buy &Sell B/CS homes, condos, duplexes. RE/MAX. Nadia 979-693-1851. Michael 979-739-2035. www.bcsrealty.com
Balcones Apartments, only 2 left! 1/1 on bus route $475/mo. 703-8282.
Spacious 2bd/2ba, washer and dryer provided, shuttle route, curbside parking. www.aggielandleasing.com www.southwoodplace.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 Spring/ Summer sublease at Parkway Place. Was $560/mo, now $460/mo. January free. Furnished, all bills paid. Call Mitchell 903-388-7165. 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
AUTO I buy vehicles, running or not running. 979-778-1121.
FOR RENT $375 pre-lease. 1/1, 2/1. Free Wi-Fi, On Northgate, on Shuttle. Short term leases ok. Call agent, Ardi. 979-422-5660. $400/mo., 2bd/2ba, central heat and air, W/D, Longmire Ct., CS. 979-822-1616 $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 duplex, newly remodeled, close to campus, on bus route for $625/mo. Call 979-966-3913. Licensed agent. 2/1 fourplex, newly remodeled, close to campus, on bus route for $650/mo. Call 979-966-3913. Licensed agent. 2/1.5 apartment with W/D. Available ASAP. 2 months free. No down payment. Campus View apartments. All bills paid. $890/mo. Contact Sara: 979-820-3994. 2/1.5 with W/D connection, great location, with backyard. Near bus-stop. Water , lawn, & pest paid. $600/mo. 422-4296. 2/2 available 12/5/09, Richmond Ridge Townhome. Large open plan, granite, ceramic. $995. Broker/owner. 979-777-5477. 2/2 Duplex on Navarro Drive. Available immediately. 254-396-3993 or Lshanks@tamu.edu. 2bd/1ba house w/office, all appliances, fenced yard, close to TAMU, $650/mo. 979-268-1509. 2bd/1ba W/D water included, shuttle stop in front, 3/4 mile from campus. Ceiling fans, very clean. (979)690-4181.
2Br/2Ba apartment available, second floor, cable and internet included, $695/m. Located at Eastmark Apartment Complex. 979-739-4909 or dechev@tamu.edu 3-1 House, $950, 3 blocks South Kyle Field, W&D, CH&A, lawn maintenance provided, semester lease ok, available in January, Call Mike 979-739-6969. 3-2 House, $950, half-way between campus and Blinn, newly remodeled, W&D, CH&A, lawn maintenance provided, semester lease ok, available now, call Mike 979-739-6969. 3/2 2car garage Hartford Drive town home. W/d, fridge, small fenced back yard. Available January 2010. $1200/mo. 979-992-3168 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 3bd./1ba. House, $800/mo., Close to campus! 307 George Bush East, Jan-Aug, Call Ryan 512-496-4131. 3bd/2ba great floorplan, on shuttle route. Washer and dryer. Fans, stainless appliances. New, new, new. www.aggielandleasing.com www.southwoodplace.com 3bdrm/3ba duplexes. Great floorplans, fenced yards, w/d, tile floors, icemakers, alarm systems. 979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com 4/2, 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 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
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 House for rent 3/1.5/1, 0.75 acres, horse ok, 6mo. lease available. $875/mo., $875 deposit 979-696-1670. New River Oaks town home with 1bdrm available in 4bd 4ba. Available Jan 10, $490mo plus utilities. 830-456-6888. Northgate rent new. W/D connection. 1/1, 2/2, 3/3. Walk to campus. (979)255-5648.
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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 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.
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Roommates needed. 4bd/4bth $325/mo., washer/dryer. University Place on Southwest Parkway. 281-844-2090.
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 www. .com 210-363-6837.
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We Buy Houses. Cash or take over payments. 220-3700 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.
COACHES WANTED! We need enthusiastic, positive, motivational volunteer coaches for YOUTH BASKETBALL. Season begins early January 2010! Call 764-6222 or 764-3424. December 27 -January 8 work in Houston removing holiday decorations. Work is physically demanding. Pay starts at $10/hr. Email tmdi1@verizon.net 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. Pool Cleaner needed. Part time, full time, $8-10/hr. 979-229-0071. 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.
LOST & FOUND
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$100 reward. ‘08 specialized Rockhopper 29er. Noticable features: Huge 29” tires, taller than most, titanium color. 361-293-8453. For info/pics www.facebook.com/bike.got.stole
Lost Aggie Ring. Regina Marie Schulte. West parking lot lower level to Zone. 11/13/09. Reward if found. 281-620-2193
MUSIC
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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
Child Care- FT & PT shifts available. Some nights & Saturdays required. Apply in person at 3609 E. 29th St., Bryan.
A+Teacup puppies: Maltese, Shorkies, Maltipoos, Yorkies &Poodles. $500 &up. 979-324-2866, linda_d_54@yahoo.com
Athletic books, www.men for calendars,.com etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. 512-684-8296. photoguy@io.com
We make it easy to... PETS
Adopt Pets: Dogs, Cats, Puppies, Kittens, Many purebreds. Brazos Animal Shelter, 979-775-5755, www.brazosanimalshelter.org
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Spacious 3bd/3ba. Close to campus. Washer and dryer provided. www.aggielandleasing.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 roommate for spring/summer for house 1mi from campus. $387.50 +1/4bills. Emily 979-877-9746, texascapcadet@gmail.com 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.
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One female roommate in duplex www. .comon 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 immediately in 4/3 townhome. Bedroom furniture required. Quarter mile from campus, next to bus stop, shopping areas. $440/mo. 479-629-0246.
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Roommate May www. needed. January.com 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.
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STUDIES IN PROGRESS DO YOU HAVE FACIAL ACNE? www.AggieNetwork.com
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We are looking for volunteers to participate in a twelve-week research study of an investigational topicalwww. medication for acne. Those villagefoods .com who qualify will receive at no cost: We make it easy to... • 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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ͳ͚͸Ͳ ”‹ƒ”…”‡•– ” ̡ ʹ͝–Š – ʹǤ͡ Â?‹Ž‡• ˆ”‘Â? …ƒÂ?’—• ÇŚ ƒ– ͚njͳͲ Čˆ —Â? ͺnj͝ ͚͝͝Ǥͺ͜͸Ǥ͝͸ͲͲ www.villagefoods.com
monday 12.7.2009
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Eat Better
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‘™ ’”‹…‡• ‘Â? ‘—” huge assortment ‘ˆ Â?ƒ–—”ƒŽ ƒÂ?† organic ˆ‘‘†•Ǥ Č‹On green shelves in every aisleÇ¤ČŒ
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A Christmas tree in the MSC Bookstore displays tags including the gender and age of a child in need.
3820 Harvey Road
College Station, TX 77845 stopnstorebcs.com
CALL TO HEAR ABOUT OUR STUDENT SPECIALS AND TO BOOK YOUR RESERVATION! 979-694-2700
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Family owned & operated
MSC Bookstore donates to children This year, the Texas A&M University Memorial Student Center Bookstore will be participating in The Giving Tree Holiday Book Drive for the 10th time. “Essentially, customers come in and pull a tag from the Christmas tree in the lobby, and then they pick out any children’s book. We then take 10 percent off it and donate it to a local charity,� said Michael Quennoz, Trade Book supervisor. “You just have to come in and shop; we take care of the rest.� Quennoz said they are encouraging student groups on campus to participate in the book drive as well. “This is one thing we’ve started doing; it’s only the second year we’ve reached out to student groups,� Quennoz said. “We
thought it might be a good way for student groups to do community outreach. It’s a really easy way to give back.â€? All of the books donated by student groups will contain a book plate that says which group donated it. There will also be a display announcing which groups participated. The book drive is running through Dec. 21 and will beneďŹ t The Becky Gates Children’s Center, which provides childcare to Texas A&M faculty, staff, and students. The MSC Bookstore has donated to the Becky Gates Children’s Center for the last three years. Last year they donated 140 Books. This year, they hope to reach the goal of 200 donations. Samantha Johnson, staff writer
Park
a very casual atmosphere. “You find kids that are dancing and grooving with the singers and the bands that we have and you just have people who are just off strolling and enjoying the beautiful lights,� Walker said. Walker said for college students, Christmas in the Park is a great place for a cheap date. “It’s a low pressure, high impact place to come for the holidays,� Walker said. “There is the beauty of the lights as you approach, and when you get here you kind of catch the energy of the crowd.� Sponsors of the free public event include College Station Utilities, Waltman and Grisham, Attorneys at Law, and Kroger. For a complete schedule of performances and activities visit cstx.gov/Christmas.
Ag Class of '74, '88, '06
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ACT NOW Holiday Mini Term registration ends and classes begin December 14th classes run through January 5
register today Three 713.718.2000 Semester hccs.edu www.villagefoods.com Credit Hours We make it easy to eat... in Three Weeks
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How Important Is Your Future? Continued from page 1
major, said this is the first year they have been a part of Christmas in the Park. “One of our members helps with the event and it sounded like a really cool community event,� Bailie said. In the past, Christmas in the Park has attracted over 140,000 people to Central Park over the course of one holiday season. “Historically, the last couple of years we have given away over 14,000 cups of hot cocoa each season,� Walker said. For many families, Christmas in the Park has been a family tradition for the past 26 years, with some families bringing their out-of-town relatives to the event. Attendees can expect to find
If you go The park is open from 6 to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.Tickets at the gate for a vehicle tour are $22.50 for up to 10 people. Santa’s Town is a separate fee and charges $5.95 for adults and $3.95 for children 12 and under.
Wonderland Continued from page 1
The grounds include Santa’s Town, a Texas village featuring retail shops, live music, a petting zoo, pony rides, a classic Christmas movie every night and a mechanical bull. Food such as Turkey legs, sausage-on-a-stick, chili, Frito Pie, barbecue sandwiches, chips, pickles, biscuits and homemade cobbler are available as well. “This is a Texas idealistic Christmas setting,� Medlin said. Santa’s Wonderland has been open since 1998, displaying more than one million lights and attracting thousands of guests each of the past 12 years; it has since grown to display over two and a half million lights over a mile long. To help conserve energy, 80 percent of the lights have been converted to LED lights. Scotty’s House, Project Sunshine, S.O.S Ministries, Still Creek Ranch Boys & Girls Home, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Brazos Valley Animal Shelter and the Animal Impact foundation are all charitable partners with the park. “It’s a family attraction,� Medlin said. “We really focus on bringing people out and raising their spirits.�
Quality Counts If you’re charged with a criminal offense, it can effect not just your liberty, but your future.
James, Reynolds & Greening provides quality representation for those charged with crimes, with 3 lawyers board certiďŹ ed in criminal law and over 50 years combined experience. Plus, the ďŹ rm carries A-V rating by Martindale Hubble. ,
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Jim James - magna cum laude, Texas A&M 76, honors graduate University of Texas School of Law 78; Board CertiďŹ ed Criminal Law, named Texas Super Lawyer; Speaker at Texas Bar Advanced Criminal Law Seminar. ,
Cameron Reynolds - graduated from Texas A&M 91 and Texas Tech School of Law in 1994. Board CertiďŹ ed Criminal Lawyer, named Texas Super Lawyer, Former Brazos County Assistant District Attorney.
Craig Greening - Attended Boston University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and from the University of Texas School of Law; Board CertiďŹ ed in Criminal Law; Former Assistant County Attorney and District Attorney in Brazos County. , David Hilburn - graduated from Texas A&M 97 and of South Texas College of Law in 2000. Harris County Assistant District Attorney 2000-2005, Brazos County Assistant District Attorney 2005-2009.
Call 979.846.1934 jamesandreynolds.com
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ͳ͚͸Ͳ ”‹ƒ”…”‡•– ” ̡ ʹ͝–Š – ʹǤ͡ Â?‹Ž‡• ˆ”‘Â? …ƒÂ?’—• ÇŚ ƒ– ͚njͳͲ Čˆ —Â? ͺnj͝ ͚͝͝Ǥͺ͜͸Ǥ͝͸ͲͲ www.villagefoods.com
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Capitalizing on Christmas Steven Laxton
The commercial aspects of the holidays appeal to more than just Christians.
C
hristmas is the season to be jolly, a time for everyone to visit their friends and family, give and receive gifts, and leave out milk and cookies for the world’s fastest fat man in red. Like most holidays, Christmas is teeming with traditions anyone can share. But overexcited Christians are seizing the fun and tradition from the rest of the world, and their Nativity Movement is one of close-minded exclusiveness. The argument to keep Christmas about Christ shuts out the world that doesn’t share their beliefs. Certainly the holiday was created to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but Christmas has evolved into an all-encompassing time of joy, sharing and love. Christians who demand that nativity should crush any commercial aspect take away from the spirit of the day, excluding other faiths from the season. This holiday seems divided into two factions — commercialism and nativity. Commercialism is all of the things a person typically thinks of when Christmas is mentioned. Nativity focuses on the more religious meanings of the holiday, such as increased attendance for
special sermons or scenes of the baby Jesus in a manger. Commercialism is often criticized for making a religious day a time of greed and excess spending, clashing against the religious ideals. But through the magic of Christmas, this view spreads basic Christian virtues, such as generosity and love. Neither can the economic aspect of Christmas be undervalued. The rapid spending during the season stimulates the economy. In these difficult times, people buying the gifts they can afford help businesses that are struggling. Unfortunately overzealous Christians can close off Christmas to those of different religions. Christ was a man of love and would want us to share the joy of the season with all people. Each religion celebrating their own holiday, without sharing their culture with others, only serves to separate mankind. On The O’Reilly Factor a few years ago, Fox News host Bill O’Reilly reported the steady decline in nativity and focus on more generic, commercialist ideas, such as the term happy holidays as opposed to merry Christmas, was “all part of the secular progressive agenda to get Christianity and spirituality and Judaism out of the public square‌ then you can pass secular progressive programs, like legalization of narcotics, euthanasia, abortion at will, gay marriage, because the objection to those things is religious-based, usually.â€? His claim is absolutely ridiculous and not at all in keeping with the Christmas spirit. Corporations are using generic phrases to avoid shutting out non-Christians, people who could be potential customers. Companies are simply advertising broadly, as December
holds many holidays. Wishing someone a “happy holidays� was not a creation of the corporations attempting to destroy a Christian Christmas. There isn’t anything wrong with putting up nativity scenes or attending church. But when religion is taken to such an extreme that people of other faiths are excluded or alienated, it becomes a problem. There are crazies on the other side, and the right to religious freedom applies to everyone and every religion equally. People of every faith and creed deserve to have a period of peace together. Christmas is that period, if people will relax their tensions and let it. So please, enjoy the season in the way that seems best to you and let others do the same. Choking the nonChristian world out of a period of joy to serve a feeling of righteousness is anything but right. Steven Laxton is a freshman general studies major.
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MAILCALL From SoďŹ a Lyneeson,
class of 2009 marketing major. I wanted to warn students about wasting money at A&M like I did. I worked hard and paid extra to add a second minor to my degree plan. Only after graduating did I ďŹ nd out that only one of those minors will be posted on my ofďŹ cial transcript, and not even one of my choosing. The only way for potential employers to ďŹ nd out I completed another minor is for them to call the school, wait forever to talk to someone in records, and then get veriďŹ cation. In this poor economy, I think it is seriously cutting Aggies short to not include any extra education they gained in their time here on a transcript. Not only can this make an Aggie look like a liar in an interview, but it takes away credit for a lot of work, time, and money spent. I just want to warn other Aggies, as I was never told I was wasting money and time on a minor I would never got credit for.
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Members of Chi Omega dance to music Friday in Rudder Auditorium as part of Songfest. The money raised by Songfest ticket sales is for the Brazos Rehabilitation Center. www.villagefoods reminded why.com Chi Omega puts on Songfest every year. We make it easy to drink better... “We really tried hard to concentrate In a new tradition started this year, all of Continued from page 1 the acts were dedicated to a specific child on the reason behind why we were at the Brazos Rehabilitation Center. Durhard and tried to remain strong in the fact doing Songfest this year and we that we weren’t in it to win. We would ing the act, the child’s face was shown on a never wanted to lose sight of that. pray about it every week, that [winning] big screen behind the performers on stage. “It’s kind of a cool way for the acts to isn’t why we were doing Songfest, so it was I think the acts and the whole continue to focus on why they are doing it. such a blessing.� production in general were good Songfest Chapter Relations Chairwom- They are not doing it to make an incredible performance, they are not doing it to win an Anna Staples, a senior nutrition science reflections of that.� major, said all of the acts were a pivotal part first place, they are not doing it for the cash prize at the end, they are doing it for this — Anna Staples in keeping the focus on service. Sonfest Chapter Relations Chairwoman “We really tried hard to concentrate child,� Melson said. The other philanthropy supported by on the reason behind why we were doing Songfest, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, termission performance of Rudolph the Songfest this year and we never wanted to was also represented at the event. Red-Nosed Reindeer had the audience lose sight of that. I think the acts and the During Friday’s intermission, the audi- singing along. whole production in general were good “We just loved watching the little girl reflections of that,� Staples said. “The acts ence heard from 11-year old Garrett who are the most important part of this and the suffers from cystic fibrosis. Garrett’s African get on stage and sing,� Hall, a senior compeople who did so much work preparing photo safari dream trip will be made pos- munication major, said. “The entire night — getting to see why everyone was doing all the dances and putting on the show, we sible from proceeds from the event. Staples said Garrett was fun to get to it and the great cause and seeing how much couldn’t do it without them.� Songfest overall chair Ellen Melson said know and hang out with during Friday’s money was raised and how the kids were the charity event was a perfect representa- performance and Texas A&M may have left affected — was incredible.� an impression on him. The groups participating were Aggie tion of the Aggie family. “He was a really big Longhorn fan but Sisters For Christ and Aggie Men’s Club, “These students coming together and working for a cause so much greater than he told us while he was here that he was Kappa Alpha Theta and Brotherhood of themselves just absolutely sums up what reconsidering and that A&M seemed like a Christian Aggies, Delta Zeta and One the Aggie family is, and I don’t think you good place to be so he would think about Army, Sigma Phi Lambda and Old Army Gentleman’s Society, Philadelphia Sisters can find that on any other campus,� Mel- going here instead,� Staples said. Ten-year-old Brazos Rehabilitation and Kappa Upsilon Chi, Alpha Delta Phi son said. Throughout the night the audience was Center patient Alexandra’s Saturday in- and Delta Sigma Phi and CARPOOL.
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