The Battalion: April 21, 2009

thebattalion ● tuesday,

april 21, 2009

● serving

texas a&m since 1893

● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2009 student media

For us the trek is over, Aggieland we’re coming home.

— In Memoriam Lt. Col. David Harrigan Class of 1968

roll call | 2

history | 7

hosts | 8 Photo illustration by Nicholas Badger — THE BATTALION

Today High: 84 Low: 59 Mostly sunny

pagetwo thebattalion 4.21.2009

Roll Call Alex James Kirk 2012, Thomas Christopher O’Leary 2012, Justin Delval 2011, Troy Robert Marschang 2011, Rachel Kate Joiner 2011, Suhyung Park 2011, Elton Samir Vasquez 2010, Abid Umatiya 2010, Shanleigh Mae Almon 2010, Christian Michael Scrogum 2010, Charles “Chase” Andrew Bergfield 2010, Olanrewaju Olusola Sanu 2009, Lindsay Dian Walters 2009, Sharon Mills Ward 2009, Spencer Bonham Knecht 2008, William Rufus Stephens Jr. 2008, Travis Wilson Joiner 2008, Alice Lynn Dubinski 2008, 2nd Lt. Zachary Ryan Cook 2008, Mary Beth Farmer 2008, Keller Benjamin Verett 2007, Ryan Barkley Green 2006, Joshua David Pearce 2006, William Nathan Rountree Jr. 2006, Cassandra Jeannine Scott 2005, Kyle Ross Rosebrock 2004, 1st Lt. Timothy Wayne Cunningham 2004, 1st Lt. Matthew Ryan Vandegrift 2003, Stephanie Billings 2002, Aaron Ray Anderson 2002, Jacqueline Sue Holtz 1999, Jennifer Lynn Drost 1999, Cecil Allen Lewis Jr. 1998, Jacque Miller Barnett 1990, Edward H. Moreland 1990, Robert E. Hiney 1989, Patrick Michael Hayes 1988, Dave R. Stevenson 1988, Jon Raymond Galland 1986, Sally Jean Kirby 1984, Sarah Anne Phillips Cobb 1982, Gregory Royce 1981, Julio Gomez 1981, Ronald Clyde Neugebauer, 1980, Randolph Wray Parnell 1979, Stephen Clifford Ransom 1979, David Tyson DeLafosse 1978, Randy Burdick 1977, Saralyn Sue Thompson Cepak 1976, Ernest Frank Kinkler 1976, John R. Williams 1975, Mary Margaret Bailey James 1974, David Pearson 1972, Myron Koehler 1972, Thomas G. Pachall 1970, Albert Joe Marchbanks 1970, Kitt Pohorelsky Aguilar 1969, Eugene Clayton Pollard 1968, Dan D. Drew 1966, Morris “Buzz” Hamilton 1965, Andrew M. Andersson 1964, Richard E. Reynolds 1963, William Allen “Sonny” Jamison 1961, Harvey Wayne Compton 1961, Lt. Col. Robert Leon Moody 1959, John Dennis Warren 1959, Joseph K. Marshall Jr. 1959, William Royal “Bill” Markillie 1959, Maurice Clifton Sterling 1959, Glen L. Beckner 1959, John Stanley Howard 1959, William J. Hatchell 1959, Cecil E. Carter 1959, John H. Swendig 1959, Gabe H. Alani 1959, Forest E. McQuitty 1959, Paul Michael Curda 1959, Col. Gary W. Hipps Sr. 1959, Dr. Louis A. Jones 1959, Hugo C. “Tony” Heldenfels Jr. 1959,

File Photo

These names will be called at the Campus Muster tonight. They include students enrolled at Texas A&M, former students who resided in Brazos County, members of the 50-year Reunion Class of 1959 and former students who have immediate family enrolled at Texas A&M or living in Brazos County.

It also includes former students who lost their lives while deployed serving in on active duty military.

Dr. Tom K. Hardy Jr. 1959, Dr. Gabe H. Alani 1959, Dr. Richard Read Davison 1958, Benjamin Franklin Norman III 1958, G. Sadler Bridges 1958, Dr. Bruce W. Ueckert 1958, George B. Smith 1958, Aubrey W. Arnold 1957, Louis M. Canant 1957, John E. West 1957, Samuel Talbert Curtis 1956, Don Allen Lee 1956, Harold T. Wiedemann 1956, Richard Gene Tongate 1956, Kenneth Lee Hall 1955, Jerry Kenneth Johnson 1955, Dr. John V. Perry Jr. 1954, Charles D. Holland 1953, William Alexander Stirling 1953, Quinton K. Milhollin 1953, Donald Lee Garey 1953, Col. Robert Dixon 1953, Joseph Franklin Hitchcock 1952, Drexel Toland 1952, Robert Dyrel Kirk, Jr. 1952, Grover C. Ellisor Jr. 1952, Robert S. Boyce 1952, James E. Zemanek 1952, William H. Cox 1951, James R. “Dick” Graves 1951, Percy James Bennett, Jr. 1950, Howard Samuel Mitchell 1950, Maj. Ray H. Copus 1950, Dr. James Leonidas Massey 1950, A.A. Melton 1950, Eugene C. Parma 1950, Roger E. Bond 1950, Clinton C. Burt 1950, Joseph E. Conway Jr. 1949, Harold Calhoun 1949, Stephen D. Pearce 1949, Dean Hopson 1949, Brig. Gen. Carl Daniel McIntosh Jr. 1948, Thomas Shelby Justiss Jr. 1948, Floyd H. Mauldin 1948, Leslie Raymond Watkins 1948, Thomas Jerome Muldowney 1947, Irvin E. Elkins 1947, Richard P. Kovar 1946, Calvin Clay Boykin Jr. 1946, Mark Anthony Welsh, Jr. 1946, Edward M. Hary Jr. 1945, Col. John Kyle Oliver 1945, Percy J. Pace 1944, J.L. Huffines 1944, W.W. “Bill” Ellerbrock 1944, Thomas R. Sessums 1944, James Bradley 1944, Pete Tumlinson 1942, Herbert E. Schlieder 1942, Gerald Hayden Easterly 1942, Charles J. Godwin 1942, Albert Henry Bartschmid Jr. 1942, Fred L. Nabors 1942, Mitchell H. Brown Jr. 1942, Gerald Lynn Proctor 1942, John Edward Goble 1942, Phillip Scott Nix 1941, Col. Austin W. Roberts 1941, Charles Wilkinson Jr. 1940, Hugh F. Boyd Jr. 1940, Herbert A. Dean 1940, Charles Franklin Lewis 1939, Roy W. Hagler 1939, Ben Ellis Dillon 1938, Mora Waddell Boone 1937, Jerome Wallace Sorenson Jr. 1935, William D. “Bill” Scoates 1935, Robert R. Wilcox 1929, Professor John Percy Oliver 1926, Dr. John A. Jackman, Dr. Douglas Brooks, Dr. Jack Randall Nation, Dr. William P. Kuvlesky, Elizabeth Taylor, Mary Hines Sicilio

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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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scene thebattalion 4.21.2009 page3

‘Lend me your ears’ Former student and author discusses William Shakespeare Megan Ryan The Battalion o be, or not to be” in the school of liberal arts at Texas A&M University? That is the question many students ask when enrolling in an institution known for engineering, veterinarians and scientists.

However, Herman Gollob, a former student and writer, said the University is good for more than teaching, solving, fixing and healing.

Gollob graduated from A&M in 1951 and spends his time studying and writing about William Shakespeare.

“He’s had a highly successful career in publishing, and after he retired, he started to study the works of Shakespeare intensively, which lead him to write his book, ‘Me and Shakespeare: Adventures with the Bard,’” said Sarah Gaskamp, a junior English major.

He wrote the book as a memoir about the effect Shakespeare’s writing had on his life.

“Honestly, it’s almost like an autobiography,” said Joy Mannan, a senior English major. “Mr. Gollob shares happy, sad, funny and awkward moments from all parts of his life— but, with Mr. Gollob crediting Shakespeare and his creations for changing his life, it’s a memoir.”

Gollob has more than 35 years of experience in the publishing industry, which he also included in his book.

Gollob’s experience includes being editorin-chief at New York’s “Athenuem,” vice president and editorial director of the Literary Guild, vice president of the Editorial Board at Simon & Schuster and senior vice president and later editor-at-large at Doubleday.

Before entering the publishing industry, Gollob worked as a literary agent with MCA in Beverly Hills and with William Morris in New York City.

His diverse professional experience helped captivate readers studying English at A&M, Mannan said.

“Biographies or memoirs aren’t among my favorite books to read, but Mr. Gollob’s memoir managed to pull me in,” she said. “He

“T

writes about his experiences in an honest way that is easy to relate to. Once you get into it, his story really grabs you.”

However, Gollob did not spend all of his time at A&M studying English literature. He had a list of various activities he said made him into the man he is.

“While at A&M, I was amusements editor of The Battalion, writing movie and book reviews and a general interest column. I was also co-editor of The Commentator, the student humor [and] lit magazine,” he said.

Additionally, Gollob was a distinguished military graduate and member of the national honor society Phi Kappa Phi. After graduation Gollob was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Air Force and served for two years.

Jim Harner, an English professor, asked Gollob to come to A&M to speak to classes about how he came to study Shakespeare.

“I discovered him in the course of my role as editor of the World Shakespeare Bibliography Online. I was skimming his book, ‘Me and Shakespeare’ and I came to the bio at the end of the book. I read that he was a graduate of A&M, and an English major, so I contacted him to ask if he would be interested in coming back to A&M to visit some classes and to give a lecture.

Gollob spoke to two of Harner’s classes.

“He wowed my students and about 100 people attended his lecture,” Harner said.

Some students also had the chance to meet with him personally to ask questions and get to know the former student.

“Mr. Gollob is such a charming man,” Mannan said. “He is intelligent, down-to-earth and great company. Additionally, I told him I was an aspiring novelist and interested in a career in the publishing industry. Immediately, he told me I could call on him if I ever needed any help with anything.

Meeting with Mr. Gollob is definitely among my top 10 favorite experiences as a student here.”

Harner said he also admires Gollob’s sharp mind and wit.

“I knew from having him in classes in 2003

Jose Arredondo — THE BATTALION

Herman Gollob, Class of 1951, speaks to James Harner’s Introduction to Shakespeare class in Zachary Engineering Center. He is the author of “Me and Shakespeare: Adventures with the Bard.”

that he would engage and excite students because he is a wonderful raconteur,” Harner said.

Gollob said he was glad to return to campus and it reminded him of what he admired about the University.

“What I love about Aggieland is that it’s been able to preserve the Spirit of the Cadet Corps even though the Corps is now only a small part of the enrollment” he said.

Six years ago, Gollob visited A&M and said he was moved when he saw the Corps.

“I attended the Retreat Ceremony before the Corps marched into Mess, and it brought tears to my eyes.”

After reading about him, Gaskamp said she was happy to have had the chance to meet Gollob and experience his personality firsthand.

“He’s a lovely gentleman with a hilarious sense of humor,” she said. “He makes retirement look like a blast— I can only hope that when I retire, I still feel the need and desire to learn like Mr. Gollob.”

‘Adventureland’ manages few laughs, romantic thrills In “Adventureland,” James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg) has recently graduated from Oberlin College. Having planned a summer excursion to Europe at the cost of his parents, James is dismayed to discover his father has been demoted, thus disabling his parents from funding his graduation present.

If James is going to be able to attend graduate school, he will need to secure himself a summer job. Asking at different locations around town, James finds his lack of professional work experience is a handicap.

He eventually finds employment at the last place he would have thought: an Adventureland theme park.

Run by the eccentric Bobby (Bill Hader) and his timid wife Paulette (Kristen Wiig), the run-down park still seems like even more of a setback than an answer to prayer.

But as James begins to make friends with the colorful characters who work at the park, what began as the worst summer yet may actually turn out all right. James even finds a budding romance with Em (Kristen Stewart).

But as the summer wears on for James, the history everyone at the park has with

Ben Johnson

Teen comedy surprises viewers with coming-ofage tale

each other may be the cause of some less-thanpleasant encounters.

“Adventureland” advertises itself as a raunchy teen comedy similar to director Greg Mottola’s other infamous work, “Superbad.”

To be fair, the movie does feature a handful of somewhat raunchy moments, but “Adventureland” is ultimately as drama as it is comedy.

That is also not to say the movie is without its share of comedy. Eisenberg does a fantastic job in a role that reminds audiences of Michael Cera’s performance in “Superbad.”

It’s not hard to feel sorry for him as he learns the pitfalls of being too vulnerable at the start of

a romantic relationship.

Hader’s portrayal of Bobby is arguably the best in the film. The “Saturday Night Live” cast member brilliantly balances a mix of quirky eccentricity with sturdy conscientiousness.

The only disappointment surrounding his character is a lack of screentime, which is limited to what viewers have seen in previews.

Aesthetically, it seems like Mottola was aiming to hit a slightly offbeat indie feel via 2007’s wildly successful but overrated “Juno.”

This awkward yet sentimental feel in films is becoming increasingly popular with the release of films like “Sunshine Cleaning” and the upcoming “Away We Go.” Like “Juno,” “Adventureland” tries to split its time between heartwarming comedy and profound dramatic situations.

Here is where the film may polarize its response. While the film advertises itself as more of a teen-sex comedy, most of the jokes the film features are displayed in the film’s trailer.

That’s not to say “Adventureland” isn’t funny, but the moods explored come as more of a surprise at first given the expectations raised by the film’s advertising campaign.

For not being what it promises to be, “Adventureland” is still a pleasant surprise. The movie skirts the boundaries of melodrama with the kind of confidence that springs from a wellwritten script.

It also features an array of comedic moments that range from one-liners to bathroom humor.

It’s certainly no “Superbad,” but whether or not it’s “super-good” lies somewhere in the space between a heavy dose of heartfelt comedy and honest drama.

“Adventureland” is rated R for language, drug use and sexual references.

3 Gig ‘ems

Ben Johnson is a junior communication major.

news

page 4 tuesday 4.21.2009

thebattalion

Students sell sandwiches to raise awareness for global hunger Rebekah Skelton The Battalion For some Texas A&M students, peanut butter and jelly can change the outlook of Kenyan education.

Students involved in the PB&J project gather at Rudder Fountain to hand out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to passers-by each Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The group‘s mission statement is to “seek to provide practical ways for people to realize the excess in which they live and act on that realization by giving more of what they do not need to those who need it most.” They achieve this goal by asking students to donate what they would spend on lunch on a sandwich.

“Our main goal is to raise awareness about global hunger and try to get A&M students to contribute,” said L.A. Loftin, a junior communications major.

The project works with Steve Peifer, founder of Kenya Kids Can, to send lunches to students in Africa.

Kenya Kids Can was created in an effort to feed children in Kenya and improve education.

Since Peifer has started his mission, Kenyan student dropout rates have plummeted from 50 percent to less than 1 percent.

“In America, we don’t think about how there’s this whole other way of living because we don’t have to,” Loftin said.

It takes $1.50 a month to feed an African child according to Peifer, or $18 for one student to be

fed for a year.

“Every time I buy coffee I think ‘this is $4 coffee, how many kids will this feed?’” said Karen Thias, a junior education major.

The PB&J project has raised more than $2,500.

While the money can help Peifer feed students or build computer labs for them, they have chosen to make their donations food-specific.

“The idea of the PB&J project is to ‘give up your food to give someone else food.’ You may be spending a little more on a sandwich than you normally would, but you’re helping buy someone else’s food,” said Michael B. Allen, director of the PB&J project and a junior accounting major.

Jubilee is the group’s main event for the semester and will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at Henderson Park.

To donate: Anyone can donate to the PB&J Project for Kenya Kids Can or Jubilee. To find out more visit their website at www.thepb&jproject.tamu.edu.

Jubilee is an event in which people donate unwanted items such as clothes, furniture and cooking items. People in need can take what they need from these things.

“The idea behind it is that in the Bible in the Old Testament the year of Jubilee was the seventh year when God’s people would celebrate their work,” Loftin said, “and those that had excess would give to those who hadn’t done as well.”

thebattalion the battalion 4.21.2009 page page5 5

sports Photos by Natasha Sankovich — THE BATTALION

On target Aggie archers revel in historic success Brett Sebastian | The Battalion

T

ucked away behind the George P. Mitchell Tennis Center, in the shadow of Mount Aggie, is a stretch of field that is home to one of the most successful sports teams at Texas A&M: the archery team.

Junior landscape architecture major Ben Miller aims down range Thursday at the A&M archery range. The range is near the George P. Mitchell Tennis Center.

With a collection of Olympians, world champions, ranked players and 11 national championships from 1995 to 2006, successful may be an understatement.

Archery at A&M began as a club sport and it remains so today.

The constant is winning.

Archery was moved up to a varsity level sport in 1999 as part of “Emerging Sports.” It and equestrian were added as women’s NCAA teams.

While equestrian continued to grow and has gone on to be one of A&M’s most successful NCAA level sports, archery had a handful of schools that sponsored it on the NCAA level.

“While we did great, it just didn’t take off around the country,” Head Coach Frank Thomas said.

“It was an interesting experience and it was really good for the girls.

It gave a lot of the women good opportunities and we had some really good recruits come here. It helped bolster our reputation.”

Despite its low cost, archery was cut from the athletic budget in 2004 and went back to club status.

Many members prefer the relaxed level that club status offers.

“Everything would be paid for the women but the men still had to pay for themselves back then,” Thomas said. “That would cause some issues occasionally. While we miss the money, our team chemistry is really good and we don’t have to play by NCAA rules.”

Archers at A&M can have eligibility at any point in their career whereas the NCAA allows for a strict time frame. The team and some of the athletes have sponsors, something forbidden by NCAA rules.

While the loss of varsity status was considered a set back, the Aggies remained the premier team in the nation.

“We are the premier team in the country and won’t be bashful about it,” Thomas said. “We have a great bunch of kids and great facilities as well as great coaches. It is just as

good as it can get.”

Individually, the A&M team features some of the best players in the world.

Former A&M player and Olympian Mary Zorn-Hamm is a fourtime gold medal world championship winner, including the recent indoor world nations at Prague, which she won while five months pregnant. She was the first female archer to surpass the 1,400-point barrier.

Butch Johnson is a five-time Olympian and former A&M student who competed in Beijing.

Jennifer Nichols won gold at the 2007 Pan-American Games, is a two-time Olympian and a former No. 1 ranked player.

“It is all about reputation,” Thomas said. “You know when you come here you will have great facilities. Not only does the University give us the space we need

We are the premier team in the country and won’t be bashful about it.

— Frank Thomas A&M Archery club head coach

but we have the best indoor facility in the nation bar none. We have a great team. If you come here and shoot with the very best then you can only get better.”

Thomas is a three-time national coach of the year and has coached at the World University Games, World Cup and the 2004 U.S. Olympic team in Athens, Greece.

Team USA finished in fourth place but was a point away from defeating Chinese Taipei to reach the gold medal match, and lost by two points to Croatia in the bronze medal match.

“We actually got to shoot in the old Olympic stadium built for the 1896 games which was really cool,” Thomas said. “While it was a terrible place to shoot because of the wind, the Parthenon was in the

Next tournament Doinker Texas Shootout at Penberthy Field Saturday 8 a.m.

Men’s Recurve & Women’s Compound Scoring 1 p.m.

Men’s Compound & Women’s Recurve Scoring 5 p.m.

Team Round Sunday 7 a.m.

Olympic rounds background, which was really neat.”

Assistant Coach Bill Coady coached at the World University Games and Assistant Coach Lorinda Cohen, a former player who played during the team’s time as a varsity program, began coaching in 2004.

“I started the fall after I ran out of eligibility in the spring of 2004,” Cohen said. “The first couple of years were quite a transition. A lot of people I was coaching were also former teammates. It was fun trying to guide them and teach them the stuff I had learned hands on. It was also frustrating in that you can only do so much as a coach but they have to close the gap themselves.”

With top of the line coaching, facilities and players, the team has strung together a successful streak of individual accolades, victories and national championships.

The previous two years the Aggies lost the national championship to rival James Madison. This year A&M is again in the running along with James Madison, Michigan State, UCLA and USC. The road to a possible 12th championship continues next weekend when the Aggies compete in the Doinker Texas Shootout at Penberthy Field. Though the team will be hosting some of the nation’s elite players and teams in a tournament that also counts as a U.S. team qualifier, the Aggies will be looking forward to a national championship and beating rival James Madison.

“Obviously the goal every year is to win collegiate nations,” Thomas said. “We’re going to give it our best shot.”

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thebattalion 4.21.2009 page6

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Close to west campus. W/D. Yard care. Spacious. Available June.

Jennifer 713-854-2211. jennifer.treibs@gmail.com 3/2 duplex close to campus. Recently remodeled. W/D in unit.

832-527-9533 or dmthames@gmail.com 3/2 duplex. $900/mo. 1630 Rock Hallow, five minutes from campus.

Call Josh 214-505-6534.

3/2 Near campus. W/D included.

Available in August.

Call 979-224-1434.

3/2 Study House, W/D conn, huge living area, tons of windows for light, detached storage/garage, fenced w/lawn care. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291.

3/2 Townhouses &Apartments, 1250sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, walk-in pantry &closets, extra storage, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing for 2009, excellent specials. 979-694-0320, office@luxormanagement.com 3/2 w/study House available August, One of a Kind! 1800sqft, wood floors, 9ft ceilings, large rooms, www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291.

3/2 w/study, BIG HOUSE, 2500sqft., 2-sided fireplace, big privacy fenced yard w/lawn care provided.

979-775-2291, www.twincityproperties.com 3/3 Duplex for lease CS. For August, internet ready, all appliances including W/D, microwave.

Graham Road. No pets. $1,000/mo.

979-778-6076.

3/3 duplex on Willow Pond. 1411 sqft. Wood floor, fenced backyard, w/d and lawncare included. $1000/mo. 713-397-3444.

3b/1.5b, carport, on shuttle, pets ok, fenced, $750/month. aggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984.

3x3 duplex @ 2306 Antelope available 8/1/09. $1,050/mo. Call Brandon Meek, 214-334-0032.

3x3 duplex @ 1814 Woodsman. Spacious floorplan, W/D included, large fenced backyard, pets welcome, on shuttle route. Available 6/1/09. $1100/mo. ($600/mo in summer) Call Brandon Meek, 214-334-0032.

4 Rent. Close to campus. Everyone gets their own bathroom. $325/mo.

Includes DSL/phone, W/D. 281-844-2090, Mike.

4/2 House available August, HUGE 4th room can be game room, fireplace w/flagstone hearth, huge fenced yard w/lawn care. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291.

4/2 House in Wolf Pen Area, close to TAMU shuttle, W/D conn, fenced w/lawn care. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291.

4/2 house, available August ‘09.

Backyard is Golf Course. Great neighborhood $1600/mo. +utilities.

Call 979-966-3913.

4/2 newly remodeled. No pets, HUD, or smokers. Convenient to TAMU and Blinn. 2709 Allen Forest $900/mo.

1-year lease.

979-776-0557, 979-255-9069.

4/2 Studio, neat floor plan, 2 living areas, 2 refrigerators, fireplace, some have fenced yard w/lawn care. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291.

4/3 house. W/D. Privacy fenced yard. $1600/mo. 1/2-Price deposit if leased by July. Call Executive Real Estate, 979-574-1722. Prelease for August. 4/4 also available.

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 2009, excellent specials. 694-0320, office@luxormanagement.com 4bdrm/2bth house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards. 776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com 4bed/4bath Waterwood Townhomes, 1001 Krenek Tap Road across from C/S’s Central Park.

Gated, security system, bus route, appliances+washer/dryer included.

Available summer or fall ‘09. Contact 281-793-0102 or Jimbo77@AggieNetwork.com Apartment for rent, sublease for summer. College Main Apartments.

Call Trent 618-334-4584. trentpearson@yahoo.com Attention Vet students! 3b/2b house on small cattle ranch. 10-15 minutes from campus. $950/month.

Someone with cattle and ranch experience who would be willing to do chores such as mending fences when necessary, mesquite control, tractor work such as shredding, hay delivery to cows, mowing, and generally looking after approximately 25 cattle. I will pay $8/hour for such work. 979-690-6192.

Available April: Spacious 2/1 duplex. Vaulted ceiling. Tiled kitchen, living room. W/D connection.

Fenced. Pets. On bus route.

979-204-1950.

Great 3bed/2bath house in popular area- 2431 Pintail Loop.

Comes w/W&D, refrigerator, ethernet in each room, pets OK w/deposit, 2-car garage. Available in August. Call Joey at 979-218-4091.

puzzle answers can be found online at www.thebatt.com

Callaway Villas. Need to sublease.

Fall-2009. 4/2.5, W/D. $615/mo.

936-348-1561.

Cottage Holik C.S. 2bd/1ba W/D $600/month . 979-777-2472 Country Living Near A&M: 3/2 double-wide, large deck. Stalls available. $1100/mo. 979-846-5950.

CS 4bd/3ba house w/study. 1401 Lawyer $1650/mo. Close to campus. 979-219-6108.

Duplex near campus.

2bed/2bath. W/D. No backyard.

307 Spruce. $750/month.

Call 254-760-8242.

Early Bird Special- sign a prelease in April for August move in and get special of $1050. Luxurious Country Living just minutes from A&M. 3/2.5 duplexes. Full size W/D in unit. Fenced backyards. Pets welcome! 979-485-0300. topdogmanager@hotmail.com or topdogmanagement.info Fox Run condominiums room for lease, Female. Private bath, w/d, cable &internet provided. Fully furnished, gated, bus stops at front gate. $350/mo. utilities. 512-913-4094.

Fraternity Row 3bd/2.5ba, 3 parking spaces, on shuttle route, W/D and all appliances. $1200/month.

254-760-6934 Gateway Villas on University Drive.

4/4, $1600/mo. Contact Brian 469-877-1184.

Grad or Vet Student Houses, Hardwood floors, yards. $600-$800/month +bills.

Call 979-696-1444, visit www.stalworthonline.com Great 4bed/2bath house in popular area- 400 Pronghorn Loop. Comes w/ W/D, Ref, Ethernet in each room, large fenced bkyrd, pets OK w/ deposit, 2-car garage. Available in July or August. Call Joey at 979-218-4091.

Great duplex. 3bdrm/2ba, off Graham Appliances plus W/D, lawn care provided. Pets ok. $950/mo.

910 Crepe Myrtle. 979-575-7891.

House for rent.

3/2/2 available mid-August.

Pet friendly, fenced, W/D, lawn maintenance included. On bus line. $1299/mo. 3710-Chantal Circle. 979-776-8984.

House Rent Free. Farm chores, horse care.

Wellborn area.

979-690-6951.

Lease in May, desirable 2 story, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath House on Pintail Loop, CS. Shuttle bus. Call Mrs. Ward 979-774-1270.

New/newer Richmond Ridge townhomes. Wolf Creek Condos.

1/1,1/1.5 lofts, 2/2,3/3. Larger open plans, granite, ceramics, W/D. $720-$1450 broker/owner 979-777-5477 www.jesinvestments.com Newly remodeled 4/2 house. Walking distance to campus, tile &wood floors, great location, nice big deck &yard.

776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com Save $140 a Month! Free Cable, Internet, Water, Trash. Hugh, Remodeled 2bdrm/1.5ba. $625/mo, Bryan. 979-402-0913.

Nice 3/3 townhome w/hot tub, on bus stop, all appliances, $1200/month. www.texagrentals.com 979-218-1462.

Nice!

4/2 2013-Rayburn. $1400/month. Available Aug-1st.

Call Scott at 979-229-5007.

Pre-leasing for May& August. 3/2 duplexes, Treehouse Trails, Cypress, Pecan Ridge. www.c4properties.net Cathy, 979-268-1074.

PRICE TO RENT. 3/2 duplex. Large fenced yard, pets ok. 713-542-3049 Rent Specials! 1br/ba & 2br/1ba.

OAC. www.bryan-cs-apartments.com 979-703-7051 Ridgewood Village efficiency with loft.

Uniquely designed floor plan. No pets. $385/mo., $250 deposit.

979-696-2998, 1211 -1213 Holik.

Ridgewood Village, large very quiet tree-shaded 1bdrm/1bth studio, no pets, $435/mo., $250 deposit, 1201-1209 Holik. 979-696-2998.

Summer sublease, Sundance apartments, Harvey Rd. $324/mo, plus 1/4 electricity. 512-753-5545.

Summer sublet in 4/4. $375/mo. plus 1/4 utilities. Master bedroom.

Walk-in closet. Garden tub. Furnished except bd/ba. W/D, yardcare, cable, internet provided. $20/mo. utilities paid.

956-467-8899.

Super 3/2 duplexes for May. All appliances and lawn care. $900-$975.

979-324-5835.

FOR SALE 2008 3/2 Palm Harbor double-wide mobile home in Sunset Ridge Park.

830-456-9484.

2bdrm/2ba Fox Run. Very $122,000.

254-717-2141.

House Saturday April 3pm-6pm and Sunday April 12pm-3pm.

Nice.

Open 18th, 19th,

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE! Furniture, housewares and more! 1804 Langford St. College Station. Friday 24th- Saturday 25th. Friday 2pm-8pm; Saturday 7am-3pm. 979-204-3076.

HELP WANTED 1/1 residences. Located in the heart of Northgate. Designed for upscale urban living. Gated community, amazing views, walk to campus/Northgate.

Guaranteed parking space. $995/mo. includes water, high-speed internet, cable, W/D, &parking. Call 979-739-4930 www.secondstreetapts.com A&M Recycling Services Student Workers wanted (TAMU/Blinn student). 24 hours/week. Must be able to work summers. Apply in person: 204 S. College Ave. 979-862-2069.

Aggieland Outfitters is seeking an organized, customer service-oriented individual to be a web assistant! Job requirements include: a basic knowledge of the Windows operating sustem, Photoshop, and the ability to communicate clearly and focus on the job at hand. The web assistant will be responsible for maintaining all web orders, helping to keep track of inventory, editing product images, and assisting the web manager with other tasks as necessary. Your services will be required for 20-25 hours per week, and will work Mon-Fri. Knowledge of Quick Books is a plus, but will train if necessary. If you are a motivated, goal-oriented individual, apply today by calling 979-775-5030 or e-mailing brett@kalcorp.com with your resume.

AGS! Looking for summer work?

Earn $9000.00 this summer, build your resume, great experience, call Taylor, 214-707-9145.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME SOFTBALL? Registration for C.S. softball leagues are forming now5/8/09, so get your coed, women’s or men’s team together. Individuals also welcome. Call 764-3486.

Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day.

No experience. 512-684-8296, photoguy@io.com The Corner Bar &Grill now hiring. All positions available. Apply in person.

Briarcrest Country Club is now hiring the following positions: life guards, swim instructors, and summer counselors. Apply in person at 1929 Country Club Drive, e-mail: mgreen@briarcrestcc.org Fax: 979-776-5072.

Chicken Express now hiring for all positions. Flexible schedules and great pay. Apply at either College Station locations.

Childcare workers needed. Full or part-time. Days, evenings, or weekends. Apply in person, Aggieland Learning Center, 206-Southwest Parkway East.

Christopher’s World Grille is now hiring waitstaff, service assistants, hosts and cooks. Please apply at 5001 Boonville Rd Bryan.

Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment.

COACHES WANTED! We need enthusiastic, positive, motivational coaches for YOUTH VOLLEYBALL. Season begins May 11, 2009! Call 764-6386.

Flexible hours and great pay for students. You can work back home or here in B/CS. Previous summers have seen students make between $500/wk to $2000/wk. Interested?

For more information contact Garret.

979-574-5443.

Email: GHFHTM09@yahoo.com On campus informational/training for all who inquire.

Full & Part-Time Summer Advertising Sales.

Seeking reliable, hard-working, enthusiastic students to sell advertising. Must be self-motivated, able to work without supervision. Sales Experience not necessary. Will Train. Automobile necessary. Internships may be Available!

Texas A&M University Campus Telephone Directory. Email resume to: GVPubs@aol.com Call 1-800-288-3044.

Household cleaning, ironing, organizing help needed. Min 6-8 hr/week $10/hr. Year-round commitment necessary, Fax info. to 979-690-8075.

Lenny’s Sub Shop Now hiring for F/T and P/T positions w/flexible schedules. Apply in person @3700 South Texas Ave. Suite 550, Bryan.

595-1100.

Like people? Have sales/customer service experience? We are looking for energetic Leasing Consultants who are outgoing! Send your information to kstahl@dtiproperties.net or fax to 979-694-2552.

LOOKING FOR AN EXCITING NEW JOB? Leasing Agent needed.

Please apply in person at The Trails, 950 Colgate Drive & ask for Dawn.

Medical technician: Full time medication technician needed for growing allergy practice. We are looking for an intelligent, positive, friendly person to join our team. We teach skills that are an asset for anyone interested in a career in health care and can help a candidate get into medical school. We offer a pleasant office environment, competitive salary, health insurance, and other benefits. Please fax resume to 979-776-5624.

New apartment community seeking part-time porter/ maintainence tech. Apply in person at 418 College Main. Strong work ethic and postive attitude required.

979-268-4780 STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In College Station. 100% Free To Join. Click On Surveys.

Tax/Staff Accountant for local CPA firm. This is a full-time position w/benefits.

Fax resume to 979-779-8422.

Durst, Milberger, Nesbitt & Ask, LLP. The Battalion Advertising Office is hiring an Advertising Sales Representative. Work to begin in August, be enrolled at A&M and have reliable transportation. Interested applicants should drop off resume at 032 Memorial Student Center, Advertising Office.

The Kids Klub afterschool program is seeking p/t employees for the Fall 2009 semester. People are needed M-F, 2:45pm-6:15pm.

ROP: $8.00-$8.75/hr.

Please call 979-764-3831 or www.cstx.gov/kidsklub Classifieds continued on page 7

classifieds

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page 7 tuesday 4.21.2009

thebattalion

Classifieds continued from page 6

HELP WANTED

Tutors wanted for all subjects currently taught at TAMU/ Blinn and Sam Houston State starting at $7/hour.

Apply on-line @ www.99Tutors.com, 979-255-3655.

Up and coming marketing company looking for more PT/FT employees. No experience necessary.

GREAT PAY! Informational Wednesday night and Pizza Buffet is on us!

Email: Hulkinc15@yahoo.com Upscale apartment community seeking leasing consultant, no experience necessary, positive attitude with exceptional people skills required.

Fax resume to 888-822-8688

MUSIC Party Block Mobile DJ- Peter Block, professional 22yrs experience. Specializing in Weddings, TAMU functions, lights/smoke. Mobile to anywhere. Book early!! 693-6294. http://www.partyblockdj.com

PETS Pocket Puppies: Maltese, Shorkies, Maltipoos, Yorkies. $500 &up 979-324-2866, linda_d_54@yahoo.com Adopt Pets: Dogs, Cats, Puppies, Kittens, Many purebreds. Brazos Animal Shelter, 979-775-5755, www.brazosanimalshelter.org AKC German Shepherd puppies, 9-weeks, 1-male, 1-female. $500.00 o.b.o. 979-777-4601. da62slow@yahoo.com Rivers Edge Dog Academy. Announcing our next class starting soon, spaces limited call for details.

979-595-959. cadle6@verizon.net

REAL ESTATE BUYING A CONDO- Condo buyers guide.

Call for your copy 1-800-359-0327 enter 1123.

Fox Run, 2/2. Gated community, great amenities, must see! $122K. 936-291-7552. Online at texasrealestatecompany.com

ROOMMATES 2 Roommates needed. Available beginning of April& August ‘09.

Beautiful spacious house in Southern Trace. 4/4 w/Backyard. Pets ok, W/D. $400/mo. +split bills. Amber, 832-860-0347 2-rooms available. $400/room on Langford Street. Wireless internet.

Call 936-662-7604.

Female roomate for 3/3, w/d, close to campus, $425/month, +1/3bills.

361-437-9431.

Female roommate needed 3/3 Waterwood Townhome beginning June 1. Completely furnished except for bedroom. $575 includes utilities and high-speed internet service.

W/D in unit.

Call 830-997-8587 or e-mail lola@beecreek.net for information.

Female roommates needed. Gateway Villas.

Fully furnished.

281-960-4278.

Room Available in a house close to campus, half mile from St. Mary’s Catholic Student center, summer lease is okay, $300 +utilities.

979-39-3371.

Roommate needed immediately for Summer ‘09, 3/2 duplex, very nice, $250/mo +1/3 of bills, call 254-744-2243

SERVICES College Station Lawn Care. Mow, Trim, Edge. 979-571-0363. www.CSLawn.com

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.

WANTED Volunteers needed at local elementary school. 281-460-1156.

FILE PHOTO

Candles are passed out during Roll Call and symbolize the Aggies that have recently passed away

Aggie Muster’s rich history spans 173 years of tradition Melissa Appel The Battalion One-hundred and seventy three years ago, the Republic of Texas Army under Gen. Sam Houston overtook the Mexican Army under Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna in 18 minutes, winning independence for the new country.

Today, Aggies celebrate the landmark and commemorate their unity in the Aggie Family with Aggie Muster.

Aggie Muster began in 1883, when cadets from the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas came together to remember their time in college. The field day events, which soon sprouted into an annual tradition, were originally set in June. In 1889, however, the day merged with San Jacinto Day as a mark of the Texas history behind the University.

Also in 1883, the program of events included a roll call for each Aggie present. Today, the Roll Call for the Absent is the centerpiece of Aggie Muster, which celebrates the Aggie Spirit in solemn remembrance of those lost.

“Being involved in Muster has really shown me the resilience and depth of the Aggie Spirit,” said Katharine Taylor, Muster Committee programs sub-chairwoman. “I have always heard stories about the lengths the Aggie Family will go to on behalf of a fellow Aggie, but through my involvement with Muster, I have discovered that Muster is such a length, a powerful one in which every single Aggie takes a part, because every single Aggie is honored.”

Since its humble beginnings in the late 1800s, Muster has evolved to include many traditions.

Field day events dominated the day’s schedule at the beginning of its history. As a mark of the Texas history behind it, the day included a reenactment of the Battle of San Jacinto. Cadets acting as the Mexican Army did not appreciate losing, however, and failed to properly re-enact the battle. In 1897, they were asked not to return to participate in the re-enactment.

The day’s activities were almost halted when, in 1903, President David Houston suggested canceling the event. About 300 cadets marched to the president’s house, inspiring him to recon-

Tuesday’s events Reflections display in the MSC Flagroom.

Class of 1959 reunion barbeque. Open to current and former students.

■ Muster and Roll Call in Reed Arena.

■ ■

sider his proposal. The event continued in Aggie history and become a staple in Aggie lore and tradition.

“There is no doubt that Muster is my favorite tradition. Being a third-generation Aggie, I have grown to respect this tradition more and more over the years,” said Christine Fisher, a senior nutritional science major. “Through personal loss and that of others, I have realized what an honor it is to be a part of such an amazing tradition — one that respects the lives of not only love ones but of people whom we will never meet.”

Tuesday begins with a reunion of the 50th anniversary class at the Camaraderie Barbeque.

Current and former students can interact and share stories of time in Aggieland.

Tuesday evening, Aggies will gather at Reed Arena for Muster. This year, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates will address the attendees.

During the Roll Call for the Absent, each name is read while someone answers for them and a candle is lit.

“My favorite part of the ceremony is the moment between the reading of the final name on the Roll Call for the Absent and the extinguishing of the candles because, in this moment, when you look down at the floor of Reed Arena, every single lighted candle has combined to create one formation,” Taylor said. “I will always consider this sight to be the overwhelming proof of the power of the spirit of the Aggie family.”

Muster has evolved much in 173 years since its inception.

“Aggie Muster started out as a field day and has been celebrated in many places like the lawn of the MSC, G. Rollie White and the Administration Building,” Bentley said. “But beyond the location, setting, ceremony, it still defines the Aggie Spirit. By keeping the tradition alive, we create Aggie history.”

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page 8 tuesday 4.21.2009

thebattalion

Hosts provide assistance to families during Muster Melissa Appel The Battalion The Aggie Spirit is manifested in Muster Hosts, who share the spirit of the 12th Man with families who have lost loved ones during the previous year.

The tradition of Muster can trace its lineage to 1883, when Aggie Cadets gathered together to celebrate college days. As time has progressed through Aggie history, the traditions of Muster have evolved.

Muster Hosts became a part of that tradition in 1995. Hosts were originally considered greeters for Muster night. In 1998, the hosts grew to include an application process, and their role became cemented in the Muster tradition.

Muster Hosts are selected through a combination application and interview process.

“The qualities that are sought out for hosts include a great passion for Muster and a desire to serve others,” said Emily Oliver, a junior communication major and Host Coordinator in Muster Committee. “They want to support the Aggie family and have a respect for the overall tradition of Muster. They have integrity and character.”

One of the duties of a host is to prepare the student body and Bryan-College Station area for Muster. Each host works shifts at Muster tables around campus during the week before Muster.

“Leading up to the ceremony, Muster Hosts aid the Aggie Muster Committee in forming an accessible and informed body of students who create awareness throughout both the campus and the Bryan-College Station community about Muster-related activities on April 21,” said Katharine Taylor, a junior political science major and Muster Committee Programs sub-chairwoman.

On the day of Muster the roles of a host increases. Hosts can be seen working at the Camaraderie Barbeque, where they interact with students and members of the 50th anniversary class.

Hosts answer questions and facilitate for the Reflections Display in the Memorial Student Center Complex Flagroom on Monday and Tuesday.

Before the Muster ceremony, each host is paired with an honored family. The host stays with the family until the ceremony and escorts them to their seats in Reed Arena. After the ceremony, hosts meet again with their families and escort them to a reception.

The interaction with the families is considered to be one of the greatest honors and blessings for the hosts during the process. The relationship that forms during the few hours they meet on April 21 can often carry far beyond.

“Hosts have the great opportunity of having a family that they get to know before the Muster ceremony as well as visit with after the ceremony,” Oliver said. “Beyond Muster, the hosts have the chance of remaining in contact with their host family. It’s extremely encouraging to hear of hosts who have kept up with their host family.”

Hosts act as ambassadors from the Aggie Muster Committee and the University as they accompany the families throughout the evening.

“The needs of every honored family are different, so a Muster Host may act as a friend, liaison, comforter or listener,” Taylor said. “Muster Hosts provide each honored family proof of the Aggie Family, by representing the deep love and commitment felt by the student body and Aggie community for the every name on the Roll Call for the Absent.”

The experience will differ for each host, but all walk away with a respect for the Aggie Spirit.

“I have seen the Aggie spirit at its finest,” Oliver said. “I have seen selfless service. I have witnessed love for such an incredible tradition and love for a school that honors and remembers all of its students. I have learned to appreciate what little time I have here and giving back is so much more rewarding than receiving.”

Jose Arredondo — THE BATTALION

Students serving as Muster Hosts for the annual Aggie Muster Ceremony attend rehearsal Wednesday at Reed Arena. The hosts were briefed on their various responsibilities and information they need to lead the families and guests throughout the night.

Professor to lecture on sunken ship, nautical archaeology Jill Beathard The Battalion Former nautical archaeology professor Fred Hocker and his peer, Olof Pipping, will deliver a lecture about the Vasa, a Swedish warship sunk in 1620 and raised from the sea in 1961.

“The water was pumped out of the hull and they took it to a dry dock and now it is a museum,” said Filipe Castro, professor of nautical archaeology in Hocker’s former position.

The museum was built to house the Vasa and was inaugurated in 1990, according to the museum’s Web site. It is the only 17th century ship in the world still intact.

“Last year it brought in $1 billion in tourism revenue for Sweden,” Castro said. “That shows not only how interesting and important the cultural heritage is, it’s important to us to understand who we are and where we came from, but it is also of economic importance.”

Hocker will discuss what kind of ship the Vasa was, how it sailed and the theories about how the ship sunk. Hocker is teaching and working at the Vasa museum in Sweden. It has been concluded that the ship did not sink because of a weak structure, but for other reasons.

The nautical archaeology program at A&M

Where to hear: Hocker and Pipping will present 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday in Room 204 of Evans Library. studies shipwrecks and offers a course on the rigging of ships. Hocker was invited to give this practical lecture on the Vasa and how it was operated in place of a normal class lecture.

“It’s going to be a lot more fun,” Castro said.

The program was started in 1976. Its ShipLAB is the leading laboratory for the excavation and conservation of sunken vessels in the world.

Aggie archaeologists have excavated and reconstructed ships in countries around the world, and some are currently in Istanbul, Turkey studying eight sunken Byzantine ships.

“I don’t mean to brag, [but] this is the coolest program in the entire University,” Castro said.

“Each one of these shipwrecks always tells a story that’s related to the history of humanity. They carry lots of people, cargo. They all had hopes and dreams and fears. It makes it always very interesting to study shipwrecks.”

They are preserving a vessel that a Frenchman in the late 1700s sailed, trying to lay claim to the mouth of the Mississippi River. Their work will be housed in a museum in Austin.

voices thebattalion 4.21.2009 page9

Man v. talker

Flocking away from faith Vineet Tiruvadi

The 21st century witnesses an increased trust in science as faith in religion falters.

S

James Cavin — THE BATTALION

James Cavin

It is much harder to enjoy Bear Grylls when there is an annoying voice in the background

I

n this time of sectarian violence and division, there’s one fundamental religious belief we can all agree on, regardless of background: There is a special circle of Hell reserved for people who talk during your favorite TV show. No one’s really sure, but I believe it involves electrified flaming spikes and a cell phone jammer the size of Wisconsin. (“Can you hear me n-AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!”)

I wasn’t always a believer in TVtalkers’ Hell. My conversion experience took place just a few weeks ago on the couch in front of my television (most of my conversion experiences happen here – I am now an acolyte in the church of ShamWow). There I was, taking a small

break from my strenuous daily exercise regimen, and all I wanted to do was watch a five-hour “Man vs. Wild” marathon. Well, I could only get in a meager two hours and 45 minutes before the TV talker showed up.

For the sake of anonymity, we’ll refer to this person as “Anonymous person who is definitely not a friend of my roommate’s and hopefully won’t be reading this.” You know this person: the parts of their brain that handle sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch all seem to have been accidentally cross-wired with the part of their brain that controls talking about everything that happened to them in the last 24 hours in biographical detail. Stimulating any of these senses will result in minute-by-minute descriptions of, “The strange mole I found when I was taking a shower this morning that I’m worried may actually be a wart and incidentally this story reminds me that I need to buy more soap and while I’m at the store I should probably pick up some more feminine hygiene products...”

Now I’m as big a fan of strange dermatological issues as the next guy, but when I’m watching “Man vs. Wild,” I have a certain hierarchy of priorities. It goes a little something like this: 1. Watching Bear Grylls kill, skin and eat

a wild badger with nothing but his teeth.

2. Scratching myself.

3. Skinny-dipping in a tank full of piranhas and candirus.

4. Hearing about your disgusting personal issues and for the record, I don’t even know who Tiffany is, so your unresolved drama means nothing to me.

So it’s not that I don’t care, it’s just that there are a couple of things that take priority. Now, never let it be said that I resent communication, so in the interest of our friendship, I have compiled a list of things acceptable for a TV talker to say while I’m watching “Man vs. Wild:” 1. Wow. 2. I can’t believe he just ate that.

3. Someday, I hope to be awesome enough to eat a live raccoon.

4. I, anonymous person who is definitely not a friend of my roommate’s and hopefully won’t be reading this, do solemnly swear to never mention feminine hygiene products in your presence again as long as I live.

Some of you may say, this is selfish of me. I’m sorry; I couldn’t hear you over the horrendous noise of what I was trying to do.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, this guy is about to eat a live boa constrictor.

ad news everyone: Lucifer is winning. Well, that’s just one explanation. The other may be that many Americans are just getting sick of sectarian bickering and dogma, turning away from organized religion and instead toward an optimistic humanism that accurately reflects 21st century hopes. Or, again, Lucifer might be winning. It’s your call.

The American Religious Identification Survey from Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., indicates that over the last 20 years the percentage of people who identify themselves as Christian has dropped from 86 percent to 75 percent. One in four people you meet is not a Christian. Maybe not in College Station, but you get the picture.

Glances at other religions quickly reveal a parallel trend.

Christianity isn’t losing out to any other brands, which begs the question: Where is everyone going?

As it turns out, an increasing number of people are shedding their faith and becoming what some call religiously unaffiliated or, in more colloquial terms, heathens. The rise of those who don’t identify themselves with a religion is the only nationwide trend seen in the survey, which begs looking in to.

While it still may warrant social pariah status in certain regions of America, emancipation from religion is increasingly being seen as socially acceptable, in every state. Atheism has a rocky past, often being chastised to extremes. The atheist brand was often thrown around as a political weapon, meant to call into question the character of those that came under the label’s unfortunate stigma.

As time went on and pesky scientists were dealt with, the inevitable transition of atheism from the dark arts to an acceptable religious identity accelerated. What we’re seeing now is the natural extension of the spirit that started the science ball rolling centuries ago. Sure, we still see attempts at demonizing atheism within the political realm but within the branches of society that are seeking to better the human condition, atheism is becoming a refreshing and positive acceptance of the responsibilities and opportunities open to us in our shiny new millennium. Not here though. I still think it’s icky.

Obviously, to many others, this trend is a little less icky than it is alarming. A critical look into why this shift is occurring, however, can reveal the causes. The religious ideology of the last twenty years has moved from a positive attitude toward the world to a negative one. Religion is often associated with vehement opposition to stem cell research, classroom science lessons, individuals exercising their rights and sexual scandals while those that don’t believe are seen as intellectual elitists.

The most espoused American religion, Christianity, would understandably take a hit from negative press.

Still, 75 percent is still a solid majority and, in the big picture, those 13 percent who jumped ship were probably going to Hell anyways. The good news is, neatly packaged, commercialized religion is on a meteoric rise. Mega churches have seen a drastic increase in membership, leading to the indoctrination of 8 million Americans; a victory if I’ve ever seen one.

Stay strong College Station, all this means is we can all sleep comfortably knowing we will all have a little more breathing space up in heaven.

James Cavin is a senior English major.

Vineet Tiruvadi is a senior biomedical engineering major

Liberal arts, conservative budget Christen Beck

When it comes to the College of Liberal Arts’ budget, the math doesn’t add up.

N

ine years ago former A&M President Ray Bowen presented the Vision 2020, a plan centered around the goal of achieving a Top 10 public university ranking. Since then, A&M has undergone dramatic changes in the effort to meet this goal. Many of our University’s technical science programs currently rank higher than other American research-oriented universities.

However, A&M’s liberal arts program has been left in the shadow of its sister depart-

ments, science and engineering.

If President Elsa Murano and the current administration plan to strengthen the liberal arts program as Vision 2020 mandates and reach Top 10 status, they had better focus on creating a more innovative atmosphere that attracts competitive high-school seniors and scholars interested in nonscience related fields. If ranking is all that matters to create change, take note: A&M will never hold a seat beside Texas or University of California Berkeley without equally strengthening every department and creating a well-rounded curriculum for all studies.

While the engineering and science departments reside in their shining, newly constructed edifices, the English department inhabits the decrepit Blocker. It’s a place that is reminiscent of the Richard Nixon era and needs a face lift desperately. The rest of the liberal arts buildings, excluding the George H.W. Bush monument to political science, live in similarly ancient structures.

While some Aggies are required to take one or two composition classes during their four

years at A&M, many students test out of core liberal arts classes in their freshman year and graduate without faintly realizing the importance of writing.

Students majoring or enrolled in a liberal arts curriculum sit in classes of 30 to 40, listening to the professor lecture. Pupils would benefit more in smaller classes, where they would be under more pressure to participate rather than “Facebook” on their laptops in impersonal lecture halls.

Considering the amount of hours an Aggie takes each semester to receive their diploma, the idea of requiring yet more courses unrelated to their major may appear ludicrous. This premise is a legitimate argument. Why should science

students spend their hard earned money to understand Hemmingway, Voltaire or sociological theories when they could be taking additional Statistic courses and gaining experience for the workforce?

Learning about English, philosophy, history, politics and other liberal arts majors isn’t about hookah stations and poetry sessions. These studies provide priceless skills many students lack, the ability to create, to analyze and to think holistically. In the sciences, the constant regurgitation of information leaves little time for the students to think abstractly.

Albert Einstein, an avid scholar of both arts and sciences, famously said, “The value of an education in a liberal arts college is not the learning of many facts but the training of the mind to think something that cannot be learned from textbooks.”

Are Aggies being taught to place more value on knowledge, or imagination?

Christen Beck is a junior political science major.

Evan Andrews — THE BATTALION

page 10 tuesday 4.21.2009

news thebattalion

Stephen Fogg — THE BATTALION

Freshman electrical engineering major Naohiro Matsumura studies the Holocaust Memorial Boxcar, Monday in the MSC. The Boxcar is a part of the Holocaust Memorial Week.

Jewish organization recalls dark days of the Holocaust Rebekah Skelton The Battalion Like Muster, the names of the deceased will be read aloud. But these names are attached to the victims of one of the greatest human tragedies in the history of mankind.

This week Texas A&M is paying homage to the lives that were taken during the Holocaust with Holocaust Remembrance Week.

Texas A&M Hillel, a Jewish organization, educates others about the Jewish religion. They organized Holocaust Remembrance Week to coincide with the U.S. National Holocaust Remembrance Day and Aggie Muster — both Tuesday.

“I think it is very important for students to participate in Holocaust Remembrance Week because this was a devastating period of time in which 6 million Jewish people and others were persecuted and massacred just because of their nationality or belief system,” said A&M Hillel’s President Mindy Prengler, a junior psychology major. “These were men, women, children, husbands, wives, sons and daughters, normal people that had their lives persecuted for no reason. We must always remember and never forget.”

Events started Monday with the reading of names of Holocaust Victims in Rudder Plaza.

There will be a boxcar replica display at the entrance of the Memorial Student Center for the remainder of the week.

“The boxcar symbolizes the peoples’ departure to the concentration camps and walking into the boxcar people were separated from their family

Holocaust Week events Wednesday “The Boy in the Striped Pants” showing, 7 p.m. in MSC 206 Thursday Holocaust concentration camp liberator W.T. Epperson will speak about his experience in the U.S. Army during World War II, 7 p.m. in MSC 206 Friday Memorial service for the Holocaust victims, 7 p.m. at 800 George Bush Drive and friends to an unknown place,” Prengler said. “[The events] bring the realities of the Holocaust to campus to educate students and faculty, so that we can all ensure that the tragedy of genocide never happens again to any people of any origin,” Dorshaw said.

“As Aggies we should all appreciate and tolerate one another’s backgrounds since we are a diverse campus,” Prengler said.

Holocaust Remembrance Week is sponsored by the Campus Ministry Association along with Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity, Aggie Jewish Women, the Office of the Dean of Faculties and Multicultural Services. TAMU Hillel, the Office of the Dean of Faculties and Multicultural Services covered 100 percent of the costs associated with Holocaust Remembrance Week.