thebattalion ● monday,
april 27, 2009
“
● serving
texas a&m since 1893
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2009 student media
One of the main reasons why Ben was chosen — he will never say it, but I will — is humility. To be humble is one of his greatest aspects and it is absolutely required for the job.
”
— John Busch, sophomore accounting major and former mascot corporal
Natasha Sankovich — THE BATTALION
Dog’s new best friend Ben Coffman replaces John Busch as mascot corporal By Katy Ralston | The Battalion
T
he cadet who has the privilege of being Reveille XIII’s handler changed on April 17 when Ben Coffman, a freshman general studies major, became the newest mascot corporal.
Economic activist speaks to campuses
Each year, a freshman is chosen to be the first lady of Aggieland’s primary caregiver for the next year. As mascot corporal, they are responsible for housing Reveille in their dorm room, accompanying her to events, escorting her to class and keeping the tradition alive. The 2008-2009 mascot corporal John Busch, a sophomore accounting major, said he had the opportunity to be a part of a unique tradition of Reveille that’s a defining aspect of Texas A&M.
“It’s a living tradition; something you can actually touch and see,” Busch said. “As opposed to that oneton cow over in Austin, you can actually cuddle up with this.” The mascot corporal comes from the E-2 Company of the Corps of Cadets, more commonly known as the Mascot Company Rebels. As freshmen, cadets are required to learn the history behind A&M’s furriest
Campaign trail
■ John Ikerd, father of
sustainable capitalism, comes to A&M Michael Allen The Battalion John Ikerd, an agricultural economist considered by some to be the father of sustainable capitalism, will give a speech at Texas A&M today on his views on the American economy, its agricultural system and the problems that are possibly to come. Ikerd has a history as an activist and renowned academic professor of agriculture. He has been published in more than 100 publications and was formerly president of the Southern Sustainability Conference. Ikerd’s speech will be from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Rudder 601 and is being put on by the Collegiate Association for Social Entrepreneurship, Texas Environmental Action Coalition, Aggie Community Garden, the Department of Multicultural Services, radio station KEOS and the Texas A&M Sustainability Council. “After working throughout different universities over the country, I noticed that we are functioning in a society driven by self-interest, and [have] forgotten the focus on the greater good,” Ikerd said. Ikerd said he believes in a free market economy, but it “needs to function with bounds of ethics and social beliefs, as well as stewardship of goods.” Ikerd also said the American economy should focus on See Ikerd on page 2
Pg. 1-04.27.09.indd 1
Stephen Fogg — THE BATTALION
Texan author, musician and past and future gubernatorial hopeful Kinky Friedman visited Texas Avenue Cigars Friday night. Friedman mingled with supporters, promoted his line of cigars and discussed his coming campaign for Texas Governor in the 2010 elections.
Sports McGee and Goodson go in NFL Draft
Former Texas A&M quarterback Stephen McGee and running back Mike Goodson were drafted during the second day of the NFL Draft. They were taken in the fourth round with McGee going to the Dallas Cowboys. ■ 5
See Corporal on page 8
Voting for City Council begins today Early voting for two College Station City Council members facing re-election begins today, and the election day is on May 9. Lynn McIlhaney and Dave Ruesink are each seeking to stay on the council, with McIlhaney campaigning for Place 4 and Ruesink for Place 6. Douglas Cummings, a local manager for Federal Express, and KatyMarie Lyles, the director of college ministries at A&M Methodist Church, are challenging McIlhaney. Two Texas A&M students are opposing Ruesink: Cliffton Eggers, a senior engineering technology major, and Chandler Salome, a senior mechanical engineering major. Early voting continues through May 5. Live election night coverage will be broadcast on College Station’s access channel 19. The two early voting locations are the College Station City Hall and College Station School District Administration Building To vote by mail, residents must contact the early voting clerk to request an application or download one online at http://www. sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/ reqabbm.shtml. Matt Woolbright
4/26/09 11:55:29 PM
Reading success is a phone call away.
Today High: 90 Low: 61
CALL NOW!
979-846-4988
1105 University Drive East, Ste. 104 College Station, TX 77840 sylvanbcs@aol.com
Double your efective reading rate in only 12 hours.
Mostly sunny
$260.00 ( a 50% discount) June 22-30, 2009
pagetwo thebattalion 4.27.2009
With Sylvan Advanced Reading, you will read better, faster and best of all, happier.
• Master the strategic reading skills that are
guaranteed to increase speed and improve
• comprehension.
Improve the ability to manage the increased
• workloads of high school and beyond.
Our highly personalized approach builds the skills, habits and attitudes needed to become a successful student in high school and beyond.
inside thebattalion
WORD KNOWLEDGE, VOCABULARY, COMPREHENSION, CRITICAL READING, FLUENCY AND MORE!
Pumping an education
nicole alvarado editor in chief HOMETOWN: Houston EDUCATION/ CAREER TRACK: Senior communication major SOMETHING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME: I will eat any type of cookie put in front of me. IF I HAD TWO SPARE HOURS, I WOULD: Sleep. WHAT DO I WANT TO DO WITH MY LIFE: I’d like to visit every contintent — even Antarctica — once.
corrections
Are you ready for the August MCAT? Our Course Offers: 105 Hours of Prep 17 Online Practice Exams Subject-Specific Expert Instructors Courses Start May 27th Monday - Thursday 4-6:30pm Monday - Thursday 7-9:30pm
Seats are limited... Enroll today! 800-2Review | www.PrincetonReview.com Prep Once, Prep Right, Prep with Us!
thebattalion THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE
OF
TEXAS A&M
SINCE
1893
Nicole Alvarado, Editor in Chief Mindy Rife, City Editor Teri Ruland, Enterprise Editor Amanda Casanova, Lifestyles Editor Brad Cox, Sports Editor
Kenny Ryan, Opinion Editor Sarah Linebaugh, New Media Editor Tiffany Tran, Graphics Editor Jon Eilts, Chief Photographer
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 032 Memorial Student Center. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3313; Fax: 979-845-2647; E-mail: metro@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising, call 979-845-2696. For classiďŹ ed advertising, call 979-8450569. Advertising ofďŹ ces are in 032 Memorial Student Center, and ofďŹ ce hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fax: 979-845-2678. Subscriptions: A part of the Student Services Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1. Mail subscriptions are $125 per school year. To charge by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, call 979845-2613.
PIANO BAR WITH RUSSEL BOYD YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!
SAT. MAY 2ND
2PM-6PM
If you are interested in writing or contributing content in The Battalion apply online at thebatt. com, or come by MSC 032, 845-3313.
Patrick Clayton — THE BATTALION
Senior engineering technology major Jason Gardner installs a flow meter on an educational pump trainer at the new DXP Pump Laboratory at Thompson Hall. The laboratory will be used for both undergraduate and continuing education within the industry.
Hampton University shooting hurts three HAMPTON, Va. — A former Hampton University student armed with three guns followed a pizza delivery man into the student’s former dorm early Sunday, shot the delivery man and a dorm monitor, then turned the gun on himself, university officials said. All three survived. No current students were injured and both victims and the alleged shooter were expected to recover. Officials could offer no motive for the shooting. Hampton President William R. Harvey, who said he arrived within 15 minutes of the shooting, told a news conference the campus shooting could have been much worse. “I think we are very, very fortunate. This could have been another — you fill in the blank,� Harvey said. The 18-year-old former student, who is from New York City, apparently parked his car off campus to avoid a vehicle checkpoint at Hampton’s main gate, then followed the pizza delivery man on foot and inside a freshman dormitory, Harkness Hall. Once inside, he shot the pizza man and entered the monitor’s office and fired three shots at him, then shot himself,
RATES STA:RT AT ONLY
Hampton University Police Chief Leroy Crosby said. Crosby said he didn’t know what prompted the shooting. The monitor, who suffered two gunshot wounds in his arms and a third in the leg, has been released from the hospital, Harvey said. “He feels, as I do, that he was extremely lucky and blessed,� Harvey said of the monitor. The other two, including the alleged shooter, were in stable condition. The shooting victims are 62 and 43. The university did not release their names. Hampton police are leading the investigation and requested that details be withheld at the news conference, Crosby said. Hampton officials said the first alert was issued at 2 a.m. They defended the timing of the alerts but Harvey said: “We’ll go over every aspect of this.� Hampton University is a private school in southeastern Virginia with about 5,700 students. It was founded in 1868 during Reconstruction to educate black leaders for the newly freed slaves. Associated Press
Ikerd Continued from page 1
other means of energy, as well as work on making trade a more “classical, free market,� because there is too much corruption and dominating traders in the system now. The agricultural makeup of the economy should focus more on the production of local farmers. “[It] is not in a world where convenience takes precedence over things, because this is essentially ripping us off, so large companies profit,� said John Betik, a junior sub-biology major and representative from the Sustainability Council. Betik also stressed how the speech is a must-see for students, especially because of the ties A&M has with agriculture, as well as the current economy. Andrew Pittz, senior sociology major and lead coordinator for the event, explained how Ikerd’s speech will focus on the intersecting circles of social, economic and environmental issues, and how they all interlock and work together. “Economics is more then money; it’s environment, wellbeing and the quality of life,� Pittz said. “This goes back to Adam Smith and Thomas Paine, much of where Dr. Ik-
erd gets his ideas from.� Ikerd said his speech will include ideas and theories about fossil fuels and a search for alternative energy sources. He will also talk about global climate changes, while focusing on the agricultural structure of what would make our ecosystem more compatible and sustainable. “We have created economic illusions during the ‘90s because we couldn’t create actual economic growth,� Ikerd said. “We also have a financial house of cards because people can’t pay their money and loans back. This proves our ecosystem is unstable and not sustainable.� Ikerd’s standpoint challenges the ideas of business cooperations with the idea of local growth to eliminate the possibilities of inflation and unfair trade, as well as using different means of energy. Betik said the speech will be important to students because it will help them see how everything is affecting the economy and ecosystem. “Ikerd is a world-renowned speaker and activist who is graciously granting us his time,� Betik said. “He isn’t just a blogger or someone with random ideas; he is someone who has been internationally recognized with his ideas and publications, and is giving us his time.�
$465 “Look & Lease� & get $300 plus all fees waived!
? Y V N E L O PO
Pg. 2-04.27.09(new).indd 1
UĂŠUĂŠUĂŠ ÂœÂ“ÂŤiĂŒÂˆĂŒÂˆĂ›iĂŠ->˜`ĂŠ6ÂœÂ?Â?iĂžL>Â?Â?ĂŠ ÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŒ UĂŠUĂŠUĂŠ-ÂœÂœĂŒÂ…ÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ,iĂƒÂœĂ€ĂŒĂŠ*œœÂ?ĂŠĂœĂ‰,>ˆ˜ˆ˜}ĂŠ >L>˜> UĂŠUĂŠUĂŠ+Ă•ÂˆiĂŒĂŠ-ĂŒĂ•`ÞÊ ÂœĂ•Â˜}iĂƒĂŠEĂŠ ÂœÂ“ÂŤĂ•ĂŒiÀÊ >L UĂŠUĂŠUĂŠĂ“{‡ ÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠÂş iĂŒĂŠ ÂˆĂŒÂťĂŠ ĂžÂ“ĂŠĂœĂ‰ Ă€iiĂŠ7iˆ}Â…ĂŒĂƒ UĂŠUĂŠUĂŠ/ĂœÂœĂŠ9i>À‡,ÂœĂ•Â˜`ĂŠ/>˜˜ˆ˜}ĂŠ >VˆÂ?ÂˆĂŒÂˆiĂƒ UĂŠUĂŠUĂŠ Ă•Â?Â?‡-ÂˆĂ˘iĂŠ7>ĂƒÂ…iÀÉ ÀÞiĂ€I UĂŠUĂŠUĂŠ Ă•Â?Â?ÞÊ Ă•Ă€Â˜ÂˆĂƒÂ…i` UĂŠUĂŠUĂŠ , ĂŠ >LÂ?i]ĂŠ Â˜ĂŒiĂ€Â˜iĂŒĂŠEĂŠ7>ĂŒiĂ€ UĂŠUĂŠUĂŠ/iĂ?>ĂƒĂŠ E ĂŠEĂŠ Â?ÂˆÂ˜Â˜ĂŠ-Â…Ă•ĂŒĂŒÂ?iĂŠ Ă•ĂƒĂŠ,ÂœĂ•ĂŒiĂƒ +2//(0$1 '5 : & 2 / / ( * ( 6 7$7 , 2 1 7 ;
979:485:0516 0 ) 30 _ 6DW 30 _ 6XQ 30
W W W. Z O N E A T C S . C O M thezone@jpi.com
I Â˜ĂŠĂƒiÂ?iVĂŒĂŠÂ…ÂœÂ“iĂƒÂ°ĂŠ “iÂ˜ÂˆĂŒÂˆiĂƒ]ĂŠĂ€>ĂŒiĂƒĂŠEĂŠĂƒÂŤiVˆ>Â?ĂƒĂŠĂƒĂ•LÂ?iVĂŒĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠVÂ…>˜}i°
p
The Battalion welcomes readers’ comments about published information that may require correction. We will pursue your concern to determine whether a correction needs to be published. Please e-mail at editor@thebatt.com.
4/26/09 11:52:56 PM
scene thebattalion 4.27.2009 page3
Last dance MSC has final Ring Dance before renovations Megan Ryan The Battalion The first Ring Dance took place in a mess hall 73 years ago. Eventually the annual tradition was moved to the Memorial Student Center. Because of the upcoming renovations, the Ring Dance Saturday for the Class of 2009 was the last one in the original MSC. “I think it is really sad this being the last Ring Dance in the MSC, especially because my Ring Dance will have to be somewhere else,” said Lauren Lognion, sophomore recreation parks and tourism science major and Ring Dance co-director. Lognion’s co-director, Nelia DuChamp, is a senior this year and considers it an honor to be in the last class to have their dance in the untransformed MSC. “As a member of Class Council for the past four years, I have been involved with the planning and implementation of Ring Dance,” said Duchamp, senior communication major. “Throughout my college career I have awaited the 2009 Ring Dance. I feel that the Class of 2009 Ring Dance will be a great part of MSC tradition here at Texas A&M.” As in years before, the MSC and Rudder Tower had to be reserved 10 years in advance. “Today Ring Dance is held on a much larger scale than when it began,” DuChamp said. “Each year, the MSC and Rudder Tower are transformed by fabulous decorations, food, a casino, live bands and all of your college friends in one place at one time.” Lognion said the Ring Dance is a great way to unite the members of each class at the end of their college experience. “I love the way Ring Dance brings the senior class together,” she said. “Over the four years
Aggies meet many new people, it is nice to bring them all back together for a huge celebration before they go off into the real world.” The dance had two live bands, three DJ’s, a casino, karaoke and food. Prizes were raffled off at the end of the night including a Benjamin Knox print and a diamond from David Gardner’s to be placed in the winner’s Aggie ring. “Overall, Ring Dance is an amazing tradition, and it was neat and weird knowing that it was the last time the event would be held in the current MSC,” said Ashley Temperton, junior construction science major, who attended the dance. “We had so much fun playing in the casino. It was blast.” There were many committee members dedicated to putting Ring Dance together. “The members of our committees have worked extremely hard and the decorations looked great, not to mention all amazing the entertainment we had booked for the night,” Lognion said. The tradition of Ring Dance started in 1936 and much has been done since then to make the tradition the way it is today. “A group of seniors got together and decided that since the Aggie ring was the traditional mark of a student whose days at Texas A&M were coming to a close, it was only appropriate to have a time to celebrate this transition of their lives,” DuChamp said. “With that, they decided to have a formal dance and make the Aggie ring the central theme of the evening.” Changing the location of the Ring Dance is not the only change the tradition has faced over the years. “During World War II, Aggies decided that they would have a dance traditionally in the spring, but they also offered a dance the next
Photos by Jonny Green — THE BATTALION
Seniors dance at the 74th Annual Ring Dance in the MSC Saturday night. Seniors and dates entered the MSC to find it transformed into six different iconic American locations: New York City, Nashville, Miami, New Orleans, Las Vegas and Hollywood. fall in order to allow the returning soldiers a chance to attend their senior Ring Dance,” DuChamp said. However, DuChamp said some things about the tradition have remained the same. “Generations of Aggies have taken their picture within a giant plaster of the ring, and we still do that today,” she said. “Many people have generations of pictures hanging in hallways and homes around the country. As tradition has it, seniors step into the giant ring and they then
turn their ring so that the class year no longer faces them but now faces the world and seals this tradition.” Even with changes in detail, the tradition and meaning of Ring Dance will remain the same — to bring Aggies together. “There is no way to express the way this University and the Class of 2009 has impacted my life,” Duchamp said. “I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to give back to those who have given me so much.”
Join us at the
beauty bash WHERE:
Texas A&M University Bookstore WHEN:
Monday, April 27, 2009 3pm-5pm
WHY: you’re cutting edge Learn the latest makeup and style tips from mark experts.
you enjoy free swag! Get hooked up with free mark product.
Luv ur eBoutique. 2cute! The makeup rocks! Thx! been selling tons Sure beats working in the mall LOL... I get orders 24/7... I even make $$ while I sleep Sweet! C u tonight at dinner... Ur treat ; )
you like spare cash Learn how to sell on-trend beauty and fashion products.
it pays to be a social beauty makeup & fashion you can buy and sell
Pg. 3-04.27.09.indd 1
TM
go to meetmark.com and become a mark Rep today.
4/26/09 10:01:55 PM
comics/people
page 4 monday 4.27.2009
thebattalion
‘Golden Girls’ star dies at 86 LOS ANGELES — Beatrice Arthur, the tall, deepvoiced actress who considered herself lucky to be discovered by television executives after a long stage career that included a Tony award for the musical “Mame,” died Saturday at age 86. The star of the TV shows “Maude” and “The Golden Girls” died peacefully at her Los Angeles home with her family at her side, family spokesman Dan Watt said. She had cancer, he said, but declined to give details.
www.h ww.hopepregnancy. opepregnancy.org 979-695-9193
Rihanna wants jewelry back
DINING SERVICES
LOS ANGELES — Rihanna is seeking the return of $1.4 million in jewelry she was wearing the night she was allegedly beaten by Chris Brown. Donald Etra, an attorney for the “Umbrella” singer, filed a motion Tuesday asking that Los Angeles police and prosecutors return a pair of earrings and three rings, which were seized as evidence. The jewelry Rihanna was part of the ensemble that Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, was wearing when Brown allegedly beat her while driving home from a preGrammy party. The filing indicates the jewelry was loaned to the singer by four companies, which want the items back. Brown was arrested Feb. 8 and charged with felony assault and making criminal threats.
Meal Plan 101 Today Commons Lobby 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Questions? Get answers about meal plans and dining on campus.
QUESTIONS?
For additional times and locations
‘Obsessed’ tops box office LOS ANGELES — Audiences are in the mood for some fatal attraction action at the box office. Beyonce Knowles and Idris Elba’s “Obsessed” debuted as the top weekend movie with $28.5 million in ticket sales. The movie stars Knowles and Elba as a couple whose ideal marriage is put on the rocks after a psychotic temp played by Ali Larter begins stalking the husband. Zac Efron’s “17 Again” and Channing Tatum’s “Fighting” are neck-and-neck for the No. 2 spot. With Sunday estimates of $11.7 million, “17 Again” had the edge over “Fighting,” which debuted with $11.4 million. The two movies are close enough that rankings could change when final numbers come out Monday. Associated Press
Go online and check out our Ag Special! allsizestoragebcs.com
Courtesy photo
‘17 Again’ mediocre, yet good for family laughs
Special to The Battalion | Megan Clark
A
s I watched the movie theater flood with other women anticipating the newest Zac Efron movie, “17 Again,” I couldn’t help but wonder if it would meet everyone’s expectations. Even after seeing the movie, I am still asking myself that question. “17 Again” revolves around Mike O’ Donnell, a man who gave up his high school dreams of being a collegiate basketball star when his girlfriend told him she was pregnant. Older Mike, played by Matthew Perry, gets a chance to do it all again when a suspicious janitor at his children’s school catches him trying to relive his glory days. Reincarnated as a 17-year-old Efron, Mike — who assumes the alias Mark Gold — analyzes the reasons behind this new opportunity and realizes it is really the lives of his children and wife he is supposed to influence. He had been an inactive dad and an almost-divorced husband, and he comes to terms with the classic lesson of what is most important in life: rekindling relationships with his children and wife. The script, while predictable, is nonetheless enjoyable. It is lighthearted and well-written, but not exactly destined for award nominations. The start of the movie seems to overwhelm itself in the cheesy factor with unsophisticated dialogue, but the storyline picks up as the plot thickens. Toward the middle of the movie, the film begins to bear an odd resemblance to a random combination of “The Kid,” “Freaky Friday” and “The Mask.” The idea of meeting the younger you is, of course, nothing new to the film industry. The use of going through portals that change time and age forces further com-
OfÅce Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
ALLSIZE STORAGE
1429 W. Villa Maria Bryan, TX 77801
979-361-3333
We offer the following: • • • • •
Pg. 4-04.27.09.indd 1
Zac Efron, who plays Mike O’Donnell/ Mark Gold, gets to relive his glory days when he revisits high school in “17 Again.”
Climate & Non Climate Controlled 24 Hour Gate Access Boxes, Moving & Packing Supplies 24 Hour Video Surveillance 24 Hour On-Site Resident Manager
parisons of this movie to others. “17 Again” lacks originality, but the audience can find pleasure in respectable acting, a humorous script and a lesson that everyone could use a refresher course in. When approaching the cast, I tried to separate Efron from the stereotype of his Disney past. I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt and allow him the chance to prove himself a talented actor. Yet casting Efron as the lead still allows the audience to continuously compare the movie with his usual roles. I was, however, impressed by his ability to attach to the father side of his character and the genuine feelings behind Mike’s love for his wife. Efron proves himself a respectable actor beyond the limitations of his “High School Musical” origins. Giving credit to the movie for humor, Thomas Lennon (“Reno 911”) gives an entertaining performance as Ned, Mike’s nerdy best friend. His witty banter and dorky character gives the comic relief to a movie with an intentionally serious subtext. The audience could see reality in his character, who lives vicariously through his comic books and “Lord of the Rings” movies. His new-found romance with the school principal, played by Melora Hardin (“The Office”), entertains the audience through their odd courtship and union based on their passion for Elf-like culture and language. Ned is, by far, the best character in the entire film. The lacking aspect of this movie is found in the depth between Mike and his daughter. The writers prove truth in the bond formed between Mike and his son over bullying and basketball. But it is the daughter, Maggie (Michelle Trachtenberg), who is legitimately questionable. The emotions behind her relationship dilemma seem scripted and lifeless. Her forced acting and lack of personality make the audience question the casting crew. This movie is overall a mediocre and typical film. Despite the guilty pleasure aspect from the female perspective, there is nothing significantly identifiable about this movie versus any other family film in theaters. Still, “17 Again” is a good laugh and worth seeing.
Megan Clark is a sophomore English major.
Reserve your 2010 Aggieland yearbook Your year. Your memories. Your book. The 2010 Aggieland — the 108th Texas A&M University yearbook — will be a 700-page record of the 2009 –2010 school year. Distribution will be during Fall 2010. Cost is $64.90 including shipping and sales tax. Four easy ways to order: as a fee option go to optional services box when you register for fall by credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) go online to http://aggieland.tamu.edu (plus 75¢ fee) phone 979-845-2613 stop by the Student Media office in 032 MSC A Texas A&M tradition since 1895.
4/26/09 10:09:43 PM
sports
Freeman wins individual Big 12 title Texas A&M junior Ashley Freeman birdied the second playoff hole Sunday at the Big 12 Women’s Golf Championship in Lubbock to win the individual tournament title. Freeman, who is the third Aggie to ever win the Big 12 championship, led A&M to a second place finish overall. Freeman
thebattalion 4.27.2009 page5
Tennis teams struggle in Big 12
Softball team splits series against Iowa State
Michael Teague The Battalion The Texas A&M men’s and women’s tennis teams suffered 4-2 semi-final losses Saturday to rival Texas in the Big 12 Championship Tournament. The men’s team fell behind after the Longhorns took the doubles point with two wins. “They are a very good team,” Texas A&M men’s Head Coach Steve Denton told AggieAthletics.com. “We knew the doubles point would be crucial today. We had our shot to win the doubles, but they stepped up and we didn’t.” In singles, Texas A&M sophomore All-American Austin Krajicek took two 6-3 wins for a straight set victory against Ed Corrie of Texas. The Aggies scored another point from sophomore Alexey Grigorov’s win in straight sets against Olivier Sajous. A&M failed to keep the momentum as senior Conor Pollock, sophomore Wil Spencer and Freshman Colin Hoover lost their singles matches. “It was just another close match with Texas,” Denton said. “We were in a couple of the matches in singles. We were up 4-0 in Colin Hoover’s match at No. 6 and couldn’t quite close the door in the second set. That’s the way these close matches go, a few points here and there. They handled it better than we did today and won the game points.” Texas dominated the Aggies in the women’s doubles. Amanda Craddock and Krista Damico of the Longhorns opened the match with an 8-3 win against sophomores Stephanie Frank Davidson and Morgan Frank. Vanja Corovic and Marija Milic then clinched the point for Texas with a 8-5 victory against freshman Janelle Cuthbertson and sophomore Christi Liles. In singles competition, the Longhorns kept the upper hand. Texas’ Caroline Larsson beat Liles, while Sarah Lancaster took down freshman Sheri Olivier. Maggie Mello capped it off for Texas with a win against Cuthbertson in straight sets. “We are not satisfied,” Aggie women’s Head Coach Bobby Kleinecke told AggieAthletics. com. “This was not a match that we came in to play close and lose. We were close, but close isn’t good enough. No matter how you look at it, we can’t be satisfied with that.” In the opening round of the Big 12 Tournament, both teams cruised to 4-1 victories. The men outplayed Nebraska, winning the doubles and three singles matches. The women advanced against Oklahoma State.
T.D. Durham
Jon Eilts — THE BATTALION
Junior second baseman Brodie Greene fields a chopper in the infield Sunday against Oklahoma State at Olsen Field. Green batted .462 in the three-game series against the Cowboys.
First place Aggies top conference with series win Brad Cox The Battalion Texas A&M needed two home runs and clutch pitching to take sole possession of first place in the Big 12 Sunday. In the deciding game of a series against Oklahoma State, the Aggies won 6-4 to win the series. A&M shared first place with Texas before the game, but the Longhorns tied Kansas State 6-6 to fall to second place. “Things are going our way a little bit,” A&M Head Coach Rob Childress said. “Ever since we came back from [Kansas State] we’ve played the way we’re capable of playing and we can continue to play even better.” A&M improved to 28-15 overall and 13-8 in Big 12 play. There are two conference series remaining in the regular season schedule with a split location series against Texas and a road series at Oklahoma. The Aggies took the lead in the first inning when junior second baseman Brodie Greene was sent home from third base on a balk by Oklahoma State junior starter Tyler Blandford. It was Blandford’s first of two balks in the game. “We’ll take as many balk calls as we can get,” Childress said. “He
wasn’t coming set to a discernable stop and felt like it was the right call. There were other opportunities for them to call that and we got the other one later in the game.” Senior center fielder Kyle Colligan stretched the lead with a two-run home run over the left center field wall in the bottom of the third inning. With the wind pushing out to left field, Colligan’s hit went over the scoreboard. Junior designated hitter Joe Patterson followed with a home run over the center field wall one out later. Sophomore Barret Loux started the game for the Aggies. Loux has had elbow problems during the course of the season and was pulled from the game one out into the third inning. “I didn’t know I was going to be needed this quickly,” said A&M junior reliever Alex Wilson, who replaced Loux on the mound. “I knew for a fact today that I was going to pitch at some point, which helps a little bit, but I had no idea I was going to come in in the third inning.” Wilson pitched five innings, giving up nine hits, four runs and striking out seven.
The Cowboys scored their first run in the sixth inning when senior third baseman Tyrone Hambly scored from third base on a sacrifice fly by freshman designated hitter Jared Womack. A&M answered in the bottom of the sixth thanks to a two-RBI double down the left field line by Greene. “At that point I was trying to get something into the outfield to bring them home,” Greene said. “I battled, kind of got out of myself on the first swing chasing the slider, but I was able to find the hole.” Oklahoma State chipped away at A&M’s lead in the late innings. Sophomore catcher Kevin David hit an RBI single in the seventh inning and Womack hit a two-run home run over the right field wall in the eighth inning. “I’m not really sure how he hit that ball out,” Wilson said. “It was about three or four inches off the ground, so it was just one of those things you shake your head at and move on.” Sophomore closer Nick Fleece started the ninth inning on the mound. He gave up back-to-back singles, but escaped the inning with a strikeout and a double play to end the game.
The Battalion The Texas A&M softball team played its final two home games of the 2009 season during Senior Weekend. On Saturday, the Aggies lost their first game of the series against Iowa State 3-0. Freshman center fielder Kelsea Orsak recorded A&M’s first hit of the game in the bottom of the third inning, but was later caught stealing for the final out of the inning. The Aggies had three more singles in the game, but A&M failed to advance a runner to second base. Freshman pitcher Rebecca Arbino pitched all seven innings, allowing five hits, three runs, striking out four and walking none. “I didn’t like what I saw from us today,” A&M Head Coach Jo Evans said. “We’re trying to make a push in the conference standings and then we came out and let one get away.” The Aggies played with a different approach in the Sunday game, run-ruling the Cyclones 9-1 in five innings. “It’s great that we played well, but it makes me mad that we weren’t consistent,” Evans said. “For us not to come out yesterday and take care of business was very frustrating.” A&M took an early lead, scoring a run in the bottom of the first inning after sophomore pitcher Rhi Kliesing singled to right field. Defensively, Kliesing had a no-hitter going into the fourth inning. She pitched 4.2 innings, allowed one run, four hits, struck out four, and walked none. Senior pitcher Savannah Lloyd then entered the game with two outs in the top of the fifth inning. Lloyd struck out the final batter with a changeup. “It was such a great moment, one of my favorites here at Texas A&M,” Evans said. “I can’t think of a better way for her to end Senior Day.” Lloyd was one of three A&M seniors honored after the game. She was joined on the field by outfielder Holly Ridley and catcher Erin Glasco. Evans gave three short speeches to commemorate the time spent by each of the players at Texas A&M and thanked a multitude of members of the softball program. The Aggies start a four-game road trip Tuesday with a make-up game against Baylor. A&M will then play in a midweek doubleheader against Kansas on Thursday. “We have the possibility to have great momentum going into the away games,” Evans said. “We need to take it and run with it and our kids need to feel good about their performance.”
Jon Eilts — THE BATTALION
Freshman center fielder Kelsea Orsak lays down a sacrifice bunt against Iowa State on Sunday at the Aggie Softball Complex.
Cowboys dream comes true for McGee David Arno
Doug Klembara — THE BATTALION
Former Texas A&M quarterback Stephen McGee rushes the ball against Army on Sept. 27, 2008, at Kyle Field.
Pg. 5-04.27.09.indd 1
The Battalion The first two rounds of the 2009 NFL Draft in New York City passed without a Texas A&M football player crossing the podium. That changed Sunday when quarterback Stephen McGee and running back Michael Goodson were selected in the fourth round. The Dallas Cowboys selected McGee with the 101st overall pick, first in the fourth round. Playing for the Cowboys was a lifelong dream for McGee, and he said there is nowhere else he’d rather play. “In my mind there are the Dallas Cowboys and 31 other teams,” McGee said. “It’s a dream come true for a Texas kid like me.” McGee will have the opportunity to learn from veterans and established players in Tony Romo and Jon Kitna in Dallas. “Stephen McGee will be a great fit for the Cowboys,” A&M Head Coach Mike Sherman said. “He is very much in tune with what it
means to be a Dallas Cowboy and I am confident he will surpass all expectations.” Some analysts project McGee to be the quarterback to run the Cowboys’ Wildcat offense. In the Wildcat, the quarterback is more of a threat to run the ball as opposed to passing it, but McGee said he plans on being a drop-back quarterback. “I don’t view myself as that good of an athlete,” McGee said. “I think I ran a good 40 time. I see a Wildcat guy as a tailback. The Cowboys guarantee they see me as a future quarterback dropping back and throwing passes.” Draft experts projected McGee to be drafted in the second or third round, so waiting until the fourth round was difficult. McGee said he had left his house out of frustration before Dallas owner Jerry Jones made the call. “At the time, I was pretty frustrated and disappointed,” McGee said. “I had expected to go in the third round. I had always viewed myself being a first round quarterback. There were some things that happened to me in my career
that I couldn’t control, but I’m so excited to be in Dallas.” Goodson went as the 111th overall pick and 11th in the fourth round to the Carolina Panthers, where he will play behind DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. “I can’t wait to get under those guys,” Goodson said. “I think I worked pretty hard in college, and coming in with some guys who I have heard of and know work real hard, I can’t wait to get under their wing and take in everything that they know.” Goodson said that the Panthers coaches told him he will play running back for them, but they talked about the possibility of playing him as a slot receiver. “I plan on being in the backfield, but anywhere they put me, I’m just ready to play,” Goodson said. “I can be a pretty good slot receiver, so wherever they throw me, I’m ready to play.” Texas A&M defensive end Michael Bennett, punter Justin Brantly and full back Jorvorskie Lane went undrafted.
4/26/09 11:10:13 PM
HELP WANTED
TO PLACE
A CLASSIFIED AD: Phone 845-0569 or Fax 845-2678
OFFICE:
BUSINESS HOURS
classifieds
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Insertion deadline: 1 p.m. prior business day
Memorial Student Center, Room 032
SPECIAL
thebattalion 4.27.2009 page6
PRIVATE PARTY WANT ADS
$10 for 20 words running 5 days, if your merchandise is priced $1,000 or less (price must appear in ad). This rate applies only to non-commercial advertisers offering personal possessions for sale. Guaranteed results or you get an additional 5 days at no charge. If item doesn’t sell, advertiser must call before 1 p.m. on the day the ad is scheduled to end to qualify for the 5 additional insertions at no charge. No refunds will be made if your ad is cancelled early.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FOR RENT
FOR RENT
FOR RENT
FOR RENT
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.
2/1 C.S. duplexes. Garage, on shuttle, very nice, tile, fireplace, W/D, fenced, lawn service, pets OK. Available August. 979-255-0424/ 979-255-1585. 2/1 4-plex, great location, W/D conn, ext storage, fenced w/lawn care provided downstairs, balcony upstairs, some have fireplace. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291.
3/2 Near campus. W/D included. Available in August. Call 979-224-1434.
Apartment for rent, sublease for summer. College Main Apartments. Call Trent 618-334-4584. trentpearson@yahoo.com
Newly remodeled 4/2 house. Walking distance to campus, tile &wood floors, great location, nice big deck &yard. 776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com
Need an apartment? Up to $500 Rebate or free move credit! ApartmentGurus.com is a free service! 1-866-933-GURU (4878). Hassle free Apartment Search!
AUTO 1998 Honda Civic, 120K miles, Runs great! $3250.00. 979-268-1509. I buy vehicles, running or not running. 979-778-1121.
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR AG OWNED. Affordable, honest auto repair, a/c service, performance, and customization. No job too small! Mobile service available! Call 979-574-1223. www.gwcustoms.com
FOR RENT $1275, PRE-LEASE, 3, and 4 bdrm houses near TAMU, pets ok. Call Agent Ardi 979-422-5660. $295 1-room in shared, furnished apartment. All bills paid. Short term leases o.k. Call agent Ardi 979-422-5660. $375, AVAILABLE NOW and pre-lease. 1/1, 2/1. Free Wi-Fi, On Northgate, on Shuttle. Short term leases ok. Call agent Ardi. 979-422-5660. $455 1/1 close to campus, internet included, summer sub-lease. 281-635-4389. 1 acre, 5min. to campus, fenced yard, pasture. 4bd/2ba. W/D. $1100/mo. Owner/broker, 979-219-0405. 1-3/bedroom apartments. Some with w/d, some near campus. $175-$600/mo. 979-696-2038. 1/1 Adorable Duplex, wood floors, fenced w/lawn care, carport w/ext storage. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291. 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 1/1 Study Duplex, recently remodeled, faux wood floors, W/D conn, fenced w/lawn care. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291. 1/1 w/study 4-plex, recently remodeled, W/D conn, some have fenced yards, www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291. 1/2-mile campus, on shuttle, 2/1, W/D, water included, ceiling fans, 1102-Welsh. 690-4181 or 219-2683. 2 New Condos! 4/4, W/D, in unit, private bathrooms. Summer only. Rent $240/mo +bonus per room, per person. From fall to spring $295/mo. or $325/mo. 979-574-0040, 281-639-8847. University Place at Southwest Parkway. 2,3&4 bedroom houses w/yards. Great locations for students. Pets welcome. 492-3990. 2-bedroom w/ studies or 3-bedroom. 1.5 baths, fenced, tile, W/D connections, carports, on shuttle, C.S. aggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984. 3- 4 bedrooms, newer homes, close to campus. Homes limited. Call J.C. 254-721-6179. Realtor.
2/1 duplex Available August. Hardwood floors. W/D connection. Fenced. Pets. Close to campus. 979-204-1950. 2/1 duplex in Wellborn area. Best suited for individual or couple. Rural setting, pets ok. $420 plus electricity. 979-690-6161. 2/1 House available August, sits on a half acre lot, perfect for pets, W/D conn, www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291. 2/1 w/study House, spacious rooms, storage/garage, fenced yard. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291. 2/1.5 and 2/1 Duplexes, W/D conn, some have fireplace, fenced yard w/lawn care provided. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291. 2/1.5 House in Wolf Pen Area, close to TAMU shuttle, wood flooring, W/D conn, carport, fenced w/lawn care provided. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291. 2/2 1200sq.ft. Fox Run Condo. $1300/month close to campus, on shuttle route, large bedrooms, walk-in closets, patio, security gate, community pool, W/D included. Luther Street West. 972-742-8106. 2/2 available in 4/4.5 unit. River Oaks Townhomes. New, available August-2009. $490/mo. +1/4util. Females preferred. 830-456-6888. 2/2 fourplex upstairs. Available August. Spacious. Tiled entry, water included, deck, W/D connection. Pets, close to campus. 979-204-1950. 2/2 fourplex. Available August. Tiled living, kitchen. Water included. Fenced yard. Covered deck. Pets. W/D connection. Close to campus. 979-204-1950. 2bd/1ba apartment, 800sq.ft. New appliances, carpeting and tile. W/D. Bus route. $550/mo. +$250 deposit. 210-391-4106. 3/1 House in Wolf Pen Area, close to TAMU shuttle, W/D conn, GARAGE, fenced w/lawn care. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291. 3/1.5 House, vaulted ceiling, W/D conn, huge fenced yards, most have privacy yards, www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291. 3/2 Condo Fraternity Row. W/D. Fenced patio. All bills paid. On bus route. $1500/mo., w/one-year lease. 361-319-3448. 3/2 duplex at 1425 Western Oaks. 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. 5-minutes from campus, fenced yard, bus route, fairly new. Call 214-505-6534, 469-233-4653. 3/2 House, all appliances, fenced yard, garage, close to Blinn & A&M, yard maintenance, available Aug. Call 979-204-2644 or email echrentalinfo@gmail.com Cottage Holik C.S. 2bd/1ba W/D $600/month . 979-777-2472
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
Beautiful duplex, 2/1, new floors, many extras, oriental carpets (optional), granite counters, quiet, convenient to everything. Call for special, 1-week free. Fenced backyard, AC, and many ceiling fans. 979-422-3427.
3/2 w/study House available August, One of a Kind! 1800sqft, wood floors, 9ft ceilings, large rooms, www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291.
Callaway Villas. Need to sublease. Fall-2009. 4/2.5, W/D. $615/mo. 936-348-1561.
3/2 w/study, BIG HOUSE, 2500sqft., 2-sided fireplace, big privacy fenced yard w/lawn care provided. 979-775-2291, www.twincityproperties.com 3/2/2, fenced yard, appliances, pets OK with refundable deposit. $1100/mo. 1102 Paintbrush 979-690-0786. 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 for rent on Paloma Ridge, W/D, lawncare provided, ceiling fans, close to campus, tile floor, backyard.12 month lease $1000/mo. Pets allowed, 713-594-3787. 3/3 Duplex Oldenburg, CS. Available now or pre-lease for August. W/D. Internet &lawn care provided. Pets allowed. $1000/mo. 979-220-2129. 3b/1.5b, carport, on shuttle, pets ok, fenced, $750/month. aggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984. 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 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, 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 422. Very desirable house in popular student area. $1450/month. Call Mrs. Ward for details. 979-774-1270. 4bdrm/2.5bth Spanish style duplex w/garage +off street parking. Security system, all appliances including W/D, $1450/mo. Available in August. 979-297-3720 or 979-292-6168. 4bdrm/2bth house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards. 776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com 806 Concho. 2/1, W/D included, nice and clean, large backyard. 690-4181, 219-2683.
puzzle answers can be found online at www.thebatt.com
www.AggieNetwork.com
Available April: Spacious 2/1 duplex. Vaulted ceiling. Tiled kitchen, living room. W/D connection. Fenced. Pets. On bus route. 979-204-1950.
Calloway Villas sublease 2bdrm/2.5ba townhouse. Close to pool/clubhouse. Available May-Aug. Furnished, W/D, $675/mo. Indiv. lease. $300 bonus for two people. Call 214-709-7688, 214-709-7690. Country Living Near A&M: 3/2 double-wide, large deck. Stalls available. $950/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 Efficiency for sublease. Available 5/12-7/31. $469/mo. 830-279-5196. 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 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. House Rent Free. Farm chores, horse care. Wellborn area. 979-690-6951. Need summer sublease at The Trails, $350 all inclusive, W/D, 956-648-4061 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 Rent Specials! 1br/ba & 2br/1ba. OAC. www.bryan-cs-apartments.com 979-703-7051
Large
Double-Cheese Double-Pepperoni only $
10
College Station
979-693-2825
2418 Texas Ave & SW Pkwy (by Kroger)
Newly Remodeled! 1/1 Apartment, faux wood floors, W/D conn, everything new. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291. 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 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. Save $140 a Month! Free Cable, Internet, Water, Trash. Hugh, Remodeled 2bdrm/1.5ba. $625/mo, Bryan. 979-402-0913. Summer sublease available. 1-month free. Call 361-790-3477 for details. Summer sublease June-July. 1-room in 4/2 house. Off of Graham Rd. Call 214-232-2165. Super 3/2 duplexes for May. All appliances and lawn care. $900-$975. 979-324-5835.
FOR SALE 2bdrm/2ba Fox Run. Very $122,000. 254-717-2141. House Saturday April 3pm-6pm and Sunday April 12pm-3pm.
Nice. Open 18th, 19th,
Mac Mini, Display, Keyboard, mouse $700 obo. 979-587-0813. Montelongo’s Jewelry Store Credit worth $1,200. Fully transferable, never expires -$1,000. Call 281-300-2003.
HELP WANTED 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 ATTENTION STUDENTS! Semester Work! $14 Base/ Appt. Flex sched, cust sales/ service. All ages 17+, conditions apply. Call ASAP 691-4600. workforstudents.com 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.
INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE! Advertising Sales Must Have Dependable Car. Will Train.
$400-$500 Weekly Commissions Texas A&M University Telephone Directory Email resume to:
GVPubs@aol.com 1-800-288-3044
Book buyers needed. Run your own business providing service to students around campus. Buy books at times and locations away from bookstores. Candidates need to have an outgoing personality, attention to detail, dependable transportation around town, and a flexible schedule. Temporary work period during finals. Must have a clear criminal history. Contact Paul Patti at 979-268-6002 or at ppatti@nebook.com to set up an interview. 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. Child Care- FT &PT shifts available between 10am &3pm needed ASAP. Some nights &Saturdays required. Apply in person at 3609 E29th St. Bryan. 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. 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. 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 RESIDENT ADVISORS- needed for student residence hall. Earn FREE RENT! Pick up app at Plaza 410 S. Texas Ave. 979-846-4242. STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In College Station. 100% Free To Join. Click On Surveys. SUMMER WORK! Paid college credit! Earn $4000/mo. Call Elevate sales manager @ 281-467-9578. 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 Corner Bar &Grill now hiring. All positions available. Apply in person. 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 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. 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 For Sale, new 3 and 4 bedroom homes. Close to campus. Call J.C. 254-721-6179. Realtor. Fox Run, 2/2. Gated community, great amenities, must see! $122K. 936-291-7552. Online at texasrealestatecompany.com Classifieds continued on page 8
STUDIES IN PROGRESS RECENT SPRAIN OR STRAIN? Volunteers from ages 18 to 70 are needed to participate in research study with an investigational medicated cream for new sprain or strain, without a fracture, injuries within 72 hours. Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study supervision by a board certified doctor • Study related tests and exams • Compensation for time and effort For more information please contact:
J&S Studies, Inc. 979-774-5933 1710 Crescent Pointe Parkway, College Station, TX 77845
Pg. 6-04-27-09.indd 1
4/24/09 1:23:40 PM
voices
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants in this paper do not necessarily reflect those of Texas A&M University, The Battalion or its staff.
thebattalion 4.27.2009 page7
GUESTCOLUMN
Registering a complaint Katie Gajdica
“Howdy, dammit” takes on a whole new meaning with the latest registration system.
T
his morning, I arrived on campus after a long battle with http://howdy.tamu.edu when I attempted to register for classes. Disgruntled and in need of caffeine, I encountered a friend limping through the Psychology building. A glance down revealed his bloody toe. “What happened?” I asked. His response: “Howdy.” Turns out the poor guy had been rushing around to various offices all morning trying to fix problems caused by the oh-so-modern-andupdated program, Howdy, and somehow fell on something sharp in the process. And I thought my registration experience was bad. Those of you who haven’t registered yet, be warned. This new system is filled to the brim with confusing functions and kinks that haven’t quite been worked out yet. Why our wonderful University decided to replace the joys of MyRecord with a program that seems like it’s never been tested is beyond me. My enmity toward Howdy began weeks ago when I was prompted to enter something called a “Compass PIN.” What is that? Who even has one of those? I dialed up the Computing Help Desk, and was told that the system “has been doing that lately” and that I should just wait a day and try again. Excuse me? I want to plan my schedule! When I was finally allowed entry into the fabulous new system, I quickly developed Gripe No. 2 against Howdy: Why must we choose College Station from the drop-down menu after every single course search? If I don’t want to take PSYC 306 in Qatar, then I probably don’t want to take EPSY 430 there either! And while
I’m ranting, is there no way to search for honors courses? If there is, I can’t find it, which brings up another complaint – why is everything in Howdy so hard to find? All this from the system that was supposed to make our lives easier and save time. Ha! After many trials and tribulations, I emerged with a list of course and section numbers. Triumph — or so I thought. Turns out, Howdy is too good for those six numbers and instead wants a five-digit CRN number. Back into the depths of Howdy I ventured, eventually retrieving the elusive CRNs. I typed those bad boys in and clicked the button marked, “Submit Changes.” Up popped a list of classes. I was momentarily uncertain of whether or not I had actually registered. Was “submitting changes” the same as “adding classes?” I set out on a quest to find my schedule and make sure it was correct. Then I discovered Gripe No. 1,398,786. Where’s my graphic schedule? Where are the boxes of yellow and green nicely displayed on the correct hours? The ones that give me the satisfaction of seeing my future brightly displayed in pretty colors? Gone. Howdy, you have taken away my favorite part of registration. Congrats. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for change. MyRecord needs updates? Fine. You want to add new features? Great! But is it too much trouble to test out the systems before they are implemented? You’d be hard-pressed to find an Aggie who doesn’t wish MyRecord would come back. A few trials would have been enough to know that this system is much too flawed and user-unfriendly to help our campus. Also, why are MyRecord and Howdy operating simultaneously? Howdy should not have
Evan Andrews — THE BATTALION
been mandated until it included the features we expect from our online systems — things like Degree Audits and Viewing Blocks. We thought Blackboard Vista was a pain, but Howdy has achieved a whole new level of frustration-inducement. We’re stuck with Howdy now, so here are some registration pointers. First, look up the CRN numbers ahead of time. Howdy will be much friendlier if you just type them in and click Submit Changes. Second, check for blocks ahead
of time. This is confusing because your blocks are still in MyRecord, but do it. Third, buy some ice cream prior to registration. It’ll be useful for cheering yourself up once you’re done. “Howdy” used to be a friendly Aggie greeting. Now the word “Howdy” brings to mind a whole collection of online annoyances and complaints. At least the word’s back in campus vocabulary. Katie Gajdica is a sophomore psychology and English major.
A wake up call from the high seas Tracey Wallace
A surge of piracy reminds the world how fragile freedom and prosperity can be in the face a determined foe.
T
his just in: Robert Gates, the secretary of defense and the former president of Texas A&M, said on Tuesday, according to U.S. News & World Report, that for the most part, U.S. intelligence is not yet good enough to pursue pirates in Somali. That’s right! The pirates are smarter than we are. Which, in all honesty, isn’t surprising.
The world was taken aback, accompanied by giggles and just plan amazement, when word got out about pirate attacks in the Philippines. They were taking tankers. They were taking cruise ships. And they were taking captives! It was a flashback to the 18th century in which pirates were like Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow and the captives were the evil British, a theme all too recurrent in American culture. Except this time, the pirates were all over CNN, not the Disney Channel. The newscasters themselves had difficulty maintaining straight faces as they described the small boats full of pirated men carrying guns commandeering, for lack of a better time to use the phrase, modern day vessels. Now, in 2009, according to World News, the number of pirate attacks have jumped up nearly two times their original rate, and as of this week, a Somali teen is facing the first U.S. pirate charges in over a century. The headlines from the Associated Press, the Guardian and New York Magazine read, “Pirate arrives in NYC,” “Somali Pirate expected in court,” and “Mum
pleads for Pirate.” I swear, this stuff is better than the movies. Pirates of the Caribbean obviously have nothing on these Malaysian thieves of the sea. And as a country — heck, as a world population — neither do we. It’s a dog-eat-dog world again. Well, maybe parrot-eat-parrot, but either way, I think it’s about time. Here we are, worried about terrorists attacks, cancer and that missile North Korea fired —all, of course, no laughing matters. But, when it comes to pirates, it seems to be only those who are getting attacked who don’t think it isn’t a little humorous. People have forgotten the good old days of sea-fearing, sea-faring adventures that had you on the edge of your seat. Even from the legends of sea monsters, Titanic, u-boats, the Bermuda triangle and “Jaws,” we have come to underestimate the power of no land ahoy, which is a little less than smart on our part. It’s about time we finally take a couple lessons from history and remind ourselves that it has always been when a people feel as though
they have conquered a particular area of life — be that victory, monetary, transportation or natural over-confidence — that the worst always comes. Remember: Troy wasn’t ruined in a day. The Greeks plotted, they planned and they perspired in that horse for quite a while. Over-confidence leads to fatality is the lesson Troy beacons to the world, for where there is over-confidence, there is a slacking on the part of those who worked so hard to achieve that. Our seas aren’t safe, this we now blatantly realize. Neither are our skies, subways or any man-made method for conquering this world. Gates is right, our intelligence hasn’t yet reached the level required to put an end to the piracy. That would require a recall on our part of our imaginary lands where life is safe, where people don’t do wrong, where happiness is unalienable. How easy it is to forget that freedom, whatever form it takes, is never free. Tracey Wallace is a junior English major.
If you have been accused of a crime
QUALITY COUNTS How much is your future worth? JAMES & REYNOLDS 979-846-1934 http://jamesandreynolds.com
Jim James - magna cum laude, Texas A&M ’76; honors graduate, University of Texas School of Law ’78; Board Certified Criminal Law; named Texas Super Lawyer; Licensed in all Texas federal courts and U.S. Supreme Court; addressed Texas Bar Advanced Criminal Law Seminar last 3 years; highest rating Martindale Hubbell, A-V; Texas Bar Fellow. E-mail - jim@jimwjames.com
Cameron Reynolds - ’91 graduated from Texas A&M and Texas Tech law school. He is Board Certified in Criminal law and has been named a Texas Super Lawyer by Texas Monthly. He is a former assistant district attorney who is licensed in federal court and teaches at Blinn College. E-mail – cam@jimwjames.com
Craig Greening - grew up in San Antonio and attended Boston University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and from The University of Texas School of Law. He was a prosecutor in Brazos County and now practices with James and Reynolds. He is Board Certified in Criminal Law. E-mail – craig@jimwjames.com
Pg. 7-04.27.09.indd 1
4/26/09 10:04:28 PM
classifieds
news
page 8 monday 4.27.2009
thebattalion
Classifieds continued from page 6
REAL ESTATE
STOP PAYING RENT! and buy your own home. Free recorded message 1-800-359-0327 enter 1104.
ROOMMATES 1-Female roommate needed. 3bd/2ba for $250/mo. 903-399-2856. 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-F Roommates needed. Available beginning August ‘09. Nice 4bdrm/2ba house. $400/mo. +1/4 bills. Close to bus route. Contact Lauren, 512-636-7754. 2-female roommates needed for 2009-2010 school year. 3bd/2ba townhouse. $425/mo. +utilities. 979-574-4582. 2-female roommates wanted! 4b/4b condo. Pool side view, fully furnished, $400/month plus 1/4-utilities, on bus route. Available summer ‘09-’10. 832-788-7967. 2-rooms available. $400/room on Langford Street. Wireless internet. Call 936-662-7604. $315/mo. 1 room available, large 3,200 sq.ft. house, 1-mi./campus. New carpet, tile, wood floors; pool table; shady, fenced backyard, off street parking; dogs okay. Available August 1st. 281-435-3431. Available now. Sublease 1-room in 4b/2b, on bus route, furnished, W/D, cable/Internet included. $395/month plus 1/4-utilites. Female. 713-447-7669. 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.
Corporal Continued from page 1
tradition, and every cadet in this company has a behind-the-scenes role in the care of “Miss Rev.” “I joined the Corps in the first place to be a part of the E-2 outfit because they were unique and had a defined purpose,” said Coffman about the exclusive duty of his outfit. Coffman went through a rigorous selection process to become the 2009-2010 mascot corporal. In the final two months, candidates endured tasks such as uniform inspections, essay assignments and library record research at the Cushing Library. The various tasks looked at whether the candidates could work well with people and ensure that the cadet picked viewed the responsibility with utmost importance, said Busch, who had a final say on his replacement. “One of the main reasons why Ben was chosen — he will never say it, but I will — is humility,” Busch said. “To be humble is one of his greatest aspects and it is absolutely required for the job.” The mascot corporal position is a selfless service job and Busch joked that Coffman could claim the superlative of having “the most famous legs in Aggieland,” because of the pictures focusing on Reveille, who will soon always be at his side. Now that Busch’s time as
mascot corporal has ended, he has become a “mascot sergeant,” mentoring and helping Coffman adjust to his new job. Busch, who was elected as a junior yell leader for next year, said he is looking forward to passing down the tools of the trade, especially lint rollers. The mascot corporal devotes a large chunk of his time to Reveille — taking her to class, bringing her on dates and even giving up his own bed. As the tradition goes, if Reveille falls asleep on the cadet’s bed, they must give it up and sleep on the floor. “I’m looking forward to two things,” Coffman said, “meeting interesting people and the football games.” At the football games the mascot corporal walks Reveille out onto the field and then spends the rest of the game touring the private boxes. Last year, Busch met Aggies from all walks of life: Governor Rick Perry, military generals and distinguished former students, as well as an adopted Aggie, President George H.W. Bush. The greatest experience, he said, was meeting Rudy Ruettiger, the legendary Notre Dame football player who the movie “Rudy” is based on. “Rudy was so excited to see Reveille and kept saying, ‘It’s the real Reveille!’ while the whole time I was saying, ‘It’s the real Rudy!’” Busch said. “It was a neat experience to see two legendary traditions from two different colleges there together.”
Female roommates needed. Gateway Villas. Fully furnished. 281-960-4278. Guy roomates needed for very nice 3 bedroom house. Call Justin at 817-690-1545. Room Available in a house close to campus, half mile from St. Mary’s Catholic Student center, summer lease is okay, $300 +utilities. 979-739-3371. Summer sublease. 2/2 Briarwood apartments. $400/mo. Bills paid. Furnished. One roommate. 636-219-2443. philnegron@gmail.com
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.
Swine flu spreads across continent GENEVA — Canada became the third country to confirm human cases of swine flu Sunday as global health officials considered whether to raise the global pandemic alert level. Nations from New Zealand to France also reported suspected cases and some warned citizens against travel to North America while others planned quarantines, tightened rules on pork imports and tested airline passengers for fevers. Nova Scotia’s chief public health officer, Dr. Robert Strang, said the east coast Canadian province had confirmed four “very mild” cases of swine flu in students ranging in age from 12 to 17 or 18. Mexico’s health minister says the disease has killed up to 86 people and likely sickened up to 1,400 since April 13. U.S. officials say the virus has been found in New York, California, Texas, Kansas and Ohio, but so far no fatalities have been reported. Governments including China, Russia and Taiwan began planning to put anyone with symptoms of the deadly virus under quarantine. Associated Press
Do you consider the word “motivated” an understatement? We thought so. It’s time for your hard work to pay off within an organization that was once again named one of BusinessWeek’s 50 Best Places To Launch A Career. We offer a collaborative, inclusive culture. With customizable careers, professional development, and benefits. And a commitment to community, the environment, and making time for family. It’s your future. How far will you take it? For an electronic information packet, text “AM” to 78573. Visit us on the web at deloitte.com/us/texasam. Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer. About Deloitte Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and its member firms. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Copyright © 2008 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved
Pg. 8-04-27-09.indd 1
4/26/09 11:20:52 PM