The Battalion: June 29 2009 by The Battalion

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What was your reaction to Michael Jackson’s death?

Michael Jackson: The King of Pop died Thursday at age 50. page 2

Antwone Woods senior business management major

thebattalion ● monday,

june 29, 2009

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“Really and truthfully I was shocked. A little upset. A lot of people listened to Michael Jackson, regardless of age range, ethnicity, anything like that. He was an icon. I knew it was going to affect a lot of people to hear about his death.”

Patrick Clayton — THE BATTALION

Think you know every nook and cranny of Texas A&M? Test your campus know-how by e-mailing The Battalion and telling us where you think this photo was taken. The first people to get the answers correct will have their names published. Send your response with your name, class and major to photo@thebatt.com.

Patty Soong sophomore chemical engineering major

Thursday’s answer:

“Even though the later years of his life were ﬁlled with controversy, he really inﬂuenced music, and changed it.”

Scoates Hall

Correct response: Lisa Crisp, class of 2006 Justin Schwartzbeck, senior computer science major Philip Lim, junior telecommunication media studies major Alexander Coleman, junior environmental design major Andrew Roznovsky, senior engineering technology major Bruce Brown, senior leadership studies major Meng Gao, physics graduate student James Gregurek, senior biological and agricultural engineering major Erin Sweed, junior university studies major Lauren Barton, interdisciplinary studies major

Joseph Carrier junior mechanical engineering major

“I was saddened by it. All the legal stuff, it’s just kind of weird. It’s pretty shocking. I hadn’t known he was sick or anything.”

Patrick Clayton — THE BATTALION

Taylor Sargologos freshman architecture major

“Wow. It’s kind of already done by Farrah Fawcett, so it was like two in one day.”

Harshil Aghera senior industrial distribution major

“He was not a great person in real life. He made a lot of mistakes. But he died, and he was the pop king. People knew Michael Jackson everywhere in the world.”

Frances English junior accounting major

“I was a little shocked because he is very young, but I wasn’t sad because I don’t listen to his music so it didn’t terribly affect me.” Kalee Bumguardner and Patrick Clayton — THE BATTALION

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Sophomore libero and outside hitter Kelsey Black is playing for the U.S. women’s junior national team while preparing for the upcoming season. By David Harris | The Battalion

s the Texas A&M volleyball team waits for its opportunity to end its three-year hiatus from the NCAA tournament, sophomore libero and outside hitter Kelsey Black and senior outside hitter Sarah Ammerman have had the opportunity to spend their offseason playing for

various U.S. National teams. In a freshman campaign where libero duties were placed upon her mid-season, Black took the opportunity in stride. Now, she’s getting the opportunity to play for the U.S. Women’s

Patrick Clayton — THE BATTALION

Dennis Rhodes and Daniel Godinez, participants in Camp Energy, take thermal readings from a solar water heater.

See Volleyball on page 3

Camp Energy: See pictures from the summer camp. page 4

Choral Activities turns spirit into song A&M choirs travel annually to sing in venues around the globe Megan Clark The Battalion Texas A&M Choral Activities, like many organizations, is preparing to move from their home in the Memorial Student Center to a new location, the basement of the Commons. “I don’t think it’s going to hurt us at all, I think it will be a positive change for the next three years,” said senior health major Daniel Adame, Singing Cadets president. “A lot of time, a lot of work has gone into making sure the new space is something the students will be happy with.” The space is being remodeled to hold a rehearsal room, directors’ offices, administration offices and student offices. “We are anxious for people to know about our new location in the basement of The Commons during the MSC renovation,” Wade said. “We will be moving during the first week of August.”

Choral Activities consists of three choirs— the Texas A&M University Singing Cadets, the Texas A&M University Century Singers and the Texas A&M University Women’s Chorus. All three choirs require auditions, which take place within the first few weeks of school. Students must sing the familiar song, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” sight read and do some basic vocalizing to provide proof of ranging abilities. Previous experience is helpful, but not required by any of the three choirs. The choirs take turns travelling internationally, with one group going abroad every year. The Women’s Chorus returned in May from a tour of Central Europe including Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. “They experienced the culture, history See Choirs on page 6

Texas A&M Women’s Chorus, in front of Prague Castle during their spring tour of Central Europe. Courtesy Photo

6/28/09 9:57 PM

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Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

Class of 2009 psychology major Daniel Rumfield solders an electrical connection Saturday afternoon in a tent next to parking lot 51. The Texas A&M Amateur Radio Club participated in Field Day, an annual event that tests amateur radio operator’s abilities to work under emergency conditions.

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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. 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 offices are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3313; Fax: 979-845-2647; E-mail: metro@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising, call 979-845-2696. For classified advertising, call 979-8450569. Advertising offices are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and office 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.

Jackson’s death shocks nation John Rogers Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Across the country, people reacted in stunned disbelief Thursday as word spread that Michael Jackson had collapsed and died. Within minutes of Jackson’s arrival by ambulance at UCLA Medical Center people began arriving by the hundreds, the crowd quickly filling a grassy entrance outside the hospital. As word spread that Jackson had been pronounced dead, several people burst into tears. Others simply stood in disbelief. Still others whipped out cell phones and began calling or texting friends. At Times Square in New York, where people had begun gathering as word spread that Jackson had fallen ill, a collective groan went up from the crowd as the words announcing his death flashed across a

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SERIES 2009

Texas Music Festival - Monday, June 29, 7:30 p.m. Andrzej Grabiec, Kyung Sun Lee, Jun Zuo and Sophia Silivos, violin Wayne Brooks, Karen Ritscher, viola Edward Arron, Brinton Smith, cello Sandor Ostlund, double bass Randall Griffin, clarinet Eric Arbiter, bassoon Philip Stanton, horn •

Beethoven Septet in E-flat Major for Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass, Op. 20

•

Mendelssohn Octet in E-Flat Major for Strings, Op. 20

All performances will take place at the Presidential Conference Center, Texas A&M University. For more information, please visit academyarts.tamu.edu. Tickets may be purchased through the MSC Box Office at (979) 845-1234. This program is made possible in part through Hotel Tax Revenue funded from the City of College Station.

giant TV screen. “I’m in shock. He’s gone. The legend of music,” Becky Williams said in disbelief as she stood outside JACKSON Jackson’s home in Los Angeles’ Holmby Hills neighborhood. Williams, 26, of Salt Lake City, had been visiting her sister, who lives down the street. Outside the hospital, as news spread that Jackson had died, Seth Casteel pulled out an iPod and began playing Jackson’s song “Heal the World” at full volume. Back in Holmby Hills, cars — many of them with stereo systems blaring songs from “Thriller” and other classic Jackson albums — began to clog the streets. As people began to abandon the vehicles to snap pictures of the home, a police officer

used a loudspeaker to warn that their cars would be towed. Across the country, reaction poured in from all corners. “Ladies and gentlemen, Michael Jackson has just died,” a woman boarding a bus in New York City’s borough of Manhattan called out to fellow riders, who immediately grabbed their cell phones to learn more. “People are already texting about it, remembering his greatest moments,” said 17-year-old Delmar Dualeh. Kathleen Magnaye of New York was at Los Angeles’ Venice Beach when she received a frantic call from her boyfriend. She raced with her 14-year-old sister to Jackson’s house to take photos. “We’re devastated,” said Magnaye, 23. “I’ve been listening to him since I was 5 years old. My mom would put him on in the house.”

Fawcett dies of cancer LOS ANGELES — Farrah Fawcett, 1970s sex symbol and TV star of “Charlie’s Angels,” spent almost three years fighting for her life against cancer. Fawcett, 62, died Thursday at St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, FAWCETT after being diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006. The news came just a month after the airing of “Farrah’s Story,” a documentary in which she made public her painful treatments and dispiriting setbacks. “Her big message to people is don’t give up. No matter what they say to you, keep fighting,” Alana Stewart, who filmed Fawcett, said. Associated Press

Billy Mays dies of unknown cause Mitch Stacy Associated Press TAMPA, Fla. — Billy Mays, the burly, bearded television pitchman whose boisterous hawking of products such as Orange Glo, OxiClean and ESPN made him a pop-culture icon, died Sunday. He was 50. Tampa police said Mays was found unresponsive by his wife, Deborah Mays. Mays reportedly was hit on the head Saturday while aboard a US Airways flight that made a rough landing, and Mays’ wife told investigators the TV personality didn’t feel well before he went to bed Saturday night. The coroner’s office expects to have an autopsy done by Monday afternoon. “Although Billy lived a public life, we don’t anticipate

making any public statements over the next couple of days,” his wife said in a statement today. “Our family asks MAYS that you respect our privacy during these difficult times.” Born William Mays in McKees Rocks, Pa., on July 20, 1958, Mays developed his style demonstrating knives, mops and other “as seen on TV” gadgets on Atlantic City’s boardwalk. For years, he worked as a hired gun on the state-fair and home-show circuits, attracting crowds with his booming voice and genial manner. After meeting Orange Glo International founder Max Appel at a home show in Pitts-

burgh in the mid-1990s, Mays was recruited to demonstrate the environmentally friendly line of cleaning products on the St. Petersburg-based Home Shopping Network. Commercials and infomercials followed, anchored by the high-energy Mays showing how it’s done while tossing out kitschy phrases such as, “Long live your laundry!” Recently, he’d been seen on commercials for a wide variety of products and was featured on the reality TV show “Pitchmen” on the Discovery Channel, which followed Mays and Anthony Sullivan in their marketing jobs. “I enjoy what I do,” Mays told the Associated Press in a 2002 interview. “I think it shows.”

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Brazil comes back to down USA 3-2 The U.S. National Soccer team lost to Brazil 3-2 in the Confederation’s Cup Championship match in South Africa Sunday. The U.S., which sneaked into the match by upsetting No. 1 Spain on Wednesday, stunned Brazil in the first half by going up 2-0. Brazil however came back in the second half to score three unanswered goals and win the championship 3-2 in comeback fashion. Brett Sebastian

sports

thebattalion 6.29.2009 page3

Big draft for Big 12 Griffin taken 1st overall, Elonu 59th David Harris and Brett Sebastian

Senior Sarah Ammerman spikes the ball in a 3-1 loss to Texas in October. Ammerman played for the U.S. Women’s National A2 Blue team in May. Jon Eilts — THE BATTALION

Volleyball Continued from page 1

Junior team at the FIVB World Championships in Mexico starting July 16. Black, recruited as an outside hitter, will be in competition with Pepperdine’s Lilla Frederick for the libero position on the squad. However, the consensus seems to be that whoever doesn’t win the spot will see time at outside. To Black’s benefit, Aggie assistant coach John Corbelli will be along for the ride. “It’ll be nice to have someone with an understanding of my game,” Black said. “It makes the learning process smoother.”

Black, who averaged three digs per set in Big 12 play in 2009 and led the team with four 20-plus dig matches, is looking at the next couple of weeks as an opportunity to improve her game further. “I really want to improve my serve-receive,” Black said. “I want to pick up my serving as well and figure out some ways to get around the block.” Ammerman earned a spot on the U.S. Women’s National A2 Blue team. That spot allowed her to win a bronze medal at the USA Adult Volleyball Championships in Minnesota in May. It was the second straight time for her to earn the spot, and it was also the second consecutive time that she won a bronze medal. “I was in volleyball heaven,”

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Ammerman said. “I was able to compare my style to other player’s styles and mold my game into something similar.” With her experience over, Ammerman is able to concentrate on the fall season, her last at A&M. Her junior year was one of many accomplishments. Ammerman was awarded A&M’s MVP and Best Offensive Player awards as well as an honorable mention all-conference selection. However, the Aggies have missed three NCAA national tournaments in a row and that is at the forefront of Ammerman’s mind as she prepares for the fall season. “The goal is to win the Big 12, get to the NCAAs, and make a deep run,” Ammerman said.

The Battalion Thursday’s NBA draft had considerable activity for the NBA as a whole, but especially for Texas, as the three Texas teams acquired a number of rookies. The biggest news concerning Texas A&M came as former Aggie center Chinemelu Elonu was selected with the second-to-last pick of the draft by the 2008-2009 national champion Los Angeles Lakers. “I was getting a little nervous when there were only a couple of picks left, but I decided early in the night to just leave it all in God’s hands,” Elonu said. “I was with a lot of friends and family and they gave me a lot of support. It’s an honor to be drafted by the NBA champions. I think I can learn a lot from their big men and become a better player. It’s also exciting to have a chance to play for a great coach like Phil Jackson. I just want to thank everyone at A&M for all they did for me and for making this possible.” Elonu was an honorable mention All-Big 12 player last season, averaging 9.8 points and a team best 7.3 rebounds and 53 blocked shots. He was named the Big 12’s most improved player for the progress he made between his sophomore and junior years. The selection of Elonu by the Lakers means that former Aggies have been selected in four of the last five drafts. A&M has had more players selected over the past three years than any other Big 12 team. In addition to Elonu, the Big 12 had four selections, with Oklahoma’s Blake Griffin taken first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers. Missouri’s DeMarre Carroll was selected 27th by Memphis. Oklahoma’s Taylor Griffin, Blake Griffin’s brother, was selected 48th overall by Phoenix. The Big 12 has had a player selected in the top two picks each of the last four years, more than any other conference. “I’m not worried about what’s happened in the past,” Griffin said of the Clippers’ history to Soonersports.com. “I’m only looking forward to the future. We’re not going think about what’s happened in seasons past. We’re just excited about the opportunity and going to make the best out of whatever situation we’re put in.” While the draft had much activity for the Big 12, the future of the players lie in the hands of the NBA teams that selected them. For Texas, the Mavericks, Rockets and Spurs obtained the rights to eight rookies.

Jon Eilts — THE BATTALION

Former Aggie center Chinemelu Elonu drives to the basket against Tarleton State. Elonu was selected 59th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers. Dallas, who was picking 24th from 22nd after a trade with Portland, traded again, this time with Oklahoma City, to move down another spot, the Mavericks took French point guard Rodrigue Beaubois with the 25th pick. They also took St. Joseph’s Ahmad Nivins in the second round. The Houston Rockets didn’t have a pick as a result of earlier trades involving Steve Francis and Luis Scola. They did obtain rights to Arizona’s Chase Buddinger, Central Florida’s Jermaine Taylor and Spain’s Sergio Llull through draft night trades. San Antonio didn’t have a first round pick due to their trade in 2008 for Seattle’s, now Oklahoma City, Kurt Thomas. They did have three picks in the second round, where they took Pittsburgh’s DeJuan Blair, Miami’s Jack McClinton and France’s Nando de Colo.

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4bdrm/2ba house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com 5-bedroom house for lease. For more information 979-966-3913 or www.tricaprealty.com Apartment for lease, pool-side at the Zone, on bus route, available now through 7/2010, $560/mo. 713-823-6820. Available 8/09. Bryan historic district, large 5-2 on large 1.3 acre lot, secluded, includes 2 bay metal garage with workshop, ideal for students with projects, pet friendly, handicap accessible, W/D connections, energy efficient. 806 E.29th $1700/mo. 979-255-5461. www.picketfenceproperties.net Big 3/2 duplex with all appliances, lawncare, tile and carpet, fenced yard. $900 979-324-5835. Bike to campus, available August 1st. 2/1 C.S. duplex, fenced backyard, w/d connections, pets allowed. E-walk shuttle route. $575. 979-218-2995. Bryan huge 4-2 clean and quiet, historic area, large trees, w/d connections, fenced yard, students welcome. 701 Banks. $1300. 979-255-5461. www.picketfenceproperties.net Callaway Villas. Need to sublease, 1-month free, 4/2.5, $615/mo. 936-348-1561. Cozy 2bdrm/2bth condo 3-blocks from campus, yard, w/d connections, over 1000sqft., no HUD, updated, $585/mo., 506-C College Main 254-289-0585. Duplex near campus. 2bed/2bath. W/D. No backyard. 307 Spruce. $650/month. Call 254-760-8242. Fully Furnished 3 Bed 3.5 Bath Townhome. No more hassles with trying to find a hotel. This townhome has eveything you need furniture, dishes, linens, appliances, cale and internet, televicion, washer and dryer and fenced bak yard. Great for Parents for game season!!!!! You can rent by the month or long term. Just need it for the weekend? Call for rate. $1800.00 per month $1000.00 deposit. Call for Tour 979-485-0300 or 979-255-3280. Email: manager.brenda@gmail.com Web: www.bigdogmanagement.info Great 4bd/2ba house in popular area400 Pronghorn Loop. Comes w/ W/D, refregirator, large fenced bkyrd, pets o.k. w/ deposit, 2-car garage. Available in July or August, $1475/mo. Call Joey at 979-218-4091. http://sites.google.com/site/aaarentalcs/ Duplex for rent, 2/1. No deposit. $675/ month rent. Immaculate 3bd/2bth house. Updated. Fireplace, fenced. No pets. No HUD. $895/month. Off 2818 in Bryan. Available July. 254-289-0585. Large 2bdrm/2bth, 3204-Cougar Trail, Bryan. Water, sewer, &trash paid. Everything’s new inside. $675/mo. 822-1616. Limited time only $999.00! 3bd/2.5ba in College Station, Built in 2000, serene country setting, minutes from campus, fully loaded, Full size W/D and kitchen appl., Free lawn care, fenced backyards. Pets (including large dogs) welcome. Must see! Call for tour. 979-485-0300 or 979-255-3280. Web: www.topdogmanagement.info Need 2-people to take over 12-month lease August 2009. 2bd/bth at Woodlands. E-mail if interested whitneyjt8@hotmail.com Newly remodeled 4/2 house. Walking distance to campus, tile &wood floors, great location, nice big deck &yard. 776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com Nice 2/2 Duplex- On TAMU bus route! All appliances, NO PETS. $800/mo. Call 832-215-1801 or 832-338-5397.

Pre-leasing for August. 3b/1.5b, carport, on shuttle, pets ok, fenced, $750/month. aggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984. Room for lease under Helen Kline, Callaway House, available 6.23.09, call 979-260-7700 or 817-991-6803 Upstairs 2/1.5 off Holleman. W/D included, new flooring throughout, non-smoking. $675/mo. 979-220-0468.

HELP WANTED Assistant teachers part-time. Working with children 18-mo. through 6-yrs, great learning opportunity for education majors or anyone wanting experience woring with children. Please apply at swlccs@gmail.com or 979-693-6556. Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. 512-684-8296, photoguy@io.com Career Apparel now hiring retail sales position P/T. Apply in person 4001 E. 29th #103. 260-2727. Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment. Cook, cashier and runner, 7-day a week position. Background check Evening employment. 979-776-8135, call for an appointment. Part-time housekeeping Mon-Fri only, no weekends, general home cleaning and housekeeping, 10-15 hours per week, apply in person at 3131 Briarcrest Dr. Bryan, TX, Suite 112, Mon-Wed 1:30-2:30 PM. STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in College Station. 100% free to join. Click on surveys.

Ryan Hammond, a seventh-grader at Stephen F. Austin middle school, demonstrates a model wind turbine at Camp Energy.

Learning to go green Bryan middle-schoolers attending Camp Energy explore energy conservation techniques Photos by Patrick Clayton| The Battalion

thebatt.com To see more photos from Camp Energy, visit The Battalion online.

MUSIC Party Block Mobile DJ- Peter Block, professional 22yrs experience. Specializing in Weddings, TAMU functions, lights/smoke. Mobile to anywhere. Book early!! 979-693-6294. http://www.partyblockdj.com

PETS Teacup puppies: Maltese, Shorkies, Maltipoos, Yorkies &Poodles. $500 &up. 979-324-2866, linda_d_54@yahoo.com

ROOMMATES 1-roommate needed Fall, & Spring. 4/2 house. 2505 Antietam. $400/mo +1/4 utilities. Clara, 361-463-1727. 2-Roomates needed for 09-10 year, 3/2 house on bus route with backyard, $400/mo +1/3 utilities, Lindsey 512-557-5592. 2-roommates needed. 3/2 house, close to busroute. $350/mo. +1/3bills. 817-475-0093.

Kaitlyn Brock, a seventh-grader at Jane Long middle school, holds a fan that is powered by the solar panel held by fellow seventhgrader Jane Long student Aaron Wunneburger. Solar power was a major focus at Camp Energy.

Male roommates wanted in 4bd house. $300/mo. +1/4 bills. 979-777-4379. Roommate needed. 2bd/2ba on shuttle route, $500/mo., includes all bills. 936-591-1053. Roommate needed, female non-smoker. Fully furnished, all bills paid. $550/mo, C.S. 979-690-7394. Roommates needed. Two male roommates needed for 3/2 duplex off of University Drive in College Station. On TAMU and Blinn bus route. Great Location. Small deck and fenced yard. Small pets allowed w/deposit. Partially furnished, W/D included. Lease $350 per month and 1/3 of utilities. Call 361-230-9119 or 210-845-6474. Available 8-15-09.

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

Sarah Cadarette, a seventh-grader at Jane Long middle school, and Gabriela Garcia, a seventh-grader at Arthur L. Davila middle school, look on as Alex Lopez, a seventhgrader at Jane Long middle school, takes a thermal reading from the inside of a window. Students compared readings from three different windows in order to find the most efficient.

STUDIES IN PROGRESS ATHLETE’S FOOT STUDY Volunteers ages 12 and older are needed to participate in a clinical research study with an investigational topical medication for the treatment of Athlete’s foot. Study participation will be a maximum of 8 weeks. Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study related medication • Medical examinations relating to their athlete’s foot • Compensation of $50 per visit for maximum of $250 For more information please contact:

RED DRY SCALY PATCHES OF SKIN ATOPIC DERMATITIS STUDY (ECZEMA) Volunteers ages 18 and older needed to participate in a 6-week clinical research study with an investigational topical medication for atopic dermatitis (RED, DRY, SCALY PATCHES OF SKIN). Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study related ointment for 4 weeks • Physical Examination • Dermatological Assessments • Compensation up to $300 for time and effort For more information please contact:

J&S Studies, Inc. 979-774-5933 1710 Crescent Pointe Parkway, College Station, TX 77845

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opinion

page 5

thebattalion

monday 6.29.2009

In death, Neda fights on Tracey Wallace

Neda Agha-Soltan’s death represents all that is wrong in Iran, and all that is right with Western-style protest.

o matter which way the cookie crumbles, no matter which path is more worn, none of the daily choices made by any one peoples escape the influence of martyrdom. The death of Neda Agha-Soltan, an Iranian who was killed at close range during a protest against the outcome of the 2009 Iranian presidential election on June 20, will certainly be no different. If you hadn’t been concerned by any of the troubles in Iran up until now, chances are, her death has stirred some type of emotion about a Middle East region that, to many of us, might as well be on Mars. The overwhelming circulation of the YouTube video that features Neda making eye contact with the camera moments before dying has caught and kept the world’s attention. The first relatable martyr of the Iran protests, that eye contact brings her life in close connection with our very own. Web sites, tweets and Facebook comments tell the story of the effect of this young woman’s life, of this young woman’s death and this young woman’s destiny on the entire globe. Even in Iran, where access to the Internet is restricted and satellites have been disabled, people have found ways to spread the word, and more

importantly, the image. Neda has become the face of freedom, the icon of resistance for not only Iranians and their sympathizers around the world, but for our generation as a whole. President Barack Obama has called the murder “a crime against all humanity,” and thanks to YouTube, you can personally view the content that visually proves his statement. “Justice will prevail,” says Obama. But, no one is even allowed to gather to mourn Neda’s death in Iran. The victory of justice will be a long time in coming to Iran, if indeed it is coming at all. But the rise of martyrs is exactly, tragically, what Iran needs. Martyrs propel change: they inspire people, they enrage people, they force people to get up off the couch and do something worth forfeiting the life they are living. Especially in the Abrahamic religions, (Christianity, Judaism and Islam), the creation of a martyr is the beginning to the end of whatever reign created it. Neda already has a Wikipedia page. Her death has already been witnessed by millions upon millions of people. Her name resounds through languages, through cultures, through and through beliefs. She stood up for freedom of speech, for freedom of assembly and for the freedom to live her life. If you have not yet become interested in her story, in the Iranian peoples’ fight for democracy, it is about time you change that channel to the news station of your choice, and begin to pay attention. This event transcends political party. It transcends the barriers of nationality. The only thing the Iranian peoples’ fight doesn’t transcend is the deep American belief that freedom is inherent and a democracy that assures that freedom is worth fighting for.

MAILCALL From Justin Thompson, junior aerospace engineering major After reading Thursday’s column, “Top 10 percent is past its prime,” I have to ask, why should we value factors beyond a person’s control more than something that tells us more about them as individuals? The Top 10 percent is a wonderful idea for college admission; regardless of race, creed, income or a myriad of other factors, it rewards hard work. Getting into the Top 10 percent is not an accomplishment that can be bought by anything but hard work. In theory, it shows that, if you work hard enough to get that high in your class, you can get an education.

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Instead, its racist detractors, see an unfair system that doesn’t admit as many minorities as they would like. Looking at Thursday’s proposal, working hard for grades is not as valuable as being born a certain way (20 points for GPA, 30 for being a minority). What does this tell the kids who are white; work all you want, but you will never be equal to that black kid or the Hispanic child. That is sick and destructive, all in the name of almighty diversity. Maybe instead of pushing down achievers because of their race, we should focus on encouraging everyone to succeed. If more minorities put in the work to get there, our diversity will increase.

7/1/2009

6/28/09 6:19 PM

news

page 6 monday 6.29.2009

thebattalion

Natasha Sankovich — THE BATTALION

The Singing Cadets perform at a parents’ weekend concert. The Singing Cadets are part of A&M Choral Activities, along with the Century Singers and Women’s Chorus. male choir. Their most recent performance was for former President George H.W. Bush’s 85th birthday at his residence in Kennebunkport, Maine. “I love Singing Cadets because of our purpose,” McFarland said. “We travel so many places and have so many opportunities to spread the Aggie spirit.” They do not require Corps membership, though some members are a part of the Corps. They have now modified the tryout schedule to audition in the summer, as well as the beginning of fall and spring semester. The Century Singers is a coed choir previously called the New Tradition Singers, but renamed to mark A&M’s centennial. With approximately 80 members, their performances include fall, Christmas and spring concerts. “Century Singers is not only an amazing choir but an amazing group of people. Everyone

Choirs Continued from page 1

and languages of the various countries,” said Jess Wade, the assistant coordinator of Vocal Music at A&M. “It was a wonderful musical and educational experience.” The Chorus performed at historical churches and castles in four different cities. “Probably my favorite memory was our third concert that we did with the Czech choir singing before us. I loved how they sang their songs not only in Czech, but in English. It really made me feel welcome,” said sophomore Morgan Hipp, Women’s Chorus philanthropy co-chairwoman. The Women’s Chorus is an all female choir averaging 60 to 70 members. The Singing Cadets is an all-

is so friendly and it’s a wonderful place to be,” said former Century Singers President Kelley Baxter, graduate marketing student. Century Singers puts on “Showcase,” an annual variety show every spring in which members show off not only vocal abilities, but other talents, including dance and theatrics. “This is one of our most popular shows with A&M’s students because the contemporary acts tend to be more appealing to the younger generation, and we provide desserts and beverages during the show,” Baxter said. All choirs take part in campus activities and advocate the spreading of Aggie spirit. “One of my best memories I have was staying with the parents of a fallen bonfire 12 member,” Adame said. “Listening to their stories and seeing all of their daughter’s memorabilia was an experience I will never forget.”

BET Awards undergoing overhaul to honor Jackson

7/1/2009

LOS ANGELES — The BET Awards are undergoing “a total overhaul” as the show is retooled as a tribute to Michael Jackson, the network said Friday. The telecast is being lengthened, performers are being added to the lineup and additional guests are expected to attend, said Debra L. Lee, Chairman and Chief Executive of Black Entertainment Television. “We’re adding on,” Lee said from the Shrine Auditorium, where the awards will be presented Sunday. At least 30 minutes will be added to the

broadcast, she said. Jamie Foxx is set to host the show. Meanwhile, artists such as Beyonce and Ne-Yo, who worked on their performances for weeks, scrambled to change them lastminute to honor the King of Pop, said producer Stephen Hill. “To change it up in three days is something that’s not easy but they’re all willing and looking forward to it,” Hill said. “I think they’ll want to pay tribute in their own way.” Associated Press

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