TheBatt03-26-2013

thebattalion l tuesday,

march 26, 2013

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texas a&m since 1893

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campus

Blackmail scam surrounds prof ’s death Julie Blanco The Battalion

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Chase Krumholz — THE BATTALION

Utility athlete defies set roles Courtesy of Aggie Athletics

Sophomore dual-threat Daniel Mengden, contributes as a pitcher and designated hitter for the A&M baseball team.

James Sullivan

The Battalion hether it’s a Saturday start on the mound or any other day batting at the top of the order, one multi-talented sophomore baseball player finds a way to compete on the baseball diamond in multiple ways.

For A&M head coach Rob Childress, Daniel Mengden provides a key component in his baseball program’s machine. His versatility and skill allow him to find a place anywhere on the field, including the pitchers mound in a tough weekend placement

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campus news

Head Yell Leader named Ryan Crawford, junior political science major and member of Company E-2, was named Head Yell Leader for 2013-2014 on Monday. Crawford served as a Yell Leader for the 20122013 school year.

inside sports | 2 A&M falls to Huskers The Texas A&M women’s basketball season came to a close following a 7463 loss in the second round of the NCAA tournament against Nebraska.

life | 5 Former student helps win Oscar

Chris Griffin, class of 2007, contributed to the animation on last year’s Oscarwinning Pixar film “Brave.� Take a look inside the process of creating a modern animated film and see how the Department of Visualization prepared Chris for his career.

— the Saturday start. “The best way to describe [Mengden] is a baseball player,� Childress said. “He loves to be on the field and there’s probably not a position that he couldn’t play. He’s an outstanding catch-and-throw guy behind the plate, a good defender in the outfield and obviously has as much power as anyone we have [at pitcher]. We’re just trying to use his talents to help this team.�

Recruited out of Houston, Texas, Mengden led his high school baseball team to four consecutive playoff appearances while racking up three District 20-

5A MVP titles and a spot as an Aflac AllAmerican.

Once he arrived at A&M, Mengden was able to contribute immediately, filling in as the primary closer for the Aggies. Two saves into the season, Childress moved him into the Tuesday starting role, a position he thrived at. He closed the season with a 3-4 record, three saves and a 3.83 earned run average.

During an away matchup with Oklahoma State last year, the freshman came

Louisiana man accused of luring a Texas A&M professor into a sexually explicit online relationship will be arraigned in federal court Tuesday on a charge of using a phone and the Internet for extortion, the Houston Chronicle reported Monday.

The Chronicle reported Daniel Timothy Duplaisir, 37, used an underage female relative to lure James Aune, former professor and head of the Department of Communication at Texas A&M, to the online relationship that ended in Aune jumping to his death from atop Northside parking garage Jan. 8.

Duplaisir was indicted last week by a federal grand jury in Houston and is in custody, the Chronicle reported.

According to an FBI affidavit, the relative told authorities that Duplaisir took nude photos and videos of her to use in the scam and kept a list of the names and numbers of the men being extorted.

As part of the scam, a fake name and email address were used to meet men, get their phone numbers and send them pictures and videos. Duplaisir would then call, posing as an outraged father, and demand payment to cover the cost of counseling for his daughter, according to court documents.

The messages between Duplaisir and Aune included threats and obscenities. “If I do not hear from you I swear to God Almighty that the police in your place of employment, students ALL OVER THE INTERNET ... ALL OF THEM will be able to see your conversations, text, pictures you sent,� Duplaisir said in an email to Aune.

The blackmail began when Duplaisir demanded Aune pay $5,000, according to the affidavit.

University spokesman Jason Cook declined comment.

Associated Press contributed to this article

See Mengden on page 2

religion

Tie a Turban Day to educate students on Sikh faith Joseph Puente

The Battalion t Texas A&M, a small group of students practice a religion that numbers more than 30 million globally and is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world. Sikhism, a monotheistic religion founded during the 15th Century in Punjabi, India, places importance on equality, service, social justice and truthful living.

Every spring semester, the Sikh Students Association hosts Tie a Turban Day to encourage A&M students to learn about the Sikh faith and try on a turban.

The Sikh Students Association will set up Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon near Rudder fountain for the event. “Tie a Turban Day is an opportunity for students to ask questions without feeling offensive while learning about our religion,� said Jaskirat Singh Batra, electrical engineering graduate student. “I appreciate when students come up and ask questions because that makes a difference when they decide to break out of their shell and find the real truths.�

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Photo illustration by David Cohen — THE BATTALION

The cultural dress worn by Jaskrit Singh Batra, electrical engineering graduate student, can set him apart from others on the Texas A&M campus, yet this distinction can be an important visual reminder of his identity.

Through this event, Batra said he hopes to create a visual experience students enjoy while also promoting diversity and awareness of the Sikh faith. “We want to give students an opportunity to experience another religion they may not have known about before, but more importantly we want others to ask questions,� Batra said.

Sikhism is commonly mistaken for Hinduism or Islam, which has been evidenced by hate crimes committed against Sikhs after the Sept. 11 attacks. Most notably was last August’s attack on a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, by Wade Michael Page.

Some speculated Page had mistaken the Sikh community for Muslims.

Historically, tensions have existed between Muslims and Sikhs, yet this friction does not seem to play a noticeable role on the Texas A&M campus.

Taha Habib, senior industrial engineering major and president of Muslim Student Association, said the effect of the shooting may had been different for the Sikh and Muslim communities around the country, but it brought the two A&M groups closer together.

See Sikhism on page 3

legislature

State water shortage could boost conservation funds Tyler Webb

The Battalion rought conditions around the state could lead to more money for conservation research — including that at Texas A&M. A $2 billion water bill put before the Texas House of Representatives would draw funds from the Rainy Day Fund — the state’s savings account intended to provide stability during budget shortfalls — in order to implement new reservoirs, pipelines, and water conservation projects statewide.

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The Texas Legislature is looking for ways to battle the drought that has affected the entire state, including Brazos County. David Coates, graduate research assistant in the Texas A&M atmospheric sciences department, said the drought should be taken very seriously. “One thing you can consider is how this situation stacks up against the year 2011, which was the worst drought year the state has witnessed since the 1950s,�

Coates said.

He explained how the ‘water year’ differs from the

calendar year in that it starts in October and ends in September. This way, the year begins in the fall when moisture is recharged and ends in the summer when moisture is depleted. “Generally you can gauge how well you will end up doing the rest of the year based on how well the beginning of your water year ends up,� Coates said. “The beginning of the current water year in October 2012 through December 2012 was one of the See Reservoirs on page 3

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3/26/13 12:50 AM

baseball | Matt Kent was named SEC Freshman of the Week following his relief pitching in A&M’s 10-6 win over Ole Miss on Sunday.

m. basketball | Senior guard Elston Turner was selected to the U.S. Basketball Writers of America All-District VII Team on Monday.

sports

m. golf | No. 27 Texas A&M heads into day two of the Bulls Bay Intercollegiate ranked sixth among 15 participating teams. thebattalion 3.26.2013 page2

The No. 14 Aggies dropped a 6-1 decision to the Trojans on Monday in Los Angeles, falling to a 13-8 record.

Nebraska advances, ends Aggies’ season

Mengden Continued from page 1

into his own element. With A&M down 4-2 in the top of the ninth inning and two runners on base, Mengden hit a home run, giving the Aggies the 5-4 lead. He then took over in the bottom of the inning on the mound, striking out three batters to earn the save.

Mengden said the opportunity to compete for A&M as both a hitter and a pitcher is an honor.

“You know, it’s just a privilege what [Childress] allows me to do for the team,” Mengden said. “I’m privileged being able to do both by being a Saturday starter, then getting an opportunity to play right field and being able to hit [as a designated hitter].”

Mengden’s aggressive style on the mound shows his certainty in his teammates’ defensive capabilities, said junior catcher Troy Stein.

“He’s only a sophomore this year and he’s a great, powerful guy, and he pitches with a lot of confidence out there,” Stein said. “He has a lot of confidence in himself and he has a lot of confidence in his teammates. He’s going to throw it over the plate. He’s not going to walk anybody. [Mengden]’s a guy that’ll throw it over the zone and rely on his defense to make plays.”

From Mengden’s perspective, his versatile nature on the mound and at the plate originates from the same assertive style.

“I try to approach it the same,” Mengden said. “Hitting and pitching are kind

m. tennis A&M falls to No. 2 USC

James Sullivan The Battalion

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Courtesy of Aggie Athletics

Sophomore Daniel Mengden rounds the bases during Texas A&M’s 3-1 home victory over Pepperdine on Feb. 23. of the same, in a way, if you look at it from a mechanical standpoint. It’s just changing the mindset. When I’m a hitter, I’m really aggressive. Other times, I’m still aggressive as a pitcher, just under a little more control.”

Mengden’s aggressive nature has shined through in both his pitching and hitting. From a hitting perspective, it has earned him a .288 batting average, fourth on the team, with 19 hits, 10 RBIs and one home run. His style of hitting also has a downside, as Mengden has a teamleading 18 strikeouts.

On the mound, forces batters to attack his throws. As the Saturday starter, Meng-

den has compiled a 4-1 record with a 1.79 ERA and 34 strikeouts, all team-bests for starters.

Among his teammates, Mengden has earned a reputation for being an allaround baseball player. According to Stein, Mengden enjoys being able to play both sides of the pitching battle.

“I think he loves it,” Stein said. “He loves being out there on the mound, he loves being that starter we can go to to get outs but he also loves hitting. He’s a competitive guy, he’s going to go out there and compete in whatever he’s doing. He does a good job in [everything he does].”

fter falling behind by double digits heading into halftime, the Texas A&M women’s basketball team was unable to reassert its home court advantage and ended the season on a 74-63 loss in the second round NCAA tournament against Nebraska.

A&M lost despite four players with 10 points or more.

“I’m not sure that Nebraska could play any better than they did, they were magnificent,” A&M head coach Gary Blair said “It’s hard to beat a team that was playing that well. We have to be able to make almost every shot to stay in the game.”

True freshman guard Jordan Jones made a run with 4:13 left in the game, making two three-pointers and a three-point play off a steal to cut Nebraska’s lead from 16 points to seven in under a minute and a half.

The Cornhuskers, led by 20-point-plus performances

by Jordan Hooper and Lindsey Moore, held off multiple Aggie runs throughout the game.

“They’re an experienced team,” junior center Kelsey Bone said. “They made the stops they needed to. Every time we got a little life, they did a really good job of hitting the shot and not hanging their heads and continuing to play.”

Nebraska out-rebounded the Aggies 39-27. On the free-throw line, the Cornhuskers made 14-of-15 while A&M went 1-for-2.

Senior guard Adrienne Pratcher said guarding the Nebraska point guard Moore was a tough challenge.

“Coming into the game, we knew that Moore was going to be an important player to stop,” Pratcher said.

“I think she did a good job of running her team, running their offense. She was able to knock down shots and get her teammates involved.”

A&M bullpen readies for visiting UT-Arlington offense Drew Chambers The Battalion

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ver the course of the 2013 season, Texas A&M has an undefeated 7-0 record in weekday games, outscoring its opponents 4316 over the course of the matchups.

On Tuesday night, A&M welcomes the University of Texas at Arlington to Blue Bell Park, hoping to continue its weekday perfection. For the Aggies, the midweek matchup brings a sour taste as A&M suffered a 3-2 loss to the Mavericks on the same field last year.

A&M returns to College Station after upsetting No. 6 Ole Miss in the three-game series Friday through Sunday, 2-1. Following an 8-2 Friday loss and a rain delay on Saturday, A&M dropped the Rebels twice in a Sunday doubleheader, outscoring Ole Miss 12-7.

According to Southeastern Conference rules, Sunday doubleheaders are only allowed seven innings each. The Aggies used this to their advantage in game one, clinging to sophomore catcher Mitchell Nau’s pair of hits and RBIs to secure a 2-1 victory. In the

BAT_03-26-13_A2.indd 1

second game Aggie hitters combined for 10 runs off of 13 hits, for a 10-6 win.

The A&M pitching staff will be forced to contend with an offense that put up 31 runs in a three-game away series against the University of Texas at San Antonio, winning the series 2-1.

The Aggies will continue to look to their young bullpen players, many of whom have stepped up in key moments. Head coach Rob Childress says the learning curve is helping all of the young players.

“Those young guys have done a great job,” Childress said. “They go out and throw strikes and make the other team earn everything they get. I’m very proud of the young guys being able to throw in the schedule. It’s been a challenge and it’s only going to continue to be that way. They have to grow up on the job.”

Pitching during the week has allowed the slow-to-start A&M offense to find its rhythm, holding opponents to two runs or less in five of the seven weekday games. Northwestern State and Houston Baptist each scored five.

Freshman pitcher Andrew Vinson has

seven appearances with a 2.89 ERA, striking out 10 batters and only giving up one home run in nine-and-a-third innings as a reliever.

Vinson praised the defense for the work that they have done behind the pitching staff.

“You feel like, if you make mistakes, as long as you keep it in the park the defense is going to make plays,” Vinson said. “Mikey [Reynolds] is one of the best shortstops I’ve ever played with and Krey [Bratsen] in the outfield just covers gap to gap. Our defense is unbelievable this year.”

One constant for the pitching staff has been the man behind the plate. Junior catcher Troy Stein has helped the young pitchers maintain composure while contributing on offense, standing third on the team in batting average (.318) and slugging percentage (.424). For Stein, baseball is a team game, and that is how A&M will stay competitive down the stretch.

“It’s a team thing to be able to be a good offense,” Stein said. “It’s not about one guy getting going or having a great game, it’s about getting guys on, getting them over and across the plate, whether it be by home runs, walks or hit batters.”

Tanner Garza — THE BATTALION

In addition to his .318 batting average, junior catcher Troy Stein has been a key mentor for the young A&M bullpen.

3/26/13 12:51 AM

news

page 3 tuesday 3.26.2013

thebattalion

Reservoirs Continued from page 1

driest three-month periods in recent memory, including 2011.�

Brazos County is in a D2 drought, which is classified as severe. Other counties, such as some in South Texas, are labeled as being in a D4, a state of exceptional drought.

Coates said, due to the drought, one should expect summer heat to be warmer than average. “When it is dry, less energy is spent heating moisture in the air and soil, so the ground gets hotter,� Coates said. “In effect, the ground will dry out more, which leads to a greater increase in temperature.�

Nielson Gammon, Texas State climatologist, said reservoirs are getting lower every day and some sort of action must be implemented. “The reservoirs in place have managed to get us through three years of drought, but due to the population increase there has been an increasing need for water,� Gammon said.

Sikhism Continued from page 1

“After the shooting, they reached out to us and we reached out to them,� Habib said. “There were not any hard feelings, instead it brought us closer. When they have events, we are there to support them just as they support us.�

Batra, a graduate student from India, can be spotted on campus with a colorful turban and an untrimmed beard, which is a symbol of his faith. He said some Sikh students may be apprehensive to keep the beard and turban because of discrimination that many Sikhs experience, but he believes part of being Sikh is being visible. “Spirituality, solidarity, faith and standing up for others are a part of our religion,� Batra said.

As the religion evolved through the centuries, the last living founder, Guru Gobind Singh, collected writings from other Sikhs and created the Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhism was formalized around 1699 when he gave the Sikh a look or “khalsa,� and created the five Articles

He said creating an attitude of simple water conservation — the least expensive yet most effective solution — is important. “We need to take more advantage of our brackish groundwater and treated water,�

Gammon said.

Ralph Wurbs, associate director of the Water Research Institute at Texas A&M, may be one of the recipients of the proposed funding for his department to conduct research.

He said the projects might result in increased water bills for residents. “This is not a simple one-solution problem,� Wurbs said. “We need to use water more efficiently, and in order to do this we may need to construct more facilities, which will come with a price.�

Wurbs said, in the case that there is a repeat of the 1950s drought, the damages will be multiplied due to the increase in population and overall use of the vital resource.

The State Water Development Board estimates Texas needs to spend about $53 billion throughout the next 50 years to meet the water needs of the growing population.

of Faith, also known as the Five Ks. A baptized Sikh is easily identified through the Five Ks, which include: “Kesh,� long unshorn hair; “Dastar,� a turban; “Kangha,� a comb; “Kara,� a steel bracelet; “Kaccha,� a specific style of cotton undergarments; and “Kirpan,� a ceremonial sword worn as a religious symbol .

Batra said the most controversial Articles of Faith are the Kesh, Dastar and Kirpan because of discrimination that many of his people experience. “No matter if you are born here or from India, you are still looked at like you are not a normal person,� Batra said.

Yet through educational events such as Tie a Turban day, Navjit Kaur — junior supply chain management major and president of the Sikh Students Association — said he hopes understanding and respect will flourish. “I think by being open, asking questions and trying to find the truth [it] will allow others in our community to become educated instead of continuing with false assumptions,� Kaur said.

Seriously? This guy “rose from the dead�

2000 years ago, and now everyone celebrates with bunnies, eggs, and candy?

No one can actually believe that anymore‌ How would you respond to a statement like this? Have you ever made a statement like this? Do you know how to live out and back up your faith in Jesus Christ? Do you wonder if Jesus actually rose from the dead? Or are you convinced he didn’t, and you wonder how anyone rational can believe that he did?

CHRISTIAN FACULTY We are a group of professors, instructors, lecturers, and administrators united by our common experience that Jesus Christ provides intellectually and spiritually satisfying answers to life’s most important questions. We are available to students, faculty, and staff who might like to discuss such questions with us. For more information about the Christian Faculty network and it's activities, please visit our website: http://christianfaculty.tamu.edu Rachel Aaron

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The Independent Student Voice of Texas A&M since 1893

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Management

Robert Gustafson

Health and Kinesiology

Aerospace Engineering

The Battalion is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Tuesday and Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843. Offices are in Suite L400 of the Memorial Student Center.

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Gregg Bennett

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Veterinary Medicine

Seth Guikema

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Industrial Engineering

Nutrition and Food Science

Family & Community Medicine

Trevor Stevens

Whatever you believe and whatever your questions are, there are faculty and staff at Texas A&M University who would be glad to talk with you about Jesus Christ. Check out the list below to find people in your department or close to your dorm.

Economics

Health and Kinesiology - Emeritus

Cindy Raisor

Chemical Engineering

Ann Reed

James R. Wild

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Veterinary Medicine

Michael Wilkins Accounting

Student Health Services

Lawrence Wolken

David Greg Riley

James E. Womack

Animal Science

Finance

Veterinary Pathobiology

Family Development & Resource Mgmt.

Elizabeth Robinson

Alvin Larke Jr.

Jose M. Roesset Civil Engineering - Emeritus

Ralph Wurbs

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Agricultural Leadership, Educ & Communication Educational Curriculum

English

Chemistry

Will Worley

Electrical Engineering - Emeritus Civil Engineering Health and Kinesiology

NOTE: This ad presents the personal convictions of the individuals listed herein; the ad does not represent or support any view or position of Texas A&M University or any academic department. The ad does represent and acknowledge the diversity

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of academic contributions toTexas A&M University by men and women of various race, ethnic group, and cultural background who share the Christian faith.

XXX QQEJ DPN t t 5FYU i11%w UP UP SFDFJWF TUVEZ JOGPSNBUJPO XXX QQEJ DPN t t 5FYU i11%w UP UP SFDFJWF TUVEZ JOGPSNBUJPO

BAT_03-26-13_A3.indd 1

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classifieds

thebattalion 3.26.2013 page4 PLACE

AN AD Phone 845-0569 Suite L400, Memorial Student Center Texas A&M University

AUTO

WHEN

TO CALL 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Insertion deadline: 1 p.m. prior business day

FOR RENT

I buy vehicles; working, nonworking, or wrecked. 979-778-1121.

BED AND BREAKFAST Romantic Getaways & Engagements, secluded cabin suites. All Day, All Night. www.7flodge.com 979-690-0073.

FARM/RANCH Aggieland Alfalfa. 50lb compressed Alfalfa bales, 50lb compressed Timothy bales. Call or text orders to 806-683-2916.

Horse boarding facility, covered arena, large grass pastures, full care. 979-324-6861, sundownfarmisawesome@gmail.com

FOR RENT $1100 Pre-lease, Brand New Gorgeous 2/2 on Northgate, walk to TAMU, granite, hardwood floors, free Wifi/Cable and W/D, call Maroon & White Management, 979-422-5660. $295 Prelease, All Bills Paid, 1-room in shared furnished apartment, Call Maroon & White Management, 979-422-5660. $395 Prelease 1/1, 2/1 and 2/2.

Free WiFi/water/sewer. On Northgate, on shuttle. Call Maroon & White Management 979-422-5660. $850 Pre-lease, 3&4 bedroom houses, W/D, pets ok, near TAMU. Call Maroon & White Management, 979-422-5660.

1,2,3,4 bedroom apartments. Furnished or unfurnished. Available May or August. 979-693-4900.

2, 3, 4, &5 bedroom houses, condos and duplexes. Now preleasing for May and August.

979-776-8984.

2,3,4 and 5/bdrm. CS duplexes.

Very nice, garage, on shuttle, tile, fireplace, w/d, fenced, lawn service, pets o.k. Available August.

Details and photos available online. http://arduplexes.com info@arduplexes.com 979-255-0424, 979-255-1585.

2/1 CS duplex, available May and August, pets allowed, privacy fenced backyard, tile floors, blinds and ceiling fans, W/D connections, lawncare and pest-control included, E-Walk shuttle route, $675/mo, 979-218-2995.

2bd/1ba apartment, 800sq. ft.

New appliances, carpeting and tile. W/D. bus-route. $600/mo.

210-391-4106.

2bd/2.5ba unique floorplans w/balcony views of Kyle Field.

Brand new luxury apartment condos. Fullsize stainless steel appliances, W/D, designer ammenities granite/wood/tile, bus stop. Only 36units on Holleman at Wolf Pen. www.broadstoneranchatwolfpen.com, www.aggielandleasing.com, 979-776-6079.

2bd/2ba unique floorplans w/balcony views of Kyle Field.

Brand new luxury apartment condos. Fullsize stainless steel appliances, W/D, designer ammenities granite/wood/tile, bus stop. Only 36units on Holleman at Wolf Pen. www.broadstoneranchatwolfpen.com, www.aggielandleasing.com, 979-776-6079.

3/2 duplex, 1922 Holleman Dr. West. Available August. Great location, wood floors, tile, new carpet, newly updated, fenced backyard, W/D, shuttle, bike to campus. Pets ok. $1095/mo.

979-731-8257. www.brazosvalleyrentals.com 3/2 Duplexes, prelease August, very nice, 5mins to campus, W/D, lawn care, security system, $900-950/mo. 979-691-0304, 979-571-6020.

3/3,3/2 Houses, Townhouses &Apartments, 1250-1400sqft.

Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, walk-in pantry &closets, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing, excellent specials.

979-694-0320. www.luxormanagement.com 3/2/2 house off of Holleman.

1104 Taurus Cr. $1100/mo.

979-693-5885.

3/2/2 huge house. Walk to campus. 3905 Oaklawn, $1250/mo. 979-693-5885.

3/2/2 huge huge house! Walk to campus. 4000 Oaklawn, $1300/mo. 979-693-5885.

3bd/2ba mobile home on one acre, 3131 Cain Rd. CS, $550/mo, call 777-2395.

3bd/3ba townhome. Newer, granite, ceramic, shuttle. May and August. Broker/owner 979-777-5477.

4/2 and 5/2 houses, CS, available June/August, updated, all appliances, great backyards, large living rooms, W/D, close to campus, no pets. www.brazosvalleyrentals.com 979-731-8257.

4/2/2 huge house. Walk to campus. 3903 Oaklawn, $1350/mo. 979-693-5885.

4/3, 3/3 &3/2 Houses, Townhouses, Duplexes &Fourplexes, 1250-1700sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing, excellent specials.

979-694-0320. www.luxormanagement.com 4/4 University Place condo, W/D, private bath, pool, on shuttle, student community, $300/room, Call 979-690-8213 or 979-422-9849.

4bd home built 2008, 3 rooms available June1st, two at $525/mo. (shared bathroom), one at $600/mo. master bedroom with bath, all bills paid including wifi, 361-463-1515 or publisher@rockportpilot.com for more information.

4bd/2ba house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, granite countertops, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com 4bd/4and1/2ba house near campus, on Park Place. Major appliances included. Lots of parking. Yard and pest service provided. W/D included. Call 979-255-4253.

Brand New, 4bd/4ba houses. walking distance from campus, AAF 979-693-4900.

4bd/4ba private bathroom, $325 per room, Summer $260 per room, Wood/tile floors, large living room, new refrigerator, w/d, central a/c, walk-in closets, on shuttle. Student community, large pool, basketball court, sand beach volleyball. 979-574-0040, 281-639-8847.

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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.

FOR RENT

FOR RENT

4bd/4ba University Place Condo for rent starting August 2013. $1660/mo. All utilities paid including internet. No pets. www.collegestationrent.com/tx/collegestation/227678-4-bed-4-bathcondo-all-bills-paid. Fred 281-460-0439.

FOR RENT

Just available! Close to campus, College Main and Eastgate areas.

2bd/1ba., some w/dishwasher, 1-fenced, some bills paid. $325-$450/mo. 979-219-3217.

Large 2bedroom with office or 3bedroom. Recently updated, fenced, 2car carport, W/D, biking distance to TAMU. Rent $750-799/mo. Available August.

4units available! aggielandrentals.com 979-776-8984.

5/4.5, like new. High ceilings, huge closets, large front porch, tile floors, all appliances, many extras. $1750/mo. Preleasing for August. 979-229-6326. See photos and info at www.texagrentals.com August Leasing. 4bd/2ba house.

Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com

Large 4bd/2ba with gameroom.

Granite, 2car garage, large patio/deck, fenced, updated.

Lawncare included.

1404 Dominik. $1799/mo. aggielandrentals.com 979-776-8984.

Available August. 4/4 house in Buena Vida. W/D, new appliances, granite, fenced. gigem95@verizon.net 713-252-5555.

Looking for: huge closets, vanities longer than bathtubs, dedicated shoeracks, covered parking? 1/1, 2/2, 2/2.5. Falcon Point Condos.

Broker/owner 979-777-5477.

Available now 2/2 duplex, fenced yard, pets ok, great location, and on shuttle, $700/mo.

979-693-1448.

New Renovations! Large 1800sqft house, 4bd/2ba. 2-car garage, storage shed, eat-in-kitchen, diningroom, familyroom w/fireplace.

Tile floors, laundryroom with W/D, 2 refrigerators, large patio, fenced yard. Lawn maintenance, pestcontrol, wireless, cable.

Windwood. $375/room, 4rooms available Aug.2013.

832-326-3215.

Available now 3/2 house with two car garage, remodled on inside, large fenced backyard, stainless appliances. 1708 Treehouse Trail. $1300/mo. 979-693-1448.

Brand new luxury condos, granite countertops, tile flooring, great location. 979-693-4900.

Newer 1/1, 1/1.5 loft, 2/2, 3/3.

Granite, ceramic, w/d, walk-in closets, cable and internet, shuttle. $820-$1560. Broker owner 979-777-5477.

Close To Campus! 4/2 &5/2 houses, preleasing for August, great floorplans, updated, no pets 731-8257, www.BrazosValleyRentals.com

Nice! 4/2 2013-Rayburn. $1550/mo. Available Aug1st. Call Scott at 979-229-5007.

College Station: 3/2, 1240sqft.

Newly remodeled! New stainless steel appliances, tile, cabinets!

Close to shuttle, W/D, lawn/pest/maintenance included. 905 Balcones (off Welch), $1,000/mo. KAZ Realty 979-324-9666.

Northgate. Newer 1/1, 2/2, 3/3 and 3/2. Washer/dryer. Walk to campus. Summer and 1 year leases okay. aggievillas.net. Call 979-255-5648.

Now Leasing and pre-leasing for August! 4bdrm/2bth houses. Spacious floorplans. Great Location.

Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, w/d, fenced yards, refridgerator, icemaker,lawncare.

979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com

College Station: 3/2, 1240sqft.

Newly remodeled! New appliances! Close to shuttle, W/D, lawn/pest/maintenance included. 905 Balcones (off Welch), $850./mo. KAZ Realty 979-324-9666.

Duplex, CS, nice 2bd/1ba, 3-minutes from campus, W/D, remodeled, fenced front and backyard, beautiful with many extras, one week free, $570/mo, 979-422-3427.

Now preleasing large 3/2 duplexes, May-Aug leasing options, off of Holleman, on shuttle, view duplexes seven days a week, 979-774-4575.

One month free rent on efficiencies and 2-bdrms, great move-in specials, free cable and ethernet. aggieapartment.com. Tamu shuttle route. 979-693-1906.

Free locatoring service, Houses Duplexes and Apartments, 979-693-4900.

Great 4bd/2ba house in popular area. 400 Pronghorn Loop. W/D, refrigerator, large fenced backyard, 2-car garage. Available June. $1650/mo. Call Joey at 979-218-4091.

Pre-lease 4 and 5 bedroom houses, available August, great floor plans, close to campus, updated, W/D, all appliances, no pets. www.brazosvalleyrentals.com 979-731-8257.

Horse Lover’s Dream. 3bd/1ba, covered carport on 4acres wit pond and horse facilities. Minutes from TAMU. Recently updated all appliances including W/D. Pet and livestock friendly.

Available August. Rent $1399/mo. aggielandrentals.com 979-776-8984

REPAIR

Pre-lease for May or August 2/2 Duplex with large fence backyard.

Pets ok, walk-in closets, great location, and shuttle. $775/mo.

979-693-1448.

puzzle answers can be found online at www.thebatt.com 2800 694979-

1 yr Warranty & Certified Techs

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SINCE 2001

2bd/2ba 4-plex. Spacious floorplan, W/D connections, close to campus. $550/mo. www.aggielandleasing.com 979-776-6079.

2bd/2ba with deck. Close to campus, wood floors, new kitchen floor. W/D connections, water included. Available summer and/or fall. Call 979-204-1950.

SPECIAL

see ads at thebatt.com

HELP WANTED

Sub-lease 2bd/1ba. Second floor corner apartment. $640/mo, on bus route, and pets welcome.

Contact (979)777-1308.

Part-time job helping handicapped. Male student preferred. $360/mo. 5-10hrs/wk.

979-846-3376.

Sublease room in 4bd house, April through June30th, $350 +utilities, 936-499-7183.

Part-time summer help, apply in person, Conlee-Garrett Moving and Storage, 600 South Bryan Ave., Bryan.

Sutter’s Mill 2bd/1.5ba Condo, $850/mo. deposit required, pets ok, pool, bus route, W/D, 361-563-8214.

Two newer built 5/4’s for lease.

Available 8/1. Northgate area!

281-814-0665

PT leasing agent, Saturdays a must. Call 979-693-1906.

STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in College Station. 100% free to join. Click on surveys.

PETS

FOR SALE Like new, Senior boots, custom Holicks, approximate size nine, field style with laces, includes bags, $675, 979-968-8610.

HELP WANTED Administrative assistant to work full-time w/benefits. Good computer and phone skills are a plus. Contact 979-574-3910.

Ags! Looking for summer work?

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

Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. aggieresponse@gmail.com Be a Ninfamaniac! Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant has immediate openings for Servers and Hosts. Apply at 1007 Earl Rudder Freeway South. EOE. Christopher’s World Grille is now hiring Waitstaff, Service Assistants, Hosts and Kitchen Staff. Please apply at 5001 Boonville Rd., Bryan.

City of Bryan now hiring lifeguards and water safety instructors, do not have to be certified, apply online bryantxjobs.com call 979-209-5222 for more information.

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

Data entry w/excellent computer skills. Part-time, South College Station. 979-574-3910.

Desire: perfect/refine existing Web/Power Point presentation, $200, 979-574-3145.

Immediate opening. Energetic, high-energy office assistant for tele-marketing and busy real-estate office. 12:00-5:00pm.

Call 979-693-3700 and ask for ext 437 King Ranch Turfgrass has immediate part-time opportunities for experienced farm laborers. Responsibilities include general agricultural duties associated with sod farming such as equipment maintenance and operation. For consideration, call (936)825-6330 or apply in person at 28132 Tom Moore Rd. Navasota, Texas 77868.

EOE/Drug Free Workplace.

2 male Yorkie puppies, 2-3lbs, 4mo. old, $800, linda_d_54@yahoo.com, 979-324-2866.

REAL ESTATE B/CS. Sell/Buy/Invest! Michael McGrann TAMU ‘93 Civil Engineering 979-739-2035, mike@aggierealtor.com Nadia McGrann 979-777-6211, Town & Country Realty.

ROOMMATES 2 female roommates needed.

3bd/2ba house, 122Sterling. Great location, on bus route, with W/D! $450/mo(+utils). Available for viewing Mar29-30. (325)669-7958.

2 or 3 roommates needed for 4bd/4ba apartment. Fully furnished with W/D. $475/mo includes utilities. Contact Kendall at k_aggie14@neo.tamu.edu.

2-rooms available in 4bdrm home off of Graham. Female, non-partiers, mostly furnished. $450/mo. 903-456-6543.

Female roommate wanted, $499/mo utilities included, pets welcomed, call 281-380-8428.

Need female roommate, 4bd/3ba, 2400sgft house, Dove Crossing, huge closet, $450/mo, 713-516-2044.

Roommate wanted, $450/mo 3bd/2ba condo, front parking, on A&M bus route, call 713-858-1740.

Roommates needed 4bd/2ba home with large backyard and new flooring. Pets welcome. Call if interested 361-463-6763.

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, 979-268-8867.

WANTED VENDORS WANTED- Show, tell & SELL yard ART, decorations, plants & Growers for April 20 GARDEN PARTY. Apply by 3/30/13 to Clovercochran@yahoo.com.

Little Guys Movers now hiring FT/PT employees. Must be at least 21 w/valid D.L. Apply in person at 3209 Earl Rudder Freeway.

979-693-6683.

Lochow Exotic Game Ranch part or full time staff. Flexible hours with school schedules. Must have experience with Tractor work.

Duties include feeding exotics and horses, shredding , mowing , minor equipment maintenance, cleaning up grounds and barns.

Must be able to take responsibility for ranch when owner not present. References. $12 hour in Milano . jlochow@lochowranch.com 512-484-1535 Lochow Ranch need horse exercise/rider and trainer. Set your own hours. 8 horses total . Reining horses all sired by world champions. Basic training on 22 month old colt. Regular Grooming , work with ferrier and vet. $50 half day $100 for full day , Milano jlochow@lochowranch.com 512-484-1535

read the fine print.

the

battalion Classifieds Call 845-0569 To Place Your Ad

Need someone to create small business website and teach owner to manage site. Contact 979-324-6861 or sundownfarmisawesome@gmail.com.

STUDIES IN PROGRESS FACIAL ACNE STUDY

Volunteers ages 12-35, with facial acne are needed to participate in a 35-day long clinical research study with a topical cream for acne. All eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study Related Acne Evaluations by a Dermatologist • Study Cream • Compensation up to $3,830 for time and effort Eligible volunteers will be required to make daily office visit while on the study.

For more information please contact:

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

BAT_03_26_13_A4.indd 1

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lifestyles

b!

thebatt.com Spring break gone bad Writer-director Harmony Korine takes former Disney Channel starlets and casts them as co-ed criminals in the company of a small-time gangster played

by James Franco in his latest film, the neon-lit nightmare “Spring Breakers.” Find out what reviewer Alec Goetz had to say about the film in a full rundown on thebatt.com.

River North Dance Chicago

thebattalion 3.26.2013 page5

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013 Texas A&M Rudder Theatre, 8 p.m.

Tickets $5 Students, $10 general public Tickets available at the MSC Box Office of online: http://boxoffice.tamu.edu/events.html For more information, contact: (979)847-2787 or AVPA@tamu.edu http://academyarts.tamu.edu

STUDENTS COURTESY

Chris Griffin, Class of 2007, poses next to a cardboard cutout featuring Merida, lead character of Brave, the Oscar-winning Pixar film for which he helped design the animation of cloth and hair.

Former student part of Oscar-winning team Emily Villani

The Battalion itted against animated films such as “Wreck-It Ralph” and “Frankenweenie” — Pixar’s “Brave” won the Academy Award for best animated feature film in February, thanks in part to the help of a graduate of Texas A&M. Chris Griffin, Class of 2007 and former graphics editor at The Battalion, was a simulation artist on the team that was awarded the Oscar.

“I got to hold the Oscar,” Griffin said. “It was nice; it was heavy. This is the first film that I worked on that’s gotten an Oscar.”

Griffin’s involvement with “Brave” was in designing digital costumes and hair movement for the animated characters.

“We would take the characters that had already been animated and were responsible for animating the cloth and the hair using all kinds of simulation tools,” Griffin said.

Among the animation tools Griffin used were high-powered simulators that calculate the motion of hair and cloth.

“If it’s made out of silk, we have to figure out how silk moves and try to replicate it,” Griffin said. “Any kind of cloth material we try to get as close to reality as possible.

Griffin said the complexity of the character or garment determines the amount of time it takes to animate. A T-shirt, he said, is easier to animate than a kilt.

“I like the challenge of trying to make something that moves right and looks great and maintains its aesthetic appeal,” Griffin said. “It’s quite a lot of math — a

P

lot of geometry and trigonometry and calculus.”

As the Oscar and reactions from moviegoers have shown, Griffin’s hard work paid off in the end.

“The animation was perfect,” said Austin Adams, junior business major.

Adams said he was amazed by the true-to-life movement of the character Merida’s hair.

“It really greyed the boundary between animation and reality,” Adams said. “It seems like a lot of physics work for the graphic artists involved.”

Although Griffin himself dealt with the more technical aspects of animating the costumes in “Brave,” he collaborated with an eclectic group of people with various areas of expertise.

“We have some people who are very highly technical and on the other side we have some people who are very adept at actually tailoring,” Griffin said.

“The community [in the office] is fantastic. Everyone has a very open, cooperative attitude about everything.”

For Griffin, the transition from college to the real world was a smooth one. A typical workday for him includes hacking away at a list of tasks, trading ideas with coworkers, and attending meetings.

“You have your projects and assignments and you work on them and then you show them to your supervisors, and they give you notes,” Griffin said. “It’s not all that different from the architecture program at A&M.” He said the architecture program well prepared him for the critiquing process as a simulation artist at Pixar, but Griffin

didn’t always know he wanted to work at Pixar. In fact, he said he didn’t decide to pursue a career as a simulation artist until early in his undergraduate education.

“I was originally going to be an architect,” Griffin said. “But when I got into the architecture program, they had all these different options of where to go. They had the visualization lab, and I decided to change my direction and go for the ‘Viz Lab’ instead.”

The visualization lab supports the research efforts of the Department of Visualization.

“We focus on the use of art, design, technology and science to create visual experiences,” said Tim McLaughlin, Griffin’s thesis advisor and the head of the Department of Visualization.

The visualization lab emphasizes simultaneous right-brain and left-brain thinking in students, which prepares them to work at places that integrate technical and aesthetic requirements — places like Pixar. “[The visualization lab] makes [students] very good at tackling computer graphics — problems like simulated cloth, character articulation, digital lighting and effects animation like fire, smoke and water,” McLaughlin said.

McLaughlin said Griffin’s focus in graduate school was to combine procedural methods for generating complex motion with realism.

“I believe much of his visual inspiration was derived from gritty comic books like the Dark Knight series,” McLaughlin said.

Satirical website presents skewed take on Greek life Molly Livingstone

The Battalion hat started as a website has launched into a phenomenon. With a New York Times Best Seller and the rough outlines of an impending movie, “Total Frat Move” has morphed into a state of mind.

Created in 2010 by Ross Bolen at Texas State University, Total Frat Move, or TFM, exists according to its website to “offer a satiric and often unabashedly blunt genre of comedy from the perspective of America’s privileged youth.”

“It’s so ridiculous that you can laugh at it,” said Shelby Taylor, sophomore psychology major and member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. “I feel like it’s humorous, but you shouldn’t take it 100 percent seriously.”

Taylor said TFM is popular because it can be relatable to members of Greek life, though she said many of the situations are exaggerated.

“It draws people’s attention because it’s something that they are a part of,” Taylor said.

The franchise, known for its vulgar references and humor, often discusses topics such as excessive drinking, hazing and sex. The website connects with users through Twitter accounts, satirical news updates and its latest addition, the book “Total Frat Move.” According to the Austin Business Journal, the website receives up to 18 million page views a month. TFM has even opened a merchandise line called Rowdy Gentleman.

Philip Neal, senior sports management major and member of Phi Beta Sigma — a multi-cultural fraternity — said TFM does not showcase the positives of being a member of a fra-

W

BAT_03-26-13_A5.indd 1

ternity or sorority.

“I feel like everyone behind the movement is on the outside looking in and only sees the negatives that Greek life brings,” Neal said. “They don’t know the positives.”

Neal also said members of the Greek community are not perfect, and should not be judged more harshly than anyone else.

“Although we are supposed to be held to a higher degree, at the end of the day we are still college kids — we are still humans,” Neal said.

With a vocabulary that refers to women as “slam pieces,” some believe TFM portrays Greek life in a negative light.

Senior political science major Matt Millslagle said TFM only tells one side of the story. “[TFM] stereotypes and takes away from what Greek life should be,” Millslagle said. “It should be about a group of people moving toward becoming better people.”

Junior sports management major, Casey Gilbert said she is opposed to the TFM movement and how it mocks individuals not associated with Greek life.

“You don’t have to be Greek to have friends or to be a part of something,” Gilbert said. “I find it offensive as a non-Greek to be referred to as lowly because we chose not to go Greek.”

Senior accounting major and member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity Barrett Watson said TFM has had very little effect on Texas A&M fraternities.

“The TFM movement certainly is raising awareness, but it is the actual fraternities here at A&M, the current actives of those fraternities and the values and ideals that we hold close that are bringing in each new pledge class,” Watson said.

Would you like to join the Aggie Spirit team?

Do you want to help get Aggies to class on time?

Then we want to talk to you!

We are hiring Aggie Spirit bus drivers.

No experience needed Work 12-39 hours per week $8/hr starting pay with regular raises and get paid while we train you!

Apply online at transport.tamu.edu or for further information call Holly at 979.845.0345

THE TEXAS A&M STUDENT MEDIA BOARD INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR

Editor

Aggieland 2014

Qualifications for editor-in-chief of the Aggieland yearbook are:

REQUIRED • Be a Texas A&M student in good standing with the University and enrolled in at least six credit hours (4 if a graduate student) during the term of office (unless fewer credits are required to graduate); • Have at least a 2.25 cumulative grade point ratio (3.25 if a graduate student) and at least a 2.25 grade point ratio (3.25 if a graduate student) in the semester immediately prior to the appointment, the semester of appointment and semester during the term of office. In order for this provision to be met, at least six hours (4 if a graduate student) must have been taken for that semester; PREFERRED • Have completed JOUR 301 or COMM 307 (Mass Communication, Law, and Society); • Have demonstrated ability in writing, editing and graphic design through university coursework or equivalent experience; • Have at least one year experience in a responsible position on the Aggieland or comparable college yearbook.

Application forms should be picked up and returned to Sandi Jones, Student Media business coordinator, in Suite L408 of the MSC. Deadline for submitting application: noon Monday, April 1, 2013.

An equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to diversity

The Texas a&M sTudenT Media Board inviTes applicaTions for

Editor

thebattalion Serving TexaS a&M UniverSiTy Since 1893

Summer 2013

(The summer editor will serve May 12 through Aug. 10, 2013)

Fall 2013–Spring 2014 (The fall and spring editor will serve Aug. 11, 2013, through May 10, 2014)

Qualifications for editor-in-chief of The Battalion are: reQuired • Be a Texas A&M student in good standing with the University and enrolled in at least six credit hours (4 if a graduate student) during the term of office (unless fewer credits are required to graduate); • Have at least a 2.25 cumulative grade point ratio (3.25 if a graduate student) and at least a 2.25 grade point ratio (3.25 if a graduate student) in the semester immediately prior to the appointment, the semester of appointment and semester during the term of office. in order for this provision to be met, at least six hours (4 if a graduate student) must have been taken for that semester. preferred • Have completed JOUR 301 or COMM 307 (Mass Communication, Law, and Society) or equivalent; • Have at least one year experience in a responsible editorial position on The Battalion or comparable daily college newspaper, – or – Have at least one year editorial experience on a commercial newspaper, – or – Have completed at least 12 hours in journalism, including JOUR 203 (Media Writing I) and JOUR 303 (Media Writing II) or JOUR 304 (Editing for the Mass Media), or equivalent.

application forms should be picked up and returned to sandi Jones, student Media business coordinator, in suite l408 of the Msc. deadline for submitting application: noon Monday, april 1, 2013.

An equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to diversity

3/25/13 9:30 PM

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page 6 tuesday 3.26.2013

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A&M military tradition beckons GI comedians to Rudder With Front Pocket

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he “GIs of Comedy,” composed of former Army and Air Force personnel, will bring its comedy skit to Rudder Auditorium on Tuesday.

Thom Tran, Jose Sarduy and Tom Irwin have partnered with executive producers R. Ben Garant and Thomas Lennon — writers of the “Night at the Museum” franchise and creators of “Reno! 911” — to continue serving military supporters through comedy, one laugh at a time.

“We’re really excited to come to A&M,” Tran said. “We have heard that the Corps is a big part of A&M and has this rich military history. It is such a great opportunity to perform for cadets as well as for College Station.”

Thom Tran, retired staff sergeant of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and creator of the GIs of Comedy tour, served in Iraq during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

After being wounded in 2005, he returned to the U.S. and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. Comedy became his preferred type of therapy as he began performing at comedy clubs around California. Tran soon realized the need for an all-military comedy troupe and contacted several of his comrades, which ultimately resulted in the GIs of Comedy Tour.

“Three years ago, this troupe was literally just an idea in my head,” Tran said.

“It started out small, just performing at comedy clubs around [Los Angeles], and now we are performing all across the nation. The Army commissioned us to perform in 14 states last year and we’re even producing our own TV special. It’s been amazing.”

Sarduy, Irwin and Jody Fuller will perform alongside Tran. All four men served or still serve in some branch of the U.S. military and have served tours in Iraq.

The GI Comedy Tour began in 2010 and has since attracted the attention of audiences around the world. The members have been featured on CNN, FOX and Lifetime. The troupe’s mission is to provide entertainment for service members who have returned from a combat deployment, who are preparing to de-

COURTESY

From left: Tom Irwin, Jose Sarduy and Thom Tran used comedy as a means of coping with stress from their military tours and now travel the country to perform shows for soldiers and supporters.

Start time Doors will open at 5 p.m. and seating is on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are available at the MSC Box Office. ploy or those who support the military.

“We believe the efforts of these veterans to bring their love of country to the comedy stage provide an excellent opportunity for the Brazos community to show our support for all those who wear the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces,” said Fred McClure, CEO of the George Bush Foundation.

Tran said the group’s experience and subject matter go beyond the military.

“The three of us all have different experiences as actors, writers and fathers,” Tran said. “Because of this we don’t just talk about military, we also talk about our life experiences. Between of the three of us we have over thirty years of comedic experience.”

Maggie Austin, freshman biology major, said the concept of the show interests her.

“I love the idea of the interaction between veterans and college students in such a casual context,” Austin said. “I’m really excited to go tomorrow.”

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The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear two arguments Tuesday and Wednesday regarding the constitutionality of California Proposition 8 and the federal Defense of Marriage Act, DOMA. In August 2010, Federal District Judge Vaughn Walker ruled Proposition 8 to be in direct violation of the U.S. Constitution’s due process and equal protection clauses. The Court will hear arguments regarding the decision Tuesday. Wednesday will be reserved for arguments concerning lower court decisions that claim DOMA restricted federal benefits from same sex couples.

The Court’s verdict is expected sometime before late June.

The hearing could refresh talks of legalizing same-sex marriage. Kim Villa, president of GLBT Aggies, said this can be a massive stepping stone for same-sex supporters, but also said legislative change would only be the beginning.

“Although a major leap forward, we still have a long way

to go to achieve total equality,” Villa said. “Just as the issue of racism cannot be solved in a single day, neither can our movement.”

Villa said while this is an important week for activists on a national scale, it is just as important locally due to the March 20 introduction of the GLBT Funding Opt-Out bill in Student Senate, which would recommend that students be able to opt out of the portion of their fees that go toward the funding of the campus GLBT resource center.

GLBT Aggies called the bill a “direct and blatant” attack on the GLBT community at A&M in a press release and will hold an open forum meeting April 3, during which Student Senate will be spoken to directly.

Tyler Webb, staff reporter

Accident investigation to close Harvey Mitchell Parkway on Tuesday Four people remain hospitalized after an auto crash Saturday night on Harvey Mitchell Parkway.College Station Police and Texas Department of Transportation will close Harvey Mitchell Parkway between Holleman and Luther West at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday to reconstruct the accident that killed two people and hospitalized five on Saturday night. The road will be closed for up to five hours for the investigation. Nathan Hardcastle, sophomore ecological restoration major, and Taylor Leonard, 19, who was visiting from Houston, died in

the hospital. A Dodge pick-up driven by Leonard and carrying five other people, including Hardcastle, was pulling out of the Parkway Place Apartments when it was hit by a second pickup heading south on Harvey Mitchell, police said. Services for Taylor Leonard will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 12310 New Hampton Dr. in Tomball, Texas.

Staff report

Memories fade.

Yearbooks last a Lifetime.

Pre-order your 2013 Aggieland yearbook for $81.19, including shipping and sales tax, and $AVE.

The 111th edition of Texas A&M’s official yearbook will chronicle the 2012-2013 school year — traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, Greeks, ResLife, campus organizations and seniors and graduate students. Distribution of the 2013 Aggieland will be during Fall 2013.

Go to http://aggieland.tamu.edu or call 979-845-2696 to pre-order by credit card. Or drop by the Student Media office, Suite L400 in the MSC. Cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted.

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3/26/13 12:33 AM