The Battalion - October 15, 2018

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15 | SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2018 STUDENT MEDIA

COFFEE ON CAMPUS Josh Gleason — THE BATTALION

Director of the Center for Coffee Research and Education Leonardo Lombardini hopes to educate Texas A&M’s students about coffee harvesting, processing and pricing at Texas A&M.

Texas A&M research center looks behind the scenes of the popular drink and its industry

By Keegan Hottinger @HottingerKeegan A group of faculty, staff and students at Texas A&M is changing the coffee industry through research and public education programs.

Located on West Campus, the Center for Coffee Research and Education is committed to providing information about what is needed to sustain the diverse industry.

Program coordinator Rodrigo Chavez said the center spreads information about how coffee is harvested, processed and priced, as well has how the cost of coffee affects the lives of farmers.

Since the facility’s establishment in September of 2016,

Chavez said the goal has been to educate the public on the coffee industry and establish A&M as a global leader in coffee research.

“Trying to set up the first coffee campus at Texas A&M will allow students and faculty, as well as people from the community, to get educated and take courses on how to be a barista, how to process coffee and how to properly become a roaster,” Chavez said.

The center provides opportunities for students to get involved through the Texas A&M Coffee Club and a horticulture study abroad program led by the center’s staff.

“Any student can join the coffee club,” Horticulture senior Kelsey Wentling said. “The study abroad is also a great opportunity to learn more about coffee. You get a chance to go to Guatemala and learn about the process hands-on and meet different farmers. It’s an honor that Texas A&M has this coffee center.”

For those interested in learning more about the coffee in-

dustry, the Center for Coffee Research and Education will conduct a seminar on Nov. 8.

“We are going to have a two-day coffee seminar that will be open to the public,” Chavez said. “Students will have a large discount and we will teach a little about each part of the coffee production process.”

Leonardo Lombardini, director of the center and adviser for the Texas A&M Coffee Club, said a significant goal for the facility is to change the way the world understands this popular commodity.

“I would like to see more education about coffee,” Lombardini said. “Like when people buy a bottle of wine from a specific region. It’s not just about sounding fancy, it’s about giving back to the farmers. If they can sell their coffee at a higher price because it’s certified, that would be great — even if we can just achieve this with the A&M community.”

PHILANTHROPY FIT FOR FALL

Zach McKinley --- THE DAILY GAMECOCK

Junior running back Trayveon Williams ran for 78 yards and a touchdown against South Carolina.

Moving up

Aggies rise in the national ranks after Saturday’s victory over South Carolina

By Abigail Ochoa @AbigailOchoa88 In a head-to-head battle that ended with a touchdown in the last few minutes of the game, No. 22 Texas A&M defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 26-23 for their third consecutive SEC win, sending the Aggies up to a No. 17 ranking.

The South Carolina offense was not doing well against a strong A&M defensive front in the first half, and the Gamecocks went into halftime down 13-0. However, this all began to change in the second half. The Gamecocks put themselves on the board with two touchdowns within four minutes of each other, as junior quarterback Jack Bentley threw a 22-yard pass to Shi Smith and a 33-yard pass to Chavis Dawkins.Even with the two touchdowns, the Aggies would have had a two-point lead over their opponent if it hadn’t been for the two successful two-point conversions from South Carolina’s junior wide receiver Bryan Edwards, who scored from a pass by Bentley in both instances. This move tied up the game at 16.

Head coach Jimbo Fisher said this win, although tough, showed major improvement for the team FOOTBALL ON PG. 4

Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

Habitat for Humanity hosts a pumpkin patch through the month of October as a fundraiser where they sell over 4,000 pumpkins.

Habitat for Humanity campus chapter hosts pumpkin patch

By Victoria Mancuso @VictoriaMancu12 Bryan-College Station residents are picking pumpkins and giving back to the community at the Habitat for Humanity pumpkin patch.

Located on the Covenant Presbyterian Church’s grounds at 220 Rock Prairie Rd., the annual fall pumpkin patch is a philanthropy project hosted by the Texas A&M Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter.

The patch opened Sept. 29 and will continue selling pumpkins through Oct. 31.

This event helps raise money for the homes that are built by Habitat for Humanity.

The patch sells more than 4,000 pumpkins each year, raising over $30,000, according to co-director of special events and urban and regional planning junior Regina Alvarez.

Habitat for Humanity invites student organizations to help unload the delivery truck. Anthropology sophomore Paula Moreno, a volunteer with Aggie Emeralds, said she was looking forward to taking a pumpkin home after the day’s work was finished.

“I am going to take a pumpkin home, carve it and bake the pumpkin seeds,” Moreno said.

Environmental geoscience sophomore Alex Ohrmundt, co-director of special events, said his favorite aspect of the patch is watching community members enjoy it.

“It’s nice to be outside because the weather is so nice and you get to meet all types of people,” Ohrmundt said. “I love it — just to see all the work that we’ve put into beforehand and see it pay off out here.”

For more information about the Habitat for Humanity Pumpkin Patch visit tx.ag/ pumpkinvolunteer.

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NEWS

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Editor

Aggieland 2019

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 yearbook.

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Application forms should be picked up from and returned to Douglas Pils, Student Media General Manager, in Suite L410 of the MSC. Deadline for submitting application: 5 p.m. Wednesday, November 7, 2018.

Economics senior Matthew Iommi distributed chargers from Power Boost Society in Houston after Hurricane Harvey.

Providing power despite disaster Student-run business gives away portable chargers in relief efforts

By Meagan Sheffield @mshef350

Megan Rodriguez, Editor in Chief Luke Henkhaus, Managing Editor Taylor Fennell, News Editor Anthony Pangonas, News Editor Jordan Burnham, Asst. News Editor Kathryn Whitlock, Life & Arts Editor Hannah Falcon, Life & Arts Editor Samantha Mahler, Asst. Life & Arts Editor

Angel Franco, Sports Editor Abigail Ochoa, Asst. Sports Editor Cassie Stricker, Photo Chief Jesse Everett, Asst. Photo Chief Daoud Qamar, Video Editor Kevin Christman, Asst. Video Editor Sanna Bhai, Special Sections Editor

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Power Boost Society is a student run business that provides phone chargers to people affected by natural disasters.

Economics senior Matthew Iommi co-founded PBS with full-time entrepreneur and investor Justin Rath in June 2017. They sell portable chargers compatible with iPhone and Android, and each unit can provide four to five extra hours of battery life or an extra 40 percent charge. The chargers utilize recyclable, single-use alkaline batteries that do not contain mercury.

PBS puts aside 60 percent of their profits to distribute chargers in areas affected by natural disasters and make financial contributions to broader disaster aid foundations. So far, 3,000 chargers have been distributed in response to the earthquake in Mexico and hurricane damage in both Houston and Puerto Rico.

“As an entrepreneur and investor, I looked to put the money I made in the

financial markets into a philanthropic cause that assisted the disadvantaged and those in need,” Iommi said. “After witnessing the tragedy of Hurricane Maria and the thousands of people who were left with no power, [Rath] and I decided to do something about it.”

Iommi said PBS was founded to provide power to whoever needs it, no matter the situation. Since parts of the chargers are assembled in China, Iommi has used information from his classes to adapt to recent tariff changes.

“The knowledge [obtained] in my economic courses gave me the upper hand in reacting to marketplace and supply-chain fluctuations,” Iommi said.

“Using my understanding of economics, I’m able to control costs by running linear programing models which help reduce the impact that tariffs have on my company.”

Iommi and Rath are childhood friends and have participated in other business ventures over the past five years. According to Rath, their goals are the same as when they first launched the company.

“We will continue to strive to assist as many disaster-stricken victims as we can,” Rath said. “Throughout the last three years, Matthew and I have built a

plethora of connections within multiple U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Mexico that allow us to send forth the necessary resources to aid in disaster relief.”

Rath said he would like to expand their disaster relief operation to have the ability to quickly reach areas that are likely to lose power from to a natural disaster.

“This preparation allows us to scale the geographical regions we are able to assist, as the main problem we have found was not being able to reach the victim-inhabited areas in a prompt manner,” Rath said.

Distribution representative Marco Del Castillo facilitates PBS distribution when a natural disaster happens in Mexico. Castillo distributed approximately 200 chargers to those affected by the Central Mexico earthquake last September.

“Shortly after a natural disaster occurs, the utility companies are usually the first to report any power outages or damages to power generators that may have occurred,” Castillo said. “Based on this information and how long the outage is expected to last, Power Boost Society decides whether product distribution is necessary [and] feasible.”

OPINION

3

The Battalion | 10.15.18

Pushing past cliche archetypes “Little Fires Everywhere” creates dynamic characters who feel surprisingly real Lauren Slusher

C

@laurenlizabeth5

eleste Ng’s “Little Fires Everywhere” opens with its inevitable conclusion: a fire.

This isn’t a mystery novel. We immediately know the fire was intentional, the culprit is no surprise and, after reading the book, their motivation is unmistakable. But throughout the book, author Celeste Ng weaves a surreal story that feels profound but unforced, with unassuming symbolism embedded into every detail.

The story revolves around Mia, an artist, and her daughter, Pearl, who settle down only long enough for Mia to finish a project, then move again. They move to the perfectly organized town of Shaker Heights, where everything is by design. Mia and Pearl fascinate the residents of Shaker Heights, including the Richardson family, the town’s model of perfection (from the outside,

at least). Mr. and Mrs. Richardson have four children — Lexie, Trip, Moody and Izzy — and every member of the family develops unique relationships with Pearl and Mia. Ng’s characters start as archetypes — the artist, the gypsy, the introvert, the charmer, the rule follower, the rebel — and expand into people that feel real and tangible. Instead of characters progressing linearly, their stories unfold slowly, sometimes separately and sometimes woven together.

These characters are designed as juxtapositions to each other. Artistic Mia makes precise Elena Richardson uncomfortable. Rebellious Izzy infuriates her mother, even though Elena fostered her daughter’s spirit. Shy Pearl ends up being the only person that popular Lexie can turn to. Each has a purpose and is symbolic without becoming a stereotype. Character development can make or break a book, and the growth of Ng’s characters is wonderfully organic.

If you enjoy books that wrap up the

conclusion in a bow, I don’t recommend this one. The story gives a snapshot of the lives of its characters; there isn’t closure, and many of my questions were left unanswered. But Ng is comfortable with ambiguity, and even though there isn’t closure, the ending feels like a natural result of the events of the book.

Don’t expect a happy ending, either.

As the book progressed, I became more and more hopeful that certain characters would evolve, grow more introspective or self-aware, and fix their mistakes. Even though I was disappointed when they didn’t, it made me enjoy the book more because it was so artfully done.

I’m always skeptical of fiction books because the relationships and characters within them too often fall into exhausted cliches, which means I’m ecstatic when I find a novel that doesn’t feel so manufactured.

Lauren Slusher is a business honors junior and opinion writer for The Battalion.

Creative Commons

Novelist Celeste Ng, winner of Amazon’s book of the year in 2014, released “Little Fires Everywhere” in 2017.

A remake done right Cooper and Gaga invoke powerful emotion in “A Star is Born” Lexi Ellis

T

@lexiellis10

he newest remake of “A Star is Born,” directed by Bradley Cooper, shows the delicate interplay of a relationship riddled with jealousy, alcoholism and insecurity.

Cooper plays a big-time celebrity named Jack and Lady Gaga plays an unlucky wannabe musician named Ally.

Their characters’ relationship is based on their shared love for songwriting and the mutual support they gain from one another. As their relationship develops, they face challenges as their own insecurities take over.

The cinematography in this movie is spectacular. All the concert scenes invoke the feelings of excitement and anticipation you feel before attending a concert or getting onstage. The camera

and angles make you feel like you’re really there at the concert.

The music feels like it’s surrounding you, enveloping the entire room. Every song in this movie was incredibly well done and gave me chills. The scoring wasn’t overdone either. Music was only played when necessary. Having only a few, quality songs made them very powerful.

Gaga’s performance in this film was nothing short of angelic. Her voice is enchanting, rich and smooth. She was born for this role.

In the scene where she performs her first solo, her character transforms from a shy, nervous woman crippled with insecurities and self doubt into a confident stage performer. You literally watch her find her voice. Her talents absolutely extend beyond the musical field.

Gaga’s acting seemed very natural, and gave the movie a touch of realism.

It didn’t feel like an actress playing a

role, but instead like you were watching a real person through a window.

I was also impressed at Cooper’s musical talent. His performances throughout the movie continued to surprise me. The way the characters looked at each other made me swoon. It felt and looked like real love. I could see and feel sparks flying between them, especially the first time they lock eyes. It’s clear that she is his source of light.

“A Star is Born” explores the raw emotions experienced through forgiveness, love, acceptance and coping. Its themes of addiction and sacrifice were heavy, but they’re put into the film in a beautiful way.

This movie tugs on your heart in a way that provokes real emotion. Even if this movie isn’t personally relatable to you, it opens a window for reflection and thought.

Lexi Ellis is a general studies sophomore and life and arts writer for The Battalion.

Creative Commons

Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper star in the 2018 remake of the dramatic and romantic feature “A Star is Born.”

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Victoria Richman --- THE DAILY GAMECOCK

Sophomore quarterback Kellen Mond threw for 353 yards and a touchdown, his second 300-yard passing game this season.

FOOTBALL CONTINUED and he is looking forward to the off week to re-evaluate and study game film.

“The way we compete — we’ve got some guys with some heart and toughness now, I’ll say that,” Fisher said.

“We’re learning how to win, we’re learning how to play better and we’re still a work in progress. We’re nowhere close, [and] that’s the interesting thing.

We can get a lot better.”

Despite the close score, A&M dominated time of possession. The Aggies controlled 41 minutes and 29 seconds of the game, allowing the Gamecocks no more than six minutes in each quarter.

The one problem seemed to be A&M’s consistent penalties and targeting calls. The Aggies had 12 penalties for a loss of 117 yards and two defen-

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sive ejections. A&M converted three of their 13 third downs, instead relying heavily on field goals.

Senior linebacker Otaro Alaka said the high number of A&M penalties and the loss of Debione Renfro and Donovan Wilson to targeting calls in the first and fourth quarters are issues the team will need to address during practice this week.

“Those penalties, we just can’t have them,” Alaka said. “Those are undisciplined and uncalled for, so I think we’ll probably work on those as well.”

With sophomore wide receiver Jhamon Ausbon out with an ankle injury, the A&M receiving corps was led by junior wide receiver Quartney Davis who took Ausbon’s place as the primary target.

Davis led the pack with 127 receiving yards on nine receptions.

Junior tight end Jace Sternberger broke A&M’s record for most touch-

downs in a single season by a tight end, as he scored his sixth touchdown of the season in the second quarter.

Meanwhile, the Aggies’ rushing game was led by junior running back Trayveon Williams, who had one touchdown of his own and finished with 82 rushing yards.

Sternberger said breaking the record would not be possible without the support from his coaches and teammates this season.

“To be able to play for this university in general is just a blessing,” Sternberger said. “It all goes back to the hard work you put in behind the scenes that no one sees and to finally get rewarded for it, it feels good.”

With this win, the Aggies will move to a 5-2 record and 3-1 in overall SEC play.

A&M will hit the field again on Oct. 27 against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Starkville, Mississippi.

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Cassie Stricker — THE BATTALION

Senior Emily Bates had three shots on goal in the Aggies 2-1 victory over 23rd ranked Mississippi State on Oct. 12.

Senior night success

Aggie soccer team defeats Bulldogs 2-1 in Friday matchup at Ellis Field

By Alejandro Lozano @Alex_Lozano1025

In a power battle with No. 23 Mississippi State, the No. 5 Texas A&M soccer team improved their record to 13-1-1 with a 2-1 win during senior night at home.

The first half started in A&M’s favor, as the Aggies unleashed a barrage of 15 shots but couldn’t quite find the target. Junior forward Ally Watt found the back of the net twice, but offside calls from the referee meant neither could count as a goal. Ten minutes before the half, A&M freshman striker Ásdís Halldórsdóttir bumped into Mississippi State goalkeeper Rhylee DeCrane, leading to an altercation. Halldórsdóttir was given a verbal warning and DeCrane was shown a yellow card.

As the Aggies were standing to take the free kick, midfielder Emily Bates was pushed to the ground by Mississippi State midfielder Hailey Zerbel, who was immediately shown a yellow card. This confrontation seemed to spark both teams, as the Aggies and Bulldogs raced up and down the field looking for the first goal of the match.

In the second half, the Aggie offense struggled to create chances as they had in the first. However, the Aggies were much more clinical, as Watt showed dominance by scoring her 12th goal of the season. Watt received a long ball from sophomore midfielder Addie McCain and proceeded to breeze past two Mississippi state defenders and unleash a shot that DeCrane could not handle as it rolled to the back of the net in the 60th minute.

The Aggies struck again in the 77th minute when a shot passed by DeCrane and Ásdís Halldórsdóttir finished the rebound.

A&M was forced into desperate defending in the closing moment of the game as they conceded two corners in the 90th minute.

Mississippi scored as chaos in the box led to Brooke McKee finding the back of the net in the middle of the scrum.

The star of senior night was none other than senior midfielder and forward Emily Bates, who continued her great form after scoring a brace against Kentucky in the last match. Although she was not on the score sheet, Bates was an important part of A&M’s win, said A&M head coach G. Guerrieri.

“Emily Bates was outstanding tonight,” Guerrieri said. “Look at the way she played.

She was our player of the game just in the way she controlled the ball, but also the way she worked off of the forwards and then she worked in coordination with Addie McCain.”

On a night when the Aggies were faced with a challenge, Guerrieri said he was most pleased with how the team kept its composure. “[Mississippi State] tried to disrupt us,” Guerrieri said. “They wanted to get us out of our game. They wanted to stall and make it to where they didn’t have to play the full 90 minutes. Our players, I thought, were very professional in the way that we handled it. It’s a shame that we gave up a goal with a minute left in the game because up until that point we had thoroughly outplayed them in every facet of the game.”

The Aggies will look to continue their hunt for first place in the SEC as they travel to Tuscaloosa to take on Alabama this Thursday at 6 p.m.

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