TheBattalion02232012 by The Battalion

thebattalion ● thursday,

inside voices | 3 Women breaking the mold Balancing tradition with progress is at the forefront of the debate about electing a female yell leader.

thebattalion asks

february 23, 2012

● serving

texas a&m since 1893

candidate perspectives

SBP candidates discuss student living Jake Walker Special to The Battalion As elections approach, student body president candidates Sam Hodges, John Claybrook and Jose Zelaya plan initiatives for enhancing student living, with visions for issues including parking, library hours and campus diversity. One common issue was the lack of flexible parking on campus. Meters scattered around campus offer parking in one-hour increments. Instead of having to pay for an hour of park-

ing when not all of that time is needed, Claybrook said he would like students to have the option of paying for 30-minute increments. Claybrook, a junior finance major, said this would save students money, especially those with excess time between Tuesday and Thursday classes. Instead of having to pay for two hours of parking several times a week, the student could pay for an hour and a half and save money. To make it easier for quick errands on campus, Claybrook also proposed that there

What are the pros and cons of having a woman yell leader?

be 15-minute free parking in all pay spaces. “Every little thing that we do can make a difference,” Claybrook said. Hodges, a junior political science major, expressed concern for student safety, saying he would like to see improved, more uniform lighting around campus to prevent crimes and provide easier travel at night. He also said he would work toward fitting the emergency call stations around camSee Elections on page 5

◗ The second student body president debate is at 7 p.m. Thursday at the George Bush Presidential Library Auditorium. ◗ Check out thebatt.com to get to know student body president candidates Brody Smith and Jose Zelaya in the ﬁnal two candidate video interviews. ◗ Look for the fourth installment of the Candidate Perspectives series on Friday. The series features three candidates’ platforms per article.

Dust to dust

“If there’s a woman that can fulfill the role of yell leader and who can show that the position of yell leader can be filled by a woman, then yes, it is completely fine for a woman to be yell leader.” Caleb Shearer, sophomore business major

“We have to be willing to see some of our traditions change, as well. So having a girl run for yell leader shouldn’t be as big of an issue as people make it out to be.” Damani Felder, sophomore business major

James Thompson — THE BATTALION

Father David Konderla, director of campus ministry at St. Mary’s Catholic Center, places ashes on a student’s forehead in the shape of a cross during an Ash Wednesday service in Rudder Theater. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, which is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by

observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The ashes are symbolic of sinfulness and are rubbed onto the forehead in the shape of a cross, while the priest or pastor says, “Remember that you are dust and unto dust you shall return.”

campus “We deﬁnitely want to progress as a school and a society. If we are going to be for equality, we should push for a female yell leader.“ Jessica Smarr, sophomore psychology major

“A pro of having a woman yell leader is that it’s showing the Aggie way of change and I think that’s big here. One con would be … it being the ﬁrst woman yell leader, breaking the male tradition.” Carter Ray, sophomore business major

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Cannabis club rolls voting booth to campus Kevin Smith The Battalion Marijuana activists look to carve out a spot in Academic Plaza to hold a voting booth checking the pulse of Aggie decriminalization advocates on Thursday. The Aggie Cannabis Reform and Education Society, ACRES, is an on-campus organization that promotes the legalization of hemp and medical marijuana, and pushes for decriminalization of recreational use. “We want to educate people about the facts of marijuana,” said Mostafa Selim, ACRES president and junior university studies major. “We know there’s a large cannabis-friendly community at Texas A&M, so we want to organize everyone into a serious formal movement.” A student and ACRES member who requested anonymity said the club does not promote the use of marijuana, but hopes that laws controlling marijuana can be reformed. “The system is spinning out of control. There were over 80,000 arrests last year, we can’t keep justifying all of these incarcerations for a harmless plant,” he said. “[University Police Department] arrested 40 of our fellow Ags last year and potentially took away the hopes of graduation from them … We aren’t saying that everyone should smoke weed. All we want is to crack down and get realistic law en-

Aggies fall, 66-58

To get involved The next ACRES meeting will be at 6 p.m. Friday in Wehner Building, room 115. Students can ﬁnd more information at acres.tamu.edu. forcement that’s going to solve problems, not create them.” ACRES holds meetings to educate students about legislation and laws surrounding marijuana, such as the schedule system, which prioritizes the drugs into different “schedules” depending on each drug’s decided potency. “Marijuana has caused zero deaths; it doesn’t kill anyone and you can’t overdose,” Selim said. ‘People die in College Station of alcohol poisoning every year. It might make more sense to put alcohol on Schedule 1 and take weed off of it.” Weed joins the ranks with drugs including LSD and heroine. Examples of Schedule 2 drugs include cocaine and methamphetamine. The anonymous ACRES member said the use of marijuana helps ease complications of chemotherapy in cancer patients. “Weed has legitimate uses for medicinal purposes. For example, cancer patients suffer from side effects from chemotherapy — it’s called wasting syndrome.

Samantha Virnau — THE BATTALION

Kansas guard Travis Releford snags a rebound over Aggie forward Ray Turner in Kansas’ 66-58 victory Wednesday in Reed Arena. See page 4 for the story.

See Cannabis on page 7

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pagetwo thebattalion 2.23.2012

EDITORIAL

Our assessment of the student body president candidates

ach of the six student body president candidates sat down with The Battalion’s editorial board last week to discuss their visions and qualifications. In line with our mission as the University’s independent student voice, the board felt that an interview with our newspaper should be an interview with the student body. So, for students’ use and because many students will not have the opportunity to meet the candidates, we decided to forego an endorsement and instead publish our impressions from the interviews. We encourage voters to approach this election holistically — considering a number of factors, possibly including but not limited to our assessments.

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thebattalion THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893

Robert Carpenter, Editor in Chief 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 979-845-0569. 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 979-845-2613.

government experience of any candidate in the race — continuing this year as community relations chair for the Student Senate. We know he is well versed with campus issues relevant to students, but were surprised when he shied away from specifics while talking with us. Barber stayed close to his “Improved Aggie Experience” message throughout. We felt this approach lacked depth, and would have liked for him to respond with specifics when we opened the door for him to elaborate about his objectives.

Sam Hodges Sam Hodges’ strength is in demonstrated leadership. As a cadet and chair of the Memorial Student Center’s Student Conference on National Affairs, Hodges brings experience in project and team management and has been active with the Jeff Pickering SBP administration. The potential to partner the resources of MSC and SGA programs because of his background also showed promise. However, even considering his leadership history, Hodges wasn’t able to excite the board with his vision for student body president. We would have liked his platform pillars to address tangible student advocate roles rather than being general in nature.

Brody Smith Brody Smith was refreshingly student-focused. He brought detailed ideas to the table, and we believe he would champion causes of interest to students — issues involving Dining Services, residence halls and student fees. With a background as Aggie Relay for Life director, Smith laid out plans to use athletic events to fundraise for nonprofit organizations unrelated to the University — an issue we weren’t convinced should be the focus of an SBP. We were also a bit concerned by Smith’s aggressive nature, because the student advocate needs to be able and willing to develop relationships with administrators to be effective.

John Claybrook John Claybrook brought an unassuming personality to the interview and seems to be the most approachable of the candidates. He lacks significant SGA experience, a concern we had entering his interview. But Claybrook proactively addressed this shortcoming through preparation — demonstrating a detailed awareness of campus issues, outlining a 13-point agenda and communicating an understanding of the SBP’s role as student advocate. We believe Claybrook will have to develop into a more assertive leader in order to communicate with authority as SBP, but his preparedness and relatability were positive indicators of his potential as a candidate.

Thomas McNutt Thomas McNutt was a confident communicator and the most charismatic of the candidates. His knowledge was encouraging for a student advocate, and he brings the persona of a leader. McNutt comes across as extremely competitive, which can be a positive attribute when representing students. However, he was the only one to speak negatively about another candidate’s actions, unprompted. We also worry that his agenda may be a bit too ambitious to be entirely practical. If elected, though, we believe McNutt would bring energy to the position and is well equipped to represent A&M in the SEC.

Jose Luis Zelaya Jose Zelaya brings a compelling story of overcoming obstacles to the SBP race and is the only graduate student on the ballot. He believes strongly in his platform of making A&M more welcoming for marginalized groups. We were uneasy with Zelaya’s level of familiarity with campus-specific issues. In order to be an effective advocate for students, the SBP will have to be concerned with issues such as tuition and fees, changes associated with the SEC transition and improving student services. Zelaya did not communicate as much concern for these issues as for broader social themes.

EDITORIALBOARD The Battalion’s editorial opinion is determined by its Board of Opinion, with the editor in chief having final responsibility.

Robert Carpenter Editor in Chief senior applied math major

Alec Goetz Planning Editor junior English major

Naila Dhanani Opinion Editor junior biomedical sciences major

Taylor Wolken columnist senior economics major

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EDITOR’SNOTE The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants in this paper do not necessarily reﬂect those of Texas A&M University, The Battalion or its staff.

MAILCALL GUESTCOLUMNS Make your opinion known by submitting Mail Call or guest columns to The Battalion. Mail

call must be fewer than 200 words and include the author’s name, classification, major and phone number. Staff and faculty must include title. Guest columns must be fewer than 700 words. All submissions should focus on issues not personalities, become property of The Battalion and are subject to editing for style, clarity and space concerns. Anonymous letters

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thebattalion 02.23.2012 page3

Hullabaloo Naila Dhanani: Expand role of yell leader to females

Tim Bardin: Preserve all-male yell leader tradition

exas A&M University first opened its doors to women in 1963, yet since then, not one woman has taken up the role of one of our most prominent positions — yell leader.

It’s time to change that. As Aggies, we hold our traditions very dear to us. Some say having a female yell leader will disrupt or change our tradition. It won’t. Yell leaders are our tradition, not male yell leaders. But for those who claim it will change tradition, think about this. We just ended (for now) a 118-year-old tradition this past November. It’s clear as Aggies we are able to accept change. In recent days, many have touted statistics to make a case for our first female yell leader. One says 46.6 percent of students are female. Therefore, we should elect a female to make the yell leader positions more representative of the student body make-up. I have a problem with that. Yell leaders aren’t supposed to be representative of the student body. If they were, then based on this past year, 100 percent of us would be in the Corps of Cadets. Clearly, we’re not. Instead, yell leaders should be leaders of the Aggie Spirit. That’s it. We need to leave representative leadership to SGA and other similar entities. It’s clear women have what it takes to be yell leader. Women are an instrumental part of our University, Aggie Spirit included. Women yell at football games, attend Silver Taps, build student bonfire. So why can’t a spirited woman lead yells? She can. I have confidence women won’t run just to have a female on the ballot. Women will run for yell leader because they love our

school and want to serve it. Having our first female yell leader won’t change our traditions. It won’t strike a blow for Aggie women everywhere. It won’t make a statement. But it will ensure we have an enthusiastic and spirited yell leader, and that’s what matters. Naila Dhanani is a junior biomedical sciences major and opinion editor.

efore this year, I didn’t even know women could, much less would, campaign for yell leader.

After examining the facts, I concluded that having a female elected yell leader is not going to happen — at least not this year. And I think the tradition of an all-male yell leader squad should continue. A non-Corps member who seeks election faces more challenges than the traditional cadet hopeful. Every year, there are a couple of sophomores and juniors who try to break from the tradition of yell leader cadets. These challengers have even won on occasion — but in most years, five cadets emerge victorious. This reflects the student body’s general preference for male, cadet yell leaders. So, if it is hard for male, non-reg Aggies to be elected yell leader, I see it as nearly impossible for a female, non-reg Aggie to successfully gain election. It’s simply the student body’s preference. In fact, every attempt by a woman to gain election since the first campaigned in the 1980s has resulted in a loss. This tells me that Texas A&M is just not ready for a female yell leader. Yell leader is arguably the most prominent student leadership role on campus, and the custom of an allmale squad is very entrenched. Texas A&M University prides itself in being the only school in Division I football that does not have cheerleaders. Since 1907, our yell leaders have defined, animated and led the student body yelling for our team. In all that time, Texas A&M has never allowed a woman to occupy a position even remotely comparable to a cheerleader on Kyle Field. Our University has changed some of its oldest traditions to include women, but I think the tradition of an all-male yell leader squad should remain untouched. But, some of you may say, professional and collegiate teams across the nation allow or employ scantily clad women to cavort across their court or field. That may be. But we are Texas A&M, an institution that stands — or should stand — for honor, integrity, leadership and tradition. If we allow the dance team on Kyle Field, or a woman to hold the position of yell leader just to get with the times and modernize, how are we different than any other school in the nation? If we allow one, what is to stop the other from happening? I am a Fightin’ Texas Aggie who cherishes my school’s traditions. I am not an anti-feminist or a “chauvinist pig.” While I applaud any woman who seeks election for her dedication to our school and her desire to participate in one of our greatest traditions, I do not think female yell leaders are right for this University. Tim Bardin is a senior finance major.

Jorge Montalvo — THE BATTALION

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order your 2012 yearbook today. The 110th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook — the Aggieland — will chronicle the 2011-2012 school year: traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, Greeks, campus organizations, and seniors and graduate students. By credit card go online to http://aggieland. tamu.edu or call 979-845-2613. Or drop by the Student Media office, Bldg. #8901 in The Grove (between Albritton Bell Tower and Cain Hall). Hours: 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday.

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2/22/12 10:07 PM

sports

page 4 thursday 2.23.2012

thebattalion

Kansas sweeps A&M, 66-58 Second-half surge not enough for Aggie victory Austin Meek The Battalion Texas A&M nearly pulled off a massive upset Wednesday night. The Aggies crept within four points against No. 4 Kansas with less than a minute left, but their run fell short and resulted in a 66-58 Aggie loss. “You can’t give Kansas a 20 point lead on your home court and expect to play perfect basketball and come back and win,” said Billy Kennedy, men’s basketball head coach. “One thing I will tell you is that we didn’t throw in the towel. We had opportunities to cash it in and we really battled.” The Aggies and Jayhawks traded buckets in the game’s opening salvo, and junior forward Khris Middleton’s fade away jumper at the 11:24 mark gave the Aggies a 1413 lead. Later in the half, senior point guard Dash Harris found senior forward David Loubeau with a slick bounce pass in the lane for a crowdrousing dunk. Harris, who’d missed the last seven games with an injured foot arch, finished the night with eight points and four assists. “I’m never satisfied,” Harris said. “I wanted to wait until I was healthy enough to do some of the things I do best, which is running the floor and playing defense. I think I did that to an extent tonight, but it just felt good to be out there.” The defense was particularly effective in shutting down forward Thomas Robinson in the first half. The potential All-American scored only one point in the first half, but seldom used Elijah Johnson more than compensated for Robinson’s lack of scoring. The shooting guard was successful on six of his nine attempts and nearly outscored A&M by himself, pouring in 18 points. The Aggies trailed at half, 21-31. “Elijah Johnson’s a good player and we took a chance by taking Robinson away and leaving him open,” Kennedy said. “He’s a good player who

Samantha Virnau — THE BATTALION

Sophomore center Keith Davis drives in for a layup, scoring two points as the Aggies fall short to the Kansas Jayhawks. stepped up and made shots.” Things seemed to turn from bad to worse as the Jayhawks started the second period on a 16-5 run. But the Aggies, powered by Middleton and junior guard Elston Turner, remained resilient and clamped down defensively while slowly chipping away at KU’s lead. “A&M played pretty good down the stretch,” said Bill Self, Kansas head coach. “In the second half I think they shot 50 percent, and they didn’t make a shot to start the second half, so they must’ve made some shots down the stretch. Middleton got on a roll, Dash made a big three. But I think we helped them.” Middleton converted on eight of his 14 shots on the night and finished with a game-high 23 points, 18 of which came in the second

Quick Facts ◗ A&M only managed to score seven points, including 3-15 from the field, in the final 11 minutes before the half, which propelled Kansas to a 12-0 run during that stretch. ◗ In the second half, Kansas went on a 14-0 run early in the second half in a five-minute stretch. ◗ A&M committed 20 personal fouls during the game, which allowed Kansas to shoot 20-29 from the free throw line. ◗ Late in the second half, the Aggies went on a 10-0 run during the final seven minutes to get themselves back in the game. ◗ Khris Middleton scored 18 of his 23 points in the second half of the game.

Pg. 4-02.23.12.indd 1

half. “He was big for us,” Kennedy said. “He was playing at the four with a mismatch at times. I thought that was key.” After Johnson missed two free throws with the game tightened at 58-62, the Aggies had a chance to narrow the gap. But junior guard Zach Kinsley’s three-point attempt sailed wide and the Jayhawks finished off the game at the line. “We were trying to drive the ball,” Kennedy said. “We had a small lineup in the game and we thought Elston had an advantage at the top. We wanted him to drive the ball or shoot the three if we had the opportunity, and if we didn’t have dribble penetration we wanted to get back in our ball screen action and get Khris a shot.” Although the Aggies are stuck with the loss, they looked very efficient at times, with most of the team back from injuries, and battled hard in a game in which they were heavy underdogs. “We have to start fighting earlier in the game,” Harris said. “I’ll never let my teammates lay down, no matter what we’re down by. We just have to fight earlier. We can’t play from behind in games like this. We just have to take good shots, be patient, and have confidence.”

2/23/12 12:11 AM

news

page 5 thursday 2.23.2012

thebattalion

Students discuss class president responsbilities Sam Neal The Battalion Elephant Walk, Ring Dance, Boot Dance, Maroon Out Day, Fish Fest, Silver Taps, 1111 Day — without the work of class presidents, none of these Aggie traditions would be possible. The class presidents at Texas A&M are responsible for planning and carrying out many traditions. “Simply put, we make traditions happen,” said Junior Class President Trent Segers, industrial distribution major. As class president, Segers said his primary responsibilities involve organizing and fundraising for Elephant Walk and Ring Dance. Each of the class presidents are also in charge of raising money for class events and gifts. “Our goal is to make enough money to give a good class gift,” Segers said. Class gifts in past years include the large A&M logo on the sidewalk in front of G Rollie White Coliseum, the “Welcome to Aggieland” and “Home of the 12th Man” messages in Kyle Field, and the flagpole in Academic Plaza. Elections for class president are held in the spring, and the elected presidents take office in the fall. Generally, the first action of a class president is to select his or her officers, who are directly responsible for carrying out the class president’s agenda.

Elections Continued from page 1

pus with a PA system, providing immediate warning to students in case of emergency. “With Code Maroon, you get a text five to 10 minutes [after the event], so I think that would really benefit student life here because [the PA system] could be effectively utilized by Code Maroon to inform students of a serious situation,” Hodges said. Hodges also said sidewalks need to be improved, both to make them more friendly for

Although many students associate each president with his or her classification, this description isn’t entirely accurate. Each president represents a class year, not a classification. “Some people would say I’m the ‘sophomore’ class president,” said Rachel Norman, sophomore health major. “But I am really the 2014 class president. The ‘sophomore class’ changes every year, but your class year never changes.” Campaigning for class president is rarely as extensive as for student body president, although campaigns still have students holding banners, speaking with organizations and utilizing social media to garner support. “Facebook is a big way for candidates to promote themselves,” Segers said. “Candidates typically invite all their friends and send out a mass message on Election Day encouraging them to vote.” Historically, incumbents have performed well in class president elections — with many remaining in office until graduation. Daylon Koster, agricultural leadership major and 2015 class president, said serving as class president is a way to give back to the University. “When I first came to Texas A&M I was impressed with the history and tradition in every object,” Koster said. “I want to be involved in that tradition as much as possible.”

students with disabilities and to have better drainage after heavy rain. Zelaya, a curriculum and instruction graduate student, focused mainly on the unification of organizations and cultures at Texas A&M. “A lot of times when people disagree with each other, it’s not because they don’t like each other, but because they don’t understand each other,” Zelaya said. Zelaya said he spends much of his time talking to organizations and establishing communication lines in order to identify common ground. If elected, Zelaya said he plans to continue this work with

state Low water levels halt fish hatchery operations LUBBOCK, Texas — One of Texas’ five fish hatcheries will likely suspend operations because of low water levels in lakes that feed it, state officials said Wednesday. Todd Engeling, the hatcheries program director for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, said a closure would mean fewer fish available to sportsmen this year. A decision on whether to temporarily close Dundee Fish Hatchery west of Wichita Falls will come in

the next two weeks. “It will last until there is enough water for us to operate with,” Engeling said. Texas is coming off its driest year on record in 2011, and levels in a lake that feeds the one used by the hatchery are low. The drought, which began in fall of 2010, caused wildﬁres statewide, cost agriculture an estimated $5.2 billion in livestock and crop losses, and left lawns, trees and pastures parched.

the goal of uniting all organizations and activist groups on campus to make Texas A&M more inclusive. Primary voting will be open to students on Monday and Tuesday. If no candidate emerges with at least 50 percent of the vote, the top two vote-getting candidates will compete in a runoff election on March 1 and 2.

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nation New ﬁndings in suicide bombing case surface ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A second person has been charged in an offshoot of the FBI sting that led to charges last week against a Virginia man charged with plotting a suicide bombing at the U.S. Capitol. But authorities say the weapons charges against 26-year-old Saad Elorch are only loosely related to the case against 29-year-old Amine El Khaliﬁ of Alexandria. Authorities

say El Khalifi was prepared to carry out what he thought would be an al-Qaida suicide attack. The charges against Elorch make no allegation of terrorist activity. Court records say he was arrested Tuesday and charged with illegal possession of a firearm. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alexandria says the two cases developed out of the same broad investigation but are otherwise unrelated.

world Protests in Afghanistan leave seven dead KABUL, Afghanistan — Clashes between Afghan troops and protesters angry over the burning of Muslim holy books at a U.S. military base left at least seven people dead and dozens wounded Wednesday as anger spread despite U.S. apologies over what it said was a mistake. The demonstrations across four eastern

provinces illustrated the intensity of Afghans’ anger at what they saw as foreign forces ﬂouting their laws and insulting their culture. The violence was also a reminder of how easily Afghan-U.S. relations can deteriorate as the two countries work to forge a long-term partnership ahead of the withdrawal of foreign forces in 2014.

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FOR RENT $395 Available now and prelease 1/1, 2/1, 2/2. Free WiFi/water/sewer. On Northgate, on shuttle. Short-term leases ok. 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 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. 2-3/bedroom apartments. Some with w/d, some near campus. $175-$600/mo. 979-219-3217. 2/1 CS duplex, available May and August, pets allowed, privacy fenced backyard, tile floors, blinds and ceiling fans, W/D connections, lawncare included, E-Walk shuttle route, $650/mo, 979-218-2995. 2/2 duplex. W/D, on bus route, large fenced yard. 308 Brentwood. $700/mo. 979-690-0384. 2/2 fenced yard, covered deck, pets ok, tiled living and kitchen, hardwood bedrooms, available June 1st, 979-204-1950. 2bd/1.5bath, W/D included, water included, bus route, $780/mo, call 713-594-6205. 2bd/1.5bath duplex, 1808 Holleman Dr West unit #A, $775/mo, available August, remodeled, W/D, great floor plan, bus route, private parking, no pets. www.brazosvalleyrentals.com 979-731-8257 2bd/1ba apartment, 800sq. ft. New appliances, carpeting and tile. W/D. bus-route. $575/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 4-plex. Spacious floorplan, W/D connections, close to campus. $550/mo. 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 rooms available for male students in 4/4 condo, Southwest Parkway, W/D, pool, on shuttle, $395/room, cable paid, available August, 361-816-1224.

3/2 Duplex on shuttle, updated, fenced, fireplace, W/D connections, pet friendly, 802 San Benito, $850/mo. AggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984. 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 3bd/1.5ba Completely remodeled, near campus, fenced. 300 Gilchrist. $1225/mo. 979-693-5885. 3bd/2ba, 2 car garage, cul-de-sac, fenced. 1104 Taurus Circle. $1000/mo. 979-693-5885. 3bd/3ba. Duplexes. Close to campus, Great backyards. Fairly New! 979-693-4900. 4/2 and 5/2 houses, CS, available August, updated, all appliances, great backyards, large living rooms, W/D, close to campus, no pets. www.brazosvalleyrentals.com 979-731-8257 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. 694-0320. www.luxormanagement.com 4/4 University Place condo, W/D, private bath, pool, on shuttle. $300/mo. Call 979-690-8213 or 979-422-9849. 4/4.5, 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 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/3.5ba House. 2-blocks South of campus. Big-backyard, quiet and safe neighborhood ideally suited for girls or college-family, recently renovated with granite-countertops, upgraded appliances, internet and TV connections in every bedroom, utility-room with W/D included. Rent is $475/each of 4 renters, pre-leasing for August. Renters pay utilities. If interested, e-mail sloneranch@gmail.com 4bd/4ba houses. Brand New, great size, great location, AAF 979-693-4900. AggieLandRentals.com For all your rental needs. Open 7 days/week. 979-776-8984. August Leasing. 4bd/2ba house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com Balcones Apartments, 3/2, available now, fully remodeled, internet and water included, $895/mo, 979-703-8282. Brand new luxury condos, granite countertops, tile flooring, great location. 979-693-4900. C.S. 4bdrm Houses, updated, fenced pets, ok. Starting at $1295/mo. AggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984. DON’T MISS! 4/2 House. Great location, walking distance from campus, on shuttle, fenced yard. Rent $1350/month. (979)229-4222.

AggieNetwork.com

SPECIAL

see ads at thebatt.com

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 Duplex, rent 2bd/1ba. Beautiful, quiet! Remodeled, all new, many extras, drapes, in College Station. Convenient to everything! Fenced backyard. One week free. 979-422-3427. Call for specials. Fabulous 5-year old house, approx. 3-miles south of campus (Edelweiss Gartens). Great floorplan w/many amenities. Located in a quiet neighborhood. Granite counters, ceiling fans, alarm system, fridge and w/d. Available 8/1. Contact Brian Benton, 469-877-1184. Free cable/internet access! One month free rent! Spacious 2bd/1ba. Close to campus, on shuttle route. Large kitchen with full appliances. W/D connections. Front and back patios. Ceiling fans. Hillstone On The Parkway, 528 Southwest Parkway. 979-693-6102. Open 8:30-5:30 Monday-Friday. hillstoneonthepkwy@yahoo.com Free ethernet and cable, paid water, Campus shuttle. Preleasing, Great Prices. AggieApartment.com, 979-693-1906 Free Rent for the Summer! I need a house sitter from 5/1-8/15; all utilities paid inculding wireless internet/cable. Yard will be maintained. Need a responsible pet lover to care for my cat (pet door so no little box duties!) If interested e-mail kandy7873@suddenlink.net or phone after 4pm 979-571-8823. Gleissner Hall, Northgate area. Walk to campus. Water, sewer, garbage paid. 1/1 $555/mo., 2/1 $665/mo. 979-846-8981. Large 2bdrm/2ba, 3204-Cougar Trail, Bryan. Water, sewer, &trash paid. Everything’s new inside. $675/mo. 5 month special, $100/mo. discount. 979-822-1616. Large 3bd/2ba, walk to campus, fenced. 3903 Oaklawn. $1350/mo. 979-693-5885. Nice 4/2! Available Aug-1st. $1500/month. 2010-Rayburn. Call/text Scott at 979-229-5007. Nice! 4/2 2013-Rayburn. $1500/month. Available Aug-1st. Call/text Scott at 979-229-5007. Northgate. New apartments 3/3, 2/2, and 3/2. House for rent. aggievillas.net 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 Oak Creek Condos, high-speed internet and basic cable. 2bdrm/1.5ba. As little as $515/mo. Water, sewer, trash paid. Fireplace, icemaker, pool. 979-822-1616. 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 Pre-leasing for August 2,3,4,&5 bedroom houses and town-homes. Updated, fenced, pets ok, on shuttle route. AggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984.

FOR RENT Prelease available now! Large 2bd/2ba duplex. Walk-in closets, W/D connections, large fenced backyard, on shuttle. University Oaks. $775/mo. 979-693-1448. Prelease for May or August ! Large 2bd/2ba duplex. Walk-in closets, W/D connections, large fenced backyard, on shuttle. University Oaks. $775/mo. 979-693-1448. C.S. 3/1.5/2carport, Updated, Fenced, biking distance to campus, on shuttle, pets ok. $750/mo AggieLandRentals.com 979-776-8984. Spacious 3/2 duplex available in May. W/D, $895/mo. 979-693-0551. Townhomes 2/1.5+Half, on shuttle, W/D connections, fenced patio, $775-895/mo, ask about student discounts, 979-703-8282.

HELP WANTED Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. aggieresponse@gmail.com Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment. Computer Systems Technician, 20-30hrs/wk, $12/hr, flex sched. Real world, hands-on experience with high-end tech at an Aggie 100 company headquartered in BCS. Learn more and apply at www.k2share.com/careers Fish Daddy’s and Cheddar’s now interviewing all positions. 1611 University Drive. Lawn crew member needed, $9/hr. Hrs Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11-6, experience required. Students only. 979-224-2511. 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. Part-time job helping handicapped. Male student preferred. $360/mo. 5-10hrs/wk. 979-846-3376. Sales Reps needed, flexible around school, PT/FT bonuses and commissions paid weekly, 979-255-2303, www. jtr247.com

HELP WANTED Tutors wanted for all subjects currently taught at TAMU/ Blinn and Sam Houston State starting at $8.25/hour. Apply on-line @ www.99Tutors.com, 979-268-8867. Varsity Ford: Part-time file clerk/receptionist/runner needed Mon, Wed, Fri from 12pm to 8pm and every other Saturday from 9am to 6pm. Hourly rate depends on qualifications. Please contact Genie at (979)694-2022 or fax a resume to (979)693-1744.

MUSIC Peter Block Mobile DJ, professional 22+yrs. experience. Specializing in weddings, TAMU functions. Mobile to anywhere. 979-596-2522. http://www.partyblockdj.com

REAL ESTATE 4/4.5, 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

REAL ESTATE B/CS. Sell/Buy/Invest! Michael McGrann TAMU ‘93 Civil Engineering 979-739-2035, mike@aggierealtor.com Nadia McGrann 979-693-1851, Town & Country Realty.

ROOMMATES Roommate wanted. $300/mo. All bills paid. Fully furnished. 979-777-4445.

TUTORS For best tutoring in Math/Physics call Raj. 979-571-8978. (40 years of teaching) Or visit www.oneuptutor.com. 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.

If You Have Something To Sell, Remember Classifieds Can Do It! Call 845-0569

the battalion

STUDIES IN PROGRESS FACIAL ACNE STUDY

Volunteers ages 12-40 years old, with moderate facial acne are needed to participate in a 12-week clinical research study with an investigational topical medication. All eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Acne Evaluations by a Dermatologist • Study Medication • Compensation up to $200.00 for time and effort Volunteers will need to make 4 ofﬁce visits over the 12 week period. For more information please contact:

RED DRY SCALY PATCHES OF SKIN ATOPIC DERMATITIS STUDY (ECZEMA) Volunteers ages 18-65 are needed to participate in a 6 week long clinical research study with an investigational topical medication for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (RED, DRY, SCALY PATCHES OF SKIN). Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study Related Cream • Study Related Assessments of your Eczema by a Dermatologist • Compensation up to $850.00 for time and effort For more information please contact:

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

STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In College Station. 100% Free To Join. Click On Surveys. Summer Employment- Fun Valley Family Resort, South Fork, Colorado needs students for all type jobs: kitchen, dining-room, housekeeping, stores, maintenance, office, horse wrangler. Room/Board, salary, bonus. For information and application write to Student Personnel Director, 6315 Westover Drive, Granbury, TX 76049. The Battalion Advertising Office is hiring an Advertising Sales Representative. Must be available this summer, both sessions. Must be enrolled at A&M and have reliable transportation. Interested applicants should drop off resume at The Grove, Building 8901, Advertising Office from 8am-4pm.

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

(if you haven’t)

order your 2012 yearbook today. The 110th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook will chronicle the 2011-2012 school year — traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, Greeks, campus organizations, and seniors and graduate students. By credit card go online to http://aggieland.tamu. edu or call 979-845-2613. Or drop by the Student Media office, Bldg. #8901 in The Grove (between Albritton Bell Tower and Cain Hall). Hours: 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday.

Word Square Use the letters as many times as given in parantheses and ﬁt them into the word square : B(1), U(2), S(3) , E(3), A(2), M(2), R(1), H(2) Wednesdays solution:

P E A R

E L S E

A S U S

R E S T

Siddharth Kumar — THE BATTALION

Pg. 6-02-23-12.indd 1

2/22/12 2:15:14 PM

news

page 7 thursday 2.23.2012

thebattalion

You Have the Power to Save a Life Be Someone’s Hero

student senate

Student Senate proposes Q-drop policy, student veterans’ benefits

Be The Match Registry Drive

Thursday, February 23 In front of Koldus from 9 am to 4 pm

Michal Ann Morrison The Battalion Legislation concerning Qdrop policy and benefits for student veterans were two of the bills considered Wednesday night during this week’s Senate meeting. One bill with particular applicability to freshmen was the First Year Grade Exclusion, FYGE, Elimination and Q-Drop Policy Reform Bill. This bill aims to eliminate the FYGE policy, to advocate a 60-day Q-drop deadline and to increase the number of permissible Q-drops that students can use during their academic career. Brody Smith, senior political science and history double major and academic affairs chair for Student Senate, said that the addition of more Qdrops is most beneficial to students. “This provides more leeway in a student’s academic career. In the past with FYGE, you get three first-year grade exclusions, but students don’t realize that if they go outside the A&M system and go to a professional school, their GPA will be recalculated and will be lower than it actually is. If they use a FYGE, it’s more detrimental to you in the long run,” Smith said. Drew Barber, junior political science major and media relations chair for Student Senate, said the FYGE bill is a necessary change within the academic arena. “More Q-drops are absolutely vital for student suc-

To join online or for more information, visit join.marrow.org/save1life Sponsored by Eta Sigma Gamma and

James Thompson — THE BATTALION

Student Senate discusses issues including a Q-drop bill and the Veterans Academic Initiative at its bi-monthly meeting Wednesday night. cess at Texas A&M. I think return home. They’re not we have to educate students prepared to return to acaabout the seriousness of a Q- demic life, and that’s not fair drop, as it is not an arbitrary to them,” Smith said. way out of a class. This starts Cody Davis, an off-campus at New Student Conferences senator and veteran, advocatand continues through advis- ed for the bill and said vetering throughout a student’s ca- ans need to be treated more reer at Texas A&M,” Barber fairly on campus. said. “Veterans should be recAnother bill meant to ben- ognized as great students of efit the student body is the this University, and should Veterans Academic Initiative be given priority registraBill. Smith said the bill will tion. I would like us to come provide more services to vet- together to start letting the erans upon their return to the legislature know it needs to University. change the Texas Education “Currently, we don’t have Code. I’ve been told that I’m services that could deal with just a student and I can’t do posttraumatic stress disorder that, that I’m just a senator to help get veterans from the and I can’t do that. But I’m battlefield to the classroom, an Aggie, and theres a lot that and we don’t have them ad- I can do,” Davis said. vised correctly when they

Cannabis Continued from page 1

Osa Okundaye — THE BATTALION

Pg. 7-02.23.12.indd 1

Their appetites are destroyed because of the radiation blasted into them. Weed can help with that through the ‘munchies’ by raising the appetite of cancer patients,” the anonymous source said. “Not one prescription medication increases appetite.” There is also, however, opposition to the club and its beliefs among Aggie students. “Having smoked weed, I wouldn’t say it’s worse or better than anything else,” said Jacob Metcalf, senior construction science major. “How do we better society by smoking pot? Are we going to think up crazy ideas and then after the high realize we’re too lazy to do anything?” Selim said the bottom line is that it should be a matter of choice. “It should be your choice to smoke, it shouldn’t be someone telling you that you can kill your liver with alcohol and then throw you in jail for weed,” Selim said.

2/22/12 11:37 PM

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Pg. 8-02.23.12.indd 1

2/21/12 1:42:37 PM