news for you sports USC stripped of title The Bowl Championship Series unanimously decided to strip the University of Southern California of the 2004 national football title, BCS Executive Director Bill Hancock said Monday. The championship was awarded after USC defeated Oklahoma 55-19 in the 2005 Orange Bowl. This is the final major penalty for the USC program in the aftermath of the NCAA’s investigation of the school over violations regarding former running back Reggie Bush.
thebattalion ● tuesday,
june 7, 2011
● serving
texas a&m since 1893
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2011 student media
bryan-college station
More jobs in Aggieland ton’s spending binge, high energy prices and the regulatory assault on American employers continue to hamper private sector job creation While the unemployment rate in Texas and economic recovery,” said Bill Flores, class dropped to 8.0 percent, College Station conof 1976 and congressional representative of tinues to have one of the lowest unemployDistrict 17, which includes Brazos County. ment rates in the state with 5.7 percent. The “America’s small businesses create seven of Flores national unemployment rate is 9.1 percent. every ten new jobs and they employ just over “With the latest job numbers at a dismal half of the country’s private sector workforce.” 9.1 percent and a majority of economists, including The state’s jobless rate dropped from last year’s the president’s own advisers, painting a grim pic- average of 8.2 percent. The rates are adjusted for ture for the future, it is painfully clear that Washing- throughout the year, typically during hiring and fir-
Connie Thompson The Battalion
ing seasons, usually in the spring. Flores said House Republicans are pressing for significant cuts in federal spending, a comprehensive energy policy and an improved regulatory environment in order to restore the confidence needed for small businesses and entrepreneurs to invest in Texas economy. “House Republicans have a plan to empower families, small businesses and entrepreneurs by implementing common sense, pro-growth policies,” See Unemployment on page 3
Jared Baxter, staff writer
lowest gas price
$3.25 1274 Crabb River Road and Sansbury Boulevard www.texasgasprices.com
nation &world Violence erupts in Syria Armed men killed 120 Syrian security forces and torched government buildings Monday in a northern region where troops have unleashed deadly assaults on protesters for days, Syria said. The government vowed to respond “decisively,” hinting at an even more brutal crackdown by a regime known for ruthlessly crushing dissent.
Ala. passes new law The Alabama Legislature has passed legislation, expected soon to be signed into law, that would bar students without the legal documentation to be in the United States from enrolling at public colleges in the Alabama. The measure is part of a far-reaching bill -- receiving attention for going beyond even Arizona’s controversial immigration law.
Calif. tuition challenge The Supreme Court has rejected a challenge to a California policy that gives tuition breaks to illegal immigrants to attend colleges. The justices on Monday refused to review a California Supreme Court ruling that upheld a state law giving California high school graduates reduced tuition at state schools, regardless of their immigration status. Associated Press
Pg. 1-6.7.11.indd 1
Jay Kapodia — THE BATTALION
Fans look at Olsen Field during the rain delay. The game is scheduled to take place today at 12:35 p.m. to conclude the regional series.
Rainy day delay Baseball regional postponed after thunderstorms Today’s game The 2011 College Station Regional Championship will be the final game at Olsen Field before the yearlong renovation process transforms it into Blue Bell Park.
Jared Baxter The Battalion Texas A&M’s regional championship finale against Arizona Monday night at Olsen Field was canceled after persistent thunderstorms forced the grounds crew to roll out the field tarp. The game was postponed until today at 12:35 p.m. Fans arrived as early as 5 p.m. for the 6:35 p.m. gam, but there was never any doubt the game would be canceled as rain poured down onto Olsen Field throughout the night.
Some fans chose to huddle up in the upper decks waiting for the game to start, while others decided to gather at the pavilion outside Olsen Field to grab more food and drinks. “We started tailgating probably around five or so, and we never thought the game was going to happen,” said Hunter Shurtleff, a tailgater. “We went inside and they announced the game was delayed, so we just came out here to the pavilion. There were probably 40 or 50 people out here.” See Baseball on page 3
campus
Aggies open for National Rural Health Association O’Dell Harmon The Battalion At the National Rural Health Association conference, in Austin during May, students of The Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health attended while Craig Blakely, Dean ,School of Rural Public Health, spoke at the opening ceremonies welcoming more than 900 guests to Texas. The two projects showcased at the event included “Accountable Care Organizations in the Rural Setting,”presented by Thomas Miller, Assistant Professor, and “Rural Healthy People 2020: New Rural Health Priorities and Strategies identified through the National RHP 2020 Survey,” by Jane Bolin, Associate Professor. Graduate students of the program also ran breakout sessions during the course of
the conference. Blakely said the Texas A&M Health Science Center was honored to attend the event and have a hand in participating at the National Rural Health Association. “With our schoolwide attention on rural health disparities and policies, the School of Rural Public Health at Texas A&M was pleased to participate in the scholarly discussions related to the impact of the evolving national health care legislation on rural Americans and their providers,” Blakely said. “National Rural Health Association, by visiting Austin, provided a wonderful opportunity for a large contingent of our students to both attend as registrants and assist with the operations of a national conference.”
On campus For more information, contact Rae Lynn Mitchell, school communications director, at rlmitchell@srph. tamhsc.edu
Sunday’s hhigh of 100 ddegrees bro broke the 1960 record of 99 ddegrees. Monday Monday’s temperat temperatures reached 103 10 degrees, one degree short of the record, an and today’s forecast calls ffor more triple-digit temp temperatures. File — THE BATTALION
nation&world Weiner: ‘I lied’ Rep. Anthony Weiner insisted he did nothing illegal and said he would fully cooperate with a House inquiry. NEW YORK – A tearful Rep. Anthony Weiner on Monday admitted sending a lewd photo of his underwear-clad crotch to a young woman over Twitter and then lying repeatedly to protect himself. Weiner refused to resign even as Democratic leaders called for a House ethics investigation. House Democratic leaders expressed disappointment and embarrassment, reflecting an erosion of support for the 46-year-old New York congressman and casting doubts on whether Weiner could hold onto his House seat let alone turn a once-promising political career into a 2013 bid for mayor. “People who draw conclusions about me are free to do so,” Weiner said. “I’ve worked for the people of my district for 13 years and in politics for 20 years and I hope they see fit to see this in the light that it is.” Associated Press
6/6/11 10:35 PM
TREEHOUSE APARTMENTS *ALL RATES ARE PER APARTMENT*
8 FLOORPLANS Efficiency, 1 & 2 bedroom units Includes water, sewage, garbage, gas & internet UÊ iVÌÀ V ÌÞÊ ÃÊ ` Û `Õ> ÞÊÃÕL iÌiÀi`Ê«iÀÊÕ Ì UÊ" ÞÊÓÊL V ÃÊvÀ ÊÌ iÊVi ÌiÀÊ vÊV> «ÕÃ UÊ" ÊÌ iÊ/ 1ÊLÕÃ À ÕÌi UÊ*iÌÊvÀ i ` ÞÊV Õ ÌÞÊÜ Ì Ê ÜÊ`i« Ã Ì
979-696-5707 ÓääÊ >À Ê*Õ} ÊHÊ i}iÊ-Ì>Ì
1805 Briarcrest, Bryan (corner of 29th St. & Briarcrest)
979-776-0999
fully ed p p i u q e
1
2
‘I’m No Angel’
I’m No Angel, a film about a girl who performs a risqué act at the local circus, will be 7 p.m. Thursday in the George Bush Presidential Library.
Today 20% chance thunderstorms High: 100 Low: 73 courtesy of NOAA
Perfection and work
A workshop that examines perfectionist behavior, its effects, and ways to effectively deal with or modify those behaviors will be from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. today in room 1401 of the General Services Complex.
3
Session housing
The last day to cancel housing for the second summer session is Friday. For more information email housing@tamu. edu or visit http:// reslife.tamu.edu/how/ summer/sschool/.
Wednesday mostly sunny high: 96 low: 73 Thursday mostly sunny high: 95 low: 72 Friday mostly sunny high: 95 low: 72
pagetwo
For updates go to thebatt.com ● Facebook ● Twitter@thebattonline
thebattalion 06.07.2011
OPEN
7 DAYS A WEEK!
news for you
$60,000 won weekly OVER • Monday thru Saturday 1st Session 6:30, 2nd Session 8:00
• Sunday - 1st Session 6:00pm, 2nd Session 8:00pm
• • • • •
texas House revives health care bill
Event Packages & Planning Availabl e
774-7266
A Texas House panel revived legislation Monday to allow Texas to govern federal health care benefits by joining a multistate agreement challenging federal health care law. The plan already created in Oklahoma and Georgia would allow Texas to adopt health care rules in lieu of federal regulations if Congress approved. Opponents argue that if Texas enters the compact, the state gives up its right to increased federal funding for Medicaid and Medicare.
1/2 price paper on Thursday $10.00 1/2 price FortuNet Electronics Thurs. - Free Beer (limit 2) $2500 session play 1/2 price full pay Monday, Wednesday and Friday www.brazosbingo.com
LARGE NON-SMOKING ROOM Great Food • Security • Unlimited Pull & Event Tabs and Much More!
7X .SWITL &VE^SW :EPPI] &YFFE 1SSVI 7X .SWITL 1IQSVMEP %9&$6$ 'EXLSPMG 'EXLSPMG )POW +VSYT -RG 'LYVGL 7GLSSP
YOU DON’T HAVE TO OWN A CAR TO HAVE A CAR. On Campus at Texas A&M, rent by the hour, 24/7, 365 days a year. No gas charges. No insurance charges. Rates start at $8/hour or $62/day. Just pick your time & escape. Call 1-877-654-4400 or visit connectbyhertz.com.
Join now for FREE!
Check it out! June 16, 10-2 G Rollie White Plaza Candy 95.1 Live Remote FREE sodas! Connect by Hertz is a trademark of Hertz System, Inc. © 2010 The Hertz Corporation.
corrections In a front page photo Monday the caption misidentified an A&M pitcher. The caption should have read sophomore hurler Michael Wacha pitches against Wright State in the tournament’s opening game. The Battalion welcomes readers’ comments about published information that may require correction. We will pursue your concern to determine whether a correction needs to be published. Please contact us at editor@ thebatt.com.
Backtracking for the second time in a week, officials Monday said preliminary tests have found no evidence that vegetable sprouts from an organic farm in northern Germany were to blame. Last week, German officials pointed to tainted cucumbers from Spain as a possible cause, igniting vegetable bans and heated protests from Spanish farmers, who suffered heavy financial losses. Researchers later concluded the Spanish cucumbers were contaminated with a different strain of E. coli.
Arizona forest fires grow
campus
Aggies create district maps Seven students enrolled in the Bush School’s Master of Public Service and Administration program created three possible congressional district maps as a part of the program’s first Texas Legislative Capstone project. The students focused on objective criteria when drawing their maps, said Ann Bowman, professor and leader of the legislative Capstone project. “The students said, ‘if we were to take a look at the 36 districts to represent demo-
nation&world Sprouts not source of E. coli
graphics equally, what would it look like?’” she said. “They came up with three options, decided which one they felt was best and really took an objective look at the political landscape.” The 30-page report detailing the maps has begun making the rounds among the state’s influential lawmakers and their staffs since its publication. The maps were one of the deliverables compiled by the students participating in the Texas Legislative Capstone, with each being placed in a variety of positions within the legislative setting during the spring semester. They worked with state senators, representatives, committees and agencies in the heart of the capitol, grappling with critical issues facing Texans during the 82nd legislative session. A&M newswire
Firefighters worked furiously Monday to save a line of mountain communities in eastern Arizona from a gigantic blaze that has forced thousands of people from their homes and cast a smoky haze over states as far away as Iowa. Strong winds and lightning storms were expected to make matters worse in an area dotted with cabins and campgrounds that have long provided a cool summer getaway from the oppressive heat of the nearby desert. Lighter winds a day earlier sent embers flying as far as three miles and triggered a series of spot fires. The fire had grown to nearly 365 square miles, officials said. Authorities believe an abandoned campfire may have sparked the blaze more than a week ago.
Military implements new law More than a million U.S. troops — roughly half the armed forces — have been trained on the new law allowing gays to serve openly in the military, and so far there has been none of the turmoil or dire consequences predicted by opponents of what had been expected to be a wrenching change in military culture. There’s been no widespread resistance, no mad rush for the door by enlisted members opposed to the policy and no drop in recruiting. So far, military officials have told Pentagon leaders that they have seen no adverse impact on the force. And while there have been plenty of questions from the troops — including pointed queries to Defense Secretary Robert Gates and former president of Texas A&M — defense officials say they have seen nothing yet that would block the eventual implementation of the law. Associated Press
Westgate Biologicals 700 University Drive East, Ste 111 College Station 268-6050
DCI Biologicals 4223 Wellborn Rd Bryan 846-8855
thebattalion THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893
Taylor Wolken, 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.
Pg. 2-6.7.11.indd 1
6/6/11 9:25 PM
news
page 3
thebattalion
tuesday 6.7.2011
Cellphones might raise risk of cancer Peter Svensson Associated Press NEW YORK — News last week that an arm of the World Health Organization said cellphones might raise the risk of brain cancer has been greeted by Americans mostly with a shrug of the shoulder — one that’s pinning a cellphone to the ear. Google searches for “cancer” and “cellphones” spiked this week. And some people vowed to get headsets to shield themselves from radiation. But most seemed to either dismiss the warning as too vague, or reason that if the most useful device in modern life poses a slight health risk, then so be it. “I was watching the news about it, and I thought, ‘I’m already screwed because I’ve been talking on the phone for seven years,’” said Genevieve Chamorro, a 31-year-old New Yorker who was shopping for a phone. John Gottani, a manager at a cellphone store in New York, said he’s been selling phones for six years and has never heard anyone ask if they cause cancer. The only things customers really care about, Gottani said, are “if it works, and if it texts.” The International Agency for Research on Cancer reviewed dozens of published studies on cellphones and cancer before classifying cellphones as “possibly carcinogenic” on Tuesday. It’s a risk category that includes night-shift work, engine exhaust and coffee. Studies haven’t been able to rule out a link between cellphones and cancer. But experts say that if there is a link, it’s unlikely to be strong. Cellphones emit weak radio waves, which, under the conventional understanding of physics, can’t wreak the same sort of cellular changes that sunlight and radioactivity can. A common tip offered to those who want to reduce their exposure to cellphone radiation is to use a headset. Even wireless Bluetooth headsets reduce radiation exposure. Though they emit radio signals of their own, they’re much
weaker than cellphone signals. But there seems to be little rush to get Bluetooth headsets. They’ve been declining in popularity for at least four years, according to research firm Strategy Analytics. It’s also found that most headset owners don’t intend to replace the one they have when it wears out. According to Strategy Analytics analyst Chris Schreiner, the main reason is that when you’re wearing a Bluetooth headset, you look like a person who’s wearing a Bluetooth headset. On Twitter this week, the most common posts mentioning “headset” and “cancer” have been repeats of a joke from humor site Someecards. com: “I can’t decide between being seen wearing a Bluetooth headset or just getting brain cancer.” But CTIA-The Wireless Association, the cellphone industry trade group, is fighting these moves. It says there’s no evidence the measured ratings have any correlation with risks. And cellphone manufacturers and carriers are showing no sign of breaking ranks with each other to use the ratings to their advantage — for instance, by touting “low-radiation phones.” Americans on average talk about 700 minutes a month on their cellphones, making them some of the most talkative people in the world, well ahead of Europeans. In San Francisco, Chuck Luter, 42, said he doesn’t plan to change his habits as a result of the radiation warning. When the advertising-shoot prop stylist talks on his Sidekick phone, he usually uses the speakerphone,
so it’s not close to his head. And in any case, he texts more than he talks. Besides, he added, there are few alternatives to owning a cellphone. “What are the other options? To not have one? To try to keep it all in your head? There are so many bad things for you — just add this to the pile.”
Jay Kapodia — THE BATTALION
Fans awaiting the start of Monday night’s regional championship game huddled in the upper deck. The game was delayed due to nearby lightning in the area before rainfall forced the game’s cancellation at 8:30 p.m.
Baseball Continued from page 1
The parking lot emptied out by 9 p.m. after the official announcement of the game’s cancellation. Despite the delay and daytime change, Aggie fans insisted that they will be back tomorrow to cheer on their team. It’s winner takes all in a rematch against Arizona after the Aggies failed to clinch the regional championship in a 7-4 loss on Sunday night. The winner of today’s game will go on to play in the Super Regional in Florida.
Unemployment Continued from page 1
he said. “We have produced a budget that makes significant reductions to the debt over time and lowers our corporate tax rate so we can stay competitive in the global economy.” While College Station has one of the lowest unemployment rates in not only the state, but also the country, the city is not the leader. Midland is home to the state’s lowest unemployment rate at 4.4 percent. Brownsville-Harlingen has the highest rate in the state with 11.5 percent.
Show your Aggie Pride with the Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card Get your Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card at these banking locations: Texas A&M University General Services Complex (GSC) Student Business Services, 2nd Floor 979-268-3238 University Drive College Station, 321 University Drive 979-691-8366 Southwest Pkwy College Station, 200 Southwest Parkway East 979-776-3424 Rock Prairie College Station, 1801 Rock Prairie Road 979-776-3266 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy Bryan, 501 N. Harvey Mitchell Pkwy 979-821-3120 Briarcrest Bryan, 3000 Briarcrest 979-776-3277
Exclusively for Aggies—the Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card: • Custom-designed debit card just for Texas A&M students • Make purchases at millions of merchants that accept Visa® debit cards worldwide • Free access to your cash at 15 Wells Fargo ATMs in Bryan—College Station and more than 12,000 Wells Fargo and Wachovia ATMs across the country
Get your card when you open a Wells Fargo College Checking® account1: • Waived monthly service fee when linked to your Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card • Direct Deposit of financial aid refunds and/or paychecks • Banking on the go with Wells Fargo Mobile® Banking • Around the clock account access with Wells Fargo Online® Banking
For more information about the Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card: 1-866-360-3007 email TEXASAM@wellsfargo.com call
1
Eligibility subject to approval. Students must provide proof of enrollment at Texas A&M University College Station or Galveston when the account is opened. $50 minimum opening deposit required to open a new account. Opening deposit may be waived if student opens the account at a Bryan-College Station banking location and enrolls in online statements. Information contained in this document is subject to change. © 2011 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. (Printed 2/11)
Pg. 3-6.7.11.indd 1
6/6/11 10:36 PM