TheBattalion06212012

thebattalion asks

thebattalion

Q:

As an incoming freshman, what does the Aggie Ring mean to you?

● thursday,

Roger Zhang — THE BATTALION

● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2012 student media

The golden rule

It’s the reason why you go to A&M. It means everything. It’s the representation of your success and your future.

Zack Ford, business major

texas a&m since 1893

Robby Smith

Chase Duncan, business major

It’s your goal. It’s what you work for.

It’s your reward for all your hard work.

● serving

System students without piece of Aggie gold

It links us to the past as well as to the future. Anyone with an Aggie Ring you know you are family.

Jessica Hernandez, English major

june 21, 2012

The Battalion

F

or more than a century, the Aggie Ring has been a uniting tradition for the worldwide Aggie Network. According to The Association of Former Students, each Aggie Ring rewards academic achievement, and embodies the owner’s loyalty to Texas A&M. See HSC on page 5

Aggie Rings lost and found

Symbolizing Aggie tradition The 13 stripes symbolize the 13 original states and A&M’s intense patriotism.

The eagle connotes agility, power and the ability to reach great heights.

The five stars signify the five phases of development of the Aggie student: mind or intellect, body, spiritual attainment, emotional poise and integrity of character.

The ancient cannon, saber and rifle symbolize Texans’ fight for The star represents their land and the seal of Texas. determination to defend their homeland.

Students wear their Aggie Ring with their class year facing inward to signify their time at A&M is not complete. During Ring Dance or graduation, students turn their Ring around.

Allison Linder The Battalion

P

er tradition, getting your Aggie Ring is a big deal in this neck of the woods. Not only does it symbolize intellect, body, spiritual attainment, emotional poise and integrity of character but it is also a symbol of accomplishment.

See Lost Rings on page 4

A&M traditions | 4 Old vs. new The Aggie Ring, older than Silver Taps, Muster, Reveille and the 12th Man, is a tradition that has spanned generations. Yet each sees it differently.

campus

world

Hunt for student housing

Mubarak’s health worsens Amber Jaura

needed to build a bomb, having purchased chemicals and other materials online in previous months. He had also researched targets — including dams, nuclear plants or the Dallas home of former President George W. Bush — and how to place bomb material inside dolls and baby carriages, court records show.

The Battalion Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was reported dead Tuesday in Torah Prison after state officials and MENA news agency confirmed his heart stopped beating. According to The Associated Press, 84-year-old Mubarak was revived by defibrillation before incurring a stroke and was then moved to a military hospital in Cairo. When taken in Mubarak was reported “clinically dead” but a security official confirms he is now on life support.

Mubarak ruled Egypt for more than 30 years before resigning after mass protests in February last year.

The news of his poor health spread quickly throughout Tahrir Square, the birthplace of the uprising, where tens of thousands of people protested the military council governing Egypt, according to The Associated Press.

Fahad Haque, senior petroleum engineering major, is taking a year off to study Arabic in Cairo. He said he hasn’t seen much

Associated Press

See Mubarak on page 7

Allison Linder The Battalion The transition from high school to college can be anxiety-riddled, stressful and time-consuming as students embark on the responsibilities of becoming a young adult. Finding student housing tops the list of “todo’s” for students preparing to enter their freshman year, as well as for their parents.

There are 30 residence halls with

Hunter Schmidt — THE BATTALION

Multiple apartments are for sale and lease on Munson Avenue at the Cripple Creek Condominiums. accommodations currently available at Texas A&M University to house approximately 8,000 (non-Corps) students. Though the student population continues to increase, the

trend of off-campus housing might affect the number of students living on campus.

See Housing on page 6

nation

Trial begins for man accused in Bush plot Twice in the days leading up to Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari’s arrest federal agents secretly searched the Saudi man’s West Texas apartment, where they say they found bomb-making chemicals as well as beakers, flasks, wiring, a hazmat suit and clocks.

They also discovered Aldawsari’s journal, handwritten in Arabic, in which he wrote that he had been planning a terror attack in the

U.S. for years and that it was “time for jihad,” or holy war, court documents show.

Jury selection in the 22-year-old’s trial was set to begin Thursday in Amarillo. If convicted, Aldawsari faces up to life in prison.

The results of the two searches at Aldawsari’s apartment in Lubbock in February 2011 led authorities to suspect he had nearly everything he

The Midtown wn Men

First National Tour of One of Broadway’s Newest Musical Hits!

Carol Burnett

ASSOCIATED PRESS

An Egyptian woman wears a tag with a picture of former president Mubarak.

What’s next Ahmed Shafik, Mubarak’s former prime minister, and Mohamed Morsi, appointed by the Muslim Brotherhood, are candidates for the presidential election.

Martha Graham Dance

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THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893

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

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. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3315; E-mail: editor@ thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt. com.

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Monday through Friday. Email: battads@ thebatt.com.

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. Call 979-845-2696 for mail subscriptions.

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On Tuesday’s page one story, “Agency adopts new eligibility guidelines,” children who are eligible for Medicaid, who have insurance through the Children’s Health Insurance Program, who are Native American or Alaska Native, or who are underinsured are all eligible to get vaccines through Texas Vaccines for Children providers.

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.

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pagetwo

Courtney Laine — THE BATTALION

Josh Abbott and Aaron Watson perform a live in-store radio show for KORA 98.3 Wednesday at Inspirations in the Post Oak Mall. Abbott is a native Texan, born in Lubbock and attended Texas Tech University.

GUESTCOLUMN

Euro’s financial crisis Jackson Lane: Why you should care

F

or those who haven’t spent most of their free time under a rock or at Northgate, you know that the dark cloud currently hovering over the global economy remains Europe’s credit crisis.

But instead of banks lending to unqualified borrowers for overpriced real estate, as in the 2008 U.S. credit crisis, countries that make up the Eurozone have become massively overleveraged as a result of running large fiscal deficits over the past decade. In every economic crisis, there comes a moment of no return, where people finally realize that the status quo cannot remain. For Europe, this date might be quickly approaching.

Europe’s crisis, to date, has comprised a series of ‘false’ turning points, just head fakes before another leg down. Greece recently held national elections June 17 yet the Greek’s future membership as a part of the Euro currency experiment has effectively dissolved. Without the ability to devalue their currency, which remaining as a part of Euro prohibits, the Greeks have no hope of establishing a competitive economy or paying back their debt.

International financial powers including the European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund have been unsuccessful in restoring Greece’s severely wounded economy. If Greece leaves the euro later this year, the government will default (go bankrupt) on more than 300 billion euros of debt owed to the IMF, ECB and many other financial institutions worldwide.

As a result of Greece’s instability,

ASSOCIATED PRESS

A visitor points his finger toward the Stock Exchange’s main display June 11 in Madrid. countries like Italy and Spain have come dangerously close to insolvency.

On June 14, Spanish debt reached levels not seen since the founding of the Eurozone. During this stage of the crisis, Europe must realize the time for a universal European currency may be coming to an abrupt and sloppy end.

Billions and billions of dollars in capital will leave Europe for safer shores, and the entire continent will be pushed into a deeper depression than experienced in 2008. This instability may, in turn, force weaker countries to leave Euro in hopes of salvaging what remains of their tattered economies. But why should you care…

As a result of the European economic disaster and increasing globalization, the entire developed world may be affected to the detriment of all citizens, corporations and governments. As the European economies continue to deteriorate, what are some of the effects that you should care about?

Global energy prices will continue to collapse as speculators, as well as consumers, attempt to save their capital for a rainy day. This will result in lower gasoline prices.

The direct result dismantling the Eurozone will be the collapse of the currencies of weaker nations including Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain, mak-

ing it much cheaper to travel to those locales. So start packing for Rome, Athens, Dublin and Barcelona!

Lastly, with so much money leaving Europe, investment in the United States might be accelerated by corporations and investors if the crisis is deemed largely not contagious. Jobs might finally return as companies hire newly-minted degree holders!

Cheaper gas, European travel and more jobs might sound like we should be cheering for the destruction of the Eurozone; all good things come at a price. If the European crisis is not contained, the entire world will go into a deep recession, so it is time for both European and U.S. leaders with help from others to form a plan for an orderly dissolution of the Euro. This task may seem extremely daunting, but it remains necessary for the continued prosperity of the global economy.

Although Europe and its economic issues often seem miles after from your day-to-day, your life is deeply dependent on its future.

Jackson Lane is a senior finance major.

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voices

page 3 thursday 6.21.2012

thebattalion

Immigration woes Naila Dhanani: Right thing to do. Period.

A

s U.S. President Barack Obama inaugurated his new immigration policy, this nation took a step in the right direction. He announced plans to grant temporary legal status to hundreds of thousands undocumented immigrants.

In his announcement, Obama said, “These are young people who study in our schools, they play in our neighborhoods, they’re friends with our kids, they pledge allegiance to our flag. They are Americans in their heart, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper.”

Oftentimes undocumented immigrants have no idea they don’t legally reside in this country. Brought here by parents or relatives, by no fault of their own, immigrants are forced to live in fear of deportation from the only country they have ever known.

Obama went beyond partisan politics to offer relief to hard-working Americans. Because regardless of legal status, undocumented immigrants are Americans.

Some say his policy is unconstitutional. On the contrary. Obama granted deferred action to end deportations. It’s not amnesty as it doesn’t provide a path to citizenship. This nation is facing tough economic times. This policy allows us to allocate limited government resources in a more efficient manner.

He did what needed to be done as Congress has failed to address immigration reform.

The Dream Act is a decade-old immigration bill that would provide

a path for citizenship for educated youth. A year-and-a-half ago, it passed the House, but Republicans blocked it in the Senate.

His policy benefits hundreds of thousands of immigrants. Our nation — often heralded as the land of immigrants — was founded on the principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The Department of Homeland Security said certain young people who are brought to the U.S. at a young age do not present a risk to national security or public safety.

Although a positive move, more needs to be done. Congress must still pass the Dream Act and allow immigrants the opportunity to become citizens of the U.S. legally.

After all, the inscription of the Statue of Liberty — historically, immigrants’ first welcome to the U.S. — reads, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddle masses, yearning to breath free … I lift my lamp beside the golden door.” Let’s live up to Lady Liberty’s welcome.

Naila Dhanani is a senior biomedical sciences major and editor in chief for The Battalion.

MAILCALL

Trevor Stevens: Obama’s policy unconstitutional

J

ust like I want to find employment after college, I want my fellow Aggies to pursue their dream job, let alone not live in fear of being deported.

The issue of immigration is a complicated one that deserves a thoughtful solution. President Barack Obama’s move to change immigration policy last Friday was not that.

The president of the U.S. takes an oath to uphold the Constitution. So, why isn’t he honoring that oath?

The Constitution reads, “All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States …” In other words, the president does not have the authority to make a new law.

The young people who were not born in the U.S. do need accommodation. But why did Obama unconstitutionally bypass Congress to try to accomplish just what he wants? Well, it is because Congress isn’t exactly simpatico.

Our two-sided government seems to differ on fundamental principles about how government should operate. One side seems to think that more governmental control — and therefore less freedom to its citizens — is the way to get things done.

It is actually to illegal immigrants’ disadvantage that the government would affect change in a disorderly fashion, contrary to the Constitution upon which it is built. These young “illegal” immigrants will just be trading freedom-less labels: “illegal immigrant” for “legal under a big,

antagonistic government.”

This is a complex issue that needs a long-term solution — not a temporary fix that will actually make more complicated the government’s attempts to establish such a solution.

GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney hasn’t yet responded to Obama’s immigration announcement, but he is scheduled to speak Thursday to more than 1,000 leaders of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials in Florida, where Marco Rubio, Republican Senator and Romney’s potential running mate questions the message Obama is sending to the people who are coming into the country legally.

“We get hundreds of people a year in our office who are asking for help because their relatives have been waiting in line, doing it the right way. What do we tell them?

‘Come illegally, it’s cheaper and quicker’?” he said.

There must be urgency in the Houses (Representative, Senate and White) to find a thoughtful solution to immigration reform, if for no one else, for the people eager to have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Trevor Stevens is a senior English major and assignments editor for The Battalion.

From Blake Guard, biomedical sciences graduate student Renovations to the Memorial Student Center have been simply extraordinary.

However, a certain area fell short of my expectations is the return of the 12th Man dining area. I was severely disappointed when I paraded into the dining area to find trendy mediocre food options like “Ciao”, “Pile On”, and “Smokin’.” I have no clue what any of these food options are when I look at the signs. They are composed of a compost of carrots meant to look like letters, mushed in with the alphabet to make a healthy looking “green” sign. Nothing says healthy like some good ol’ fashioned barbecue.

I miss the combination of witty titles for food options such as “Elephant Wok”, “Ol’ Armydillo’s”, and “Olla Roja” – (student bonfire will miss this “red pot” reference, although to my knowledge I think this still exists in the Pi R Square dining area). I seem to remember delicious quesadillas, burritos, and gyros that all came with a side of tradition, which of course, Aggies love. A former shell of itself, the 12th Man dining area now looks like cuisine favorable to Sbisa Dining Hall (insert disappointed emoticon).

On a happier note, at least the piano in the flag room was not lost during renovation. There is still hope.

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traditions

page 4 thursday 6.21.2012

thebattalion

thebattalion asks

Q:

As an incoming freshman, what does the Aggie Ring mean to you?

1935-1962 - The Texas and U.S. flags were added behind the crossed cannon, rifle and saber.

1889-1894 Oldest known Aggie Ring design.

1963-present - The Ring lettering changed to Texas A&M University.

Aggieland legacy lives on Aggie Ring tradition spans many generations Robby Smith The Battalion

The feeling that I’ve accomplished something.

Megan Plate, business major

It’s a tradition. It’s a connection when you see others.

Nick Rakestraw, biomedical sciences

It means you are done with your degree. It’s kind of a rite of passage Alexander Mendoza, biomedical science

It symbolizes all the Aggie traditions.

A symbolic tradition — older than Silver Taps, Muster, Reveille and the 12th Man — the Aggie Ring, has been a coveted possession for more than a century.

“Different aspects of the ring have different symbolism,” said Kathryn Greenwade, vice president for communication and human resouces for The Association of Former Students.

The Aggie Ring is our family crest. It identifies us as Aggies and it identifies one as being exposed to and adhering to a certain set of values and standards.”

Attention is drawn to Aggies who choose to wear the ring on their lefthand as opposed to their right-hand, which is the most popular place for the ring. University System Chancellor John Sharp and Texas Gov. Rick Perry have been spotted following this left-hand tradition.

“We see Aggies of all ages wear the ring on either hand,” Greenwade said.

“In the early days of the ring, the myth was that you wore your Aggie Ring on your left-hand because it was closest to your heart.”

Greenwade said, a lot of male former students wear the ring on their lefthand on the same finger as their wedding ring. Some will say it’s because Texas A&M was their first love.

“You see varying preferences,” Greenwade said. “I’ve seen some women wear it on their pinkie. There is not a standard on where one should wear their Aggie Ring. It is a matter of preference.”

There is one ring tradition all Aggies should follow, however.

“The one thing I would say on wearing your ring, is that as a student, when you first get your ring, you want your class year to face you,” Greenwade said.

“Then at commencement, we induct the students into the Association of Former Students. At that time, we ask

Robert Lee Smith and Morgan Salonek celebrate after Salonek earned his ring. Smith “dunked” his ring in a cup at 7:51 pm (19:51 military time) and Salonek dunked his ring in a pitcher at 8:08 pm (20:08 military time), each to represent his class year. the students to remove their ring and turn it so that the class year faces out.

That symbolizes you are ready to step forward into the world.”

Robert Lee Smith, Class of 1951, graduated in 1952 with a degree in mechanical engineering. After double majoring in mechanical engineering and industrial engineering, Smith received his ring junior year.

Smith said he remembers paying for the ring himself with a little help from the Association.

“We didn’t give our rings to our girlfriends back then,” Smith said. “We worked so hard to get them, we didn’t want to give it up.”

The other ring tradition he remembers is Ring Dance.

“I went to Ring Dance. I invited a girl from Galveston up for the weekend, and she stayed in a boarding house off campus,” Smith said. The mother of that boarding house was very strict.

That was a big deal — to invite your girlfriend up for a weekend to an Aggie dance. Quite a deal.”

Smith said they had pictures taken inside of this huge ring 10 feet tall. He said you would stand in that ring with your girlfriend and they would take

COURTESY PHOTOS

your picture.

“I lost it one time, swimming in the Gulf down in Galveston,” Smith said.

“That was a big loss — my greatest possession. I wound up years later getting another one.”

After graduating, Smith went into the Army to fight in the Korean War. He was on duty in Alaska for two years as a company commander. He said their outfit was the Army Security Agency.

“It was hard to get through the rest of school without it,” Smith said. “We would see that ring all over the world when we got out. People would recognize the ring all over the world and do favors for us if they could.”

Now, Aggies view the ring as a reward for knowledge and experiences gained during their time in Aggieland.

“I got my ring last semester which was the spring of my senior year,” said Klinton Moore, Class of 2012. “I think the ring is a reward for all of the hard work you put in.”

Though the price of the ring has risen significantly as the price of gold increased, Moore said getting the ring is worth it.

A more recent tradition of the Aggie Ring has been for each student to

Sean Cook, Class of 2010 and the commander of E-2 in 2009-10 received his ring in 2009.

Robert Lee Smith was on hand to present Cook with his ring. They were separated in their time in the Corps by almost 60 years.

do a “ring dunk” when they receive their Ring.

“I just felt like I was officially a part of the A&M family,” said Darcy Argueta, senior psychology major. “My mom and brothers came in town later for my ring dunk. I dunked at 9:13 p.m.”

Argueta said she dunked at 9:13 p.m. because it is representative of her high school class year, 2009, and her college class year, 2013.

“I dunked with four other friends, and it was a race to finish the pitcher,” Argueta said.

Students pick different beverages to dunk in, but Argueta said she dunked her ring in the most common — beer.

The object is to drink your picture of desired liquid as fast as possible to get to the ring in the bottom.

“I think it’s a god tradition,” Argueta said. “I think it’s exciting because everyone comes to cheer you on.”

Even if they don’t drink, students can dunk their ring in something else like apple juice, Moore said.

“The tradition fits well with A&M and us being the Fightin’ Texas Aggies,” Moore said. “We’re just kind of rowdy.”

Emmanuel Varghese, mathematics major

Aggie Ring dreams ncoming freshman allied health major, Taylor Smith, tries on Aggie Rings during the NSC social Wednesday evening at the Clayton W. Williams Jr. Alumni Center. Smith plans to attend the Health Science Center. Students of the Health Science Center do not receive the same Aggie Ring. When asked if the difference matters, Smith said, “I wish the HSC was technically a part of A&M, but I don’t necessarily mind a different ring. It’s mainly that I wish they consider it a school of A&M rather than being apart.”

I

Perseverance all those four years leading up to that big accomplishment.

Ashley Ramirez, communications major

Roger Zhang — THE BATTALION

The accomplishes of the future, my plans and goals being meet and realized.

Fallon Gamble, biomedical sciences major

It symbolizes all the work and dedication that Aggies put into their academic career and as well what they do outside the campus.”

Antony Mathew, biology major

Pg. 4-06.21.12.indd 1

Lost Rings Continued from page 1

That’s why, when an Aggie Ring goes missing, it’s not just a ring a student loses, but a small piece of history one has worked hard to create.

“My dad was doing some yard work and while he was trimming some bushes realized that his ring had slipped off his fingers. He searched the yard for a few hours hoping to find it but came to the conclusion that he had lost it,” said Max Bernau, senior mechanical engineering major.

Bernau is a second generation Aggie who followed in his dad’s footsteps, Stuart Bernau, Class of 1974.

When asked if his dad’s ring was recovered, Bernau said in a light-hearted tone that it was.

“Well that’s actually a funny story,” Bernau said.

“Our neighbor David was mowing our lawn while we were vacationing in Kansas. While he was mowing, he said he heard a clink that was followed by a loud crash. The lawn mower blade had actually hit the ring and propelled it through our front window.”

Although his dad was upset David broke their window, he was relieved he recovered his ring.

Cindy Roberts Rhodes, Class of 1977, shares a similar story of how she lost then recovered her Aggie Ring.

“In November 2011, my husband Bill and I were at the Oakland Airport, leaving our short vacation in the Russian River Valley to head home. I took off my jewelry to go through security and threaded my Ag-

Autumn Rizzo — THE BATTALION

gie Ring on to a bracelet and closed the clasp,” Rhodes said.

Rhodes and her husband experienced a few travel delays, which caused them to rush through security checkpoints.

“It is hard to describe what happened in just a second, but, as I was walking and trying to get my jewelry back on, I unclasped my bracelet and my ring slipped off — and bounced! One bounce, two bounce, and on the third bounce it hit right as the elevator door opened and down it disappeared. I was shocked, numb, and in disbelief,” Rhodes said.

Rhodes’ husband contacted Deputy Sherriff John Souza of the Alameda County Sherriff’s Office. He took down her information and a description of the ring. After the airport maintenance crew checked the elevator, no ring was found.

“I did not want to buy another ring — I wanted my Aggie Ring back! I registered it as lost with

the Aggie Network and tried to be patient and accept that it might not be found or returned. However, my husband was to have a layover at Oakland Airport the following February, and [said] he would check back with Deputy Sherriff Souza,” Rhodes said.

Deputy Sherriff Souza recovered her ring and returned it to her husband.

Not every student is fortunate enough to have recovered their lost Aggie Ring, as was the case for Fidel Martinez, Class of 2004.

“A little over two years ago, I was playing soccer at an indoor center down near a not-so-good part of Houston,” said Martinez.

“This was the only time I ever brought my ring with me. I usually leave it at home.”

Martinez was wearing it right before the game started but decided to take it off, place it in his workout bag and slide it under his soccer team’s bench.

“After I finish a game, I have a habit of checking to see if I have my keys, wallet and phone inside,” Martinez said. “I did that and realized I had everything in there but the ring.”

He searched for hours and even went as far as looking in pawn shops, on eBay and Craig’s List but his ring was never seen again.

“I felt like someone just ripped out my heart. It’s literally the only jewelry I wear, but I wear it with pride and it stands out. I almost use it in a sense to define myself and here I was without it,” Martinez said.

6/20/12 10:16 PM

news thebattalion

HSC Continued from page 1

First created in 1889, the ring has changed over time with the evolution of the University.

Not every student of a school with the words “Texas A&M” in its name is eligible for the ring.

Only Texas A&M University students are eligible for a ring. This includes the University’s two branch campuses in Galveston and Qatar, but not the other institutes in the Texas A&M University System. This exclusion applies to the nine universities in the System as well as the Health Science Center in College Station, a few miles from the main campus of Texas A&M University.

“A student who meets the qualifications for admission and is accepted to Texas A&M University, College Station — or the campuses of Galveston and Qatar — are officially part of Texas A&M University,” said Kathryn Greenwade, Class of 1988, vice president, communications and human resources for The Association. “System schools, although they are a part of the same System, are not a part of Texas A&M University itself, as are Galveston and Qatar” Greenwade said what might make it easier to understand, is prior to the 1990s, all other System schools had a different name.

“They were not ‘Texas A&M at…,’ they were ‘East Texas State University’ which is now Texas A&M Commerce. They were ‘Texas A&I University,’ which is now Texas A&M Kingsville,” Greenwade said.

Greenwade said with the name change, some perceived those universities were now a part of Texas A&M University, but they were not. They were part of the Texas A&M University System.

Students of the Health Science Center are still grappling with their exclusion from Aggie Ring eligibility, despite their connectedness to Texas A&M University.

“I feel like a lot of college rings don’t mean a lot, but the Aggie Ring does,” said Katy Wilson, senior nursing student at the Health Science Center. “It is something people recognize [in interviews], nationwide and worldwide.”

Wilson said with the Health Science Center ring, she’s not going to get that. Many students there get the Aggie Ring because they went to Texas A&M for a year or two.

“In some cases — and it depends on the number of hours they had at A&M — students who start at Texas A&M and then transfer into a health science center degree program are eligible for an Aggie Ring,” Greenwade said.

With those requirements, it does get a little more technical. If they have had at least 45 hours at Texas A&M University, before going in to the nursing program at the Health Science Center, then they might be eligible.

Alison Kreider, a recent graduate of the

page 5 thursday 6.21.2012 Health Science Center with a bachelor of science in nursing, was disappointed she wasn’t eligiible to get the Aggie Ring.

Kreider said the Aggie Ring issue has been a big uproar. “We wrote a letter and a petition to send to the president. We are paying student fees to the Texas A&M University campus — for parking, library, Rec Center, everything — but we don’t get University ties at all.”

Other System schools have ring programs.

“The Health Science Center keeps trying to figure out why no one wants to buy their ring, but it’s because it’s not the signature ring of Texas A&M,” Wilson said. “We don’t get that opportunity even though we are tied so close to the University.”

Kreider purchased a Health Science Center ring. “I end up wearing my HSC ring every day and I ended up liking it, but if I had the option I would certainly get my Aggie Ring,” Kreider said. “I have thought about going back for another semester just to get it. But, it would be another $5,000 with tuition and the cost of another ring.”

Kreider said the Health Science Center ring is plain whereas the Aggie Ring is detailed. But she said she wanted a college ring to prove on an everyday basis that she has a degree.

Students attending branch campuses look forward to the opportunity to get the ring.

Incoming freshman Lauren Michalka chose Galveston in part to get the Aggie Ring upon graduation.

Michalka said she will do nursing, but won’t go to the Health Science Center because she wants her ring. If she can get in to the fast track nursing program from Galveston, she would go to Galveston, then College Station and then the Health Science Center. This was, she can get her degree and Aggie Ring.

“My family is all Aggies and all have their Aggie Ring. I’m kind of like the odd-man out I guess,” Michalka said. “We took a family picture, and I was the only one doing the gig ‘em without a ring. It is kind of like the missing piece in my life I want to get now.”

Michalka said it is great for students at branch campuses are able to receive the Aggie Ring.

“I think it’s good because it gives the kids who want to do a marine kind of degree but want to be an Aggie too the ability to do both,” Michalka said. “I want to be a nurse and get my Aggie Ring and degree, but I can’t. It’s kind of singling out people.”

Though Galveston is removed from College Station, Michalka said they still have the traditions of Aggieland and are deserving of a ring.

“The only thing different is they have Maritime Ball instead of Ring Dance,” Michalka said. “But they have all of the same traditions.

That’s why I like it -—I love A&M, but I didn’t get in. It’s nice to go somewhere where I could still have the tradition and not miss out on a year of being an Aggie.”

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For more information about the Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card: call 1-866-360-3007 email TEXASAM@wellsfargo.com

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. The Wells Fargo College Checking account is part of the College Combo® checking package. Opening deposit may be waived if student opens the account at a Bryan-College Station banking location and enrolls in online statements. The enhanced Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card is a Visa debit card issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Information contained in this document is subject to change. © 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.

Pg. 5-06.21.12.indd 1

6/20/12 9:40 PM

news

page 6 thursday 6.21.2012

Continued from page 1

“On-campus housing occupancy has remained very high over the past four plus years, but there is a trend toward students wanting their own bedroom versus having to share their bedroom space with another student,” said Jeff Wilson assistant director of the Department of Residence Life.

Wilson said on-campus housing has not been affected by off-campus housing growths yet as occupancy numbers remain high.

Wilson said with the Corps of Cadets, there are about 9,800 students living on campus. Of these, approximately 7,600 are Residence Life (non-Corps) and approximately 2,200 are in the Corps of Cadets.

In regard to the cost of living, A&M wants to maintain affordability.

“Our cost ranges from $2,787 per semester to $1,489 per semester for a double occupancy dorm,” Wilson said. “Texas A&M is still one of the cheapest schools to live on campus when compared to UT-Austin and Texas Tech.”

With 10 percent of stu-

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dents living on-campus, as the student population slowly increases, the question arises of whether or not current dorm renovations could lead to fewer students living on campus.

“Texas A&M took down three [residence] halls in 2011 (totaling a loss of 600 beds), but we were able to shift about 550 of those spaces to our brand new University Apartments,” Wilson said. “We double-occupied these 168 apartments; so a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment was now being filled by two upperclassmen students.”

The Corps has plans to continue its renovation project on the Quad — the Corps dorm area on the south side of campus. Dorm 8, Harrell Hall, will be reopening this summer after its major renovation, and Dorm 6, Lacy Hall, will be taken offline so the University can start its renovation.

Residence Life is building a new hall, currently unnamed, on the north side of campus that will house approximately 648 students and will be available in August 2013.

“Residence Life is an auxiliary enterprise at Texas A&M,” said Wilson. “This

WHEN

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2-3/bedroom apartments. Some with W/D, some on College Main, remodeled with dishwashers, Great deal! $175-$600/mo.

979-219-3217.

2/1 Duplex, 950sq.ft., near campus/ Shuttle, large living room, fenced backyard, W/D connections, ceiling fans. $650/mo.

229 Brentwood, CS. 512-206-6658, Nabilski@hotmail.com 2/2 duplex. On bus route, large fenced yard. 310 Brentwood. $750/mo. 979-255-8299.

Spacious duplex, 2bd/1ba., beautiful! Internet, w/d, remodeled, fenced front and backyard. Many extras.

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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.

3/2 CS Duplex. Fenced, shuttle, very large. Treehouse Trail, Cypress. www.c4properties.net 979-268-1074.

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and amenities. The growth of this trend has complicated housing in the community overall.

“I chose to live off campus because I have had many dorm life experiences through camps. I like meeting new people, so for me, I don’t have any trouble getting out of my comfort zone,” said Kaitlyn Schindler, sophomore sports management major.

Schindler chose to forgo the on-campus dorm experience and take up residence in Waterwood Townhomes on the south side of College Station.

“My off-campus experience was awesome. It made my life a lot easier. I love to cook so I was able to prepare food in my own kitchen,” Schindler said. “Also, if my study groups wanted a more Hunter Schmidt — THE BATTALION relaxed study atmosphere, we Demolished Northside residence halls, Crocker, Moore could all study around my and McInnis, makes way for a new residence hall kitchen table.” scheduled to open in fall 2013.

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means that we do not get any state funding, so all of our revenue is generated by students who pay rent. The money that we receive is used to help pay for upgrades in our facilities, build new facilities and all of our renovation programs.”

While on-campus housing remains stable, the trend of off-campus housing has continued to build and grow over the four years.

“Investors from all over the world have found that Bryan-College Station is a profitable market for rental industry business,” said Stefanie Baker, assistant director in the offices of the Dean of Student Life. “We’ve seen a spike in high-end custom housing, properties like the Lofts at Wolfpen Creek, that will be increased as the Stack and other similar properties in the Northgate area go up over the next three years.”

Students seek out all types of housing based on needs

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FOR RENT 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 House under one mile from campus. $850/month, $400 deposit. 1106 Georgia 979-255-8637.

3bd/1.5ba with all appliances.

Fenced backyard and near campus. 979-774-9181.

4/2 + study, 1112 Berkeley, available August, COMPLETELY REMODELED, W/D, new paint, all appliances, large backyard, no pets, $1295/mo, 979-731-8257 www.brazosvalleyrentals.com 4/3, 3/3 &3/2 Houses, Townhouses, Duplexes &Fourplexes, 1250-1700sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing, excellent specials.

979-694-0320. www.luxormanagement.com 4/4 House in Buena Vida, available 8/15. W/D, new appliances, granite, fenced. gigem95@verizon.net 713-252-5555.

4/4 Waterwood by Central Park, $425pp, gated community, cable/Internet, appliances including W/D, available 8/10/12.

Call: 832-277-8840 or 254-732-4678.

4bd/2ba house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, granite countertops, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com

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

903 San Benito, 3/2/2, W/D, on shuttle route, $1000/mo, 979-268-5206.

911 Gardenia, CS. Available August 1st, new 2 story brick home, 4bd/2.5ba, perfect student housing close to A&M Campus with 2-car garage, patio for grilling and a small fenced yard, $1500/mo., First Month's Rent is Your Deposit! Call or text 817-915-0258 or email dshelton@buxtonco.com. Hurry, time is running out!

Apartment: 2/1at Southwest Parkway and Anderson. $500/mo. Call 682-365-0282.

August Leasing. 4bd/2ba house.

Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com August Move In, spacious 3bdrm/2bth duplex, W/D provided, $895/mo. 979-693-0551.

Available August 15th, 2bd/2ba apartment, W/D, approximately 900sqft, $600/mo, call 210-387-5030.

College Station: 3/2, 1240sqft.

Newly remodeled! All Stainless Steel Appliances! Close to shuttle, W/D, lawn/pest/maintenance included. 905 Balcones (off Welch), $1000. KAZ Realty 979-324-9666.

Country home on four fenced acres on OSR. Approximately 30 minutes from Bryan. Totally remodeled brick home. 3bd/1ba., central ac/heat. 2-car garage w/carport. Call 979-255-5555.

FOR RENT Cozy 2bd/1ba condo. Off Wellborn, in Bryan. Fireplace, FP, no HUD, $495/month total.

254-589-0585. 254-289-8200.

Cozy 2bdrm/2bth condo 3-blocks from campus, yard, w/d connections, over 1000sqft., no HUD, updated, $595/mo total, 506-A College Main Available August.

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Fenced backyard. One week free.

979-422-3427. Call for specials.

Newer 1/1, 2/2, 3/3 townhomes, close to campus, cable/internet, $810-$1530. Broker/owner 979-777-5477.

Northgate. 2bd/2ba. Walk to campus. aggievillas.net.

Call 979-255-5648.

Roommate needed. 4/4 University Place condo, W/D, private bath, pool, on shuttle, student community. $300/ room; $250 for June and July. Call 979-690-8213 or 979-422-9849.

FOR SALE Very rare Ag maroon 1966 Seagrave fire truck for sale.

Looks, runs + pumps great.

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HELP WANTED Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. aggieresponse@gmail.com CAD- ConstructionSci/Archsomeone with CAD experience to put our house plan on screen for further development. Call Ron at 979-777-4434.

Looking for a student worker.

Painting, minor plumbing and maintenance skills required. $12/hr. 979-324-9666.

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

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HELP WANTED Part-time warehouse help needed. Flexible hours. Business hours are M-F 7:30-5. Apply at Valley Supply 3320 S. College Ave. Bryan, TX. 979-779-7042.

Penncro Associates, Inc, located at 3101 University Drive East, is Hiring Home Retention Specialists for full-time and part-time positions. Training classes begin in July, training is full-time for 3 weeks and various shifts are available after training. Inquire by emailing bryanjobs@penncro.com or call 979-774-1603. Great job for college students that are looking to work while taking classes in the fall!

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URINARY TRACT INFECTION STUDY Female volunteers who think they might be experiencing a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) are needed to participate in a 2 day clinical research study of an investigational study medication for the pain that is associated with a UTI. Symptoms of a UTI include: Pain, Burning and Frequency when urinating.

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Pg. 6-06-21-12.indd 1

6/20/12 8:32 PM

news thebattalion

page 7 thursday 6.21.2012

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Thousands of the Muslim Brotherhood’s demonstrators gather to support presidential candidate Mohammed Morsi on Tuesday in Tahrir Square, the focal point of Egyptian uprising, in Cairo, Egypt

Mubarak Continued from page 1

reaction from people as Mubarak has been politically inactive for a year and a half.

“I think they care more about other things right now” Haque said. “Like the election result that’s going to be announced and the new powers that the military gave themselves.”

Ahmed Shafik, Mubarak’s former prime minister, and Mohamed Morsi, appointed by the Muslim Brotherhood, are candidates for the presidential election. Official results are expected to be finalized this week.

Maggy Ibrahim, senior international studies major, said people are more concerned with the future of Egypt than the former president’s current state.

“Mubarak’s medical situation is insignificant to the current political status of the country,” Ibrahim said. “With the suspension of the parliament, the Supreme Court of Armed Forces is deciding everything and want to somewhat create a system within a system giving themselves special power to ensure the survival of the military rule and elite over the country since it became a republic in 1953.”

Ibrahim said she awaits the results of the political stand-off but believes people in Tahrir will continue to protest. Many Egyptians fear Shafiq, a member of Mubarak’s old regime is likely to preserve the military-backed state kept for the past three dedades and Morsi, with the Muslim Brotherhood will work to turn Egypt into an Islamic state.

“The youth of the revolution will disagree with Shafik and some of the more liberals and Christians will disagree with Morsi,” Ibrahim said. “Personally, I think regardless of who wins, it all depends on the Supreme Council for Armed Forces and who will write the new constitution since parliament was dissolved.”

Pg. 7-06.21.12.indd 1

ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Brotherhood has called for mass demonstrations in Cairo and elsewhere Tuesday to protest the interim charter issued by the military.

Heba Farag, sophomore international studies major at Blinn, said she hopes Egypt progresses toward democracy after 30 years of oppression.

“From the day I was born, Hosni Mubarak was the president of Egypt and for over 12 years even before I was born. During his time in power, Egypt experienced the worst declines in progress and this sparked the revolution,” Farag said. “I’ll be going back to Egypt in 12 days the day after the new president will go into office.

My family and I in Egypt hope that whoever becomes president keeps the best interest of all people in mind — even the minorities and can bring the country towards democracy.”

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6/20/12 9:44 PM

page 8 thursday 6.21.2012

voices thebattalion

Microsoft Re’Surface’ Roger Zhang: Surface tablet has promise, what ifs remain

C

omputex, WWDC, hybrid tablets, ultra books, MacBook Pros with retina display — these past weeks were filled with surprises from the tech world, but none other than Microsoft had the most shocking announcement.

TAKE A PIECE OF A&M HISTORY WITH YOU · Reserve your 2013 Aggieland The 111th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook will chronicle traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, Greeks, campus organizations and seniors and graduate students. Distribution will be during Fall 2013. Cost is $75, plus tax.

Go to the optional services box in Howdy when you register for fall.

· Order your 2012 Aggieland (if you haven’t) The 2012 Aggieland yearbook will be a record of the 2011-2012 Texas A&M school year. Books will be mailed out during Fall 2012.

By credit card go online to http://aggieland.tamu.edu or call 979-8452696. Or drop by the Student Media office, Suite L400 in the Memorial Student Center. Hours: 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday.

Pg. 8-06.21.12.indd 1

Days before Monday’s big reveal, there were speculations of a Microsoft Tablet.

Rumors circulated Barnes and Noble would play a part in the announcement. But it quickly denied any involvement. So what could Microsoft possibly reveal? A tablet without Barnes and Noble? Xbox 720? The return of Bill Gates?

Behold, the Microsoft Surface, a tablet developed in-house from the ground up. The name Surface sounds familiar for those who remember the giant coffee table-sized touchscreen, but the Surface Tablet has no similarities — it’s 10.6 inches.

The Surface will come in two flavors. The Windows RT version packs a NVIDIA Tegra processor, 10.6 full HD screen, 32/64 GB of flash storage, and runs Windows 8 RT. The Windows Pro version jams an Intel Core i5 processor, 10.6 full HD screen, 64/128 GB of flash storage, and runs the full Windows 8 operating system. Both have microSDXC card readers, USB ports, HDMI out, and two MIMO antennas with Wifi and 4G access.

Microsoft designed the case with style in mind. Made completely of magnesium alloy, the Surface RT version weighs 1.3 pounds while the Surface Pro version weighs 2 pounds. For reference, the new iPad 2 is 1.44 pounds. The case also features a built-in popout kickstand that’s less than a millimeter thick. A subtle grove runs around the outside edge for cooling purposes; this also gives the tablet a stylish finishing touch.

The most promising feature is not the tablet itself, but rather a particular accessory that pairs with the Surface called the Touch Cover and the Type Cover. Instead of toting

around a separate keyboard dock in order to type, the Touch Cover and Type Cover combine a cover with a keyboard. The Touch Cover comes with a touch pad that supports multi-touch gestures. Combined with the kickstand, everything is there for a full productive work tablet all in one package.

Microsoft has definitely improved its tablets; especially since the horrifying Windows XPbased tablets back in 2002 that failed to catch on with consumers. So far the Surface looks good, but Microsoft still has a lot of work to do. There are no specifications on how much RAM, how long the battery life and suspiciously, there were no working Touch or Type Covers at the demonstration.

And there’s also the big question: Will Windows 8 deliver the full personal computer experience?

For now many uncertainties revolve around the Microsoft Surface and Windows 8 in general. With numerous tablets flooding the market, hold your breath for a closer examination. I’m certainly holding my breath — and I’m turning blueberry blue.

Roger Zhang is a sophomore management of information systems and photo chief of The Battalion.

6/20/12 7:00 PM