The Battalion: August 31, 2011

thebattalion ● wednesday,

august 31, 2011

● serving

texas a&m since 1893

● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2011 student media

Photos by Roger Zhang — THE BATTALION

Above: Potential sorority sisters gathered next to the Aggie Ring for Bid Day on Friday.

What a rush

Left: Adrienne Heck, shares her excitement over the phone after opening her acceptance letter.

Perfect hair, perfect formula: Greeks do math to match recruits

Q:

Madeline Burns

thebattalionasks

The Battalion

Why did you go Greek?

“My friends did influence me because the majority of my friends are Greek.”

“I was going Greek no matter what. I really tried not to let anyone, friends or parents, influence my decision.”

Ailee Harman, sophomore interdisciplinary studies major

“I’m interested in meeting new people and my dad was a Pike and my brother is now a Pike.”

Mary Katherine Hoffman, freshman petroleum engineering major

Josh Abshire, freshman finance major

Sorority recruiting isn’t as simple as one would think.

Finding a perfect fit is no longer subject to human whim.

It’s a technological endeavor, complete with algorithms and a computer specialist.

“Yes, it is true that there is a computer system used,” said Becca Green of Zeta Tau Alpha. “It is a very long, tough, and tedious process, but all that stuff isn’t so bad because you get to do it with all of your sisters in your sorority.”

The computer system operates on a ranking system where

potential members and recruitment officials place their top preferences. The system then tries to find a match that suits the preferences of both parties.

“This computer system is programmed to match the potential new members with their preferred sorority while simultaneously matching the sororities with potential new members they put at the top of their list,” said Erin Juvenal, a junior finance major. “It becomes complicated when, obviously, potential new members and sororities differ on their opinion on if they See Rush on page 4

Why go Greek?

◗ Discover why some Aggie freshmen “went Greek” in an online video on the Battalion’s Facebook page. ◗ According to the Collegiate Panhellenic Council website, Texas A&M’s Greek organizations provide life-long friendships and networking connections. Is this why?

Rushing girls react to receiving bids.

thebatt.com

sports

Volleyball loses 2-3

A&M not withdrawn from Big 12

The volleyball friendly match against Israel went to five sets on Tuesday. Read more about the contest pitting head coach Corbelli against her old Olympic coach online.

Adrian O’Hanlon III The Battalion Conference alignment rumors swirled across Aggieland Tuesday when Texas A&M denied reports of a letter sent to the Big 12 Conference notifying it of the University’s withdrawal.

The New York Times reported late Monday night that University president Bowen Loftin sent a letter

of withdrawal to Missouri Chancellor and Big 12 board chairman Brady Deaton. The report cited two unidentified college officials with direct knowledge of the decision.

University chief of communications Jason Cook responded in an email to The Battalion on Tuesday that no such letter was drafted.

“Contrary to the media reports from this morning, we have not sent a letter of withdrawal to the Big 12

Conference,” Cook said.

Cook said on Sunday that the University awaited a formal response to Loftin’s letter to the Big 12 from last Thursday. Loftin requested that the Big 12 provide an outline of the withdrawal process to appease conference bylaws.

Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe responded to the University on

Textbook cost comparison

See Big 12 on page 9

thebatt.com

Should A&M join SEC? The answer is still yes, A&M should join the SEC. Although more than 400 Aggies responded, the online results continue to reveal 73% of participants answered “yes,” while 27% responded “no.”

Share your thoughts at thebatt.com.

religion

Texas slashes Planned Parenthood funding Joe Terrell

purchases, e-textbooks are showing trends of increased interest and potential.

According to U.S. Public Interest Research Group, as of this fall, more than 1,500 colleges offer books for rent, and more than 7,000 common titles are available as e-textbooks.

The group also reports that textbook prices increased 22 percent over the last four years. In other words: for every $100 dollars the graduating class of 2011 spent on textbooks their freshman year, this year’s incoming freshmen will pay $122.

The Battalion Texas took a moral stance against government-funded abortions this summer.

Since the Supreme Court’s landmark 7-2 decision in favor of Norma McCorvey during the 1973 Roe v. Wade hearing, opponents and supporters of a woman’s right to have an abortion have been trading legal salvos for the past 38 years.

When the Texas legislature approved Senate Bill 7 Conference Committee Report, it removed taxpayer funding to Planned Parenthood and other elective abortion providers. Governor and a GOP presidential candidate Rick Perry signed SB 7 into law on July 18, 2011.

The passage of the bill was seen as a tremendous victory for pro-life advocates and a crippling blow for pro-choice groups in Texas. SB 7 contained three significant anti-abortion provisions. The first removes approximately $34 million in state funding to Planned Parenthood.

The second provision restricts local tax dollars from funding elective abortions.

The final provision is set to regulate adult stem cell research and procedures.

Some estimate that the total cost SB 7 will have on Planned Parenthood could surpass $64 million. Earlier this year, Planned Parenthood closed two of its centers in Central Texas due to fears of

See Ebooks on page 5

See SB 7 on page 6

coming thursday

Yell Practice Brush up on yells as the yell leaders demonstrate how to be the loudest and proudest.

inside voices | 3 System leader A&M has a new system chancellor.

There’s reason to be optimistic, and reason to ask questions. See inside for our take.

Pg. 1-08.31.11.indd 1

Evan Andrews — THE BATTALION

campus

Ebooks challenge textbooks Trevor Stevens The Battalion Textbook prices continue to rise, creating an unsatisfied student market hungry for more affordable options. Students seeking new opportunities to obtain textbooks and the growing availability of textbook media through electronic devices have created an environment that is changing the textbook industry.

Rentals and online purchases have grown in popularity as students explore expanding options of more affordable textbooks. Among emerging opportunities for

Senate Bill 7 It is seen a tremendous victory for pro-life advocates and a crippling blow for pro-choice groups in Texas. SB 7 contained three significant antiabortion provisions.

◗ The first removes approximately $34 million in state funding to Planned Parenthood.

◗ The second provision restricts local tax dollars from funding elective abortions.

◗ The final provision is set to regulate adult stem cell research and procedures.

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

Robert Carpenter, Editor in Chief Emily Villani, Managing Editor Jared Baxter, Managing Editor Trevor Stevens, City Editor Sarah Smith, Lifestyles Editor Adrian O’Hanlon III, Sports Editor

Jeremy Twitchell, Biz/Rsrch Editor Joe Terrell, Religion Editor Jason Syptak New Media Editor Evan Andrews, Graphics Chief Josh McKenna, Photo Chief Jay Kapadia, Photo 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 ofďŹ ces 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.

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Celebra el patrimonio

Today is the last day to nominate A&M community members for the Hispanic Heritage Month Community Awards. The ceremony is Sept. 12. Nomination instructions are available at http://dms.tamu.edu/ hispanicmonth/awards.

3

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Employee & Organizational Development conducts a business writing workshop today from 1:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. in 1401 GSC. For more information or to register, go to http://EODinfo.tamu. edu/.

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campus news Student football ticket sales suspended

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www. villagefoods.com The outstanding support from the 12th Wehasmake it easy eat...options for man caused studenttoticket upcoming football games to be suspended.

According to A&M’s official athletic Web site, www.aggieathletics.com, sports pass options that include football tickets are no longer available. Students who have recently requested a sports pass with the football option are advised to check their student account for the status of their request.

According to KBTX.com, sports pass demand has exceeded expectations. Students who do not have a football option will be able to purchase any tickets not claimed by those students who do, if any, beginning at 8 a.m. on Fridays before www. homevillagefoods.com Josh McKenna — THE BATTALION We make it easy games.Those tickets will beto... sold to students at half price.

Natural rainfall gave way to manmade precipitation during a There is usually a small percentage of water balloon fight Thursday afternoon on Simpson Drill Field. students with sports passes who don’t draw Sophomore advisors to honors dorms Lechner and McFadden tickets, according to the report. The deadorganized the confrontation for the dorms’ freshman residents. line to pull tickets is Thursday. “We’re organizing it so the freshmen can get to know All donor, public and student season each other, so they can have a good time during Howdy tickets are now sold out for the 2011 footWeek, and just to help them relax a it before school starts,� ball season. sophomore advisor Matt Price said.

The only tickets remaining are those reFreshmen said they were grateful, but wasted no time in turned by the visiting schools that are unable to sell out their allotment. Texas A&M turning to trash talking. will direct tickets for the Idaho, Oklahoma “We’re going to dominate those sophomores,� freshman State, Missouri and Kansas games to stuJack Reid said. dents as they become available.

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8/31/11 12:49 AM

voices

page 3 wednesday 8.31.2011

thebattalion 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

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 mathematics major

Emily Villani Managing Editor sophomore English major

Jared Baxter senior media studies major

Taylor Wolken senior economics major

EDITORIAL

Chancellor down to Sharp pick Earlier this month, the Board of Regents named John Sharp the sole nominee for chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Based solely on Sharp’s background — not necessarily his interviews — we believe Sharp is a good fit for the role.

The greatest strength Sharp brings to the System is his experience leading large government institutions. As railroad commissioner, Sharp was responsible for regulating Texas’ oil and gas industry. As state comptroller, he was charged with collecting tax revenue from the second most populous state in the nation. Sharp’s experience with dollars and cents is of particular importance as this university and system navigate a time in which the funding of higher education is changing.

State support for public universities is decreasing across the nation, and the next system chancellor will need to be active in identifying efficiencies and proactively creating alternative revenue sources.

As an Aggie, Sharp’s academic ties are to the We make it easy to...

System’s flagship university. More importantly, his professional ties lie in the state capital. Sharp is, by all accounts, well connected.

letters will be read, but not printed. The Battalion will print only one letter per author per month. No mail call will appear in The Battalion’s print or online editions before it is verified.

Direct all correspondence to: Editor in chief of The Battalion (979) 845-3315 | mailcall@thebatt.com

Leadership

conference s president of the Because you didn’t ask Singing Cadets, I was fortunate enough to attend the Fall Leadership Conference put on by the MSC last week.

A

For three days, I and a few dozen other student leaders listened to guest speakers, participated in team-building exercises, and ate more Sharp’s career of public home-cooked style meals service spans three dethan any of us will see in the cades, both state legislative next three months.

It was a great way to houses, the Texas railroad meet student leaders from commission and the state across our campus, and even comptroller’s office. As learn about some organichief officer of a system zations that I didn’t even know existed (who knew with a $3 billion annual we had a committee for budget, the chancellor’s role lobbying in Austin is naming committees?). But on top of the leadership of paramount importance. development, I took away a For evidence, look no few nuggets of knowledge. further than the $39 milFirst, let me set the stage. lion cut to the University’s We stayed at Camp Allen, a lovely establishment where state funding inflicted by the state-of-the-art conferthe 82nd legislature. Judg- ence facility was located a ing by his connections — mere ten-minute van-ride which include ties to Gov. (during which we were usually fleeing the guy on a golf Rick Perry — Sharp is cart telling us the speed limit well positioned to advowas four miles an hour) from cate on behalf of A&M. the not-so-state-of-the-art Of concern, Sharp’s residence cabins. And by stated plan to make posi- “not-so-state-of-the-art” I tive changes within the mean the bunks were covered in graffiti such as “Ryan wuz system is to implement here,” “Hannah & Brandon ideas taken from “those 4ever,” and “Santa Anna implementing the core sucks. — W.B. Travis.” functions of the system.”

One of the speakers was Asked if he planned to Jared Dunten, a remarkably courageous individual who bring significant change, sets an incredible example of he responded that there “might be” changes. The self confidence by vowing to “paint himself” out of Board of Regents did not his wheelchair. Jared was give Sharp the nominaparalyzed in a river floating tion based on good faith. accident. And if that wasn’t Before Sharp is confirmed enough, the first thing he was told when regaining on Sept. 6, we would consciousness was that he like to hear his plans in was in Lubbock. Injury, www.villagefoods .com greater detail. meet insult.

Sharp has strong credenAs for the team-building tials and is a strong nomi- exercises, they consisted of the usual camp activities nee. But the A&M community should watch any involving ropes and balls and flying insects that may or moves he makes closely. may not have been carrying West Nile virus. There was

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one activity (which was not remotely in the same ballpark as “easy as it sounds”) involving a hula-hoop that didn’t so much “build a team” as “make everyone want to rip each other’s spleens out.”

We also participated in a simulated minefield that we had to cross blindfolded.

This of course teaches the valuable lesson that if you find yourself crossing a minefield blindfolded, you should probably take off the blindfold and quit wandering through minefields.

But it wasn’t all work, work, work. On the first night, we got to let our hair (as well as our dignity) down when we learned how to square dance. Now for those of you who have never square danced before (much like the Andy of two weeks ago), it’s not so much dancing as it is running in circles and sweating. And if you do square dance in the future, maybe you too will realize that it shares the same relationship to the concept of left and right as Rebecca Black’s “Friday” does to the concept of days of the week.

And if you ever run into anyone who helped run Fall Leadership Conference, congratulate him or her for managing to tell more than sixty student leaders what to do for three days. Sixty people who, in all honesty, were there because they tell other people what to do.

Andy Rowell is a senior university studies major and opinion columnist.

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The Battalion Textbook affordability and availability are problems many college students face each semester, regardless of major, class rank or whether they are undergraduate or graduate students.

Through House Bill 33, legislators and educators are striving to increase student access to information that can help them find affordable textbooks.

“It has gotten better because of the ability students have to rent textbooks,” said Amanda Allred, junior agricultural communications and journalism major, regarding the affordability of textbooks.

“As to availability, students used to have to look up each textbook by professor through their website and syllabus, but now the MSC Bookstore website makes that a lot easier.”

HB 33 passed swiftly through the Texas House of Representatives and Senate with the support of students, educators and publishers alike. The bill was ratified on May 25, and signed by Governor Perry on June 17.

The new legislation requires colleges and universities to provide information on programs such as rentals, buying used copies and guaranteed buybacks; it also requires lists of retail prices, authors, publishers and copyright dates for all required and recommended books for every class each semester. The information must be distributed at least one month prior to the beginning of classes.

Under the new rules, publishers are required to provide faculty with details on the actual changes in new editions and the time lapse between each edition; book bundles also fall under the new law.

The bill’s author, Dan Branch, chairman of the higher education committee in the Texas House of Representatives, thinks HB33 will be effective in lower-

concern

One I have heard raised in the past is that we’re binding the hands of the professors by requiring them to go with the instead of choosing the best textbooks. Yes, you can make them cheaper, but are you limiting your options?”

cheapest option

— Tanner Wilson, speaker of the Student Senate

ing costs of textbooks by “putting more information in the hands of students and faculty for better decision-making, [which makes] students aware of other cost saving methods in a timely fashion so they can do comparison shopping and proscription on bundling.”

Branch sponsored the new legislation after encountering students all over Texas who had complaints.

“I came to A&M two years ago and sat down with student leaders,” Branch said.

“I was told a story about a student that had to buy a $250 book that he didn’t use all semester. And I heard stories like this all over the state.”

In writing HB33, Branch addressed student concerns with publishers who include software with new textbooks to force students to buy their books.

“I pushed people on the bundling language because the IT software PIN [is formatted in such a way] that it forces students to buy a new book,” said Branch.

“What I had hoped to do was, for an extra price, be able to turn the PIN back on; don’t force students to buy a new book.”

Texas A&M’s Student Senate has also been considering the issue of textbook availability and affordability. “[The Student Senate] has been working on trying to find ways to lessen the burden on students, but we haven’t passed a bill yet,” said Tanner Wilson, speaker for the Student Senate. “One concern I

have heard raised in the past is that we’re binding the hands of the professors by requiring them to go with the cheapest option instead of choosing the best textbooks. Yes, you can make them cheaper, but are you limiting your options?”

Student Body President Jeff Pickering, in conjunction with his cabinet, is proposing open source textbooks as a method of reducing the cost of textbooks.

“This cutting edge idea would create textbook reform for general classes that every student takes. Open source textbooks would replace the traditional model by opening up textbook writing to a certain group of people--it’s only open to certain groups of people to edit: professors, researchers--a scholarly checklist, if you will,” Pickering said.

HB 33 will technically go into effect on September 1st, but students should not anticipate help from the new legislation until the fall semester of 2012. Until then, many students will need to continue coming up with creative ways to find and pay for textbooks, a skill Becca Forsyth, senior finance major, is well practiced in.

“I buy my textbooks online if I can, through Amazon and abebooks.com. I also buy international versions. About 95 percent of the time it’s almost the exact same book, or at least the same material,” said Forsyth. “The only thing is, you can’t sell back international versions here, so I sell them online.”

Rush Continued from page 1

would be a good fit.”

According to Amber Arseneaux, administrative assistant to the Greek life director, the computer system makes recruitment easier by making it more efficient and fair.

In addition to the system, a computer specialist interprets data to designate how many girls each sorority can ask to return to each event.

Based on personal preferences, preferences of the sorority, and available slots in each chapter, the system was able to generate an expectation for each recruit.

The computer system also collects basic information about the new potential members and distributes it.

This information was considered by sorority leadership when making final offers. “[Rush] starts in the

middle of the summer when potential new members send in resumes about their past involvement in high school and the community service they have performed,” said Juvenal, a member of Zeta Tau Alpha. “Along with their resumes is often their GPA, class rank, and sometimes their SAT scores. This helps us determine if they are wellrounded girls. Then formal recruitment starts a week before school and we really just try to get to know them and see if they would be a good fit for our chapter.”

While sorority recruitment is no small task, many girls find it to be worthwhile.

“It was a long and stressful week, but well worth it because we got the most amazing pledge class and I am so excited to get to know my new sisters,” said Laura Werline, a member of Delta Delta Delta.

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A&M honors chemists Four A&M chemists have been honored as 2011 American Chemical Society Fellows.

David E. Bergbreiter, professor of chemistry and Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence; Kim R. Dunbar, distinguished professor of chemistry and Davidson Professor of Science; François P. Gabbaï, professor of chemistry and Davidson Professor of Science; and Sherry J. Yennello, Regents Professor of Chemistry, are among the 213 international chemists announced as 2011 ACS Fellows.

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campus Power outage at Sbisa A power outage occurred at Sbisa on Tuesday. The outage, which occurred at about 3 p.m., left the building powerless for about 20 minutes. Surrounding dorms, Hobby Residence Hall and Neeley Residence Hall, were also affected. Campus Dining ofďŹ cials said they did not know the blackoutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cause.

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Ebooks Continued from page 1

Companies have experimented with affordable alternatives for textbooks in response to the high cost of textbooks set by a handful of publishers. However, Nicole Allen, the textbook advocate for the Student Public Interest Research Group, said most of the e-textbooks that are available in the market today are limited. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Students of this generation grew up using print textbooks in grade school, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not surprising that they would want to continue using what they are used to,â&#x20AC;? Allen said.

Public Interest Research Group studies show that 75 percent of students still prefer print textbooks, while 25 percent prefer digital. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The digital format itself has tremendous potential to reduce costs, but what our research has uncovered is that the e-textbooks that are out there right now donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take advantage of this,â&#x20AC;? Allen said.

E-textbooks are often purchased from an online source and downloaded to a computer. After an agreed period of time, usually 180 days, the textbook automatically uninstalls itself. The inability to turn around and sell your purchased textbook makes them more like rentals than purchases.

The group also reports that â&#x20AC;&#x153;open textbooksâ&#x20AC;? are the most affordable and convenient option for obtaining a textbook beyond the traditional print medium. Open textbooks are distributed free, digitally under an open license, which makes them accessible anytime without the book expiring.

Kent Needham, senior geographic information science major, said he had a bad experience with an e-textbook his freshman year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like it. It slowed my computer down and I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like staring at a computer screen for that long,â&#x20AC;?

Needham said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It could be cheaper and save paper, but in terms of being user-friendly, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not even close. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier to bring my books to the library than my computer.â&#x20AC;?

Amy Griffin, senior communication major, said she often buys her e-textbooks online from Amazon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was really easy. I bought a book for my communication technology class for my Kindle. It was cheaper and I could search words in the text, while the print textbook didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even have an index,â&#x20AC;?

Griffin said.

Pg. 5-08.31.11.indd 1

8/31/11 12:18 AM

Ice cream social | 7 tonight at Ben & Jerry’s with the Hillel Foundation. Freshmen eat free.

Free lunch | 11:30 a.m. today at the Baptist Student Ministry, behind Northgate.

religion

Tailgate Mass | At 1 p.m. on Sunday in the archery room at the Rec Center with St. Mary’s Catholic center. Dress is casual.

campus news Breakaway draws record crowd Nearly one in five Texas A&M students descended upon Reed Arena Monday evening for Breakaway Ministries’ Bible study. Attendance was estimated to be 9,700 students. One student in attendance, sophomore communicatiton major Rachel Wilcox, said the evening is one example of why Texas A&M is a special university. “Nothing makes me feel more blessed to be an Aggie than worshipping with 10,000 of my closest friends,” Wilcox said. Breakaway Ministries’ Bible study resumes at Reed Arena Tuesday at 9 p.m.

Robert Carpenter, editor in chief

COURTESY PHOTO

Students congregate inside Reed Arena for Breakaway Ministries’ Bible study Monday evening.

Pg. 6-08.31.11.indd 1

Join the discussion Share your opinion on the issues raised in the “Price of a Life” article in the comment section online.

thebattalion 08.31.2011 page5

Closing facilities

world news China jails Tibetan monks BEIJING — A Chinese court has sentenced two more Tibetan Buddhist monks to up to 13 years in prison for assisting in the death of a 16-year-old colleague who lit himself on fire, penalties aimed apparently at discouraging further such acts. The March 16 death of Rigzin Phuntsog was seen as a protest against China’s heavy-handed controls on Tibetan Buddhism and provoked a standoff between security forces and monks. Their sentencing Tuesday at the Maerkang County People’s Court in Sichuan province’s Aba prefecture follows an 11-year sentence handed down to another monk, Drongdru, accused of hiding Phuntsog after he lit himself on fire and depriving him of medical attention for 11 hours.

Phuntsog later died in a hospital.

Associated Press

thebatt.com

On Aug. 23, Planned Parenthood closed down its center in Sherman, Texas, as a result of SB 7. Other facilities in danger of closing include: ◗ Gainesville ◗ Mesquite

◗ Plano ◗ Waxahachie

◗ Arlington North ◗ Terrell

By the numbers Last year, Planned Parenthood performed: FIle photo — THE BATTALION

The 82nd Texas legislature cut state funding to organizations that perform elective abortions, including Planned Parenthood.

SB 7 Continued from page 1

losing federal funding.

“I am thrilled that Texas slashed Planned Parenthood’s funding,” said Jennifer Stone, junior Spanish major. “Considering Planned Parenthood performs one out of four abortions in the United States, I see the defunding of this despicable organization in my state as just another step closer to ending legal abortion in my country for good.”

During the summer of 2009, Stone interned with Texas Alliance for Life.

While there, Stone helped collect data that was used to argue the case in favor of defunding organizations that practice elective abortion.

“I wholeheartedly believe that abortion is the most pressing issue we face today,” Stone said. “Every year, 1.2 million unborn children lose their lives in the name of ‘choice.’”

According to Planned Parenthood’s website, the organization performed approximately 330,000 abortions last year.

It also conducted nearly 1 million cervical cancer screenings, more than 800,000 breast exams and 4 million sexually transmitted disease tests and treatments.

Planned Parenthood accounts for 27 percent of all abortions performed in the United States. However, according to the site, abortions constitute only 3 percent of the organization’s combined services.

Planned Parenthood is the largest singularly focused sexual and reproductive health care provider in the nation. The organization began in 1916 when Margaret Sanger opened a birth control clinic in New York City. There are now approximately 820 locations nationwide.

“The facts are these: Family planning reduces unintended pregnancy and thus, the number of abortions. Over half of pregnancies are unintended but 40 percent of poor women can’t afford birth control,” said a report released by the Guttmacher Institute, an organization dedicated to advancing reproductive health research. “In Texas, 1 in 2 births are paid for by Medicaid at an average of $9,000 per birth. Compare that with a full well-woman exam including pap smear, breast exam, STI testing and a full year of contraception for under $200.”

According to the Guttmacher Institute, family planning services save $4 for every dollar spent. The federal government matches Family planning funds at a rate of nine-to-one. Together, the Guttmacher Institute’s estimate suggests that every tax dollar Texans spent on family planning before the passage of SB 7 saw a $36-to$1 return on investment.

In light of these figures and in the wake of one of the worst recessions in American history, Guttmacher Institute administrators saw the passage of SB 7 as an irresponsible economic decision, as well as an infringement of women’s rights.

“Sadly, because there are a number of

330,000 abortions

1 800,000 4 million cervical cancer screenings

breast exams

million sexually transmitted disease tests and treatments

elected officials who prioritize the health of their political careers above the health of Texans, they opted to slash family planning funding – a significant cost-saving measure,” read the Guttmacher Report.

“This is an egregious decision, the aftermath of which your generation will end up having to deal with. Less family planning means more expensive Medicaid births, more families receiving state funds from WIC and CHIP and in the end, more abortions.”

For those who align with the pro-life movement, the passage of SB 7 is a step in the right direction, but not a final step.

“I can tell you that the ‘pro-choice’ movement is growing old and withering away. You do not see young, active ‘prochoice’ activists,” Stone said. “However, my generation is emerging and voicing our grave concerns about the injustice against the most vulnerable among us.

We are the legislators, doctors and leaders of tomorrow, and we are pro-life.”

8/31/11 12:45 AM

classifieds

thebattalion 8.31.2011 page7 PLACE

AN AD Phone 845-0569 or Fax 845-2678 The Grove, Bldg. #8901 Texas A&M University

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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979-324-5835.

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STUDIES IN PROGRESS ATHLETES FOOT STUDY

Volunteers ages 12 and older are needed to participate in a 6 week clinical research study of an investigational topical medication for the treatment of Athletes Foot. Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study Related Medication • Skin Exams by a Dermatologist • Compensation up to $200.00 for time and effort For more information please contact:

Spacious 3/2 duplex, washer and dryer furnished, $825/mo, 979-693-0551.

COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK

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HELP WANTED 7F-Lodge seeking part-time help, email resume or inquiries to stay@7flodge.com Ag Football Concession Staff.

Champion Concessions will be providing Dippin’ Dots at all home football games. We ar looking for energetic students to work in a fun and fast-paced environment. Pay is $8.50-12.00/hr.

Email marketing@championconcessions. com ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? NEED EXTRA CASH? We need officials for youth and adult flag football leagues. Pay ranges from $9.00-$20.00/game.

Games last about one-hour. Call 979-764-3424.

Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. aggieresponse@gmail.com Camp For All is looking for creative and energetic staff who are interested in working with children and adults w/challenging illnesses and special needs. These paid positions will be trained to lead activities for our campers on the weekends. Please contact Jessicah jholloway@campforall.org or visit our website at www.campforall.org/joinourteam Child Care- FT & PT shifts available. Some nights & Saturdays required. Apply in person at 3609 E. 29th St., Bryan.

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

Cotton Patch-College Station now hiring servers and greeters. Lunch availability desired. Apply at Rock Prairie and Hwy-6. An equal opportunity employer!

plus t/s

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1-800-SKI-WILD • 1-800-754-9453

FAST PITCH COACHES WANTED! We need enthusiastic, positive, motivational volunteer coaches for Girls Fast Pitch Softball. Call 979-764-3424.

FLAG FOOTBALL leagues are forming now! For team or individual registration information, visit cstx.gov/sports or call 979-764-3424.

HAIR LOSS Volunteers ages 18-49 are needed to participate in a 8 month long research study with an investigational topical medication for Hair Loss. All eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study Related Examinations by a Dermatologist • Study Related Medication • Compensation for time and effort For more information please contact:

HELP WANTED

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

4bd/2ba 2-living, +study. Available now, 1112 Berkley. Close to campus. Completely remolded!

Short-term lease available. No pets. $1100/mo. 979-731-8257. www.brazosvalleyrentals.com BRYAN: 8 BEDROOM/4 BATH HOME, AVAILABLE NOW, OVER 3,300 sq.ft. - 4 SUITES - Each 800 sq.ft. Suite Includes a Master Bedroom, A Study with an Extra Closet, and a Full-Size Bath ALL BILLS PAID*, PETS OK, CALL FOR DETAILS 979.764.RENT(7368) www.twincityproperties.com

FOR SALE

BRYAN: 2 BEDROOM FOURPLEXES & DUPLEXES! SOME HAVE FENCED YARDS, PATIOS, F/P OR BALCONY, PET FRIENDLY, FREE CABLE & INTERNET, W/D CONN, ALL APPL! $515-$695/mo 979.764.RENT(7368) www.twincityproperties.com

FOOTBALL COACHES WANTED! We need enthusiastic, positive, motivational volunteer coaches for youth flag football. Call 979-764-3424.

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

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979-680-0508

Help Wanted Part Time, Building Attendant for the Brazos Center. $10.10 hourly. Work schedule will vary from 12-20 hours a week.

Janitorial duties and customer service. Must be reliable. Apply: Brazos County HR Dept. County Courthouse. Visit our website for more info. @ www.co.brazos.tx.us Hostess and wait-staff needed, immediate openings available, apply in person, Ocean’s Bar&Grill.

Immediate opening for energetic, detail-oriented, dependable teaching assitant, part-time hours, Mon-Thurs, afternoons and evenings, call Sylvan Learning Center 979-846-4988 KICKBALL leagues are forming now! For team or individual registration information, visit cstx.gov/sports or call 979-764-3424.

Lawn crew member needed, $9/hr. Hrs Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11-6, experience required. 979-224-2511.

Local dance/music school now hiring guitar instructors. Great pay, flexible hours! 979-693-1153. expressionsdance@suddenlinkmail.com Needed: Full-Time Lawncare/ General Maintenance person.

Sprinkler experience helpful.

Call 979-574-7474.

Now hiring bike or car delivery.

Burger Boy, 4337 Wellborn, in Westgate Shopping Center.

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.

Personal Assistant. Assistant and cooking preperation, shopping for gifts and groceries, review bills, internet price comparison, some typing, and trips to bank or post office. Must be professional on telephone and in person. Punctual, friendly, able to complete assignments in a timely fashion and possess good organizational skills.

Email: mpaull@suddenlinkmail.com or susanc@aggiealergist.com Piano, guitar, violin part-time teacher needed and pre-ballet and tap. marian_hanna123@hotmail.com 979-571-0306.

Prepbooks.com, is hiring campus representatives for part-time positions. Apply on website under careers.

Printroom, Inc. is looking for outgoing and motivated fan photographers to capture images for the Ags this football season. For more info, please visit the Careers section on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/printroom PT help needed. Local hunting club needs PT guides. Freshman and Sophomore only. Average 1-2 weekends/month in offseason; 2-3 in Fall and Winter. Limited hunting privileges. Applications at www.yardbirdhunting.com Sales person in fabric shop, sewing + sales experience preferred, flexible hours, apply in person, Pruitts Fabric, 318 George Bush Drive.

Student worker needed. Must be able to work in all climates and not afraid of heights.

979-845-5444.

Spend an evening with

Brian Regan!

Friday, September 2, 2011 For more information visit yell.tamu.edu

HELP WANTED STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In College Station. 100% Free To Join. Click On Surveys.

The Battalion Advertising Office is hiring a clerk to work, Monday and Wednesday from 8am-11am.

Student must be able to work both days. If interested, please come by The Grove, Building 8901 and ask for Joseph or Trish.

The Corner now hiring all positions for daytime and afternoon shifts. Come by in person after 9pm to apply.

Various duties from watering plants to driving tractor 2 days a week. Minimum 4-6hrs/wk. $8/hr. Respond to llgstar@aol.com, put your name and number in subject line, include 2-references.

VOLLEYBALL COACHES WANTED! We need enthusiastic, positive, motivational volunteer coaches for girls volleyball. Call 979-764-6386.

VOLLEYBALL leagues are forming now! For team or individual registration information, visit cstx.gov/sports or call 979-764-6386.

MISCELLANEOUS JUNK IN THE TRUNK BCS Resale Shop, 1909 S.College Ave., Bryan.

Used Furniture, Appliances, TV’s, Home Decor, Antiques, Cool& Unique Stuff, cheap!

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MUSIC Best deal in town- DJ services/audio rentals. RDM Audio does it all! Weddings, parties, band set ups, PA systems, Event Lighting, 979-260-1925. rdmaudio.com Now enrolling for Do-Re-Me Music and Dance. Music for special needs available. marian_hanna123@hotmail.com 979-571-0306.

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PETS AKC Boxer puppies, fawn.

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ROOMMATES Single female roommate needed.

Rent $400/mo. +1/3utilities, unfurnished room. W/D, kitchen appliances included.

936-402-4954 for information.

SERVICES PEPPER SPRAY/STUN GUNS! Plus many Home Sercurity Products. SPICO: Local Distributor: To get a catalog by e-mail, go to spico33@yahoo.com or for info contact T.C. Crowder 979-204-3591. 10% Ag discont with student ID!

TUTORS

TAKE A PIECE OF A&M HISTORY WITH YOU

Accounting 327 Tutor needed call 817-705-5470.

· Reserve your 2012 Aggieland The 110th 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 2012. Cost is $75, plus tax.

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

· Order your 2011 Aggieland (if you haven’t)

The 2011 Aggieland yearbook will be a 720-page record of the 2010-2011 Texas A&M school year. Books will be mailed out during Fall 2011.

· Purchase the award-winning 2010 Aggieland (if you haven’t) The 2010 Aggieland is a 632-page photojournalistic record of the 2009–2010 school year.

By credit card go online to http://aggieland.tamu.edu or call 979-8452613. 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.

Pg. 7-08-31-11.indd 1

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news

page 9 wednesday 8.31.2011

thebattalion

texas Deadliest month for U.S. troops Invasive species August has become the deadliest month yet for U.S. forces in the nearly 10-year-old war in Afghanistan, increasing pressure attacking Texas on the Obama administration to bring troops home sooner Anna Armitage and rather than later. The 66 U.S. service members killed this month Antonietta Quigg, marine eclipses the previous record of 65 killed in July 2010, according biologists on the A&M to an Associated Press tally. Nearly half the August deaths Galveston Campus, have occurred when insurgents shot down a Chinook helicopter been studying how numerous Aug. 6, killing 30 American troops, mostly elite Navy SEALs. plants and animals not native to Texas have been to ensure that we are in a pooccupying wetlands and sition to enhance our national prairies. Armitage says visibility and future financial Continued from page 1 invasive species can cause opportunity.” extinction of native species Loftin added that this is a Monday with a letter detailthrough direct competition, “complex and long-term deing the withdrawal process. disease or indirect changes Cook said on Monday that cision,” but that “it is not our to the local ecosystem. the letter “outlines the with- intent to prolong our conferdrawal procedures according ence exploration for an exnation&world to the financial provisions of tended period of time.”

There is concern that a deBig 12 bylaws and mutual Perry pledges the parture by the Aggies could waivers of legal claims.” He against gay wouldn’t provide any other jeopardize the future of the details of the letter or com- Big 12, which is down to marriage ment on what A&M’s next 10 teams after Nebraska (Big Presidential candidate and Ten) and Colorado (Pac-12) step might be. former student Rick Perry All signs point to A&M left the league in July 2010. signed a pledge against gay joining the Southeastern Loftin has said the Aggies marriage. The pledge was Conference. A&M flirted would consider how their with the SEC last year when departure would impact the created by the National Nebraska and Colorado left future of the Big 12 before Organization for Marriage. the Big 12. In a press con- any decision is made.

In addition to The Big 12 would need ference on Aug. 15, Loftin committing to find a team to replace the revealed he had only spoken a candidate Aggies if they exit the conwith officials from the SEC. to support If A&M is to join the SEC, ference and there has been a a federal another legal step is obtain- lot of speculation about posconstitutional ing an invitation to join the sible schools. So far, the only amendment league. The SEC said earlier school to publicly express inPerry defining this month it was happy with terest in moving to the Big marriage as between one its current 12-school mem- 12 is SMU. Athletic director bership but left the door open Steve Orsini said he’s had inman and one woman, it to expansion. Loftin then re- formal talks with Big 12 offidefend the Defense of ceived authority from the cials for some time to inform Marriage Act in court, Board of Regents to take any them of the school’s improveappoint judicial nominees ments and growth. and an attorney general who action he deems necessary in The Big 12, including terms of realignment. would reject a constitutional The Big 12’s board of di- Texas A&M, agreed to a 13right to gay marriage, rectors addressed the possibil- year television deal with Fox establish a commission to ity of the Aggies’ departure Sports in April worth more than $1 billion. There is a investigate harassment of last weekend. anti-gay marriage donors or “I certainly appreciate the chance the contract could be organizers, and let the people discussion among the Big 12 voided if the Aggies leave the of Washington, D.C., vote on presidents/chancellors and conference, which could lead the expression of their desire to legal issues for Texas A&M gay marriage. for Texas A&M to remain in and its new league.

The Big 12 declined to Staff and wire reports the conference,” Loftin said. comment on Monday’s letter “We all agree that Texas A&M is an extremely valu- outlining the procedures the able institution; thus, it is Aggies would need to follow incumbent upon me, as the if they decide to leave the president of the University, league.

Big 12

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