thebattalion ● thursday,
september 6, 2012
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Globenomics
Photos by Roger Zhang — THE BATTALION
Politically opposing forces find middle ground in friendly fued Joanna Raines The Battalion
S
tudents gathered in the MSC Ballroom Wednesday evening to learn about current global economic issues from two politically polarized icons.
However, the two self-proclaimed opposites — Forbes Magazine editor Steven Forbes and former Secretary of Labor under the Clinton Administration Robert Reich — found themselves more alike than different. The symposium, put on by the MSC Wiley Lecture Series and MSC SCONA, was titled the “Rise of the Rest: Embracing a Newer World Order.” During the event, Forbes and Reich
offered their opinions on what the U.S. must do to return as a stable economy, considering the nation’s recent lag in economic growth. The four most productive economies in the world currently after the U.S., known as the “BRIC” countries, are Brazil, Russia, India and China. Forbes said BRIC countries have seen the “pathway” that the U.S. has demonstrated and are catching up.
Lecture spotlights architecture in health Luz Moreno-Lozano The Battalion Students gathered in the Wright Gallery at Langford Hall to listen to Charles S. McDaniel, ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects) Managing Principal for the SWA group and Class of 1979, as the Architecture for Health Visiting Lecture Series continued on Wednesday. The series covers issues related to improving healthcare and sustainable healthcare facilities design on both a national and international level. International projects endure challenges and international clients want quality, uniqueness and sophistication in their designs. “Many architectural, landscape architecture and construction firms are rapidly evolving how they practice in response to the changing environment,” said George
Mann, the Skaggs-Sprague Endowed Professor of Health Facilities Design. “Competing for and effectively undertaking international projects is very difficult and fraught with problems, pitfalls and opportunities.” McDaniel shared his experiences with the students and expressed the importance and impact architecture can have on millions of people. “People don’t want to be uncomfortable,” McDaniel said. “They want an environment that makes them feel safe. Architecture can improve anyone’s life.” Students came to learn more about architecture’s affect on life. “These lectures are important for everybody,” said Ana Escobar, sophomore environmental design major. “It See Architecture on page 4
James Thompson — THE BATTALION
Chuck McDaniel, SWA Group’s managing principal, commences the fall 2012 Architecture For Health lecture series at Wright Gallery in Langford A Building on Wednesday morning.
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Both analysts agree that a competitive global economy isn’t the cause of America’s dwindling economic growth, but rather domestic issues. Reich was the first to address the issue. He said he’s not worried about the growing competition, because economic competition is beneficial for America. Rather than outside forces being the source for the downward spiral in the American economy, he said the issue lies in internal failures. “If there’s a failure in the U.S.,” Reich said. “The failing is that we aren’t
Steve Forbes, left, and Robert Reich, right, discuss global economic issues and what the U.S. must do to remain economically competitive in global markets Wednesday in the MSC Ballroom.
See Forbes on page 3
Earthquake shakes coasts of Costa Rica, two deaths reported Jake Walker The Battalion A magnitude 7.9 earthquake rocked Costa Rica Wednesday, 124 miles from the Soltis Center for Research and Education — a division of Texas A&M University. Despite being located far from the epicenter, Eugenio Gonzalez Jimenez, director of the Soltis Center, said the quake was still felt, and even caused some minor damages to the Center. “It was a really strong [earthquake], probably the strongest I’ve ever felt in my life,” Gonzalez said. Gonzales said the damages caused to the
Center were minor, and included damage to water lines, water heaters and small cracks in the columns and walls of the Academic Building, where classrooms and labs are located. Gonzalez said a structural engineer would be called to inspect the integrity of the structure. San Isidro, Costa Rica, home to the Soltis Center, is located on the outskirts of the Costa Rican capital of San Jose, where there was also damage reported, as well as two deaths. Gonzalez said there were no injuries at the Center.
Vintage gets new look Jennifer DuBose The Battalion Every day, Texas A&M students embark on numerous kinds of challenging endeavors. Kate Vincent, a senior biomedical engineering major, used her faith, creativity and business skills to breath new life to Northgate Vintage, a vintage clothing store on University Drive. Vincent owns a small business, Crowns and Chandeliers, where she sold hand-made headbands as a fun way to make money for mission trips and other expenses. When Northgate Vintage, a store that carried her headbands, was put up for sale in August, she saw an opportunity to pursue something bigger. “When I called to restock, [store owner] Ranger told me he was selling the business. I really loved the character and the feel and the uniqueness of the place and was interested to see what someone would do with See Vintage on page 3
inside life | 2 Health on full display At the MSC’s Grand Opening Ceremony, health organizations came together to display what the Student Health Center has to offer A&M students.
coming friday
Fall sports preview Fall sports are in full swing. Pick up a copy of The Battalion on Friday for our Fall Sports Preview.
campus Campus opens up
Roger Zhang — THE BATTALION
Senior biomedical engineering major Kate Vincent bought Northgate Vintage just weeks ago once the previous owner announced the location was for sale.
Old Main Drive is scheduled to reopen for vehicle traffic Friday to accommodate the A&M-Florida game. Joe Routt Boulevard, between Koldus and Rudder Tower, will be completed prior to Saturday’s game.
9/6/12 12:54 AM