The Battalion: September 29, 2011

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Interview with Defacto Meet the guy who probably put together the Aggieland concert you attended.

Steve Wells, music blogger for The Battalion, interviews the founder of Defacto Productions. Read more at thebatt. com.

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september 29, 2011

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Backyard living

Myspace of today “Facebook and its latest system update now create a clutter-filled user experience,” says O’Dell Harmon, blogger for The Battalion. Read about his critique of Facebook’s new look at thebatt. com.

Fiesta creates sparks “Human castles, giants in the streets and awesome fireworks is a simple description of a celebration in Spain,” says Bianca Stewart, blogger for The Battalion. Read an Aggie’s insight on a Spain event filled with energy. Read more about the event at thebatt. com.

inside

b!

music | 8 Pumped Up Kicks

Read about the controversial lyrics to this popular song on page 8.

films | 5 Moneyball hits home Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill star in a film about baseball and business. Read more on page 5.

voices | 4 Checking up on Pickering How is the new student body president doing in office? Columnist Naila Dhanani weighs in on page 4.

Kevin Smith — THE BATTALION

Seniors David Laws and Josh Allen squat in houses and backyards across College Station to save money on rent and utilities.

Voluntarily homeless students learn to live simply Kevin Smith Special to The Battalion Josh Allen and David Laws have embarked on a semester-long camping trip in the middle of College Station. Living out of tents, these two are happy without the burden of paying rent, utilities or attention to weird stares as they brush their teeth in public.

Laws, a senior classics major, and Allen, a senior history major, are utilizing the Aggie network to find refuge in backyards across College Station. The self-proclaimed “squatters” are moving from backyard to backyard weekly, taking showers at the REC center and living off of granola bars.

Allen and Laws are without a permanent home but claim they are not “homeless.”

tant thing they have learned from their homeless experience thus far is a greater understanding of their faith, as well as a healthier appreciation for luxuries.

“The most important thing we’ve realized is the importance of truly relying on Christ for sustenance, and as we’ve done this we have seen the value of minimalist living,” Laws said. “Not in a hippie way, but in a real way, where we are becoming more conscious of how much stuff we really don’t need.”

Marshall Clapp, a junior ocean engineering major, is one of the many roommates Laws and Allen have had this semester. His house was the first in which the squatters stayed.

“They were incredible while staying with us,” Clapp said. “They were such

Squatter blog ◗ Laws and Allen maintain a blog about their experiences at cstatsquatters.wordpress. com. ◗ The blog provides a link to a Google document in which people can sign up to offer the students a place to stay.

See Homeless on page 7

sports

Aggies trap Bears in Reed Courtney Nelson The Battalion After dropping its opening conference game to Missouri, the A&M volleyball team was able to pull out a win against Baylor (25-20, 22-25, 19-25, 25-15, 15-5) in one of the most competitive matches of the season.

“Obviously we’re really pleased with our performance tonight,” head coach Laurie Corbelli said. “We needed this win really badly. We knew our defense needed to be sharpened up in quite a few ways, and I think we really made some great changes.”

Whether it was the 2,247 fans in attendance for the first conference game at Reed Arena or the fact that A&M (11-3,

0-1 Big 12) has lost its last three matches to Baylor (11-5, 0-2 Big 12), the Aggies came out with a passion in game one.

The set began with both teams going back and forth to tie the game at 6-6.

However, the Aggies used a 5-1 run to go ahead 11-7 and never looked back as they took the set 25-20.

Although the maroon and white hit just .222 in the set, they held the Bears to only nine kills and a .062 percentage.

Senior outside hitter Kelsey Black and junior middle Lindsey Miller led the Aggies with four kills each in game one.

Game two saw six ties and three lead changes. The Aggies led for most of the game until Baylor took the lead 19-18 and See Volleyball on page 2

Tyler Hosea — THE BATTALION

Senior outside hitter Kelsey Black celebrates during the game against Baylor.

student life

campus

Students default on loans in record numbers

A&M ranked among top universities

Loan payment options

Madeline Burns The Battalion College graduates and those who didn’t complete degrees are defaulting on student loans at increasing rates, compromising federal funding opportunities available to many institutions, according to a White House press release.

From 2008 to 2009, default rates increased 1.2 percent for public institutions, 0.6 percent for private institutions and 3.4 percent for for-profit schools, with an overall increase of 1.2 percent, according to the release. The overall default rate was listed at 8.8 percent.

Arne Duncan, U.S. secretary of education, said economic turmoil has made it difficult for student borrowers to repay their loans.

“That’s why implementing education reforms and protecting the maximum Pell See Default on page 2

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“People say we are homeless, but I would say we are ‘home-full,’ we live everywhere, and have already lived in five homes this semester,” Laws said.

The idea became a reality after their church life-group’s campout. Making small talk with some of the adults about where they were going to live next semester, Allen made a passing comment about sleeping outside, when Laws expressed his willingness toward the idea. “[At the camp out,] all of the moms were scolding us, saying, ‘Do not do that,’ while all the dads with serious looks were like, ‘Guys, you have to do this, it’s the only chance you will get,’” Allen said.

Laws and Allen said they are roughing it on the street partially to conserve money — a different approach to what they called a common problem. However, Allen and Laws said the most impor-

◗ For assistance in repaying federal student loans, students can visit www.studentloans.gov or contact the loan holder to learn about repayment options. ◗ For help locating loan holders, students can visit www.nslds.ed.gov or contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FEDAID (1-800-4333243).

Jennifer Siegel The Battalion Vision 2020 was adopted 11 years ago with the goal of making Texas A&M University one of the top-10 public universities in the nation by the year 2020.

The University was recently ranked 19 among public universities according to the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2012 rankings. Texas A&M is tied at 19 with three other public institutions: the University of Florida, the University of Connecticut and the University of Pittsburgh. Texas A&M ranked 58 among all public and private universities.

“The U.S. News and World Report rankings are an indicator of Texas A&M’s progress overall,” said

Jason Cook, Texas A&M University vice president of Marketing and Communications.

The publication also rated A&M second among Texas colleges and among public institutions in its “Great Schools, Great Prices” category. Rice University appeared two places before A&M, and the University of North Carolina — Chapel Hill was the highest-ranked public institution A&M’s Dwight Look College of Engineering ranked ninth among public engineering schools.

U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2012 bases their rankings on four criteria: freshmen retention, graduation rates, student selectivity and faculty strength.

See College on page 5

9/29/11 12:56 AM

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

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Kolin Loveless — THE BATTALION

Rabbi Peter Tarlow and graduate student in economics Nathan Smooha prepare for Rosh Hashanah celebrations at the College Station Community Center.

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grant is more important than ever,” Duncan said. “We need to ensure that all students are able to access and enroll in quality programs that prepare them for well-paying jobs so they can enter the workforce and compete in our global marketplace.”

Delisa Falks, executive director of scholarships and financial aid, said students need to continue to pay off their loans in a timely manner for their sake and that of the University.

“I think we need to let our students know that they need

to repay their loans regardless of what life brings after they leave Texas A&M, and in doing so they will ensure that current and future Aggies will be able to count on federal funding,” Falks said.

Falks added that A&M is currently in good standing with its federal student aid programs.

“We are far from the point of losing federal aid. However, we never want to be at that point,” Falks said.

Senior economics major, Thomas Anderson, said it is important for students to develop a budget of income and expenses before borrowing money.

“The faster you get [loans]

nation Immigration law passes test BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A federal judge refused Wednesday to block key parts of an Alabama law that is considered the strictest state effort to clamp down on illegal immigration, including a measure that requires immigration checks of public school students.

In all, Blackburn’s orders temporarily blocked several parts of the law until she can issue a final ruling.

Associated Press

paid off, the less you are going to have to pay in interest.

If you find yourself unable to pay, talk to whoever controls your loan. Do not just stop sending payments,” Anderson said. “Your credit is important and defaulting on debt can wreck your score.”

Anderson said the loan servicers also have incentive to work with graduates to avoid default, which borrowers can use to their advantage.

“It costs the lending institutions more if you default, so they are going to be willing to work with you by giving extensions, lowering rates and other things to make it easier to pay them back,” Anderson said.

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Tyler Hosea — THE BATTALION

Junior middle blocker Lindsey Miller reacts after a point Wednesday evening in Reed Arena.

Volleyball Continued from page 1

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held off the home team to win 25-22.

A&M was out of rhythm in the third set as Baylor jumped out to a quick 8-2 lead. The Bears came out of the break more aggressive and digging any ball that came their way.

Several calls by the referee worked in Baylor’s favor, increasing its lead to 18-12 and igniting the crowd. The Bears continued to pound the ball and eventually grabbed the 2-1 set lead with a score of 25-19.

“I think Baylor is one of the best defensive team we played,” Corbelli said.

“They were in their spots and ready to go, especially in sets two and three. Our attack dropped and their defense got even better.”

After another close call to end game three, A&M focused to take a 7-0 lead in the fourth. The Aggies reached their biggest lead of 10 points three times and carried momentum to get the 25-15 win.

The Aggies found themselves in the same position as last year in forcing a decisive game five with the Bears.

Junior right side Alisia Kastmo reeled off three kills to start the set for the Aggies, and the rest of the team followed suit. A&M hit .471 with 10 kills, compared to the

Bears’ -.105, as the Aggies ran away with the game.

Five Aggies finished the night with double-digit kills including sophomore setter Allie Sawatzky, junior outside hitter Tori Mellinger, Black, Miller and Kastmo. Sawatzky also recorded a triple double with 11 kills, 46 assists, and 11 digs.

“I feel like when we have me as an attacker we open up our options and gives everyone a good opportunity to get the ball,” Sawatzky said.

“It is nice knowing that anyone will put the ball away and that we just fly when we get going.”

Senior Briana Tolbert led the Bears with 12 kills and hit .321. Right side Alyssa Dibbern added 10 kills for the Bears but fell short against the Aggies’ offense.

After losing their last five matches that went to five sets — including two against Baylor last season — Black said the team could not feel better about the win.

“This year, we have focused on having a different attitude about being down,” Black said. “We came out with an offensive attitude, and came out swinging at them which they probably did not expect. It was big for us to come out full force and full speed from the beginning.”

The Aggies return to action Saturday at Reed Arena to play Kansas State.

9/29/11 12:52 AM

Pitt, Hill hit triple with ‘Moneyball’

I

t’s always easy to distinguish a sports movie from other films by the checklist of problems, solutions, struggles and successes throughout the plot. Despite its familiar, humanistic approach, Moneyball isn’t the typical tugging-at-theheartstrings type of film.

It’s about finances, enterprise and the inevitable struggle of a new, innovative idea. In addition to the usual sports clichés, it adds a layer of urgency and interest through the business of baseball.

Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) is the embattled General Manager of the Oakland A’s, who is upset and trapped by the loss of three star players.

How can Oakland compete while Major Leagues teams like the Boston Red Sox poach their best players?

Enter Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), a recent Yale economics graduate and baseball fanatic. He’s devised a way, based on statistical analysis alone, to buy cheap, effective players. Building this new team turns out to be a fascinating process.

The cast frequently references obscure statistics and baseball terms, but Moneyball does a good job of keeping us in the loop. Everyone is affected by the change and is consequently swept up in the momentum of the idea, whether they like it or not.

The urgency of the film isn’t caught up in personal relationships. Rather, it’s determined by the question of whether this radical plan will work.

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b! thebattalion 09.29.2011 page3

COURTESY PHOTOS

Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill star in Moneyball, a film about the Oakland A’s and their journey to baseball success.

news for you

Despite some missteps along the way, Pitt is still the anchor of the film. In his quick-talking portrayal, Pitt displays many small nuances, keeping the character fresh while providing the necessary depth to drive the film forward.

Jonah Hill brings a charm and warmth to the film. Accustomed to playing comedic roles, Hill successfully adapts his talents to the more dramatic Moneyball. He doesn’t lose his sarcastic edge, but rather, adds to it.

And what an agreeable film Moneyball is. There are no lives or miracles at stake.

It’s simply about defending an idea of a business and doing things. It’s easy to root for Billy Beane and his radical methods. Even if he fails, it’s not too far to fall.

In addition, the film invests in an idea rather than a person. This, along with a pair of enjoyable leading roles

by Pitt and Hill, give the film heart, allowing Moneyball to break free from genre standards and successfully stand on its own two legs.

Owen Herterich is a senior visualization major.

films

campus My Heart’s Cry performs MSC Town Hall presents the band My Heart’s Cry in Studio 12 Thursday at 8 p.m. The pop rock group based in North Texas includes song writing duo Jeff Hamm on guitar and vocals and Jordi Montoya on keys and bass, who hope to make a dent in the music industry. “It’s not just about the music we write,” Hamm said. “It’s about the people whose lives are changed by the music we write.”

International film viewing Multicultural Services presents “The Scent of Green Papaya” at 7 p.m. Friday in Rudder 401 as part of the International Film Series. Directed by Trab Abh Hung, the Vietnamese-French film won the Caméra d’Or prize at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival, and was short listed for the 1993 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

‘One Hot Texican Summer’ opens

3 out of 4 Gig ‘Ems

The stage play begins at 8 p.m. Friday in Rudder Forum, featuring husband and wife theatrical team Alvaro and Michelle Lopez-Rios. Both are teachers from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and are members of The Royal Mexican Players, a Latino theatre group created in Houston in 2004. Beginning Oct. 1, the team will also direct the culmination of a week-long performance workshop starring current Texas A&M theater students.

Admission is free.

Sarah Smith, staff writer

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Make your opinion known by submitting Mail Call or guest columns to The Battalion. Mail call must be fewer than 200 words and include the author’s name, classification, major and phone number. Staff and faculty must include title. Guest columns must be fewer than 700 words. All submissions should focus on issues not personalities, become property of The Battalion and are subject to editing for style, clarity and space concerns. Anonymous letters will be read, but not printed. The Battalion will print only one

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Pickering shows promise his past summer was a big one for Texas A&M — not only would its budget be on the line but also it would be the first time for Student Body President Jeff Pickering to truly assume his role.

Two great days, two great offers!

thebattalion 09.29.2011 page4

Inside A&M

With controversy brewing over the student regent appointment, the looming threat of not enough financial aid to go around and anger at the Board of Regents for their lack of transparency and misguided objectives our SBP had a lot to occupy his time.

So, how did he spend his summer?

Making Texas A&M even better than it already is.

Meetings characterized the start of his summer. Meetings on the reconstruction of the Memorial Student Center, meetings with numerous committees regarding Vision 2020 and meetings with the Board of Regents Although A&M’s regents experienced some controversy this summer, Jeff made sure to steer clear of it. Anger at the regents for their seeming impotence at enacting reforms that would enhance the quality of education and research at A&M forced some faculty members to take a stand.

Jeff didn’t join them. Instead, the only item on his agenda when working with the Board of Regents was to advocate for differential tuition. Apparently, serving someone else’s offenses, in this case the faculty’s, would not effectively serve the student body. He asks himself one question when deciding whether or not to take on the administration: will this directly benefit students? If the answer is no, his time is better spent somewhere else.

This works, to a degree.

It is honorable that he wants to be more

Naila Dhanani: Taking a look at our SBP

than the guy on stage or more than the guy writing a letter to the regents. He understands that he only has one year as student body president. And in that one year, he wants to take action that will visibly help students and the school itself.

However, the primary reason students come to A&M is to get a quality education.

Jeff said that the faculty is responsible for the education students receive at A&M. If that is true, then as our student body president, Jeff should stand beside them. He should lend his support to the grievances voiced by faculty members.

Overall, Jeff is sticking with his campaign promise to unify the campus. He has personally welcomed students at Fish Camp, Transfer Camp and Impact. He has shared lessons learned throughout his time at A&M with incoming students in an effort to help them better acclimate to our campus.

As the year progresses, we will see how he maintains momentum he’s clearly achieved.

Our student body president should be accountable for his actions. We have entrusted him to speak with officials on our behalf and to carry objectives befitting the long-term interests of Texas A&M. The office is not a platform to improve public speaking nor is it a résumé builder. Jeff makes sure it isn’t.

Naila Dhanani is a junior biomedical sciences major and columnist for The Battalion.

MAILCALL From Callie McCullough, junior animal science and agricultural communication major.

Regarding the online blog “Meet and greet,” here are some facts to consider: For the American families that raise cattle, sustainability means ensuring that the land will provide for the next generation by focusing on the well being of their animals and maintaining the natural resources on their land. Today’s beef production uses fewer natural resources to provide a growing population with an affordable supply of great tasting, nutrient rich beef. U.S. beef farmers and ranchers provide 25 percent of the world’s beef supply with 10 percent of the world’s cattle. Approximately 85 percent of U.S. grazing lands are unsuitable for producing crops. Grazing animals on this land more than doubles the area that can be used to produce food. As producers, we will never compromise safety in the name of efficiency.

America’s beef producers and processors

have invested millions of dollars to enhance the safety of the beef we produce for families.

From Kaleigh Wallace, senior political science major.

Please know that I do not advocate being nasty toward different opinions, nor am I homophobic. I must respectfully disagree with column published Sept. 21, “God Accepts You.” The guest column states “God Accepts You.” This is a falsehood, for God does not accept sin, and homosexuality is a sin (Romans 1:24-26, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11), just like lying, fraud or lusting. The argument would be better served if it stated that “God Loves You:” God loves everyone despite their sin, and no one sin more despicable than another in his eyes. Jesus Christ died to cleanse us of our sins, not to let us rejoice in them, thus the column is remiss in saying that being homosexual is acceptable to God. I am certain I will meet much animosity with that statement, but the conviction of my heart is not compatible with silence.

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9/28/11 11:06 PM

iphone 5 event | Apple announced a press conference set for Tuesday where the iphone 5 is expected to be revealed.

Kindle Fire | Amazon.com Inc. unveiled the Kindle Fire tablet on Wednesday. The 7-inch screen tablet is priced at $199.

Gates No. 1 | Microsoft founder Bill Gates ranks as the richest person in the world with $59 billion according to the Forbes 400 list.

business

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College Continued from page 1

Jennifer Siegel — THE BATTALION

Et wisl dignim quiscidunt ullan vullute essequi smolor sequat. Ut ing erostio odolobo rercipi

Forbes ranks College Station No. 9 Luz Moreno-Lozano The Battalion Forbes Magazine annually ranks cities, universities and business and career development. This year College Station was ranked No. 9 nationally on Forbes’ 2011 list of the Best Small Places for Business and Careers, and No. 1 among Texas cities with populations of fewer than 250,000. “Forbes is a prestigious publication and lot of cities would like to be at the top of their lists,� said Frank Simpson, deputy city manager for College Station. “It’s great news for College Station to be the No. 1 small city in Texas for business and careers.�

Forbes magazine covers global business stories. They are known for their list of top celebrities, richest people, businesses and powerful women. In compiling the list, Forbes considered 12 metrics relating to past and projected job growth, business and living costs, income growth, educational attainment and projected economic growth.

It also factored in quality of life is-

Cook said the uniqueness of Texas A&M in comparison to other schools is reflected in the rankings. “What makes Texas A&M special‌ is our combination of world-class academics and unmatched spirit and traditions,â€?

Cook said.

Senior environmental studies major Morgan Moliver said traditions and growth have created a large, close-knit Aggie network that benefits Texas A&M graduates and employers. “When you have a built community that you can go out to and rely on and network with, it creates so much more tradition, loyalty and all-around availability for jobs,� said senior environmental studies major Morgan Moliver. “The Aggie network is so impressive that everyone wants a part of it because they know how great we are.�

To measure the growth and

the improvement of the university, Vision 2020 uses two reports, the U.S. News and World Report and a report from the National Research Council. In the past 11 years, Texas A&M moved up three places in these rankings, achieved the highest graduation rates in the state of Texas and strengthened the Arts and Humanities departments, among other accomplishments. “We believe that our concerted, focused effort on Vision 2020 over the past decade has played a major role in increasing Texas A&M’s status among the nation’s top universities,� Cook said.

Last fall, The Wall Street Jounal also took notice. Texas A&M has remained one of the top recruiters in the nation, despite the economy, and ranked second among U.S. universities in the employer-driven survey.. “We have the other education besides just going to class,� said senior accounting major Ellen Freudenberger. “We learn more about real life experiences through student organizations.�

sues such as crime rates, cultural and “Texas A&M is the engine behind recreational opportunities and net one of the nation’s emerging centers migration patterns. A final consider- for business incubation, entrepreation was the area’s number of highly neurial activity and high-impact reranked colleges based on Forbes’ an- search and development,� said Dr. nual college rankings.

Jeffrey R. Seemann, vice president world & nation “College Station offers things for Research and chief research ofCantaloupes cause deaths that are attractive to a lot of people ficer for the Texas A&M University www.villagefoods.com with the low crime rate and our System. “We have one of the 20 largWASHINGTON — Federal and the Food and Drug We makeestitresearch easy to... recreational and cultural opportunioperations among higher health ofďŹ cials said Wednesday Administration said consumers ties,â€? Simpson said. “With the de- education institutions in the entire more illnesses and possibly who have cantaloupes velopment of the Biocorridor and country—research that is performed more deaths may be linked produced by Jensen Farms in our emergence as a regional health by some of the most talented facultyto an outbreak of listeria in Colorado should throw them out. center, we have a lot of economic researchers in the world, who concantaloupe in coming weeks.

If they are not sure where the opportunities. We are also focused tinually generate new ideas and techSo far, the outbreak has caused fruit is from, they shouldn’t eat it. on becoming a destination, not just nologies that have mass application.� at least 72 illnesses — including Neither the government nor for conventions and festivals, but for Since 2010, job growth has grown up to 16 deaths — in 18 states, Jensen Farms has supplied a list sporting events. That’s a niche that .9 percent. The current unemployCollege Station and the Brazos Val- ment rate is 5.7 percent, a significant making it the deadliest food of retailers who may have sold ley could fit into nicely.� difference from other major cities outbreak in the United States in the fruit.

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Pg. 5-09.29.11.indd 1

9/29/11 12:50 AM

classifieds

thebattalion 9.29.2011 page6 PLACE

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

AUTO

WHEN

TO CALL 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Insertion deadline: 1 p.m. prior business day

FOR RENT

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Duplexes for lease: 1008-1010 Navarro, 2/1 $625. 3520 Paloma Ridge Dr.., 3/3 $1100. 819 San Benito, 2/1 $650. 920 Sun Meadow, 2/2 $875. Apla-Omega Properties, 979-774-7820, Broker.

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HELP WANTED AlphaBEST Education, Inc. is seeking qualified individuals with educational and child-care experience for academic based after school programs in the Bryan Independent School District.

After-school until 6:30pm. $10.50-$15/hour. rostermann@alphabest.org Artist needs female canvas subjects, body image project. $40/hr.

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Great location and updated look!

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Groundskeeper Wanted for Property Management Co. in Bryan & CS, must have reliable truck and clean criminal record, F/T position, apply in person, call for details 979.775.2291

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Short-term lease available. No pets. $1100/mo. 979-731-8257. www.brazosvalleyrentals.com 4bd/2ba house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, granite countertops, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com Available Now! Also pre-leasing for spring semester w/window for lease to start. Newly renovated 4bd/2ba., Jack and Jill, W/D, $1300/mo. 3530 Farah, C.S. Contact 940-300-6220.

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2009 Angelina, 4/2 $1300. 3812 Old College, 2/1 $750.

Alpha-Omega Properties.

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979-693-5885.

IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY- I own duplex off University, 1.5mi. to TAMU on bus route. I live in bottom unit and looking for someone for 2bd/2ba upstairs. Unit is completely updated, includes W/D, wifi, cable, all appliances and parking. Reduced rate for quick rent $700. Text 979-255-3185.

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Part-time real estate assistant position needed for busy real-estate office. Must be a detail-oriented people person wit reliable transportation and have reasonable computer skills in MS Word and MS Excel. This staff position requires 15-20 hours per week. Start date available immediately. For job description and application, go to: www.coventryglenrealty.net and click on employment opportunities side bar.

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HELP WANTED

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

the battalion

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the battalion

1-male roommate needed.

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COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK

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

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:

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:

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

Word Square Try to find 4-letter words associated with the clues provided: 1. 3 musketeers must have been one 2. 16 turns to 4 if you perform it 3. tinier than the tiniest 4. reverse a largest international treaty/ organisation Wednesday’s solution:

M A I D

A E R O

I R I S

D O S E

Siddharth Kumar — THE BATTALION

Pg. 6-09-29-11.indd 1

9/28/11 1:33:07 PM

news thebattalion

page 7 thursday 9.29.2011

Kevin Smith — THE BATTALION

Josh Allen brushes his teeth outside his tent home.

Allen and Laws live without running water.

Homeless Continued from page 1

great guests, finding ways to serve and encourage us. We would find little notes of encouragement in our room or cartons of milk in our fridge; they just served us in unbelievable ways.”

On average, Allen and Laws save nearly $400 a month for rent and utilities and $100 per month because of their strict granola nutrition bar diet. They eat the occasional meal here and there, but deny the impulse to eat fast food. Both work at local coffee shops MugWalls and Muldoon’s, and say they usually come out around $100 ahead to save every month.

Laws plans to use this saved money to help pay for seminary, while Allen plans to apply it to tuition costs.

“Yes, I could keep getting into more debt and live in luxury, but I don’t really need all those things,” Allen said.

One of the bigger challenges, they admitted, is finding time to be quiet and alone. They said they have a secret hideout in Evans library where they can rest and study quietly.

“We don’t have a comfortable home to just relax,” Laws said. “We were prepared for challenges, we were prepared for food, prepared for how to take showers and all that other stuff, but what I had not prepared for was the fact that we did not have a home.”

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Pg. 7-09.29.11.indd 1

9/29/11 12:51 AM

b!

page 8 thursday 9.29.2011

thebattalion

Kicking up controversy

L

ady Gaga, Eminem and SpongeBob SquarePants: icons of the twenty-first century who influence fashion, thought patterns and learning curves.

As their cloud of importance reaches today’s youngsters, we wonder whose persuasive messages Sarah Smith will hit home. This summer, Foster the People sophomore pitched the latest controversial curveball with international studies major “Pumped Up Kicks:” shoot kids with cool shoes.

Evan Andrews — THE BATTALION

not differentiate between the song’s cheerful melody and deeper message.

“I definitely think the song is geared more towards adults,” Moxley said. “If it starts playing on radio for kids, it might become a problem.”

However, removing the song from a youngster’s reach could carry its own consequences. In 2007, Portland researcher and psychiatrist Jared Block released a statement describing the role of “Doom,” a first-person shooter game, in the 1999 school shooting at Columbine High School. In an interview with The Denver Post, he said that the removal of the shooters’ video game privileges only lead to an increase in the violent attitudes expressed in “Doom.” “[The shooters] relied on the virtual world of computer games to express their rage,” said Block. “Cutting them off in 1998 sent them into crisis.”

“Pumped Up Kicks” may not cause another Columbine, but some say it has the ability to influence the next trend. While it may confuse listeners, they are forced to examine their underlying values to determine if “Pumped Up Kicks” matches up.

“I think you have to see it for what it is — a top 40s pop song,” said Eric Busche, sophomore political science major. “If you aren’t able to accept less-than-popular views, lots of art may difficult to deal with in the end.”

MyLife is a worldwide adventure.

“I always wanted to work overseas.

I didn’t realize I’d have the opportunity as early as my internship with KPMG. I work hard, but am learning a lot, and I feel like I’m on one big global adventure.”

Kate began her global career as a KPMG intern. You can too. Find out how.

Watch Kate’s video diary at www.kpmg-go.com/MyLife. kpmgcampus.com

Pg. 8-09.29.11_new.indd 1

© 2011 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. The KPMG name, logo and “cutting through complexity” are registered trademarks or trademarks of KPMG International. 24696NSS

The song sits at No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 music chart and continues to climb. When people first hear the song, many feel the lyrics are difficult to comprehend due to the musicality and instrumental layers of the track itself.

“At first I thought it was a fun song. Then I heard an acoustic version and the actual words — I realized it wasn’t happy at all,” said Sydney Moxley, freshman international studies major.

A similar instance occurred with Andrew Millar, sophomore political science major.

“It’s one of those songs that’s extremely catchy — you learn all the words and sing it in your head before you realize what it means,” Millar said. “Once I actually sang all the words for the first time I thought ‘You know, I really need to look this up.’”

The lyrics of the chorus are as follows: “All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you’d better run, better run, outrun my gun/All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you’d better run, better run, faster than my bullet.”

Foster the People said this music-and-lyric inconsistency is unintended. “‘Pumped Up Kicks’ is really about bullying and the tragedy that bullying produces.

If that kid retaliates in a nasty way, both sides end up being harmed,” said band frontman Mark Foster in an interview with MTV News.

Persuasive researcher Richard Perloff said that our core values and attitudes directly affect our behavioral actions. Inconsistencies between positive and negative symbols can affect these values, leading events to turn awry.

“When you find out ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ is about a shooting, especially one with kids, it’s strange — the song [sounds] so happy and upbeat,” Millar said.

The impact of the message varies with audience. Many wonder if “Pumped Up Kicks” will negatively affect youngsters who can-

9/28/11 11:54 PM