The Battalion: October 5, 2011

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Are we Greece?

Blogger Joshua Howell takes a hard look at America’s national debt woes. Read his take at www. thebatt.com.

● wednesday,

october 5, 2011

● serving

texas a&m since 1893

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

National night out Check online for a video recap of students in national night out at thebatt. com.

texas Bastrop residents evacuated

religion

Alpha to Omega

BASTROP — Officials say more than 30 homes have been evacuated in Central Texas as firefighters battle a wildfire in the same county where a destructive blaze last month destroyed more than 1,500 homes.

Texas Forest Service spokesman John Nichols says the blaze in Bastrop County has burned between 800 and 900 acres Tuesday in a heavily forested area east of Austin.

Nichols says no structures have been damaged.

Students aim to publicly read the entire Bible in 90 hours or less Matt Bizzell The Battalion Sixty-six books. 1,189 chapters.

31,103 verses. 777,746 words.

The Bible is the highest-selling book of all time and has been printed in more than 2,000 languages and dialects. It’s been read by untold numbers of people throughout history, but how many people have read it in 90 hours?

A group led by Jacob Boaz, junior sociology major, plans to accomplish just that — reading the entire Bible publicly in 90 hours.

Boaz’ idea originated with the White House National Day of Prayer, a ceremony that invokes the protection and guidance of God for the nation and its people.

Boaz said bringing this event to campus will require a great deal of tact, but he feels up to the challenge.

“Campus preachers have tended to misrepresent Christianity in the past,” Boaz said. “They’ve been very condemning.”

Boaz said his method requires no less and no more than reading the Bible in its entirety without commentary — a verbatim exploration.

“What it is, is many different people volunteering their time in 15-minute shifts, reading aloud from the Bible,” Boaz said. “It’s literally a ‘come and go as you please.’ There’s a sign-up sheet online.”

The event is open to anyone and encourages students to come and pick up the Bible and read for any length of time they find comfortable. Boaz said he hopes for the enlistment of any individual or

Associated Press

inside voices | 4 The black sheep Aggieland is a place that makes everyone feel welcomed with a warm “howdy” and a gig ‘em, or so you’re told.

Learn more about O’Dell Harmon Jr.’s experience as a member of the black student population on campus.

Josh McKenna — THE BATTALION

See Marathon on page 7

campus news

Student Senate to address Routt survey Justin Mathers The Battalion As the Memorial Student Center construction nears completion, the future of Joe Routt Boulevard is in the University administration’s hands.

Prior to the beginning of MSC construction, Joe Routt was open to East and West traffic 24 hours per day. After being temporarily closed in 2009, the

Editorial ◗ There are five choices on the Joe Routt survey and only one which Loftin must not choose.

Student Senate passed a bill recommending that Joe Routt be open for one-way traffic and a bike lane, which is the road’s current status.

Last week, almost 9,000 students

participated in an online survey regarding the future of Joe Routt, which is named for a former A&M AllAmerican and Purple Heart recipient.

The survey requested student, faculty and staff reactions to five possibilities, which included closing Joe Routt entirely, opening traffic in one direction COURTESY

See Joe Routt on page 7

campus news

campus news

Vision 2020 has its eye on graduate students

Future of Humans vs.

Zombies protected Kevin Smith The Battalion Texas A&M faculty, humans and zombies held a peaceful discussion in reaction to a call that was made by a student who saw a questionable character.

Tuesday night’s meeting at Cain Hall was arranged by the University Police Department to address the Humans vs. Zombies players on campus.

Pg. 1-10.5.11.indd 1

Option one of the Joe Routt survey would close Joe Routt Boulevard.

The student’s call described one of the players as wearing realistic tactical gear, and was said to be holding a toy gun spray painted black.

In the meeting David Parrott, executive associate vice president and chief of staff of Texas A&M said that faculty and University Police do not plan to ban the game Humans See Zombies on page 2

O’Dell Harmon Jr.

Roger Zhang — THE BATTALION

Senior Andy Arnold, civil engineer major, stuns an attacking zombie near the Academic Building.

The Battalion Graduate students are a minority group on campus, composing approximately 20 percent of the student body. As part of the Vision 2020 Commitment to Excellence Dialogue Series, A&M Provost Karen Watson held the Responsibilities of Graduate Students event to ensure that these students’ voices were heard.

Watson, who serves as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, and Karen Butler-Purry, associate provost for graduate studies and the Graduate Student Council, presented the Dialogue for graduate students, faculty and staff to discuss role of graduate programs at A&M. “It’s really important that the See Graduate on page 7

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thebattalion 10.05.2011

corrections The Battalion welcomes readers’ comments about published information that may require correction. We will pursue your concern to determine whether a correction needs to be published. Please contact us at editor@thebatt.com.

Just another night out on the town

howtoapply If you are interested in writing or contributing content in The Battalion, apply at thebatt.com, or call 845-3313.

The Battalion welcomes any Texas A&M student interested in writing for the arts, campus, metro or sports staffs to try out.

We particularly encourage freshmen and sophomores to apply, but students may try out regardless of semester standing or major.

No previous journalism experience is necessary.

Kolin Loveless — THE BATTALION

Anand Narayannan, doctoral student in biology, enjoys National Night Out on Tuesday, an event that encourages safety and interaction in the community.

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The Battalion The Law School Caravan will visit Texas A&M to aid students in deciding which law schools are most compatible with their wants and needs.

The caravan is scheduled for today from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Rudder Exhibit Hall.

Karen Severn, pre-law advisor, is excited about the amount of law schools participating in the caravan this year.

“There are only 200 law schools in the nation and 105 are participating in the caravan,” she said. “In 1992, 45 schools attended the caravan. That is a 300 percent increase in the past 18 years.”

While the caravan introduces potential lawyers to more than half of the law schools in the nation, Severn said it also helps the University as a whole.

“I think the caravan helps us in our Vision 2020 quest,” Sevren said. “Also, it puts A&M in the forefront for law schools. We’re seen as leaders. The caravan is a regional event, so students from other universities are coming here for it.”

Deans from three universities conducted a presentation detailing the selection and application process for law school last

There are only 200 law schools in the nation and 105 are participating in the

caravan.

— A&M pre-law advisor Karen Severn

night in Koldus.

“We try to help prepare students with what to ask law schools at the caravan,” Severn said. “With so many schools, students can be overwhelmed with the choices. I will be handing out the list of schools and the map of the room so that Aggies can identify their must-see schools ahead of time.”

Suzanne Spiegel, a senior sports management major, is a student chair for the Law School Caravan. She said that students should attend the caravan even if they aren’t sure about law school.

“Students should attend even if they are just thinking about going to law school. It’s not going to hurt you to go,” Spiegel said. “And for students who know they want to go to law school, definitely come to it. It opens your eyes to a lot more schools than you ever imagined were out there.”

With so much focus on getting the A&M name into the world of law, Severn said that students wonder if A&M could

ever have its own law school.

“In high school, students have the idea that you have to go to a university that has a law school if you want to be a lawyer, so it might increase the number of high school students who want to come here for undergrad,” Severn said. “But it doesn’t matter what university you go to for undergrad. Most universities with a law school only have about 10 percent enrollment from their own university.

Not everyone gets in.”

Nicolette Cueto, a sophomore anthropology major, plans on going to law school after she graduates. She said that a Texas A&M Law School would be convenient for students.

“A lot of students love A&M so much and it would be nice to be able to stay here for law school. It would also be more affordable than the Ivy Leagues that students always want to attend,” Cueto said.

“I think it would help A&M transition to something more than the engineering hub it’s always played out to be.”

Zombies Continued from page 1

vs. Zombies; however they said want to advise and help to make it a safe and ultimately more fun game.

“This meeting occurred because the folks involved with Humans vs. Zombies wanted to be seen in the most positive light, and they want to be responsible,” Parrott said. “They were very open and cooperative with us, which allowed us to be open and cooperative with them. We are finding lots of common ground to support them on this activity.”

Students said they wanted to be heard at the meeting.

“We were afraid of being asked to give up more than we were willing to offer things like having Nerf guns on campus or not being allowed to play on campus we were fearing the worst,” said junior anthropology major Mason Kuzmich.

Michael Noobar, a senior computer science major and veteran of the game, said he was happy that the authorities didn’t take away Nerf guns from play.

“I’m happy they aren’t taking away our blasters,” Noobar said. “That would definitely not make me interested in playing this game as much because having those dual mavericks just forms my identity in the game and makes me feel awesome, and I really need that when I’m below average on all my 400 level classes.”

The 18 students in attendance said they were pleased with the meetings results.

“I think it was great that they made it a casual thing I feel like we did a good job of not turning into a mob of

Photos by Roger Zhang — THE BATTALION

Survivors, top, pose on the step of the Life Sciences Building. A survivor, bottom, gears up for a game of Humans vs. Zombies. voices. Overall the meeting went well, we got to hear all of their concerns of which I was anxious to hear. We will focus on being more strict on Nerf gun painting and also restricting to some degree, the use of tactical gear and playing in more games in the daytime.”

Kuzmich said.

There are plans for future meetings to further assist cooperation between University Police and students to keep the game safe for both participants and by standards. The game is important to students.

“It’s an adventure,” said Ruthy Mouncer, senior classical studies major and Humans vs. Zombies participant. “It’s really fun when you’re walking across campus and see another human you’ve never seen before in your life, and you band together to protect each other from zombies.”

10/5/11 12:45 AM

basketball | The sixth annual Aggie Basketball Tip-Off, featuring Coach Kennedy and Coach Blair, will be Tuesday at Hurricane Harry’s.

soccer | A&M head coach G Guerrieri will hold a coaching clinic Wednesday at Ellis Field.

men’s golf | Aggies join the 2011 Ameila National Intercollegiate tournament in place of the cancelled Husky Invitational.

sports

thebattalion 10.05.2011 page3

volleyball

Aggies to battle Horns in Austin Courtney Nelson The Battalion The A&M volleyball team will be back in action against No. 10 Texas on Wednesday. The Aggies (13-3, 2-1 Big 12) will face a Longhorn team that just defeated Iowa State in five sets after losing a match to Oklahoma last week.

Texas (9-4, 2-1 Big 12) is undefeated at home this season, and will look to rebound after dropping two spots in the AVCA Coaches Poll.

With A&M’s move to the SEC next season, this will be the last year for the rivals to play each other as conference rivals. “It’s weird and it is kind of sad to think the matchup against the Longhorns might be over soon,� senior Kelsey Black said. “I remember coming in and being so excited as a freshman to come in and play in that rivalry with Texas.�

Freshman outside hitter Haley Eckerman leads the Longhorns with 3.33 kills per set and will be a threat from the left side.

The Aggies are also very familiar with senior middle Rachael Adams.

The 6-foot-2-inch pre-season Big 12

If you go Aggies hit the road to take on the No. 10 Longhorns. Game time is slated for 6:30 p.m. at Gregory Gymnasium in Austin.

Player of the Year is hitting .351 and averaging 2.56 kills per game.

However, A&M head coach Laurie Corbelli said her team’s blocking has improved from last year and could shut Adams down on Wednesday. “They are incredibly physical with really tall and athletic jumpers,� Corbelli said. “Their senior middle is projected player of the year. She’s really, really good. She’s someone that we have to work on really hard to at least slow down.�

For the Aggies, senior outside hitter Kelsey Black leads both A&M and the Longhorns with 3.70 kills per frame. Although Black is still the highest scorer on the team, juniors Alisia Kastmo and Lindsey Miller have picked up the slack in the other front row positions. “Blocking has improved a lot for us,� Corbelli said. “We are start-

Andrea Macias-Jimenez — THE DAILY TEXAN

Texas senior and pre-season Big 12 Player of the Year Rachael Adams has the Aggies’ attention after hitting .351 and averaging 2.56 kills per game. ing to do a better job of anticipating, and I think our timing is getting much better.�

In their two meetings last year, the rivals split for a 1-1 record with each team garnering the win on their own court. The first contest in College Station left the Longhorns with 33 errors and a hitting percentage of .110.

When the Aggies traveled to Austin on the eve of Thanksgiving, they

were met by a Texas squad that refused to be shut down. The Longhorns had stellar efforts from several players, including fifteen kills from Adams, who hit .737 for one of the highest averages ever recorded.

Texas leads 68-23 all-time against A&M, but the Aggies aren’t worried heading into Wednesday’s game. “We are really confident because of the way we have been playing lately,� Black said. “We have been

working on just jumping on teams from the beginning and having a really offensive mindset instead of defensive.�

The Aggies have been focusing on getting in the right positions at the right times. “Our transition game has gotten better, but still needs to improve on certain rotations,� Alisia Kastmo said. “We just need to be more consistent with it.�

Up next

Cross country moving up in the rankings Adrian O’Hanlon III The Battalion The A&M men’s cross country team moved up to No. 27 in the USTFCCCA Division I national rankings Tuesday.

The ranking comes on the heels of a seventh-place finish at the Notre Dame Invitational, where the Aggies outpaced four teams ranked in the top-30. “It’s nice for our men’s team to get

some respect for their performance this past weekend,� A&M assistant coach Wendel McRaven said. “We are aware it’s still early in the season and we know we have a lot of work left to get where we want to be by the end of the season.�

This is the first time the Aggie men have breached the national rankings since 2008. A&M also moved up to No. 2 in the South Central Regional rank-

ings, passing a Texas team that fell out of the national ranks.

The Aggies bested four nationally ranked teams en route to a soggy seventh place. Senior Henry Lelei, 2010 NJCAA champion at Arizona Central, led the men through the wind and rain Friday with an eighth place performance in his first NCAA meet.

Lelei finished the mushy five-mile

course in 24 minutes, 16 seconds, with four Aggies following him. After the race, Lelei said he was content with learning from the new experience. “I’m very pleased since it’s my first race on the NCAA level,� Lelei said. “ I was able to learn a few things to adjust my race plan for other races.�

◗ Both the men’s and women’s team return to action Oct. 14 at the Wisconsin Invitational, featuring several ranked teams among the 40 schools entered.

For the full story, visit thebatt.com

Thursday, Oct. 6 10am-2pm Rudder Complex, 1st Floor t

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10/5/11 12:08 AM

EDITOR’SNOTE 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 letters

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

voices thebattalion 10.05.2011 page04

EDITORIAL

Choosing the right Routt A&M administration asked students for their opinions about five possibilities for Joe Routt Boulevard in a survey last week.

Sixty percent of students indicated that they approve closing Joe Routt and extending the MSC plaza in its place — the largest approval figure by 13 percent.

Unfortunately, if implemented, option one would have lasting negative consequences for this university.

Admittedly, the plaza is probably the most aesthetically appealing option. Unfortunately, it would be a burden to our transportation system and the countless students who rely on buses or cars to get to and from class.

As students know, traveling through campus can be a major headache. The campus needs a transportation artery that connects Welborn Road to Bizzell Street, completing what is known as the campus “inner loop.” This would allow buses to transport students from one corner of campus to the other without having to use Welborn or George Bush Drive.

An inner loop system will not make A&M a car- or bus-friendly campus, but it is the best option on the table. This inner loop system depends on Joe Routt remaining open in at least one direction, which is impossible with a plaza.

Transportation Service Executive Director Peter Lange agreed with this judgment, saying, “it is our desire to create an ‘inner loop’ for buses.” He added that closing Joe Routt “would require a [bus] route that is almost 1.5 miles longer” than the inner loop alternative.

In addition to the general inconve-

‘

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.

Joe Routt survey results

nience, longer bus routes will almost certainly require higher fuel expenditures and longer transit times.

It is also notable that closing Joe Routt will not eliminate any existing traffic. It will, however, increase traffic congestion elsewhere, most likely at the WelbornGeorge Bush intersection.

Considering these negatives, it is surprising that the plaza faired well in the poll. It’s even more surprising when looking at the poll’s listed pros and cons.

The pros were: “No vehicular/pedestrian conflict; Open area for student activities; Suitable for bicycle traffic; Great for Fan Zone activities; Aesthetically pleasing.”

The cons were: “Cuts off access for students driving to MSC, Koldus and Rudder; Eliminates the inner-loop bus option, resulting in longer bus times and routes; restricts student vehicular access; no Wellborn Road connection; Does not correspond to [Academic] Master Plan.”

The pros borderline on vacuous and completely irrelevant, while the cons represent very real, tangible and long-term problems for the student body.

Overall, the plaza is pretty. But pretty things aren’t always practical. Unfortunately, the polling response has forced the administration to choose between the desires of student responders and those of Transportation Services. For the sake of the student body, the administration should side with Transportation Services.

President R. Bowen Loftin has another “100 year decision” on his hands. He should not allow Joe Routt to become a plaza.

EDITORIALBOARD

◗ Option one proposed turning Joe Routt into a plaza between Gene Stallings Blvd. and Houston St. ◗ Option two proposed one-way eastbound traffic with access limited to buses between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. ◗ Option 3 proposed one way eastbound traffic for all vehicles.

◗ Option 4 proposed two-way traffic with access limited to buses between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. ◗ Option 5 proposed two-way traffic for all vehicles.

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

Jared Baxter Managing Editor senior media studies major

Taylor Wolken Opinion Editor senior economics major

Evan Andrews — THE BATTALION

Being black on campus O’Dell Harmon Jr.: Individuality takes a back seat to race

G

rowing up in Houston, I was always surrounded by people of different races and nationalities. I knew I was black, but I also knew that the world was made up of different people, a unique personality and set of opinions. When I came to A&M, that all changed.

For the first time in life I was aware that I was a black male, and I knew that was all I was going to be to most people, for better or for worse.

I’m a part of the black community on campus, but I do not represent the voice of the black community. These are my experiences and my opinions.

Coming from a diverse population in the city to College Station, a small, majority-white town in the country, was hard in the first place.

I knew it would be a challenge, but I was not mentally prepared for all that I would face.

My first roommate was from Trophy Club, Texas, a place with a 90 percent plus white population. I was maybe the third or fourth black person he ever interacted with in his life. The first thing he could think to say to me was, “You’re short for a black person.” This annoyed me, but I wrote it off as simple ignorance and went on with life.

Pg. 4-10.5.11.indd 1

I began to find out through my freshmen and sophomore years here that a lot of students experienced a similar situation. They came from small towns with a huge white majority or they had never interacted with a black person before — or maybe any other race for that matter, which I found amazing.

My freshman year, I had many experiences that made me want to leave Aggieland. People made me feel like I was either an athlete who could only come here to carry or shoot a ball, a lucky black boy who made it out of the ghetto, or someone to fear and not to mess with; everything except the one thing I thought I would be here: an Aggie.

Also that year, I ran into a girl who told me she never had a problem with “coloreds.” I honestly did not know how to feel. How do you respond to that level of nonsense? When she saw that I was obviously offended, she simply said, “I’m sorry, do you prefer black or African-American?” I simply

walked away to avoid saying something I might regret. I thought it was 2008 but apparently it was the 1950s.

One of the biggest events that year was also the election of Obama. I did not vote in the 2008 election but that didn’t matter.

People already made up their mind that I did. I saw people literally cry after Obama got elected while I just went on with the week, but the way people would stare at me or sarcastically ask, “I bet you’re happy, aren’t you?” made me feel like they wanted to BTHO me along with the shirts that said the same for Obama.

The thing that always hurt the most was the fact that very few people tried to get to know me.

I was just a black person; what was there to know? I could only like certain things; I could only do certain things, and of course I could only think a certain way. If people took the time to know me, they found out that a have a diverse taste in music, I love video games, I like to dance to Latin music and I’m an encyclopedia on all things Pokémon.

As time went on and I decided to stay here, I met people who I could get along with. They either felt my pain or were just cool people. I didn’t just hang out with

black people, but Hispanics, Asians, whites and anyone else I could find; and no, it wasn’t just the one or two friend minimum from each group.

They helped me make it through the overwhelming Aggie “love” and help heal my animosity for Texas A&M. Before this, I found myself starting to feel the things about white people that some of them felt for me. I started to feel a lack of understanding and a dislike for them.

If I didn’t want them to look at me with those piercing eyes, I couldn’t do the same. A&M is known as one of the whitest and most conservative schools in the country. That was funny before I came here. I want to change that perception, so I had to change my attitude and become more open-minded. It’s something we as Aggies should strive to do, but sadly it does not happen for the majority.

I have no idea how to change that, but I try, and that’s all I can do.

Now that I’m a senior, I can honestly say that overall it hasn’t become much better. I am now used to the way things work here.

I learned from it and became better for it, and I hope the same has happened for the people who I actually did talk to about it — I some awesome Aggies who truly

love this place and who taught me that I could, too.

The this issue will not get better if no one talks about it. Everybody here, regardless of race, color or creed, needs to just talk and listen to one another. People shouldn’t automatically destroy somebody for his or her ignorance, as difficult as that might be — even when they use offensive terms, like “coloreds.”

Some need to open their minds and realize that someone is a person first with their own thoughts. It won’t change the world, but it will change your perception. I challenge anyone who calls themself an Aggie to prove it, and realize the world looks, thinks and acts differently than the social norm here.

At the end of the day, I am one student who speaks for himself. We all have different experiences, different stories and different perspectives. The one thing I want people to learn is that we are all different people and that’s a good thing because before I’m black, before I’m even an Aggie, I’m O’Dell Edwin Harmon Jr. first.

Thanks & Gig ‘em.

O’Dell Harmon Jr. is a senior agricultural communication and journalism major and opinion blogger for The Battalion.

10/5/11 12:39 AM

voices

page 5 wednesday 10.5.2011

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Kevin Markowski: Perry’s campaign struggles with media and messaging

T

exas Gov. Rick Perry’s campaign is rapidly losing momentum after a mere six weeks in existence. With attacks on his record mounting, Perry is losing ground to Romney in their emerging battle for the chance to unseat President Obama in next year’s election.

When Perry, class of 1972, entered the Republican primary, he became the immediate favorite to win the nomination. The prevailing sentiment was that the governor would overshadow a crowded field of uninspiring opponents; even the New York Times admitted that Perry would “reconfigure the dynamics of the race, offering Republicans a fiscal and social conservative who not only appeals to the party’s base but can also challenge Mitt Romney.”

However, a Washington Post/ABC News poll conducted Sept. 29-Oct. 2 shows Romney besting Perry 25 to 16 percent. Now, Reuters is reporting that both men are gearing up for a prolonged fight reminiscent of the Democrats’ Obama-Clinton slugfest in 2008, which will likely benefit the more organized Romney campaign.

So, what caused Perry to suddenly stumble? First, there were three consecutive debate performances in which Perry struggled. During the past few weeks, he has failed to adequately defend himself from serious indictments of his time in office: Michele Bachmann lamented his attempt to mandate HPV vaccines for sixth-grade girls as blatant cronyism; Mitt Romney instructed the governor to “find the other Rick Perry” and get him to stop saying Social Security is unconstitutional; Tea Partyers booed him for a 2001 decision to allow in-state college tuition for the children of illegal immigrants.

Already off-message, Gov. Perry spent last weekend evading allegations that his hunting lease was once known by a racial slur, while simultaneously making headlines with his suggestion that U.S. troops should be sent into Mexico.

Meanwhile, Republican Party activists are shopping around for other candidates; Perry has suffered two recent straw poll losses, one in Florida (to Cain) the other in Michigan (to Romney). Both are considered to be early tests of viability. Romney winning the Michigan poll comes as no surprise, but the Florida vote was Perry’s to lose.

Weekly Standard Editor Bill Kristol, an influential voice in conservative circles, told Fox News Sunday on Sept. 25 that the Florida straw poll was a repudiation of both frontrunners, but it hurts much worse for Perry because it was seen to be on his turf. If the early primaries result in a dogfight with Romney, Perry will almost certainly need a strong showing from Southern delegates in order to capture the nomination. Accordingly, Fox News commentator Brit Hume views Perry’s poor showing in Florida as evidence that he “is one-half step away from almost total collapse as a candidate.”

I wouldn’t go that far quite yet. Many times, Perry has shown an uncanny ability to persevere in the worst of political circumstances. With the combination of bad debates and bad press, he’ll have to prove himself all over again.

As Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels told CNN, “It’s way too early…to pronounce last rights” in the GOP primary contest.

Nonetheless, as a newcomer to national politics, Perry remains at a disadvantage to Romney — an opponent who, for all intents and purposes, has been a full-time presidential candidate since 2008. Whether Perry can overcome the handicap remains to be seen.

Kevin Markowski is a senior political science major and opinion columnist for The Battalion.

BE ONE OF THE FIRST to have your graduation portrait made for Texas A&M University’s 110th yearbook

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Pg. 5-10.5.11.indd 1

10/5/11 12:41 AM

news

page 6

wednesday 10.5.2011

classifieds

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Houses for lease: 2300 Colgate, 3/2 $1400. 301 Rosemary, 4/2 $1200. 505 Gilbert, 3/3 $1050. 601 Maryem, 3/1 $800. 1013 San Benito, 3/2 $1200. 2901 McLaren, 4/4.5 $1475. 3907 Sioux, 3/2 $1000. 4003 Southern Trace, 4/3 $1300. 4107 McLister, 4/4 $1500.

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HELP WANTED Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. aggieresponse@gmail.com Cheddar’s Casual Cafe and Fish Daddy’s on University Drive are now accepting applications for servers and hostesses. Come be a part of our friendly team! Apply in person. EOE. Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment.

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TRENTON, N.J. — After a surge of new speculation, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie declared with finality Tuesday that “now is not my time” to run for president, dashing the hopes of Republicans Christie still searching for someone other than front-runners Mitt Romney and Rick Perry.

Christie had insisted for months that he wouldn’t run. But then came an intense weekend of reconsideration before he made a firm announcement at a news conference at the New Jersey Statehouse.

His decision means the campaign now basically belongs to Romney and Perry, battling to take on President Barack Obama three months before the first GOP voting.

entertainment Simpsons in danger of cancellation NEW YORK — In its 23rd year on TV, “The Simpsons” could be on the endangered species list. The show’s producer said Tuesday the show can’t continue under its current financial model, following a report that big pay cuts are being sought for the actors who provide voices for Homer, Marge and Bart Simpson and other characters. “We believe this brilliant series can and should continue, but we cannot produce future seasons under its current financial model,” said Chris Alexander, spokesman for 20th Century Fox Television.

He said producers hope a deal can be reached.

The animated series is a fixture on Fox’s Sunday night schedule, and critics consider it one of the best shows in the medium. “The Simpsons” is averaging 7.1 million viewers for its new episodes this fall, down 14 percent from last year.

Associated Press

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Word Square Try to find 4-letter words associated with the letters provided.

The letters can be used multiple times. HINT : 1, 4 and 2, 3 spell out each other when read backwards.

A, G, P, R, T

Last Friday’s solution:

R I P E

I P O D

P O L E

E D E N

Siddharth Kumar — THE BATTALION

Pg. 6-10-5-11.indd 1

10/4/11 11:13 PM

news

page 7 wednesday 10.5.2011

thebattalion

Marathon

777,746

Continued from page 1

words in over

organization that seeks to take part.

Boaz considers it an act of worship to expose people of any background or faith to the Bible in a new way. get Books a “They’ll chance to hear something they’ve never heard before,” Boaz said.

However, not everyone has accepted the reading as a beneficial event. Some have expressed concerns about the reading and what it can accomplish.

“I support their right of speech to do so more than I dislike their text but I don’t know how the reading of the Bible will convince nonbelievers of anything” said sophomore philosophy major Derek Pranger.

The sentiment is shared by Boaz himself, who started the event at A&M. “If you’re not a Christian, it’s just a book,” Boaz said.

“Protestors are welcome, and anyone can speak to me one on one about anything said at the event.”

As the event is open to everyone, Boaz said he encourages others to come and listen but verses also address any concerns students will have.

“The reading will be in a more intimate setting; we won’t be using any sound

2,000+

66

31,103

Josh McKenna — THE BATTALION

Info for signing up for the marathon ◗ Students can get in touch with Boaz through the Facebook event “Marathon Bible reading on the A&M campus” or sign up for a time slot to read the Bible through the Google document located on the Facebook page.

Graduate Continued from page 1

graduate students have a voice in articulating the graduate student perspective and responsibility to all the different groups.” ButlerPurry said.

Graduate students come to A&M from all over the country and world to help lead the University in research while pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees.

“We’ve been really passionate about supporting this endeavor,” said Genyne Royal, president of graduate student council.

“I understand how important this discussion is for the University community and graduate students in general, because we are a little bit different. We’re not undergraduate students and we’re not faculty, so we are the overlap between the two and because of that we have some special needs and responsibilities.”

Graduate students were split into groups to define and discuss the graduate role and how to express that to the University community.

Annie Specht, an agricultural leadership, education and communication doctoral student, came to the event to interact with other graduate students and to get a greater feel for the community.

“I wanted to get a better idea of what other grad students go through. Do they have the same thoughts about their positions in the University that I have?”

Specht said. “I think this event gave me a different perspective than what I came in with. One of the people in our sessions mentioned that grad students tend to think about themselves as individuals and not a whole group of students on campus.”

Participants also discussed how graduate students acclimate to Aggieland.

“I have personally had some challenges here at Texas A&M. Recently I’ve had the opportunity to get to know and understand a lot more about the A&M traditions and culture that is celebrated so much around here and I actually enjoy and love it,” Royal said.

Other graduate students experienced culture shock and have to learn the Texas way.

Pg. 7-10.5.11.indd 1

“It’s been different. I grew up in the Midwest so its been bit of a cultural shock. Some of the positive stereotypes of Texas are definitely true and I think learning those things has been one of the most rewarding parts of being here at Texas A&M,” said Specht, who came to A&M from Ohio.

The dialogue sought to identify both problems and solutions in the graduate student community.

“I also think there is room for us to grow as an Aggie community,” Royal said. “So that we treat everyone, whether an Aggie or not, with the same respect and maintain that level of integrity.”

The dialogue concluded with a speech by Royal thanking everybody for their attendance and for taking the time to make A&M’s graduate programs better.

The Commitment to Excellence Dialogues continue Wednesday at 12 p.m. in Koldus building room 110.

Joe Routt Continued from page 1

and opening traffic in both directions.

Respondents indicated that they “strongly like,” “like,” are “neutral,” “dislike,” or “strongly dislike” the five options.

Option one received the highest percentage of “likes” and “strongly likes,” at fiftyfive percent. This option would close Joe Routt and create a pedestrian plaza extension of the MSC. “I really liked the idea a lot,” said Reid Jolian, sophomore political science major. “I think it would make the area between Kyle Field and the MSC more aesthetically pleasing and easier to navigate for pedestrians.”

The option with the second highest percentage of favorable responses was option four, at forty-two percent. This proposal opens Joe Routt to two-way traffic, but only allows buses to use the road from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Peter Lange, executive director of transportation services, said he prefers options that leave Joe Routt open.

languages equipment and the readers won’t even be projecting their voices,” Boaz said. Protestors are welcome and anyone can speak to me one on one about anything said at the event.”

The event is largely new to Texas A&M and will be a precursor for similar chapters events in the future. “ M y prayer is that people will be curious. You can’t misrepresent the Bible by simply reading its text, but I know a few people will be angry immediately when they hear about the event,” Boaz said. “Whatever happens, happens.”

The event is not without supporters, as students said they see chances for open interaction and dialogue.

“I think it’s a positive, nonthreatening way to share the Bible, and as long as respect and kindness are priority, it could open up insightful discussions among students,” said senior agricultural communication and journalism major Lindsey Preble.

The reading will start at 6:00 P.M. on Monday in Academic Plaza across from the statue of Sul Ross, and will not end until the entire text has been read. The A&M day of prayer is on Oct. 14 of the same week.

1,189

When the Senate officers got their hands on the results they were really surprised. But we soon found out that anybody could access the survey; no student or faculty ID was required to participate; you could vote more than once; and not all the options were presented at once.”

— Speaker pro-tempore of the Student Senate Amanda Hatheway

“Transportation [Services] would like for Joe Routt to remain open and not become a plaza,” Lange said. “Closing the road would require buses to take more time to travel greater distances to get students to classes.”

Wednesday, the Student Senate will consider the results of the Joe Routt survey at their 7 p.m. meeting in Koldus room 146.

Amanda Hatheway, speaker pro-tempore of the Student Senate, said some senators have misgivings about the structure of the survey.

“When the Senate officers got their hands on the results they were really surprised,” Hatheway said.

“But we soon found out that anybody could access the survey; no student or faculty ID was required to participate; you could vote more than once; and not all the options were presented at once.”

Scott Bowen, senior chemical engineering major and student senator, said he was displeased with the order of the survey options.

“The choice to shut down the road completely was offered before anyone could know what else was being considered,” Bowen said. “Some of the pros and cons offered for each choice were dubious or unscientific; these could have easily had an impact on low-information voters.”

10/5/11 12:54 AM

news

page 8 wednesday 10.5.2011

thebattalion

comics

oh please.

Ummm… yeah. Good luck with that.

Adrian Calcaneo — THE BATTALION

You won’t believe your Aggie eyes!

Tim Issac — THE BATTALION

Behold the mind-blowing feats of the NATIONAL ACROBATS OF CHINA Friday, October 7! You have only one chance to witness these unfathomable acts of fierce strength and colossal magnitude.

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Gatorade promotes A&M rivalry Haley Lawson The Battalion Maroon and orange Gatorade? That’s right, the Aggie-Longhorn rivalry is being promoted for a limited time through maroon and orange sports drinks.

Maroon Gatorade bottles are now available through the month of October at most retailers, including the MSC Bookstore.

Shane Hinckley, the University’s assistant vice president for business development, said Maroon Gatorade bottles are another sign of the expanding popularity of the Aggie brand.

Gatorade’s promotion extends to other rivalries such as the University of Michigan and Michigan State, Florida and Tennessee and Southern Cal and the University of California, Los Angles.

“We are highlighting some of the county’s best rivalries with this promotion, and cer-

tainly Texas A&M vs. Texas is recognized as one of the best,” said Kyle Grote of Gatorade Sports Marketing.

A&M is one of eight universities that was chosen for this offer. Many Aggies are proud the University was selected.

“We’re pleased that Gatorade has recognized that our rivalry with Texas as one of the premier rivalries in the country,” Hinckley said. “This is one of many new branding opportunities that Texas A&M has undertaken this fall.

It’s a natural fit and further extends Texas A&M’s national brand presence. We don’t exJosh McKenna — THE BATTALION pect products to last very long in stores.”

Maroon Gatorade offers The promotion also instudents an Aggie themed cludes football game day prizes. Fans will have a chance to sports drink. win tickets to the A&M-Texas Featuring an A&M logo and game on Thanksgiving Day until Oct. 31. The tickets will football players on the bottle’s allow for pre-game field access wrapping, the drink has a fruit and $200 for spending money. punch flavor.

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