thebatt.com
Green Dot Students staged a fight Monday to raise awareness for the Green Dot campaign. Get the details at thebatt.com
thebattalion ● wednesday,
october 26, 2011
● serving
texas a&m since 1893
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2011 student media
Occupied Texans take sides in Occupy Wall Street movement inside
Barrett House
From bottom: A motorcycle patrolman keeps protesters on the sidewalk in New York City. A masked man gestures to the camera in London. James Rawlinson protests in Montgomery, Ala. (top center) Police enforce a barricade in Oakland, Calif.
inside campus | 5 Excellence Students, faculty and administrators discussed students’ responsibilities and accountability at A&M in Tuesday’s campus dialogue.
voices | 6 Green fund Every student pays $3 per semester to the Aggie Green Fund. One columnist loves it, another hates it.
The Battalion Sleeping bags, plastic tarps and clothes are voices | 6 drying on the grass after a harsh Texas storm. Occupy Wall $treet A high school teacher flashes a peace sign to Voices columnists Taylor Wolken and protestors — homeless, educated, young and old — who have set up camp on a strip of Josh Howell take a look at the movement’s grass behind City Hall, which has become composition and chances at success. home to the movement Occupy Dallas. and how that wealth is being used. As he walked to his Pontiac GTO to re“Individuals in Congress are getting montrieve donated supplies, the teacher said he ey from big Wall Street banks and these big makes $50,000 a year and is the wealthiest corporations,” Desai said. “We’re moving occupant protesting in City Hall Park. against everything within corporate greed, Occupy Wall Street, an initially-small like how Wall Street execs are getting the movement that started in Liberty Square of largest bonuses ever, and people in those New York City, spread to Texas in a mat- companies are getting laid off.” ter of weeks. The movement has reached Recently, the Occupy movement reached 82 countries worldwide and more than 100 A&M. On Nov. 3, protesters will march U.S. cities, including Dallas, Austin, Hous- from Academic Plaza to Bank of America ton and Bryan-College Station. and Chase Bank on Texas Avenue, before The protesters supporting the Occupy returning to campus. The “Occupy College movement came from various backgrounds Station” Facebook group had 98 “likes” as of and for different reasons. Tuesday evening. “There’s been unions involved. People Paul Adamski, junior philosophy major think it’s just hippies. But there are iron and student organizer of the Occupy College workers; there are a lot of ex-veterans. There Station movement, said Occupy is about is a great diversity,” said Anup Desai, senior spurring discussion at A&M, across Texas, in lecturer at a Manhattan Community College the U.S. and elsewhere. and Wall Street protestor. “It’s the people “We should be aware that wages have who are the most downtrodden, the people stagnated since 1973 even though we’ve had who are unemployed, the people who have growing productivity in the country. The been forgotten by the economy.” relations between governance and finance Kristian Cavallero, an original member of has been detrimental to our democratic Occupy Austin, said there are students pro- principles,” Adamski said. “We only protest testing, but it is not only students. outside of banks because they are symbols “The diversity is lower working class and of the Wall Street financial district. These professionals, lawyers, teachers. We’ve seen local bank branches aren’t our opponents, city officials, ambulance drivers, veterans, rather symbols.” union workers, ranging from ages 20 to 50,” Justin Montgomery, Occupy organizer Cavallero said. and senior mechanical engineering major, Members of Occupy Dallas said there is no said a large public university is exactly the single leader. However, there were “crews” kind of place where this kind of dialogue assigned to divide the daily operations, such should be happening. as sanitation, food, security and media. “I acknowledge what some have said, that “We have sanitation, the kitchen, the this won’t make a difference on a national sustainability group, which is trying to bring scale and that there is really no ‘one percent’ the green factor,” Desai said. “There’s an art in College Station,” Montgomery said, regroup, who make signs. There are coordina- ferring to the wealthiest one percent of U.S. tors of general assembly. We have an action citizens. “If just one person sees our protest group who organizes marches, along with and it makes them think a bit more about press and media.” how things are and how they should be now There have been similar patterns across and in the future, then I think we’ve accomthe country, using the successes and failures plished what we set out to do.” of Occupy Wall Street as a template. Aggies, both in College Station and Protesters said the main issues are corpo- New York, have varied opinions about the rate greed, the inequality of wealth between the top one percent and the lower 99 percent See Occupy on page 4
From bottom: A protester stands at a downtown corner in Spokane, Wash. A graffitied trash bin proclaims an Occupy message in Oakland, Calif. Protesters in Chicago rally at night.
campus
bryan-college station
U.S., China officials discuss countries’ futures
40 Days campaign intensifies abortion debate in B-CS
Jordan Williford The Battalion Dignitaries and scholars from China and the U.S. gathered Monday at the George Bush Presidential Library Center to discuss the countries’ relationship and environmental policies, and competition between the world’s two largest economies. The two countries — vastly different politically and ideologically — have forged a relationship that balances competition and cooperation. Currently, China
is the world’s largest developing economy while the U.S. is the world’s largest developed economy. The speakers came to A&M to participate in the China-U.S. Relations Conference, held at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center at the George Bush Library and Museum. Discussions followed four plenary sessions. Grand strategy was the topic of the first plenary session.
Justin Mathers The Battalion Against a backdrop dominated by an ominous fence, peaceful protesters with heads bowed in prayer gathered outside the Bryan Planned Parenthood. Protesters have flocked here every Saturday morning since Oct. 1, trying to halt one of today’s most controversial practices. They are the 40 Days for Life protesters, and their mission is to end abortion. Together with the Brazos Valley Coalition for Life, Pro-life Aggies are helping to lead the charge. Although 40 Days for Life has See 40 Days on page 4
See China on page 3
STUDENT RUSH OFFER LAST CHANCE TONIGHT!
COURTESY PHOTO
A young volunteer prays outside the Bryan Planned Parenthood facility.
TONIGHT!!!
7:30 PM • Rudder Auditorium
RUSH TICKETS ONLY $21 Call 979-845-1234.
Limited Number of Tickets Available at the Window of the MSC Box Office Only. Limit 2 Tickets per Student. Student ID Required. Not Valid for Tickets Already Purchased
Pg. 1-10.26.11.indd 1
mscopas
10/26/11 12:52 AM
WARRANT AMNESTY
OCTOBER 17 - OCTOBER 28 COLLEGE STATION MUNICIPAL COURT If you have a warrant out of College Station Municipal Court or think you have a warrant, come to Court at 300 Krenek Tap Road or call 979-764-3683. If fines are paid in full, the warrant fee will be waived from Monday, Oct. 17 through Friday, Oct. 28. The Court will be open Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. the remainder of the week during the Warrant Amnesty Period. The Court accepts cash, checks, or credit card payment. Those who do not come to Court during the Amnesty period and have a warrant outstanding for their arrest will be pursued during the
WARRANT ROUND-UP OCT. 31 - NOV. 11
Warrants are available on the web at www.cstx.gov/warrants
Need to have your wisdom teeth removed? Don’t lace up your skates. We have a research study. Right now, PPD is looking for qualified participants for a post-surgical pain relief research study of an investigational medication. Surgery for qualified study participants will be performed by a board certified oral surgeon. Financial compensation is provided upon study completion and the surgery is performed at no cost.
For information, call
1-800-866-0492
Text “PPD” to 48121 to receive study information
Thursday 40% chance of rain, temperature dropping in morning, windy and cool high: 73, at 9 a.m. low: 58 Friday mostly sunny high: 68 low: 42 Saturday sunny high: 72 low: 42
Today partly sunny, chance of showers late High: 87 Low: 66 courtesy of NOAA
pagetwo thebattalion 10.26.2011
Connect online
Pucker up texas SHSU student missing According to The Houston Chronicle, 24-year-old Sam Houston State University student Thomas Murray is missing. The Montgomery County Sheriffs said he was last seen leaving a bar after midnight Oct. 19, wearing a red T-shirt with white lettering. Murray is 5 foot 6 inches tall and 140 pounds. Justin Mathers, staff writer COURTESY
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.
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.
A makeup consultant with Maybelline cosmetics applies lipstick to Meghan Reilly, junior communication major, during Pi Beta Phi sorority’s “Kisses for Troops” event. Sorority members wrote letters to troops deployed overseas and “kissed” the notes before mailing them.
nation Occupy Wall Street moves to MTV ‘True Life’ NEW YORK — The Occupy Wall Street movement will occupy MTV for an episode of its documentary series “True Life.” The network says the show will follow three young people on the front lines in Zuccotti Park in lower Manhattan. MTV embedded its cameras over a two-week period to capture protesters’ activities and explore what motivates them. Bryan joined the protest to express his disgust at the relationship that government has with big business. Kait and Caitlin are college students worried they won’t be able to find jobs when they graduate. The episode is scheduled to air Nov. 5. Occupy Wall Street began a month ago in New York. It has since grown to encompass hundreds of protests around the U.S. and the world.
Police react to Oakland protestors OAKLAND — Hundreds of protesters in Oakland are marching toward City Hall several hours after dozens were arrested for not breaking an encampment as part of the Occupy Wall Street protest. The protesters took to the streets Tuesday evening after gathering at a downtown public library. Police officers in riot gear met them en route and several small skirmishes broke out. The march comes after police earlier swarmed into an encampment firing tear gas and rounds of bean bags before removing about 170 demonstrators who had been staying overnight on a plaza outside City Hall for more than two weeks. City officials say 85 people were arrested, mostly on suspicion of misdemeanor unlawful assembly and illegal camping. Associated Press
thebattalion THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893
Robert Carpenter, Editor in 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 offices 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. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising, call 979-845-2696. For classified advertising, call 979-845-0569. Advertising offices are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fax: 979-845-2678. Subscriptions: A part of the Student Services Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1. Mail subscriptions are $125 per school year. To charge by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, call 979-845-2613.
Pg. 2-10.26.11.indd 1
10/26/11 12:01 AM
news
page 3 wednesday 10.26.2011
thebattalion
Hundreds of Aggie items. Shop early before we BTHO Missouri. Friday, October th ď™„ď™ƒ:ď™ƒď™ƒam-:ď™ƒď™ƒpm Saturday, October ď™…ď™Œth - hours before kick off! check www.msc.tamu.edu to verify times.
comics
R u dde r E x h i b i t H a l l
HELD OVER BY POPULAR DEMAND
Adrian Calcaneo — THE BATTALION
China Continued from page 1
Andrew Card, acting dean of the Bush School, and Wang Jisi, dean of the School of International Studies at Peking University, moderated the panel, driving discussion about how the countries are pursuing their long term visions and advancing national interests. “China ‌ is a country which has, in some sense, come of age and feels, as other great powers in the past have, that their power entitles them to certain perks and prerequisites. On the other hand, the U.S. is concerned about its position in East Asia,â€? said Robert Art, international relations professor at Brandeis University. According to Art, there are three basic schools of thought regarding grand strategy approaches on the relationship between the two countries. The first perspective, “don’t worry so much,â€? holds that China does not want to be a liberal, open, international economic border, but that it does want more of a say in how the global economy is run. Additionally, the theory provides that offshore balancing is necessary. This would allow China’s geographic neighbors to use their own resources to balance China, with no help or interference from the U.S. The second school of thought, “gloom and doom,â€? offers the opposite perspective — that with power transitions come instability and crisis. Proponents of this strategy advocate containing China’s power. The last school of thought is “optimistic-realist,â€? and provides for a balance of engagement and containment, Art said. While harmony will not be automatic, war is not inevitable. The goal is that, with policy and diplomacy, both countries can work together to be mutually beneficial. According to Chris Layne, Bush School pro-
fessor of intelligence and national security, the Dollar’s status as the reserve currency allows the U.S. to spend beyond its means. However, last summer, the International Monetary Fund predicted that the dollar will no longer be the reserve currency by 2025. “The question is not, ‘Will China pass the U.S. in GDP?’ The question is when,� Layne said. According to a presentation by Yan Hua, president of the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, China’s most recent annual gross domestic product (GDP) totaled $4.9 trillion, while the U.S. GDP totaled $14.6 trillion. Regarding the environmental issue, 40 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions come from China and the U.S. In a plenary session on energy research and development, Daniel Poneman, U.S. deputy secretary of energy, said both countries have a responsibility to adopt clean energy policies. “Both of us, of course, remain highly dependent on coal; both of us rely heavily on foreign sources of oil to power our economies,� Poneman said. Established in 2009, the Clean Energy Resource Center is a $150 million investment, equally funded by both countries. U.S. funds are used exclusively for American research institutions and Chinese funds are used for Chinese research institutions. The goal of the Center’s research is to increase energy efficiency, clean coal technology and clean vehicles. With the establishment of the Resource Center, 16 cooperative agreements and contracts totaling $20 billion were unveiled, according to Cao Jianlin, vice minister of science and technology. Jianlin also said China has set in place a five-year plan to reduce carbon emissions by 40-45 percent. “The peace and the stability of the world has large measure on how the U.S. and China pursue the strategies and whether they will opt for cooperation or confrontation,� Card said.
Dec ’11, May ’12, Aug ’12
GRADUATING
SENIORS and GRADUATE STUDENTS
Have your graduation portrait taken for Texas A&M’s 110th yearbook today through Oct. 28 in Training Room 027 of the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center. To schedule your free portrait sitting, go to www.thorntonstudio.com Then to School Portraits, Scheduling, click New User, complete form with Registration Password: tamu Or walk in, 9 am – 1 pm and 2 pm – 5 pm weekdays
It’s your yearbook. Be in it.
AGGIELAND 2012 Official yearbook of Texas A&M University
WHY QR CODES ARE BETTER THAN YOUR FRIENDS QR CODE
A. B. C.
YOUR FRIENDS
QR code won’t ask you for money.
It gives you food for free. When you’re done with it, it won’t be clingy.
A. B. C.
Your friends will pay you back. Maybe.
“Yo, dawg. Can you spot me a pizza?� Your mouth-breathing “friend� doesn’t get the message.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP AT GETTAG.MOBI AIM CAMERA AT THE MULTI-COLORED SQUARE. SCAN THE CODE TO RECEIVE OFFERS REDEEMABLE AT YOUR LOCAL McDONALD’S.
McCAFÉ MOCHA FRAPPÉ
McCAFÉ CARAMEL FRAPPÉ At participating McDonald’s. Š2011 McDonald’s.
Pg. 3-10.26.11.indd 1
10/25/11 11:57 PM
news
page 4 wednesday 10.26.2011
Continued from page 1
now spread to nations such as Australia, England and Spain, the movement began in Bryan-College Station; partly created by Texas A&M engineering professor Michael Golla. The vigils consist of small groups of people praying outside of elective abortion clinics. “Sidewalk counselors,” extensively trained by the Coalition for Life, stand by and actively engage women who arrive at the clinics for their procedures. These counselors are the crux of the 40 Days mission. Their presence is intended to guide women set to proceed with their operations to have an abrupt change of heart, and to consider other options such as adoption. According to the 40 Days for Life website, “229 babies have been saved from abortions.” One sidewalk counselor and pro-life Aggie, senior entomology major Elly Espinoza,
PLACE
AN AD Phone 845-0569 or Fax 845-2678 The Grove, Bldg. #8901 Texas A&M University
AUTO
said she feels that many abortions are stopped because of the counselors’ passion. “It was really scary at first,” Espinoza said. “But I’m glad that I get the chance to communicate with real women who are making this tough decision. We get emails and letters from the women who later admit that the 40 Days vigil influenced their decision to not go through with the procedure and that really keeps me motivated.” Officials at the Planned Parenthood in Bryan declined to comment about the 40 Days campaign. However, shortly after the protests started in 2007, a large fence was built around the complex. Pro-life Aggies praying at the Saturday vigils said Planned Parenthood employees encourage women to throw away the 40 Days materials they receive from counselors in large trash cans set up by the entrance. There are currently no student organizations at A&M specifically dedicated to the pro-choice movement.
WHEN
New/Pre-Owned Autos, VM, Mazda, Hyundai, BMW, All makes & models, Call David 979-571-0177.
BED AND BREAKFAST Romantic Getaways & Engagements, secluded cabin suites. All Day, All Night. www.7flodge.com 979-690-0073
FOR RENT $395 prelease. 1/1, 2/1, 2/2, Free Wi-Fi/water/sewer on Northgate, on shuttle. Short-term leases ok. Call Maroon & White Management 979-422-5660. 1bd/1ba Spacious floorplan w/cathedral ceilings. Brand new luxury apartment condos. Fullsize stainless steel appliances, balconies, W/D, designer ammenitites, granite/wood/tile, bus stop. Only 36units on Holleman at Wolf Pen. www.broadstoneranchatwolfpen.com 979-776-6079. 2bd/2ba unique floorplans w/balcony views of Kyle Field. Brand new luxury apartment condos. Fullsize stainless steel appliances, W/D, designer ammenities granite/wood/tile, bus stop. Only 36units on Holleman at Wolf Pen. www.broadstoneranchatwolfpen.com 979-776-6079. 3/2 plus game room totally updated, fenced, pets ok, close to campus. $1050/mo. 979-776-8984. 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 4/2 close to campus, and on shuttle, fenced, pets ok, F/P, W/D. $1050/mo. 979-776-8984. 4/3, 3/3 &3/2 Houses, Townhouses, Duplexes &Fourplexes, 1250-1700sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing, excellent specials. 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 4bd/2ba house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, granite countertops, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com Cottage. Holik C.S. 2bd/1ba, 1000sqft., W/D, Balcony, wooded. Private drive. Clean. Quiet. No pets. $600/mo. 979-777-2472. CS nice 4/2/2 vents W/D partially furnished, water paid, 6 mo. lease, available January, $1350. 817-559-2932. Free ethernet and extended cable. Great prices. aggieapartments.com, 979-693-1906. http://sites.google.com/site/aaarentalcs/ Duplex for rent, 2/1, no deposit. $599/mo. 979-450-0098. Northgate. New 2/2 and 3/2 house. Walk to campus. aggievillas.net Call 979-255-5648. Now Leasing! 4bdrm/2bth houses. Spacious floorplans. Great Location. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, w/d, fenced yards, refridgerator, icemaker,lawncare. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com Spacious 3/2 duplex, W/D, furnished, $795/mo, 907 Azalea, 979-693-0551. Townhomes. Great location! On shuttle. 2bd/1.5ba upstairs, 1/2bath downstairs. W/D connections, some units w/fireplace. Large pantry. Lots of closet space. Fenced patio. Water and pest-control paid. Some units fully remodeled. $750-$950/mo. Leasing office located at 1000 Balcones Drive, CS. 979-703-8282.
FOR SALE 2002 Clayton mobilehome, 3bd/2bth, setup Oak Creek Mobilehome Park. Fenced yard, storage building, covered porch, minutes from campus. Shown by appointment. Asking $24500. 979-324-9663.
AggieNetwork.com
Amanda Motley, class of 2004, who is a registered associate with Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, said the movement has not affected the day-to-day operations of businesses in New York. “It’s not taking over the city. It’s contained. The protesters have been quarantined from the businesses so that they can’t harass the employees,” Motley said. “It’s kind of a side show, a distraction, but nothing more, at least not right now.” Andrew Card, acting dean of the Bush School who served as White House chief of staff for George W. Bush, said freedom of speech is also the freedom to listen. “One of my concerns over Occupy Wall Street is that they say ‘I am here because the rich have too much or corporations are terrible.’ I say ‘Okay, well, what do you want?’ and they say ‘We want peace and joy and love,’” Card said. “Tell us what you don’t like and tell us what the answer to the problem is.”
Occupy Continued from page 1
movement. “I definitely agree with it, and I think people here might get involved, but I don’t think it’s really going to make a difference. There are no major banks, and the government has been the same for the last 30 years,” said Zachary Chance, senior political sciences major. “But the more people who support this movement, it makes the impression nationally.” Chance said he wants people to realize that protesting is not the only way to change the government. “People need to realize that they have the ability to vote for who they believe should be in charge, whether on the local, state or national level, and it’s the most important way to commit change,” Chance said.
classifieds see ads at thebatt.com
TO CALL 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Insertion deadline: 1 p.m. prior business day
FOR RENT
I buy vehicles, running or not running. 979-778-1121.
Dan Moore, junior psychology major, said he is frustrated by the lack of prochoice support at A&M. “I’ve heard about what the 40 Days for Life campaign does and I don’t agree with it all; the message they bring and the way they go about it,” Moore said. “It’s basically taking advantage of someone at one of the most difficult times in their lives.” Jennifer Rumpf, president of the Pro-life Aggies, said the organization will continue strongly and successfully with or without opposition. “Whenever they see a woman choose life because of the vigil everyone gets even more driven,” Rumph said.
SPECIAL
40 Days
thebattalion
PRIVATE PARTY WANT ADS
$10 for 20 words running 5 days, if your merchandise is priced $1,000 or less (price must appear in ad). This rate applies only to non-commercial advertisers offering personal possessions for sale. Guaranteed results or you get an additional 5 days at no charge. If item doesn’t sell, advertiser must call before 1 p.m. on the day the ad is scheduled to end to qualify for the 5 additional insertions at no charge. No refunds will be made if your ad is cancelled early.
HELP WANTED Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. aggieresponse@gmail.com Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment. Full-time medical technician for growing allergy practice wanted. 4-year degree and 1-year commitment required. December graduates welcome! We are looking for an intelligent, positive, friendly person to join our team. We teach skills that are an asset for anyone interested in a career in healthcare and can help a candidate get into medical school. E-mail resume to docmgr@yahoo.com Leasing Consultant(s)- Looking for dynamic individuals for multiple Bryan/College Station apartment communities. Full and/or Part time positions available immediately. Weekends required. Candidates who enjoy a fast paced environment, possess strong sales background with customer service skills. e-mail resume to willowickmgr@comcapp.com Med Tech for full-time, medical allergy office. Excellent benefits. Great experience for student applying to medical or nursing school. Degree in Biomedical Science and one year commitment required. Please fax resume to 979-485-0575, apply in person at 3306 Longmire Drive CS, TX, or email resume to susanc@aggieallergist.com Now hiring bike or car delivery. Burger Boy, 4337 Wellborn, in Westgate Shopping Center. Apply in person. Flexible schedule!
Large
Anyway you want it!
8.99
$
carryout only
1741 University Dr.
979-846-3600
1740 Rock Prairie Rd.
979-680-0508
HELP WANTED Office of chiropractic seeking sales professional, please apply at 3733 East 29th Street Bryan, TX. stwstep@aol.com
Part-time job helping handicapped. Male student preferred. $360/mo. 10hrs/wk. 979-846-3376. Seeking help from engineering student to develop patent for flex power truck. Expertise in design, specs, and language. www.electricflexpowersystem.com to see prototype. System designed for commercial vehicles, highway speeds only. Contact Alan at 512-657-8614., adk303@live.com
STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In College Station. 100% Free To Join. Click On Surveys.
COLLEGE STATION: 2/1 4-PLEXES, UP OR DOWNSTAIRS AVAIL, WALKING/BIKING DISTANCE FROM TAMU, ASF 825, ALL APPL, CENTRAL A/H, W/D CONN! $515/mo 979.764.RENT(7368) www.twincityproperties.com
HELP WANTED
PETS
Weekend and holiday work in Houston installing holiday decorations, work is physically demanding. Pay starts at $10/hr, 979-777-2762.
LOST & FOUND Lost Chihuahua. White male, near 2818 and Traditions, Thursday 10-6-11. If found please call 979-229-4669. Reward! No questions asked.
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
Party Block Mobile DJ- Peter Block, professional 22yrs experience. Specializing in Weddings, TAMU functions, lights/smoke. Mobile to anywhere. Book early!! 979-693-6294. http://www.partyblockdj.com
Chinese Emperial ShihTzu Teacups. $350-$500. Expecting Maltipoos. 979-324-2866. linda_d_54@yahoo.com
KITTENS! Adopt a rescued kitten already vaccinated, microchipped & spayed/neutered - just for $29! Ask Amy, 979-574-6509. BCSSpayDay@gmail.com Lost Chihuahua. White male, near 2818 and Traditions, Thursday 10-6-11. If found please call 979-229-4669. Reward! No questions asked.
REAL ESTATE Country living, minutes from Bryan, 1.45 acres, in beautiful subdivision, immaculate 3bd/2ba, 18Wx80, two large decks, large workshop/storage, lots to offer, great for family or college students, $92,500. Call Roy 979-589-2111 or 979-219-1890.
TICKETS I need Ag football tickets! 713-436-6244 (office) or 713-454-9776 (cell).
COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK
the battalion
breckenridge
Classified Advertising
Vail • Beaver Creek • Keystone • Arapahoe Basin
20 Mountains. 5 Resorts. 1 Price.
• Easy • Affordable • Effective
FROM ONLY
BRYAN: 2/1.5 NEWLY RENOVATED MIDTOWN MANOR APTS, AVAILABLE NOW, STARTING AT $535 FOR QUALIFIED PART-TIME STUDENTS, W/D CON, POOL & FREE INTERNET, CABLE & MORE! $535-$575/mo 979.775.2292 www.twincityproperties.com
BRYAN: 4/2 TOWNHOMES, ASF 1600, PET FRIENDLY, ALL APPL, F/P, BALCONY, SOME HAVE FENCED YARDS, 2 LIVING AREAS, QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD! $995-$1075/mo 979.764.RENT(7368) www.twincityproperties.com
plus t/s
WWW.UBSKI.COM
1-800-SKI-WILD • 1-800-754-9453
For information, call 845-0569
BRYAN: BRYAN: THE BROADMOOR APARTMENTS – 1/1 UPSTAIRS w/ STUDY! AVAILABLE NOW, ALL APPL, FULL-SIZE W/D CONN, PETS OK! FREE INTERNET, CABLE, W/S, GAS & GARBAGE! $535/mo 979.764.RENT(7368) www.twincityproperties.com
BRYAN: 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
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-$715/mo 979.764.RENT(7368) www.twincityproperties.com
BRYAN & COLLEGE STATION: 2, 3 & 4 BEDROOM HOUSES, W/D CONN, PETS WELCOME, ALL APPL, SOME HAVE WOOD FLOORING AND A FENCED YARD! $725-$995/mo 979.764. RENT(7368) www.twincityproperties.com
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
Pg. 4-10-26-11.indd 1
10/26/11 12:34 AM
news
page 5 wednesday 10.26.2011
thebattalion
campus
A&M stakeholders discuss undergrad accountability, ‘hands-on’ learning Kevin Smith The Battalion Roughly 70 students, faculty and administrators gathered Tuesday to discuss accountability in A&M’s educational mission. The discussion was the seventh in a series titled “The Commitment to Excellence Dialogues”, created with the intent to bring Vision 2020 into fruition, increasing students’ preparedness for the job world after college. The question raised in this particular dialogue was how to “deepen students commitment to learning” so that Texas A&M can be a top-10 public institution by the year 2020. “We looked closely at students and how to motivate them to really learn,” said Karen Butler-Purry, associate provost of graduate studies and one of the dialogues’ directors. “We have grades, which is a type of measurement but it doesn’t fully measure whether or not students have really learned or achieved the learning outcomes that we would like students to achieve.” Several students expressed strong disdain for aspects of A&M education programs, and contended that, if adjustments were made, A&M could meet the goals set in Vision 2020. “I think most students would agree when I say
that we are OK at passing tests and doing the curricular, but we really start learning material when we participate in hands-on learning formats or cocurricular activities,” said Jelesa Warren, senior management major. Echoing a sentiment repeated in the two-hour discussion, Warren said the disconnect between students’ classroom education and extracurricular education is too large. “Unfortunately, our grades aren’t measured by how well we lead in the organizations we are involved in,” Warren said. One of the problems addressed at the dialogue was students’ lack of motivation to take education reform into their own hands. “It’s important that students care because these are the decision makers holding these dialogues, and to be able to talk with administrators, professors and provosts and ask them to change what’s broken,” said Dilim Nwobu, senior computer engineering major and panelist for Tuesday’s discussion. “These administrators do really care about our education but a lot of times they just don’t know what to do, so they need students to tell them what we want and need. Frankly, students don’t really seem to care.” Butler-Purry said being a public university, Texas A&M needs to be a good steward of state and
federal resources and provide a valuable education for students ”We are going look at how we can find measures, other than grades, that show we have been good stewards.” Butler-Purry said “In essence what we as a faculty are trying to say is that the world is changing and it will be through the fact that you have this deep understanding of things and critical thinking so you will be able to constantly change yourself so that you will be able to stay functional in this ever changing society. So, five years from now when things have a changed in a particular field how can you adapt to that changing information if you don’t have those skills?” Student involvement is critical, Butler-Purry said, because administrators cannot force students to learn. Students must have that desire on their own. “The stuff we learn in class is so outdated, the only thing useful we are learning is how to work hard and not so much the content of our major,” Nwobu said. “Technology is changing very fast and its difficult for education to keep up. Administrators need to find a way to where education is growing with industry. How can they connect what going on in the real world with what they are teaching us in the classroom?”
nation&world Two small planes collide in Plumber launches Oregon congressional bid WILSONVILLE, Ore. — Two small planes collided near an Oregon state park Tuesday, sending one crashing to the ground and spreading debris across a wide area, authorities said. The second airplane managed to make an emergency landing in Champoeg State Park, about 25 miles south of Portland, and the two people inside walked away, police said. Authorities didn’t know how many people were on board the plane that crashed and disintegrated. The planes collided at about 4 p.m. over farm country along the Willamette River. Capt. Ken Summers of the Yamhill County sheriff’s office said one of the planes crashed into trees and exploded on impact. Jack Crabtree, the county sheriff, told The Oregonian that the plane apparently broke up in mid-air. Debris from the demolished plane was scattered around Champoeg State Park, including upholstery and pieces of a wing, Oregon State Police Senior Trooper Douglas Brown told The Associated Press. The Oregonian quoted a resident of the area as saying the impact was so great that he thought it was an earthquake. “The whole house shook, the dishes rattled, and I thought it was the big one,” Robert Nelson told the newspaper. Witnesses said they saw a huge column of black smoke after the impact, KGW-TV reported. The location of the crash indicates the planes weren’t on a commercial or private charter flight pattern, Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Mike Fergus said.
TOLEDO, Ohio — Joe the Plumber is plunging into politics because he thinks it’s about time America had a few mechanics, bricklayers and, yes, plumbers in Congress. Samuel “Joe” Wurzelbacher was thrust into the political spotlight after questioning Barack Obama about his economic policies during the 2008 presidential campaign. He officially launched his campaign for Congress in Ohio on Tuesday night. Wurzelbacher said he’s running as a Republican in Ohio’s 9th U.S. House district, a seat now held by Marcy Kaptur, the longest-serving Democratic woman in the House. Wurzelbacher has become an icon for many anti-establishment conservatives and has traveled the country speaking at tea party rallies and conservative gatherings since becoming a household name. “Americans deserve all kinds of people representing them,” he said. “Not just an elite, ruling class.” He said he’s seeking office because he’s seen too many people forced out of their homes and leave Ohio because of the poor economy. “All I’m asking for is a fair shake,” he said. Wurzelbacher insisted that he’s not trying to capitalize on his fame. “I’ve been Joe the Plumber for three years now,” Wurzelbacher said. “I haven’t made millions of dollars off it.” Republicans who recruited him to run in what is a blue-collar district stretching from Toledo to Cleveland think his fame will help bring in enough money to mount a serious challenge. He set up a website to raise money
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Joe “The Plumber” Wurzelbacher suites up for a press conference to discuss his plans to run for U.S. Congress in Ohio. within the last week. Cuyahoga County Republican Chairman Rob Frost, who had announced he would seek the GOP nomination, dropped out last week, clearing the way for Wurzelbacher. Associated Press
25% off any service limit one per person
Regular Haircut $5.75* Highlights $50* Color $25* *regular price
All services performed by supervised students We accept walk-ins as well as appointments Tuesday-Friday 9:45am-5pm
979-776-4375 1711 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan, TX 77802 www.charlesandsues.com Join us Facebook at www.facebook.com/charlesandsuesschoolofhairdesign
Pg. 5-10.26.11.indd 1
10/26/11 12:31 AM
voices
page 6 wednesday 10.26.2011
thebattalion
Occupy Wall $treet
Jorge Montalvo — THE BATTALION
Joshua Howell: The key to success may be the Tea Party model
O
ccupy Wall Street’s amorphous genesis is strongly similar to that of the Tea Party’s. Indeed, what began with a surplus of inspiration and a dearth of clarity has now coalesced into a movement worthy of political legitimacy.
On the left
Where once its members were decried as immature children, their passionate demonstrations and long-term encampments have forced media and politicians to take note. None should be surprised that President Obama and the Democrats wish for OWS’ left-leaning endorsement. But the fact that Mitt Romney, the pro-business front-runner for the GOP Presidential-nomination, is attempting to co-opt the movement as well should give one pause. Still, there’s a wide gulf between political legitimacy and the sweeping changes OWS seeks. In order to replicate the Tea Party’s political expediency, efficacy and longevity OWS must follow the same path their rightleaning counterpart took before them: first coagulate around some necessarily vague ideal; then fragment on the specifics. No movement worth its salt — whether political, religious, philosophical or artistic — has circumvented this two-step. With the Tea Party and OWS, this dance has particular salience. America, often geographically, culturally and politically divided, cannot stomach sweeping and detailed political mandates. The Tea Party, whose structure is more collage than monolith, is a prime example: its Congressional Caucus boasts 66 members from more than 20 states. Take a closer look, and one realizes the Tea Party’s
Naila Dhanani
libertarian, traditionalist and constitutionalist wings agree on little besides “the debt and deficit are too large!” That vague ideal brings them together, their fragmentation broadens the base. OWS has already begun this process. In their Declaration of the Occupation of New York City they voiced disapproval of the illegal foreclosures of homes, the structure of the bailouts, animal cruelty and the tendency of corporations “to strip employees of the right to negotiate for better pay and safer working conditions.” It is clearly an amalgamation of liberal and politically-moderate policies, but that amalgamation remains incredibly abstract. Take their second complaint: the structure of the banking industry bailouts. Presumably OWS yearns for some form of regulation in recompense, but what kind? Into what can the government justifiably stick its nose? Practically, what can Congress do without making matters worse? These questions — and their answers — will allow OWS to break apart and then (paradoxically) flourish. And with America’s constant campaigning and frequent elections, there’s absolutely no reason it cannot quickly morph into an effective political movement. “So comrades come rally!” Joshua Howell is a junior computer science major and opinion columnist for The Battalion.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Taylor-made opinions
Taylor Wolken: Who are the 99 percent?
T
he Occupy Wall Street movement found a motto — even if it can’t quite define its goals, much less any means of achieving them — “We are the 99 percent.”
From a marketing standpoint it’s fantastic. Using a simple statistic, a group of Americans have implied they speak for almost every American. But who are the 99 percent and how many do they really represent? The latest Associated Press-GfK poll says 37 percent of those surveyed support the protests now springing up across the country, most of those supporters being Democrats. This is in line with a Pew Research Center/ Washington Post poll finding 40 percent of Americans support OWS with 35 percent opposing the protests. Professor Hector Cordero-Guzman of Baruch College analyzed an online poll of 1,619 visitors to OccupyWallStreet.org and found 64 percent were under the age of 35, 26.7 percent are enrolled in school and 70 percent earn less than $50,000 a year. What is OWS protesting? While the movement lacks an official stance, some common themes are an objection to corporate influence, greed, the distribution of wealth and the lack of new jobs in America. While these issues have been debated for years, OWS has turned them into the barriers between America and their utopian ideology.
The Aggie Green Fund
The Aggie Green Fund, a student initiated and studentcontrolled fund, is setting the sustainability
trend right this year. Although bewildering, it has become a conservative value to take a laissez-faire attitude toward the environment. But Texas A&M has, thankfully, chartered a different course. And anyone invested in A&M is indebted to the Aggie Green Fund for its efforts. Sustainability is not a liberal ideal. Instead, it is a commitment to ensure the well being of our environment and its inhabitants. What better way to implement sustainability than a committee run by Aggie students? The advisory board has committed funding to nine projects receiving more than $270,000 in funding. These projects include a student farm that will establish an organic parcel of land for food production, education and research as well as a solar power system to provide supplemental power to the Jack E. Engineering Building. Despite what is obviously a great idea, some students were hesitant about the Green Fund’s creation. “I am a fiscal conservative, and philosophically opposed to any new, unnecessary fee,” said senior renewable resources major, Matt Cope. However, his skepticism led him to serve as chair of the board. “After reviewing the merits and the potential for such a small investment each semester, I decided that the Green Fund was a worthy cause.” “By nature, many ‘green’ projects can seem very unnecessary in the short term. However, when looking at the long-term effects, one can begin to understand the necessity of a sustainable initiative.”
Pg. 6-10.26.11.indd 1
Taylor Wolken Taylor-made opinions
Inside A&M
o r P
At the heart they are protesting the fundamentals of capitalism and politics in America, both popular things to criticize until you start talking solutions. Does OWS have staying power? The complexity of these issues will ultimately be the downfall of OWS. There are no practical or easy solutions for the movement and meaningless catch phrases like living wage and corporate greed can only get you so far. While the goals of movements like the Arab Spring (democracy) and Tea Party (less spending) can be defined and sold rather simply, Occupy Wall Street’s — we want to fundamentally change American capitalism and politics — lacks clarity. The OWS movement is fueling itself with anger but anger flames out quickly. When it does will there be any intellectual foundation to build upon? Not likely. Once the movement pivots from agreeing they don’t like the way things are, to how to solve problems, it will fracture, crumble and return to dust. Taylor Wolken is a senior economics major and opinion editor for The Battalion.
Evan Andrews — THE BATTALION
But Cope is quick to point out that most projects do have an immediate impact. For example, the water bottle filling stations makes clear the choice to fill up a bottle, rather than just throw it away. Although water fountains achieve the same goal, the filling stations allow students to gain a greater insight on environmental issues. If you see a station, you are more likely to fill your bottle up rather than discard it. A $3 fee is a small price to pay to ensure students walk away with a better understanding of the need to decrease resource — including plastic water bottles — consumption. And the fund’s projects are quickly spreading. The MSC will purchase the water bottle filling units in April and will not use the Green Fund’s money. The most effective initiative is TAMU Zimride Rideshare. By coordinating carpools, more cars are taken off the road, leaving less of an environmental impact — less pollution, fewer problems. The projects are neither new nor groundbreaking, but in a University of more than 50,000 students who have more to occupy their time with than to actively seek out ways of increasing sustainability, the Aggie Green Fund makes it easy to do the right thing for the environment. The Aggie Green Fund isn’t composed of a bunch of tree hugging, Whole Foods loving, tie-dye wearing hippies. Instead, it’s composed of a group of students interested in instituting a series of projects to improve the A&M campus and environment and we should support them. “The fund was designed to positively affect students, and the day that it ceases to do so is the day that it is no longer necessary. It is my hope that this will never occur, and that the positive effects of the green fund will be seen for years to come,” Cope said. Naila Dhanani is a junior biological sciences major and opinion columnist for The Battalion.
n o C
We have a very diverse group of organizations on campus. There are religious groups, political groups and special interest groups, all of which make up a melting pot of ideas. When organizations want to push their agenda they ask for donations, host bake sales, have car washes where countless students volunteer their time. The Aggie Green Fund found a better way. As they tell it, “In the spring of 2010, a consortium of student organizations lead (sic) the charge to implement a $3.00 per fall or spring semester fee or a $1.50 summer semester fee” which led to a student referendum passing with 57 percent of the vote. This act of mob rule created The Aggie Green Fund allowing them to bypass time consuming fundraising by taking money directly from the student body, even the 42 percent against it. What have they done with our pilfered funds? A few weeks ago they solved the tragic problem of students having to hold their containers while refilling them at water fountains. How you ask? Well they added a little platform and a secondary spigot so you can set your bottle down while filling it up. This came at a tiny cost of $17,355. Do the math and you realize that with about 50,000 students the Aggie Green Fund receives around $150,000 dollars to blow each semester. There’s plenty more cash to burn. The Aggie E-Corps is classic cronyism. Rather than donating the time like an organization would, they’ve allocated $28,330 to create 24 paid positions for students to go around campus and spread the good news on recycling, sustainable energy and lowering your carbon footprint.
It makes me feel bad for Greek Life, Concealed Carry and the Mormon’s I see working each day without the help of student fees. Then we have our own student organic farm. We could never produce near as much food if we went organic but it makes people FEEL healthier and FEEL like they are saving the environment. At least we get something out of it. It provides some food and is used for research and educational purposes all at the pretty price of $50,000. And how could we forget the dream machine! It is a giant electronic recycle bin which gives rewards on a card that are redeemable for something. It also happens to be a fantastic marketing tool for Pepsi. It’s always full and more expensive than regular containers for recycled bottles but hey, it’s shiny and makes you FEEL good. The next project is installing a 3.2 kilowatt solar panel system to help power the Jack E. Brown Engineering Building. If this project were actually effective it wouldn’t need to be funded through a Robin Hood program like the Aggie Green Fund and these panels would be popping up on buildings across the country. That’s not happening because it’s cost prohibitive and a FEEL good idea rather than a practical one. How much does that feeling cost — $14,543.22. This is just a few examples of what happens student fees are introduced via mob rule. A&M has no business funding special interests and cherry picking causes better left to student organizations. The Aggie Green Fund should raise their own funds for their pet projects. My student fees should not be used to push a special interest agenda. I want my Aggie Green Refund. Taylor Wolken is a senior economics major and opinion editor for The Battalion.
10/26/11 12:51 AM
voices
page 7 wednesday 10.26.2011
thebattalion
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 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
MAILCALL From Michael Alvard, associate professor of anthropology This letter is in regard to the Oct. 25 front page puff piece on Andrew Card, Dean of the Bush School. Dean Card is a marketing shyster. As Chief of Staff for George W. Bush, Card set up the White House Iraq Group, the marketing arm of the White House whose purpose was to sell the 2003 criminal invasion of Iraq to the public. In 2002, when asked why the administration waited until after Labor Day to try to sell the American people on military action against Iraq, Card responded, “from a marketing point of view, you don’t introduce new products in August.” So much for public service. In July 2011, Dean Card was appointed to the Board of Directors of Lorillard Tobacco Company, the third largest manufacturer of cigarettes in the USA. Newport, Lorillard’s flagship mentholflavored cigarette brand, is the top selling menthol and second largest selling cigarette in the USA. Dean Card now markets death to poor African American children (Henriksen et al. 2011 Targeted Advertising, Promotion, and Price For Menthol Cigarettes in California High School Neighborhoods. Oxford Journals, Nicotine and Tobacco Research). So much for public service. Thanks for nothing Dean Card.
From Victor Willson, head and professor, department of educational psychology Regarding Mr. Wolken’s Oct. 19 column, “Putting the aTm in A&M,” about faculty buyouts: my department’s state budget was cut 10 percent, two faculty retired under the plan, and the department is without those faculty lines. Any hires come from new retirements or resignations by faculty now on payroll. What part of that does Mr. Wolken not understand? Perhaps more time in the classroom to understand basic economics would be useful to him.
NEW STUDENT HOUSING OPENING FALL 2012
F U L LY F U R N I S H E D W I T H
LEATHER-STYLE SECTIONAL SOFAS
2-story townhomes • resort-style amenities • leather-style sectional sofas • huge walk-in closets • washer & dryer full kitchens with stainless steel appliances & quartz stone countertops • hardwood-style floors • pet friendly
SCAN & LIKE
A P P LY O N L I N E T O D AY @ U C L U B T O W N H O M E S . C O M 979.703.1923 • 801 Marion Pugh Drive amenities & renderings subject to change.
Pg. 7-10.26.11.indd 1
10/26/11 12:47 AM