A rivalry’s legacy The Battalion wants to know what the A&MUT rivalry means to its readers. Send your favorite memory from a game against the Longhorns to mailcall@thebatt. com or tweet @TheBattOnline and you might read your experience in Wednesday’s newspaper.
thebattalion ● tuesday,
november 22, 2011
● serving
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coming wednesday
UT comes to town The last A&M-UT football game until at least 2018 is Thursday. Pick up a copy of The Battalion on Wednesday to read what the rivalry means to students at both universities.
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Fade to black
One and two, three, four, five, six, seven and eight. Fade To Black, a Texas A&M student dance organization, performed on Friday in their “NYC: The Concrete Jungle” show. Catch dance and interview video clips of the New York City themed production at thebatt.com.
Photos by Josh McKenna — THE BATTALION
Student Bonfire workers put the finishing touches on stack Sunday evening at the off-campus location near Hearne.
Burning desire Students continue Bonfire legacy with off-campus cut, stack Drought halts burn Tuesday’s scheduled Student Bonfire burn was postponed due to a local burn ban in the wake of severe Texas droughts. The organization plans to burn the stack when the ban is lifted.
Luz Moreno The Battalion
B
onfire was among Texas A&M’s oldest and most recognizable traditions. It was a symbol of the Aggie Spirit and every Aggie’s burning desire to “Beat the hell outta t.u.” Bonfire no longer burns on campus, but Student Bonfire has maintained the tradition for the student body since 2002. “There’s so much passion, power, momentum and personal courage by putting themselves out there,” said Dion McInnis, Class of 2003 and
member of the Student Bonfire board of directors. “You can’t hit the brake on that.” Since Bonfire’s 1999 collapse, Texas A&M has neither recognized the tradition nor sanctioned the event on See Bonfire on page 7
Walton crew members rest during the final day of stack on Sunday.
research
Ancient bone weapon sheds light on human origins Artifact believed to be at least 13,000 years old Jessica Orwig
COURTESY PHOTO
A&M students take part in an archeological dig during the summer.
The Battalion Recent reexamination of a Manis site — excavated bones of a mastodon — in Washington State has sparked reevaluation of when the first humans inhabited the Americas. Using
current technology, researchers were able to put the site’s controversial age ambiguity, which has been contested since the late 1970s, to rest. Michael Waters, anthropology and geography professor and lead author of the paper that appeared in the academic journal Science on Oct. 21, dated the site and its “key artifact” — a bone projectile weapon — to approximately 13,800 years of age. Past research led scientists to
believe that the first inhabitants of the Americas, known as the Clovis people, existed around 13,000 to 12,800 years ago. Not only does this weapon’s age suggest that humans were present in North America nearly 800 years earlier than the Clovis, but it also indicates these early Americans hunted with bone fashioned points. This differs from traditional stone weapons found in Clovis sites throughout the continent.
“The reason I wanted to reinvestigate was because it was always one of those sites that looked like it had really great potential for being an early site and giving us useful information about the first Americans,” said Waters, who is director of the University’s Center for the Study of First Americans. “This is the first time we’ve seen bone weapons this early on in America.” See Bone on page 8
bryan-college station
campus
Capitalism broken, instructor says
Feed the Spirit to offer Aggie community Thanksgiving feast Emily Davis The Battalion
Barrett House The Battalion In a time of economic woes and Wall Street protests, many solutions have been proposed to fix the bleak conditions, both in the U.S. and around the globe. One speaker visited A&M with the theory of distributism, a response to capitalism and socialism. John Médaille, author of “The Vocation of Business: Social Justice in the Marketplace” and assistant instructor of theology at the University of Dallas, presented the theory Friday in Rudder Tower. “[The] key principle of distributism is that ownership should be as widespread as possible, rather than being concentrated in the hands of a few owners or in the hands of state bureaucrats,” Médaille said. Médaille advocated distributive justice,
Pg. 1-11.22.11.indd 1
David Godinez — THE BATTALION
John Médaille presents the theory of distributism and current economic times on Friday at Rudder. the instrument of distributism. He said without this principle, consequences inevitably lead to the U.S.’ current situation. “In the absence of distributive justice, it is not productivity, but power that gets See Distributism on page 4
Texas A&M Traditions Council cooked up a tradition for Aggie students and families this year: Feed the Spirit, an on-campus Thanksgiving dinner. Jessica Junek, director of Feed the Spirit, said Thanksgiving is the opportune time for Aggies to gather before A&M’s rivalry with the Longhorns and to remember the Bonfire collapse of 1999. “It’s a way for us to celebrate being a part of the Aggie family and a part of the Aggie community that supports each other,” Junek said. “This is an important time for us to come together, to remember the spirit that brought us together in ‘99.” Former A&M head football coach R.C. Slocum and members
of the 1999 Texas A&M football team will be in attendance, along with country music singer Aaron Watson. The proceeds from the event are going to Bonfire Memorial to raise money for a visual representation of Bonfire. “It’s important to continue spreading the tradition of Bonfire because it’s so influential and to remember those 12 Aggies who died,” Junek said. “They were a part of our family and they are Aggies still today.” This will be the first year Traditions Council has put on Feed the Spirit. Taryn Tipton, chair of Traditions Council, said that she hopes Feed the Spirit will become a yearly tradition. “I foresee it continuing,” Tipton said. “We’ll have to see how it develops and changes over the years.”
Ticket required Feed the Spirit is scheduled for Wednesday at 5 p.m. on Simpson Drill Field. Tickets for the event are available for $15 and can be purchased in person or by phone at the MSC Box Office or online at boxoffice.tamu. edu. For more information, visit feedthespirit. tamu.edu.
11/22/11 1:00 AM
Today T-storms likely High: 78 Low: 48
thebattalion 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 ofďŹ ces are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3313; Fax: 979-845-2647; E-mail: metro@thebatt.com; website: http://www. thebatt.com. 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 classiďŹ ed advertising, call 979-845-0569. Advertising ofďŹ ces are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and ofďŹ ce 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.
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nation
Super committee debt talks fail
Regarding a Nov. 16 article that appeared on page 1 (“Yell leader WASHINGTON — Conaids arrestâ€?), freshman gress’ supercommittee concedcivil engineering ed ignominious defeat Monday major David Kerr also in its quest to conquer a govresponded when he ernment debt that stands at a staggering $15 trillion, unable saw ofďŹ cers chasing a to overcome deep and endurwww.villagefoods .com eeing suspect near the ing political divisions over taxWe make it easy to eat... band ďŹ eld and pursued es and spending. the suspect until he Stock prices plummeted at surrendered in a nearby home and across debt-scarred parking lot. Europe as the panel ended its brief, secretive existence withThe Battalion welcomes out an agreement. Republicans readers’ comments and Democrats alike pointed about published fingers of blame, maneuverinformation that may ing for political advantage in advance of 2012 elections less require clariďŹ cation than a year away. or correction. We will The impasse underscored pursue your concern grave doubts about Washingto determine whether ton’s political will to make a correction needs to toughwww. decisions and left a cloud villagefoods .com be published. Please of uncertainty over the U.S. Weus make it easy to... contact at editor@ economy at the same time that thebatt.com. Greece, Italy, Spain and other European countries are reeling from a spreading debt crisis and recession worries. President Barack Obama If you are interested in –criticized by Republicans for keeping the committee at writing or contributing arm’s length – said refusal by content in The Battalion the GOP to raise taxes on the apply online at thebatt. wealthy as part of a deal that com, or call 845-3313.
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ASSOCIATED PRESS
President Barack Obama reacts after the congressional debt supercommittee failed to reach an agreement on debt reduction on Monday. also cut social programs was the main stumbling block. “They simply will not budge from that negotiating position,� he said. Based on accounts provided by officials familiar with the talks, it appeared that weeks of private negotiations did nothing to alter a fundamental divide between the two political parties. Before and during the talks, Democrats said they would agree to significant savings from benefit programs
like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security only if Republicans would agree to a hefty dose of higher taxes, including cancellation of Bush-era cuts at upper-income brackets. In contrast, The GOP side said spending, not revenue, was the cause of the government’s chronic budget deficits, and insisted that the tax cuts approved in the previous decade all be made permanent. Associated Press
11/21/11 11:31 PM
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page 3
thebattalion
tuesday, november 22, 2011
Top video game shooters of 2011 go head to head
junior anthropology major
Matt Bizzell: Call of Duty, polished and reloaded
John Tee: Battlefield 3’s scale impresses
junior English major
T
he highly anticipated release of Modern Warfare 3 brought crowds to the midnight release and legions to the leaderboards soon after.The fact of the matter is, the franchise is among the ruling caste of video games. It’s here to stay and I think we’re ok with that.
F
all season has always been known as the time of year when the biggest blockbuster titles hit the market. Electronic Arts took advantage of the time to release a game that definitely gives Modern Warfare 3 a run for its money.
Story: Modern Warfare 3 picks up almost Record breaker exactly where it left off. The first level has Within 24 hours, Modern Warfare the player fighting back the tide of Russian 3 generated over $400 million shock troops in New York. In short, the in sales, making it the largest campaign is still very much action packed. entertainment launch of all time. Despite the intensity, the campaign ran kind of on the short side, maybe eight or nine hours. Usually, this wouldn’t be an issue but the game tends to switch up the player characters, making time spent as each individual average only about an hour. The pace of the story is practically frantic, pitting players against the world at every twist and turn. I can promise you explosions, gunfire and more explosions. Gameplay: There’s not too much to say about the gameplay for the campaign, point and shoot at the baddies and watch them fall over dead. The only innovation occurs in the realm of multiplayer, where players are now allowed to level up their weapons in addition to the usual scheme. This brings a whole new level to the multiplayer gameplay, encouraging players to carve out their own domain with their favorite weapon outfitted with unlockable attachments and camouflages. Small additions aside, multiplayer is still the same game that it has always been and plays much like an additional map pack. The new maps in question seem a bit smaller in scale and cause the action in game types like Team Deathmatch to speed up. The Special Ops gameplay options returns, featuring dozens of “mini-missions” that can be played solo or with a friend. This Modern Warfare also introduces a survival mode, in which players fight increasingly more difficult waves of enemies. Graphics: They’re the same. Really. I wouldn’t be surprised if the developers slapped a new coat of paint on Black Ops and called it a day. Verdict: While not much has changed, Modern Warfare 3 has been able to once again, proven itself worthy of the A-list games it competes against. So while it’s true that the franchise may be tending towards the formulaic, the experience it provides is still very much one hell of a time.
Story: Unlike Battlefield: Bad Company 2, the Staking its developers decided to give Battlefield 3 a legitimate single-player campaign. That being said, the storyline claim could have used a lot more originality. Battlefield 3 shipped 10 The game casts you as Marine Staff Sergeant million copies during its Henry Blackburn. Without spoiling too much, Battle- first week of release, field 3’s plot revolves around a terrorist plot to making it developer set off nuclear devices in New York Electronic Art’s fastest and Paris through a series of flashbacks via interrogation. The story climaxes in selling game. the present day. Anyone who played Call of Duty: Black Ops will recognize this plot device. During those flashbacks, characters die and you get from Point A to Point B by shooting lots of bad guys. Gameplay: The single-player seems generic because Battlefield 3 is all about the multi-player. Compared to any Call of Duty games, the first thing players will notice is scale of the battlefields. These are not the squad-based shootouts players have grown familiar with, this is war on a full scale. Some maps are so big that it is advisable for players to make use of vehicles. The jet gameplay makes for an interesting change of pace as you have to work for those extra kills rather than having a computer-controlled jet do it for you. The focus of gameplay is also about teamwork rather than individual performance. For example, you can literally score points by helping teammates by doing things like providing suppressing fire. This large scale and teamwork sets Battlefield 3 apart from the Call of Duty games. Graphics: It would not be much of a stretch to say that Battlefield 3 has some of the most photorealistic graphics of any game on the market. The lighting effects are absolutely gorgeous and the best part is that the framerate runs smoothly, even during those massive multiplayer battles. Verdict: Battlefield 3 is a worthy contender to Call of Duty this season. Despite the glitches and server crashes, it has a lot of potential and it is definitely worth picking up for those who tire of Call of Duty’s formulaic gameplay year after year.
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thebattalion
Distributism Continued from page 1
rewarded,â€? MĂŠdaille said. “When the worker gets less than what his productivity demands, capital concentrates at the top. The result is an increasing concentration of capital and less stable markets.â€? Distributism attempts to restore distributive justice in economic science, MĂŠdaille said, and examples of successful business both abroad and in the U.S. prove its feasibility. MĂŠdaille added that a company called Springfield Manufacturing Corporation, an employee-owned company, is evidence that distributism can work. “Its president set out to create a corporate culture of employee ownership and involvement,â€? MĂŠdaille said. “The president was seeking not just growing his company, but growing his employees as well.â€? MĂŠdaille said that since distributism was originally created as a response to capitalism, it is better suited for a democratic economy. “Distributive justice is not an unobtainable idea, rather a principle embodied in existing and successful business practices, practices which we need to examine and to incorporate in our economic models, particularly in this time of our uncertainty,â€? MĂŠdaille said. “The historical and empirical truth is this: distributism goes from success to success, while
The Big Event is ranked No. 14 in the Pepsi Refresh Project’s $25,000 grant contest.
capitalism goes from bailout to bailout.â€? Paul Adamski, junior philosophy major and one of the organizers of Occupy Bryan-College Station, said that while the theory offers some good ideas, it may be too radical for the Occupy movement to embrace. “I am particular to distributism, but insofar as it is a radical change from the status quo as an anti-capitalist alternative, I unfortunately don’t see it being a fit with the more moderate Occupy movement in the immediate future,â€? Adamski said. However, Adamski said that distributism could be a successful alternative to current economic practices. “Distributism possesses some attractive features to people who are either conservative — it was originally a Catholic ideology — or progressive; it is in some ways similar to conceptual socialism,â€? Adamski said. “It also gives us an alternative to capitalism which seems bound up in corrupt interactions between government and corporations, as well as the systemic problem of joblessness and unfair wealth inequality.â€? MĂŠdaille said that some sort of change must occur in order to avoid economic collapse. “If you wish for equilibrium, you must work for equity,â€? MĂŠdaille said. “Equilibrium is economic peace, and equity is economic justice, and you will never see the one without the other.â€?
TUESDAY
COURTESY PHOTO
bryan-college station The Big Event competes in Pepsi Project Pepsi Co. is giving away more than $20 million in grant money to fund “amazing ideas that refresh the world.â€? The Refresh Project competition has ďŹ ve grant levels, from $5,000-$250,000. The “refreshingâ€? idea or community project that receives the most votes in its grant level wins the allotted award money. Students can vote once per day via text message by
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EDITOR’SNOTE The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants in this paper do not necessarily reect those of Texas A&M University, The Battalion or its staff.
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
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thebattalion 11.22.2011 page05
Taylor-made opinions
Taylor Wolken: Regent Jim Schwertner’s honest about not telling the truth
Tim Issac — THE BATTALION
R
egent Jim Schwertner reopened a can of worms earlier this month when he gaffed responding to a question regarding the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Seven Solutions for higher education. “We’re not calling it that anymore, it’s too polarizing,� he said.
The Seven Solutions, by any other name, still stink. For those unfamiliar with the solutions, they were a set of well-intended but maligned reforms to improve higher education. One solution featured teacher rewards similar to the recently-canceled Student Led Awards for Teaching Excellence program, which gave bonuses on a metric that overvalued student evaluations. Student evaluations are inherently vague, as it is impossible to know whether a good evaluation means the professor and class were good, fun, easy or any number of possibilities. Another solution featured a system to rate teacher efficiency, which favored larger classes in a way that a calculus professor with 40 students would invariably be considered inferior to a history professor with 200.
These ideas seemed to have been dismissed during the summer when they met with overwhelming opposition. Richard Box, chairman of the Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University System, even called them a “distraction from an important conversation.� Schwertner’s gaff implies the solutions are still very real and very much a part of the plan. One might think Schwertner just misspoke; unfortunately, he already has a dubious history regarding the Seven Solutions. In an Aug. 25, 2010, email obtained by The Battalion, Schwertner told J.D. Sandefer, political mover and shaker and father of the Seven Solution’s creator Jeff Sandefer, “Just tell Jeff to saddle up. We are doing a lot more than the staff knows about.�
Schwertner goes beyond being low-key or ing place in a dimly-lit back room where even secretive and into the realm of intencigar-smoking, scotch-drinking big wigs tional deceit. secretly decide the future of A&M. In an email dating to Dec. 29 from Jeff Even more disconcerting is this appears Sandefer to Schwertner and his father, to be business as usual among regents. J.D. Sandefer said: Sandefer promised to invite Regent Phil “We’re going to have two of the brightAdams to the back room meeting. An email est minds in higher education in Austin sent on Jan. 3 confirms he did. In it, Kelli January 13th for a private lunch. Several Gallagher from Phil Adams Co., invited UT regents or soon to be Regents Chairman Box to the meeting. are going to be attending, and It’s unclear if any attended this “Just tell Jeff to I’d like to have any interested meeting, but it certainly appears saddle up. We A&M regents there as well.� Schwertner and the Board are doing more It’s not uncommon for a of Regents have no love for than the staff regent to be lobbied, but it is transparency. Aggies, both interesting that Sandefer has students and faculty, deserve knows about.� no qualms telling Schwertner to know what is going on at Jim Schwertner he is meeting with soon-toA&M and the opportunity to be UT regents. Regents whose have a say. We have no place for names would not be released to the those who would hide the truth, saying public for another month. But, that’s still one thing while doing another. After all, an not the best part. Aggie does not lie, cheat, steal or tolerate Jeff Sandefer also informs Schwertner those who do. that, “My understanding is that since this is an educational meeting only, that the open Taylor Wolken is a senior economics major and meetings’ rules won’t apply.� opinion editor of The Battalion. One can easily imagine this meeting tak-
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Pg. 5-11.22.11.indd 1
11/21/11 8:28 PM
classifieds
thebattalion 11.22.2011 page6 PLACE
AN AD Phone 845-0569 or Fax 845-2678 The Grove, Bldg. #8901 Texas A&M University
AUTO
WHEN
TO CALL 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Insertion deadline: 1 p.m. prior business day
FOR RENT
I buy vehicles, running or not running. 979-778-1121. New/Pre-Owned Autos, VM, Mazda, Hyundai, BMW, All makes & models, Call David 979-571-0177.
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
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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. $400 off first month’s rent if lease is signed before 12/5! 2/1 within walking distance to campus, washer, dryer, refridgerator, new laminate wood flooring. 2 downstairs units available, both have been remodeled. $650 with water paid or $865 with all bills paid including TV/Internet. Contact Sherry Perry, Broker/Realtor at 979-229-7254 or email sherry@iclickhomes.com 1 acre, 5min. to campus, fenced yard, pasture. 4bd/2ba. W/D. $1250/mo. Owner/realtor, 979-219-0405. 1 roommate needed, 2bd/1ba apt. Free water, on shuttle, kitchen furnished, $313/mo. plus bills. On Southwest Parkway. Call Eric 806-570-0375 or Diego 956-243-2924 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. 2 blocks from campus. Renovated 4bd/4ba, 2 living areas, fridge, W/D. Can rent furnished or not. $1600/mo. 817-875-0570 2 roomates needed. $400/mo. W/D, 3bd/1.5ba, 903-445-7493. 2 roommates needed for 4/4 Waterwood Townhouse. $450/mo. plus bills. Common areas furnished. Contact nickverzosa2@gmail.com for more information or http://collegestation.craigslist.org/ roo/2680283519.html 2bd/1.5 ba with large closets, large fenced backyard, fireplace. 2404 B Long Dr. $575/mo. 979-777-9933. 2bd/1ba apartment, 800sq.ft. New appliances, carpeting and tile. W/D. Bus route. $600/mo. +$300 deposit. 210-391-4106. 2bd/2ba duplex. With large walk-in closets, large fenced backyard. Great location and shuttle. University Oaks. $700/mo. 979-693-1448. 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 or 4-bdrm, 2.5bath Mediterranean style duplexes w/garage, security system, all appliances including W/D. 979-297-3720 or 979-292-6168. 3/2 plus game room totally updated, fenced, pets ok, close to campus. $1050/mo. 979-776-8984.
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 Country rental. Wellborn area. 3bd/2ba. Horse friendly w/fee. Large covered porch, W/D connections. $999/mo. Call Michelle 979-255-5763. CS nice 4/2/2 vents W/D partially furnished, water paid, 6 mo. lease, available January, $1350. 817-559-2932. Duplex for sub-lease, 2bd/2ba on Tabor Road right off Hwy.6. $725/mo. Lease ends 07/15/2012. Call Michael, 832-451-7844. Free ethernet and extended cable. Great prices. aggieapartments.com 979-693-1906. FREE IPAD/FIRST MONTH FREE. Spacious 2bd/1ba. Close to campus, on shuttle route. Large kitchen with full appliances. W/D connections. Front and back patios. Ceiling fans. HILLSTONE on the PARKWAY, 528 Southwest Parkway. 979-693-6102. Open 8:30-5:30 Monday-Friday Furnished Woodlands sublease. 1-bedroom of the 2bd/2.5ba touwnhouse. Spring Semester. W/D, cable, internet. $630. 713-249-3271. Great Deal! 2bd/2ba. Close to campus. New carpet, W/D connection, fridge, fans. Ready to move in December 1st. Pets are Welcome. Only $695.00/monthly! 979-412-1212 or fadi@kalcorp.com Great Deal! 4bd/2ba. Close to campus. Wood floors, W/D connection, fridge, fans. Ready to move in January 1st. Pets are Welcome. Only $795.00/monthly! 979-412-1212 or fadi@kalcorp.com
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FOR RENT Pre-lease now for Jan 15th move in/ fenced backyard/ free cable & internet/ yard care & pest control Hervey Oney, LLC Call for tour 979-693-2434; 1 bed duplex $450.00 month; 2 bed duplex $575.00 month. SUB LEASE 675.00 UNTIL JULY 31, 2012. Townhome 2/BR, 1.5/Bath on shuttle, washer/dryer connections in the unit, abundant storage, spacious floor plan(1200sq ft), privacy fence around patio, 2 designated parking spaces in the rear. Contact by email for more information glendak.davis@yahoo.com. 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 2bd/1.5ba Condo, adjacent to Wolf Pen park, on bus route, FSBO $80,500, call 940-337-6337 or 940-692-7078. GE dorm refrigerator/freezer. Great condition, 32x20x21.5, $75. Call 979-693-1291
HELP WANTED ARE YOU READY FOR BASKETBALL? NEED EXTRA CASH? We need officials for our Youth Basketball League. Pay ranges from $9.00 to $11.00/game. Games last about one hour. Training begins 01/14/2012. Email dhudspeth@cstx.gov call 764-3424
HELP WANTED Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment.
COACHES WANTED! We need enthusiastic, positive, motivational volunteer coaches for YOUTH BASKETBALL. Season begins early 01/2012! Email dhudspeth@cstx.gov call 764-3424.
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 needed, individual needs to be energetic, customer oriented, have a professional appearance and able to work weekends, base pay plus commission, PT available, apply in person at 950 Colgate, CS , The Trails at Wolf Pen Creek.
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
COLLEGE STATION: 3 BED/2 BA WITH STUDY HOMES, NEAR TAMU BUS ROUTE, ALL APPL, WOOD FLOORING, NEWLY REMODELED, FENCED YARD, PETS OK! $795/mo 979.764.RENT(7368) www.twincityproperties.com
BRYAN: AVAILABLE NOW, OVER 3,300 sq.ft. - 8 BEDROOM OR 4 SUITES, Each 800 sq.ft. Suite Includes a Master Bedroom, A Study with Extra Closet, and a Full-Size Bath ALL BILLS PAID*, PETS OK, CALL FOR DETAILS 979.764.RENT(7368) www.twincityproperties.com
Northgate. New 2/2 and 3/2 house. Walk to campus. aggievillas.net Call 979-255-5648.
OPEN THANKSGIVING DAY! from 11am-9am
1741 University Dr. location only 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
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979-846-3600
NINFA’S MEXICAN RESTURANT COLLEGE STATION. Now accepting applications for Wait/Servers and Hostess Staff. Will train. Flexible schedules available. Good communicators and strong customer service skills preferred. Apply in person Mon-Fri 11am-4pm at 1007 Earl Rudder Freeway South, College Station.
Now hiring field representatives for political campaign. Earn money for Christmas Break. Apply to amy.rister@bob-yancy.com
STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In College Station. 100% Free To Join. Click On Surveys. Tutors wanted for all subjects currently taught at TAMU/ Blinn and Sam Houston State starting at $8.25/hour. Apply on-line @ www.99Tutors.com, 979-268-8867.
Wanted: Energetic people for Kids Klub After-School Program. Employment begins Spring Semester, 1/4/12. Applications accepted at 1812 Welsh, Mon.-Fri., 8am-4pm. Kids Klub, 979-764-3831. www.cstx.gov/kidsklub
MOTORCYCLE Harley Sportster. Fully Customized front to back, custom paint, low mileage, perfect condition! A real looker! 979-778-2855.
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
PETS Chinese Emperial ShihTzu Teacups. $350-$500. Expecting Maltipoos. 979-324-2866. linda_d_54@yahoo.com
ROOMMATES Roommates needed. 4bd/4bth $350/mo, washer/dryer, phone & internet, University Place on Southwest Parkway. 281-844-2090.
SERVICES Make your wife happy for the Holidays, get your house painted or carpentry work! Paint-Rite. 979-778-2855. Traditions Limos, Hummer Limos service, Ag discount, 979-587-1727, traditionslimos.com
TICKETS I need Ag football tickets! 713-436-6244 (office) or 713-454-9776 (cell). Need one non-student ticket for UT game next Thursday! 512-422-7421.
COLLEGE STATION: 2/1 DOWNSTAIRS UNITS AVAIL, WALKING/ BIKING DISTANCE FROM TAMU, ASF 825, ALL APPL, CENTRAL A/H, WOOD FLOORING, W/D CONN! $515/mo 979.764.RENT(7368) www.twincityproperties.com
Need a Tutor? Friendly, helpful one-on-one private tutors for all subjects at TAMU/Blinn and Sam Houston State. Check us out at www.99tutors.com, 979-268-8867.
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: 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
STUDIES IN PROGRESS ATHLETES FOOT STUDY
BRYAN: 3 BEDROOM HOMES, W/D CONN, WALK-IN CLOSETS, PETS WELCOME, ALL APPL, WOOD FLOORING, FENCED YARD, PETS OK! $775-$895/ mo 979.764.RENT(7368) www.twincityproperties.com
http://sites.google.com/site/aaarentalcs/ Duplex for rent, 2/1, no deposit. $599/mo. 979-450-0098. Nice 2/1 duplex, fenced yard, tile floors, W/D connections, lawn care, available December, $650/mo. 979-324-5835.
MUSIC
TUTORS
Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. aggieresponse@gmail.com BMI Defense Systems, Soft Goods Assemblers - Soft Goods Division. Now hiring for the remainder of fall as well as the spring semester. Local manufacturing company has immediate multiple openings for assemblers in our Soft Goods Division. These are part-time positions working 4:45pm to 9:00pm Monday-Friday. Motivated, energetic individuals will be required to perform general production type tasks which include positioning parts and materials for processing, and assembling heavy duty textiles in a high energy environment. Textile knowledge a plus. Requires good hand-eye coordination, extended sitting, standing, lifting, pushing and pulling of 20-40pounds, as well as the ability to follow written and verbal work instructions. Requires a HS Diploma or GED. Starting pay is $10 per hour. Pre-employment background checks and drug testing required. Job Referencs: 11-004. Send resumes to employment@bmidefense.com EEO/Affirmative Action Employer.
HELP WANTED
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
puzzle answers can be found online at www.thebatt.com
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:
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psst... 2011 Aggieland yearbooks are here. IF YOU did not order the 2011 Texas A&M University yearbook (the 2010-2011 school year), a limited number are available at the Student Media office, Bldg. #8901 in The Grove (between Albritton Bell Tower and Cain Hall). Hours: 8:30 A.M.–4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday. $85 plus tax. Cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted. IF YOU pre-ordered a 2011 Aggieland, it has been mailed to your billing address.
Pg. 6-11-22-11.indd 1
11/21/11 1:46:48 PM
news
page 7 tuesday 11.22.2011
thebattalion
1911
2011
OPEN 7 Days A Week
2553 Texas Ave S. Student Bonfire workers add a “t.u. frathouse� to the peak of the bonfire’s center pole on Monday with the assistance of a crane. Jay Kapadia — THE BATTALION
Bonfire Continued from page 1
campus. In 2002, a group of students brought the tradition back, making and burning a trash pile off campus, which did not require University approval. The effort formally assumed the name Student Bonfire in 2003. “It’s amazing how the trash pile in ’02 mirrors the beginning of Bonfire,� McInnis said, referring to Bonfire’s 1909 roots, when a group of students burned a trash pile following an A&M football victory. Since the beginning, Bonfire endured many changes and challenges, from progressive modifications in structure to its collapse in 1999. Student Bonfire now faces A&M’s move to the Southeastern Conference and break from arch-rival Texas, which announced that the AggieLonghorn game on Thursday will be the last until at least 2018, postponing the 117-year-old rivalry with no guarantee of a future. As A&M makes its way to the Southeastern Conference, some have questioned the future of traditions including bonfire and “The Aggie War Hymn,� which are tied to the burnt orange. But the Student Bonfire members aren’t uniformly bitter about the switch. “I think the move to the SEC is a better move for Texas A&M as a whole,� said senior forestry science major Travis Springer and one of four red pots in Student Bonfire responsible for organizing the effort. “Although I am sad to see decades of local rivalries go away, I see the upside of doing it.� Many of the students active in Student Bonfire were confident their tradition will endure the test of this new chapter in Aggie history. “I believe [bonfire] can last because it is something for students to get involved in,� said construction science major Casey Purvis, head senior red pot. “It’s not just about t.u — it’s about bringing the crew together, building camaraderie and the Aggie Spirit and keeping
WE’VE GOT YOUR NUMBER
2011-2012 Texas A&M University Campus Directory Listings of departments, administrators, faculty, staff, students, and other information about A&M, plus yellow pages.
D
EPARTMENTS: If you ordered Campus Directories and requested delivery, delivery will be made within a few days. If you did not order Campus Directories, you may charge and pick them up in Bldg. #8901 in The Grove (between Albritton Bell Tower and Cain Hall). Cost is $3 per copy. Please bring a Student Media Work Order. Hours: 8:30 A.M.–4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday. Call 845-2646 for info.
Pg. 7-11.22.11.indd 1
it going.â€? Purvis expects bonfire to burn every year, whether or not the Aggies play the Longhorns. Although the Thanksgiving deadline will become arbitrary in 2012, bonfire leaders said it is unlikely that stack will burn any sooner in coming years, due to the time required for the project. Burn was scheduled for Tuesday evening, but because of the severe Texas drought and a resulting burn ban, stack will stand unlit for an undetermined length of time. A burn ban postponed the 2010 burn to January 2011. “In a weird way it’s ‌ easier because we will just go out and do it,â€? McInnis said. “Students will continue to build it and will overcome any doubts.â€? One of the prominent challenges Student Bonfire expects to face is deciding whether to replace the orange outhouse — a “t.u. frathouseâ€? — at the top of the stack, and whether to change the “Beat the hell outta t.u.â€? yell. “There aren’t many changes happening,â€? said Tyler Schardt, sophomore aerospace engineering major and Walton crew member. “It won’t even be for a different team. It will still be ‘Beat the hell outta t.u.’ You can’t kill a 120-yearold tradition.â€? Many students and bonfire participants said the rivalry with Texas does not define bonfire. The underlying tradition behind Bonfire — absent rivalry connections — was the undying flame of love that every loyal student carries in their heart for the school. Student Bonfire continues in this spirit. “I wake up thinking about it,â€? Purvis said. “Bonfire is something that can’t be explained to anybody. It’s just the feeling you get from doing it.â€? According to legend, when Aggies started Bonfire in 1909 local residents complained of cadets sweeping the town, taking swings and dismantling lawn furniture to burn. One account even has cadets tearing apart a local barn for fuel. Bonfire grew over the years with the student body, matching the University’s military roots, and eventually became an
on-campus tradition with strong ties to community and dorms. “[Bonfire is] a good opportunity for students to get out and a chance to get involved with their dorm and traditions,� Springer said. “It’s a good bonding experience, a unique experience that after ’99, Student Bonfire was kept alive to make sure students have that experience.� Dorms begin the cut process at the beginning of the year and continue to stack and wire the logs to the structure that stands today. A professional engineer approved the Student Bonfire structure in 2003 and recommended a wedding cake design smaller in size and safer than the stack that collapsed. For added support, four poles are spaced evenly around the stack and welded to the center pole with a steel pipe. These poles are known as Windle-sticks, after Levi Windle, a major supporter of Student Bonfire who died in 2003. The Windle-sticks wave four flags: The Texas state flag, the “Come and Take It� flag, the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag and the Texas A&M flag. Additional supports, referred to as perimeter pools, stand around the stack and are named for crews that demonstrate dedication and a strong work ethic. The center pole, which is earned by the hardest-working dorm, was given to the Lechner Hall crew this year. “The camaraderie builds friendships,� Purvis said. “It’s about hard work and dedication and keeping the spirit alive.� Within the bonfire tradition are many smaller traditions. The band constructs the outhouse that stands atop the stack. One weekend was traditionally fatherson, dating to the days of the all-male Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, in which families are given the opportunity to go to cut. “Bonfire is all about telling stories,� McInnis said. “It’s about the Aggie Spirit and family and showing what an Aggie is capable of.�
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SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE OF LAW/HOUSTON 11/22/11 12:52 AM
news
page 8 tuesday 11.22.2011
thebattalion
A&M anthropology and geography professor Michael Waters leads a team of students on an archeological dig in central Texas. Waters research led to the discovery of a bone weapon used to kill a mastadon more than 13,800 years ago.
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Continued from page 1
While some skeptics believe that the Clovis are still the earliest Americans, David Carlson, associate professor of anthropology, said this site should convince them otherwise. Carlson said he hopes this find will encourage other archaeologists to search for more sites that are at least 14,000 years old. “Many believed that the Manis find represented clear evidence of human occupation before the Clovis hunters appear in the archaeological record,” Carlson said. “Now most of the skeptics should be convinced as well.” When Carl Gustafson, one of the paper’s authors, first excavated the site between 1977 and 1979, the bone projectile was found embedded in the rib of a male mastodon. However, with limited technology, the best way to determine the shape of the projectile was to take a standard X-ray of the object, which Waters said couldn’t clearly discern the object’s structure. Using more advanced technology, Waters applied a special kind of X-ray
machine, known as a computed tomography scanner, with 3-D software to the punctured rib. Taking hundreds of tiny pictures of the rib and the embedded projectile, the scanner showed that the projectile was sharpened to a point, confirming the weapon’s lethal purpose. “It very clearly was a bone projectile point that had been sharpened to a tip. And the tip end had been broken on impact and kind of rotated off to the side,” Waters said. Upon further examination of the area around the projectile, Waters and colleagues found no “evidence of bone growth around the point.” This discovery suggests that the mastodon died shortly after the attack. Unlike jagged stone weapons, such as arrowheads, which can be fragile, bone weapons are light-weight, durable and penetrate targets more easily, Waters said. “If you drop a stone projectile point you might break it, but if you drop a bone projectile point, it’s not going to break,” Waters said. “Traditionally, bone projectile points are a little bit bigger than the diameter of a pencil … when you throw or thrust [the weapon], it penetrates pretty easily.”
In addition to studying ancient sites in areas like Washington State and Wisconsin, Waters has worked on the oldest archaeological site in central Texas and North America since 2006. He leads a team of researchers each summer, including undergraduate and graduate students at Texas A&M, to the site for further excavation. Considered the oldest archaeological site in Texas as well as North America, the Debra L. Friedkin site has more than 15,000 artifacts. Some of the articfacts are thought to date around 15,500 years old, again suggesting that humans occupied the Americas before the Clovis. Graduate student of anthropology Tom Jennings has worked on the Debra L. Friedkin site with Waters. He has studied some of the site’s artifacts and intends to write his dissertation on what he finds. “The Debra L. Friedkin site was a really exciting find,” Jennings said. “Ever since I started here at Texas A&M I’ve been going out every summer and digging. And then I analyze the artifacts in the lab and try to figure out what tools they were making and what those early people were doing.”
11/22/11 12:53 AM