The Battalion: March 2, 2011

thebattalion

V

V

OTE ggieland

2011

● wednesday,

march 2, 2011

● serving

texas a&m since 1893

thebatt.com

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

Emotional night for many Aggies

The Batt’s endorsee The Battalion editorial board interviewed candidates and chose to endorse Hilary Albrecht for student body president. Reasons for this endorsement can be found on thebatt.com.

campus news

Candidate feels wronged David “Lightweight” Dalton ran for Northside Senator in the campus elections. Dalton received 24 votes out of 670 cast for the two seats, because of a ballot error. The election commission failed to register his name on the ballot correctly, putting Dalton under two different last names, causing a split in his votes and possibly costing him others. “Datton” received 131 votes.

Dalton asked the election commission early in his campaign to put his name on the ballot as David “Lightweight” Dalton. The commission contacted Dalton and told him they had done so. But when election time came, nobody could find Dalton’s name. There was a “David Datton” and “David Dalton”, but no “Lightweight.”

This resulted in voter confusion and possibly cost Dalton the election.

“I was really mad. I had asked [the election commission] to put my name on the ballot as ‘David “Lightweight” Dalton’ and they said it wouldn’t be a problem. They even sent me an e-mail saying they had changed it. I gave people fliers saying ‘Vote for Lightweight’ and told them to look for that name on the ballot,” Dalton said. “I was really frustrated because every e-mail I had gotten from [the commission] spelled my name right. They spelled it right, except where it counted - on the ballot.”

Dalton plans to request a revote on the grounds of failure to accurately portray his name on the ballot.

Tim Bardin, staff writer

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Top left: Junior political science major Hilary Albrecht embraces a campaign manager after learning she qualified for the runoff. Bottom left: Junior communication major Jeff Pickering leaps with excitement after hearing his name called as the top vote-getter. Right: Albrecht and Pickering exchange congratulations.

Photos by Samantha Virnau, Paul Hyde and Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

Pickering and Albrecht set to go head to head Runoff election will be on Thursday, Friday Krystal Nimigan

runoff results.

“I had full confidence in both of our The Battalion campaign messages and strategies. We both An air of anticipation permeated the believe in a student body president that grounds of the Academic Plaza as a crowd gathered around the statue of Sul Ross last strives to unify the student voice. I’m so excited that when I wake up in the mornnight to hear election results.

The student body president election re- ing, I probably won’t believe any of this happened,” Pickering said. sulted in a runoff between Jeff Pickering Pickering also said that in light of the and Hilary Albrecht, with Albrecht following closely in second place, trailing by runoff, the election is far from completion.

“I feel like we are a football team in the 105 votes. fourth quarter. Now I know why Mike Pickering, a junior communication major, said that he was not surprised about the Sherman doesn’t celebrate every touch-

down. The game is not over yet,” Pickering said.

Albrecht, a junior political science major, said that she was simultaneously nervous and excited about going into the elections and waiting for the results last night.

“Going into the election, I had a varied background which may be perceived as a disadvantage or an advantage. I personally think it was an advantage because I have attachments to many different organiza-

Yell leader elections

Senior yell leaders: David Benac, Austin Walker and Patrick Ivey of the “5 for Yell” campaign won.

Junior yell leaders: Joshua Light, Nelson Ingram, Sterling Bennett and Drew Nelson will be competing in the runoff election.

See Election on page 4

engineers

Engineers nationally recognized This week students will be honored with various events through campus Austin Burgart

The Battalion It took many by surprise on Monday when Academic Plaza was converted into a playground, complete with inflatable jousting. The event was the kickoff for the week-

long engineering festival called “E-Week” to celebrate engineers.

“Being an engineer isn’t exactly what I would call fun all the time,” said Tanner Welch, a freshman mechanical engineering major. “It’s nice that we can have a week of approval from our peers where we can say that we are proud to be engineers and show people what we are like and what we do.”

The Student Engineers’ Council is bringing the event to campus to celebrate engi-

neers, the work they do and the lives they live. The program coincides with the National Engineers Week Foundation’s annual event, which has been going strong since 1951 and is designated to reach out to current and future engineering talent.

Students in the discipline sometimes have a tough time balancing studies and having enough time in the day for other activities because they have such a rigorous course load.

See Engineers on page 4

E-Week events ◗ Free pizza on Wednesday ◗ Volleyball tournament Thursday ◗ Free concert on Friday

campus

students

MSC bookstore provides chance to win Chilifest tickets

Off campus student appreciation week

Alex Lotz

The Battalion With midterms approaching, students around campus feel anxiety lurking as hours of studying await them. ThursSimply by spinning day, from 1 to 4 p.m., a wheel, students students will have an opportunity to go into the have a chance to MSC bookstore for a win a 30-minute study break event where massage, Red Bull they will have a chance to energy drinks, relax in a fun setting, win a month of free prizes and temporarily training and abandon school stresses.

“We want to incorpomuch more rate the MSC Bookstore as a place for students to go when they are stressed out. It has everything students need for school that is quick, easy and stress free,” said Lindsey Kelley, intern for Barnes & Noble Brand Ambassador.

Kelley is the sole intern from Texas A&M University who works for Mr. Youth, a New York City based marketing organization. As an

intern for the Barnes & Noble Brand Ambassador, she is working to promote the Barnes & Noble College in College Station.

“I want to promote the bookstore in a positive way. I want to show students that the bookstore is here for students besides just a place to get our textbooks,” Kelley said.

Prizes are being offered in addition to the fun distractions. By spinning a wheel, students will have a chance to win four Chilifest tickets, Red Bull energy drinks, Rockstar energy drinks and a month of free training from Fitness Forever worth $100. The MSC Bookstore is also donating the chance to win free scantrons and Adidas pens.

“We are also having a raffle for two 30-minute massages offered by massage therapist, Chrissy Brannan. She is also donating 5-minute massages throughout the day to students who win it by spinning the wheel,” Kelley said.

Every student who spins the wheel wins a prize See Bookstore on page 8

Haley Lawson

The Battalion Off Campus Student Appreciation Week, OCSAW, is a week dedicated to serving and giving back to students who choose to live off campus. This week will be the first annual OCSAW. Off Campus Aggies will recognize and advocate for the students who live off campus.

“OCA is excited about hosting the first annual Off-Campus Student Appreciation Week. Off-campus students are a huge part of the Texas A&M population, but they are often overlooked. Our goal is to recognize these students and advocate for their needs both on campus and in the community,” said Sarah Jaks, OCA adviser.

“We will also have a tailgate at Reed Arena before and during the men’s bas-

Prizes ◗ Texas A&M athletic jersey ◗ A gift bag from Aggieland Outfitters ◗ Multiple $20 gift cards to various College Station restaurants and businesses including Jason’s Deli and Spoon’s ◗ Prizes from Montelagos and David Gardners

See Off Campus on page 4

3/2/11 1:00 AM

fully ed p p i u eq

Pregnant?

1

A panel discussion focusing on the “Lost Boys� of Sudan, their journey to refuge camps and continued struggle to be reunited with their families will be at 6 p.m. today in Koldus.

2

Career panel

Learn about a variety of environmental careers from professionals working in state and federal agencies from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. Thursday in Koldus.

3

Graduate school

A graduate school information session will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday in the exhibit hall of Rudder Theatre Complex.

Thursday mostly sunny high: 75 low: 54 Friday mostly cloudy high: 74 low: 56 Saturday 30% scattered showers high: 67 low: 43

Today sunny High: 74 Low: 48

Need answers?

There is Hope.

Sudan study

courtesy of NOAA

thebattalion 03.2.2011

pagetwo

For daily updates go to thebatt.com â—? Facebook â—? Twitter@thebattonline

In tribute

979-695-9193

www.hopepregnancy.org Save the Date!

Parents’ Weekend 2011 Friday, April 15 through Sunday, April 17 •

• Are your parents awesome?

Want to show your appreciation and let everyone know about them?

Nominate them for Texas A&M University’s

Parents of the Year 2011-2012 Applications are now available at: http://parentsweekend.tamu.edu t Parents’ Weekend Cube in Koldus t

Presented by:

Samantha Virnau — THE BATTALION

The flag in Academic Plaza flies at half-staff in honor of Nicolis Williams for Tuesday’s Silver Taps.

THE TEXAS A&M STUDENT MEDIA BOARD INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR

Editor

thebattalion SERVING TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SINCE 1893

Summer 2011

Fall 2011–Spring 2012

(The summer editor will serve May 15 through Aug. 13, 2011)

(The fall and spring editor will serve Aug. 14, 2011, through May 12, 2012)

QualiďŹ cations for editor-in-chief of The Battalion are: REQUIRED t #F B 5FYBT " . TUVEFOU JO HPPE TUBOEJOH XJUI UIF 6OJWFSTJUZ BOE FOSPMMFE JO BU MFBTU TJY DSFEJU IPVST JG B HSBEVBUF TUVEFOU EVSJOH the term of ofďŹ ce (unless fewer credits are required to graduate); t )BWF BU MFBTU B DVNVMBUJWF HSBEF QPJOU SBUJP JG B HSBEVBUF student) and at least a 2.25 grade point ratio (3.25 if a graduate student) in the semester immediately prior to the appointment, the semester of appointment and semester during the term of ofďŹ ce. In PSEFS GPS UIJT QSPWJTJPO UP CF NFU BU MFBTU TJY IPVST JG B HSBEVBUF student) must have been taken for that semester.

PREFERRED t Have completed JOUR 301 or COMM 307 (Mass Communication, Law, and Society) or equivalent; t )BWF BU MFBTU POF ZFBS FYQFSJFODF JO B SFTQPOTJCMF FEJUPSJBM position on The Battalion or comparable daily college newspaper, – OR – )BWF BU MFBTU POF ZFBS FEJUPSJBM FYQFSJFODF PO B DPNNFSDJBM newspaper, – OR – Have completed at least 12 hours in journalism, including JOUR 203 (Media Writing I) and JOUR 303 (Media Writing II) or +063 &EJUJOH GPS UIF .BTT .FEJB PS FRVJWBMFOU

Application forms should be picked up and returned to Sandi Jones, Student Media business coordinator, in room 013 of Bldg. #8901 in The Grove (between Albritton Bell Tower and Cain Hall). Deadline for submitting application: 5 p.m.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011.

An equal opportunity, afďŹ rmative action employer committed to diversity

Aggies defeat Pan-Am, 4-1 Austin Meek

The Battalion After Sunday’s lackluster performance, the No. 9 Aggies looked like they were playing the same hand with the game against Texas Pan-American tied 1-1 in the 6th inning.

Sophomore left fielder Brandon Wood decided to put an end to it.

As the Union-Pacific train was honking “Hullabaloo Canek Canek� and the 2,867 fans were pulling out their signs, Wood slapped a fastball to left center field that brought in two runs, giving the Aggies a lead they wouldn’t surrender for the rest of the evening.

The Broncs struck first when 3B Vincent Mejia sent A&M starting pitcher Estevan Uriegas’ ball over the left field wall.

Thankfully, he home run was the only blemish on the junior’s night; he lasted five innings, allowing only one run and three hits to go alongside six strikeouts.

The Aggies responded with a run of their own when se-

nior shortstop Kenny Jackson crossed the plate in the third inning, but neither team scored again until Wood’s 6th inning heroics. He was 1-4 for the night.

The 7th inning featured the final fireworks of the night. After senior 2B Andrew Collazo was walked by Broncos pitcher Zach Zouzalik, he advanced to second base on freshman Krey Bratsen’s sacrifice bunt and took third on a wild pitch.

Sophomore right fielder Tyler Naquin brought him home on a rope to left field, giving the Aggies the 4-1 lead they held until the end of the game.

The home team got great work from their bullpen, which featured performances from senior Nick Fleece, sophomore Kyle Martin, and junior Ross Stripling. Fleece got credit for the win in his one inning of work, and Stripling earned the save, his third of the season.

The Aggies will continue their homestead against Texas Pan-Am today at Olsen Field.

The first pitch will be tossed at Tyler Naquin at the plate earlier this season.

3:05 p.m.

File photo

thebattalion Wildfires set Texas homes ablaze THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893

Matt Woolbright, 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 T exas 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 979-8450569. 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.

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“I know a lot of people lost a lot,� Newby said, referring to AMARILLO, Texas (AP) — homes and other property. “It’s As Regina Newby approached a small thing (to lose pets), but the kennel where her dogs had it’s devastating to us.�

Stunned and weary residents been staying while she was out of some of the Panhandle and of town, she realized that the West Texas communities hardbuilding was burning, set ablaze est hit

by Sunday’s wildfires by one of several wildfires that were allowed to return to their have roared through parts of homes Monday after firefightTexas, destroying at least 75 ers contained the blazes that homes, in recent days. scorched some 190 square miles Firefighters and workers at the kennel just north of Amaril- in the state.

Shaken residents of rural lo rescued some of the animals, Mesilla Park, a housing develbut had to set others free in opment north of the city, who their haste to flee the building. spent Sunday night in a shelter Newby’s dogs, Mocha and in nearby Amarillo waited in Ginger, both died.

Betsey Blaney Associated Press

Inatable Fun this Friday Night!

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Blue Bell Ice Cream

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Don’t miss the extraordinary, hilarious and technicolor world of Fred Garbo! After sell-outs on Broadway, The New York Times called Fred’s show “helium light and hilarious!�

Arrive one hour early for an ice cream social and enjoy Blue Bell ice cream.

FRED GARBO INFLATABLE THEATER COMPANY Â”Â‹Â†ÂƒÂ›ÄŚ ƒ”…Š ĹŚ ŠŊĨżŢ Rudder Auditorium

their cars at a roadblock Monday until authorities gave them the all-clear to return home to survey the damage. The town lost 30 homes to the fire.

Scott Smith and his wife, Carla, said they had already been told that their doublewide trailer home of 20 years in Mesilla Park was destroyed in the blaze, which burned about 30,000 acres in several communities around Amarillo.

Her husband said the flames moved “like a blowtorch� across the fields.

Firefighters contained the Panhandle and West Texas wildfires by Monday, after

the winds died down. Early Tuesday, Texas Forest Service spokesman Lewis Kearney said some hotspots continued to burn in parts of West Texas.

Another seven homes were lost in nearby Lake Tanglewood. Angie Coker, whose home was among those destroyed, cried Monday as she surveyed its charred remains and her melted Porsche in her driveway.

Palisades Mayor Tommy Medlin said about 25 homes were destroyed in his small town just south of Amarillo.

Residents were expected to be allowed to return on Tuesday.

All Tickets Only $12!

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3/2/11 12:23 AM

5 before you go things you should know

1

Canvas painting

Students will have the chance to paint a canvas and learn about the arts and entertainment programs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today in the Koldus Student Services Building Plaza.

2

U.S., Islam lecture

John L. Esposito will speak for “The U.S. and the Muslim World: Where do we go from here?” at 4 p.m. today in Rudder, room 601.

3

4

Program Lecture Series presents “Africana Studies and Afrocentricity: The Post Racial Dilemma in the Academy” with Molefi Kete Asante all day today in the Evans Annex, Room 204E.

Opening ceremonies for International Week begin at 8 p.m. Friday in Studio 12 of the Commons. Aggie Nights present “Dance Around the World.”

Post-racial Opening dilemma night of lecture International The Africana Studies Week

5

‘Tron’ screening

MSC Aggie Cinema Blockbuster presents: Tron: Legacy at 7 p.m.

Friday outside the Clayton Williams Alumni Center.

Bloody good time

b! thebattalion 03.02.2011 page3

review

‘Bulletstorm’ offers gore, profanity and fun

In the video game, players must act as mercenaries to battle a giant mutant lizard, among other fantastical, unique obstacles.

Courtesy photo

W

hether you are emptying entire clips into savage barbarian hordes or kicking in skulls on the disco floor, you will be having fun in Bulletstorm.

The game has a sort of a reckless fun that puts it beyond all other first-person shooter games.

Instead of worrying about covering fire and stealthy advances, you get to slide through a mass of deadly enemies shooting explosive flails in a drunken haze. It is quite possibly some of the most — not exactly wholesome — fun I’ve had in a game for a while.

Bulletstorm is more of a self-parody than a serious game. Players are thrown into the clichéd role of a drunken mercenary haunted by betrayal.

You crash land on a foreign planet, which

might be Earth, and are forced to shoot your way through tons and tons of savages. I’ll be honest, the story isn’t great, it’s not even good, but it is entirely worth it. The game Matt Bizzell has great voice acting and is beyond hilarious. freshman English major Veteran game players will recognize the man playing Gray, who has worked on more than 30 other games.

There are more than enough explosions and gun fights to keep anyone happy and loads of unexpected games elements to liven it up. For example, for half of a level you control a giant robotic dinosaur to decimate your enemies. Does it make all that much sense? Sure, why not?

The actual game play is phenomenal. Players are tasked to gain as many points as possible to

keep a steady supply of ammo and treats coming their way. Skillshots are ways to creatively kill your numerous foes. Kick him into giant cacti, shoot him in the nether or explode a hot dog stand to gain a variety of colorful names and points. It’s really not explained why you have to get all these Skillshots aside from the fact that you can, but at this point, I really didn’t care — it’s just too much fun.

The game is focused on the weapons. It’s from the same creators of Unreal Tournament and Gears of War, so obviously methods of destruction will be important. A few examples of weapons — without giving too much away — are a fourbarreled shotgun, a pistol that can shoot flares into enemies and a machine gun that can melt people. The guns are extensions of your armed terror, and each time you get a new one is like Christmas morning … or Hanukkah.

There was a lot of pre-release hype about Bulletstorm being “the worst game ever.” Several

sources of news even said it would raise rape statistics. So if anyone hears someone say this, punch them in the nose. The game is nothing if not fun. Sure, there’s violence, gore, language and alcohol, but what game doesn’t have that?

Bulletstorm works hard to make sure you let it all go and just go out there and have fun. It has its share of epic scenes — and outrageous ones as well — but at its heart, the game is a fun factory. There are additional challenge modes to allow players to roam and experiment with new combos and test themselves against the world, and these are just as fun, if not more so, than the actual game.

So go out, get Bulletstorm and commence the death-dealing. Drop an enemy off of a building, remote control a sniper rifle bullet into a Skullz face and kick-shoot an explosive flail into a running enemy to trip him up. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you’re having fun.

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS The Arabic and Asian Language Office presents:

Dr. John Esposito is a Professor of Religion and International Affairs and the founding director of the prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for MuslimChristian Understanding.

Esposito has served as consultant to the U.S. Department of State and other agencies, European and Asian governments and corporations, universities, and the media worldwide. http://aalo.tamu.edu/ Sponsored by: The Arabic and Asian Language Office – Texas A&M University at Qatar – The Interdisciplinary Program in Religious Studies – The Glasscock Center for Humanities Research - The International Studies Program – The Muslim Faculty Network – Texas A&M University Libraries Diversity Program – Muslim Students’ Association.

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3/1/11 7:53 PM

entertainment&news

page 4 wednesday 3.2.2011

Election

thebattalion

“Our university has a great deal of passion and spirit. The student body needs and deserves someone who is ready Continued from page 1 and willing to appropriately represent them. In the election process I learned tions,” Albrecht said. how important it is to uphold myself She said that she was happy that with integrity and ultimately not lose the grassroots campaigning method sight of my moral compass and myself,” proved efficient. said Albrecht.

“The election runoff demonstrates Chris Tucker came in third place, at that communication by word-of-mouth 300 votes behind Albrecht, clearly estabdoes work; it was more effective than I lishing the top two chosen candidates. could’ve imagined,” Albrecht said.

Marshall Bowen followed in fourth place, Albrecht has prior political experiences 269 votes behind Tucker while Justin including being the speaker of student Pulliam rounded out the top five, 1,174 senate and serving as class president for votes behind Bowen. two years. She said desires to serve the The elections for senior yell yeader students while maintaining her character.

resulted in the top three positions being filled by members of the ‘Five for Yell’ campaign team consisting of David Benac, Austin Walker, and Patrick Ivey, in first, second and third place respectively; they were clear-cut winners.

The top junior yell leader votes resulted in Josh Light and Nelson Ingram as the top two and Drew Nelson and Sterling Bennett, in third and fourth place, with their vote count at an even stagger as well.

“I had the natural pre-election nerves, going into the election. We had a good campaign and we did everything we could and our efforts showed,” Benac said.

Benac said his campaigning was not

How the vote stacked up

over yet, and that he would focus on Walker and Ivey.

“We’re going to work real hard during the next three days and hope the results turn out as we wish them,” Benac said.

Benac said he is eagerly looking forward to a second year of service.

“It’s an extreme excitement, after being blessed with the opportunity last year, I will pool my efforts into making sure I can serve the student body,” Benac said.

“I want to thank the student body for participating, and I want to make sure that everyone’s vote continues to come through for the final election results on Friday.”

Engineering Continued from page 1

E-Week is viewed as a chance for college students majoring in the field to break the mold and show people that they can have fun too.

“Being an engineer is a lot like going to Hogwarts,” said Kyle Popores, a freshman engineering major. “You need to pull off some magic to succeed in both. It’s a difficult major, but somebody’s got to do it.”

There is an activity designated for every day of the week, beginning with free pizza from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. near Zachry today. On Thursday there will be a volleyball tournament from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Clements Hall volleyball courts, and the week will conclude with a free concert featuring Christen Sawyer, Caleb Mak and The 71s from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday at Simpson Drill Field. “ I plan on making it out to all of the activities because they actually sound like a lot of fun. I do a lot of things with Mosher, the engineering dorm, already and E-Week seems like something I would enjoy,” Popores said. “ It will also be a good release from my hectic schedule.”

The events of the week are not restricted to students in an engineering discipline; all students are welcome. A full list of activities can be found at eweek.tamu.edu.

Off Campus Continued from page 1

ketball game where we will be passing out free drinks and snacks to everyone until the girl’s basketball game begins,” said Jaynee Guest, president of OCA. The Off-Campus Student Appreciation Week will also raise funds for Caring Aggie Mentors Program, or CAMP. The CAMP focuses on providing long-term mentoring for students in the Houston area. OCA will be hosting a coin drive, a raffle and many profit shares to raise money for CAMP. “We are doing a coin drive, a raffle and multiple profit shares that week to raise money for Caring Aggie Mentor Program,” said Guest. “We have coin jars at multiple businesses around College Station and will be doing an on-campus coin collection while we are in Academic Plaza.”

The raffle will include numerous prizes and gift cards to multiple stores in town. “For the raffle, tickets are $1 and prizes include a Texas A&M athletic jersey, a gift bag from Aggieland Outfitters, multiple $20 gift cards to different College Station restaurants and businesses and other prizes from Montelagos and David Gardners,” said Guest. “We will also be hosting four profit shares throughout the week. The first profit share is Wednesday at Panda Express and will last all day. Thursday is at Fuddruckers all day; Friday is at Chick-fil-A from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday is at Spoons from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.”

Students who live off campus still want to be involved in campus activities. Students have already enjoyed and are looking forward to the events for the rest of the week.

“I love living off campus because, unlike the dorms, I can come home and be comfortable with some peace and quiet whenever I want to, and it gives me the option to get away from all the madness but I feel left out of campus activities,” said Jake Lawson, a sophomore sports management major. “This week I have appreciated OCSAW and how they have made an effort to reach those of us who do live off campus.”

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3/2/11 1:10 AM

women’s basketball | The No. 5 Aggies travel to Manhattan today to face Kansas State.

softball | A&M goes to Starkville to take on Mississippi State Friday.

men’s tennis | The Aggies go to South Bend Friday to battle Notre Dame.

sports

thebattalion 03.02.2011 page5

No. 22 Texas A&M vs. No. 2 Kansas 8 p.m. today, Allen Fieldhouse

On the road to Rock Chalk Aggies head to Lawrence to take on No. 2 KU Beau Holder

The Battalion Texas A&M has a basketball bone to pick with the state of Kansas.

It encircles the minds of Aggies everywhere as Head Coach Mark Turgeon leads No. 22 A&M (22-6, 9-5 Big 12) into his native land at 8 p.m.

Wednesday to face his alma mater, the tenured kings of the Big 12 — the second-ranked Kansas Jayhawks (27-2, 12-2).

Turgeon’s plight scratches the surface of the history between the teams.

Prior to the Jayhawks’ Jan. 22 loss to Texas this season, the Aggies were the only Big 12 South team to ever win in legendary Phog Allen Fieldhouse. AllAmerican and Cousy Award winner Acie Law scored 23 points and dished seven assists on Feb. 3, 2007 to drag No. 8 A&M past No. 6 Kansas in a 6966 classic, cementing his legacy.

Since that time, the Aggies are 0-3 in games played in Kansas, losing by an average margin of 21.3 points; they’ve dropped five straight to the Jayhawks.

“I’ll always get excited when I walk into [The Phog],” Turgeon said. “I grew up walking into that building, and I grew up dreaming I’d play for KU. So I’ll be fired up when I walk in it, but this is totally different the second time through. The first time was the first time and obviously we didn’t play great … We haven’t played too well in the state of Kansas since I’ve been the coach here, so hopefully we’ll play a little bit better on Wednesday.”

In 2010, No. 1 Kansas came to Reed Arena and withstood everything the No. 23 Aggies and their record-breaking crowd could throw at them. Forward David Loubeau, now a junior, flashed his potential in a matchup against All-American center Cole Aldrich and occasionally KU

forward Marcus Morris — he scored 17, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked one shot while nearly carrying the Aggies to a win.

That potential has rarely manifested itself during the current season, but the battle down low will still be a point of interest for both teams. Marcus and his twin brother Markieff are the new faces and stars of the Kansas basketball powerhouse. Marcus averages 17.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game; Markieff follows with respective averages of 13.6 and 8.4.

“I think Markieff has been really consistent for them,” Turgeon said.

“Last year against us, Markieff played better against us than Marcus did. It’s hard to tell the difference to be honest with you. They are both so skilled and can do so many different things.

[Markieff] kind of goes a little bit unnoticed but they could both be firstrounders by the end of this year, the way they’re playing.”

The experienced rotation of Tyrel Reed, Tyshawn Taylor and Brady Morningstar joins freshman Josh Selby to make up the backcourt for Kansas, the one conference opponent most prepared to match or surpass A&M’s depth. Nine Jayhawks have participated in at least 23 games and 10 play at least 12 minutes on average.

The loss to Texas left KU in peril of finishing second in the conference but a late-season Longhorns swoon has left the Jayhawks in first once again, where they have finished in the Big 12 for the past six seasons.

The team has won nine of its last 10 to help re-establish its dominance; all but one of those wins came by more than 10 points.

A&M, now a mere half-game ahead of onrushing Kansas State, is fighting to finish in third in the conference standings after tying for second in 2010.

File photos — THE BATTALION

Top: Senior guard B.J. Holmes (left), senior forward Nate Walkup (center) and sophomore forward Khris Middleton (right) lead the Aggies into Lawrence for a conference battle with No. 2 Kansas at 8 p.m. today. Left: Junior forward David Loubeau shined for the Aggies in a 69-66 loss to Kansas in 2010. In the game, he scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds.

Aggie women finish eighth at Sugar Bowl Intercollegiate Chandler Smith

The Battalion After riding the momentum of a topthree finish in the spring’s debut tournament in Florida, the A&M women’s golf team shot 21-over par and finished in eighth at the Sugar Bowl Intercollegiate Tournament in New Orleans, La. Competing against the nation’s best including eight of the nation’s top10 teams, the Aggies held their own throughout the tournament finishing as high as fifth on the second day. Despite a slow start to the season last fall, the Aggies came together at the end of the

semester and proved their strong spring opening was no fluke.

Over much of the fall and through the first tournament of the spring, the team has been led by the scoring of veteran senior Sarah Zwartynsky and star freshman Katerina Ruzickova. With the addition of standout transfer Susy Grunden, only a sophomore, this team has excellent depth and could now be considered as one of the most underrated in the country.

At the Sugar Bowl Intercollegiate, Ruzickova led A&M individually shooting 1-under — good for a tie for 11th place. Grunden wasn’t far behind

shooting 2-over with a No. 16 individual ranking. Zwartynsky, A&M’s third lowest scorer, finished shooting 12-over.

After enduring a rough first day, albeit through tough weather conditions, the second day was as good of a run that the women’s team has seen. The team finished in 11th after the first day but beat the odds and roared to a fifth place finish.

“We had a team meeting [before the second day] and we talked about what it means to be on a team,” said Head Coach Trelle McCombs. “We gave them permission to get upset after they

hit a bad shot, but they had to get over it and think what their teammates would do. That was the plan [the second day], and they got hot on the back nine and it was like it was contagious. It was a lot of fun to watch.”

The most intriguing story through this tournament is the impact of Grunden. One of the nation’s best freshman at Bowling Green last season, she was able to transfer to A&M and get immediate playing time. The benefits of that move couldn’t be much higher for A&M. In the second day of the tournament, Grunden birdied six holes in a row on the back nine en route to a

score of 67 (-5) — the second best score of that day.

“When you have a good mental game, good stuff will happen,” Grunden said. “After making the turn at 1-over, I just told myself to be patient and trust my routine. On 10, I chipped in, birdied 11, chipped in again on 12; after three birdies, I stuck to my plan of going for the middle of the green. Even after the sixth birdie, I stuck to my game plan and it paid off for me.”

Though they fell to eighth, the Aggies will be interesting to watch going into their final two tournaments before the Big 12s get underway.

w/ Brandon Jenkins ALL TICKETS $10 IN ADVANCE AT CAVENDER’S, THE HALL AND ONLINE, OR $12 AT THE DOOR

w/ FM2865 Band ALL TICKETS $10 IN ADVANCE ONLINE OR $12 AT THE DOOR

Pg. 5-03.02.11.indd 1

3/1/11 10:58 PM

people in the news

page 6 wednesday 3.2.2011

thebattalion

‘Two and a Half Men’ future uncertain CBS Chief Executive Leslie Moonves described the future of crisis-ridden sitcom “Two and a Half Men” as uncertain while star Charlie Sheen spoke of a drug-free life with two “goddess” girlfriends at his home dubbed Sober Valley Lodge.

Moonves, interviewed at an investors’ conference Tuesday in San Francisco, said he hoped TV’s top-rated comedy would return to CBS, adding, “We’ll see.”

Sheen’s personal woes and public tirades against producers of “Two and a Half Men” reduced the show’s season, but Moonves said CBS isn’t suffering financially in the short term because paying for fewer episodes than planned of the expensive sitcom is “financially a gainer.”

“Going down the road ... I don’t know what’s going to happen,” he said, then took a poke at Sheen’s ongoing media tour. “He’s on the air quite a bit these days. I wish he would have worked this hard to promote himself for an Emmy.” Sheen has been nominated four times for lead actor in a comedy series for “Men,” but has never won.

Asked on “Today” about reaction to previous comments in which he called himself “a total rock star from Mars,” among other startling descriptions, Sheen shrugged off the reaction.

“I am grandiose because I live a grandiose life. I’m tired of being ‘aw shucks.’ That’s not me. ... What’s wrong with that?” he said.

“Don’t remember, don’t care,” he said when asked the last time he’d used drugs.

Associated Press

Adrian Calcaneo — THE BATTALION

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ETYMOLOGY The term means disorderly and out of control. The first possible etymology says that a cable, properly only intended to bale up mowed grass was used, instead, by many farmers to make their boundary fences. This rusted quickly with the result that the properties were unkempt and had an appearance of being out of control. A second suggestion says that the cable, when correctly used to bundle up grass, would writhe and wriggle when cut to eventually release the grass and make a mess of the entire farm. The third says the notion comes from the disorder and chaos present in a farm yard when the used lengths of cable were left dumped in a corner.

What is the word/term?

ANSWER TO YESTERDAY’S PUZZLE: by hook or crook Surakshith Sampath — SPECIAL TO THE BATTALION

Pg. 6-03-02-11.indd 1

3/2/11 12:43 AM

‘

EDITOR’SNOTE The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants in this paper do not necessarily reflect those of Texas A&M University, The Battalion or its staff.

MAILCALL GUESTCOLUMNS Make your opinion known by submitting Mail Call or guest columns to The Battalion. Mail

call must be fewer than 200 words and include the author’s name, classification, major and phone number. Staff and faculty must include title. Guest columns must be fewer than 700 words. All submissions should focus on issues not personalities, become property of The Battalion and are subject to editing for style, clarity and space concerns. Anonymous letters

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.

voices

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

thebattalion 03.02.2011

MAILCALL From Kyle Richter, senior mechanical engineering major

an attempt to gain an upper in schadenfreude than sharing hand in the race, shrewdly information, more grocery bought domain names it was aisle tabloid than responsible considered likely for the other journalism. In the future, try I would like to express my candidates to try and obtain. to use university funds for views on what is happening Consequently, the candidate more than trying to embarrass with the Corps of Cadets and was fined $270 for “sabotage”. university students. Save petty the current elections for Yell Apparently, running your race gossip for your Leaders. The incident with no different than the hallowed twitter accounts. stealing the newspapers is politicians who run this country another grievance in a long is a punishable offense? Our From Chloe Tucker, list of tasteless acts that the governing men and women junior supply chain Corps commits every election advocate aggressive TV, radio, season. The ‘Keepers of the and internet ads that attack management major Spirit’ shouldn’t think that they other candidates. How is I was extremely disappointed can get away with buying domain names after reading the article on lying, cheating and worse than that? the front page today (Monday The ‘Keepers stealing. I want The second event Feb. 28), for numerous different of the Spirit’ this election that happened reasons. As you may know, shouldn’t think postponed until is the candidate today is the first of two days that they can all the facts endorsement by of campus elections. Why, get away with are released, The Battalion. then, is The Battalion featuring lying, cheating so that students As a topan article that serves no and stealing. can make a ranked campus other purpose than to shine clear decision as newspaper, I expected an overwhelmingly negative to who they really want more from this newspaper. In light on a few number of representing their university. I past years, The Battalion has candidates? Why not give the think the losses that The Batt always presented information election, biggest story of today, will face (some $5,447.32 as on each candidate, including a front page article? stated in The Batt today) should a picture and brief Aggie A very poorly written article, be converted into a fine for “5 history. Throwing caution “Poor choices” contains many for Yell”. The only way to deter to the wind, The Battalion contradictory quotes and these activities in the future endorsed a candidate seemingly pointless is to come down hard on this this year. This is This is unstatements. For before it goes even further next un-acceptable, acceptable, example, who year. biased biased is the junior reporting, and Thank you for hearing my reporting, and yell leader should not exist thoughts on the issue. I thank should not exist candidate in Texas A&M’s you for your time and have a in Texas A&M’s to whom newspaper. wonderful day. newspaper. you refer that

From George Gagnon, senior computer engineering major The voting season has begun with vigor at Texas A&M University. Across the campus, students with flashy signs yell slogans at class-goers in attempt to gain attention for their candidate. This year, two specific events have occurred that make this voting season stand out more than the other three I have experienced. The first is that one candidate, in

From Glenn Phillips, educational

administration graduate student

I was under the false impression that The Battalion was an opportunity for students to report on issues salient to the undergraduate experience, not a training ground for underpaid paparazzi with destructive agendas.

Your attacks on Bowen and Light are more vindictive than educational, more an exercise

received deferred adjudication, and why is this relevant to the article today’s election? If this candidate is Light, why the ambiguity and the dramatics?

Then the article goes on to quote Light as saying he “didn’t actually drink in the parking lot,” immediately followed by a second quote saying that “drinking in the parking lot” was terrible. So which is it: did Light drink in the parking lot, or didn’t he? And what does this mean to voters today?

Also, why is mention of Austin Trahan’s missing of the Kansas game important? Removal from the ballot would exclude him from “candidate” classification, and bringing his name and the corresponding three paragraphs in this article is a waste of text, only serving to (again) cast a dark light on a student.

What I found to be the most ridiculous aspect of the entire article was your mention of Cody Howdeshell and his removal from the Yell Leader ballot in 2009. How is this AT ALL relevant to this year’s election? You have risked what remains of your credibility in this article by appearing to only be interested in digging up dirt on the Corps and the candidates they choose to represent the “5 for Yell” campaign. As someone who would enjoy to see a Non-Reg serve as a Yell Leader, even I see this as the lowest form of dirt-digging and mud-slinging.

Honestly, including the races for Yell Leader and Senator and SBP, the only candidate that I have seen the Battalion support and fully respect is SBP candidate Hilary Albrecht. Even then, neither her platform nor her values were addressed, only her experience qualifications. Too many of the Battalion’s pages have been plagued with mistakes (the misspelling of the name of Senior Yell candidate Chad Chalker, and the incorrect attempt at its correction) or filled with onesided, unclear coverage on “campaign sabotage”

and be a part of the program!

and “poor choices” by the candidates. As a student who does not get a great feel for the candidates solely from their campaign banners and slogans, I rely on the Battalion for unbiased, honest coverage about those running for positions.

As the Editor in Chief of the newspaper at one of the greatest public universities in the nation, I hope you understand the importance of treating your readers and those whom the papers cover with a great deal of respect.

Students here deserve to have their names spelled correctly, relevant and complete information provided to them, and for the biased editorializing to remain on the Editorial pages and Opinion articles.

I hope you do not find this as a personal attack, as my intentions are not to make you “feel sorry” or to write an apology to those you have offended. I would hope, however, that you take my words seriously and rethink your plan of action. You have a responsibility to set the bar of performance high for your staff and Battalion staffs in the future. I believe The Battalion is capable of great things, and to risk losing credibility or the respect of students here at

page7

A&M would be to jeopardize one of the great traditions of this university.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter.

From Michael Riemer, junior mechanical engineering major

An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do.

This is what I thought of when I read the article about cadets stealing newspapers. How are we supposed to believe that people follow the honor code when the “keepers of the spirit” are openly breaking it in order to better their own cause? It is in my nature to trust people until they give me a reason not to. It makes me sick that members of the corps are giving me reasons not to trust my fellow Aggies. Someone getting an M.I.C. is bad but it happens and was unfortunate.

The law handled it and it’s done. In my opinion stealing newspapers is much worse and hurts many more people than an M.I.C. The people that stole the papers were acting very selfishly without thought to the fellow students they were hurting. I hope The Battalion does everything in their power to catch the people responsible and bring them to justice.

4th Annual

CONROE

TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY

Music Fest & Chili Cook Off

CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

Register your bike for free.

Saturday, March 5th

Charlie Robison

Double R Nothin E Shellee Coley Jubal Lee Young E Scooter Brown E Jesse Dayton

Sunday, March 6th

Cody Canada & The Departed $ 2500 Chili 1st Place Prize

Mason Lankford & The Folk Family Revival Dustin Welch Band

March 5th (OPEN cook off) E March 6th (CASI cook off)

Heritage Place Amphitheatre in Historic Downtown Conroe, TX For more info call 936-788-5819 or visit www.TexasIndependenceDay.org

TAKE A PIECE OF A&M HISTORY WITH YOU Reserve your 2011 Aggieland

Please be considerate of others and keep handrails and ramps clear.

There are over 300 bike racks on campus and a growing bike program now at Texas A&M. Help us clean up the campus and provide a bike program that Aggies can be proud of.

transport.tamu.edu Pg. 7-03.02.11.indd 1

The 109th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook — the Aggieland — will chronicle the 2010-2011 school year: traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, greeks, campus organizations, and seniors and graduate students.

By credit card go online to http://aggieland. tamu.edu or call 979-845-2613. Or drop by the Student Media office, Bldg. #8901 in The Grove (between Albritton Bell Tower and Cain Hall).

Cost is $64.90, including shipping and sales tax.

Hours: 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday.

ving Forwar w rd For You ®

3/1/11 11:21 PM

news

page 8 wednesday 3.2.2011

thebattalion

Bookstore

THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY STUDENT MEDIA BOARD INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR

Editor

Aggieland 2012 QualiďŹ cations for editor-in-chief of the Aggieland yearbook are: REQUIRED t #F B 5FYBT " . TUVEFOU JO HPPE TUBOEJOH XJUI UIF 6OJWFSTJUZ BOE FOSPMMFE JO BU MFBTU TJY DSFEJU IPVST JG B HSBEVBUF TUVEFOU

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it in a more positive light. The MSC Bookstore has resources to help students in every aspect of their life and is a quick trip across campus instead of having the hassle of finding transportation to Continued from page 1 get whatever is needed. Kelley hopes to emphasize these benefits through the Study Break Event. prize and goes home a winner. More importantly, students will “Lindsey’s event allows students to take a break while studying, be reassured that the MSC Bookstore supports students in every get re-energized with energy drinks she’s handing out and let out possible way. “It is a good way for students to get their minds off of class and their stress by getting a quick massage,� Levy said.

Levy and Kelley both agree that students and the bookstore de-stress,� Kelley said. benefit from this event because it gives the students an outlet to Kelley’s program manager for Barnes & Noble College Booksellers Brand Force, Courtney Levy, manages Brand Ambassadors relax while showcasing some of the many things the bookstore has from 15 different college campuses throughout the United States. to offer. “Every student needs a break from studying and this event is “I work with the Brand Ambassadors to develop on-campus marketing plans to help promote the bookstore on a college level,� awesome because it’s free for students to attend and this event supLevy said. “Students understand their campus the best; I work with ports a safe, free study break, which is something I fully encourage the students to develop plans that are tailored to their specific cam- all students to get involved in,� said Holli Tedder, a sophomore food science major and Fitness Forever trainer. pus.�

Kelley’s ultimate goal for the bookstore is for students to view

UN suspends Libya from rights council The 192 U.N. member nations suspended Libya on Tuesday from the U.N. Human Rights Council in the latest international effort to halt the Gadhafi regime’s violent crackdown on protesters.

The General Assembly voted by consensus on the council’s recommendation to suspend Libya’s membership on the U.N’s top human rights body for committing “gross and systematic violations of human rights.� General Assembly President Joseph Deiss called for the vote and signaled its adoption by consensus by banging his wooden gavel.

The resolution sponsored by Arab and African states also expressed “deep concern� about the human rights situation in Libya.

It is the first time any country has been suspended from the 47-member council since it was formed in 2006. Based in Geneva, the council is charged with strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe.

Libya’s suspension from the rights body comes after the U.N. Security Council and United States’ imposition of sanctions on Moammar Gadhafi, his family and top associates, and the Arab League, the African Union and the Organization of Islamic Conference’s condemnation of Libya’s deadly attacks on civilians.

There have been no moves by the U.N. to create a no-fly zone, and the idea has been rejected by Russia. But British Foreign Minister William Hague said Tuesday that his country and its allies could seek a no-fly zone without a U.N. mandate.

Tuesday’s vote suspending Libya from the council does not permanently remove it from the body, but prevents it from participation until the General Assembly determines whether to restore the country to full status.

Anita Snow & John Heilprin Associated Press

At a gathering of the U.N. Human Rights Council before last week’s vote there, Libyan diplomats to the U.N. in Geneva were given a standing ovation as they announced they were renouncing Gadhafi’s government. They, like Libyan diplomats to the U.N. in New York, have supported the U.N. moves against the government.

In other U.N. action, the 15-member Security Council slapped an arms embargo, a travel ban and assets freeze on Gadhafi, his family and top associates during an emergency weekend meeting.

It also agreed to refer the case to the International Criminal Court at The Hague — a permanent Deiss war crimes tribunal — to investigate and prosecute possible crimes against humanity.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the General Assembly before its Tuesday action the collective acts send a strong message that “that there is no impunity, that those who commit crimes against humanity will be punished.�

Libyan authorities must end the violence and respect the human rights and aspirations of their people, said Ban. “The transition to a new democratic system of governance should start now,� he said.

Suspension of Libya from the rights council was heartily supported by the United States, which has imposed its own sanctions on the Gadhafi government.

Venezuelan Ambassador Jorge Valero expressed reservations about the vote, saying “a decision such as this one could only take place after a genuine investigation.� Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has said he would not condemn “my friend� Gadhafi.

Libya was among seven countries accused of human rights violations, including Angola and Malaysia.

Students, Faculty and Staff are invited to attend one of the noted sessions to hear from Transportation Services Executive Director Peter Lange regarding the completion of the Ross Street Construction Project and the associated Pedestrian & Traffic Plan: Wednesday, March 2 1-3 pm Evans Library, Room 204 E Friday, March 4 9-11 am Rudder Tower, Room 401

transport.tamu.edu

The new Army fitness test adds a 60-yard shuttle run and a standing lomg jump to one minute of push-ups and a 1.5-mile run.

Associated Press

Army toughens fitness test Susanne M. Schafer

Associated Press The Army plans to toughen its fitness tests for the first time in 30 years to make sure all soldiers have the strength and endurance for battle, adding exercises like running an obstacle course in full combat gear and dragging body’s weight.

Officials at Fort Jackson, a major Army training center, said Tuesday the new regimen would replace twice-a-year testing that focused on pushups, sit-ups and a two-mile run.

Trials are starting this month at eight bases and the plan could be adopted Army-wide after reviews later this year.

The shift follows other Army efforts to overhaul training, improve diets and help older soldiers keep fit.

Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, the head of Army training, said the fitness test had to be revamped

because repetitive exercises like sit-ups don’t translate into survival on the battlefield.

Unveiling the pilot to reporters, he said the service was also adopting lessons from Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans who had to learn in the field to carry anywhere from 40 to 70 pounds of weapons and body armor. “Soldiers like to be challenged. This will definitely challenge them,� Hertling said. “This is a good, combatrelated test.�

The pilot program comprises two new tests in place of the current exam.

The new “physical readiness� test adds such things as a 60-yard shuttle run and a standing long jump to one minute of push-ups and a 1.5-mile timed run. This might be given every six months, said Frank Palkoska, head of the Army’s Fitness

School at Fort Jackson.

A “combat readiness� test includes running 400 meters with a rifle, moving through an obstacle course in full combat gear, and crawling and vaulting over obstacles while aiming a rifle. Soldiers also have to run on a balance beam while carrying a 30-pound ammo box and do an agility sprint around a course field of cones.

To test pulling a fallen comrade from the battlefield, soldiers must drag a sled weighed down with 180 pounds of sandbags. That combat portion of the test might be given only before deployments, but that has not been decided.

The tests will be given to all soldiers and officers, including Army Reserves and National Guard, even those recalled soldiers who are now 60-years plus, officials said.

University to have coed dorms Rutgers to allow males and females to share rooms

By Associated Press NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — New Jersey’s flagship state university has decided to allow male and female students to share rooms in three dorms in an effort to make the Rutgers’ New Brunswick campus more inclusive for gay students after a highly publicized suicide last year.

Starting this fall, all students — whether gay, lesbian, transgender or heterosexual — can choose either male or female roommates under the pilot program. Men and women will share bathrooms.

A similar, but smaller, pilot program is being launched at

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the Newark campus.

A number of other schools, including the University of Maryland, New York’s Columbia University and Washington’s George Washington University, offer similar housing options, according to the National Student Genderblind Campaign.

Gay student groups have pushed for the gender-neutral housing policy for years.

But it got more attention after Clementi’s death when there was increased scrutiny of the way gay, lesbian and transgender students are sometimes treated on campus.

3/2/11 12:25 AM