Oct 19 2009 The Battalion Print

Patrick Clayton — THE BATTALION

thebattalion Service minded ● monday,

Nicholas Badger — THE BATTALION

october 19, 2009

● serving

texas a&m since 1893

● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2009 student media

President speaks at Points of Light forum protests | 4

Sign language Both supporters and protesers gathered on campus to voice concerns. reaction | 5

It’s about service Ben Williamson — THE BATTALION

Students respond to the presidential visit and forum

Officers from the University Police Department watch protesters of President Barack Obama’s visit to Aggieland Friday in Spence Park.

voices | 6

Editorial

Obama, leaders speak on volunteering Meagan O’Toole-Pitts The Battalion President Barack Obama received a hearty “Howdy” from more than 2,000 attendees at the presidential forum on community service Friday afternoon in Rudder Auditorium at Texas A&M. “Service isn’t separate from our national priorities or second to our national priorities, it’s integral to achieving our national priorities,” Obama said. “It’s how we will meet the challenges of our time.”

Obama has big shoes to fill as the new leader of the American volunteer service movement — started by former president George H.W. Bush in 1989 — and signing the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act was a good start, said national leaders at the presidential forum on community service.

As a part of Obama’s “United We Stand” campaign launched this summer, the Edward M.

Kennedy Serve America Act followed in suit with the first National Service Act of 1990 and the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 in an effort to promote and organize volunteer opportunities.

“It’s estimated that U.S. nonprofit organizations over the next decade need to attract some 640,000 new leaders,” said Bush, the Points of Light Institute founder.

The forum celebrated the volunteer contributions of more than 4,500 Daily Point of Light Award winners — 150 in the audience — and awarded Texas A&M student and Big Event Director Mallory Myers at the forum.

The Big Event is an annual one-day service project initiated by the Student Government Association at Texas A&M University in 1982 and is now practiced on 70 college camSee Points of Light on page 1

Replant Day sprouts a tradition Geosciences students plant trees to help grow friendships

■

Ann Littman Special to The Battalion As the sun rose Saturday over the statue of Sul Ross, a group of students from the College of Geosciences gathered. Their majors were different. Their club affiliations were different.

However, they were united in purpose: giving back to the community and the environment by participating in Replant Day. After meeting at 7:15 a.m., the group walked to Spence Park to receive instructions

Pg. 1-10.19.09.indd 1

Aggies showed appropriate welcome for the commander in chief.

for the day. Following registration, the student volunteers were instructed to report to Grace Bible Church’s Southwood Campus. At Grace, the group met with Replant volunteers who outfitted the College of Geosciences volunteers with shovels and the trees to be planted— six in all. The Replant team then demonstrated the proper tree-planting method before allowing the students to commence planting.

For first-time planter David Ethridge, a senior geography major, the opportunity to serve was worth the lack of sleep.

“We are a service-oriented University,” said Ethridge, president of the Geography SoSee Replant on page 3

Appointed protest Protesters at the picket lines were disrespectful to fellow Aggies.

thebatt.com Obama’s speech Obama speaks about volunteerism and public service in College Station at Rudder Auditorium.

The Protest

Nicholas Badger — THE BATTALION

The Battalion asked several student’s opinion about the protests.

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, President Barack Obama and former President George H.W. Bush walk off the stage in Rudder Auditorium Friday after the Points of Light forum.

Kansas State 62, A&M 14 The only points scored by the Aggies on Saturday were on two touchdown passes from Jerrod Johnson to Uzoma Nwacheku in the second half. Kansas State held a 59-0 lead in the middle of the third quarter.

Nicholas Badger - THE BATTALION

sports | 7

Time for a change After the embarrassing effort put forth by the Aggies, people need to be held accountable. And that starts at the top.

sports | 8 What’s next Texas A&M (3-3) vs. Texas Tech (5-2) Saturday at Lubbock, TX

On-campus reactor aids student learning Joaquin Villegas The Battalion Texas A&M University is known for having one of the best engineering programs in the nation, which offers the best hands-on experience for students. The department of nuclear engineering accentuates this distinction with the offering of a laboratory class that has undergraduate nuclear engineering seniors performing labs with a real nuclear reactor.

The laboratory, listed in the catalog as Nuclear Engineering Experiments (NUEN 405), is not the only nuclear reactor present on campus.

“There are two reactors on campus,” said Dan Reece, professor of Nuclear Engineering and director of the Nuclear Science Center. “There is a one

mega-watt reactor in the Nuclear Science Center and a five watt reactor, the AGN-201M, in the Zachry Building.”

However, the smaller five watt reactor is the one used for the laboratory.

“The AGN reactor’s low power and lack of feedback mechanisms, such as the temperature mechanism,” Reece said, “helps students understand the equations because there is no background noise affecting the experiments.”

The laboratory serves to instruct students in the fields of basic nuclear reactor parameters and reactor operation safety.

A former student of the lab that can testify to the usefulness of the class is Shannon BraggSee Nuclear reactor on page 3

10/18/09 11:37 PM

We make it easy to eat better If You Have Something To Sell, Remember ClassiďŹ eds Can Do It! Call 845-0569

the battalion

www.villagefoods.com

We make it easy to eat better

www.villagefoods.com

Today partly cloudy High: 78 Low: 61

The Texas A&M

Pre-Law Society Welcomes You to Our Fourth Meeting at 7pm, Tues., Oct. 20th in Kleberg 113 Guest Speaker is Princeton Review

courtesy of NOAA

ͳ͚͸Ͳ ”‹ƒ”…”‡•– ” ̡ ʹ͝–Š – ʹǤ͡ Â?‹Ž‡• ˆ”‘Â? …ƒÂ?’—• ÇŚ ƒ– ͚njͳͲ Čˆ —Â? ͺnj͝ ͚͝͝Ǥͺ͜͸Ǥ͝͸ͲͲ www.villagefoods.com We make it easy to eat better with delicious hamburger purchase ”‹Â?‰ …‘—’‘Â? –‘ ‘—” †‡Ž‹Ǥ ‹Â?‹– ͳǤ Expires 10/31/09

172

‡”˜‡† ‘Â? ƒ –‘ƒ•–‡† ÂŒÂƒÂŽÂƒÂ’Â‡Ă“Â‘ „—Â? ™‹–Š ›‘—” …Š‘‹…‡ ‘ˆ …‘Â?†‹Â?‡Â?–•Ǥ ƒÂ?› •ƒ› ‹–ǯ• –Š‡ „‡•– Â–ÂŠÂ‡Â›ÇŻÂ˜Â‡ every Šƒ†

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

thebattalion 10.19.2009

www.villagefoods.com

The Battalion welcomes readers’ comments about published information that may require correction.

We will pursue your concern to determine whether a correction needs to be published.

Please e-mail at editor@thebatt. com.

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

All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. A service charge is added to each ticket.

pagetwo

We make it easy to eat better corrections UConn

how to apply

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT ALL AREA SELECT-A-SEAT OUTLETS AND UNITED SUPERMARKETS CHARGE BY PHONE AT 1-806-770-2000 OR 1-800-735-1288

Tuesday partly sunny high: 82 low: 69 Wednesday 30% chance of storms high: 79 low: 67 Thursday 40% chance of storms high: 73 low: 55

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

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

No previous journalism experience is necessary.

mourns death of athlete

STORRS, Conn. — A Connecticut football player who was an expectant father was stabbed to death early Sunday after an on-campus dance, just hours after helping his team to a homecoming Howard victory.

Jasper Howard, 20, of Miami, and another student were stabbed during a ďŹ ght after a ďŹ re alarm was pulled during a university sanctioned dance at the UConn Student Union just after 12:30 a.m., police said. Police had not identiďŹ ed a suspect or released the name of the other victim.

Connecticut coach Randy Edsall said the team was heartbroken and devastated over the loss of Howard, a junior and the team’s starting cornerback who came to the school to get away from the violence on the streets of his hometown. He became the ďŹ rst person in his family to go to college.

Edsall said Howard’s death was especially tragic, because he was about to become a father. No additional information about the expectant mother was provided by police or the university. UConn Police Maj Ronald Blicher said this is the ďŹ rst homicide at the university in at least 30 years.

Associated Press

How Important Is Your Future?

Quality Counts If you’re charged with a criminal offense, it can effect not just your liberty, but your future.

James, Reynolds & Greening provides quality representation for those charged with crimes, with 3 lawyers board certiďŹ ed in criminal law and over 50 years combined experience. Plus, the ďŹ rm carries A-V rating by Martindale Hubble. ,

,

Jim James - magna cum laude, Texas A&M 76, honors graduate University of Texas School of Law 78; Board CertiďŹ ed Criminal Law, named Texas Super Lawyer; Speaker at Texas Bar Advanced Criminal Law Seminar. ,

Cameron Reynolds - graduated from Texas A&M 91 and Texas Tech School of Law in 1994. Board CertiďŹ ed Criminal Lawyer, named Texas Super Lawyer, Former Brazos County Assistant District Attorney.

Craig Greening - Attended Boston University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and from the University of Texas School of Law; Board CertiďŹ ed in Criminal Law; Former Assistant County Attorney and District Attorney in Brazos County. , David Hilburn - graduated from Texas A&M 97 and of South Texas College of Law in 2000. Harris County Assistant District Attorney 2000-2005, Brazos County Assistant District Attorney 2005-2009.

Call 979.846.1934 jamesandreynolds.com

Patrick Clayton — THE BATTALION

President Barack Obama and former President George H.W. Bush greet each other with a handshake Friday at the Points of Light Presidential Forum in Rudder Auditorium.

Points of Light Continued from page 1

puses throughout the country. “I know you’re busy. I know that sometimes, though you don’t like to admit it, service can feel a bit like a chore,�

Obama said, “but if Mallory Myers can repeat last year’s success and get more than 12,000 students and 1,200 service activities in this community, then surely you can round up a few friends to volunteer in your community too.�

Though many Americans have trouble finding the time to volunteer, Obama said it’s important to find a way to make service a part of everyday life. “People won’t always appreciate what you’re trying to do for them. You won’t always make the difference you had hoped for. Let’s be honest, some problems are so big, so stubborn that even your best efforts will only help just a little bit. You might just help one person, help one quarter of a neighborhood but those are the efforts that matter the most,� Obama said. “It’s through that struggle — the fact that it’s hard — that the difference is making. It’s how you young people in particular will discover your strengths and weaknesses, the depths of your passion and courage. It’s how you will grow.�

AmeriCorps, a network of national service programs that engage Americans in intensive service to meet needs in education, public safety, health and the environment, was launched after the first National Service Act was signed by Bush in 1990. The act was then actu-

alized in 1993 when President Bill Clinton signed the National and Community Service Trust Act, bringing domestic community service programs together under one organization — AmeriCorps. “When President Bush first started talking about the Points of Light I really doubt that he could have fully imagined that his vision and words and actions would generate a service movement that would transform the nation,� said Points of Light Chief Executive Officer Michelle Nuun. “But I do believe that if he had looked forward and imagined commemorating these accomplishments that he would have indeed chosen to celebrate right here with 2,000 Points of Light in his beloved Texas A&M.�

In the past two decades of the service movement, volunteering among youth and older adults has increased dramatically, Obama said. “You all are the most engaged, service-minded generation since the 1930s — serving your communities in record numbers,� Obama said. “Last year applications to City Year tripled, and the Peace Corps had three applicants for every position. AmeriCorps applications were up 400 percent in the first four months of this year alone. Rather than argue about whether or how to do something, you’d rather go out there and get it done.�

Volunteering is essential to being an American, Obama said. “In the end service binds us to each other, and to our communities and our country in a way that nothing else can,�

Obama said.

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

Amanda Casanova 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 979-8450569. 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.

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 $100 per school year. To charge by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, call 979-845-2613.

Pg. 2-1019.09.indd 1

10/18/09 11:31 PM

news

page 3 monday 10.19.2009

thebattalion

Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

Dan Reece is a professor of Nuclear Engineering and director of the Nuclear Science Center at Texas A&M. He works with the five watt nuclear reactor, the AGN-201M, in the Zachry Building.

Nuclear reactor Continued from page 1

Sitton. She took the course during her undergraduate career in A&M. “Performing experiments in an operating reactor facility [provided a] concrete demonstration of complex concepts that arise in nuclear engineering,” Bragg-Sitton said.

Bragg-Sitton works at A&M as an associate professor in the nuclear engineering program for the nuclear reactor laboratory as well as doing research for NASA in the development of a fission power system for application in the lunar surface.

“Hands-on experience with an operating reactor further cements the students’ understanding of the fundamental physics of a nuclear system,” Bragg-Sitton said. “This provides the students an excellent starting point as they seek employment outside the University, as they have a more complete understanding of nuclear systems, including design, operations and safety.”

A&M gives students an opportunity to develop their undergraduate careers.

“We’re the only university to have two reactors, so when most people graduate they haven’t had the same opportunities and experiences,” said Kristina Yancey, a senior nuclear engineer-

Replant Continued from page 1

ciety. “Replant allows people who can’t afford a lot of trees to be able to have them. I think it’s a service opportunity, and that’s the most important aspect.”

While working to replenish the trees in the environment, students from the College of Geosciences branched out of their own friendships to form new bonds with students from different organizations.

“It’s a fun and entertaining experience,” said first-time planter Destiny Winning, a freshman environmental geosciences major. “I always wanted to be a part of something and give back to the community and environment. Replant shows we care about our community and environment, and that we want to thank the community for supporting Texas A&M.” Not only is Winning involved in the Texas A&M Student Chapter of the American Meteorological Society, she is also assisting with the student bonfire this year.

ing major enrolled in the class. “So that gives us a step up on the industry when we do graduate.”

According to Yancey, the class really helps her understand the principles behind the science.

“When you’re learning the theory it only makes sense mathematically, but when you see the reactor working it makes all those formulas take form,” she said.

The students are also treated to a light show in every class.

“When a reactor operates a blue glow surrounds it because the particles that are emitted travel faster than the speed of light in water,” Yancey said. “It kind of creates a sonic boom of blue light that’s really pretty.”

The nuclear reactors provide exceptional training facilities for the students of A&M, and allow it to continue to retain its status as one of the top engineering schools in the nation.

“These facilities are a highlight of the nuclear engineering department here at Texas A&M University,” Bragg-Sitton said. “Nuclear technology can enable permanent bases on the Moon and Mars, or can enable ambitious missions to the outer planets and beyond.”

thebatt.com Reactor video Professor Dan Reece discusses one of two nuclear reactors on A&M’s campus.

“

Replant allows people who can’t afford a lot of trees to be able to have them.

I think it’s a service opportunity, and that’s the most important aspect.”

— David Ethridge, president of the Geography Society

“Replant is a way to counteract the effects of bonfire on the environment,” Winning said.

This was not Allison Harris’, senior environmental studies major, first Replant Day. She continues to participate because it is an important tradition.

“Even if we stopped bonfire, I believe traditions evolve and Replant is blooming into its own tradition,” said Harris, president of the Geoscience Student Association. “It shows the community we care about them and the environment. It is so fitting that Obama just visited Texas A&M to talk about the importance of service.”

Fresh Faces Tour 2009 in partnership with

October 19, 2009 11:00AM- 7:00PM Sbisa Dining Hall Promenade North Campus Corner of Hogg St and Asbury St

October 20, 2009 11:00AM- 7:00PM Zone Center Promenade South Campus Joe Routt Blvd btwn.

Wellborn Rd and Houston St

7-Day Banking.

To the student on-the-go that means convenience. And that’s important when you’ve got things to do, places to be and exams to cram for. That’s why we offer full-service banking every day of the week. And for a little extra convenience, we’re happy to throw in: UÊ , Ê iV }

UÊ , Ê Ê L i

UÊ , Ê" iÊ > }

UÊ , Ê6 - ®Ê iV Ê >À`

UÊ , Ê" iÊ Ê*>Þ

UÊÊ , Ê Ê / Ê-iÀÛ ViÃ

Two convenient locations to serve you inside : Bryan Branch 725 East Villa Maria (2 miles north of campus)

Visit the Clinique Fresh Faces Tour to have your makeup done by a Clinique Expert and photo snapped by a professional photographer.

College Station Branch 1900 Texas Avenue South (2 miles south of campus)

979-764-7264

Enter your best shot into the Clinique Fresh Faces Contest for a chance to win. Shop for your favourite Clinique skin care and makeup products while a DJ spins the hottest tunes.

You can even score some free Clinique treats! www.cliniquefreshfaces.com www.ibc.com MEMBER FDIC/INTERNATIONAL BANCSHARES CORPORATION

Pg. 3-10.19.09.indd 1

10/18/09 11:28 PM

news

page 4 monday 10.19.2009

thebattalion

Natasha Sankovich — THE BATTALION

Rachel Nhan — THE BATTALION

Protesters and supporters gathered in Spence Park and G. Rollie White in anticipation of President Obama’s trip to Aggieland.

Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

Sign language Nearly 1,500 protesters assemble campuswide for presidential visit Madiha Rizva The Battalion A light breeze moved the green leaves while the midday sun shone on the people voicing opinions in Spence Park at Texas A&M Friday as an estimated group of 1,500 people gathered at various times throughout the day.

In between the canopy of trees and in the midst of grass and mud, many national and state organizations with chapters, members and students made their way into the field from buses, dorms and locations off campus, some out of the county. They were carrying banners, signs and posters, exercising their freedom of speech. A&M’s College Republicans were the overall organizers of a bulk of the protest with their “Hands off Texas” rally.

This crowd of many protesters and fewer supporters set up in Spence Park, about a quarter of a mile away from Rudder Auditorium, where President Barack Obama spoke about community service and honored 4,500 recipients of the Points of Light Institute’s “Daily Point of Light Award”— the Points of Light Institute is a national volunteers organization.

The scene at the park was similar to a Fourth of July picnic with people sitting on lawn chairs and blankets spread out on the grass. People gathered around the stage, located near the University Center parking garage, listening to country music before the rally began. The rally kicked off with the American national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance, to both the American and Texas flags situated on opposite ends of the stage.

The majority of the rally’s attendees were older people. Some were focused on protesting against healthcare, others against excessive spending, but almost all with the word “socialism” on tips of tongues.

“We are protesting against extreme left, what the policies are moving towards,” said Lily Wright, a member of the Georgetown Tea Party who commuted to College Station for the event.

“We have seen history in the socialism in France and England and the Marxism. As old people, we have seen the trend and it is very scary,” she said with the placard “stop the spending” in one hand and the American flag

on a wooden stick in the other.

The make-up of the crowd began to change as the event neared, attracting bystanders to the cement wall by the University Center parking garage. The students interviewed by the area said they wanted to stay away from the protests because they did not want to be associated with the people in the park.

“They are voicing their opinion. But people out there don’t even know why he is here. They are just protesting, ignorant of the fact that he is here to talk about community service. [The event is] not about politics,” said Roan Vargas, junior international studies major, sitting on the wall.

Reggie Nubine, a sophomore forensic science major, sitting next to Vargas, agreed and said, “Most of the people here are not students; they don’t go here. Look at the children coming in.”

In the midst of the crowd, flags of all sizes were flying with the breeze. The words on the flag read, “Don’t tread on me.” The signs originated in the Revolutionary War, said James Williams, the constituent of Campaign for Liberty in Austin,.

“It was with the protests against King George and in the individual public rights. We still want our own rights and Constitution. Not this socialism,” he said.

Justin Lopez, a former student walking toward the rally said, “It is awesome, people expressing themselves. [There are] Obama supporters [and protesters] out there [engaging] in healthy debate.

I believe there is a strong voice that needs to be heard. People coming out like this, people getting involved.”

The crowd in the park seemed to like the calmness of the park, while the younger crowd grew in the front of G. Rollie White, nearer to Rudder Auditorium, with loud chants and signs.

A chant grew in the midst of the crowd, “Oh Obama, what do you say? How much debt have you made today?”

Another student responded: “That doesn’t even flow. You should be ashamed of yourself. Hey, we are cheering because Obama is coming.”

The multitude in the area was unaware that on other side of Spence Park, the motorcade passed by, and hundreds of students caught glimpse of the president making his way into campus.

“It was amazing, I’m not a supporter, but that just changed my life. I made eye contact,” said Matt Reynolds, freshman business major.

Some supporters within the crowd said the people protesting were being very rude.

“They are so obnoxious and are becoming hateful. We are supporters of Obama, yet we are here as a peaceful group,” said Katie Taylor, freshman international studies major.

Stephanie Stevenson, a freshman meteorology major within the crowd, said, “It’s pretty cool. He has never been to Texas before, and now we get to show him how we feel.”

Secretary of the College Republicans, Matt

Miller said, “As the Texas College Republicans, the Republican organization on-campus, we felt in order to have a peaceful protest we needed to sponsor something.”

“We didn’t want it to be about campaigning.

We wanted it to be about the public, to let the people speak,” the senior agricultural communication major said.

“

He has never been to Texas before and now we get to show him how we feel.”

— Stephanie Stevenson, freshman meteorology major

Young Conservatives of Texas Chairman Justin Pulliam said about a particular issue, “People should be allowed to make their own decisions about their health and healthcare.”

He said, “We believe in the freedom of choice – portable insurance plans and increased competition between insurance companies. Healthcare reform should move healthcare towards the private sector, not the federal government.”

A group held the sign, “Volunteering = Socialism” to be a satire of the protesters and just be “silly.” Dan Kiniry, a former student who was holding the sign up said he disagreed with mostly everything protesters were saying.

“There are two dimensions to this,” he said.

“Only volunteers are invited to the event, and it is there to encourage volunteering. [The people] are protesting here against service. And talking about socialized medicine. Even though it will help a lot of people.”

Caitlin Blocker a junior communication major, held a banner that said to respect the president.

“Today is a day to honor these people [volunteers], he is coming here as an honor to our University,” she said. “We have to respect the one in office, whether you agree or not. If we don’t show him the same honor, how does it make us look?”

A group sat in the middle of the park, holding signs proclaiming, “save the turtles.” Students interviewed in the group said they wanted to provide comic relief to the event.

“We all congregated together because we all like funny signs,” said Michelle Rice, a junior political science major. “It relates to the irony of this protest not connected to the protest.”

Officials working on campus on Friday afternoon said the protests did not cause any problems.

VIDEO Watch on campus protesters at thebatt.com

Friday’s Timeline Protesters start to gather in Spence Park 12:05 p.m.

Pg. 4-10.19.09.indd 1

12:12 p.m.

Event staff secure perimeter around G. Rollie White

At least 200 people stand in Spence Park 12:21 p.m.

12:53 p.m.

Chant at Spence is “Keep Your Hands Off Texas”

Counter protests start near Rudder Auditorium 1:04 p.m.

2:34 p.m.

50 protesters in front of G. Rollie White

Secret Service lines Joe Routt Boulevard

3:41 p.m.

4:02 p.m.

Motorcade passes through campus

Obama speaks to attendees at forum 4:44 p.m.

5:19 p.m.

Protesters disperse following forum

10/18/09 11:23 PM

news

page 5

thebattalion

monday, october 19, 2009

Natasha Sankovich — THE BATTALION

A student makes a mockery of the signs held by protestors Friday on Houston Street. Groups such as the Young Conservatives of Texas and La Rouche Political Action Committee protested President Barack Obama’s politics, while others held signs supporting the president.

Nicholas Badger — THE BATTALION

Obama points at a student who whooped during his speech.

The president spoke about the importance of community service and praised Aggies for involvement.

Let’s talk about service Students give opinions on presidential visit, forum Rebecca Bennett, Nancy Barrera and Jill Beathard The Battalion Obama’s visit to Texas A&M University incited a variety of responses from students, guests and visitors gathered on campus Friday. Whether reactions were positive or negative, vocalized or not, everyone seemed to have an interest.

Senior English major Paige Ibanez, president of Delta Gamma, was invited to the forum and sat in the balcony with other student ticketholders.

“I really enjoyed it, I was impressed by the way Obama spoke … [even though] I may not agree with his political views,” Ibanez said.

Obama spoke about the importance of service by ordinary citizens in bettering American communities. He also directed many comments of his speech at the college students attending.

“It’s very simple,” said treasurer of Multicultural Greek Council Diego Medrano, a junior economics major. “He came here with a purpose, and that purpose is to keep doing what the Aggies do best — service.”

The president signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which increases funding for non-profit service organizations in the U.S. “Who better to talk about community service than President Obama?” said Ramesh Talreja, professor of aerospace engineering.

The Corps of Cadets and other student groups convened in Duncan Dining Hall at 4 p.m.

Junior civil engineering major Bryan Uribe said he assumed Secretary of Defense Robert Gates was going to speak to the cadets. Much to his surprise, he also had the opportunity to shake the hand of the president.

“I think everybody in the Corps pretty much did [shake his hand]… a lot of people did, whoever wanted to,” Uribe said.

Despite the nonpartisan subject matter, students, faculty members, local and out-of-state visitors gathered on the south side of campus for this historical event.

One protestor said the Aggie Code of Honor consists of an effort to unify the aims of A&M men and women toward a high code of ethics and personal dignity, but that Obama strongly opposes what an Aggie stands for.

“Since Obama is not using the Code of Honor appropriately, I do not feel bad protesting against him,” said Class of 1980 Joe Kuhn.

Picketers displayed signs with slogans such as “There’s an ‘O’ in ‘Socialism’” and “Keep Your

Natasha Sankovich — THE BATTALION

A student shares views about the protests with his own sign.

Pg. 5-10.19.09.indd 1

Change,” leading others to make mock signs supporting causes such as teeth-brushing and “Jerrod Johnson for the Heisman.”

“We’re kind of making fun of the protest and making fun of a lot of the signs,” said Class of 2006 Dan Kiniry, who made a sign with the joking claim that “volunteerism is socialism.”

In addition to the serious and facetious protestors, Obama supporters were present, displaying excitement about the event and Obama’s presence at A&M. Sophomore psychology major, Talya Lazerus, stood with fellow Aggies and greeted others with a “Howdy!” She said they wanted to share this friendly tradition with Obama because regardless of how one feels about his policies, there is no need to be disrespectful.

Elder Hayes, a missionary from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, said that having

“

He came here with a purpose, and that purpose is to keep doing what the Aggies do best — service.”

— Diego Medrano treasurer of Multicultural Greek Council junior economics major

protesters as well as supporters present “shows that A&M is patriotic, even though these diverse acts may contribute to A&M’s negative political status … it shows people here aren’t lukewarm about their views.”

Former student body president and senior biomedical sciences major Mark Gold, who was standing outside the Young Conservatives of Texas’ protest, said he was just curious to see what was going on and to make sure that everything was hopefully under control.

Overall, the protesters and supporters reserved their comments to their location of interest and there were no violent clashes during the event.

“Everything is calm, well-organized and under control,” said Lt. Terry Truett from Texas Highway Patrol.

Obama praised the service efforts of Aggies, especially those involved with Big Event. Gold said he thinks A&M was chosen as the location of the forum because Obama “stands on the values of service, honor and valor, some of the same values A&M stands on.”

Patrick Clayton — THE BATTALION

Director of Big Event Mallory Myers, a junior political science major, receives the Daily Point of Light Award on behalf of the organization. The award was given at the Points of Light Presidential Forum on Service Friday in Rudder Auditorium.

Jon Eilts — THE BATTALION

The presidential motorcade makes its way down Throckmorton Street through campus Friday, transporting Obama to Rudder Auditorium.

10/18/09 11:20 PM

EDITORIALBOARD The Battalion’s editorial opinion is determined by its Board of Opinion, with the editor in chief having final responsibility.

Editor in Chief Amanda Casanova editor@thebatt.com Managing Editor Mattie Williamson battcopy@thebatt.com Opinion Editor Ian McPhail opinion@thebatt.com

EDITORIAL

Protestors pass presidential test

voices Seeing the light thebattalion 10.19.2009 page6

W

hen Texas A&M students and faculty were informed of President Barack Obama’s invitation to Aggieland, many worried his first visit to Texas would be marked with disrespect and misconduct. We were concerned picket signs and politics would replace traditional Aggie values of integrity and respect. Overall, however, true Aggie nature succeeded in welcoming the president and highlighting this University’s core values.

Prior to the event, former President George H.W. Bush and other leaders emphasized the non-political nature of the forum. Thus, A&M was honored to be able to welcome the president to a campus that promotes community service and activism.

While protestors said they were not objecting to the forum, their behavior mirrors the right to free speech.

Two days before the event, Bush released a letter to the media, calling on Aggies to act like Aggies. “This will be an important national moment, and a moment for Texas A&M to shine in the global spotlight as it always does,� he wrote. “I sincerely hope and believe it will serve as a point of Aggie pride for many years to come.�

While many of the signs blanketing Spence Park could be deemed as offensive, we are grateful protestors chose to present themselves and their cause in a civilized manner. Inside Rudder Auditorium Aggie whoops and cheers greeted the president as he stepped onto the stage and his “Howdy� was met with a thunderous “Howdy� in return. Thus, congratulations A&M for making Obama’s visit to A&M a visit worthy of the “global spotlight.�

Cole Allen

While Obama focused his Points of Light speech on bipartisan community service, a few Ags failed to keep their protest civil.

Friday, I was privileged enough to attend the Points of Light gathering, featuring President Barack Obama. But first, I want to touch on something, that offended me, the prideful Aggie that I am ever so excited to be.

While protestors were forming lines outside Rudder, there was no point. I was yelled at coming out of the speech in derogatory tones for going to see a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Does that make you guys feel good? To put down other Aggies?

I thought we were a solid family, regardless of beliefs. But for protestors to shun fellow Aggies is simply arrogant, highly offensive and terrible for school publicity.

Don’t put someone down because they don’t share the same beliefs as you, or even because they want to go see a speech.

It is one thing to protest a speech, but know your topics and make sure the speech is relevant to your themes. This wasn’t a proper venue for a divisive political

protest. This was Republicans and Democrats coming together and uniting for the greater good.

Therefore, I’m calling the Young Conservatives of Texas out, namely the president, Justin Pulliam who should be held responsible for the organizations actions against the negative remarks made to fellow Aggies. You owe the student body an apology, not for protesting, but the remarks made.

As far as the speech, I found it to be very humbling whether Republican or Democrat. To see Republicans such as former President George H.W Bush, Representative Chet Edwards and our beloved Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, come together with Democrats such as Obama, Ron Kirk and Joe Biden shows how important community service really is.

I found many of the speeches to be inspiring. Interim President R. Bowen Loftin clad in his trusty maroon bowtie, spoke directly to people at a national level, complimenting our school on a level of which no other university can be compared to in the department of community services. Another highlight was a speech in which Walter Isaacson interrupted Senator Sam Nunn about homosexuality in the armed forces.

More importantly when Obama walked on stage, it was an overwhelming feeling to be in a room with such respected leaders of various groups and companies.

Obama’s speech was exactly what it should have been.

Not only did the president maintain his charisma and juggle

Nicholas Badger — THE BATTALION

jokes around, but also the direction of his speech was exactly what every young person needs to hear.

His message was summarized as, regardless of race, religion, politics or anything, we are the future of America, with that we must put aside differences and help people who are in need of it, because not only is it a good thing to do, but it ultimately shapes your character and makes you grow.

What really shocked me about the event was how Obama did not once, I repeat, not once look at his notes. He maintained eye contact with everyone. Hate him or love him, he can talk the paint off a wall.

What’s even more impressive is his ability to speak to an individual on their level. His choice of words and vocabulary isn’t too much, nor too little. He talks on a higher level of thinking, but at the same time he treats people with respect.

A little background on Obama’s

T N U O C IS D

A

S R '- OFFE

S T N E D U T S

E TO COLLEG

S D A R G

T N E C E R

AND .O WAY

7!9

| 2010 Chevy

community service, he was one of the first senators to show up at Hurricane Katrina to help people.

In his youth, he was involved in many childhood organizations, and throughout his life in congress to presidency he has worked closely with the late Senator Edward Kennedy to pass the Kennedy Service Acts. Another great bill brought forth to help community service around the nation.

Bush spoke highly of President Obama, as did the other speakers.

From Gandhi to Martin Luther King, Obama has been recognized in comparison to their great leaders for having the same level of passion for community service.

As Bush said, “Old ideas are new again, they are timeless.� This statement inspired thousands of people to help the community.

This was a great experience for Aggieland.

Cole Allen is a junior political science major.

Cobalt

3

$ % 2 $ .

5 (

% 6 !

3

. !

9/5 #

%6%. 4(/53!.$3

7)4( 4(% '4 #/,,%'% $)3#/5.

aro vy Cam e h C w ability All Ne il

| Limited ava

| 2010

GMC Ter

rain

Get your college discount price and register at

GMCOLLEGEDISCOUNT COM 4!-5

CHEVROLET

BUICK

GMC

CADILLAC

The marks of General Motors, its divisions, slogans, emblems, vehicle model names, vehicle body designs and other marks appearing in this advertisement are the trademarks and/ or service marks of General Motors, its subsidiaries, afÞliates or licensors. Š2009 General Motors. Buckle up, America!

Pg. 6-10.19.09.indd 1

10/18/09 11:00 PM

sports

page 7 monday 10.19.2009

thebattalion

A CLASSIFIED AD: Phone 845-0569 or Fax 845-2678

OFFICE:

BUSINESS HOURS

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

Memorial Student Center, Room 032

SPECIAL

TO PLACE

classifieds Mauled in Manhattan PRIVATE PARTY WANT ADS

$10 for 20 words running 5 days, if your merchandise is priced $1,000 or less (price must appear in ad). This rate applies only to non-commercial advertisers offering personal possessions for sale. Guaranteed results or you get an additional 5 days at no charge. If item doesn’t sell, advertiser must call before 1 p.m. on the day the ad is scheduled to end to qualify for the 5 additional insertions at no charge. No refunds will be made if your ad is cancelled early.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FOR SALE

ROOMMATES

Absolutely 1 Fun Laugh-A-Lot Defensive Driving! Ticket dismissal/insurance discount. W&Th (6pm-9pm) or Sat (8am-2:30pm).

Walk-ins welcome.

At Denny’s (across from TAMU). $25 cash, restrictions apply.

979-694-8888.

2003 Suzuki SV650. 18k miles. $3250. Great condition, garage kept, new tires and chain, M4 exhaust. 979-739-4905.

1bd/1ba downstairs apartment. For lease! Wolf Pen Creek $475/mo. includes utilities. $400 cash back incentive. 713-253-3399.

Boss Hogg Limo. Northgate formals, Houston, Louisiana, football games. www.bosshogglimo.com (254)721-6179

Mobile home for sale to be moved (Fleetwood) 16x66. Like new. $19,000. (979)-535-7524. Negotiable.

Texans for Rick Perry is hiring paid part-time Field Staff Representatives in College Station! Support for Governor Perry and interest in politics are a must! Contact Casey Christman, 512-558-1306, caseychristman@rickperyy.org. Political advertisment paid for by Texans for Rick Perry.

Shiro, 3-2, 1200sf, pier and beam home, comute Bryan or Huntsville, owner/agent, $79000, 979-412-3930.

AUTO 2004 Honda Civic EX for sale. 107K miles, $7800. Call 903-293-7290.

I buy vehicles, running or not running.

979-778-1121.

FOR RENT

Beautiful oak pool table, $400, full-size, low-price due to work of moving it. 979-575-9514

HELP WANTED Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day.

No experience. 512-684-8296. photoguy@io.com Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment.

Energetic students needed to distribute flyers on 10/19 and 10/20. $10/hr, Call 1-800-927-9194.

$375 pre-lease. 1/1, 2/1. Free Wi-Fi, On Northgate, on Shuttle. Short term leases ok. Call agent, Ardi.

979-422-5660.

Experienced wait staff for new wine bar. Must be 21 w/wine knowledge or willing to learn.

979-204-6030.

$900, Available Now, PRE-LEASE, 3, 4 bdrm. houses near TAMU, pets ok. Call Agent Ardi 979-422-5660.

Healthcare technology firm MEMdata now hiring part time IT Systems Analyst. Local, just minutes from campus. Flexible hours. Pay based on qualifications. Email resumes to careers@memdata.com or fax to 979.695.1954.

1-3/bedroom apartments. Some with w/d, some near campus. $175-$600/mo. 979-696-2038.

2 bedroom Four-plex and Duplex, a couple of different floor plans to chose from. Some with wood floors, fireplace, fenced yard. www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291.

2/1.5 with W/D connection, great location, with backyard.

Near bus-stop. Water , lawn, & pest paid. $600/mo. 422-4296.

2/2 sublease. $660/mo, all deposits paid including pets. Willow Wick Nov1-Aug 2010 cable and Internet paid. williamm@tamu.edu 2bdrm/3ba duplexes.

Great floorplans, fenced yards, w/d, tile floors, icemakers, alarm systems.

979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com 3/2 House w/study-Wolf Pen Area!

Close to shuttle, w/d conn, fenced w/ lawn care, www.twincityproperties.com 979-775-2291.

3/3 Duplexes, 1400sqft, fenced backyard, all appliances new, excellent specials, 979-694-0320. office@luxormanagement.com 3bd/2ba great floorplan, on shuttle route. Washer and dryer. Fans, stainless appliances. New, new, new. www.aggielandleasing.com 3bdrm/3ba duplexes.

Great floorplans, fenced yards, w/d, tile floors, icemakers, alarm systems.

979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com 4/3, 3/3 &3/2 Townhouses, Duplexes &Fourplexes, 1250-1700sqft.

Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, extra storage, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing for 2010, excellent specials. 694-0320. office@luxormanagement.com Available now. 4/2/2 newly remodeled, pet-friendly, new carpet &paint. $1275/mo. 1208 North Ridgefield. Biking distance to campus. aggielandrentals.com 979-776-8984.

Balcones Apartments, only 2 left!

1/1 on bus route $475/mo.

703-8282.

Casa Verde town-home 2/2 W/D connection. Near bus stop. Pest, water, lawn paid $695/mo.

703-8282.

Close to campus 2bd/2bth. Washer and dryer. Fenced yard. www.aggielandleasing.com Pre-leasing Townhome Style Condos 2bd/2.5ba off Spring Loop and University Drive. River Ridge Townhomes. Close to campus on the bus route. Call 979-690-1504 or email Sieglipp@yahoo.com Save $1000 on Spring lease at Callaway Villas. 2/2.5 with meal plan.

(325)-656-9713.

Spacious 2bd/2ba, washer and dryer provided, shuttle route, curbside parking. www.aggielandleasing.com Spacious 3bd/3ba. Close to campus. Washer and dryer provided. www.aggielandleasing.com Sublease! Callaway Villas 2/2 flat by pool. Male only $365/mo. +1/2 bills. Fully furnished & move-in ready. Avail. now. 281-639-0303.

Healthcare technology firm MEMdata now hiring. Local, just minutes from campus.

Part-time openings (20 hrs/wk minimum), M-F 8 to 5. Flexible Hours. Good Verbal Communication and Computer Skills a Must. $8/hr plus bonus. E-mail resumes to careers@memdata.com or fax to 979-695-1954.

Local Medical Technology Firm MEMdata is seeking part time/full time graphic designers/web designers/video blog editors for our growing business. Local, just minutes from campus. Flexible hours.

Paid internship available if preferred.

Email resumes to careers@memdata.com or fax to (979)695-1954.

Part time temporary accounts recievable data entry, account reconciliation and some filing. Excel knowledge required. Accounting/ business knowledge helpful. Call Katie, 979-260-3835ext.11.

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 $7.25/hour.

Apply on-line @ www.99Tutors.com, 979-255-3655.

Weekend and holiday work in Houston installing holiday decorations, work is physically demanding. Pay starts at $10/hr, Email tdmi1@verizon.net Weekend merchandisers. Budweiser has immediate opening for part-time positions. Great pay! Pre-employment drug screen. Apply at Jack Hilliard Dist., 1000 Independence, Bryan, TX.

MUSIC 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 A+Teacup puppies: Maltese, Shorkies, Maltipoos, Yorkies &Poodles. $500 &up. 979-324-2866, linda_d_54@yahoo.com Adopt Pets: Dogs, Cats, Puppies, Kittens, Many purebreds. Brazos Animal Shelter, 979-775-5755, www.brazosanimalshelter.org

REAL ESTATE Buy &Sell B/CS homes, condos, duplexes.

RE/MAX. Nadia 979-693-1851.

Michael 979-739-2035. www.bcsrealty.com For Sale 3bed/2bath house, built in 2003, new paint, new carpet, refrigerator, washer, dryer, sprinkler system, huge deck, garage, no backyard neighbors. Available for immediate move in. $126,000. Call Cari Bullington at (979)255-1322 or cbullington@hotmail.com

Texas A&M junior quarterback Jerrod Johnson threw his first three interceptions of the season in the Aggies’ 62-14 loss to Kansas State in Manhattan on Saturday.

Female roommate needed. 2/2 in Enclave Apartments. Available for immediate move-in. $495 +electricity. Contact Ramey 903-521-9708.

Looking for female roommate to share 2bd/2bth apartment. Available for immediate move-in. $530/mo.

Contact Barbara 713-550-6560.

Stephen Fogg — THE BATTALION

Aggies fall to Kansas State, 62-14

Roommate needed. 4/4 University Place condo, W/D, private bath, pool, volleyball court, on shuttle. $300/mo., call 979-690-8213 or 979-422-9849.

Brad Cox

TUTORS Math tutor algebra through calculus. Over 45yrs. engineering experience. Grady (404)422-0989.

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, 979-255-3655.

NEED EXTRA WRITING HELP? Sharpen your skills with Ambassador’s Ink: experienced college writing assistance! Contact us at ink@ambink.com or 440-376-4247 for proofing, revision, and tutoring services. Highly competitive student rates available!

Stressed out about Grades or Passing? Let Fish Tutors Increase your GPA and Lower Your Stress! Enroll today at www.Fishtutors.com.

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

COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK breckenridge

Vail Beaver Creek Keystone Arapahoe Basin

20 Mountains. 5 Resorts. 1 Price.

FROM ONLY

plus t/s

The Battalion After a 62-14 loss at Kansas State on Saturday, Texas A&M Head Coach Mike Sherman did not tiptoe around the issue.

“I can tell you we got our butt kicked every which way tonight,” he said. “There is no question about that, we got our butt kicked. It goes on everybody, offense, defense, special teams, coaches and staff, we all got our butts kicked tonight.”

Few things seemed to go right for the Aggies.

One of the top offenses in the nation mustered only 301 total yards and was shutout in the first half.

The A&M defense failed to contain Wildcat junior running back Daniel Thomas who rushed for four touchdowns in the first half.

The special teams gave up a kickoff return for a touchdown to start the second half, the first return the Aggies have given up in this season.

“When things started to go bad, it seemed like they just got worse,” said junior quarterback Jerrod Johnson. “I’m not sure

what happened to us tonight.”

Johnson, who is the key to the Aggies’ offensive success this season, threw his first interception of the season midway through the second quarter.

The pick ended a string of 225 consecutive passes without an interception, setting a Big 12 record.

Turnovers plagued A&M throughout the game. After losing a fumble on the opening drive, Kansas State drove 29 yards in four plays to take a 7-0 lead. Johnson’s first interception, a second Aggie fumble, and Johnson’s second interception each led to Wildcat touchdowns.

Johnson threw a third interception near the end of the game, but Kansas State ultimately punted it away with 1:34 remaining on the clock.

“Jerrod was getting exposed, and we weren’t protecting great,” Sherman said.

Johnson and freshman receiver Uzoma Nwachukwu were the common factor in A&M’s two touchdowns.

Johnson connected with Nwachukwu on the first play

WWW.UBSKI.COM

1-800"H@>"L>A9 &"-%%",*)".)*(

STUDIES IN PROGRESS DO YOU HAVE FACIAL ACNE? We are looking for volunteers to participate in a twelve-week research study of an investigational topical medication for acne. Those who qualify will receive at no cost: • Study related medical evaluations by a dermatologist • Study related medication • Reimbursement for time and travel, up to $250.

Participants must be 12-45 years of age.

For more information please contact:

RED DRY SCALY PATCHES OF SKIN ATOPIC DERMATITIS STUDY (ECZEMA) Volunteers ages 18 - 64 needed to participate up to a 12 week long clinical research study with an investigational topical medication for atopic dermatitis (RED, DRY, SCALY PATCHES OF SKIN). Eligible volunteers will receive at no cost: • Study related medication • Physical Examination • Dermatological Assessments • Compensation up to $675.00 for time and travel For more information please contact:

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

Week 3

Week of October 18 - October 22

Acct 209

Part 1 of 4 Wed Oct 14 7pm-10pm

Part 2 of 4 Thu Oct 15 7pm-10pm

Part 3 of 4 Fri Oct 16 5pm-8pm

Pt 4 & Tst Rvw Sun Oct 18 6pm-9pm

Acct 229

Part 1 of 4 Wed Oct 21 7pm-10pm

Part 2 of 4 Thu Oct 22 7pm-10pm

Part 3 of 4 Sun Oct 25 7pm-10pm

Pt 4 & Tst Rvw Mon Oct 26 6pm-10pm

Acct 230

Part 1 of 4 Wed Oct 14 4pm-7pm

Part 2 of 4 Fri Oct 16 2pm-5pm

Part 3 of 4 Sun Oct 18 12pm-2pm

Pt 4 & Tst Rvw Mon Oct 19 7pm-10pm

Bich 410

Part 1 of 4 Thu Oct 22 10pm-1am

Part 2 of 4 Fri Oct 23 6pm-8pm

Part 3 of 4 Sat Oct 24 12pm-3pm

Pt 4 & Tst Rvw Sun Oct 25 12pm-2pm

Chem 101

Ch.4/Tst Rvw Williamson, Gao Sun Oct 18 1pm-4pm

Material TBA Tue Oct 20 4pm-7pm

Material TBA Wed Oct 21 5pm-7pm

Material TBA Thu Oct 22 7pm-10pm

Chem 107

Part 3 of 4 Sun Oct 18 4pm-6pm

Part 4 of 4 Tue Oct 20 12am-2am

Test Review 1 Wed Oct 21 5pm-7pm

Test Review 2 Thu Oct 22 5pm-7pm

Econ 202 Mostashari

Part 1 of 4 Thu Oct 29 6pm-9pm

Part 2 of 4 Sun Nov 1 10pm-1am

Part 3 of 4 Mon Nov 2 8pm-11pm

Pt 4 & Tst Rvw Tue Nov 3 6pm-10pm

Econ 203 Edwardson

Part 1 of 2 Sun Oct 18 11pm-2am Part 1 of 2 Thu Oct 15 4pm-7pm Part 3 of 4 Sun Oct 18 9pm-11am Part 3 of 4 Sun Oct 18 9pm-11am

Part 2 of 2 Mon Oct 19 4pm-7pm Part 2 of 2 Sun Oct 18 2pm-5pm Part 4 of 4 Mon Oct 19 10pm-1am Part 4 of 4 Mon Oct 19 10pm-1am

Part 3 of 4 Sun Oct 18 11pm-1am

Pt 4 & Tst Rvw Mon Oct 19 5pm-7pm

College Station

979-693-2825 2418 Texas Ave & SW Pkwy (by Kroger)

Follow us on

Food! for Free username: BUCKSBCS

Econ 203 Nelson Finc 341 Finc 409

ROOMMATES One roommate in duplex on bus route needed. $450/mo +1/2 utilities. Pets ok. 817-266-1286.

Info 303

Math 141* Math 142

www.AggieNetwork.com

of a drive in the third quarter for a 66-yard touchdown pass.

The pair met again in the Aggies’ next drive on a 23-yard touchdown reception by Nwachukwu.

But the 14 points came far too late after the Wildcats had taken a 59-0 lead in the middle of the third quarter.

Kansas State’s 62 points were the most given up by A&M since a 66-28 loss to Oklahoma in 2008 and the most to a Big 12 North team since the conference started in 1996.

“We knew what they were going to do, and I thought that we had a good game-plan in place,” said junior “jack” Von Miller. “I just can’t explain why we played the way we did tonight. We really didn’t see this loss coming.”

The game was the Aggies’ third consecutive loss and second in Big 12 play after starting the season with a 3-0 record and big offensive numbers.

Sherman said the team had been getting better with each game, including the two previous losses, but A&M took a step backward against Kansas State.

Math 151* Math 152 Mktg 321 Parish Mktg 409 Pride

Phys 218*

Pols 206 Pols 207

www.

4.0andGo .com Theory Night Tue Oct 20 6pm-9pm Theory Night Tue Oct 20 6pm-9pm

Test Review Part 1 of 3 WE PAY YOU! Part 3 of 3 Wed Oct 21 Mon Oct 19 Tue Oct 20 Sun Oct 18 9pm-12am 7pm-10pm 7pm-10pm 6pm-9pm Part 1 of 3 Sun Oct 25 Times TBA WE PAY YOU! Sun Oct 25 Time TBA Bring proof of enrollment in class, Part 1 of 3 TAMU ID, sit through class, we will pay Sun Oct 25 you if we didn't first test Times TBA round.

Test Review Tue Oct 20 9pm-1am Test Review Test Packet Thu Oct 15 Sun Oct 18 10pm-2am 6pm-10pm OR >>>

* We will actually pay you $20 to try us out.

WE PAY YOU! Thu Oct 15 8pm-10pm

Part 2 of 4 Sun Oct 18 9pm-11am

Part 3 of 4 Mon Oct 19 10pm-12am

Part 4 of 4 Tue Oct 20 10pm-12am

Fulton Packet Sun Oct 18 6pm-9m Luttbeg Rvw Wed Oct 21 6pm-9pm

Tickets go on sale Sunday at 3:00 p.m. 4.0 & Go is located on the corner of SW Pkwy and Tx Ave, behind KFC next to Lacks and Bourbon Sreet Bar.

Check our web page at http://www.4.0andGo.com or call 696-8886(TUTOR) .

Pg. 7-10-19-09.indd 1

10/18/09 9:11 PM

sports

page 8 monday 10.19.2009

Better Scores. Better Schools

IT’S YOUR TURN!

Outsmart the LSAT and the GRE!

Time for a change

Dec ’09, May ’10, Aug ’10

GRADUATING

SENIORS and GRADUATE STUDENTS Have your free yearbook portrait taken Oct. 6– Oct. 22 in Training Room 027 of the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center.

To schedule your appointment, go to www.thorntonstudio.com Go to School Portraits, Scheduling, click New User, complete with Login Password: tam Or, you may make your portrait appointment with the photographer. Walk-ins are welcome.

It’s your yearbook. Be in it.

Accelerated LSAT Course Perfect for students with limited time!

Prepare for the December exam!

Enroll Today!

Save $300

28 Hours of Prep + 3 Practice Exams

T/Th 6:30-10pm Ɣ 10/31/09-12/3/09

We deliver results!

Satisfaction Guaranteed!

AGGIELAND 2010 Official yearbook of Texas A&M University

PREP for the GRE

David Harris

After another embarrassing showing, there needs to be major changes at the top.

(With the best instructors around)

23 Hours of Prep + 4 Online Practice Exams While you’re in the Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Alumni Center, check out the new interactive exhibits

Wednesdays 6:00pm-9:00pm, 10/28/09- 12/16/09

upstairs on the Neely Mezzanine.

www.PrincetonReview.com Call 979-696-9099 Prep Once, Prep Right, Prep with Us.

thebattalion

E

mbarrassing. Blasphemous. Humiliating.

Shameful. Pathetic.

I could sit here with a thesaurus for about an hour and come up with more words to describe your “Fighting” Texas Aggies’ performance Saturday in Manhattan, Kan. 62-14. Come on sunshine pumpers, let that resonate for a second.

I’ve been watching Aggie football religiously for the last 10 years, and I have never seen a team more unprepared for a game. I’ve never seen a team quit like that. I’ve never seen a loss so embarrassing.

Losing by 48 points to Kansas State is worse than the 77-0 beat down handed down

by Oklahoma in 2003. That Sooner team was undefeated and was the No. 3 team in the country.

This Wildcats squad was 3-3 going into Saturday. They had slipped by Massachusetts, a Football Championship Subdivision team, by a mere four points at home in week one. They had lost to Sun Belt “powerhouse” Louisiana Lafayette. Just last week, they left Lubbock after being obliterated 66-14 by Texas Tech.

Plain and simply, Kansas State was the perceived doormat of the Big 12.

After seeing 59-0 on the scoreboard in the middle of the third quarter, I think it’s

safe to call it a misconceived notion. I also think it’s safe to say this A&M squad may be the worst team in the entire conference.

Yes, the once proud program has been relegated to bottom-feeder status. The once storied tradition of hardnosed defenses, spirited play and conference championships has since been replaced by a tradition of blowout losses, apathetic play and irrelevance.

It’s time to start holding people accountable. And that starts all the way at the top.

After Saturday night, it is more than fair to start questioning both Athletic Director Bill Byrne and Head Coach Mike Sherman.

“We will now begin a national search for a new head coach,” were Byrne’s exact words in winter 2007 following Dennis Franchione’s resignation.

With coaches such as Kevin Sumlin (head coach of No. 17 Houston), Chris Petersen (head coach of No. 6 Boise State), and Bobby Petrino (head coach of Arkansas) available, Byrne’s “nationwide search” led him to interview one person, Mike Sherman, and offer him the job.

It was an obvious decision, right? Sherman got A&M. He loved the school. He loved the traditions. He had been an assistant under R.C. Slocum during the glory years.

Well, since the Sherman hiring, A&M football has spiraled even more downward than during the era of Fran.

Sherman, in his one and a half years, is 7-11. The seven teams he has beaten sport a combined record of 17-49.

A&M is 0-9 against teams .500 or better in Sherman’s tenure.

They are 2-10 against teams from BCS conferences.

Enablers will argue the cupboard was bare and the team is young. To those people,

please stop. Simply put, there is more talent here than at Kansas State. Was the score on Saturday indicative of that?

No. A&M came out with no fire. They came out and played with no emotion. And, the blame should be put on the coaching staff.

Look around the country and you’ll see second year coaches with teams making progress. Bo Pelini at Nebraska and Petrino at Arkansas are two prime examples. However, here at A&M, Aggie football has regressed. Seriously, name one facet of the game where this team has improved. Opposing teams are still dominating the line of scrimmage. The secondary still looks lost. The skill positions are still inconsistent. And, the special teams aren’t so special.

How do you feel about another 4-8 season, Ags? Remember, Tech, Oklahoma and Texas are still on the schedule.

Things are about to get ugly.

Do you think the heralded recruits in the 2010 class are going to stay on board what is a sinking ship? Do you think former students are going to continue paying otherworldly prices for tickets to watch this product? The simple answer to both is a resounding “no.”

Byrne will continue to stress at A&M, we’re “Building Champions.” He’ll continue to cram the three national championships we won last year down your throats. All the while, the athletic department sits in a multi-million dollar hole and the football team is in the toilet.

At A&M, it is time for a change. The Aggie football program has become one of the laughingstocks of the Big 12. And the University and students should begin holding people accountable.

David Harris is a junior economics major.

COLLEGE STUDENTS DESERVE AN

EDUCATION NOT INDOCTRINATION

Christian students at our public universities are being denied their right to openly express what they believe. The Constitution has something to say about this—and so should you.

A RESOURCE OF THE ADF CENTER FOR ACADEMIC FREEDOM

Pg. 8-10.19.09.indd 1

10/18/09 9:20 PM