Oct 28 2009 The Battalion Print

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Vigil against violence Community gathers to protest domestic abuse Travis Lawson | The Battalion

C

andles lit up the Brazos Cotton Exchange Tuesday in the 15th Annual Candlelight Vigil against domestic violence.

About 250 people attended the vigil, presented by the Brazos County Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Volunteers from the A&M Women’s Resource Center, Blinn College and University Police Department were also present.

Ashley McCollum, coalition public outreach chairwoman, said along with the connection between domestic, child and animal violence, what she wanted the students to take away from the event was awareness.

See Vigil on page 4

The Brazos County Coalition Against Domestic Violence held its 15th Annual Candlelight Vigil Tuesday evening in the Brazos Cotton Exchange in Downtown Bryan.

Photos by Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

Loftin announces new $46 million liberal arts building Meagan O’Toole-Pitts The Battalion Moving ahead with Vision 2020, Interim President R. Bowen Loftin announced the planning of a new four-story, 107,000-square foot arts and humanities building to be built

in the center of campus.

“This is truly a historic day for the campus to launch a building which is long overdue and much needed,” Loftin said.

“A&M’s history has been of course agriculture, engineering, science – in principle- we certainly have an liberal arts college

we can be proud of, it covers the entire campus community. But it hasn’t really had a home or focus. We’re scattered across 12 buildings across campus.”

The building, dedicated to arts and humanities, will house the English department and performing arts, among others.

“We’ve already spent some money on the design— now going through the conceptual design phases as well as schematical design phases of the building,” Loftin said. “We’re pretty far along right now as far as how the building will actually look and function.”

Designs are not finalized and have not yet been released, and are expected in four to six months, Loftin said. A date has not been set for completion.

The construction of the building is expected to cost about $46 million, of which $20 million will be derived from the

Organizations unite for Sustainability Day Ann Littmann The Battalion

Courtesy Photo

Police request information on student death University police are asking for assistance in the investigation of the death of an A&M student. On Oct. 16, senior industrial distribution major Patrick Noel Jernigan II, was struck and killed by a train. Police are asking for knowledge regarding Jernigan’s whereabouts between 11 p.m Oct. 15 and 2 a.m. Oct. 16. Anyone who knows any information regarding this case is urged to call University Police at (979) 845-2345. “Patrick was separated from his friends shortly after 11 p.m. on Thursday and is unaccounted for,” said Detective Travis Lively of the University Police.

“We are asking if anyone saw him or was with him during that time to contact us.”

Jernigan was last seen in the Northgate area and became separated from his friends shortly after 11 p.m. Oct 15.

He was scheduled to graduate from A&M in December.

Vicky Flores, staff writer

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Volunteers from various Texas A&M-affiliated organizations filled Sbisa Plaza Tuesday; armed with pamphlets and small giveaway items, organizations were united in recognition of Sustainability Day. “It’s really cool to see that Texas A&M is encouraging students to go green,” said Sarah Thompson, a freshman civil engineering major,.“It’s important, especially as Aggies, that we are conscious of the environment and maintain our resources.”

There were representatives from six student organizations informing students on the importance of sustainability behaviors with regard to energy, See Sustainability on page 4

Benjamin Williamson — THE BATTALION

Students purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at the Farmers’ Market outside of Sbisa Tuesday during Sustainability Day.

Concerned Youth of America work to turn a sour economy around lemonade, they will instead fill out an IOU with their name When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When life gives you trillions of dollars in debt, make lemonade. This is and e-mail. Gruskin and Serna also will be handing out flyers and discussing the ccurrent fiscal policy the motto of Concerned Youth outh of America, who and its possible outc outcomes. “We hope this will be selling lemonade Wednesday at the Wehner Building. The lemonade tour will involve sstudents, bring them process and this debate, and stand is part of CYA’s “E-lemonemoninto this proces ate the Debt Tour” which travels at the same titime raise awareness issue,” said project to universities selling the 44 about the iss Mike Gwin. “I think that it trillion cups of lemonade it director Mik would take to alleviate thee is especially important right now health care debate raging $11 trillion national debt. with the hea Washington. A lot of the focus Two of CYA’s founders, Toni ni in Washingto whether or not this bill Gruskin and Martin Serna, a, has been on w will run the lemonade stand nd will be deficit nneutral.” Afterward, screening of I.O.U.S.A., starting at noon. CYA’s goal al there will be a sc which examines the U.S. is to attract the attention of a documentary wh both young people and adults dults on government’s fiscal landscape la and the college campuses by using ng humor consequences for the na national economy.

STOCK.XCHNG and hyperbole. Instead off charging customers the actual 25 cents for a cup of Katy Ralston, staff writer

Permanent University Fund.

“It was on a priority list for funding back in 2007,” Loftin said. “Dr. Murano, as president, put aside some bonding authority.”

After recently refinancing See Liberal Arts on page 4

Air Force general speaks to Corps Gen. William Fraser, class of 1974, will be celebrating his 25th year graduation anniversary by addressing Texas A&M ROTC students at a briefing Thursday.

The briefing, presented by FRASER Detachment 805 in the Air Force ROTC program at A&M, will take place in Rudder Theater from 4:15 to 5:50 p.m. “General Fraser will talk about his past experiences as a cadet and how that has helped him throughout his career,” said Christina Bové, the public affairs officer for Detachment 805. “Also, he will talk about current issues that are affecting the Air Force.” At least 300 are expected to attend the event, Bové said. Fraser graduated from the Texas A&M ROTC program with a degree in engineering. Fraser serves as Commander in Air Combat Command, with headquarters at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. He is also air component commander for the U.S. Joint Forces Command.

Fraser is responsible for organizing, training, equipping and maintaining combat-ready forces for rapid deployment.

He has logged more than 4,200 flight hours and earned many awards and decorations.

Joaquin Villegas, staff writer

10/27/09 11:37 PM

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pagetwo thebattalion 10.28.2009

Pre-Law and Order

SAN JOSE, Calif.

— The attorney for a police officer shown on video striking an unarmed San Jose State University student with a baton says the student was to blame for the incident. Terry Bowman, who represents Officer Kenneth Siegel, says 20-year-old Phuong Ho was being “combative and noncompliant” when officers tried to arrest him. The cell phone video, recorded by Ho’s roommate, shows Siegel hitting Ho repeatedly with a baton and Officer Steven Payne Jr. using a stun gun on him. Police were called Sept. 3 after Ho allegedly threatened a roommate with a steak knife. Payne’s attorney, Craig Brown, also says Ho resisted arrest.

CLASSES C CL S

December D ecembe embe 18 - January 14 For more information about bo how to apply to Blinn College visit us at www.blinn.edu

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Patrick Clayton — THE BATTALION

Students browse tables set up for the Texas A&M Pre-Law Society’s 2009 Law School Caravan on Tuesday. The caravan brought more than 100 law schools from around the country to campus.

Gas prices inch upward Consumers for the first time this year are paying more on average for a gallon of gasoline than they did 12 months ago, according to data released Tuesday.

There is a good chance that this week, retail gasoline will surpass peak summer prices reached just over four months ago during the driving season when prices are usually at their highest.

Pump prices are following crude higher and refiners are now cutting back on production because the cost of the crude that they convert to fuel has been rising so fast.

The input costs for refiners comes even when demand for fuel remains weak, so they are shutting down some facilities.

Valero, the country’s largest independent petroleum refiner, said Tuesday that it lost nearly $500 million over the past three months.

Crude futures rose again Tuesday and for the 14th straight day, so did retail gasoline prices.

A gallon of gas climbed 0.4 cents higher overnight to $2.675 a gallon, according to auto club AAA, Wright Express and Oil Price Information Service. Prices a year ago were $2.668 a gallon.

At this time last year, however, gasoline prices were falling fast as the financial crisis on Wall Street spread to Main Street.

That means the gap between last year’s prices and

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prices now is going to grow. By December 2008, pump prices had tumbled all the way to $1.61. Just six months before, prices hit a record $4.11 which had millions of motorists cutting back on driving.

This year it’s refiners cutting back. The amount of gasoline held in storage has fallen by about 7.5 million barrels in just two weeks. Most energy experts believe that trend will play out again when the government reports gasoline inventory levels on Wednesday.

Gasoline prices are rising as shoppers begin to think about the holidays ahead, and the latest data suggests it won’t take much to knock them out of stride.

The Consumer Confidence Index, released by The Conference Board, sank unexpectedly to 47.7 in October — its second-lowest reading since May. If consumers are spending more on energy, that may be deducted from the holiday shopping budget even though energy prices have been a relative bargain all year long.

Right now motorists are paying about $1 billion a day for gasoline. By the end of the year, they will collectively pay about $250 million more per day for gasoline than they did a year ago, according to Tom Kloza, publisher and chief oil analyst at Oil Price Information Service.

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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.

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10/27/09 9:09 PM

High fives, scene high fun thebattalion 10.28.2009 page3

Students, volunteers, athletes gather for Special Olympics Fall Classic Sergio Barrio Special to The Battalion A&M students and volunteers gathered at Texas A&M this weekend for the City of College Station’s Special Olympics Fall Classic. The event provided training and athletic competitions for athletes with intellectual disabilities, and an opportunity for Aggies like Breanna Cleary to volunteer. The senior communications major has a brother, Brice, who took part in the events. Her brother has been involved in Special Olympics since he was 8, and Cleary has been there to support him all along the way.

“There are many people who have not had the opportunity to be around those with intellectual disabilities and simply don’t understand,” Cleary said. “I would encourage those people to take the time to get out of their comfort zone and get to know some Special Olympics athletes. I think the problem is the lack of experience, knowledge and awareness.

Special Olympics is always trying to improve this situation and I think we’ve come a long way.”

Cleary said she has had trouble with people who do not accept Brice or seem intent on putting him down. Once she took her brother to a high school basketball game where some students picked on him.

“The hardest thing I’ve ever had to witness was my brother running up to me crying

because some high school kids were making fun of him and calling him ‘retarded,’” Cleary said. “It’s not fair that some don’t accept those with intellectual disabilities. If they would have taken the time to get to know him, I promise you they would’ve thought differently.”

However, there are rewards to facing difficulties like those, she said.

“I cannot imagine my life without those experiences and without my brother,” Cleary said. “I see the world Nicholas Badger — THE BATTALION from a completely different perspective.” A participating athlete gets a high five from an Aggie volunteer Friday at the opening She said she encourages others to par- ceremonies for the Special Olympics Fall Classic. The Classic took place Thursday through ticipate in events like this one as a means Saturday at A&M and featured aquatics, golf, softball and bocce events. to get to know the people they’re helping and empathize with their situation. the state. The athletes followed a procession of Special Olympics Texas hosts, the others being “Special Olympics has allowed my brother student volunteers who provided guidance and summer and winter events. The events are the opportunity to be active and social. He has high-fives to the athletes as they circled part of an ongoing effort by Special Olympics numerous friends across the state and has even the track.

Texas to “erase the R-word,” and give the traveled to China to participate in the World “All of us are here to support the athletes athletes involved a chance to interact with one Summer Games held in 2007,” Cleary said. and show them that Texas A&M is cheering another in a competitive and relaxing atmo“Anyone that has gotten involved with Special them on, really motivate them and make them sphere. The Classic featured aquatics events in Olympics knows of the joys it can provide. feel good,” said Sam Oswald, a senior univerthe Recreation Center’s natatorium and a golf Seeing the athletes light up and smile is one of sity studies major in the Ross Volunteers. tournament on the A&M Golf Course, as well the greatest rewards.”

The opening ceremonies concluded with a as softball and bocce.

The Ross Volunteers Company, along with Celebration Dance. Athletes, families and vol“At first, you may think that you’re givorganizations like the Aggie Wranglers and unteers were invited to dance together under ing more to Special Olympics, but I promise Fade To Black, welcomed athletes at the open- a clear night sky in a celebration of the bonds you, Special Olympics will give you so much ing ceremonies Friday at the Anderson Track they shared, and would come to share over the more,” Cleary said. “Brice helps me in so Complex. The more than 1,600 athletes repcourse of Fall Classic games. many different ways. He has taught me love, resented nearly 100 teams from 22 areas across The Fall Classic is one of three other events joy and patience in ways that no one else can.”

Ryan Bingham promotes new album at Harry’s performance

T

exas native and musician Ryan Bingham’s second album, “Roadhouse Sun” not only features the same outlaw-style rock-androll from his first release, but also takes some small steps towards other genres.

Bingham’s scratchy, raspy voice begs the question of how long he could possibly stay in the music business. Each note sounds as if it had to claw its way through his vocal chords.

While this way of singing wouldn’t be recommended by any vocal instructor, it sure does sound cool against a rough, loud electric guitar.

“Roadhouse Sun” contains plenty of hardnosed, whiskey-drinking country rock, and hints at other musical influences as well.

The album begins strongly with “Day Is Done.” This song varies between quiet verses and heavy rocking choruses, successfully stimulating the listener’s interest. The feel from the soft slide guitar accompanying Bingham’s mournful cry in the verses sharply oppose the angry pounding and electric guitars in the

pg3-10.28.09.indd 1

Clay Harley

‘Roadhouse Sun’ features same rock ’n roll style, but takes steps towards other genres chorus, and the two extremes work together to paint his picture of sorrow. The chorus’s only line sums it up with “When the day is done/I was born a bad man’s son.”

In the next track, “Dylan’s Hard Rain,” Bingham takes a step away from his country feel. This song, as may be obvious, draws heavy

influence from Bob Dylan. The title references Dylan’s song, “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall.” The song is an acknowledgement and continuation of the message from Dylan’s song.

Though Bingham’s words don’t have the deep cutting truth Dylan’s had, it’s still a respectable composition containing substantial insight.

Next is “Tell My Mother I Miss Her So,” an acoustic number with an easy traveling feel reminiscent of Grateful Dead’s “Friend of the Devil.” The music and lyrics have a strong connection to each other in this song, and it should resonate with any listener. The steady guitar strums and bass notes work together to get a nice up-tempo rambling mood.

“Roadhouse Sun” gets a bit monotonous from here on out due to repetition and lack of variety in many of its tracks. However, the driving, seven-minute piece “Change Is” offers some much-needed variety in the second half of the album. In this song, Bingham successfully blends his brand of hard-nosed country

rock with a type of Pink Floyd psychedelic rock.

The tune varies between sections of growling guitar Ryan Bingham riffs and softer refrains, performs with complete with multi-part band The Dead harmonies.

Horses at 8 p.m.

Bingham’s music overtoday at Hurricane all isn’t particularly inHarry’s. Admission novative or prolific, and it is $7. suffers from redundancy.

But his songs do seem to stem from his own personal truths, and because of this, it works. It’s your basic country rock ‘n’ roll made distinct by his one-of-a-kind voice.

It’s worth a listen for anyone, and especially for country lovers.

Concert at Harry’s

Clay Harley is a management information systems major.

10/27/09 10:09 PM

news

page 4 10.28.2009

thebattalion

Vigil Continued from page 1

WARRANT ROUND-UP OCT. 26 - NOV. 6 COLLEGE STATION MUNICIPAL COURT College Station Municipal Court and the surrounding Justice of the Peace of¿ces will conduct a warrant round-up from Oct. 26 - Nov. 6th. If you have a warrant out of College Station Municipal Court please contact the court to avoid being arrested at your home, school, or job. The Court will be open Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the remainder of the week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To contact the court please call 979-764-3683.

Warrants are available on the web at www.cstx.gov/warrants

Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

Brazos Valley Animal Shelter Executive Director Ashley Wesp speaks Tuesday about the link between domestic violence, child abuse and animal abuse.

“I want [students] to be aware that this is a part of the community,” McCollum said.

“We thought it was important to include students because they are such a big part of the community.”

Executive Director of the Brazos Animal Shelter Ashley Wesp gave a speech about domestic violence, child abuse and animal abuse, which was followed by a song by Rachel Fallwell of the College Station Police Department.

College Station Police Department members present included Larry Johnson who issued the opening and closing prayers.

One woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said

Liberal Arts Continued from page 1

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some bonds at a lower rate, money was freed up to combine with money the University system had put aside to allow for the building to be constructed.

A collaborative effort of administrators, including Texas A&M System Chancellor Mike McKinney, set the plans into motion in the past two weeks, Loftin said.

“All together we scrapped together, literally scrapped together, funding required to make this building a reality,” Loftin said.

Liberal Arts Dean Charles Johnson, who leaves his position of eight years to become senior associate vice president for research in the division of research and graduate studies Monday, also spoke at the ceremony.

“I’m deeply honored to have had this announcement occur while I’m dean, my last week as dean as a matter of fact,” Johnson said. “We are excited about how this new building will enhance new faculty and student recruitment and programmatic development as we build upon Texas A&M’s growing national and international reputation in the arts and humanities.”

Johnson will be replaced by Liberal Arts

“

she was an advocate for the Bryan Police Department and worked on violent cases, including domestic violence, by providing services such as protective order and crime victim’s compensation.

“I had a girl who was beat up really bad,” she said. “I convinced her to go to the hospital and she followed through with charges.”

The advocate said she has worked with women of all ages, including older women.

“It is harder to reach those [older women] than the young ones,” she said.

The Brazos County Coalition Against Domestic Violence focuses on domestic violence in the Brazos County area through encouragement for victims and awareness among the community. The group has a public

which means it supports all the disciplines at Texas A&M,” South said. “The location’s conducive for collaborative scholarship work — for example performance studies would be near the architecture department which has a visualization program, and English will be next to history and the Glasscock Center so it invites collaborative research which can involve faculty and students.”

It sends a clear message that A&M views itself as a comprehensive research university.”

— Leanne South director of college relations for the dean of liberal arts

Executive Associate Dean Ben Crouch, who played a vital part in putting the plan into action, Loftin said.

“Over the last eight years Dean Charlie Johnson has worked extremely hard,” Loftin said. “By many measures, Dean Johnson, you had great success because Liberal Arts now has almost 7,000 students, 360 faculty members, $7.6 million this year coming in research funding.”

Standing across from the Melbern G. Glasscock Center for Humanities Research, the building is expected to create comprehensive research in liberal arts, said Director of College Relations for the Dean of Liberal Arts Leanne South.

“It sends a clear message that A&M views itself as a comprehensive research university,

Sustainability Continued from page 1

Mondays: Tuesdays: Texas Hold’em Poker Night

Thursdays: Fitzwilly’s Unplugged w/Nick Verzosa

303 University Dr.

Benjamin Williamson — THE BATTALION

Freshman business major Christopher Cruz throws a pack of Nerds into a cauldron at Sustainability Day. He won an aluminum water bottle for making the shot.

awareness coalition called the Brazos County Voices Against Violence, which seeks to call attention to all types of family violence in the Bryan-College Station area.

“We do a lot of prevention education on relationships,” McCollum said.

In Texas last year, 136 women and 11 children died in domestic violence disputes.

Twin City Mission Domestic Violence Services program director Linda Chandler said there are many resources accessible for people in violent situation.

“What we try to communicate to anyone in a domestic violence situation is that they can’t change anyone else, but they can make sure they aren’t being abused,” she said. “There is help available.”

water, and recycling on campus and in the community.

Sustainability officer for the office of vice president for facilities Kelly Wellman said she has seen A&M make great strides as a university in its sustainability programs.

“As Aggies, we consider ourselves leaders,” Wellman said. “This is part of our culture and we have sustainability integrated into our curriculums. These issues are important and we are preparing our future leaders to address them.”

The College Sustainability Report Card is an independent appraisal of sustainability programs and activities at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada and A&M is getting better grades, Wellman said.

J.D. Swiger — THE BATTALION

Interim President Loftin announces a new liberal arts building. Designs will be released in four to six months, and a completion date has not been set.

Schools are graded in nine categories: Administration, Climate Change & Recycling, Green Building, Student Involvement, Transportation, Endowment Transparency, Investment Priorities and Shareholder Engagement. In the past year, Texas A&M has moved from a C+ to a B-, Wellman said.

“Sustainability is so much more than going green. It’s about making choices that respect our resources and the financial impact of our decisions,” Wellman said. “Sustainability is about finding the balance between a healthy environment, social equity and economic growth.”

In addition to information fliers and pamphlets, students were also offered the opportunity to purchase fresh produce outside of Sbisa.

“I think it’s important to be as environmentally-friendly as possible,” Thompson said. “We only have this one world.”

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10/27/09 11:39 PM

sports

Halloween costume contest Everyone wearing a Halloween costume to Reed Arena for the volleyball game will be admitted free, and a contest will be held at the break. The Texas A&M student judged to have the best costume will win a $250 book scholarship.

thebattalion 10.28.2009 page5

Battle with Bevo

No. 25 Texas A&M faces off with No. 2 Texas at Reed Arena Courtney Nelson

Ben Williamson — THE BATTALION

At 7 p.m. Wednesday at Reed Arena, the No. 25 Texas A&M volleyball team will welcome in No. 2 Texas. The Longhorns defeated the Aggies in straight sets Sept. 30 in Austin.

The Battalion After suffering their first home loss against Oklahoma last week, the No. 25 Texas A&M volleyball team will look to get back on track as they welcome the No. 2 Texas Longhorns to Reed Arena on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

The Aggies have not been discouraged by the loss. In fact, the players say it is more motivation for them to win this next game.

“Of course we were disappointed after the game, but we try to not focus on the losses,” said senior setter Jola Kelner. “After the game is over, it’s over. We cannot do anything about it.”

Head Coach Laurie Corbelli knows her team is ready for Texas and has put the most recent loss out of their heads.

“I think they have put it behind them, especially with the older players knowing that is necessary for them to do,” Corbelli said. “They had a break and a team meeting, so I think they are ready. We have started fresh and are thinking forward.”

The Longhorns (16-0, 11-0) played the Aggies earlier in the season in Austin, where they defeated them in three sets 2826, 25-20, 25-21.

“We are more confident because we know how close we have come,” said A&M senior outside hitter Mary Batis.

“We go into it expecting that from ourselves and knowing what we can accomplish.”

Against the Longhorns in the first meeting, the Aggies were led by senior outside hitter Jennifer Banse, who had fifteen kills and hit with a .429 percentage. Senior

Sarah Ammerman added fourteen kills and a .394 hitting percentage, and Mary Batis contributed eleven digs.

On the other side of the court, Senior All-American Destinee Hooker led the Longhorns with 17 kills.

Although Texas is ranked second in the nation overall, A&M has outstanding numbers as well, leading the nation in kills per match (15.08) and assists (14.28). Ammerman averages 4.16 kills per set, second in the Big 12 to Hooker’s 4.72 kills per set.

“Their style of play has not changed very much, and they play a very high game,” Batis said. “They play very hard and swing high. It forces us to be disciplined and low on defense. We know exactly what we need to do and where to attack them.”

There are a few keys to the game, Corbelli said, including a consistent block, good defense and tough serving.

“Our serving game is going to have to be really sharp,” Corbelli said. “Serving is the way, in volleyball, that you slow down an offense. You try to get them in a position that they cannot run their offense with three hitters. With Texas, it is important that you only have to focus on one.”

Unless the two teams meet again in the postseason, this game marks the last time the Aggies will have to face Hooker or senior setter Ashley Engle.

“I will be celebrating that I no longer have to coach against [Hooker],” Corbelli said. “She is a really phenomenal athlete.

Engle as well is one of the best players to go through the Big 12. I really admire her as a player. I will be glad to be done with them in Big 12 play. It’s time to be done.”

Aggie baseball team competes for Omaha Cup Brad Cox The Battalion The Texas A&M baseball team is nearing the end of its annual exercise in Aggie values.

The three-month long competition for the Omaha Cup will culminate on Friday with the final game of the 2009 Fall World Series.

Every fall, the A&M squad splits into two teams to compete for the coveted Omaha Cup, named for the town where the College World Series is played.

W H AT ’ S

“It’s not about who can go out there and play the game as much as who can take care of their business both on the field and in the classroom,” said A&M Head Coach Rob Childress.

The five-game Fall World Series was scheduled to start Monday, but a weather delay meant a Tuesday start.

Games will be played on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Olsen Field with each starting at 3 p.m.

Going into the first game, the teams were tied, in points total. The Farmers took a 75-point lead after winning

N E W

AT

Tuesday’s game.

“It’s not your typical fall that most schools go through in that they come together for one week and play a championship series and somebody wins and somebody losses,” Childress said. “This starts from the first day of class up until the end of this week.

There’s been an awful lot of time and energy invested on each team’s part.”

The points are derived from both on-the-field production and a number of off-the-field aspects including class attendance and community service.

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“It’s everything the Aggies values are,” Childress said. “It’s taking care of your business both on the field, off the field and in the community and doing things the right way.”

The Aggies lost several key players and recruits to the MLB Amateur Draft including pitcher/outfielder Brooks Raley and high school recruits Shelby Miller, Todd Glaesmann and K.C. Hobson.

“Probably about halfway through the summer, our hope was to get one of the two, either Todd Glaesmann or

K.C. Hobson, but as that started going along later in the summer, we realized that we weren’t going to get either of those guys,” Childress said.

Childress said they anticipated what happened in response to the draft, so they were prepared for changes.

The Aggie coaching staff continued with its history of signing junior college players, signing transfers such as pitcher/short stop John Stilson, second baseman Andrew Collazo and outfielder/closer Joaquin Hinojosa.

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Dinerstein/Sterling Housing is looking for a successful Property Manager to oversee a student housing property in College Station. We have an immediate opening for a person with a successful track record working in student housing.

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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.

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.

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Notes & Note Takers wanted immediately. Freshmen & Sophomores in demand. We pay top dollar for notes & note takers. e-mail: tamunotes@gmail.com Part-time staff assistant needed for busy real estate office. Must be a detail- oriented people person with reliable transportation and have reasonable computer skills in MS Word and MS Excel. This position requires 20-25 hrs/wk beginning as soon as possible and to remain in this position at least through early December 2010. For job description and application, go to www.coventryglenrealty.net and click on Employment Opportunities.

RN or LVNs Needed for pediatric home healthcare. 6 month old girl requiring ventilator care in Hearne, TX. For information call Mallory at 817-916-4610 or email Mallory@epicmedstaff.com Competitive pay. Benefits available.

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Weekend and holiday work in Houston installing holiday decorations, work is physically demanding. Pay starts at $10/hr, Email tmdi1@verizon.net

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

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CDC: More H1N1 vaccine coming soon

thebattalion

This may pinch a bit

ATLANTA — More than 22 million doses of swine flu vaccine are available now, and most Americans should soon find it easier to get their dose, U.S. health officials said Tuesday.

“We’re beginning to get to significant increases in the availability,” said Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Last week there were just 14 million doses on hand, despite initial predictions that as many as 120 million would be ready by mid-October.

The government later slashed that estimate to 45 million. Over time, the government expects to have as many as 225 million doses of the new vaccine if needed.

Sam Smith — THE BATTALION

Guilty plea in hazing death GENESEO, N.Y. — Two former members of a banned college fraternity at a western New York campus admitted Tuesday they plied a student with so much beer, champagne and vodka during a three-day hazing that the young man died of alcohol poisoning.

Arman Partamian, 19, a biology sophomore from New York City, was found dead March 1 after drinking excessively to gain membership in the off-campus fraternity at State University of New York in Geneseo.

His blood-alcohol level was 0.55 percent, nearly seven times the legal limit for driving.

Fellow student Alex Stucki, 21, who was later expelled, and Devin McClain, 22, who lost his job at a college cafeteria, pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide, a felony. In return, the two were sentenced to four months of weekends in jail. If convicted after a trial, the pair could have drawn up to four years in prison.

Associated Press

The Brazos County Health Department distributed 100 free H1N1 vaccines to people who fell into priority groups on Tuesday at the Brazos County Health Center.

NASA scrubs rocket launch for bad weather CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA tried for hours Tuesday to launch its newest rocket for a shakedown flight, but clouds and high wind kept it stuck on the pad.

Liftoff of the Ares I-X rocket — the first step in the space agency’s tentative back-to-themoon program — was reset for Wednesday.

Besides poor weather, launch controllers had to deal with an odd assortment of technical trouble, everything from a snagged cover for the rocket’s tiptop probe to a cargo ship that strayed into an ocean danger zone under the flight path.

Launch director Ed Mango and his team came within two minutes and 39 seconds of sending the rocket on its short test flight.

But a big cloud moved over the pad, and the flip-flopping weather was just too much to overcome for the remainder of the four-hour launch window.

Mango finally halted the countdown for good and ordered everyone back Wednesday morn-

ing for another try.

The weather was expected to be a little better.

“We’re not going to be ‘go’ today,” Mango announced, thanking everyone for their hard effort.

The experimental flight is meant to last just two minutes.

Parachutes will drop the firststage booster into the Atlantic for recovery.

The upper portion of the rocket — all fake parts — will fall uncontrolled into the ocean.

There’s no payload on board, just hundreds of sensors to measure pressure, strain and acceleration.

NASA expects to learn a lot, even if it’s for another type of rocket.

Cloudy conditions pose extra concern for the Ares I-X. Rain clouds could cause static electricity to surround the soaring rocket, which lacks proper protection.

The result would be disrupted communications, undesirable for a test flight.

Associated Press

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pg6-10-28-09.indd 1

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voices thebattalion 10.28.2009 page7

Changing the

culture of

tradition Steve Humeniuk

Although traditions are naturally conservative, each generation will alter them to better reflect the times.

T

Evan Andrews — THE BATTALION

YouTube yell leaders Despite evidence otherwise, our yell leaders are not ‘dancing queens.’

Instead of blowing up the incident, A&M should ignore the video, and wait for the controversy to blow over.

Ian McPhail

T

he recent YouTube video of four Texas A&M yell leaders singing “The Ding Dong Song” along with the adviser has drawn unnecessary criticism. The yell leaders and the adviser have taken responsibility for their actions, but students goofing around before a game does not reflect badly on our University. Texas A&M needs to avoid blowing up this non event any further, and allow Associate Director of Student Activities Rusty Thompson to continue performing his job.

The lyrics of the song are certainly suggestive, but it is hard to argue that the yell leaders acted inappropriately. No school rules were broken as they videotaped themselves lip-synching and dancing to the music, but as they were in uniform, University officials are concerned about the negative image displayed. The yell leaders and the adviser have already apologized for any damage done to A&M, and appropriately the University has instructed those involved not to talk about touching their “tralalas.”

The video should have been resolved with the simple apology, but A&M has muddled the incident by replacing Thompson for the Texas Tech game. Although the adviser made a questionable decision in allowing the recording, dancing along with the students seems like harmless fun on a long trip. Officials say his replacement will not be permanent, but A&M should have simply ignored the incident.

Thompson and the yell leaders were merely trying to entertain themselves, but a Facebook posting turned into a YouTube controversy. And while the humor made be crude, the antics certainly are funny. Had the University waited for

$1 Bar Drinks $2 Crown $2.00 Jager $2.00 Longnecks $2.00 Aggie Bombs $1.00 Pints $5.00 Pitchers

the incident to blow over, the only negative attention would have come from other Big 12 schools. It would not be the first time another university insulted the masculinity of our yell leaders.

As yell leaders perform the role of cheerleaders at other universities, their sexuality is often called into question by other Big 12 schools. While the video has added fuel for these taunts, A&M has long since acquired a tougher skin.

The University never needed to act to protect its image.

Most objective observers realize the song was a private joke not intended for a larger audience.

University Marketing and Communications Vice President Jason Cook declined to elaborate on the negative image portrayed, but by leaving the definition of appropriate ambiguous, A&M has only brought more attention to the video. The vague language might allow officials time to come to an appropriate decision, but critics reminded of A&M’s conservative past will see Thompson’s punishment as institutional discrimination.

While the questionable content should never have been posted online, Texas A&M drew more attention to the video by addressing it. The yell leaders’ behavior was motivated by boredom during a long trip, and they have already apologized. Instead of drawing more unwarranted criticism by getting involved, officials should simply reinstate Thompson and wait for the jokes to get old.

Ian McPhail is a junior history major.

he spirit of tradition at Texas A&M is what helps to define this institution, even in the face of a changing demographic. The Aggie values distinguish our University from any other in the nation. Tradition is an identity we cherish and display proudly to the point that it unites us as a student body and an Aggie family.

The degree to which individual students devote themselves to every tradition is irrelevant. Whether or not students say “Howdy” to everyone they meet or remove their lids for every yell is unimportant in the grand scheme of things.

Aggies of all devotion, even the least tradition-savvy of us, will still be honored at Silver Taps when a life is tragically cut short, and every former student will ultimately have their name softly spoken at Muster. Once someone becomes an Aggie, they are in a family for life, which is what tradition is really about.

Tradition is the single factor that unites all Aggies. As this University progresses into a new century and ultimately toward Vision 2020, we are striving to become increasingly diverse. But a natural element of diversity is that people are inherently different. A&M’s identity is no longer a predominantly white institution of Army boys. The ethnic and racial demographics of Texas are changing and as long as A&M strives to proportionally represent them in enrollment, the old baseline of traditions may flex and change as well.

No matter where new traditions may go, they act as the pulsing heartbeat giving life to this body.

By definition tradition usually maintains a certain level of consistency, but A&M’s adherence to values and activities have changed as elements of the environment progress.

Tradition does not hold this school back, but propels A&M forward as everyone feels a common spirit to unite us all.

Students don’t have to be involved in tradition-oriented organizations and activities to appreciate it. Organizations such as Fish Camp and Traditions Council facilitate the presence of tradition on this campus, but the values are embodied everywhere. Think of how the University honors our veterans, or how we came together in Red, White and Blue Out to pay homage to the fallen in 9/11. This happens because we have a tradition of being respectful and mindful of others.

No better symbol fully depicts our culture of adherence to spirit and excellence than the Aggie Ring. When people see the ring, adherence to values, integrity and individual character come to mind. After all, Aggies uphold a tradition and code of honor not to lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.

Some people say we’re a cult. I say we’re a community committed to holding onto the spirit of tradition, but altering it to synch with society. The saying, “a spirit can ne’er be told,” has never been clearer to me as I approach graduation. Spirit is hard to define, but easy to feel. Its ramifications make my skin crawl as I picture my friends whispering “here” at my Muster someday. At A&M, we have a tradition of spirit, and traditions will slowly change to better define what it means to be a member of the Aggie family.

Steve Humeniuk is a senior political science major.

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.

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comics/people

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thebattalion

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‘This is It’ opens worldwide

LOS ANGELES— Michael Jackson fans around the world readied for the singer’s last bow Tuesday in a film that captures rehearsals for his aborted concert stand last summer.

From early evening in Los Angeles to late night in New York City, from the pre-dawn hours in Europe to business hours in Asia and elsewhere, “Michael Jackson: This Is It” arrives simultaneously in the biggest cinematic blowout ever for a music film.

Opening in 99 countries Tuesday and Wednesday, the film expands to 110 territories by this weekend, with distributor Sony putting 15,000 prints of “This Is It” into circulation.

The simultaneous showings around the globe will be anchored by a star-studded premiere at the Nokia Theatre, a concert venue across the street from Staples Center, where many of Jackson’s rehearsals — and his high-profile public memorial — were held.

Longtime Jackson collaborator Kenny Ortega, who directed and produced “This Is It,” is expected to attend, as are members of Jackson’s band and the executors of his will. Entertainers including Snoop Dogg, Smokey Robinson and Zac Efron are also on the 5,500-member guest list.

The plaza in front of the Nokia Theatre was transformed into an elegant red-carpet arrivals area, with a dozen crystal chandeliers, displays of Jackson’s past costumes and “This Is It” spelled out in giant letters.

A few lucky fans won seats along the red carpet, while others filled the surrounding area, cameras in hand. Jackson’s hits played on a loudspeaker.

Johnny Kuhn of San Pedro, Calif., won tickets to the premiere and came downtown early with his wife and two sons to take in the scene. He said he expected “This Is It” would be “happy and sad.”

“We’ve lost a legend,” Kuhn said.

Many fans waited in line for days to buy tickets for advance screenings of “This Is It” at the new Regal Cinemas on site, whose which will show the film to sold-out audiences for its grand opening Tuesday on all 14 of its screens.

“For that to be our first movie ... the energy and excitement in the auditorium tonight is going to be phenomenal,” said Russ Nunley, spokesman for Regal Entertainment Group.

The film, culled from more than 100 hours of rehearsal footage, shows an enthusiastic King of

ASSOCIATED PRESS

A fan wears a Michael Jackson T-Shirt in London’s Leicester Square at the UK Premiere of “Michael Jackson’s This Is It.” Pop meticulously crafting his moves and performing some of his most beloved hits.

No critics have seen it, but Sony — which paid $60 million for the film rights — showed a 12-minute clip to entertainment journalists last week.

Some of Jackson’s family members and friends have seen “This Is It” in its entirety. Elizabeth Taylor, a longtime friend of the pop star, posted her thoughts Monday on Twitter.

“It is the single most brilliant piece of filmmaking I have ever seen,” she wrote on the microblogging site. “It cements forever Michael’s genius in every aspect of creativity.”

The 77-year-old actress added that she “wept from pure joy at his God-given gift” and urged her fans to see the film “again and again.”

Associated Press

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