Dec 4 2009 The Battalion Print

● friday,

december 4, 2009

● serving

texas a&m since 1893

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

thebattalion

Ben Williamson — THE BATTALION

Pg. 1-12.04.09.indd 1

12/3/09 6:44 PM

Today chance of snow High: 38 Low: 27

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

Amanda Casanova, Editor in Chief Matt Woolbright, Managing Editor Meagan O’Toole-Pitts, City Editor Ian McPhail, Opinion Editor Jill Beathard, Lifestyles Editor Timothy Durham, Sports Editor Evan Andrews, Graphics Chief Calli Turner, New Media Chief Nick Badger, Photo Chief

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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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Jim burns 7400 calories a day.

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Week 15

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Acct 229 Acct 230 Bich 410 Chem 101 Chem 107 Econ 202 Mostashari Econ 203 Edwardson Econ 203 Nelson Finc 341 Finc 409 Info 303 Math 141 Math 142 Math 151 Math 152

Mgmt 209

Mgmt 211

Mgmt 309 Abelson Mktg 321

Mktg 409

Phys 201 Phys 208 Phys 218 Pols 206 Pols 207

Part 1 of 4 Thu Dec 10 1pm-4pm Part 1 of 4 Mon Dec 7 7pm-10pm Part 1 of 3 Fri Dec 11 9pm-12am Start Sun Dec 6 Start Sun Dec 6 Start Fri Dec 11 Part 1 of 4 Mon Dec 7 10pm-1am Part 1 of 4 Mon Dec 7 4pm-7pm Part 1 of 2 Sat Dec 12 5pm-8pm Part 1 of 4 Sun Dec 6 9pm-12am Part 1 of 2 Sun Dec 6 9pm-12am Start Sun Dec 6 Start Mon Dec 7 Start Sun Dec 6 Start Sun Dec 6 Start Sun Dec 6 Part 1 of 4 Sun Dec 6 7pm-10pm OR 10pm-1am

Part 2 of 4 Fri Dec 11 6pm-9pm Part 2 of 4 Tue Dec 8 7pm-10pm Part 2 of 3 Sat Dec 12 10am-1pm Times online now Times online now Times online now Part 2 of 4 Tue Dec 8 10pm-1am Part 2 of 4 Tue Dec 8 4pm-7pm Part 2 of 2 Sun Dec 13 5pm-8pm Part 2 of 4 Thu Dec 10 9am-12pm Part 2 of 2 Thu Dec 10 9am-12pm Times online now Times online now Times online now Times online now Times online now Part 2 of 4 Mon Dec 7 7pm-10pm OR 10pm-1am

Part 1 of 4 Sun Dec 6 7pm-10pm OR 10pm-1am

Part 2 of 4 Mon Dec 7 7pm-10pm OR 10pm-1am

Test Review Sun Dec 13 6pm-8pm Test Packet Available after Sat Dec 12 3pm-7pm Test Review Wed Dec 9 10am-2pm

Start Sun Dec 6 Start Sun Dec 6 Start Sun Dec 6 Times online now DixonTest Pkt Available after Sat Dec 12 4pm-8pm

Part 3 of 4 Sat Dec 12 1pm-4pm Part 3 of 4 Wed Dec 9 7pm-10pm Part 3 of 3 Sun Dec 13 9am-12pm

Part 4 of 4 Sun Dec 13 12pm-4pm Part 4 of 4 Thu Dec 10 7pm-10pm

Where on campus?

On Dec. 2, a group of approximately forty Aggies predicted a 50% chance of snow for today using the equipment housed in Texas A&M University’s new Weather Center. The undergraduate and graduate students, accompanied by staff members of the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, spent several hours examining maps, charts, and computer models. “We run computer models dozens of times to see how sensitive the atmosphere is to changes in the different mechanisms which create snow,” said meteorology professor John NielsenGammon, explaining how the probabilities of such weather phenomena are calculated.

Students broadcasted their final weather forecast over KAMU Radio.

Rebecca Bennett, staff writer

Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

Think you know every nook and cranny of Texas A&M? The first people to get the answer correct will have their names published. Send your response with your name, class and major to photo@thebatt.com.

Ann Littmann, staff writer

Concert evokes holiday spirit

Part 3 of 4 Wed Dec 9 10pm-1am Part 3 of 4 Wed Dec 9 4pm-7pm

Part 4 of 4 Thu Dec 10 10pm-1am Part 4 of 4 Thu Dec 10 4pm-7pm

Part 3 of 4 Sat Dec 12 8pm-11pm

Part 4 of 4 Sun Dec 13 8pm-11pm

Part 3 of 4 Wed Dec 9 3pm-5pm

Part 4 of 4 Thu Dec 10 3pm-5pm

Part 3 of 4 Wed Dec 9 1pm-3pm

Part 4 of 4 Thu Dec 10 1pm-3pm

Changes Happen!

Check schedule online.

Times online now Times online now Times online now

Last month, a group of Texas A&M students launched a Facebook page to honor victims of the Fort Hood shooting. Today the group numbers over 9,500 members.

“Standing for Fort Hood” is encouraging Aggies attending the Dec. 7 Texas A&M basketball game to wear t-shirts designed by the group, which are currently being sold on campus. “All proceeds are going to Fisher’s House which is a charity that benefits military families who are visiting loved ones who are in military hospitals and allows them to stay in lodging for free rather than worry about paying for a hotel,” said Daniel W. Dick, a senior political science major. The shirts are $10 and are being sold from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Commons, the Corps Arches, the Wehner Building, and the Koldus Building. Shirts can also be purchased online at www. standingforforthood.com.

Last week’s answer Reed-McDonald

Web more up to date than Batt.

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

Texas A&M University Choral Activities is inviting all Aggies to their annual holiday concert Sunday, Dec. 6. “The Holiday Spirit of Aggieland” is a joint concert consisting of performances by the Singing Cadets, Women’s Chorus and Century Singers. Each group will have separate pieces, and the concert will end with a combined choral presentation of the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s “Messiah.”

“People should attend this concert,” said John Lake, junior meteorology major and member of Century Singers.

Lake said the concert “is a great way to relax and get into the holiday spirit.” Tickets are $5 and are available to purchase at the MSC Box Office. The concert will take place from 3 to 5 p.m., Dec. 6 in Rudder Auditorium.

Melissa Appel, staff writer

Correct responses Chad Bolton, senior construction science major Daniel Frazier, senior civil engineering major Michael Cleveland, mechanical engineering graduate student Clay Cunningham, class of 1991

Aggies collect Dining Dollars for charity ■ Student group teams up with Dining Services to feed hungry Lorelei Willett

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.

Pg. 2-12.04.09.indd 1

thebattalion 12.4.2009

Students predict snow

Group helps Ft. Hood victims

Acct 209

pagetwo

Jewish

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®

Saturday sunny high: 49 low: 35 Sunday chance of showers high: 54 low: 42 Monday partly sunny high: 59 low: 49

The Battalion What started out as a class project has turned into a nonprofit organization to feed the hungry in the Brazos Valley. Sophomores Aryn Akin and Candace Gilman, accounting majors, Liz Roberts, Aaron Ebers and Brian Bunyard, finance majors, and Emily Colbert a marketing major, are participants and creators of Aggies Contributing Dollars for Cans.

“We took on the Dining Services and the Brazos Valley Food Bank and created our own nonprofit to bridge the two together,” Roberts said.

The students were presented with a business class project in which they were to work with a nonprofit company and raise $1,000 for them. Ebers suggested the idea of having students donate leftover Dining Dollars to pay for cans to give to the Brazos Valley Food Bank.

“We saw an opportunity and everything fell into place,” Ebers said.

Members of AC/DC, as the group is called, realized as freshman they had too many meals and Dining Dollars left over at the end of the year and wanted to donate instead of losing them.

“It’s a great way for students to give back and benefit people in such a huge way,” Akin said.

The group hopes to have donation slips at the registers by the end of this week. All that

is needed is to check the desired amount to donate, from $5-$20, sign your name and hand it to the cashier who will take it out of your Dining Dollars. If you do not have Dining Dollars, you can go online at diningservices.tamu.edu and change your meal plans into dining dollars. One meal is worth about $3 in Dining Dollars.

“There are 10,000 students with meal plans so even if each of them donate just one dollar that’d be huge,” Akin said.

The group met with the Dining Services Executive Director David Riddle and accountant Amy Jennings to discuss the project. The money collected will then be used to buy canned food from Dining Services suppliers.

“Dining Services has been a major player in helping us out and we can’t thank them enough,” Ebers said.

The group also plans on continuing to donate food in future semesters.

“The whole organization gives us a great opportunity to help the struggling families of the Brazos Valley community. It’s hard [for them] especially around wintertime and we can give back to the community for being so receptive to us students,” Ebers said.

Donation information Donations will be taken 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from November 30 to December 4 at Sbisa. To volunteer to help unload the trucks of food at the food bank, contact Aggies Collecting Dollars for Cans at tamuacdc@gmail.com or visit their Facebook group.

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12/3/09 7:40 PM

news

page 3 friday 12.4.2009

thebattalion

BCS participates in season of giving Robert Carpenter

Stephen Fogg — THE BATTALION

Each year Songfest raises money for Brazos Valley Rehabilitation Clinic and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Songfest showcases talent More than 20 Aggie student organizations will compete through music, dancing and skit performances 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at Chi Omega Songfest in Rudder Auditorium.

In between the different acts, Songfest will feature showings of different performance groups on campus. Some of the groups lined up are Hardchord Dynamix, the Aggie Wranglers and Fade to Black. The Aggie Yell leaders will lead the event. The theme of this year’s Songfest is “Capture the Classics,” highlighting classic moments throughout movies, literature, sports, music and history. “We want those moments that ties us all together, those musicals and movies, lines and songs and pictures in history that tie us all together and touches us all,” said Songfest’s Chi Omega chairperson Ellen Melson. “There are some hysterical acts, I really hope people get a chance to see. People have definitely got creative with how they capture the classics.”

All Songfest proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Brazos Valley Rehabilitation Center, which offers rehab to children regardless of their ability to pay. In 2008, the benefit raised $70,000 for the two organizations.

Katy Ralston, staff writer

Pg. 3-12.04.09.indd 1

Special to The Battalion It is the season for hot chocolate, gloves, scarves and the scent of pine trees in living rooms. To many around Bryan-College Station, this is also the season for meeting the needs of the community. Area charities hope to ensure that this winter will be a joyous one for as many as possible.

The Brazos Valley Food Bank will benefit from the Santa Feeds America food drive at Post Oak Mall. Any donation of a nonperishable food item by the Santa photo area will entitle the donor to a $2-off coupon for photos with Santa.

Some organizations make sure there are presents under the tree. The Salvation Army Angel Tree at Post Oak Mall has ornaments with the holiday wishes of underprivileged Brazos County children.

Several radio stations are teaming up in an effort to provide Christmas gifts to more than 700 children across the Brazos County. In the Post Oak Mall parking lot, the Radio MASH (Making a Smile Happen) event will be today through Monday. To contribute, visit the setup at the corner of Harvey Road and Highway 6.

Additionally, the Bryan Police Department is collecting new and gently used toys in the “Blue Christmas Project.” The project will continue through Dec. 19. Designated, brightly colored donation boxes are located at CVS, Walgreens, the sheriff’s office and the

Bryan Police Department, as well as downtown Bryan during the city’s “First Friday” event today.

In addition to the opportunities to donate food, toys and money, there is also a chance to be active in supporting the community—as in physically active. The Jingle Bell Fun Run, which will precede College Station’s Holiday Parade, is open to anyone who would like to help issue-in the day’s festivities.

Laurie Garrett, marketing director of the Brazos Valley United Way, characterized the 5K as a way to touch lives.

“The United Way of Brazos Valley helps over 130,000 people each year,” Garrett said.

“What we are about is changing peoples’ lives.”

This mission is accomplished by funding more than 18 Brazos Valley non-profit organizations, including Twin City Missions, Scotty’s House and the American Red Cross.

Even if money is tight, there are still ways to serve the community. Kate Eikrem, a junior biomedical science major who serves as director for the Freshman Leadership Organization ASSIST, said the opportunities to volunteer are numerous.

“Service doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive for you, but it can mean the world to that one person. How wonderful would it be if every single person did one thing for somebody else this holiday season?” Eikrem said. “So many more people would be able to give their families and their children a better holiday.”

A&M to dedicate physics building Texas A&M University will officially dedicate the George P. Mitchell ’40 Physics Building and the George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Institute for Fundamental Physics and Astronomy at 2 p.m. today in the first floor atrium area of the Mitchell Institute. The event is invitationonly. George P. Mitchell, who will be in attendance, is a petroleum engineering alumni and founder of Mitchell Energy and Development Corp. Additional speakers will include Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Interim President R. Bowen Loftin, and Dean of Science H. Joseph Newton.

“This is a huge day not only for physics but for Texas A&M in general,” Newton said. “We have these two beautiful buildings opening where both teaching and research will be taking place.” The Mitchells’ contributions to the University have totaled $52 million since 2002. After the ceremony visitors will have the opportunity to tour the building and meet with researchers and professors of the Department of Physics.

Vicky Flores, staff writer

How to contribute ■ To donate food to Santa Feeds America, drop off nonperishable goods through Dec. 24 by the Santa photo area at Post Oak Mall.

■ To contribute to the Salvation Army Angel Tree, visit the tree at Post Oak Mall and choose an angel. Purchase the gift and return it to the tree unwrapped

by Dec. 15.

■ To donate to the Blue Christmas Project, drop off new and gently used toys in the blue drop boxes located in Bryan Walgreens and CVS locations or at the Bryan Police Department.

■ To contribute to Radio MASH, bring toys or cash by 10 p.m.

Sunday to the tents in the Post Oak Mall parking lot.

■ The United Way Jingle Bell Fun Run begins at 1:45 p.m. Friday at the corner of South College and University Drive. Registration is available on-site before the event, and the cost is $15.

Governor in the house

Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

Gov. Rick Perry speaks Thursday at the dedication of the Texas A&M Institute for Preclinical Studies Building.

12/3/09 8:06 PM

sports

Aggies play Akron The No. 19 Texas A&M men’s basketball team will be in action at 7 p.m. on Friday night when they take on Akron at Reed Arena. The Aggies are looking for their third consecutive win and their seventh win overall.

thebattalion 12.4.2009 page5

Adams arrives Danielle Adams, a JUCO transfer from Missouri, has already made her imprint in Aggieland

By Brad Cox | The Battalion

Ben Williamson — THE BATTALION

Danielle Adams does not look like a typical basketball player.

“When they first see her, they’ll look at Coach Blair like he might be crazy,” Texas A&M Head Coach Gary Blair said, “because that’s not his prototype player that he has recruited to bring in here to play pressure defense.”

Adams looks more like former Oklahoma star Courtney Paris than former A&M star Takia Starks, but she also plays a bit like Paris too, averaging almost 18 points per game.

“Well, pressure offense is pretty good too,” Blair said.

Adams is a junior transfer from Jefferson College in Missouri. Before leaving for A&M, the twotime first team JUCO All-American selection was tabbed as the 2009 JUCO Player of the Year by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.

At Jefferson, she averaged 25 points per game and led her team to a 66-4 record over two seasons, including an appearance in the national championship game in 2009.

Despite missing preseason workouts because

of a hamstring injury, Adams wasted no time in continuing her dominance on the court, pacing the Aggies in scoring with 20.3 points per game three games into her first season at A&M. “She missed the whole first month of the season with a hamstring injury,” Blair said. “That’s the real heavy end of the conditioning. She missed all of that. So she’s trying to play catch up; trying to get into shape.”

Adams, who was recruited by several big-name schools coming into her junior season, including national runner-up Louisville, said she is improving in the areas of the game she wanted to improve in.

“I thought A&M would push me more,” Adams said. “I know they’re a great defensive team and that’s what I need to work on; my defense.

I just thought they would push me more to be a better player than I am already.”

What has caught fans and the media’s attention is not Adams’ size, but her scoring ability. Aver See Adams on page 6

Volleyball takes on Arizona in first round of NCAA Tournament Coutney Nelson The Battalion With an 18-10 record this season, the Texas A&M Aggies received an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005.

Head Coach Laurie Corbelli said she is thrilled her team will get a chance to play in the tournament, and is happy for the seniors.

“It’s just an incredibly great feeling,” Corbelli said. “It is really an accomplishment knowing that we play in such an elite league.

We are incredibly proud and just really excited to get in the gym and iron out our plan so we can do our thing. We had absolutely no clue if we would get in. I started to get a better feeling when I saw Baylor and Oklahoma come up in the first 32. I started to feel like they couldn’t leave us out after that.”

The Aggies will face the Arizona Wildcats out of the Pac-10, who have a 19-10 record. The Wildcats, who will also appear in

the tournament for the first time since 2005, almost received a Top 16 seed, as they finished with an RPI of 17.

The series between the two teams is tied 3-3, as the Aggies picked up the win from their most recent meeting on Nov. 17, 1990.

With the postseason now here, the Aggies will continue to play their game, but it will be a more intense atmosphere.

“I think it gets more intense now because we do not know what to expect,” said freshman middle Lindsey Miller. “We have never seen this team before, so I think it is a whole new level. The competition only gets tougher from here on.”

Arizona outside hitter Tiffany Owens, who averages 3.74 kills per set and hits for a .224 clip, leads the Wildcats. Junior setter Paige Weber has 10.74 assists per set, slightly behind A&M setter Kristen Schevikhoven who has 11.25 per game.

“We know that they are a tall team, but we have played against and beaten tall teams before,” Schevikhoven said. “I think the big-

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gest thing we are going to have to do is play really good defense against their big swings.”

Senior outside hitters Sarah Ammerman leads all offensive players in the match, averaging 4.23 kills per set. Senior outside hitters Mary Batis and Jennifer Banse have also had solid seasons, with 3.00 and 3.27 kills respectively.

Four Wildcats have been recognized as All-Pac-10 Honorable Mention including Owens and Weber, along with opposite hitter Whitney Dosty and middle Jacy Norton.

Ammerman and Banse were recently named to the All-Big 12 First Team, and Miller was named to the All-Freshmen Team.

“They just had amazing seasons, just great production offensively and defensively,” Corbelli said. “They are so necessary to our court. It is hard in team sports to give individual awards because they can’t do it without the other. It is just a testament to the talent we have.”

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12/3/09 6:54 PM

sports

page 6 friday 12.4.2009

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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 www.southwoodplace.com Cozy 2bdrm/2bth condo 3-blocks from campus, yard, w/d connections, over 1000sqft., no HUD, updated, $565/mo., 506-A College Main 254-289-0585.

Female roommate needed! Spacious 2-Story House in Horse Haven estates $550/mo. All bills paid!

Available 12/2, Call Melody 254-715-3826 mperryman3826@ymail.com House for rent 3/1.5/1, 0.75 acres, horse ok, 6mo. lease available. $875/mo., $875 deposit 979-696-1670.

Northgate rent new. W/D connection. 1/1, 2/2, 3/3. Walk to campus.

(979)255-5648.

Oak Creek Condos high-speed internet and basic cable. 2bdrm/1.5ba. $515/mo. Water, sewer, trash paid.

Fireplace, icemaker, pool, hot-tub.

979-822-1616.

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 Ridgewood Village efficiency with loft. Uniquely designed floor plan.

No pets, $385/mo, $250 deposit.

1211-1213 Holik.

979-696-2998.

Some short term leases available. $415/mo.

Ridgewood Village, large very quiet tree-shaded 1bdrm/1bth studio, no pets. $435/mo, $250 deposit, 1201-1209 Holik.

979-696-2998.

Some short term leases available $485/mo.

Roommates needed.

4bd/4bth $325/mo., washer/dryer. University Place on Southwest Parkway.

281-844-2090.

Spring/ Summer sublease at Parkway Place. Was $560/mo, now $460/mo. January free. Furnished, all bills paid. Call Mitchell 903-388-7165.

Spring/ Summer sublease at Parkway Place. First Month Paid!!! $448/mo. All bills paid. Call Charlie, 214-929-9435, email roberc12@neo.tamu.edu Sublease 1bd/1ba, w/d. Jan.1st- July31st. $695/mo. University Square Apartments.

979-693-2720 or 707-421-8020. Apply at complex.

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

Sublease for spring 2010. 4/4.5 Aspen Heights. $595/m plus electric.

LilySanchez@tamu.edu

Adopt Pets: Dogs, Cats, Puppies, Kittens, Many purebreds. Brazos Animal Shelter, 979-775-5755, www.brazosanimalshelter.org

Two rooms in nice mobile home.

Master with private bath $475, 2nd bedroom $375. Central-air/ht, internet, cable, everything included.

210-364-7006.

Ragdoll Cats and older kittens.

Fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and felv/fiv negative. $100 & up. maxinefashion@gmail.com

FOR SALE

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For Sale 1999 Honda Night Hawk, 10,000mi., Black, $1,250 210-363-6837.

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

RE/MAX. Nadia 979-693-1851.

Michael 979-739-2035. www.bcsrealty.com

We Buy Houses. Cash or take over payments. 220-3700 Wolfpen district 2bd/2.5ba condo on TAMU shuttle. 1904 Dartmouth 817-422-3207

HELP WANTED Assistant teachers part-time. Working with children 18-mo. through 6-yrs, great learning opportunity for education majors or anyone wanting experience working with children.

Please apply at swlccs@gmail.com or 979-693-6556.

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

No experience. 512-684-8296. photoguy@io.com Child Care- FT & PT shifts available. Some nights & Saturdays required. Apply in person at 3609 E. 29th St., Bryan.

Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment.

COACHES WANTED! We need enthusiastic, positive, motivational volunteer coaches for YOUTH BASKETBALL. Season begins early January 2010! Call 764-6222 or 764-3424.

December 27 -January 8 work in Houston removing holiday decorations. Work is physically demanding. Pay starts at $10/hr. Email tmdi1@verizon.net J. Cody’s hiring all positions. Apply within, 3610 S. College. No experience necessary, just common sense!

Now hiring waitresses, door girls, and entertainers. Apply in person 4075 Hw.6 South. College Station.

P/T service station attendant and lube tech. Basic Automotive knowledge.

Villa Maria Chevron, Villa Maria & E.29th. 979-776-1261.

Pool Cleaner needed. Part time, full time, $8-10/hr. 979-229-0071.

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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.

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

ROOMMATES 1 roomate needed. Spacious 2 story townhouse in Canyon Creek.

Fully furnished.

4/2.5 $400/mo. +1/4 utilities. 713-823-9341.

2 rooms open in house- Edelweiss Gardens.

Fully furnished 4/2.5 $390 +1/4 bills/$550 all paid.

Tile/Central A/C/HBO/Garage/Backyard. Call Shawn 832-788-5093, wnbsos@gmail.com Female roomate sublease 1-room.

January-July 2010. One month free. $600/mo. All bills paid including internet and cable. At The Woodlands. Call 214-477-5398.

Female roommate for spring/summer for house 1mi from campus. $387.50 +1/4bills.

Emily 979-877-9746, texascapcadet@gmail.com Female roommate needed. 2bd/2ba in The Zone apartments. Available for immediate move in. $530/mo +1/2 electricity. 1st month free.

Contact Barbara 713-550-6560.

New Condo! Sublease 1 room. Private bath &bed. Wood floor. W/D in unit. December half month free.

Jan-May $315/mo. 519 SW Pkwy.

Call 281-639-8847, 713-922-7722.

One female roommate in duplex on bus route needed. $350/mo +1/2 utilities. Pets ok. 817-266-1286.

One roommate needed for spring, 3/1 house 309B Sterling, $250/mo plus 1/3 utilities.

Joe, (325)669-7757.

Roommate needed for Spring semester. 2/2 apartment. $343/mo. +1/2 utilities. 803-673-4113.

Roommate needed immediately in 4/3 townhome. Bedroom furniture required. Quarter mile from campus, next to bus stop, shopping areas. $440/mo. 479-629-0246.

Roommate needed. January- May 2010 lease. 12x20 bedroom in 4/2 house. Deck, porches, furnished common areas. $450/mo +1/4bills.

Contact 832-326-1955.

TUTORS Need a Tutor?

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takes on Rice Michael Sullivan The Battalion The No. 8 Texas A&M women’s swimming team will conclude their fall schedule with a dual meet against Rice University. For the Aggies, the meet will come during their toughest stretch of training, which begins after the Thanksgiving break.

“Coming back from the Thanksgiving holiday we have started out with our hardest training,” said senior Ella Doerge. “This time we are going to train through and just get up and race and do the best we can this weekend.”

Since its establishment in 1971, the women’s swimming team has controlled their series with the Rice Owls, posting a 28-4 record. The Aggies have defeated Rice in dual meets in each of the past 11 seasons. Despite the record, the Aggies will approach this race the same way they do in every other race.

“We always focus on the fact that each race is racing the clock and racing the competitors beside you,” said senior Alia Atkinson. “No matter who the competition is, whether it’s Texas or Rice you have the same mentality going in [which is] to give it your all.”

In the Aggies’ last race, the Houston Invitational on November 20-22, the Aggies won the meet by not losing a single race in the three-day contest.

The Aggies entered the meet well rested and during the victory were able to snag 10 qualifying spots at the NCAA Championships in March. Having already achieved qualifying spots in two breaststroke events,

Adams Continued from page 5

aging almost 18 points per game after Wednesday’s double-digit performance against Stephen F. Austin, Adams has scored all of her points off the bench.

“Later on as the season goes on you might see her in the starting lineup,” Blair said, “but right now we prefer her coming off of the bench because she gives us instant offense just like Sydney Carter’s coming off the bench gives us instant defense and instant energy.”

Assistant Coach Johnnie Harris recruited Adams from the Kansas City area. Senior Tanisha Smith and sophomore Tyra White are also from Kansas City, giving A&M its third player from the city in three years.

“She’s pretty creative, even inside against bigger players or on the perimeter,” Harris said.

“She knows how to get open.

the team will focus this dual meet on qualifying for other NCAA events.

“We attended the Houston Invite a couple of weeks back and I made two of my cuts there, so I am pretty much set for the NCAA,” Atkinson said.

“I am going to try and use this weekend to focus on my nonbreaststroke events and see if I can make the cut in those or try to help out a relay.”

The 10 seniors in the Aggie lineup are close to being able to count their remaining meets on one hand. With graduation and the end of their season fast approaching, Doerge said she wanted to use her remaining meets to make sure she didn’t leave anything behind.

“I am retiring after this season,” Doerge said. “Some of the other seniors will keep swimming and stuff, but this is it for me. My goal is to leave no rock unturned. It is definitely makes you not take it for granted and really use every opportunity to race and push yourself to see where you can go with it.”

Following the Rice dual meet on Friday, the Aggies will have a month break before their next dual meets against Auburn and Southern Methodist on Jan. 9.

With a long break that includes finals and Christmas, the Aggies look to remain focused on their season-long goals and maintain a solid training schedule.

“We try to keep a good focus on quality even when we are just training through the next month,” Doerge said. “It is a long stretch where you have to really focus and keep your long term goals in mind during that time.”

She has good range, so she’s a good inside, outside player.”

Harris said she has known Adams since she was a junior in high school, recruiting her along the way. Harris and Blair both said Adams has an extensive knowledge of the game.

“She picks up everything that we give her, rather we’re playing a man or a zone,” Blair said. “She’s just got basketball I.Q. Sometimes that’s what you’re missing with recruits when they come in. You’ve got to teach them every A.B.C. With her, we’re not having to teach, we’re having to polish.”

Adams said she is comfortable with coming off the bench, though being a starter would be nice. She said coming in she just hoped to contribute.

“We’re not surprised at what she’s doing,” Blair said. “We might be surprised at how she’s doing it in limited time.”

Women’s basketball travels to Berkeley The No. 7 Texas A&M women’s basketball team are playing in the Colliers International Classic in Berkeley, Ca. The tournament will take place on Saturday and Sunday. The Aggies take on Southern Illnois on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

With a victory, they’ll advance to face the winner of the game between No. 19 California and Colorado State on Sunday at 4:30 p.m.

Spacious 3bd/3ba. Close to campus. Washer and dryer provided. www.aggielandleasing.com

STUDIES IN PROGRESS DO YOU HAVE FACIAL ACNE? www.AggieNetwork.com

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.

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Pg. 6-12-04-09.indd 1

12/3/09 6:56 PM

Variety show at MugWalls Full Hearts will have a variety show featuring local artists and poets from 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday at MugWalls Coffee House. Tickets will be $3 presale at MugWalls until Friday, and $5 at the door. Proceeds will be donated to Casa Hogar, an all girls orphanage in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

scene thebattalion 12.4.2009 page7

Stores stock ‘12 Days of Christmas’ less for holidays items cost would top $87K Layaway, online shopping The Battalion This Christmas, retailers are doing whatever they can to increase their sales through discounts and unique products.

Though stores won’t be carrying as much inventory as usual, they will be doing everything they can to promote in-store and online shopping with bargains.

“Online shopping is going to be stronger than last year.

It’s going to be a big increase, as much as 30 percent,” said Cheryl Holland Bridges, director of The Center for Retailing Studies and executive professor at Mays Business School. “A lot of that has to with free shipping and customers being less concerned with security problems with online purchases.”

Online shopping might be the way of the future, but a trend from the past is also making a comeback this year. Bridges said layaway, something shoppers used for decades, is becoming popular again with the shoppers who want to pay cash instead of running up their credit card bills.

Online layaway is also a new trend that allows stores to make sure they don’t overstock and end up with surplus items. Texas A&M University marketing professor Venkatesh Shankar, whose research centers on marketing strategy and digital online shopping, said electronic layaway works in a similar way to traditional layaway except the retailers do not have to physically hold the items.

“They can keep track of consumer preferences and intent to buy and remind them periodically,” Shankar said.

“For shoppers, once they put it in their shopping cart and lay it away, they simply have to come back to the web page and click ‘buy’ once they are ready to do so.”

Shankar said stores are nervous about carrying inventory if the demand is not high.

Companies are using the Internet to offer an assortment of products so they don’t have to carry the inventory in stores.

“They are also featuring ‘hot’ items more prominently and offering steeper discounts than before to increase [Internet] traffic,” Shankar said.

“For example, witness the war between Amazon.com and Walmart.com — both are offering hot hardcover book titles for $9.”

Bridges said electronics will be in demand this year, as electronic social networking is becoming a way of life. Cell phones with special features, GPS systems, lightweight notebooks and Kindles will be actively sought after by shoppers.

“Getting up for black Friday deals at 5 a.m. is definitely not worth it to me,” said James Lancaster, a senior aerospace engineering major. “But this Christmas I will be looking for cheap electronics like a discounted Nintendo Wii or good deals on TV’s, as well as deals on gifts that I would buy for family members.”

Price will always be important, as shoppers are looking for bargains. But Bridges said customers will be looking for low prices and quality items.

She said stores must offer unique items at a good value.

Gift cards are another option. Bridges said gift cards can be used to purchase items for deals that could be even better after the Christmas season.

With environmental concerns the idea of sustainability and eco-friendly products is on consumers’ minds, Bridges said.

“Eco-friendly products are very popular right now, but not many products out there can claim that yet,” she said. “But when retailers are working on their operations to be eco-friendly and they let consumers know, that does resonate with consumers.”

Bridges said consumers should do research to find the best deals for the products they want.

“There is so much information on the Internet. You can research items on mobile phones between stores if you want,” she said.

P

Christmas price index

Jim Dunigan, managing executive of investment for PNC Wealth Management, which has been calculating the cost of Christmas since 1984, attributed the modest increase to lower energy costs and fewer wage increases. It’s the smallest increase since 2002, when the cost actually decreased.

The partridge in a pear tree is down 27.3 percent to $159.99. The partridge came in 50 per cent below 2008 at $10.00 and the pear tree is $149.99, off 25 percent.

The only birds to increase in price were the two turtle doves, which rose a paltry 1.8 percent to $55.98.

The three french hens, flying up 50 percent to $45.00; the largest percentage increase in this year’s index.

The cost of the four calling birds was even with last year at $599.96.

The main driver behind the higher cost is that the price of gold has increased 43 percent, bringing the five gold rings up $150 to $500.

Six geese-a-laying are down a sizable 37.5 percent to $150.

The most expensive goods are the seven swans a-swimming at $5,250, but their cost decreased 6.3 percent from last year’s $5,600. Dunigan said their cost tends to be the most volatile because of supply and demand; they were up 33 percent last year over 2007.

As the only unskilled laborers in the PNC Christmas Price Index, the eight maids-amilking received an automatic raise for the third straight year due to another increase

TAKE A PIECE OF HISTORY WITH YOU · Purchase the 2009 Aggieland (if you haven’t) The 107th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook is a 624-page photojournalistic record of the 2008–2009 school year chronicling traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, greeks, groups and seniors and graduate students.

· Order your 2010 Aggieland (if you haven’t) The 2010 Aggieland yearbook will be a 700-page record of the 2009-2010 Texas A&M school year.

Books will be mailed out during Fall 2010.

Drop by the Student Media office, Bldg. #8901 in The Grove (between Albritton Bell Tower and Cain Hall). Hours: 8:30 A.M.– 4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday.

Cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted. Phone: 979.845.2613.

Pg. 7-12.04.09.indd 1

in the federal minimum wage. Before 2007, they had not received a raise since 1997. The federal minimum wage increased this year to $7.25 per hour, following last year’s increase to $6.55. In the past two years, the maids-amilking have seen their wages rise by $2.10 per hour, a total increase of 33 percent.

Hiring the maids this year cost $58, $5.60 more than a year ago.

2000

$15,210

2001

$15,749

2002

$14,558

2003

$16,885

2004

$17,297

2005

$18,349

2006

$18,921

2007

$19,507

2008

$21,080

2009

$21,466

The Christmas price index is similar to the consumer price index, which measures the changes in the prices of goods and services such as housing, food, clothing and transportation that reflect the spending habits of the average American.

Although wage increases were modest, nine ladies dancing, at $5,473 per performance, is the costliest item, surpassing that of any of the material goods.

Costs for the 10 lords a-leaping ($4,414 per performance), 11 pipers piping ($2,285 per performance), 12 drummers drumming ($2,475 per performance) remained the same as last year. Dunigan says that reflects the labor market in which the unemployment rate rose to near 10 percent after sitting below 5 percent for much of the decade.

And for those who would shop online, a word of caution. PNC says you’ll pay $31,435, which is down from last year’s online price, but still about $10,000 more than in the traditional index. “In general, Internet prices are higher than their non-Internet counterparts because of shipping costs for birds and the convenience factor of shopping online,” Dunigan said.

SOURCES: The Associated Press and PNC Christmas Price Index: http://www.pncchristmaspriceindex.com

Meal Plan 101

Megan Keyho

ITTSBURGH — Making one’s true love happy will cost a whopping $87,403 this year, a minuscule increase from 2008, according to the latest cost analysis of the items in the carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” That’s the grand total for the single partridge in a pear tree to the 12 drummers drumming, purchased repeatedly as the song suggests, according to the annual “Christmas Price Index” compiled by PNC Wealth Management. The price is up a mere $794, or less than 1 percent, from $86,609 in 2008. The cost of buying each item just once is increasing this year to $21,466, up 1.8 percent from last year’s $21,081.

UNIVERSITY DINING

to be common, professor says

Questions about Spring 2010 Meal Plans?

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Today 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Commons Lobby For additional times and locations

12/3/09 8:15 PM

voices

page 8 friday 12.4.2009

thebattalion

GUESTCOLUMN

Apologizing to Aggie family

I

Stephen Fogg — THE BATTALION

Cheer officer Jonathan Richardson waves the U.T. flag in the endzone during the Thanksgiving game.

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have the honor and duty as a cheer officer at the University of Texas to uphold the highest ideals and dutifully represent my university. This includes the display of respect and good sportsmanship with our rivals in all of my actions and decisions. I understand many in the Texas A&M University family have been offended by my postgame display of our flag. Regrettably, I exercised poor judgment during the postgame on Thanksgiving.

I want to ask your forgiveness for my actions. I did not intend to disrespect the student body, faculty or former students of Texas A&M or dishonor those who lost their lives or were injured 10 years ago in the Bonfire collapse.

Additionally, in no way did I intend to negatively represent the University of Texas at Austin, or in any way convey an act of unsportsmanlike conduct through my actions.

Our two universities have utmost respect for each other and our individual traditions.

My decision to wave the flag at midfield following the conclusion of a very high-spirited game has been a traditional symbol of a Longhorn victory at a rivalry game. I was acutely aware of

the importance of the 10th anniversary of the Bonfire tragedy and the sacredness of the formal memorial and the hallowed Bonfire ground. I was unaware of the sacredness of the 50 yard line logo at Kyle Field at this Thanksgiving Day game, nor had I been advised of any regulations regarding postgame entry onto the field.

I should have been more sensitive and let conservative discretion rule my actions and judgment on this special and somber anniversary day for the A&M family.

I have many close friends who are students at Texas A&M, and my family has many close personal and business relationships with lifetime A&M supporters.

The rivalry of our two schools is historic. Honoring and respecting traditions of rivalries is important to the continuation of that history.

Please forgive my actions and decision. I am truly sorry.

It is my hope that an increased spirit of greater sportsmanship and respect between our two historic universities can be borne from what has been learned.

Jonathan Richardson is a senior biomedical engineering major at the University of Texas at Austin.

MAILCALL From Nicholas Garbarino, a junior mechanical engineering major.

Let’s stop panicking about swine flu and start being rational. The seasonal flu kills an average of 36,000 people in the U.S. every year. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that mortality rates for the seasonal flu and H1N1 are very similar. I had H1N1 in early August, without any cause for concern. I slept for a couple of days, watched some shows on Hulu and recovered nicely. I am not a vaccination hater; I support getting vaccinated against H1N1 in the same way that I get my flu shot every year.

But I’m tired of hearing about this in the news, and neither side of the debate is correct. The left blows everything completely out of proportion, while the right uses it as a speaking point against vaccines or a platform for conspiracy theories. Both sides bank on causing panic. Trust me, I’ll be the first to go into isolation should a pandemic break out.

Make your opinion known by submitting Mail Call or guest columns to The Battalion. Direct all correspondence to: Editor in chief of The Battalion (979) 845-3315 | mailcall@thebatt.com

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