The Battalion: April 22, 2009 by The Battalion

thebattalion ● wednesday,

april 22, 2009

● serving

texas a&m since 1893

Protect ‘Here’ Photos and story by Doug Klembara | The Battalion

Campus organizations join together to promote sustainability this Earth Day Osazuwa Okundaye — THE BATTALION

Megan Keyho The Battalion Issues such as global warming, energy efficiency, overpopulation and environmental issues will be at the forefront today as part of the 39th Earth Day. “Earth Day is a very good initiative because it brings environmental issues to the public and, in many cases, the events related to Earth Day offer lots of information about small things that everybody can do to improve our living environment,” said Astrid Volder, assistant professor in Horticultural Landscape Ecology. Texas A&M’s Environmental Sustainability Committee, will be holding events on campus

for Earth Day Wednesday. “We see Earth Day as one additional opportunity that we not only celebrate but inspire awareness and appreciation for the environment, but also educate people on the issues while contributing to our campus’s own environmental impact,” said Amanda Grosgebauer, ESC Chairwoman and senior English major. More than 40 campus organizations will be participating in the Earth Day events. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be tables from different organizations focusing on issues such as sustainability and energy conservation in Rudder

Voices from the Texas A&M University choral groups filled Reed Arena as students, families and faculty were softly called to Muster Monday. Metal taps of the Ross Volunteers sounded across the floor as they presented the colors to the audience. The A&M family stood together and sang to their country and state. After a prayer and a few welcoming speakers, Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates walked to the podium. The audience stood and erupted into applause to welcome former A&M President Gates back to Aggieland. Gates began to speak of the power of the spirit of Aggieland and how it rests in all of our hearts. He said the spirit gathers Aggies all over the world to renew their loyalties and bring respect to fellow Aggies that have died and to the University that has given so much. After calling the Aggie family to stay strong in its values, faith and traditions, Gates, with tears in his eyes and pride for A&M, called for the Muster. From there the first representative lit her candle from the main candle in front of the stage. While the names of the fallen Aggies were called, the light was passed around to the other family members and friends. The Ross Volunteers then walked to the front and gave the 21-gun salute. Tears and whispers filled the arena. Aggies embraced each other, crying and consoling families. After silence, Col. Harvey Haas dismissed this family until next year where we will be softly called again to A&M’s most sacred tradition.

See Earth Day on page 8

Page 4,5 Senior engineering technology major Patrick Clayton chronicles his hike up Citlaltépetl during spring break in Mexico.

thebatt.com Watch coverage of Muster.

Patrick Clayton — THE BATTALION

March urges women to Take Back The Night Michael Allen The Battalion The Texas A&M Women’s Resource Center, the Sexual Assault Resource Center of Brazos Valley and Twin City Mission Domestic Violence Services will have a Take Back the Night march at 7 p.m. Thursday on Simpson Drill Field. “I think it’s important here for people to realize it’s a national program,” said Merna Jacobsen, director of Women’s Resource Center for A&M. Its purpose is to denounce the violence that occurs to women. There has not been a Take Back The Night march at A&M since 2005 but with more than 34 sexual assault cases in the College Station area in 2007, the Women’s Resource Center decided it was time for another one.

The march will have a table of information, testimonials from sexual assault victims, a candlelight vigil and two musical performances. It is expected to last approximately two hours. “The march will begin on Simpson Drill Field and we will march and chant to Sbisa where we will have a keynote address by Alesha Istavan, the executive director of The Brazos Valley Sexual Assault Resource Center,” Jacobsen said. Sexual assault is one of the most under-reported crimes, with one in five college students experiencing some sort of sexual assault. These assaults involve alcohol and/or drugs approximately 85 percent of the time. With these statistics, Jacobsen said, “We must work together and make our campus safe for everyone.” Jacobsen said anyone can and should come

out and support the cause. “This is a great opportunity for students, faculty and staff to make a statement.” Take Back The Night isn’t just about sexual assault, it is also about other violent “silent” crimes that go unreported, such as domestic assault and other circumstances due to the fear of social discomfort. Take Back The Night also encourages students, or anyone who has suffered from such discrepancies, to call the toll-free hotline to talk to attorneys, or a therapist. Take Back The Night originated in the 1800s in London. The program was directed toward women who were scared to walk alone at night. The purpose of the program was to spread awareness and show that the night could be safe for everyone. Over time, its focus has grown to include men and children who suffer from violence.

Natasha Sankovich — THE BATTALION

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Stephen Fogg — THE BATTALION

Sophomore general studies major Robbie Sheehan practices slacklining Tuesday in Academic Plaza. Sheehan and his friends gather in Academic Plaza to work on class projects and relax.

how to apply If you are interested in writing or contributing content in The Battalion apply online at thebatt. com, or come by MSC 032, 845-3313. The Battalion welcomes any Texas A&M student interested in writing for the arts, campus, metro or sports staffs to try out. We particularly encourage freshmen and sophomores to apply, but students may try out regardless of semester standing or major. No previous journalism experience is necessary. Check us out on thebatt.com, Facebook

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The Battalion welcomes readers’ comments about published information that may require correction. We will pursue your concern to determine whether a correction needs to be published. Please e-mail at editor@thebatt.com.

Pirate comes to New York, faces mandatory life sentence NEW YORK — The sole surviving pirate from an attack on an American cargo ship off the Somali coast will be tried as an adult after he was portrayed Tuesday as the brazen ringleader of a band of pirates who shot at the ship’s captain and bragged about prior acts of piracy. The bravado authorities say 18-year-old Abdiwali Abdiqadir Muse displayed as the Muse first pirate to board the Maersk Alabama on April 8 had evaporated by the time he entered a federal courtroom to face a piracy charge that carries a mandatory life prison sentence. At one point, Muse sobbed as his lawyers notified the court that they had spoken to his family in Somalia. He lost his first court battle when his court-appointed public defenders failed to convince a judge that he was 15 and could be processed through the courts in secrecy as a juvenile. U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew J. Peck cited conflicting testimony that Muse’s father gave about his children’s ages during telephone testimony from Somalia and his own failure to testify about his age as reasons to find he could be treated by the courts as an adult. The decision to treat him as an adult led to the unsealing of a criminal complaint by FBI Agent Steven E. Sorrells that provided dra-

matic new details about the ship’s seizure and what transpired before U.S. snipers shot three Somali pirates and Muse was captured. Sorrells wrote that the ship’s captain, Richard Phillips, told him he fired multiple warning flares at the pirates’ boat to try to chase them away. The agent said Muse was the first pirate to board the boat, armed with a gun, as it was about 280 miles off the Somali coast. After the other pirates boarded, three of them accompanied the captain to a safe where he took out about $30,000 in cash, which the pirates then took, Sorrells said. Sorrells said the pirates held Phillips on a life boat for four days, with Muse telling the captain that he had hijacked other ships before. Muse was charged with several counts, including piracy under the law of nations. That charge carries a mandatory penalty of life in prison. He arrived in New York on Monday evening, handcuffed with a chain wrapped around his waist and about a dozen federal agents surrounding him. In addition to piracy, he was charged with conspiracy to seize a ship by force; discharging a firearm; aiding and abetting the discharge of a firearm during a conspiracy to seize a ship by force; conspiracy to commit hostage taking; and brandishing a firearm. Associated Press

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Upcoming event Chemical engineering professor, Tahir Cagin, will speak at 4 p.m. Friday, April 24 in Room 124 of the H.R. Bright Building about “Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Structure, Assembly, Thermo-mechanical Properties and Transport in Cyclic Peptide Nanotubes.”

science thebattalion 4.22.2009 page3

The skinny on Dell’s newest laptop

Jordan Bryan — THE BATTALION

wn this beautiful laptop and you will be the center of attention wherever it accompanies you. The Adamo, surprisingly brought to us by Dell (who are generally associated with clunky laptops), is arguably the thinnest laptop in the world. At the laptop’s side the Adamo is thinner than the Macbook Air, which it steals the title of “Thinnest Laptop,” from the Macbook Air. Price: The Adamo is a luxury product sold at $1,999, a price higher than the Macbook Air, its presumable competitor, which is priced at $1,799. Strengths: The Adamo’s name is derived from the Latin word meaning “to fall in love with” and lives up to its name at first glance. “Great design needs to be timeless and

“Dell continues to signal a commitment to design and personalization across its entire product line and has made significant strides forward in the past year.” — Rob Enderle principal analyst for Enderle Group

evoke emotion in people,” said Alex Gruzen, senior vice president of Dell’s consumer products. “While a premium computing experience was assumed for Adamo, the intent was for people to see, touch and explore Adamo and be rewarded by the select materials and craftsmanship you would expect in a fine watch.” The Adamo scores on style in many ways. The design is minimalistic and displays incred-

Dell’s thin laptop boasts sleek design but pricetag not worth laptop’s shortcomings Romy Misra ible attention to detail. The laptop comes in two colors: metallic black and silver. It has a backlit keyboard with stylized, slightly curved keys that give the user an easy, excellent typing experience. It has an awesome display with a screen running from one edge to the other. In case you would like a bigger screen to play movies, the Adamo has a display port, allowing you to connect it with an external monitor or even a home theater system. The laptop doesn’t have a regular DVD drive, although there is a port to externally add one. The sides of the gadget run smoothly with the required USB and Internet ports at the back. Even the speakers are behind the monitor. The laptop has a complementary looking compact charger that completes the sleek look of the gadget. In terms of functionality the Adamo has high storage capacity, one of the reasons why it is so expensive. For those who usually connect mobile phones to their computer, the Adamo is well equipped to make downloading easy. The laptop’s processor enables it to run on the Home premium edition of Windows Vista, which comes with the laptop. Weaknesses: First, thin does not go

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hand in hand with light. The Adamo is heavy, weighing a pound more than the Macbook Air and most of its peers. Second, the battery life, as specified by Dell, is only five hours. From personal experience, batteries last less than how much they are expected to. Hopefully, the laptop will last through a full-length movie. Third, for people who use their DVD drives frequently, it is a hassle to have to connect an external one when you want to use it. Moreover, the price is really outrageous for laptop offers. Most of the functionality Adamo provides comes with a medium range regular laptop priced around $700. Paying three times the amount for getting a stylish laptop does not make a lot of sense. The laptop does not provide as extraordinary a performance as one would expect of this price. Additionally, the Macbook Air is made of a recyclable structure, while the Adamo is constructed of aluminum. Conclusion: Dell believes the design of the Adamo will create followers. “Dell continues to signal a commitment to design and personalization across its entire product line and has made significant strides forward in the past year,” said Rob Enderle, the principal analyst for Enderle Group. “The Adamo laptop is a showcase for this commitment and a flagship product that will draw buyers to the brand.” The laptop is gorgeous and does strike a chord when you first see it. I am still not sure it is wise though to invest in such an unnecessary luxury in these economic times. Romy Misra is a graduate industrial engineering major.

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“

As we drive south toward the U.S.-Mexico border, I continue thinking about the recent increase in violence. Was this a good idea after all? There was no turning back.”

“

After several hours of tossing and turning, listening to my heart working to push the oxygen deprived blood through my body, I hear an alarm sound. The time has come.”

Alejandro Sors, Ricardo Villaseñor and Patrick Clayton make their way down a steep ice shoot in Citlaltépetl.

Where the air is thin

Photos and story by Patrick Clayton | The Battalion

2 a.m. March 17

Half asleep, I wrestle with my sleeping bag. Our guide, Salvador, sleeps comfortably next to me. He is accustomed to the altitude. After several hours of tossing and turning, listening to my heart working to push the oxygen deprived blood through my body, I hear an alarm sound. The time has come. We rise, moving quietly in the dark, guided by the tiny LED bulbs within the headlamps. A cup of tea followed by nearly a liter of water Senior petroleum engineering major Ricardo Villaseñor looks wakes my senses. toward the summit of Citlaltépetl during an acclimation hike Ten minutes later, we begin the long journey. Moving March 16. slowly up the rocks in complete darkness, the stars above seem to jump right from the sky. They are all defined, within the ancient building. sharp specs of light, undiluted from the city lights far As I lay in my bunk, the noises from the small,below. Only sounds from the ice axes sticking in the cold bustling city of nearly 28,000 rise up. My thoughts earth interrupt the silence of the night. are interrupted by the distant echoes of cumbias We gain elevation with each step. The rocks begin and rancheros spilling from the local nightspots. to disappear as ice replaces earth, a slippery reminder of Stray dogs, searching for the one good meal for the height. As we climb on, the stars in the eastern sky the day, weave in and out of the shadows in the slowly fade. We’re approaching 16,000 feet. Above the dirty cobblestone streets. I am safe inside Reyes’ labyrinth of ice and rocks, the outline of the summit and compound under a heavy wool blanket. its glacier appear. Tomorrow will be a different story. The group is made up of three Aggies: Ricardo 8 a.m. March 17 9 a.m. March 16 Villaseñor, a senior petroleum engineering major, Standing at the bottom of the Jamapa Glacier, I can Alejandro Sors, a junior political science major We meet the guides for a quick trip through the see the summit high above and the mess of ice and rock and me, Patrick Clayton. I’m a senior engineering town’s small tiendas, filling bags with the neededwe had traversed hours earlier. The group is excited. We technology major. food and other necessities for the mountain. Tea,stand above the clouds, looking down on the cities and meat, vegetables and crackers are on the list. roads that had carried us through the beautiful Mexican 5:30 a.m. March 14 With needed supplies in hand, we head for countryside. A quick look in the other direction and I hear the Jeep outside. The doors open and transportation to base camp. Joaquin, a local outfitconfidence wanes. We stand nearly two-thirds up the close, recognizable voices drift softly in the thick ter, will take us on the two hours of four-wheelmountain, only to be at the base of a vast glacier. Watchhumid air. “Good morning,” Ricardo greets me drive trails that precede Piedra Grande, a refuge ing over us, as if we were asking for its permission to as I set my bags and gear among the jumbled pile situated at nearly 14,000 feet. With gear loaded on continue up its steep slopes, the glacier stands holding the of backpacks, hiking boots and climbing gear. the roof rack of the 1966 Dodge Power Wagon,only path to our objective. Despite the early hour, we’re excited to be getting we pile inside. It’s the perfect mountain taxi, one With the sharp metal crampons strapped tightly to our on the road. Leaving College Station, talk shifts to that looks out of place on the city streets and boots, we walk awkwardly to the glacier’s edge. Placthe topic at hand. El Pico de Orizaba, Citlaltépetl, more natural on a rugged trail. The mountain is ing one foot out on the icy surface like a child testing the 18,855 feet of strato-volcanic rock. The third high- real now. I feel its force as our party crawls up itswater before plunging into a cool swimming pool, we est peak in North America, seventh most promielevation slowly, rocking back and forth along the immediately understand the challenges that lie ahead. nent in the world. This is our first high altitude narrow trail to Piedra Grande. Moving up the glacier, we take each step with caution. summit attempt, and it will be a true challenge of Because inclement weather moves in quickly,Roped together in case we fall victim to the sheer angle, our skills and endurance. it is necessary to be off the summit by early we move slowly up the ice. Looking up is painful; the As we drive south toward the U.S.-Mexico afternoon. The refuge serves as a base camp for distant summit changes little. Instead, I measure progress border, I continue thinking about the recent climbers attempting to acclimate themselves for by looking over my shoulder to the rocks back at the increase in violence. Was this a good idea after the necessary nighttime accent on Citlaltépetl. It’sedge of the glacier. One step, one breath. Two hours all? There was no turning back. Piled high dirty, marked with the names of previous climbing later, we sit over a 25-foot crevasse, halfway up the glawith mountaineering gear and clothing, we parties, a transient space where climbers tell tales cier, looking back down at the path we had left. drove on Highway 77 south toward Corpus of summits past in as many languages as there are Christi. The small rural towns begin to change rocks on the mountain. Small gas burners work 1 p.m. March 17 as grain silos give way to palm trees. We drive hard to keep their flames from being extinguished After an intense four hours traversing up the glacier, through the Rio Grande Valley, with its fruit by the dry, thin mountain air. we have reached the summit. Hour 11 on the mounstands, Mexican restaurants and pickups loaded We arrive at the refuge early afternoon. The tain. Our bodies scream as our lungs work to push the with farm equipment, drivers tanned by the sun is behind us, casting shadows on the ancient thin air into our blood. Whether mentally or physiTexas sun. We are out of place with our bags volcanic rock on which we stand. Tonight we plan cally, I am still not sure, I feel the blood rush to my of coats, gloves and hats. to make our first attempt on the summit. My lungs extremities. As I set foot on the rocky summit, I fall to “We’ll make it to Tampico by 7,” Alejandro work to make use of the scarce air as I unroll my my knees in exhaustion. says from the drivers seat. We will stay with his sleeping bag and begin arranging my things. We sip The excitement of summiting such a peak is fogged family there for the night, and continue on south tea made from Coca leaves to help our bodies cope by my struggle to stay conscious. After a short break, toward Tlachichuca, Mexico, the next day. with the elevation change. Just 24 hours earlier we we push up the last few feet to the mass of jumbled were at sea level. metal crosses that mark the success of so many expedi4 p.m. March 15 tions before, we become a part of a club that has only 5 p.m. March 16 We arrive in Tlachichuca, a small rural comone entry; that is to have stood at that precise point Salvador, the experienced mountain guide, looking out over that beautiful country, muscles tremmunity within the state of Puebla. It’s the type of uses a small gas stove to create a compilation of bling from the hours of strenuous labor below. ‘Life Mexican town I had imagined: a dusty plaza, shadchicken and vegetables, a source of energy for thedoes not belong here,’ I thought. ‘Why am I here? owed by the most prominent fixture in town, the endeavor ahead. We eat with our hands, wishingWhat have I done to remove myself so far from the Catholic church. People milled around. Young we had purchased some of the fresh corn tortillasnecessities of life?’ and old looked for acquaintances, enjoying the in Tlachlichuca. After dinner, both Alejandro and IAfter taking the necessary photos, we begin to think of warm afternoon. Above the town, the summit of Citlaltépetl hides behind the clouds that had blown began to feel our stomachs turn. We’d be leaving our return. The grueling 11-hour ascent had taken us to a for the summit in nine hours. This was not the place far away, high above base camp. Now it was time to in that afternoon. Still unable to see its peak, we time to be having stomach problems. The altitude shade our eyes and look up, hoping to catch a get back. The thick clouds begin forming on the glacier has gotten to us. The tasty grilled chicken we had glimpse at the adventure that lay ahead. as Salvador informs us it’s time to move. The enormous enjoyed half an hour before wasn’t going to be glacier will take only a quarter of the time to descend. We meet our guides, Salvador and Gustavo. sticking around for long. Alejandro and I throw up.Four hours later, we stumble down the path leading to Both members of the Mexican Alpine Club. The I begin to think about the tasks ahead, climbing Piedra Grande. Groups of climbers waiting for our return two combined had climbed Citlaltépetl more than 25 times. After discussing the following day’s itiner- higher and higher without the much-needed nutrishake our hands. The exhaustion of my muscles subsides ents I had just left on the side of the mountain. for a moment as I realize the accomplishment. ary, we parted ways for one last evening of rest In order to climb Citlaltépetl, time must be before the ascent. We made it. closely considered. Like many high elevation sum-The feeling of having completed a goal that so many We spend the evening with Señor Reyes, a mits, harsh winds and thick clouds invade the peak local climbing guide and outfitter. He operates a had come here to attempt was incredible. We give the in the afternoons creating dangerous conditions for climbers’ hostel inside a century-old soap factory inhabitants of the refuge a report from the summit — climbers. We plan to leave Piedra Grande at 2 a.m. opened by his great-grandparents. No longer weather conditions and challenges. The refuge was quiet When the sun goes down on the mountain, the producing the soap the building was originally as we spoke, relaying our experiences to those who would refuge becomes a quiet zone of meditation. Thebe attempting the summit early the next morning. intended to make, Señor Reyes now provides a wind whips across the rocks outside as the glow of Three hours later, I am again bunked inside Reyes’ place for international climbers to both prepare headlamps move slowly inside. Zippers zip as bags for and unwind from days on the mountain. compound. Gladly listening to the dogs of the street, I am open and close, climbers checking and rechecking Complete with century-old vats and industrial surrounded by life, air I can breath and, most importantly, packs. The final preparations are made. mixing devices, mountaineers from all over the two friends that also endured one hell of a mountain. The world share experiences around the wood stove city is alive as we drift slowly to sleep.

fter weeks of training and preparation, followed by days of driving, there it was: Citlaltépetl. The summit is covered by its own glacier rising above us in the distance. My mind drifted back to the hours spent climbing the emergency stairwells of Rudder Tower. It’s hard to train for climbing a mountain in College Station, Texas.

Cooking inside Piedra Grande.

Patrick Clayton is a senior engineering technology major.

Alejandro Sors waits to load gear before going to base camp on Citlaltépetl.

The refuge, Piedra Grande, at 14,000 feet on Citlaltépetl.

Senior petroleum engineering major Ricardo Villaseñor, senior engineering technology major Patrick Clayton and junior political science major Alejandro Sors pose with an Aggie flag at 18,855 feet on the summit of Citlaltépetl.

sports

Men’s golf team improves to No. 12 nationally The Texas A&M men’s golf team moved eight spots up in Golfweek’s most recent poll, from No. 20 to No. 12. Senior Bronson Burgoon leads the Aggies in individual ranking at No. 21 overall. Junior Andrea Pavan is ranked No. 51 in the nation. A&M competes next in the Big 12 Championship April 27-29 in Hutchinson, Kansa

thebattalion 4.22.2009 page6

Swing for life Softball to have first breast cancer awareness game T.D. Durham The Battalion

Jon Eilts — THE BATTALION

Junior shortstop Macie Morrow, who was initially thought to be out for the season due to injury, will return to A&M’s line-up Wednesday nearly a month after being struck in the face by a foul ball.

The No. 24 Texas A&M softball team will compete in its first “Swing for Life” game against the Sam Houston State University Bearkats Wednesday at the Aggie Softball Complex. Organized as an effort to “strike out breast cancer,” the event is meant to raise awareness for breast cancer and its victims. The Aggie Softball Complex will sport a multitude of decorations including pink foul lines, pink coaches boxes and pink bases to match the jerseys worn by the players. Prior to the start of the game, the team will recognize registered breast cancer survivors on the field. A&M Head Coach Jo Evans said the team is excited to participate in a service event as a team. “Our players and coaches have been doing community service things behind the scenes,” Evans said. “But this is the first time we’ve got to do something as a team.” Junior shortstop Macie Morrow will be laced up and ready to play with the team Wednesday after returning in A&M’s last two games from the injury list. Morrow was struck in the face with a foul ball in March and was forced to have facial reconstruction surgery after receiving multiple fractures in her face. Morrow was given an initial OK only a week after the injury and was able to play in the Big 12 Conference opener against Nebraska. Shortly

after the Nebraska game, a specialist told Morrow that she could do no physical activity and would miss the remainder of the season. After missing nearly a month of practice and games, Evans said the team was told by the same specialist that Morrow could practice and play in games if she wore a protective mask. “The doctor initially told me I would be done for the season and that was tough,” Morrow said. “Then during my appointment last Thursday, I asked him if I could play with a mask, he said yes, and I went with it. Now I’m back.” Morrow practiced only one day with the team before reentering the line up as the starting shortstop April 17 against Oklahoma. “The phoenix rises from the ashes once again,” Evans said. “She had some trouble offensively in her game back, but she’s handling it well. She loves being in the game.” The Bearkats have posted a 2009 overall record of 23-21 and a Southland Conference record of 12-12. They have won eight of their last 10 games. With the Southland post-season tournament approaching, the Bearkats are tied for seventh place in the conference. Only the top six schools in the conference receive a playoff spot. The Aggies are currently in sixth place in the Big 12, two games behind Nebraska and just a half-game in front of Oklahoma State. Similar to the Southland conference tournament, only six teams will be invited to the Big 12 championship tournament.

Baseball to test midweek meddle versus Prairie View A&M ■ A&M has been inconsistent in midweek games in 2009, going 6-4 Michael Sullivan The Battalion The No. 16 Texas A&M baseball team will look to extend its four-game winning streak when they host Prairie View A&M for the first time in school history Wednesday at Olsen Field. “I expect us to see a very good baseball team,” A&M Head Coach Rob Childress said. “We are going to have to be ready to play at the level we have played at during the last four games. Every game from here on out is the most important game of the year.” Throughout the 2009 season, midweek games have been a roller coaster for the Aggies, who have posted a record of 6-4 on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The Aggies, who at the time ranked No. 1 in the nation, dropped their first game of the season to Centenary on Feb. 25.

the week as well as the weekend,” Childress said. “We went over an entire year a few years ago without losing a mid week game. It is something we normally hang our hat on.” Prairie View A&M is coming into the game after splitting games against Grambling State University this past weekend. The Panthers have an overall record of 18-18 and are in fourth place with a record of 8-12 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. As a team, Prairie View is batting .297 and is ranked No. 22 in the nation in stolen bases with 70. Texas A&M is batting .290 as a team and has a .386 team on base percentage. Junior pitcher Alex Wilson is No. 2 in the nation in strikeouts per nine innings with 13.74. The Aggies will resume Big 12 play against Oklahoma State April 25-27. The Cowboys will come to Olsen Field and continue A&M’s 13-game home stand, which ends on May 8 against the University of Texas. The Aggies are currently in second place in the Big 12 conference, one game behind Texas.

Jon Eilts — THE BATTALION

Freshman shortstop Adam Smith and the Texas A&M baseball team have never met Prairie View A&M on the field.

Student Health Services * Health Education * Aggie Reach present:

CATWALK

For hiv/aids awareness

Fashion Show and Mini Health Fair FREE Anonymous HIV/Syphillis Rapid Testing available!

When: Thursday, April 23, 2009 Time: 7pm Admission: FREE Location: Rudder Theatre Entertainment by: Fade 2 Black & Alpha Phi Alpha!

Featuring Clothing From: The Buckle Dillard’s Gap Maurice’s The Closet Door

D PR OO IZ R ES !

Mini Health Fair prior to show– starts at 6:30pm Visit each table, get a raffle card stamped, and enter it for a chance to win great prizes! Prize donations provided by: The Closet Door, Jimni, Heritage Menswear, and others!

thebatt.com

Want more info? Call Health Ed: 979Ǧ458Ǧ8322

The next week, the Aggies took backto-back games from Stephen F. Austin, but dropped back-to-back games to New Mexico the following week. Inconsistencies have continued as of late when the Aggies were defeated at home by Houston on April 7, but turned around the following week and defeated No. 1 Rice on Childress the road. “We haven’t been very consistent during the middle of the week,” Childress said. “We are a little disappointed on how we are performing as a whole during mid week games.” In years past, the Aggies have been successful in midweek games, which has allowed them the opportunity to host regional tournaments at Olsen Field. During the 2008 season, the Aggies posted a midweek record of 14-2, with one of the two losses being to Rice, which ranked No. 7 at the time. “We have had the opportunity to host the regional the last two years and that is because we played well in the middle of

classiﬁeds Classifieds continued from page 7

HELP WANTED

Medical technician: Full time medication technician needed for growing allergy practice. We are looking for an intelligent, positive, friendly person to join our team. We teach skills that are an asset for anyone interested in a career in health care and can help a candidate get into medical school. We offer a pleasant office environment, competitive salary, health insurance, and other benefits. Please fax resume to 979-776-5624.

LATE NIGHT SPECIAL!

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STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid Survey Takers Needed In College Station. 100% Free To Join. Click On Surveys. Tax/Staff Accountant for local CPA firm. This is a full-time position w/benefits. Fax resume to 979-779-8422. Durst, Milberger, Nesbitt & Ask, LLP. The Battalion Advertising Office is hiring an Advertising Sales Representative. Work to begin in August, be enrolled at A&M and have reliable transportation. Interested applicants should drop off resume at 032 Memorial Student Center, Advertising Office. The Corner Bar &Grill now hiring. All positions available. Apply in person. The Kids Klub afterschool program is seeking p/t employees for the Fall 2009 semester. People are needed M-F, 2:45pm-6:15pm. ROP: $8.00-$8.75/hr. Please call 979-764-3831 or www.cstx.gov/kidsklub Tutors wanted for all subjects currently taught at TAMU/ Blinn and Sam Houston State starting at $7/hour. Apply on-line @ www.99Tutors.com, 979-255-3655. Up and coming marketing company looking for more PT/FT employees. No experience necessary. GREAT PAY! Informational Wednesday night and Pizza Buffet is on us! Email: Hulkinc15@yahoo.com

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A smart way to help with tuition. And you can use your spare time at PPD to study. Or you may choose to play pool, watch movies or chat with your friends on the Internet.

Earn money now, by participating in a PPD research study. We conduct medically supervised research studies to help evaluate medications being developed. You must meet certain requirements to qualify, including a free medical exam and screening tests.

MUSIC

news

page 8

Party Block Mobile DJ- Peter Block, professional 22yrs experience. Specializing in Weddings, TAMU functions, lights/smoke. Mobile to anywhere. Book early!! 693-6294. http://www.partyblockdj.com

PETS Pocket Puppies: Maltese, Shorkies, Maltipoos, Yorkies. $500 &up 979-324-2866, linda_d_54@yahoo.com Adopt Pets: Dogs, Cats, Puppies, Kittens, Many purebreds. Brazos Animal Shelter, 979-775-5755, www.brazosanimalshelter.org AKC German Shepherd puppies, 9-weeks, 1-male, 1-female. $500.00 o.b.o. 979-777-4601. da62slow@yahoo.com Rivers Edge Dog Academy. Announcing our next class starting soon, spaces limited call for details. 979-595-959. cadle6@verizon.net

REAL ESTATE For Sale, new 3 and 4 bedroom homes. Close to campus. Call J.C. 254-721-6179. Realtor. Fox Run, 2/2. Gated community, great amenities, must see! $122K. 936-291-7552. Online at texasrealestatecompany.com STOP PAYING RENT! and buy your own home. Free recorded message 1-800-359-0327 enter 1104.

ROOMMATES 1-Female roommate needed. 3bd/2ba for $250/mo. 903-399-2856. 2 Roommates needed. Available beginning of April& August ‘09. Beautiful spacious house in Southern Trace. 4/4 w/Backyard. Pets ok, W/D. $400/mo. +split bills. Amber, 832-860-0347 2-female roommates wanted! 4b/4b condo. Pool side view, fully furnished, $400/month plus 1/4-utilities, on bus route. Available summer ‘09-’10. 832-788-7967. 2-rooms available. $400/room on Langford Street. Wireless internet. Call 936-662-7604. Female roomate for 3/3, w/d, close to campus, $425/month, +1/3bills. 361-437-9431. Female roommate needed 3/3 Waterwood Townhome beginning June 1. Completely furnished except for bedroom. $575 includes utilities and high-speed internet service. W/D in unit. Call 830-997-8587 or e-mail lola@beecreek.net for information. Female roommates needed. Gateway Villas. Fully furnished. 281-960-4278. Guy roomates needed for very nice 3 bedroom house. Call Justin at 817-690-1545. Room Available in a house close to campus, half mile from St. Mary’s Catholic Student center, summer lease is okay, $300 +utilities. 979-39-3371. Roommate needed immediately for Summer ‘09, 3/2 duplex, very nice, $250/mo +1/3 of bills, call 254-744-2243

SERVICES College Station Lawn Care. Mow, Trim, Edge. 979-571-0363. www.CSLawn.com

TUTORS Need a Tutor? Friendly, helpful one-on-one private tutors for all subjects at TAMU/Blinn and Sam Houston State. Check us out at www.99tutors.com, 979-255-3655.

WANTED Volunteers needed at local elementary school. 281-460-1156.

the battalion Classified Advertising • Easy • Affordable • Effective For information, call 845-0569

thebattalion

wednesday 4.22.2009

Earth Day Continued from page 1

Plaza. Two local bands, Apotheosis and Strawberry Jam, will be performing in the plaza during that time. The environmental forum from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. will focus on what A&M is doing to positively impact the environment and what students can do to push the University to be more environmentally conscious. Grosgebauer said everyone is welcome and there will be snacks and give-aways from the various organizations. Grosgebauer said environmental issues unify people because information can be shared and learned about what is going on in the environment. “We all live in the same environment, use its resources and depend on it,” she said. “For me, it is important for everyone to be more conscious of the recourses they use, whether it’s energy, gas in their car or water running in the sink. Not only will it lower our bills but it will contribute to more conservation efficiency worldwide.” The Brazos Valley’s Earth Day celebration was rained out over the weekend, and will be rescheduled this summer for some time in June or July. Mary Strauss, Sustainability Programs coordinator of the city of Bryan, said they will have many exhibitors and visitors on rain water harvesting, alternative vehicles such as hybrid and electric cars, global warming and other environmental issues. “It is most important for people to realize that they are connected to the environment,” she said. “Their health and quality of life are all part of the environment. When you do something good for the environment you are also doing something good for yourself and your family.” Strauss said the city of Bryan has also taken steps to better the environment. He said they created the Green Team, which is expanding efforts to be environmentally friendly, and recently bought a hybrid car for the employee vehicle. Strauss said people can stay updated on environmental events such as the rescheduled Earth Day through the Bryan Web site, http://bryantx.gov. She said they are always open to suggestion and ideas, as well as providing ways to go green. Earth Day was founded in 1970 by Sen. Gaylord Nelson to inspire awareness about the environment to the general public. Volder said the world is facing environmental concerns such as global climate change, diminishing fresh water supplies and reduced water quality, air pollution, waste generation and a projected increase in global population. She said the population is supposed to increase from 6.8

“It is most important for people to realize that they are connected to the environment. Their health and quality of life are all part of the environment. When you do something good for the environment you are also doing something good for yourself and your family.” —Mary Strauss, Sustainability Programs coordinator of the city of Bryan

billion people to 8.9 billion people by 2050 and the population is already beyond the carrying capacity of the planet in terms of resource use. She said that water supply is one of the most serious issues that often goes overlooked. Our fresh water supply is a limited resource, and with the water supply in Phoenix, Ariz., predicted to run out in the next decade, it is important to think about the conservation of this resource. Volder said these issues have

How to help Things like turning off electronics, insulating homes, reducing water usage, collecting rainwater to irrigate garden plants, using cloth shopping bags, buying food from local producers and using energy efﬁcient vehicles are practices that people can begin to follow when trying to conserve and help the environment. been prominent in European countries for many years, including the country where she grew up, the Netherlands. With many European countries not having the space per person that the U.S. does, many of the issues faced today were just as important 20 years ago. “The basics of sustainability were a way of life as I grew up,” she said. “A lot of environmental issues that are getting attention were already getting attention there when I grew ew [up] in the 80s and 90s.” Volder said that hat in order to sustain resources everyone veryone can do their part, no matter ter how small. “Earth Day is wonderful in that it brings issues ues of sustainability back into the mains mainstream nstre treeam media and makes akes ess people think about utt their own habits,” Volder said. “Everyone can contribute to a more sustainable way of living.”

Many different study lengths are available. You’ll find current studies listed here every Sunday. Join the team at PPD, conducting research studies in Austin for over 20 years. Call today to find out more.

Current Research Opportunities Age

Men and Women 18 to 55

Compensation

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Requirements

Healthy & Non-Smoking

Timeline

Fri. 1 May through Sun. 3 May Fri. 8 May through Sun. 10 May

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Sign-up for your Fall 2009 meal plan at

diningservices.tamu.edu. DINING SERVICES