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From spy to screen
Court questions same-sex marriage Students claim religious persecution, debate church and state boundaries Jessica Smarr
some aspects of what really happened, the overall spirit of the mission was portrayed accurately. “The point is, everything that happened in real life cannot necessarily be represented in a movie the way it happened. Otherwise, everyone would fall asleep,� Mendez said. “There was the same feeling of being pursued there that goes throughout the whole movie.� “Argo,� based on Mendez’s book “The Master of Disguise� and Joshuah Bearman’s Wired article, “The Great Escape,� has gained national renown since its release in late 2012, receiving three Oscar wins and four nominations. The film follows the events that fol-
The Battalion he Supreme Court concluded debate on cases that could grant legally married same-sex couples the right to federal marital benefits Wednesday. Tuesday’s debates focused on Hollingsworth v. Perry, a case that challenged Proposition 8, which made same-sex unions illegal in California in 2008. On Wednesday, US v. Windsor was debated in court, which challenges the federal Defense of Marriage Act, DOMA, which restricts federal marriage benefits to only heterosexual marriages recognized in all states. When DOMA was signed into law in 1996 one of the purposes of the House of Representatives’ was “to express moral disapproval of homosexuality,� according to the Associated Press. Since that date, nine states and the District of Columbia have made same-sex marriages legal. A poll conducted by the Pew Research Center stated that 49 percent of Americans are now in favor of allowing gays and lesbians to legally marry. It is possible the court could rule that the Proposition 8 ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional and that gay marriage is a constitutionally protected right. Gay marriage could also be declared unconstitutional by the Court. There was no apparent majority opinion expressed by the justices during Tuesday’s debates, according to the Associated Press. The justices could dismiss the case on procedural grounds, which would leave in place the appeals court ruling against Proposition 8 and apply only to California. Many are skeptical that the courts would make an absolute decision for or against gay
See Mendez on page 3
See Marriage on page 2
T Tanner Garza — THE BATTALION
Tony Mendez, former American CIA technical operations officer portrayed by Ben Affleck in the recent Oscar Best Picture Argo, answers questions about his story before the screening Wednesday in Rudder Auditorium.
Man behind ‘Argo’ recalls daring escape Elise Brunsvold The Battalion
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he atmosphere was tense, the stakes high. Six American diplomats, caught in the political turmoil of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, were being smuggled out of the country. The CIA had conducted countless exfiltration missions of clandestine agents in the past, including Iran, but this one was different. These were American diplomats, not trained spies. Failure would be catastrophic. Disguised as a Canadian film crew, the six refugees, along with CIA operatives, desperately made their way through the Mehrabad Airport in Tehran. “I think what was going through my
mind was ‘I think this feels okay,’� said Tony Mendez, the CIA mastermind behind the operation. “That’s the moment of truth, when you get to the end of the chase.� Thursday night, Mendez — a recipient of the CIA’s highest honor, the Intelligence Star, and the mastermind behind the exfiltration mission — attended the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation’s free screening of “Argo,� the Best Picture-winning film based on the “Canadian Caper� events. Mendez, played by Ben Affleck in the film, opened the showing in Rudder Auditorium with remarks and took part in a Q-and-A session after the show, giving insight into the true story. Mendez said while the film exaggerates
student government
66th Student Senate elects speaker Aimee Breaux The Battalion
W
ith two meetings remaining in the 65th session and until the next Session takes over the legislative responsibilities, Christopher Russo was elected to the position of Speaker of the 66th session of Student Senate with a 73-0-1 vote and Student Body President Reid Joseph was sworn in. In a presentation, Russo stressed his four years of experience in the Senate and outlined a plan to improve quality of legislation and to communicate happenings within the Student Government Association and the surrounding community. Russo said he plans to hold senators accountable for legislation by ensuring that senators involved with committees meet in appropriate settings to discuss bills and that bills are polished and factual.
“Some senators don’t take meetings seriously; they never show up to committee meetings,� Russo said. “Bills are not checked for accuracy, readiness and passage; they are just rubber-stamped and put on the floor.� Russo also outlined a platform to not only mend tense relations with the executive branch and open lines of communication with BryanCollege Station mayors, but also to mold the position of Constituency Affairs Chair to encompass press relations. He said the chair would write press releases so “not just the most controversial of our issues [are] put forth.� The election of Russo was followed by the election of Maci Hurley to Speaker Pro Tempore. Senators also elected Fernando Sosa as Rules and Aimee Breaux — THE BATTALION Regulation Committee Chair, Cary Cheshire as Aerospace engineering graduate student Christopher Finance Committee Chair and Keith Pattenson as Russo was elected speaker of the 66th Student Senate. Constituency Affairs Chair.
inside trends | 3 Before & after Accounting graduate student Elorm Gbordzoe lost 80 pounds thanks to dieting and a strength training kinesiology class.
sports | 4 Pitching change Texas A&M baseball finds SEC pitch clock rule a complement to game play style.
easter weekend
Religious tradition celebrates sacrifice Colin Wisdom
Special to The Battalion he approach of Easter and the end of Lent moved students to practice their faith before the long weekend, carrying crosses and offering commemorative sacrifices. Lent is a Christian tradition that involves abstaining from something for the weeks preceding Easter, as well as remembering the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jamison Doehring, associate pastor at A&M United Methodist Church, said Lent is much more than simply giving something up. “It is a time to focus on Jesus and appreciate what he did for us on the cross, a time to consider a life without God and His importance in our lives,� Doehring said.
T
Chase Krumholz — THE BATTALION
Senior Bekah Taylor, left, give out wooden crosses to student volunteers, as a part of a “cross carry� put on by the Philadelphia Sisters.
Lent traditionally begins Ash Wednesday and continues until Easter Sunday. While participating in Lent, one not only gives focus to fasting, but also to prayer and almsgiving. For students at A&M, Lent represents a variety of concepts. John Davis, sophomore international studies major, gave up something foodrelated. “Back home, we always had family dinners, and we put a spice called ‘Tony’s’ on everything we ate,� Davis said. “Once I came to College Station, I started carrying a bottle of Tony’s with me to put on food. So for Lent, I gave up Tony’s.� Sophomore allied health major Naomi Cherian gave up an hour of sleep in the morning.
“It gets me ready for the day,� Cherian said. “I spend the first twenty minutes in praise. It is a great way to start the day.� Davis said Lent is a time set aside to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus. “In the Gospel, Jesus fasted for 40 days. [Lent] is taking away something you hunger for and replacing it with Jesus,� he said. “Whenever I sit down to eat and want some Tony’s, I instead look to Jesus and praise him.� Katie Crites, sophomore animal science major, gave up sweets and said the experience gave her a greater appreciation for Jesus. “Craving sweets reminded me that Jesus gave up so much more,� Crites said. “It really put me in the mindset of sacrifice.�
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DENVER (AP) — Colorado theater shooting suspect James Holmes has offered to plead guilty and serve the rest of his life in prison to avoid the death penalty — a deal that would bring a swift end to the sometimes wrenching courtroom battle and circumvent a prolonged debate over his sanity. Prosecutors haven’t said whether they would accept the offer, and victims and survivors of last summer’s massacre were divided on what should be done. Melisa Cowden, whose ex-husband was killed in the theater, said Wednesday she was resolutely opposed to a plea deal. “He didn’t give 12 people the chance to plea bargain and say, ‘Let’s see if you’re going to shoot me or not,’� said Cowden, whose two teenage daugh-
ters were with their father when he was killed. “No. No plea bargain,� she said. The attack during a crowded midnight showing of “The Dark Knight Rises� left a dozen people dead and 70 injured. Prosecutors have said Holmes planned the assault for months, casing the theater complex in the Denver suburb of Aurora, amassing a small arsenal and rigging potentially deadly booby-traps in his apartment. Then on July 20, he donned a policestyle helmet and body armor, tossed a gas canister into the theater crowd and opened fire, prosecutors said. The plea offer, made by Holmes’ lawyers on his behalf sometime before
March 12, was disclosed a defense court filing on Wednesday. It was made public just days before the prosecution was set to announce whether they would seek the James Holmes death penalty. The filing didn’t include the specifics of the offer. It said only that Holmes would agree to life in prison without parole — instead of the death penalty — and didn’t mention any other concessions.
Marriage
DOMA and Proposition 8 — which address gay marriage on a national level — and political and social happenings at to Texas A&M have drawn student’s attention to the topic. Students, those who support the legality of gay marriage and those who don’t, spoke up regarding recent news surrounding the issue. Katheryn Scott, sophomore international studies major, said she feels she is discriminated against for her support of heterosexual marriage. “I have felt persecuted for my belief that homosexuality is a sin,� Scott said. “I don’t support any sin whether that is lying, cheating or homosexuality. I feel that as Christians, we have a right to stand up for our values like traditional marriage and not feel like we are going to get ridiculed for having a different view.� Junior computer science major Mitchell Taylor said the religious facet of the argument, which appears to be a major part of the debate on the Texas A&M campus, does not apply to a legal debate. “I support gay marriage,� Taylor said. “I do not think the state government should have any say in the matter. If people are religious it should be left up to their religious institution to decide what the definition of marriage is.�
Bethany Lefner, junior entomology major, said she also supports same-sex marriage. “We live in the United States and people should have a right to make their own decisions and marry who they want to marry,� Lefner said. Mikayla Hall, sophomore international studies major, agreed with Scott’s notion of persecution. “Honestly, I do not support gay marriage and feel that on this campus, as a Christian, I am being persecuted for my belief,� Hall said. “I think it’s important to stick to our morals and values about what we believe.� The GLBT Resource Center declined to comment on the Supreme Court argument because they said they are a politically neutral organization. Student Senate introduced a March 20 bill that would recommend that students who religiously oppose the GLBT Resource Center be able to withhold the portion of their student fees that go toward the center.
Continued from page 1
marriage without a significant amount of precedent. A majority of the justices seemed to indicate they would invalidate at least part of DOMA on Wednesday, the Associated Press reported. This could represent a victory for gay rights advocates nationally, but would not be a total endorsement of gay marriage. It would, however, give same-sex couples access to more than 1,100 federal statutes where marital status is relevant, such as tax breaks and Social Security survivor benefits. Justice Anthony Kennedy, who often acts as the deciding vote in close cases, said DOMA seems to intrude on states’ rights to recognize same-sex marriages and unions. When federal statutes are affected, “which in our society means that the federal government is intertwined with the citizens’ day-to-day life, you are at real risk of running in conflict with what has always been thought to be the essence of the state police power, which is to regulate marriage, divorce, custody,� Kennedy said in an Associated Press report.
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Qualifications for editor-in-chief of The Battalion are: reQuired • Be a Texas A&M student in good standing with the University and enrolled in at least six credit hours (4 if a graduate student) during the term of office (unless fewer credits are required to graduate); • Have at least a 2.25 cumulative grade point ratio (3.25 if a graduate student) and at least a 2.25 grade point ratio (3.25 if a graduate student) in the semester immediately prior to the appointment, the semester of appointment and semester during the term of office. in order for this provision to be met, at least six hours (4 if a graduate student) must have been taken for that semester. preferred • Have completed JOUR 301 or COMM 307 (Mass Communication, Law, and Society) or equivalent; • Have at least one year experience in a responsible editorial position on The Battalion or comparable daily college newspaper, – or – Have at least one year editorial experience on a commercial newspaper, – or – Have completed at least 12 hours in journalism, including JOUR 203 (Media Writing I) and JOUR 303 (Media Writing II) or JOUR 304 (Editing for the Mass Media), or equivalent.
application forms should be picked up and returned to sandi Jones, student Media business coordinator, in suite l408 of the Msc. deadline for submitting application: noon Monday, April 1, 2013. An equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to diversity
3/28/13 1:02 AM
These before and after photos show the change Elorm Gbordzoe went through after dropping 80 pounds due to an altered diet and rigorous regimen of excercise.
thebattalion 3.28.2013 page3
Weight loss sparks lifestyle change Student sheds 80 pounds with help of kinesiology class Mackenzie Mullis
The Battalion lorm Gbordzoe, accounting graduate student, dons a genuine smile as he jokes with friends. He is a presence that lights up the room, exuding confidence and a positive attitude. In a few short months, the accounting graduate student will experience the drastic transition of stepping into the real world. But Gbordzoe is no stranger to change; since May of 2012 he has lost 80 pounds, a feat he said needed to happen. “Last May I visited my brother in New York,” Gbordzoe said. “One thing that helped me realize I needed to lose weight was that I couldn’t actually fit in a chair on the airplane and I couldn’t get the seatbelt on. That was a harsh wake-up call. I also saw a picture of myself and decided I had to change my lifestyle, particularly my eating habits.”
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lifestyles
COURTSEY
Gbordzoe said he has struggled with his weight for his entire life. “When I was younger, I always thought working out just wouldn’t work for me,” Gbordzoe said. It wasn’t until he took Kinesiology 198, a required elective for all students that Gbordzoe said he felt motivated enough to revolutionize his old habits. “I took strength training and I had a really incredible teacher that helped inspire me,” Gbordzoe said. “I was on a set workout routine that I started doing non-stop. I started to drink more water and low calorie drinks, cutting out sodas and sugary juices. I had to stop eating out so much and I wouldn’t let myself snack late at night anymore.” Gbordzoe said the process of goal setting provided him with a tangible outcome to work towards.
“I set a goal of losing 10 pounds per month, which might sound like a lot, but at the size I was at it needed to be done,” Gbordzoe said. “I also would do 50 reps of push-ups, three times a day. I still do that now; I just modify them so it is a tougher workout.” Every month Gbordzoe said he would also try and take a picture to document his success. “It is pretty bad to look back at the old pictures,” Gbordzoe said. “I just think ‘Is that really me?’” Matthew Taylor, another accounting graduate student and one of Gbordzoe’s closest friends, said Gbordzoe was determined to reach his goal. “Elorm [Gbordzoe] started lifting with me and it took him like three weeks to do twice the weight I did,” Taylor said, “He was so motivated and was working really hard.” Gbordzoe said he would not be in the shape that he is in today without his friends. “It helped me because I had friends that were really physically active,” Gbordzoe said. “Everyone around me works out all the time, it was about time I did too. I had their support and we could all workout together.” Gbordzoe admitted that going to the gym seemed liked a daunting task in the beginning. “It is scary when you go to the gym at first because you don’t know where to start,” Gbordzoe said. “I thought if you did
something wrong people would judge you. The truth is that people aren’t concerned with you; the end goal for me and others there is losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.” Gbordzoe said he found an outlet that he enjoyed greatly contributed to his weight loss. “Basketball is the thing that got me going,” Gbordzoe said. “People know me now at the rec for it. I don’t even realize how much I am running when I am playing.” Adrian Torres, a finance graduate student and another of Gbordzoe’s good friends said the road to health was a long one, but stressed that no weight loss happens very quickly. “One thing we all try to express about Elorm’s success is that it didn’t happen overnight, it has been almost a year that he is working on this,” Torres said. “Even if you don’t have immediate weight loss, you have to keep with it.” Gbordzoe hopes his story will encourage others that are experiencing similar hardships and hang-ups with weight and body image. “You just need to get out and be active,” Gbordzoe said. “It is easy in college to slip up because we all have so much school stuff to do. It is going to take a lot of dedication and you can’t quit. It is so easy to look in the mirror and say ‘This is how it is and this is just how I look.’ You have to be willing to make big life changes.”
Fan-favorite British sci-fi returns to TV said. “It was a cool way to bond with him and to escape the heat, staying indoors and The Battalion t’s time to dust off your Converse and pull watching it with him. It’s also a nice way to out your bow ties, because Doctor Who escape and decompress.” Everyone has their own favorite Doctor is back. and companion, a result of the 11 different The long-time running British sciencedoctors and 35 companions who have starred fiction series is coming back to American in past seasons. television screens March 30th, and the trail“You never forget your first Doctor, so ers for the second half of the season are teasNine would be my favorite,” said junior poing everything from the return of the Ice litical science major Servando Cardenas. “I Warriors to the introduction of new comstarted watching in the summer of 2007 and panion, Clara, played by newcomer JennaI was just flipping through the Louise Coleman. channels and saw it on. My This year is special for the The Doctor first episode was the second BBC program, as it will celepisode of the Ninth Doctor, is in ebrate its 50th anniversary in the one with the end of the November. To celebrate, a bi- Doctor Who joins world.” opic of all eleven Doctors, “An BBC America’s Luis Cervantes, sophoAdventure in Space and Time,” Supernatural Saturday more anthropology major, is in production, penned by programming block on said he prefers the 10th DocDoctor Who fan and occasional Saturday March 30th tor, mostly because of his scriptwriter, Mark Gatiss. A at 8/7c. companions. 3-D anniversary show is being “I would say that David filmed now for cinematic reTennant is my Doctor, [I lease, so fans have much to look love] his adorable personalforward to from the BBC and from writerity from beginning to end,” Cervantes said. producer Steven Moffat. “And the companions of 10 are what made But what is it about “Doctor Who” that me know without question that he is my keeps fans coming back for more? Ellie Sloan, Doctor.” sophomore history and communications ma“Doctor Who” viewers have wishes about jor and fan of the show, said she has a theory. the characters they would like to see come “As nerdy as it may come across, I love back for the 50th anniversary special. Seathat ‘Doctor Who’ allows for a break from graves had one particularly interesting wish: reality for a bit,” Sloan said. “It’s like your wanting to see a new Master, the ultimate TV becomes a TARDIS itself and you go bad guy in the “Doctor Who” series. on all these fantastic adventures and meet all “I would love for a new Master to show these fantastic people.” up and for it to be Benedict Cumberbatch Tom Seagraves, junior university studies [star of the BBC series ‘Sherlock’] Seagraves major, called the show an escape and a way said. “I want to see a more calculating killer to bond with his family. with the Master, and I think Cumberbatch “I started watching it with my older would be awesome in the role.” brother over this past summer,” Seagraves
Elizabeth Evans
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COURTESY
The Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) and his new companion Clara (Jenna-Louise Coleman) journey through space and time in the new season of Doctor Who.
Ashley Judd decides against Senate run Actress Ashley Judd announced Wednesday she won’t run for U.S. Senate in Kentucky against Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, saying she had given serious thought to a campaign but decided her responsibilities need to be focused on her family. The former Kentucky resident tweeted her decision. “Regretfully, I am currently unable to consider a campaign for the Senate. I have spoken to so many Kentuckians over these last few months who expressed their desire for a fighter for a new leader,” Judd wrote. “While that won’t be me at this time, I will continue to work as hard as I can to ensure the needs of Kentucky families are met.”
Gucci Mane held without bond on assault charge Georgia rapper Gucci Mane was denied bond when he appeared in court Wednesday on an aggravated assault charge stemming from an alleged assault at a downtown Atlanta nightclub. The rapper, whose real name is Radric Davis, was in custody on a charge of aggravated assault with a weapon. An arrest warrant was issued for Davis after James Lettley of Fort Hood, Texas told police the rapper struck him in the V.I.P. area at Harlem Nights Club on March 16. Lettley said he was in Atlanta for his birthday and hoped to get a picture with the rapper when he was attacked.
Attention: Freshman & Sophomore Students
Annual Mathematics Contest
Thursday, April 11, 2013 Milner Hall 317 7:30pm-9:30pm 6 awards from $75-$200
Questions? Contact Doug Hensley dhensley@math.tamu.edu For sample problems: http//www.math.tamu.edu/~doug.hensley (For purposes of this contest, only first and second-year undergraduate students may participate. ALL majors welcome!)
BAT_03-28-13_A3.indd 1
3/27/13 11:51 PM
sports
thebattalion 3.28.2013 page4
@battsports
Rhythmic enforcement Visual aid complements A&M baseball strategy James Sullivan The Battalion
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aseball is one of the few sports without a set time limit, but a new addition is designed to speed games up. The pitch clock — a 20 second timer — has taken a permanent residence on the upper right-hand side of the Olsen Field scoreboard. The device, with the purpose of regulating game length, was added to Blue Bell Park following A&M’s move to the Southeastern Conference. The SEC is one of the few conferences that require a visible aid for the NCAA 20-second pitch rule. The purpose of the rule is to speed up the pace of collegiate baseball games and was noticed when the pitch clock was successfully trialed at the 2010 SEC tournament. At the 2009 SEC tournament, games lasted an average 3 hours and 17 minutes. A year later under the experimental pitch clock, games averaged 2 hours and 43 minutes. The longest 2010 game matched the 2009 game average, a 17.26 percent decrease in game-time. Shortly thereafter, the NCAA adopted the rule for all conferences, deciding in December 2010 that no visual clock was necessary. The SEC, though, elected to maintain the visual aspect of the clock, shunning the idea that umpires should keep time with a stopwatch. At A&M, a fast pace rhythm plays an important role in its game plan, mean-
ing the addition of the visual clock came as an “enforcement of rhythm,” as junior catcher Troy Stein called it. “We’re all about tempo and pace,” Stein said. “If anything, it helped us to keep the game going at a fast pace, make the other team play a little faster or more than they’re comfortable with. The umpire’s pushing them to play fast and we’re pushing them to play fast — we’re going to kind of spin them out of control.” Pitchers have 20 seconds between pitches with no one on base, starting when the pitcher receives the ball from the catcher and stopping when he begins his motion. A violation results in a subsequent ball. For hitters, leaving the box with five seconds or less on the clock results in an automatic strike. Freshman pitcher Andrew Vinson said coaches at A&M immediately embedded the fast-pace tempo mindset once players arrived in the fall. “In the fall, coaches prepared us pretty well,” Vinson said. “We’re taught to play fast to let us control the game. I don’t think the pitch clock bothers us too much. It’s pretty much on our side. It goes with the tempo of our game. That’s how we play.” Sophomore Daniel Mengden pitches as the starter in Saturday matchups and hits in the top of the batting order otherwise. “It kind of keeps a good, steady flow,” Mengden said. “It keeps the game in a good
rhythm. You don’t have to rush — 90 seconds for five pitches isn’t really that bad so the hitter almost kind of feels more rushed. It’s almost a disadvantage for the hitter.” Additionally, the rule allows only 90 seconds, and 108 seconds for televised games, for pitchers to reach the mound and the batter to enter the batter’s box following
Chase Krumholz — THE BATTALION
Sophomore Cole Lankford looks to continue his offensive production against South Carolina.
South Carolina next for Aggies Michael Ayo The Battalion
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Chase Krumholz — THE BATTALION
Senior pitcher Rafael Pineda and the A&M pitching staff use the pitch clock to their advantage.
Memories fade. Yearbooks last a Lifetime.
Pre-order your 2013 Aggieland yearbook by April 8, 2013, for $81.19, including shipping and sales tax, and $AVE. The 111th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook will chronicle the 2012-2013 school year — traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, Greeks, ResLife, campus organizations and seniors and graduate students. Distribution of the 2013 Aggieland will be during Fall 2013. Go to http://aggieland.tamu.edu or call 979-845-2696 to pre-order by credit card. Or drop by the Student Media office, Suite L400 in the MSC. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday. Cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted.
BAT_03-28-13_A4.indd 1
the final out of a half inning. According to Stein, a catcher who must don multiple pads, 90 seconds is more than enough time for his teammates to find their places on the diamond. “We’re going to be the first one out of the dugout,” Stein said. “We’re going to outhustle people and that’s just how we play.”
resh off its 2-1 series victory against then-No. 6 Ole Miss, Texas A&M will enter a Thursday-through-Saturday series with SEC powerhouse No. 13 South Carolina. The Aggies (18-8, 5-1) will hit the road to seek their third consecutive series win in SEC play having won eight of their last nine games. The Gamecocks (18-6, 2-4) have appeared in the past three College World Series finals and won back-to-back championships in 2010 and 2011. A&M seeks continued production from sophomore first baseman Cole Lankford, who has risen to second on the team in batting average, hitting .330, while leading the team in RBIs with 17. “I give all my credit to my teammates. Without them I wouldn’t be having the success I’m having,” Lankford said. A&M will also look for solid production from the bullpen, especially reigning SEC Freshman of the Week Matt Kent. Kent, a relief pitcher, entered the second inning of the second game of Sunday’s doubleheader with the Aggies trailing 5-2 against Ole Miss. He proceeded to throw five scoreless innings and allowed only three hits, resulting in a comeback victory for A&M. “It doesn’t get any easier,” Childress said. “Whether it’s the Big 12 or the SEC, you’ve got to have a short-term memory if things don’t go your way, and you also have to have it when things do go your way.” A&M is 4-5 on the road, compared to its 14-3 record at home. The Aggies have been outscored a total of 42-49 when they are away, and average just fewer than 5 runs per game. “We’ve played a lot of great teams,” junior centerfielder Krey Bratsen said. “I think playing those great teams is going to help us get ready for the SEC.”
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3/27/13 10:35 PM
classifieds
thebattalion 3.28.2013 page5 PLACE
AN AD Phone 845-0569 Suite L400, Memorial Student Center Texas A&M University
AUTO
WHEN
TO CALL 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Insertion deadline: 1 p.m. prior business day
FOR RENT
I buy vehicles; working, nonworking, or wrecked. 979-778-1121.
BED AND BREAKFAST Romantic Getaways & Engagements, secluded cabin suites. All Day, All Night. www.7flodge.com 979-690-0073.
FARM/RANCH Aggieland Alfalfa. 50lb compressed Alfalfa bales, 50lb compressed Timothy bales. Call or text orders to 806-683-2916. Horse boarding facility, covered arena, large grass pastures, full care. 979-324-6861, sundownfarmisawesome@gmail.com
FOR RENT $1100 Pre-lease, Brand New Gorgeous 2/2 on Northgate, walk to TAMU, granite, hardwood floors, free Wifi/Cable and W/D, call Maroon & White Management, 979-422-5660. $295 Prelease, All Bills Paid, 1-room in shared furnished apartment, Call Maroon & White Management, 979-422-5660. $395 Prelease 1/1, 2/1 and 2/2. Free WiFi/water/sewer. On Northgate, on shuttle. Call Maroon & White Management 979-422-5660. $850 Pre-lease, 3&4 bedroom houses, W/D, pets ok, near TAMU. Call Maroon & White Management, 979-422-5660. 1,2,3,4 bedroom apartments. Furnished or unfurnished. Available May or August. 979-693-4900. 2, 3, 4, &5 bedroom houses, condos and duplexes. Now preleasing for May and August. 979-776-8984. 2,3,4 and 5/bdrm. CS duplexes. Very nice, garage, on shuttle, tile, fireplace, w/d, fenced, lawn service, pets o.k. Available August. Details and photos available online. http://arduplexes.com info@arduplexes.com 979-255-0424, 979-255-1585. 2/1 CS duplex, available May and August, pets allowed, privacy fenced backyard, tile floors, blinds and ceiling fans, W/D connections, lawncare and pest-control included, E-Walk shuttle route, $675/mo, 979-218-2995. 2bd/1ba apartment, 800sq. ft. New appliances, carpeting and tile. W/D. bus-route. $600/mo. 210-391-4106. 2bd/2.5ba unique floorplans w/balcony views of Kyle Field. Brand new luxury apartment condos. Fullsize stainless steel appliances, W/D, designer ammenities granite/wood/tile, bus stop. Only 36units on Holleman at Wolf Pen. www.broadstoneranchatwolfpen.com, www.aggielandleasing.com, 979-776-6079.
2bd/2ba unique floorplans w/balcony views of Kyle Field. Brand new luxury apartment condos. Fullsize stainless steel appliances, W/D, designer ammenities granite/wood/tile, bus stop. Only 36units on Holleman at Wolf Pen. www.broadstoneranchatwolfpen.com, www.aggielandleasing.com, 979-776-6079.
3/2 duplex, 1922 Holleman Dr. West. Available August. Great location, wood floors, tile, new carpet, newly updated, fenced backyard, W/D, shuttle, bike to campus. Pets ok. $1095/mo. 979-731-8257. www.brazosvalleyrentals.com 3/2 Duplexes, prelease August, very nice, 5mins to campus, W/D, lawn care, security system, $900-950/mo. 979-691-0304, 979-571-6020. 3/3,3/2 Houses, Townhouses &Apartments, 1250-1400sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, walk-in pantry &closets, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing, excellent specials. 979-694-0320. www.luxormanagement.com 3/2/2 house off of Holleman. 1104 Taurus Cr. $1100/mo. 979-693-5885. 3/2/2 huge house. Walk to campus. 3905 Oaklawn, $1250/mo. 979-693-5885. 3/2/2 huge huge house! Walk to campus. 4000 Oaklawn, $1300/mo. 979-693-5885. 3bd/2ba mobile home on one acre, 3131 Cain Rd. CS, $550/mo, call 777-2395. 3bd/3ba townhome, newer, granite, ceramic, shuttle, cable/Internet included. May and August. Broker/owner 979-777-5477. 4/2 and 5/2 houses, CS, available June/August, updated, all appliances, great backyards, large living rooms, W/D, close to campus, no pets. www.brazosvalleyrentals.com 979-731-8257. 4/2/2 huge house. Walk to campus. 3903 Oaklawn, $1350/mo. 979-693-5885. 4/3, 3/3 &3/2 Houses, Townhouses, Duplexes &Fourplexes, 1250-1700sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing, excellent specials. 979-694-0320. www.luxormanagement.com 4/4 University Place condo, W/D, private bath, pool, on shuttle, student community, $300/room, Call 979-690-8213 or 979-422-9849. 4/4.5 plus bonus room, like new. High ceilings, huge closets, large front porch, tile floors, all appliances, fenced backyard, many extras. $1750/mo. Preleasing for August. 979-229-6326. See photos and info at http://www.texagrentals.com/ 4bd home built 2008, 3 rooms available June1st, two at $525/mo. (shared bathroom), one at $600/mo. master bedroom with bath, all bills paid including wifi, 361-463-1515 or publisher@rockportpilot.com for more information. 4bd/2ba house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, granite countertops, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com 4bd/4and1/2ba house near campus, on Park Place. Major appliances included. Lots of parking. Yard and pest service provided. W/D included. Call 979-255-4253. Brand New, 4bd/4ba houses. walking distance from campus, AAF 979-693-4900.
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$10 for 20 words running 5 days, if your merchandise is priced $1,000 or less (price must appear in ad). This rate applies only to non-commercial advertisers offering personal possessions for sale. Guaranteed results or you get an additional 5 days at no charge. If item doesn’t sell, advertiser must call before 1 p.m. on the day the ad is scheduled to end to qualify for the 5 additional insertions at no charge. No refunds will be made if your ad is cancelled early.
FOR RENT
FOR RENT
4bd/4ba private bathroom, $325 per room, Summer $260 per room, Wood/tile floors, large living room, new refrigerator, w/d, central a/c, walk-in closets, on shuttle. Student community, large pool, basketball court, sand beach volleyball. 979-574-0040, 281-639-8847.
Horse Lover’s Dream. 3bd/1ba, covered carport on 4acres wit pond and horse facilities. Minutes from TAMU. Recently updated all appliances including W/D. Pet and livestock friendly. Available August. Rent $1399/mo. aggielandrentals.com 979-776-8984
4bd/4ba University Place Condo for rent starting August 2013. $1660/mo. All utilities paid including internet. No pets. www.collegestationrent.com/tx/collegestation/227678-4-bed-4-bathcondo-all-bills-paid. Fred 281-460-0439.
Just available! Close to campus, College Main and Eastgate areas. 2bd/1ba., some w/dishwasher, 1-fenced, some bills paid. $325-$450/mo. 979-219-3217. Large 2bedroom with office or 3bedroom. Recently updated, fenced, 2car carport, W/D, biking distance to TAMU. Rent $750-799/mo. Available August. 4units available! aggielandrentals.com 979-776-8984.
5/4.5, like new. High ceilings, huge closets, large front porch, tile floors, all appliances, many extras. $1750/mo. Preleasing for August. 979-229-6326. See photos and info at www.texagrentals.com
Large 4bd/2ba with gameroom. Granite, 2car garage, large patio/deck, fenced, updated. Lawncare included. 1404 Dominik. $1799/mo. aggielandrentals.com 979-776-8984.
August Leasing. 4bd/2ba house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079. www.aggielandleasing.com Available August. 4/4 house in Buena Vida. W/D, new appliances, granite, fenced. gigem95@verizon.net 713-252-5555.
Looking for: huge closets, vanities longer than bathtubs, dedicated shoeracks, covered parking? 1/1, 2/2, 2/2.5. Falcon Point Condos. Broker/owner 979-777-5477.
Available now 2/2 duplex, fenced yard, pets ok, great location, and on shuttle, $700/mo. 979-693-1448.
New Renovations! Large 1800sqft house, 4bd/2ba. 2-car garage, storage shed, eat-in-kitchen, diningroom, familyroom w/fireplace. Tile floors, laundryroom with W/D, 2 refrigerators, large patio, fenced yard. Lawn maintenance, pestcontrol, wireless, cable. Windwood. $375/room, 4rooms available Aug.2013. 832-326-3215.
Available now 3/2 house with two car garage, remodled on inside, large fenced backyard, stainless appliances. 1708 Treehouse Trail. $1300/mo. 979-693-1448. Brand new luxury condos, granite countertops, tile flooring, great location. 979-693-4900.
Newer 1/1, 1/1.5 loft, 2/2, 3/3. Granite, ceramic, w/d, walk-in closets, cable and internet, shuttle. $820-$1560. Broker owner 979-777-5477.
Close To Campus! 4/2 &5/2 houses, preleasing for August, great floorplans, updated, no pets 731-8257, www.BrazosValleyRentals.com
Nice! 4/2 2013-Rayburn. $1550/mo. Available Aug1st. Call Scott at 979-229-5007.
College Station: 3/2, 1240sqft. Newly remodeled! New appliances! Close to shuttle, W/D, lawn/pest/maintenance included. 905 Balcones (off Welch), $850./mo. KAZ Realty 979-324-9666.
Northgate. Newer 1/1, 2/2, 3/3 and 3/2. Washer/dryer. Walk to campus. Summer and 1 year leases okay. aggievillas.net. Call 979-255-5648.
College Station: 3/2, 1240sqft. Newly remodeled! New stainless steel appliances, tile, cabinets! Close to shuttle, W/D, lawn/pest/maintenance included. 905 Balcones (off Welch), $1,000/mo. KAZ Realty 979-324-9666.
Now Leasing and pre-leasing for August! 4bdrm/2bth houses. Spacious floorplans. Great Location. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, w/d, fenced yards, refridgerator, icemaker,lawncare. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com
Duplex, CS, nice 2bd/1ba, 3-minutes from campus, W/D, remodeled, fenced front and backyard, beautiful with many extras, one week free, $570/mo, 979-422-3427.
Now preleasing large 3/2 duplexes, May-Aug leasing options, off of Holleman, on shuttle, view duplexes seven days a week, 979-774-4575.
Free locatoring service, Houses Duplexes and Apartments, 979-693-4900.
One month free rent on efficiencies and 2-bdrms, great move-in specials, free cable and ethernet. aggieapartment.com. Tamu shuttle route. 979-693-1906.
Great 4bd/2ba house in popular area. 400 Pronghorn Loop. W/D, refrigerator, large fenced backyard, 2-car garage. Available June. $1650/mo. Call Joey at 979-218-4091.
REPAIR
FOR RENT
puzzle answers can be found online at www.thebatt.com 2800 694979-
1 yr Warranty & Certified Techs
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SINCE 2001
2bd/2ba 4-plex. Spacious floorplan, W/D connections, close to campus. $550/mo. www.aggielandleasing.com 979-776-6079.
2bd/2ba with deck. Close to campus, wood floors, new kitchen floor. W/D connections, water included. Available summer and/or fall. Call 979-204-1950.
SPECIAL
see ads at thebatt.com
HELP WANTED
Pre-lease 4 and 5 bedroom houses, available August, great floor plans, close to campus, updated, W/D, all appliances, no pets. www.brazosvalleyrentals.com 979-731-8257. Pre-lease for May or August 2/2 Duplex with large fence backyard. Pets ok, walk-in closets, great location, and shuttle. $775/mo. 979-693-1448. Sub-lease 2bd/1ba. Second floor corner apartment. $640/mo, on bus route, and pets welcome. Contact (979)777-1308. Sublease room in 4bd house, April through June30th, $350 +utilities, 936-499-7183. Sutter’s Mill 2bd/1.5ba Condo, $850/mo. deposit required, pets ok, pool, bus route, W/D, 361-563-8214. Two newer built 5/4’s for lease. Available 8/1. Northgate area! 281-814-0665
FOR SALE Like new, Senior boots, custom Holicks, approximate size nine, field style with laces, includes bags, $675, 979-968-8610.
HELP WANTED Administrative assistant to work full-time w/benefits. Good computer and phone skills are a plus. Contact 979-574-3910. Ags! Looking for summer work? Earn $9000.00 this summer, build your resume, great experience, call Taylor, 214-707-9145. Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. aggieresponse@gmail.com Be a Ninfamaniac! Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant has immediate openings for Servers and Hosts. Apply at 1007 Earl Rudder Freeway South. EOE. Christopher’s World Grille is now hiring Waitstaff, Service Assistants, Hosts and Kitchen Staff. Please apply at 5001 Boonville Rd., Bryan. City of Bryan now hiring lifeguards and water safety instructors, do not have to be certified, apply online bryantxjobs.com call 979-209-5222 for more information. Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment. Data entry w/excellent computer skills. Part-time, South College Station. 979-574-3910. Immediate opening. Energetic, high-energy office assistant for tele-marketing and busy real-estate office. 12:00-5:00pm. Call 979-693-3700 and ask for ext 437 King Ranch Turfgrass has immediate part-time opportunities for experienced farm laborers. Responsibilities include general agricultural duties associated with sod farming such as equipment maintenance and operation. For consideration, call (936)825-6330 or apply in person at 28132 Tom Moore Rd. Navasota, Texas 77868. EOE/Drug Free Workplace. Little Guys Movers now hiring FT/PT employees. Must be at least 21 w/valid D.L. Apply in person at 3209 Earl Rudder Freeway. 979-693-6683. Lochow Exotic Game Ranch part or full time staff. Flexible hours with school schedules. Must have experience with Tractor work. Duties include feeding exotics and horses, shredding , mowing , minor equipment maintenance, cleaning up grounds and barns. Must be able to take responsibility for ranch when owner not present. References. $12 hour in Milano . jlochow@lochowranch.com 512-484-1535.
Lochow Ranch need horse exercise/rider and trainer. Set your own hours. 8 horses total. Reining horses all sired by world champions. Basic training on 22 month old colt. Regular grooming , work with ferrier and vet. $50 half day $100 for full-day, Milano. jlochow@lochowranch.com 512-484-1535. Noon-6pm, Tuesday, Thursday plus Saturdays. Food handlers certificate required. Apply in person, Corner of Time. 118 N.Bryan Avenue, Downtown Bryan. Part-time job helping handicapped. Male student preferred. $360/mo. 5-10hrs/wk. 979-846-3376. Part-time summer help, apply in person, Conlee-Garrett Moving and Storage, 600 South Bryan Ave., Bryan. PT leasing agent, Saturdays a must. Call 979-693-1906. PT openings, customer sales/svc, no experience necessary, all majors welcome, start now for summer, internships available, 979-260-4555. Receptionist wanted, 10-30hrs/wk, $7.50-$8/hr. Recep. experience a plus, positive and upbeat required, email resume to: preston.tesvich@gmail.com. Runner position for law office. 20hrs weekly. Needs reliable transportation. Fax resume 979-846-3028. STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in College Station. 100% free to join. Click on surveys.
PETS 2 male Yorkie puppies, 2-3lbs, 4mo. old, $800, linda_d_54@yahoo.com, 979-324-2866.
REAL ESTATE B/CS. Sell/Buy/Invest! Michael McGrann TAMU ‘93 Civil Engineering 979-739-2035, mike@aggierealtor.com Nadia McGrann 979-777-6211, Town & Country Realty.
ROOMMATES 2 female roommates needed. 3bd/2ba house, 122Sterling. Great location, on bus route, with W/D! $450/mo(+utils). Available for viewing Mar29-30. (325)669-7958. 2 or 3 roommates needed for 4bd/4ba apartment. Fully furnished with W/D. $475/mo includes utilities. Contact Kendall at k_aggie14@neo.tamu.edu. 2-rooms available in 4bdrm home off of Graham. Female, non-partiers, mostly furnished. $450/mo. 903-456-6543. Female roommate wanted, $499/mo utilities included, pets welcomed, call 281-380-8428. Need female roommate, 4bd/3ba, 2400sgft house, Dove Crossing, huge closet, $450/mo, 713-516-2044. Roommate wanted, $450/mo 3bd/2ba condo, front parking, on A&M bus route, call 713-858-1740. Roommates needed 4bd/2ba home with large backyard and new flooring. Pets welcome. Call if interested 361-463-6763.
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, 979-268-8867.
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BAT_03_28_13_A5.indd 1
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news
page 6 thursday 3.28.2013
thebattalion
OF THE
AN ALL STAR THEATRICAL CONCERT CELEBRATION!
Tanner Garza — THE BATTALION
Former CIA technical operations officer Tony Mendez sits down with his wife Jonna Mendez and professor James Olsen, former chief of counterintelligence for the CIA.
Mendez Continued from page 1
The finest songs and untold stories behind the great musicals and films inspired by Gaston Leroux's novel The Phantom of the Opera.
A WORLD PREMIERE STARRING WORLD PREMIERE
SANDRA JOSEPH
Broadway’s longest-running‘Christine Daae’ in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera
OF THE
AN ALL STAR THEATRICAL CONCERT CELEBRATION!
The tales of passion and obsession that changed the Broadway musical forever!
BRAD LITTLE
Has performed over 3,000 performances as “Phantom” on Broadway & National/International Tours
with
GEORGE LEE ANDREWS DANNY ZOLLI REBECCA PITCHER DUSTIN BRAYLEY CARTER CALVERT
And a Chorus of 120!
Thursday & Friday
Directed by Three-Time Tony Award Nominee
April 4 & 5
MARC KUDISCH
7:30 PM Rudder Auditorium
Sponsored by
Mary & Tom Kirk (McGregor, Texas)
Special Prices for Students!
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! 979-845-1234 • www.MSCOPAS.org
that followed the 1979 American Embassy takeover in Tehran, a result of the overthrow of the American-supported Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The coup led to 52 Americans becoming hostages. Mendez, a disguise and exfiltration expert for the CIA, said the revolution sparked clandestine activity. “There were exfiltrations in Iran since the revolution,” Mendez said. “It was an exodus of exfiltrations, because one faction is leaving and another is coming in.” “Argo” focuses on the six Americans that escaped the embassy takeover and that Mendez was able to save through his guise. “I’m proud that that story is made to share,” Mendez said. “It’s always interesting to see the depiction of your life story and to see whether they get it right. I felt good about the fact that ‘Argo’ was being made. I felt like it was paralleling my true life pretty well.” Details on the “Canadian Caper” mission remained classified until 1997, when they were finally unveiled by the CIA. “I would have kept it a secret,” Mendez said. “I would have taken it to my grave, but in this case, the CIA asked me to share it.” Mendez said the film did a good job of portraying the people he knew and worked with on the mission. “I think it’s spot-on what they did,” Mendez said. “We went on set when we could in L.A., and when we were approaching one of the sets from quite a distance, we recognized people we were looking at. And then when we got closer, it wasn’t them at all. It was the actors. And they were so good that we could pick up their body language, which you’re looking at when you’re trying to identify somebody from
a large distance.” Ashley Smith, sophomore accounting major, said she enjoyed the Q-and-A with Mendez, where he revealed how the movie compared to the actual mission. “I enjoyed it,” Smith said. “To get his perspective of the movie is awesome.” Kyle Friedman, senior mechanical engineering major, said he was surprised by the accuracy of the film. “It’s so interesting to hear his story,” Friedman said. “I feel a lot of times Hollywood will just run away with [stories] and change them.” Mendez mentioned that one aspect the film did stray from was his family, saying that the film portrays his personal life in a different light. Mendez said he was closer to his children and late wife, Karen, than was portrayed in the movie, and that he actually had three children at the time instead of one. “I said, ‘Come look at the script, your lives have been written out of the story. How do you feel about that?’” Mendez said, describing what happened when he first showed his children the script. “They said ‘We don’t mind, we know they have to trim down the story so it’s not so cumbersome. That’s a movie, not your family tree.’” Mendez said the original script had his son named “Michael.” Mendez said the family asked Affleck, the director of the movie, to change it to Ian in honor of Mendez’s deceased son. Affleck agreed, and dedicated his film to Ian. Mendez said he owes gratitude to his family, and to the Canadian and New Zealand officials involved in the mission. Mendez said that they still have reunions, along with the Americans he saved. “We have reunions, meetings all the time,” Mendez said. “My family and their families, the Canadians, and the [New Zealanders] have been in touch.”
INTRODUCING
Introducing McDonald’s ® After Midnight Menu; a late-night, members-only club where the only requirement is being awake. Whether you stay up or get up, you get to pick and choose your favorites from throughout the day. Yes, including breakfast. It’s your privilege simply for being up.
E X C L U S I V E LY F O R T H O S E A W A K E
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At participating McDonald’s. ©2013 McDonald’s.
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