l tuesday,
june 18, 2013
l serving
texas a&m since 1893
l first paper free – additional copies $1 l © 2013 student media
thebattalion
The giving tree Century Tree seedlings raise over $100,000 for scholarship fund Mackenzie Mullis The Battalion
T
he Century Tree has remained a cherished piece of Texas A&M’s history and traditions since the early days of the University. Well over 100 years old, it has seen thousands of students bustling to classes, lounging in academic plaza and even wedding proposals — hundreds of wedding proposals. Now, throughout the southern U.S., this famous tree is spreading its reach, sprouting new generations of trees across the nation all in thanks to Andy Duffie, Class of 1978. His goal of sprouting trees from the acorns of the Century Tree has led to a President’s Endowed Scholarship of more than $100,000, all of which will help an incoming freshman pay for his or her educations. In 2008, Duffie started a small project without knowing where it would take him.
“This actually started as an experiment,” Duffie said. “I was on campus in September of 2008 for my 35th class reunion. We were walking past the Century Tree and noticed that it was laden with bunches of acorns so I picked some off the tree and put them in my pocket to take home. I was just thinking how cool it would be if I could get some of them to sprout. Unfortunately, not a single acorn sprouted.” Duffie said he later learned that acorns aren’t mature until they drop from the tree, normally in early October. He came back the next year and picked up about 50 acorns and repeated the process. He said of those 50, only about 10 sprouted. After another year, Duffie came more prepared, bringing an ice chest that he filled with 3,000 acorns See Century Tree on page 2
COURTESY PHOTOS
Andy Duffie (far right) poses with Rodney and Ann Boehm, who have ordered four of Duffie’s trees, in front of the Century Tree in Academic Plaza. Duffie grew 540 Century Trees (bottom) from acorns he gathered to sell to former and current Texas A&M students for The Century Tree President’s Endowed Scholarship.
new student conferences
Instagram contest offers opportunity for students to show Aggie spirit Allison Rubenak The Battalion
T
Alice Chang — THE BATTALION
his summer, those on the “outside looking in” will be able to gain a further insight into Aggieland from fellow and future peers. The Division of Marketing and Communications has organized a summerlong contest involving incoming students and the use of the mobile photography platform, Instagram. “New Student Conferences are the start to [new students’] college memories,” said Diane McDonald, executive director of marketing and social media for the Division of Marketing and Communications. “We thought [the contest] would be a fun way to welcome Aggies to campus.” Krista Smith, communications coordinator helping administer the contest, described the contest as having a “wonderful response so far,” with almost two hundred photos in collection. To enter the contest, students are encour-
We are looking to create a relationship with the students. We are helping get a lot of user-generated content about Texas A&M into the social media sphere.” — Krista Smith, communications coordinator for the Division of Marketing and Communications
aged to first follow @Tamu on Instagram. Then, the new students can upload and share photos using the hashtag, #NSCTAMU. The image should express either some favorite aspect of a New Student Conference, creative photos of campus, or any moment that captures the Aggie Spirit. After the last conference, one photo will be selected and the winner will receive a “#2” Aggie football jersey. Although targeted with new students in mind, participation in the Instagram contest is extended to any incoming, current or former student. Daniel Suda, co-chair of the Aggie Orientation Leadership program, said the contest is a useful way for students to view the
science&engineering
Summer camp provides real-world STEM experiences and education Sarah Hoffschwelle The Battalion
T
he Aggie center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics welcomed its batch of 6-11th graders to its fourth annual summer camp that lasts from June 10-22. The camp features four main activities: bridge construction, electronics such as wiring a house, bacterial growth and robotics along with other activities such as seed germination, making lip gloss and creating iPhone apps, all of which are taught by professors from A&M. “[The STEM summer camp] just seemed perfect for me since I am looking for a future career or major in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, the STEM program,” said Linnea Sill, a soon-to-be high school senior. Niyazi Erdogan, camp coordinator, is a graduate student at Texas A&M pursuing his masters of education and helped staff previous STEM summer camps with the help of other
BAT_06-18-13_A1.indd 1
graduate students. “The courses depend on how many students we have,” Erdogan said. “This year, we were expecting more students than last year. So, we came up with more activities.” There are three camp options available to students: day camp only (middle school and high school students), day camp plus activities (middle school and high school students), and full camp including residence (high school students only). “It was only [full camp including residence] at the first [STEM summer camp], but we thought maybe we should advertise this to see if other students from the Bryan-College Station area would like to come,” Erdogan said. “Now, half of the students are coming from the Bryan-College Station area.” The other options of the camp were put into place last year. See STEM camp on page 6
experiences their friends are having before their arrival at their own conference later in the summer. “It’s allowing students to connect in more ways than before,” Suda said. “Seeing Aggies being able to post on Instagram is great because a picture can often be worth so much more than words.” This summer’s contest is only one of the many recent initiatives to promote the “brand” of Texas A&M. The summer of 2012 featured a contest involving Pinterest. “We are looking to create a relationship with the students,” Smith said. “We are helping get a lot of user-generated content about Texas A&M into the social media See Instagram on page 2
inside sports opinion | 3 Dueling columns: Manziel and social media Controversy is once again surrounding Johnny Manziel, who tweeted late Saturday night that he wants out of College Station. After deleting his comment and noting how much he enjoys being an Aggie, is it time for Manziel to move on from Texas A&M to bigger and better things or are the critics once again too harsh on the star Aggie quarterback with two years of eligibility remaining?
movie review | 5 ‘Man of Steel’ disappoints
The Superman reboot leads the weekend box office by a landslide over comedic runnerup “This Is The End” but it wasn’t enough for our critic who says a lack of character development and a wealth of special effects watered down the film.
6/17/13 11:20 PM
pagetwo thebattalion 6.18.2013
Century Tree Continued from page 1
hoping to get around 500 to sprout. “I thought other Aggies would find it cool to have one of these trees growing in their yard and I figured I could sell them and use the funds to create a President’s Endowed Scholarship. So doing the simple math, if I had 500 trees I would charge $200 per tree, which is a pricey amount, but it would allow me to raise $100,000.” With this price tag in mind, Duffie knew that the quality of his product would matter. “I raised these acorns that had sprouted into trees for two years in my backyard,” he said. “I had to water them 2-3 times week, transplant them and fertilize them, the whole nine yards. But it was kind of a labor of love that went on for two years. I was able to market my trees via Facebook and through word of mouth and I pre-sold them to Aggies all over the state of Texas and the southern part of the United States in regions where live oaks can grow.” Eventually he settled on a price and sold trees individually for $250 and in bulk for $200 apiece. In August of 2012, Duffie began shipping his trees across Texas and across the nation — from Virginia to Louisiana and everywhere in between. The following September, Duffie packed up several trucks and personally drove his trees to buyers across the state, setting up drop off points with fellow Aggies throughout Texas. Duffie was able to sell 540 trees and raised more than his $100,000 goal. Every bit of his profit went straight to funding The Century Tree President’s Endowed Scholarship through the Texas A&M Foundation. “The first award for the scholarship will be awarded in the fall of 2014 to an outstanding entering freshman,” Duffie said. “Usually a student maintains the award for the President’s Endowed Scholarship for four years and then after they graduate, someone else is awarded the scholarship. This is a perpetually awarded scholarship, the interest from the endowment is about $5,000 a year and it will be awarded to a student from each year from now on.” Jody Ford of the Texas A&M Foundation has met and worked with Duffie to establish the scholarship fund. “I got contacted by Andy when he first started the project,” Ford said. “After two years, he started to sell the trees, so I assisted him in creating the scholarship and the details. I helped him work out what kind of scholarship he wanted to do, which ultimately was a President’s Endowed Scholarship, which is pretty much the University’s flagship academic scholarship program that has been around for decades, well over 50 years.” Through the entire process, Duffie said the best part was getting to meet all of the Aggies who purchased the trees. “I have met lots of really neat Aggies, it’s been a wonderful experience meeting them and presenting them with the trees,” Duffie
COURTESY PHOTOS
(Clockwise from top left) Justin and Katie McGee pose in front of their planted Century Tree sapling on their front lawn in McKinney. David Eisenlohr, center, donates a Century Tree sapling to Gov. Rick Perry, right, with Wayne Fleenor at the Governor’s mansion in Austin. Vikki Goates, alongside her two daughters Mallory and Caroline, pose next to their Century Tree sapling in their front yard in Mount Pleasant. said. “About 100 of my trees were purchased by Aggie couples who were engaged under the Century Tree at one point or another over the years.” Duffie has a Facebook page, where he said he encourages those who purchase his trees to upload pictures of themselves and family members posing in front of their tree. Some of Duffie’s trees were purchased by people who wanted to donate a piece of Aggieland to deserving recipients. Bluebell Creamery in Brenham, owned by an Aggie family, is home to Duffie’s trees, as well as San Antonio Aggie Park and the Texas A&M–Galveston campus. “Most recently, one of the trees was planted at the governor’s mansion in Austin, donated by one of my classmates,” Duffie said. “This is a neat story because it shows where the trees have gone. They are planted all over Texas.” Duffie said even though he did the labor, having the credit was not why he did it. He said he did it for the school.
“The scholarship is named for the tree and not for an individual that donated the money because it was kind of a group effort,” he said. “This would not have been possible without the good will of the many Aggies that purchased these trees and basically provided the funds for me to make available the funds for the scholarship.” Ford said what Duffie was doing is honorable and that he just wanted to give back to the University that gave so much to him as a student. “He wanted to give back to A&M and found that this was a great way to do that,” Ford said. “Just like most Aggies that choose to give to Texas A&M, it shows their character that they value the education they received at Texas A&M both in the classroom and outside. It shows that he cares greatly about the University. Someone could have just sold those trees and made money off of them personally but instead he turned around and gave all that money to the Texas A&M Foundation to create a scholarship.”
campus news
Eastbound lane on George Bush to be closed until September
Continued from page 1
sphere.” McDonald said Instagram was the media platform of choice due to its accessible nature. The Division of Marketing and Communications featured a successful “soft launch” of the Instagram contest during Big Event back in March, in which students were encouraged to take photos at their job sites. McDonald said working with student leaders during the launch was a great learning experience. “It was a neat way for us to see how the students were using Instagram,” McDonald said. “We believe in engaging where our audience is engaging. It was appearing Instagram was the place.” McDonald said, in addition to a growing follower base on Instagram, Texas A&M has the greatest number of followers on Pinterest as a university. She also said Texas A&M holds a ranking as the third largest nonprofit university on Twitter with more than 75,000 followers.
A three-month lane closure of the right eastbound lane of George Bush Drive near the Penberthy Road intersection will be begin Tuesday as part of the Jones-Butler Road Extension Project. The lane is scheduled to re-open Sept. 13. The project will extend Jones-Butler Road from Luther Street to George Bush Drive and will include a four-lane concrete road with bike lanes, sidewalks and street lighting. Completion of the project is scheduled for June 2014. The extension was approved by voters in the 2008 bond election and will provide direct access to Texas A&M’s west campus and also expand the transportation network in that part of the city. Staff report
Branson Rogers, senior political science major, said this project could bring nothing but positive results to A&M. “The fact that [Duffie] took something as trivial as an acorn and turned it into a large sum of money to help other Aggies is quite admirable to me,” Rogers said. “I am proud that someone would not only be resourceful enough to use acorns to raise that much money to help fellow Aggies, but that someone would put that much value on acorns fallen from the Century Tree.” Duffie said he takes pride in the fact that he was able to give a piece of Aggieland to others who are too far to be around the Century Tree. “I call these trees little pieces of Aggieland that are now spread all over Texas and the southern United States,” he said. “It’s really a neat keepsake and souvenir from the campus. It reminds you of your days as a student and directly ties you back to Texas A&M.”
howtoapply If you are interested in writing or contributing content in The Battalion, print an application from thebatt.com and bring it to the newsroom in the MSC, Suite L400. The newsroom phone number is 845-3315. The Battalion welcomes any Texas A&M student interested in photography, graphics, multimedia or writing news, sports and features to apply. 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.
corrections 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 contact us at editor@thebatt.com.
Double Quick Daiquiris to Go
Convenient Drive Thru
Flavors Include: Long Island Iced Tea (stronger than Locos) Strawberry • Blue Hawaiian • Pina Colada Sex on the Beach • Margaritas • Sugar Free Margarita
40 Other Flavors To Choose From For your parties, come pick up a gallon of your favorite flavors
Cherry Bombs & Jello Shots Ice cold beer and great wine selections! ay esd edn s www.doublequickdrinks.com W t & o
Find us on facebook at: facebook.com/doublequick.bcs
979-846-2237
4501 Wellborn Rd., 1 mile north of Kyle Field
A&M Campus Cafe Eccell
University Dr. Church Wellborn
h y nda a S e Mo E x t r - P r i c ! l f AY ! a H LD AL
Double Quick Natalie
Take a piece of a&M hisTory wiTh you
· Reserve your 2014 Aggieland The 112th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook will chronicle traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, Greeks, ResLife, and campus organizations, and will feature student portraits. Distribution will be during Fall 2014. Go to the optional services box in Howdy when you register for fall. For info, call 845-2696.
BAT_06-18-13_A2.indd 1
6/17/13 11:11 PM
opinion
page 3
thebattalion
tuesday 6.18.2013
Johnny, be gone
Sean Lester: Manziel wants out of College Station. Time to let him.
T
exas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel is, once again, at the center of the sports world’s attention.
EP
HO
TO
ing class in the nation and he is able to sell those recruits on the fact that they too can win a Heisman Trophy wearing the Maroon and White. University President R. Bowen Loftin and the A&M marketing team is using this success to promote the school academically and applications are at an all-time high. A&M will begin construction several months from now on a $430 million renovation to Kyle Field. The new stadium will feature statues surrounding the walkways and one can believe Manziel may have one of his own someday. His accomplishments are noted but no matter the outcome of the promising 2013 season it is time to watch Manziel ride off into the sunset. Johnny Football wants out and as a selfish observer, I want him out as well. I want to know if he can succeed in his second season, trying to live up to the hype. From there I want to see if he can be the latest Aggie taken in the NFL draft. I’m interested to see what Manziel can do as a professional quarterback. But most importantly I want to see how Kevin Sumlin and the other 100 players on the Texas A&M roster prove that all of this wasn’t just the Johnny Manziel show and that A&M as a program can contend for years to come. FIL
This time though there’s little sympathy and fewer people on his side. Johnny Football has finally made an uncalculated mistake that will have ramifications. Late Saturday night Manziel tweeted, “[Expletive] like tonight is a reason why I can’t wait to leave College Station … whenever it may be.” Monday morning his tweet was the focus of SportsCenter’s centerpiece story. His message also made the front pages of Yahoo!, ESPN and countless other websites. Being just the latest stunt he has pulled since the last football season ended, Manziel has answered the questions we’ve all wondered. He wants out of College Station and out of Texas A&M en route to what he deems bigger and better things. It’s time to send Johnny Football down the proverbial one-year hallway in the house that is Texas A&M and straight out the front door. Manziel’s tweet suggested something happened to make him think this way. He quickly deleted the tweet and responded with, “Don’t ever forget that I love A&M with all of my heart, but please please walk a day in my shoes.” A day in Manziel’s shoes would equal a lifetime for many of us “regular” people. His affection for the school will not go unnoticed, but with this latest headline it’s time to begin looking at life without the only freshman to win the Heisman Trophy. For months critics have bantered back-andforth on Manziel’s NFL status. Because he was redshirted in his first year at A&M, he can declare for the NFL after this coming football season. He could also stay at A&M for as many as two more years. So the debate raged on as summer approached. Manziel wouldn’t stay both years, but if his draft stock is less than promising next April then maybe he’ll stay one more year. Those hopes were all but crushed when he opted to tweet after midnight on a Saturday, which is surely a bad idea in the unwritten Twitter rulebook for people with more than 1,000 followers. Manziel has 368,000. All of this does not mean that as fans, students and faculty we cannot appreciate what he has done. It is due in large part to Manziel’s Heisman-winning season that the A&M football program is more relevant than it has ever been in more than 100 years of activity. Coach Kevin Sumlin has the top recruit-
Sean Lester is a senior agricultural communications and journalism major, and assignments editor for The Battalion
EDITOR’SNOTE The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants in this paper do not necessarily reflect those of Texas A&M University, The Battalion or its staff.
MAILCALL GUESTCOLUMNS Make your opinion known by submitting Mail Call or guest columns to The Battalion. Mail call must be fewer than 200 words and include the author’s name, classification, major and phone number. Staff and faculty must include title. Guest columns must be
BAT_06-18-13_A3.indd 1
fewer than 700 words. All submissions should focus on issues not personalities, become property of The Battalion and are subject to editing for style, clarity and space concerns. Anonymous letters will be read, but not printed. The Battalion will print only one letter per author per month. No mail call will appear in The Battalion’s print or online editions before it is verified. Direct all correspondence to: Editor in chief of The Battalion (979) 845-3315 | mailcall@thebatt.com
Stop the hating
Guest Column: Try walking in his shoes, Manziel deserves to be left alone.
A
s I laid there at 3:30 a.m. on June 16, observing a barrage of Twitter and Facebook “hate” feeds targeting Johnny Manziel, a burning urge in the pit of my stomach compelled me to give my thoughts on this entire fiasco stemming from Manziel’s tweet. Since my childhood, I was captivated by Texas A&M and the Aggie tradition and love that Aggies such as my father, had for their school. It had been a lifelong dream of mine to attend A&M and last year that dream became a reality when I transferred in. From a football standpoint, it could not have been a more exciting time to be an Aggie. As many Aggies know, our beloved school had been in a “football drought” for many years. The Aggie football program was the butt of all jokes, not having a consistency of good years since my father’s time in school during the Jackie Sherrill days. However, 2012 brought with it a completely new chapter: the move to the Southeastern Conference, a new coach in Kevin Sumlin and an unbelievable talent in Johnny Manziel. Out of the aforementioned mix came the magic which was the 2012 Aggie Football Season. Recently, however, many have seemed to forget how far we have come and to whom much of this credit is do. I find it necessary to bring to light a few matter of fact points to put any issues and concerns to rest about our quarterback and fellow Aggie, Johnny Manziel. It seems that Manziel’s success has been overshadowed by the stardom that has followed him. Now, media and fans follow his every move. They critique anything from his travel to his tweets. His life has been turned upside down to the point where the guy can’t even attend classes on campus without being bombarded by his fellow students. Then, when the solution is to take online classes we bash him for it. Nor can we forget the constant bashing he gets for his sporting event appearances, or hunting trips, or how about concert appearances? If God has blessed a person financially because of a family’s hard work, can we be so jealous or judgmental as to frame this as a character flaw? Should it even be any of our concern? Shame on us. Shame on anyone who has the nerve to be as judgmental as they have been without truly knowing an individual for who he is. After Satur-
day night’s Twitter blurt I feel it necessary to address why it is I’m writing. I’m writing about this issue to defend a fellow Aggie for the simple reason that I too had doubts about how much of an ego I thought he had. That all changed this last Thursday when I met Johnny the person. I had just gone back to my apartment to take care of some paperwork at the front office. There I ran into two girls I knew, apparently waiting for an opportunity to take a picture with Johnny who happened to be at our pool. Agreeing to take their photo when he got back, we waited. Several minutes later he came back helping a friend carry a cooler and some sodas and just as he’s breaking ice the girls interrupt for a photo op. Although caught off guard, he took a quick second for the picture. Being the day of the Spurs-Heat Game 4 of the Finals and knowing he was a LeBron fan, I jokingly apologized about the Tim Duncan jersey I was wearing while taking the photo. I met Johnny completely by chance and our conversation about the NBA Finals couldn’t have lasted over a minute but it was at that point I saw the kid that I think most people don’t see. He was by the pool with his buddies like the rest of us, trying to enjoy some sunshine but every other minute bothered by people for a picture. Not only was he genuine, but you could tell the man wanted his life but also hates ever feeling like he’s disappointing his peers. It’s a quality that makes him down to earth. I’d like to see anyone gain the fame he has and be nearly as grounded. It’s unbelievable how quickly perceptions can change about a person based on social media, etc. In regards to his most recent tweet that seems to have gained so much attention all I can say is, lay off. Mistakes are bound to happen, especially over Twitter. He has nothing against Aggieland or his school, but simply the drama that fans and media can cause. I think he said it best, “... please walk a day in my shoes.” I guarantee if anyone did they’d have a little more decency than to put our friend on blast the way they have. And Johnny, if you come across this know that any true Aggie has your back. From a football standpoint, sure there is a lot to thank you for, but at the end of the day you’re an Ag like the rest of us and I hope the rest see that as well, and I mean that as a friend and brother. Damen Smien is a junior international studies major
6/17/13 11:14 PM
news
page 4 tuesday 6.18.2013
NOW HIRING COMMUNITY ASSISTANTS free room & board
APPLY ONLINE AT STUDENTHOUSING.COM OR IN PERSON AT EITHER PROPERTY Want more info? Join us for an informational session on June 19 or 20 at 5pm at Callaway Villas.
CALLAWAY HOUSE
CALLAWAY VILLAS
see office for details
Super Summer Savings
thebattalion
Another round of protests shake Brazil SAO PAULO (AP) — Protesters massed in at least seven Brazilian cities Monday for another round of demonstrations voicing disgruntlement about life in the country, raising questions about security during big events like the current Confederations Cup and a papal visit next month. Authorities had hoped to avoid the sort of bloody confrontations that shocked Sao Paulo last week and the outpourings of dissent were mainly peaceful. But small bands of protesters broke glass trying to get into the main congressional building in Brasilia, and some demonstrators clashed with police in Rio de Janeiro. The unrest initially was set off last week by anger over a 10-cent hike in public transport fares, but protesters have moved beyond that issue to tap into widespread frustration in Brazil over a heavy tax burden, politicians widely viewed as corrupt and woeful public education, health and transport systems. Police commanders had said publicly that they would try to avoid violence Monday, but warned they could resort to force if protesters destroyed property. Officers in Rio fired tear gas and rubber bullets when a group of protesters invaded the state legislative assembly and threw rocks and flares at police. Police in the capital of Brasilia, however, did not use force when about 200 demonstrators broke from a crowd of 3,000 and climbed up to the roof of the Congress building after shattering glass walls trying to get inside. Tens of thousands of people turned out for a peaceful protest in Sao Paulo, where riot police had charged into another calm crowd on Thursday firing rubber bullets and tear gas and beating some demonstrators. Some protesters turned out in clown costumes complete with red rubber noses. Samba percussion circles, including one led by a drag queen with a blond wig and oversized dollar-sign earrings, pounded out competing rhythms. Most of the thousands who protested in Rio did so peacefully, many of them dressed in white and brandishing placards and banners. Many people in the city left work early to avoid traffic jams downtown. In Belo Horizonte, police estimated about 20,000 people joined a peaceful crowd protesting before a Confederations Cup match between Tahiti and Nigeria as police helicopters buzzed overhead and mounted officers patrolled the stadium area. Earlier in the day, demonstrators erected several barricades of burning tires on a nearby highway, disrupting traffic. Protests also were reported in Curitiba, Belem and Salvador. Marcos Lobo, a 45-year-old music produc-
er who joined the protest in Sao Paulo, said the actions of police during earlier demonstrations persuaded him to come out Monday. “I thought they [the protests] were infantile at first because of my preconceived notions,� Lobo said. “Then I saw the aggression.� Another protester, Manoela Chiabai, said she wanted to express her dissatisfaction with the status quo. “Everything in Brazil is a mess. There is no education, health care — no security. The government doesn’t care,� the 26-year-old photographer said. “We’re a rich country with a lot of potential but the money doesn’t go to those who need it most.� In a brief statement, President Dilma Rousseff acknowledged the protests, saying: “Peaceful demonstrations are legitimate and part of democracy. It is natural for young people to demonstrate.� Ariadne Natal, a professor at the University of Sao Paulo whose research focuses on violence, said protesters want to “take advantage of this moment when we have foreign visitors, when the world’s press is watching, to showcase their cause.� “The problem we’ve seen is that the police action is trying to prevent these protests,� she said. “What we need to figure out is how the protests as well as the big events can be carried out democratically.� Brazilians have long accepted malfeasance as a cost of doing business, whether in business or receiving public services. Brazilian government loses more than $47 billion each year to undeclared tax revenue, vanished public money and other widespread corruption, according to the Federation of Industries of Sao Paulo business group. But in the last decade, about 40 million Brazilians have moved into the middle class and they have begun to demand more from government. Many are angry that billions of dollars in public funds are being spent to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics while few improvements are made elsewhere. Protests are routine in Brazil, but few turn violent. Security experts say the demonstrations aren’t the main danger for the hundreds of thousands of visitors who will descend on Brazil from now through the Olympics in 2016. However, Joe Biundini, whose FAM International Group provides security details to executives attending the Confederations Cup, said there is a danger of escalating violence from the protests if authorities don’t negotiate with demonstrators. “If the government doesn’t sit down with them it could get worse in future matches,� Biundini said.
\
Better clinic. Better medicine. Better world.
caffĂŠ capri
FREE appetizer
Everybody counts on having safe, effective medicine for anything from the common cold to heart disease. But making sure medications are safe is a complex and careful process.
(1 per table with meal purchase) Expires 07/01/13
At PPD, we count on healthy volunteers to help evaluate medications being developed – maybe like you. You must meet certain requirements to qualify, including a free medical exam and screening tests. We have research studies available in many different lengths, and you’ll ďŹ nd current studies listed here weekly.
not valid with any other offer 222 n. main, downtown bryan • (979) 822-2675 www.theplaceforitalian.com
PPD has been conducting research studies in Austin for more than 25 years. Call today to ďŹ nd out more.
Current Research Opportunities AgeAge
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays after 5pm with Student ID
5 You Call It Pizzas*
$
Compensation
1.50 Domestic Longnecks 2.50 Imported Longnecks
$
Timeline
Men and Post-Menopausal or Surgically Sterile Women 18 to 45
Up to $2000
Healthy & Thu. 20 Jun. through Tue. 25 Jun. Non-Smoking Outpatient Visits: 27 & 30 Jun. BMI between 18.5 and 32
Men and Women 18 to 50
Up to $2500
Healthy Fri. 21 Jun. through Mon. 24 Jun. BMI between 18.5 and 29.9 Fri. 26 Jul. through Mon. 29 Jul. Outpatient Visits: 25 Jun. & 30 Jul.
Men and Post-Menopausal or Surgically Sterile Women 18 to 45
Up to $3500
Healthy & Wed. 26 Jun. through Mon. 1 Jul. Non-Smoking Wed. 10 Jul. through Mon. 15 Jul. BMI between 18.5 and 32 Multiple Outpatient Visits
Men and Postmenopausal or Surgically Sterile Women 18 to 50
Up to $2500
Men and Women 18 to 55
Up to $2000
* Not including Spicy Shrimp
$
Requirements
Healthy & Non-Smoking BMI between 19 and 30 Weigh at least 110 lbs.
Wed. 26 Jun. through Mon. 1 Jul. Outpatient Visit: 5 Jul.
Healthy & Non-Smoking Thu. 27 Jun. through Sun. 30 Jun. BMI between 18 and 34 Thu. 11 Jul. through Sun. 14 Jul. Weigh between 110 and 220 lbs. Outpatient Visit: 19 Jul.
1613 University Dr. East • 979-268-3300
XXX QQEJ DPN t t 5FYU i11%w UP UP SFDFJWF TUVEZ JOGPSNBUJPO
BAT_06-18-13_A4.indd 1
6/17/13 8:31 PM
movies
page 5 tuesday 6.18.2013
thebattalion
Super letdown Emily Villani: Run away from ‘Man of Steel’ faster than a speeding bullet
D
espite a progressive portrayal of women and minorities and some powerful acting performances, the exhausting torrent of fight scenes in “Man of Steel” crowded out opportunities for decent character development, while failing to conceal plot lines with loose ends. Throughout the film, minorities and women are cast in positions of influence — a refreshing respite from the traditional whitemale hegemony of superhero movies. General Swanwick and Daily Planet editor Perry White are played by African-American actors Harry Lennix and Laurence Fishburne, respectively. Female actress Antje Traue plays the role of menacing Kryptonian soldier, Faora-Ul, whose strength rivals Superman’s. Even Lois Lane, played by Amy Adams, doesn’t adhere to the damsel-in-distress archetype. She goes behind her editor’s back to leak a news story about Superman and boldly explores subterranean ice caves at night. Another high point of the film is Russell Crowe’s performance as Superman’s KrypCOURTESY PHOTOS tonian father, Jor-El. In spite of his limited Laurence Fishburne and Amy Adams co-star with amount of screen time, Crowe brings more depth to his character than perhaps any other Henry Cavill as Superman in “Man of Steel.” actor in the movie. with Superman in his adult life is when Faora-Ul Unfortunately, these are some of the film’s hurls Superman through the wall of the IHOP where only merits. One major downfall of the film was its he works. failure to readdress seemingly significant plot points. With its overwhelming special effects and underAt one point in their epic duel, Faora-Ul, one of whelming character development, “Man of Steel” Superman’s Kryptonian enemies, tells Superman that is only a shadow of the Superman from the comic his morality is what makes him weak. I expected this books. to come into conflict later in the movie, but it was Gone is a wholesome sense of soda-pop wonder, never readdressed. and in its place is just another overcharged action Another sub-plot that never resolves begins when movie with the shadow of a great storyline. a young Clark Kent saves one of his classmates from drowning. There are a couple of instances after this scene when director Zack Snyder shows us a shot of Emily Villani is a senior this classmate as an adult, making the audience think communication major and staff writer he will repay Superman in some way by the end. for The Battalion But he never does. The closest encounter he has
classifieds
Place
an ad Phone 845-0569 Suite L400, Memorial Student Center Texas A&M University
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 Horses pastured. Excellent grass. Extra feed not needed. $65/month/horse. 979-846-9229. Leave message.
FOR RENT $1100 Prelease, Brand New Gorgeous 2/2 on Northgate, walk to TAMU, granite counters, faux hardwood floors, FREE Wifi/Cable, Fullsize W/D, Call Maroon & White Management, 979-422-5660. $395 1/1, 2/1 and 2/2. FREE WiFi/Water/Sewer/Gas. On Northgate, on Shuttle. Call Maroon & White Management 979-422-5660. $540 incentive to sublease 1room/1ba in 2bd/2ba apartment at The Enclave, Internet/cable included, 12 month lease starting Aug2013, $540/mo, email jkfassetta@gmail.com $595 ALL BILLS PAID, 1-bedroom studio, Completely Remodeled, faux hardwood floors, granite counters, on Northgate, Bike to Campus. Call Maroon & White Management, 979-422-5660.
When
to call 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Insertion deadline: 1 p.m. prior business day
FOR RENT $725 Prelease, 2, 3 & 4 Bedroom Houses, Fullsize W/D, Pets ok, near TAMU. Call Maroon & White Management, 979-422-5660. 1 and 2 bedroom apartments$495 and $525/mo. Great location, on Holleman near Anderson Park. www.HollemanbythePark.com for details 1bed/1bath apartment right off George Bush-across the street from Kyle Field. www.100GeorgeBush.com for details. 2-Brand new 4bdrm/5.5 ba. homes less than 1-mile from campus. $2300/mo per house. Contact John 979-587-2794. 2-story 3bd/1.5ba. 1mi. to campus. $840/mo. for two., $960/mo. for three. 979-777-2849. 2bd/1.5ba w/study. Fenced, covered parking, pets ok, W/D, updated. 1604 Leona. On shuttle and biking distance to campus. $750/mo. 979-776-8984. aggielandrentals.com 2bd/1ba apartment, 800sq.ft. New appliances, carpeting and tile. W/D. bus-route. $600/mo. 210-391-4106. 3&4 bedroom houses, Now preleasing, updated, W/D, pet friendly, aggielandrentals.com 979-776-8984. 3/2 Duplexes, prelease August, very nice, 5mins to campus, W/D, lawn care, security system, $950/mo. 979-691-0304, 979-571-6020.
SPECIAL
see ads at thebatt.com
Private Party Want ads
$10 for 20 words running 5 days, if your merchandise is priced $1,000 or less (price must appear in ad). This rate applies only to non-commercial advertisers offering personal possessions for sale. Guaranteed results or you get an additional 5 days at no charge. If item doesn’t sell, advertiser must call before 1 p.m. on the day the ad is scheduled to end to qualify for the 5 additional insertions at no charge. No refunds will be made if your ad is cancelled early.
FOR RENT 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 multiple bus routes, now pre-leasing, excellent specials. 979-694-0320. www.luxormanagement.com 3/2 with big bedrooms Garage and fenced yard. Near park and bus stop-less than a mile from TAMU. $1150/mo. 979-209-0123 for details. 3/2, nice cul-de-sac house for lease. Avail in August. Garage and fenced yard. Directly on bus stop. 1507 Arctic Cr. $1150/mo. Call 979-209-0123 for details and showing. 3bd/2ba home, walking distance to campus, fenced backyard, very clean with updates, ceiling fans throughout, discount for faculty, grad students, or medical students, available August 1st, 979-693-0036.
FOR RENT
FOR RENT
4/2 near Sorority Row- $1200/mo. See 979rent.com for details.
Big 3/2 duplexes, W/D, lawncare $900-$1050. 979-324-5835.
4/2/2 available August. 1208 Hawk Tree. $1295/mo. W/D, updated, great floorplan, outdoor pets allowed with pet deposit. 979-731-8257, www.BrazosValleyRentals.com
Bike to campus. 2/1 CS duplex, available in August, pets allowed, privacy fenced backyard, tile floors, blinds and ceiling fans, W/D connections, lawncare and pest-control included, E-Walk shuttle route, $650/mo, 979-218-2995.
4/2/2 house, 1203 Westover. Available August. Close to campus & multiple bus routes. Recently updated, large fenced backyard. Pets OK. $1275/mo. 979-255-9432. 4/3, 3/3 &3/2 Houses, Townhouses, Duplexes &Fourplexes, 1250-1700sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on multiple bus routes, now pre-leasing, excellent specials. 979-694-0320. www.luxormanagement.com Big 2/2 in 4 plex, upstairs, balcony, big bedrooms. W/D, on shuttle. $650/mo. 979-324-5835.
puzzle answers can be found on page 6
CS, 2/2, Fox Run on Luther Street, over looks pool, minutes from TAMU, $1150/mo, 979-696-1787. Horse Lover’s Dream. 3bd/1ba, covered carport on 4acres with pond and horse facilities. Minutes from TAMU. Recently updated all appliances including W/D. Pet and livestock friendly. Available July. Rent $1399/mo. aggielandrentals.com 979-776-8984 HUGE ROOMS, LOW PRICE. 4/2 less than a mile from campus. LOTS of parking, fenced yard. Granite in kitchen. $1795/mo. 979-209-0123 for showing and details. Large 4/2/2, fenced backyard with deck, new carpet, 1217 Berkeley $1500, 979-777-9933. Newer/New 1/1s, 1/1.5 lofts, 2/2s, 2/2.5s, 3/3s. $795-$1350. Richmond Ridge Townhomes, Wolf Creek Condos, Falcon Point Condos. Granite, ceramic, faux wood. Cable and Internet, shuttle. Leasing Speicals! Broker/Owner 979-777-5477. One room available in 3bd/3ba Zone apartments! Next to pool! Starting now till July 31! 210-274-8785. Two Story Townhome-style units. 2/1.5 bath, $675/mo. Lots of space, some bills paid. www.HolikSquare.com or 979-209-0123. WALK TO CLASS!!! 4bd/2ba houses close to campus, 600&602 Welsh Ave. call 512-771-1088.
HELP WANTED Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. aggieresponse@gmail.com Computer Tech: PT, Must have experience with Windows Server, Network infrastructure & laptop repair. Instore & onsite repair. Email resume to carol@systekmail.com or call 979-695-9955.
BAT_06_18_13_A5.indd 1
HELP WANTED Part-time job helping handicapped. Male student preferred. $360/mo. 5-10hrs/wk. 979-846-3376. Part-time office help needed. Flexible hours. Business hours are M-F 7:30-5. Apply at Valley Supply 3320-S. College Ave. Bryan, TX 77801. 979-779-7042. Restoration Tech technician position open, will train, FT, benefits available, call 979-308-8992. Seeking someone P/T who can develop a marketing package with programs such as photoshop. 979-574-7474 The Battalion Advertising Office is hiring an Advertising Sales Representative. Work around your class schedule. Must be enrolled at A&M and have reliable transportation. Interested applicants should drop off resume in the MSC, Suite 400, from 8am-4pm. The Corner now hiring all positions for all shifts. Come by in person to apply.
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.
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.
Take a piece of a&M hisTory wiTh you Reserve your 2014 Aggieland
The 112th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook will chronicle traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, Greeks, ResLife, and campus organizations, and will feature student portraits. Distribution will be during Fall 2014. Go to the optional services box in Howdy when you register for fall. Preorder your 2014 Aggieland yearbook and save more than $10. For info, call 979-8452696 or drop by the Student Media office, Suite L400 in the Memorial Student Center. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday.
6/17/13 7:48 PM
ANSWERS
news
page 6
to todays puzzles
tuesday 6.18.2013 “A World of Healthy Products for Your Family!”
Great Sale on
BADGER SUNSCREEN
.
.ON SALE SPF 30+ Unscented Natural Sunscreen
New Products
SPF30+ Non-Nano Zinc Oxide RAW Enzymes Baby Sunscreen
RAW Probiotics
SPF30+ Sunscreen & Anti-Bug RAW Fiber Insect Repellent 4303 S. TexaS aT RoSemaRy Bryan • 979-846-4459 Mon–Fri 9 to 6 • Sat 9 to 4 Celebrating 24 22 Years Years of of Serving the Brazos Valley!
Re Ne no wl va y te d
FAIRWAYS apartment homes
Starting at ONLY $529 Check out our Great Look & Lease Specials!
NASA picks 8 new astronauts, 4 of them women CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA has eight new astronauts — its first new batch in four years. Among the lucky candidates: the first female fighter pilot to become an astronaut in nearly two decades. A female helicopter pilot also is in the group. In fact, four of the eight are women, the highest percentage of female astronaut candidates ever selected by NASA. Monday’s announcement came on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the launch of the first American woman in space, Sally Ride. She died last summer. The eight — all in their 30s — were
$200 OFF 2nd Month Rent + FREE 32” LCD TV!!!
STEM camp
Mention this ad and we will waive your admin fee!!!
Continued from page 1
Call Now for a Tour! 979-822-5450 3200 Finfeather Road Bryan, TX 77801
Over $65,000 in weekly cash prizes !
1805 Briarcrest Drive in Bryan Across from Bryan High Doors Open At 5:00 pm, 7 Days A Week (979)776-0999 www.brazosbingo.com Brazos Bingo supports the following charities: Brazos Valley Elks Lodge #859, Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse, St. Joseph Catholic Church St. Joseph Catholic School and Bubba Moore Memorial Group, Inc.
thebattalion
Erdogan said the mission of the camp was to make STEM subjects more attractive to those students, make them choose the STEM pathway for their future and make them motivated and interested in STEM subjects. Erdogan also talked about the composition of students and attempting to attract girls as well as boys to STEM fields. “Every year, our camp population is growing,” he said. “This year we have 63. Some come from Houston while others come from the Bryan-College Station area. At the moment, we have more girls than boys but it is close. We try to make [girls] interested in science subjects or math subjects by having activities such as making their own lip gloss.” Andres Morales, a soon-to-be junior in high school, talked about the courses offered at the summer camp, saying that they helped prepare them for their college future. “[The camp] provides a good college experience,” Morales said. “The classes are composed of different areas of engineering; it’s what an engineer would do. I’m here to get an idea of what college is like. We are visiting a college,
chosen from more than 6,000 applications received early last year, the second largest number ever received. They will report for duty in August at Johnson Space Center in Houston and join 49 astronauts currently at NASA. The number has dwindled ever since the space shuttles stopped flying in 2011. Many astronauts quit rather than get in a lengthy line for relatively few slots for long-term missions aboard the International Space Station. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said these new candidates will help lead the first human mission to an asteroid in
the 2020s, and then Mars, sometime in the following decade. They also may be among the first to fly to the space station aboard commercial spacecraft launched from the U.S., he noted. Russia ferries the astronauts now. “These new space explorers asked to join NASA because they know we’re doing big, bold things here — developing missions to go farther into space than ever before,” Bolden said in a statement. Nicole Aunapu Mann, a major in the Marines, is an F/A 18 pilot serving at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Patuxent River, Md. Army Maj. Anne McClain is a helicopter pilot. The two other women, Christina Hammock and Jessica Meir, are scientists. All four men have military backgrounds, including one who is a former emergency room physician, Dr. Andrew Morgan. The others are Josh Cassada, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Victor Glover and Air Force Lt. Col. Tyler (Nick) Hague.
Sarah Hoffschwelle — THE BATTALION
Campers of the Aggie-STEM summer camp take a quiz over the material they learned throughout the day. The camp runs through Saturday. living the life a student would live.” Sill said her interest in A&M is growing because of the STEM summer camp. “I’ve always been interested in going to A&M but [the camp] has further stimulated my interest in the school as well as STEM areas,” she said. The summer camp provides learn-
ing experiences for not only students but also other teachers. Erdogan said there are 16 teachers who attend the classes to observe the classroom environment and discuss with the A&M professors afterward.
Show your Aggie Pride with the Official Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card Exclusively for Aggies — the Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card: • Custom-designed debit card just for Texas A&M students • Make purchases and pay bills worldwide at participating retailers and service providers — including online or by phone • Free access to your cash at 15 Wells Fargo ATMs in Bryan — College Station and more than 12,000 Wells Fargo ATMs across the country
Get your card when you open a Wells Fargo College Checking® account1: Get your Official Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card at these banking locations: Texas A&M University General Services Complex (GSC) Student Business Services 2nd Floor, Suite 2801 750 Agronomy Road College Station, TX 77841 979-268-3238 University Drive 321 University Drive College Station, TX 77840 979-691-8366 Southwest Parkway 200 Southwest Parkway East College Station, TX 77840 979-695-3266 1
Rock Prairie 1801 Rock Prairie Road College Station, TX 77840 979-776-3266
• Waived monthly service fee when linked to your Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card • Direct deposit of financial aid refunds and/or paychecks • Banking on the go with Wells Fargo Mobile® Banking • Around the clock account access with Wells Fargo Online® Banking
Harvey Mitchell Parkway 501 North Harvey Mitchell Parkway Bryan, TX 77807 979-821-3120 Briarcrest 3000 Briarcrest Drive Bryan, TX 77802 979-776-3277
For more information about the Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card: call 1-866-360-3007 email TEXASAM@wellsfargo.com
Eligibility subject to approval. Students must provide proof of enrollment at Texas A&M University College Station or Galveston when the account is opened. $50 minimum opening deposit required to open a new account. The Wells Fargo College Checking account is part of the College Combo® checking package. Opening deposit may be waived if student opens the account at a Bryan-College Station banking location and enrolls in online statements. The enhanced Aggie Bucks Unlimited debit card is a Visa® debit card issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Information contained in this document is subject to change. © 2013 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.
BAT_06-18-13_A6.indd 1
6/17/13 9:42 PM