The Battalion: August 2, 2016 by The Battalion

OPINION

The Battalion | 8.2.16

BATT THE

MOVIE REVIEWS

“Lights Out” offers expansion on preliminary short film

“Nerve” delivers appealing visuals

THE BATTALION | THEBATT.COM

Mariah Colon News Writer

avid F. Sandberg, a self-taught filmmaker from Sweden, released a short film featuring his wife Lotta Losten in 2013 titled “Lights Out.” It was not until I searched for the details of the new 2016 movie that I came across the original short. This roughly two-and-a-half-minute video managed to capture the same suspense and thrill as Sandberg’s hour and a half adaptation that came out in theaters July 22 2016, which speaks volumes on the wasted potential of the latter film. With an estimated budget of only 4,900,000 dollars, “Lights Out” managed to pull in 21,688,103 dollars opening weekend from the U.S. Fans of the short heavily anticipated the growth in Sandberg’s creative direction with the film, and reviews have been a mix of either fan fulfillment or disappointment. “Lights Out” focuses on a paranormal figure by the name of Diana that has followed Sophie (Maria Bello) and her children, Rebecca (Teresa Palmer) and Martin (Gabriel Bateman) throughout their lives. When Martin witnesses Sophie and Diana interact, Rebecca reconnects with her mother and brother to work on uncovering the mystery of the figure’s past and why it has latched itself to their family. After a look into the family’s history the children set forth to help rid their mother of Diana once and for all. The concept Sandberg works with- having the parent have an imaginary friend rather than the children- is a fantastic idea. The idea of a mentally unstable mother who totes around- or is rather toted around by- a mysterious supernatural “friend” was an interesting perception. However, the concept would have been executed much better if the number of plot holes in both Sophie and Di-

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Sydney Farris— THE BATTALION

Sydney Farris — THE BATTALION

ana’s history were reduced and if the backstory were expanded on. To add to this, the opening scene does a good job of establishing the thrilling aspects of the film, but the remaining scenes feel forced and expected without much in depth information given on the character transformations of Martin and Sophie after the eventful opening scene. With all of this in mind, the film’s major flaw lies in its inability to push the envelope past its cliché and sequenced horror-film predecessors. The full length feature was an opportunity to expand on the backstory of the characters and the paranormal phenomenon; however the 2016 movie leaves the audience with a fairly predictable plotline and forced character development and interaction. Sandberg uses drawn-out suspense and jump scares to fill the time with just enough content to keep the film interesting, but not enough to make it noteworthy. In other words: This film is okay, but nowhere near as spectacular or in any way different than what audiences have seen in thriller-horror movies before.

Ana Sevilla News Writer

een thriller flick “Nerve” hit the silver screen July 29 delivering sleek neon aesthetics, well integrated game graphics and a fast-paced plot carried by Venus “Vee” Delmonico (Emma Roberts) and mysterious bad boy Ian (Dave Franco). Vee is a Staten Island high school senior who is afraid of risk and her mother’s helicopter parenting since the death of her older brother. Sheltered and quiet, Vee is the polar opposite of her best friend Sydney (Emily Meade), an adventurous and sultry cheerleader and player in the game “Nerve.” The dystopian game is simple: watchers pay to watch and suggest dares for players. Players then stream the dare as proof in exchange for money and higher viewership, but there’s a warning that snitches will get stitches. Tired of being heckled by Sydney

about her boring lifestyle, Vee signs up as a player and the game begins with small dares such a kissing a stranger for five seconds, trying on an expensive dress and going to the city with Ian. While the shy-girl-bad-boy trope is more present than ever in the movie, the actual concept of the game speaks volumes about the current state of technology. “Nerve” operates without legal interference because every player and watcher’s device becomes a new server for the game. With apps such as Snapchat, public humiliation is possible and gives others a platform to speak under the assumption of privacy. Similarly, the only way to fail at the game is to fail at accomplishing a dare or to bail. Ultimately, the game translates better to the screen than the acting does. While the ending has multiple loose strings, the movie is more than worth seeing in theaters because of the playful cinematography and screen-wide game graphics which makes the trip to the theater worth it.

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Chevall Pryce,Editor EditorininChief Chief Mark Doré, Aimee Breaux, Managing Editor Katie Canales, Life & Arts Editor Jennifer Reiley, Asst. Managing Editor CarterAdam, Karels,Page Sports Editor Maggie Rians, Content Editor Olivia Designer Lindsey Gawlik, News Editor Shelby Knowles, Photo Editor Addison Erhardt, Content Editor Kirsten Jacobson, Page Designer Samantha King, Asst. News Editor Allison Bradshaw, Asst. Photo Editor Angel Franco, Sports Editor Rachael Saunders, Page Designer Katy Stapp, Asst. News Editor Meredith Collier, Page Designer Grant Phifer, Photo Chief Sydney Farris, Page Designer & John Rangel, SciTech Editor Claire Shepherd, PageArtist Designer Graphic The BaTTalion is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Tuesday and Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843. Offices are in Suite L400 of the Memorial Student Center. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3315; E-mail: editor@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising, call 979-845-2687. For classified advertising, call 979-8450569. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Email: battads@thebatt.com. Subscriptions: A part of the University Advancement Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1.

Anthony Eaton — THE BATTALION

On Aug. 1 2016 the Campus Carry Law went into effect allowing licensed carriers to have concealed handguns on public universities in Texas. Universities can establish zones on campus where handguns will not be permitted so long as it is to ensure student safety and not prohibit campus carry. According to the campus carry rule page, there is no rule at the time that “prohibits a licensed holder from carrying a concealed handgun in classrooms or residential facilities owned and operated... by the institution.” However, many proposals were reviewed by the Texas A&M System Office of General Counsel and exceptions were approved to acknowledge safety concerns that students and faculty had with the Campus Carry Law. According to the Texas A&M University System, these exceptions were accepted by the Texas A&M System Board of Regents on April 27, 2016 and include collegiate sporting events, high hazard research areas, the Becky Gates Child Care Facility, counseling centers, healthcare facilities and all campus premises leased by the university to a third party, if the third party determines to prohibit the concealed carry of handguns on the premises. While concealed carry is allowed on campus, open carry is still illegal on public universities. According to Texas A&M statements, “Breaking concealment on campus is a criminal offense and a violation of Texas A&M rules and procedures.” These procedures, and future news regarding campus carry can be found on Texas A&M University’s update page.

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OPINION

The Battalion | 8.2.16

Stereotypes should be left in the past Sports Editor Angel Franco sheds light on offensive event Angel Franco Sports Editor

FILE

Corps of Cadet members during Final Review 2016.

DECODING THE CORPS OF CADETS A non-reg’s guide to common corps jargon Ana Sevilla Staff Writer

riginally a military training college, Texas A&M accepted only white males until 1964 when Gen. James Earl Rudder diversified the campus by permitting both female and African American students as well as making participation in the Corps of Cadets non-mandatory. Considered the “Keepers of the Spirit” and “Guardians of Tradition,” the Corps of Cadets has fostered its own sub-culture complete with rituals, social hierarchy and terminology. A short list of some common jargon can help any non-reg, (any student not in the Corps), better understand the life of a cadet. Note that not all terminology is included.

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“Hole and Crapper”

As a fish, cadets aren’t allowed to know certain words, one of which is “room.” Therefore, the dorm is referred to as a hole, referencing an actual fish’s dwelling. Ignorance to the word “room” also carries over to bathroom and restroom which is why it’s instead called “the crapper.”

“Old Lady “

A loving term for a cadet’s roommate. Roommates are typically of the same outfit and class, and are meant to keep one another accountable and informed. Oftentimes, a cadet will be paired with the same old lady for all four years which can create a friendship that lasts a lifetime, hence the reference to a marriage-like agreement.

“Buddies”

“The people who will marry you and bury you.” Similar to old ladies, buddies are members of the same class and outfit that will hold one another responsible for upholding Corps values and standards. Buddies go through the muck with one another which helps build lasting ties.

“Boof”

Simply put, “boof” is defined as an inconvenience, but it’s best understood when used in context. For example, keeping shoes shined is an imperative part of a cadet’s uniform. If someone were to step on the cadet’s shoes ruining the even shine, then the shoes are boofed.

“Bag”

This word has a dual definition. First it can refer to a cadet’s bed. Second, it can be used as criticism to someone who’s lazy or putting in less effort than their buddies, e.g. Smith is a lazy bag.

“Punch”

The Corps of Cadets isn’t for everyone. Some students will enter the Corps and later find out that it’s not a good fit. If this is the case, then the resigning cadet must fill out paperwork referred to as “punch papers.” Thus punching is leaving the Corps. Ana Sevilla is an English senior and a staff writer for The Battalion.

ednesday afternoon, more than 700 people filled the Hall of Champions for the 2016 Texas A&M Football ‘Chalk Talk’ for women. This event, which was suspended for a brief period due the redevelopment of Kyle Field,was a one-night event for women to talk all things Aggie football with players and coaches. However, during the presentation, there were a few slides that caused controversy. The language used in the presentation could be easily mistaken as sexual innuendos. Since we live in the age of social media, these slides were made public, only adding fuel to the fire. In simple terms, these phrases were downright wrong and demeaning. A “new” Aggie War Hymn was unveiled for the female audience, this so called War Hymn was nothing but sexist. The terms “filled with estrogen” and “no more thong” were far off the beaten path for something that was originally meant to show support. On the same night this event occurred, we had the first female presidential nominee from a major party. As the sports editor at The Battalion, I am outraged, not because I am a female, but because stereotyping is a thing of the past. We live in a time where women and men can stand side by side in battle, congress and potentially lead the United States. Don’t you think it’s about time we leave those stereotypes and ideologies in the past? Statistically speaking, about 45 percent of football fans are

women. Today, most women who are interested in sports have become educated on their sport of interest. Women are no longer just the stereotyped ladies who sit and watch it just to supply men with beer. We have become educated, engaged and involved in all aspects of sports. It is unacceptable for something like this to happen at one of the recently named top universities for women. Women in sports, both on and off the field, face many barriers in the industry. However, time and time again, women have surpassed expectations and slowly but surely they are making strides in this ‘Man’s World’. It is time for the men who take credit for coaching young men not only in football, but in life as well to take note and give women the respect they deserve. After the content of the presentation caused the controversy it did, A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin suspended the two coaches involved in with this scandal. Sumlin released a statement in which he apologized and emphasized that Texas A&M will not support this kind of attitude or language towards women. “There is absolutely no place in our program or in our University community for this inappropriate or degrading comments towards women, or anyone regardless of intent,” Sumlin said. “On behalf of Aggie Football I want to apologize for the comments at Chalk Talk and also for my failure to review their individual presentations.” Angel Franco is a telecommunication sophomore and Sports Editor for The Battalion.

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The Battalion | 8.2.16

Nagy family faces eminent domain for new A&M building Popular Dallas bar could be replaced by campus By Grace Neumann Rosie Nagy, business owner of the popular Dallas bar Elbow Room, was notified in April that her business is being threatened by eminent domain claims from Texas A&M University on the building she’s leasing. “We love A&M. We adhere to a lot of their traditions. We are season ticket holders for several years now,” Nagy, whose son is a recent Texas A&M graduate, said. This loyalty to Texas A&M is the exact reason she doesn’t want to “tarnish their name,” but Nagy says they’ve given her no choice; the university has forewarned Edward Sigmond, owner of the Elbow Room property, with eminent domain, which would terminate Nagy’s lease. In January 2016, Nagy received a call from Dr. Paul Ogden, interim dean of medicine at Texas A&M, requesting a meeting with her regarding the Elbow Room property. At first, Nagy said she thought nothing of it. But when she showed up, she began to worry, she said. “When I got there, there were four reps from A&M, including an attorney. That got me a little nervous,” Nagy said. When she asked if she should have brought an attorney, she said the A&M representatives were quick to reassure her that she had nothing to worry about. While A&M represen-

PROVIDED

The Nagy family owns The Elbow Room, known for its burgers and shuffleboard.

tatives knew that Nagy wasn’t the owner of the property, merely the lessor, they continued to question her, Nagy said. She learned that they wanted to build a new dental school building where the Elbow Room is currently located. Nagy is not the owner of the property, so she could not sell the property to the university. Sigmond has been hesitant to sell. A&M then turned to the use of eminent domain, wherein a government entity, like a public university, can claim private property for public use. “In April they dropped a bombshell on my attorney. They [told] my attorney that my lease has a clause in it that says ‘if there is the threat of eminent domain or if they convey the threat of eminent domain, the lease is terminated,” Nagy said. In an earlier statement, the University System confirmed the use of eminent domain, citing it as a “last resort option.” “We are committed to

serving Texans,” the statement read. “This has been our guiding philosophy throughout our negotiations regarding … the Elbow Room. When the property owner demanded significantly more than the appraisals could justify, we were duty-bound to reluctantly explore eminent domain, a last resort option.” Now Nagy finds her business at risk. She has 20 employees who are unsure if they’ll be employed for much longer, she said. “You’re [A&M] destroying my investment, destroying my livelihood and destroying the livelihood of 20 other employees,” Nagy said. Joseph Hood, Speaker of the 69th Student Senate, declined further comment, stating that the stance laid out in Section III of the Eminent Domain Opposition Act passed in January remains the view of the body until further notice. MORE AT THEBATT.COM

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SPORTS

The Battalion | 8.2.16

A&M LOOKS TO SOLVE UNIT QUESTIONS IN FALL CAMP Alex Miller

Sports Writer

ith Fall Camp beginning this Sunday Aug. 7, several questions swirl around Aggie football as the team begins to prepare for the 2016 season. Here’s a look at three questions that need to be solved before A&M hits the field against UCLA on Sept. 3.

Will there finally be consistent linebacker play? The Aggies seek to find a solid linebacker corps that was youthful and plagued with injury a season ago. The unit only returns one starter, senior Shaan Washington, who was second on the team in tackles (81) in 2015. Otaro Alaka returns as a redshirt sophomore, after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury last season. Alaka has shown bright spots in his career, and is poised to have a breakout season if he can stay healthy throughout the season.

The team also returns sophomore Richard Moore, who burst onto the scene in the first game he saw action in against Alabama, finishing the season with 39 tackles in just eight games played. Moore is looking to build on his rookie campaign and have a sophomore surge. Then there’s freshman-phenom Tyrel Dodson, who squatted a team best 725-pounds in summer testing. Even though Dodson is just a true freshman, it would be hard to keep one of the strongest players on the team off the field, but he may have to be slowly incorporated into the rotation. Last is the peculiar case of sophomore Justin Dunning, who is listed as a safety on the depth chart, but has the measurables of a linebacker standing 6’4” 225 pounds. After sitting out in Spring Practice due to injury,

it will be interesting to see how the coaching staff utilizes Dunning’s unique size while accounting for his speed as he could pose as a versatile linebacker if played there. Overall, the second level must improve their 2015 107th run defense ranking and remain healthy to make a complete, top notch defensive unit. Can the offensive line come together? The main question on offense will be down in the trenches. The unit loses three starters including first round draft pick Germain Ifedi. Fortunately, the team had a handful of players gain quality playing time last season, which will help fill spots this upcoming season. Two sophomores, Koda Martin and Connor Lanfear, will seek to

fill the voids at guard, while head coach Kevin Sumlin feels strongly about redshirt freshman Erik McCoy stepping up to replace reliable Mike Mathews at center. A mystery that remains to be seen will be what happens with new position coach Jim Turner, after he was suspended for two weeks after last week’s incident at ‘Chalk Talk,’ as his suspension may result in him missing the first few practices which will hopefully not provide a setback for the unit. Will the running game have a two-pronged attack? Graduated running back Tra Carson posted a strong 2015 season, totaling 1,209 rushing yards but the powerback did not have an

elusive counterpart which created a one-dimensional running attack. With junior James White returning and transfer Keith Ford now eligible to play, the team has a tandem of power backs added with the shifty true-freshman Trayveon Williams who had a coming out party during Spring Practice after enrolling early. Quarterback Trevor Knight noted that his prior experience playing alongside with Ford at Oklahoma has been a boost in getting their chemistry perfected. Where the unit lacks quality playing experience, they finally have a plethora of options to utilize which will once agian create diversity in the backfield.

NEWS

groups at wide receiver and on the defensive line and with Trevor Knight becoming the first upperclassman quarterback since 2011, the team finally has found an experienced leader under center who has already taken the reigns with full-steam. If the Aggies can find the missing pieces at linebacker and can put together a fully-rounded offensive attack, they may have the recipe for success as this team seems to be looking past doubters and aiming to prove them wrong this Fall. Alex Miller is a journalism freshman and

Bottom Line: The Aggies feature topend PROVIDED

Class of 1994 Antonio Armstrong and wife were allegedly shot by their 16-year old son last Friday.

Former Texas A&M athlete fatally shot Son of Antonio Armstrong charged with murder of parents By Alex Miller

ormer A&M linebacker, Antonio Armstrong, died last Friday at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston after being shot in the head by his 16-year-old son at home. Armstrong’s wife, Dawn, was also shot and killed by their son, but was pronounced dead at their home. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Antonio Armstrong and his family, his old teammates and the entire Aggie family,” A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin said in a statement. “This is a terrible tragedy and our hearts are broken.” Armstrong, 42, played at A&M from 1991-94 and was named a first team AP All-American at linebacker in

Texas A&M football players will report for Fall Camp on Aug. 7.

1994 after leading the SWC in sacks and tackles for loss. He was considered a cornerstone of the ‘Wrecking Crew,’ the famous of the early 90’s. Along with his All-American honors, Armstrong was named to the first team All-Southwest Conference team in 1993 and 1994. He never lost a game at Kyle Field, helping build a 26-game home winning streak for the Aggies, which at the time was a national record. Armstrong totaled 154 career tackles including 18 sacks and 31 tackles for loss for A&M. Armstrong was drafted in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, but was released that October from their practice squad after suffering an ankle fracture in Training Camp. Armstrong then signed with the Miami Dolphins just a day after being released and was placed on the active roster a week later. Armstrong played in four games for the Dolphins that sea-

son, recording four solo tackles. Armstrong signed with the St. Louis Rams for the 1996 season, but was later released after training camp. He then played three seasons in the Canadian Football League with the British Columbia Lions and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Armstrong retired in 2002 due to physical issues. Following his pro-football career, Armstrong returned to his hometown of Houston where he owned and operated a chain of fitness centers while serving as an Associate Pastor at Spirit and Life Kingdom Center. “Antonio was a special young man,” former A&M head coach R.C. Slocum, who coached Armstrong at A&M, said in a statement. “He was an All-American and an outstanding player, but he was an even better person. He was such a positive influence on his teammates. He always had a great big smile and was a joy to coach.”

FILE

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