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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 5, 1992)
/ The Battalion Wednesday, August 5, 1992 MICHAEL MARSHALL/The Battalion Working hard George Puerta works on a new lightning placed in five different locations around the protection system in the chemistry building. The building to ground the charge if lightning strikes down conductors which he is installing will be the building. Software aids in DWI arrest Program created at A&M helps San Antonio polic Juli Phillips The Battalion San Antonio police are crack ing down on individuals who drive while intoxicated through the use of traffic microcomputer software. The software was first developed by Texas A&M's Texas Transportation Institute six years ago. The software known as TRASER - TRAffic SERvices mi crocomputer system - is enabling San Antonio police to cut the Dri ving While Intoxicated fatality rate by at least 50 a year, the San Antonio Express News reported last week. The police also estimate that 14 TRASER-pin-pointed streets ac counted for 2,000 DWI arrests in a 12-month period, a third of all San Antonio DWI arrests for the year. "It's like fish in a barrel out there," Officer Martin Landgraf, TRASER director in San Antonio, told the Associated Press. According to TTI's safety divi sion, TRASER is now being used in 65 Texas law enforcement agencies and 40 agencies in other states. Bryan joined the ranks in 1986, and College Station fol lowed in 1987. College Station Police Traffic Sergeant Gregory Lewis said the College Station police utilize the software differently than San An tonio. "San Antonio is unique in their use of TRASER," he said. "They are the only ones I know of that use TRASER to pinpoint some thing as specific as DWI's." The police in College Station use their system to highlight acci dent-prone areas and even predict when and where the accidents will occur. Then, they use that information to guide their law enforcement procedures in those areas. The software is not being used to its full potential because of the limitations of the user, but the Po lice Department is constantly ex panding TRASER's uses, Lewis said. The popularity of the system. "They (San Antonio lice) are the only one know of that use TRAS to pinpoint somethin specific as DWI's." -- Sergeant Gregory k College Station fi both locally and around the try, has been attributed very minimal training needec the officers who will be wot with the software, and tha! system is very easily installed adapted. Federal money given to TC cover some of the costs of diet ing the software could beano! attractive feature. Mike Downey, TTI's contac| University Relations, said so® the systems were set upfot agencies with federal mono’, "test drives," but he believes first sale of the software oci this past January. "It's not a money making ture," Downey said, are trying to cover their costs. Crime Stoppers Campus police urge students to report all crimes By Cpl. Betty LeMay University Police Department place, report it. The longer you wait, the hardei U The importance of securing property cannot be stressed enough. Just as important is reporting anything that seems out of the ordinary for the time or place that it is occurring. Report suspi cious activity immediately to the University po lice. Only about half of all crimes are ever reported, and a lot of suspicious activity goes unreported. Even an anonymous tip is better than no report at all. So don't hesitate! Trust your instincts! If you see or hear something that seems slightly out of is to catch the criminal. Use one of the emerge phones located around campus, but make theca: The police will need a physical description the suspect as well as a description of their clo: ing. If a vehicle is used, the direction of travel tak and a license plate number also is needed, know about a crime and want to remain anom mous, call Crime Stoppers at 775-TIPS. For more information about crime on campti contact the University Police Crime Preventioi Unit at 845-6713 or the recorded Crime Line 845-6500. Lottery Litter After complaints. Comptroller plans to print tickets on recyclable paper AUSTIN (AP) - State Comp troller John Sharp said Tuesday that Texas will try using recy clable tickets because of com plaints about luckless lottery players littering with losing tick ets. "We're committed to taking in novative steps to help keep Texas free of lottery litter," said Sharp, who oversees the lottery. The tickets will be printed on recycled paper and also can be re cycled again, said lottery spokesman Steve Levine. Texas will be the first state to use this type of recyclable instant ticket, according to a letter to Sharp from the ticket manufactur er, Dittler Brothers Inc. The Texas Lottery will use the recyclable tickets as a pilot project in a holiday season game in De cember, according to Sharp's of fice. They will be used in future lottery games if successful. Sharp said. Success basically will be judged on "consumer accep tance," Levine said. The recy clable tickets, with a duller finish, are "not quite as flashy and fan cy," he said. Jerry Hendrix, executive direc tor of the Austin group Ecology Action, called the idea "outstand ing. "I can't speak for the rest of Texas, but I know Austin has al ways been really environmentally oriented and they'd be thrilled to death about such tickets," he said. A new anti-litter public service campaign also is being developed. Sharp said. People have sent letters com plaining about litter generated in conjunction with the lottery, Levine said. "We've instructed the Lottery's advertising agency to develop a campaign that urges Texans to throw their losing tickets into the trash — or better yet, into the re cycling bin," Sharp said. The lottery will encourage li censed retailers to provide such bins. Training exercises begin for troops Fort Hood soldiers depart for Kuwait KILLEEN (AP) - After emotional goodbyes with their loved ones, about 300 soldiers left Tuesday for Kuwait on a war-training exercise. Many of the troops expressed confidence that they would return home soon, but they also acknowledged that the tense region could erupt into another conflict. "It's just a training mission," said 25-year-old Sgt. William Riggs, who left his wife and three children. But if hostilities between President Bush and Iraqi President Saddam Hussein escalate, "I feel we are ready," he said. About 20 soldiers from Fort Hood left Monday. Within the next eight days, officials said that 1,600 more from the sprawling Central Texas facility will leave for the region where U.S.-led forces routed Iraq over a year ago. Many of those leaving Tuesday are mechanics, and maintenance personnel. And many served in the Persian Gulf war last year. "I made it through one time, I can make it again," said Spc. Curtis Jones, who said goodbye to his wife, Terri, and 22-month- old daughter, Amanda. Capt. Luis Vega gave his 10- year-old son, Luis, a pair of his combat shoes, telling the youngster that he was "the man of the house" while he was gone. The young boy cried, saying he feared his father "may get hurt." Vega of Puerto Rico said he told his son, "It's a job. We have to do our job." Spc. Julian Gonzalez, 22, said his tour of duty in Operation Desert Storm had prepared him for another trip to the area. "The first time I was scared because I was young and going to war," the San Antonio native said. Sgt. Victor Baker held his daughter, Emalee, who was not "He's (President Bush) the commander-in-chief. Whatever he says - those are the rules." — Spc. Julian Gonzalez Antonio, as she held her one yet a month old. His wife, Stacie, said she was shocked at first that he was going back, but she said she grew up in a military family and is accustomed to the separations on a moment's notice. The troops' commanders, in a brief talk, advised the soldiers to be careful. Brig. Gen. Billy Solomon said the exercises showed the country's commitment to stabilizing the Persian Gulf. Two women were making their first overseas trip in the Army, and having to leave their children behind. "I want to be here with him," said Sgt. Angela Thomas of San year-old son Michael. Butsk added that, "I want experience and training. He knows Mommy will come back. She was going to leave Michael with her mother. Spc. Stephanie Bruce said she also looked forward to experience, but would miss hei two-year-old daughter, Keoma, who was going to stay with her mother. "I don't like leaving my daughter, but it's something that's expected of you if you're a single parent in the military, she said. Most of the soldiers did want to comment on the political implications of Bush's decision to re-send troops. Some critics of Bash have said the decision was a ploy boost his re-election campaign. Gonzalez said, "He's tk commander-in-chief. Whatevei he says - those are the rules." Agj froi The Battalion TODD STONE, Editor-in-Chief MACK HARRISON, Opinion Editor GARY CARROLL, City Editor JAYME BLASCHKE, Lifestyles Editor MARK EVANS, Asst. City Editor MEREDITH HARRISON, News editor J. DOUGLAS FOSTER, Sports Editor HEIDI SAUER, News Editor ROBERT REED, Photo Editor Staff Members Reporters — Robin Roach, Chris Carroll, Robin Goodpaster, Juli Phillips, Christ! Ray, Tanya Williams, Julie Chelkowski, Susan Westmoreland, Ursula Simms, and Erin Bradley. Copy editors — Kyle Burnett, Kenneth McWatters, All Steere, David Thomas and Lauri Reysa. Photographers — Darrin Hill, Sandra Alvarado, Nick Pena, Michael Marshall, and Huy Nguyen. Lifestyles writers — Anas Ben-Musa, Tricia Martinez and Kim McGuire. Sports writers— Michael Plumer and Don Norwood. Columnists — Anthony LoBaido, Stacy Feducia, John Deshazo, and Paul Greco. Assistant to the Editor — Darra Dees Editorial Cartoonist — William Harrison Graphic Artist — Jennifer Maxwell Clerks — Allison Lewis, Shelley Rowton and Carrie Miura. The Battalion (USPS 045-360) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except university holidays and exam periods), at Texas A&M University. Second class postage paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, 230 Reed McDonald Building, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in .... -’-afio— - ' the Division of Student Publications, a unit of the Department of Journalism. Editorial offices are in 013 Reed McDonald Building. Newsroom phone number is 845-3316. Fax: 845-2647. Opinions expressed in The Battalion are those of the editorial board or the contributor and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Texas A&M student body, administration, faculty or staff. call 845-2696. For ng offices are in 015 Reed McDonald and office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fax: 845-5408. Advertising: For campus, local and national display advertisinc Subscriptions: Mail subscriptions are $20 per semester, $40 per school year and $50 per full year. To charge by VISA or MasterCard, call 845-2611. Tension Headache? Individuals with severe Tension Headaches wanted to participate in a 4-hour headache relief research study with an investigational medica tion in tablet form. Flexible hours. $75 incentive for individuals who are chosen and complete the study. Daily, till 6:30, call 776-0400. SKIN INFECTION STUDY Individuals age 13 and older wanted to participate in a research study for bacterial skin infections such as infected wounds, earlobes, infected burns, boils, infected hair follicles, impetigo, infected ingrown toenails and others. Investigational oral antibiotic in capsule form. $100 incentive for those chosen who complete the study. SINUS INFECTION STUDY Individuals age 13 and older with a sinus infection to participate in a clinical research study for 3 to 5 weeks with an investigational antibiotic in capsule form. Minimum incentive of $150 paid to those who complete the study. BIOPHARMA, INC. 770-0400 1 RESEARCH Skin Infection Study VIP Research is seeking individuals 12 years of age or older with uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections. If you have a skin infection, you may qualify for a four week research study using a currently available antibiotic medication. Participants who qualify and complete the study will be paid $200. Genital Herpes Study Individuals with genital herpes infection are being recruited for a 3 week research study of an investigational anti-viral medication. If you would like to find out more about this study, call VIP Research. $400 will be paid to qualified volunteers who enroll and complete this study. Anxiety Study Individuals are being recruited for a research study on Generalized Anxiety Disorder. If you experience anxiety or would like to find out more about this study, call VIP Research. $200 will be paid to qualified volunteers who enroll and complete this study. Arthritis VIP Research is seeking individuals with osteoarthritis of the hip and or knees for a three month study on investigational anti-inflammatory medication. If you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis or would more information, call VIP Research. $100 will be paid to those individuals who qualify and complete this study. CALL Volunteers in Pharmaceutical Research, Inc. 776-1417 J Ai 1992 Te pared t( Mosi here in volunta weights gether f sweat tl sun. No t present ding co These v but wh der a rc A&M c A be will set tend to a seaso ed. Faili ing less ed. Nc down i A v tended A&M t Southv onship picked champ Coa to pla) Nebra: Dot has ur One tl is Shei