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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
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