D The Battalion
Jcj o it 1 II Jr JLlilj
Friday • October25,II j
► Campus
Graduate students
to discuss careers
Former Texas A&M international
students will talk about their ca
reers and leadership roles at an in
ternational executive seminar on
campus today.
The A&M graduates will be com
ing from such countries as Mexico,
Guatemala and Panama.
The seminar, sponsored by Latin
American Programs, is at 2 p.m. in
501 Rudder.
BACK
Set your clock
back one hour
at 2 AM Sunday
morning.
► State
UT improves safety,
reacts to criticism
AUSTIN (AP) — After criticism
from the fire chief and threats of
limited city response to chemical
fires on campus, University of
Texas officials say they will pre
sent a plan for improving safety at
a chemistry building that caught
fire over the weekend.
UT officials agreed to make
more than a dozen changes in
labs and classrooms to reduce
the risk of fires such as the one
Saturday at Welch Hall, the fifth
there in 2 1/2 years.
“I made it clear that I do not
want this process to degenerate
into a series of committee meet
ings,” Austin Fire Chief Robin
Paulsgrove said after he and his
staff met Wednesday with Mark
Yudof, UT executive vice president
and provost.
“I am satisfied, however, that
they do have a sincere commit
ment to making these changes,”
the chief said.
No one was injured in Satur
day’s blaze. But it raised safety
questions about what fire officials
say is the improper storage of
chemicals.
Firefighters combing through
the building after the fire said they
found two tanks of deadly gases
in a room beneath the fifth floor
where the fire started. The gases
could have caused a “devastating”
loss of life if released into the air,
a fire captain said.
Paulsgrove said his insistence on
safety improvements at Welch Hall
and other facilities sprang from what
he called two years of inaction by UT
to requests to remedy hazardous
conditions on campus.
► Nation
Man gets 10 years
in IRS bombing plot
RENO, Nev. (AP) — A man who
fell into debt to the government
got 10 years in prison Thursday for
trying to blow up an IRS building.
Ellis Edward Hurst, 53, pleaded
guilty in the failed attack, in which
a 100-pound bomb of fuel and fer
tilizer was left in a parking lot at
the building in Reno on Dec. 17.
The fuse had been lit, but the
bomb fizzled.
Hurst’s co-defendant, Joseph
Martin Bailie, a 41-year-old who had
boasted of defying the IRS, was sen
tenced last week to 36 years.
Hurst, who like Bailie operated
machinery at a gravel pit, had bor
rowed $23,000 to pay off the gov
ernment and was trying to repay
that and keep up payments on his
truck when he lost his job weeks
before the bombing attempt.
Scientists debate
cancer gene test
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal sci
entists are still wrestling with how to
ethically use an explosion of genet
ics research, even as a company an
nounced Thursday it soon will sell
the most comprehensive genetic
test yet to predict breast cancer.
The test is the latest entry in a
race to bring to consumers the
rapid discoveries of disease-caus
ing genes.
But while the great gene hunt
does promise better health care in
the future, patients today are
struggling with the ramifications of
learning they have diseased genes
— when there’s little they can do
about it.
“We’re going to have a lot of peo
ple potentially faced with informa
tion that is puzzling and frightening
and no one to explain it to them,"
said Dr. Francis Collins, chief of the
federal Human Genome Project and
a critic of selling gene tests before
doctors better understand them.
A study published in Friday’s
edition of the journal Science pro
vides what Collins calls proof of
genetic discrimination: Some 47
percent of people asked on health
insurance applications about ge
netic diseases were subsequently
rejected for coverage.
“This is what genetics is all
about right now, this contrast be
tween rapid and exciting scientific
advances that carry enormous
promise to alleviate suffering ... and
yet the potential for this information
to be used in ways that injure peo
ple," Collins warned.
The Human Genome Project, the
government’s massive effort to iden
tify the body’s 80,000 to 100,000
genes, is trying to seal that gap,
spending $8 million next year alone
to study the ethical and social impli
cations of genetics research.
Scientists already have found
genes that, when mutated, can
cause everything from cancer to
Alzheimer’s disease. And some lat>
oratories are quietly offering tests
to indicate whether now-healthy
Americans could get those killer ill
nesses decades in the future.
The government has not yet de
cided whether or how to regulate
such tests. A task force funded by
Collins’ genome program now is
writing recommendations that could
help decide the question by spring,
as well as push for federal legisla
tion to forbid genetic discrimination
by insurance companies.
But the market isn't waiting.
On Oct. 30, doctors can begin or
dering from Myriad Genetic Laborato
ries Inc. a $2,400 test that for the
first time promises to detect every
known mutation on two genes, called
BRCA1 and BRCA2, that can cause
inherited breast or ovarian cancer.
Previous tests have detected only a
handful of mutations.
Politics
Perot rejects
plea to drop
WASHINGTON (AP)-Su 3
handed the campaignsp
Ross Perot on Thursday if:
Bob Dole's entreaty to quitf*
dential race and said he«
the bitter end." Republicans35
mocrats alike labeled Dolesi
desperate gambit.
Perot would not discus;
of his Wednesday meeting/
campaign manager ScottR®
ing the session ‘weird and toil
consequential.”
Perot, in Washington for
al Press Club speech, ce a
scathing indictment of
Clinton's ethics and saidfe;
the Republicans also
the campaign finance syste*
traded favors for contributions.
“If you want thiscoi
stopped, vote for the Rate
in 1996,” Perot said. Lata
added, “Am I in this forfii
haul? Yes. Do I intend to
to the bitter end? Yes.'
Dole authorized Reed's
to Perot after a week of dete
whether there was anywaytr
Clinton’s lead in national and
state polls. But the GOP
was described by aides asf;i
that word had leaked of*
supposed to be a secretoiissi
leaders have
ech
► This day in history
(AP) — Today is Friday, Oct. 25, the 299th day of
1996. There are 67 days left in the year.
On this date:
In 1812, the U.S. frigate United States captured the
British vessel Macedonian during the War of 1812.
In 1929, former Interior Secretary Albert B. Fall was
convicted of accepting a $100,000 bribe in connection
with the Elk Hills Naval Oil Reserve in California.
In 1951, peace talks aimed at ending the Korean
Conflict resumed in Panmunjom after 63 days.
In 1962, U.S. ambassador Adlai E. Stevenson pre
sented photographic evidence of Soviet missile bases
in Cuba to the U.N. Security Council.
In 1962, American author John Steinbeck was award
ed the Nobel Prize in literature.
In 1971, the U.N. General Assembly voted to admit
mainland China and expel Taiwan.
In 1983, U.S, Marines and Rangers, assisted by sol
diers from six Caribbean nations, invaded Grenada at
the order of President Reagan, who said the action was
needed to protect U.S. citizens there.
Ten years ago: The Boston Red Sox came within one
strike of winning the World Series, but ended up losing
to the New York Mets, 6-5, on a wild pitch and an error
in the 10th inning, forcing a seventh game.
One year ago: A commuter train slammed into a
school bus in Fox River Grove, III., killing seven students.
► Today’s birthdays
Former baseball player Bobby Thomson is 73. Singer
Helen Reddy is 55. Rock singer Jon Anderson of Yes is
52. Rock musician Matthais Jabs (The Scorpions) is
41. Country singer Mark Miller is 38. Rock musician
Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers is 34. Actress
Tracy Nelson (“Father Dowling Mysteries”) is 33.
► Weather
Today Tonight
Gametime
Highs Slow
By Me
Thi
Partly cloudy with a 40
percent chance of
showers and
thunderstorms.
Mostly cloudy with a
50 percent chance of
showers and thunder
storms.
louaysLxpeciedrJ [\ 1 '
78°F VV I
Tonights Expected li as born ye
ATradition;
69°F
Expected GanteiiS
Temperature
Partly cloudy and
windy with a 30 per
cent chance of showers
and thunderstorms.
750F
Tomorrow Nigki
Expected Low
72°F
lie first yell pr
group of ci
illing every on
MCA building
Today, yell
ized. It is led
reelected by t
Yell practic
laces on can
Information courtesy of ve''the
Texas
1932,
John D. Huntley, Inc.
C/ass of ‘79
313 B South College Avenue
College Station, TX 77840
(409) 846-8916
|Italy Study Abroad Spring
'97
in Castigilion Fiorentino
ARTS 350: Arts and Civilization
SOCi 205: Introduction to Sociology
SOCi 230: Classical Social Theory
ECON 320: Economic Development of
Europe
LBAR 332: Global Economic Issues
INFORMATION A L MEE TING S
in 358 Bizzeif HaN West
Tuesday, October 22
5:00 - 5:45 pm
Thursday, October 24
3:15 - 4:00 pm
Friday, October 25
3:15 ~ 4:00 pm
STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS
161 Bizzeii Haft W.
(409)845-0544
It’s not too late to sign up for
ITALY STUDY ABROAD
Informational Meeting Times
October 23 at 4:15pm
October 24 at 2:15pm
October 25 at 4:15pm
*All informational meeting held in 358 Bizzell
Hall West
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Prof. Howard Marchitello
Toes, Thurs, 10:00 - 12:00
2IOC Blocker
845-8320
Prof. Gary Halter
Mon., Wed., Fri. 9:00- 11:00
024 Bolton Hall
845-3127
Study Abroad Programs
161 Bizzell Hall West
845-0544
Study at the Santa Chiara Center in Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy and earn
Texas A&M credit! All classes in English! All majors Welcome!
ARTS 350 : The Arts and
Civilization
Prof. Paolo Barucchieri
LBAR 333: Italian Civilization
& Culture: Italian Renaissance
Literature
Prof: Howard Marchitello
POLS 316: Urban Politics
Prof. Gary Halter
STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS OFFICE
161 Bizzell Hall W. - 845-0544
UPCOMING COLLEGE GRADUATES
Universal Computer Systems, Inc. of Houston is the third largest
company offering business software and hardware to our industry.
Continued growth has created opportunity in a variety of departments.
We are looking for graduating seniors who want to begin their
professional careers with a stable, progressive company.
Entry level openings include:
Client Support Reps - To analyze and trouble shoot software
problems for our clients.
Software installation Reps - Travel to client sites to provide
one-on-one training as they convert to our system.
Sales Reps - A very professional sales position to sell top-of-the-line
hardware and software to automate every aspect of a
dealership.
Programmers - COBOL or C knowledge desired to develop and
maintain business software applications for our
system.
Technical Writers - Research and learn our custom software, then
compose user-friendly instruction manuals for clients.
Client Educators - Develop and train our dealership and clients on
the use of their new system. Traveling is required.
These are a few of the many open positions we currently have avail
able. UCS offers competitive salaries, thorough paid training, excel
lent benefits including 401k, paid vacation and holidays, medical, den
tal and vision insurance, direct deposit and health club! Non-smokers
only. EOE. If you are interested in any of our positions, come join
us at our information session on October 29th at:
Hilton
801 University Dr. E.
College Station, Tx 77840
You are cordially invited to the
International Networking Social
Friday, October 25th
3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Mark Francis Room
College of Veterinary Medicine
For more information
call 845-8770
or e-mail: jordan@msc.tamu.edu
Sponsored by:
The MSC L.T. Jordan Institute for International Awareness
and the
Alpha Eta Chapter of the Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International S
V
r Persons with disabilities please call 845-8770 to inform usoft*
^ special needs.
The Battalion
Michael Landauer, Editor in Chief
Amy Collier, Executive Editor Kendra Rasmussen, CmW
Gretchen Perrenot, Executive Editor Tom Day, Sports Editor
Heather Pace, Opinion Editor Stew Milne, Visual Arts W
Rachel Barry, Aggielife Editor Chris Yung, Web Editor
Tiffany Moore, Night News Editor Tim Moog, Photo Editor
Helen Clancy, Night News Editor Brad Grabber, CartoonEc?
Staff Members
City Desk - Assistant Editor: Ann Marie Hauser; Reporters: Marika Cook, Brandon Hausenfluck.Cliiistieflii^
Carla Marsh, Melissa Nunnery, Laura Oliveira, Wesley Poston, Erica Roy Meredith Stewart, Courtney^ 1 *
JoAnne Whittemore
Aggielife Desk - Assistant Editor: Elbe Goad; Feature Writers; James Francis, Kimber Huff, John LeBas.Aa® 1
Joseph Novak, April Towery & Shea Wiggins; Page Designer: Michele Chancellor
Sports Desk - Assistant Editor: Kristina Buffin; Writers: Jamie Burch, Sara Duesing, Jeremy FurtiokColl?^
Ross Hecox, Matt Mitchell, Dennis Ramirez & Nicole Smith
Opinion Desk - Assistant Editor: Erin Fitzgerald; Columnists: Jon Apgar, H. Baxter, David Boldt, Bryan Gootr:®
Goodyear, Shannon Halbrook, Michael Heinroth, Aja Henderson, Jennifer Howard, Mason JackmSear 11
ter, Chris Miller, David Minor, Patrick Smiley & Jeremy Valdez
Night News - Page Designers: Marissa Alanis, Jennifer Bishop, Michele Chancellor & Angie Rodgers
Copy Editors ■ Katie Arnold, Brian Gieselman, Shannon Halbrook, Gina Panzica & Matt Weber
Visual Arts Desk - Photographers: Rony Angkriwan, Dave House, Pat James, Rachel Redington & Ryan RogS
Graphic Artists: Jenny Maki, James Palmer & James Vineyard; Cartoonists: Michael Depot, Ed Goodwil l
Hoffman, John Lemons & Quatro Oakley
Web Masters - Terry Butler, Dusty Moer & Tung Tran
News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in tht Division of Stml^
cations, a unit of the Department of Journalism. News offices are in 013 Reed McDonald Building. Ne»sS |,
phone: 845-3313; Fax: 845-2647; E-mail: Batt@tamvml.tamu.edu; Internet Address: http://bat-web.tsW^
Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For caup* 1
and national display advertising, call 845-2696. For classified advertising, call 845-0569. AdvertisingotW*'
015 Reed McDonald, and office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fax: 845-2678.
SuBscRipnoNs: A part of the Student Services Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy oflteS*
Mail subscriptions are $20 per semester, $40 per school year and $50 per full year. To charge by Visa, Mesa#'
cover or American Express, call 845-2611.
The Battalion (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring seme#
Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) atW®
University. Second class postage paid at College Station, TX 77840. Postmaster: Send address changes^ 5
talion, 015 Reed McDonald Building, Texas A&M University, College Station,TX 77843-1111.
BOi
Tr
fe
m
Tickets
Proc