Misplaced Pages

Revision as of 15:58, 13 February 2007

Proper Citation

All pages should be using proper citation as defined at Template Messages. -- Hut101 20:38, 31 December 2006 (UTC)

Aggie Lingo

Aggie Lingo needs additional expanding. I've added to "tea sip" and "Pushing", but there are several more that just need better explaining. -- Hut101 02:29, 30 December 2006 (UTC)

Someone edited the To-Do list requesting the need for additional lingo relating to food. At first I though it was a joke, but you can find that information at: http://b-batt.aggieband.org/dictionary.html Any ideas on adding it to the list here. -- Hut101 05:41, 5 January 2007 (UTC)

What do we want to do about the lingo. That site has quite a bit, but there is no way to fit it all here. If we want, we can create an article simply to list all words with complete definitions and histories. Copy what we have and what is on that site. -- Hut101 05:41, 5 January 2007 (UTC)

I think we need to be very careful about letting this section of the article go from encyclopedic description to merely a listing of all words Aggie. Already it is very long and list-like rather than descriptive. Also, as mentioned in the discussion of Ball Squeeze (below), this page should try to stick to traditions that are recognized by and are of significance to a significant number of Aggies. Including a multitude of words known only by the Corps (or any other group comprising less than 5% of the population) will not fit that mold. It is, however, very reasonable include that vocabulary on the Corps article. This, of course, is simply my opinion, so please debate. - Raetzsch 03:09, 18 January 2007 (UTC)

After thinking about it, I am not certain that the Aggie Lingo section shouldn't be rewritten as descriptive rather than simply a list. See Misplaced Pages:Embedded list and see what you think. - Raetzsch 03:27, 18 January 2007 (UTC)

I still believe Misplaced Pages needs to be an encylopedia of all human knowledge. However, I agree that we can not simply "list" words simply because we use them. We're not a dictionary. Thats why I propose we begin revising each word desciption to include its history, significance, usage, and definition with a verifiable reference. Start with the words we have now, then begin adding until we have all A&M related words. How about the use of "Indented List with content" listed in the article you gave. Seems acceptable to me. -- Hut101 00:41, 19 January 2007 (UTC)

To-Do List

I continued to update the to-do list. I still need to go through Midnight Yell Practice, Corps of Cadets, Texas Aggie Band, Bonfire, and rewrite each one with more acurate and detailed information following the format that I've been using so far. Also any help expanding the Reveille article would be greatly appreciated. -- Hut101 02:29, 30 December 2006 (UTC)

Aggie Ring

There is currently a page called Aggie Ring which redirects here. I was wondering if we should move most of the information about the Aggie Ring to that page instead. -- Hut101 02:29, 30 December 2006 (UTC)

Wildcats

Anyone know of a website or pamplet that explains each Class's Wildcat. We were given a story at our SALT Camp, like Fish Camp but for A&M Galveston, but I no longer remember the entire story. -- Hut101 23:49, 22 December 2006 (UTC)

There are several stories. One is given in this article under Aggie Lingo. Another involves the cadets' arrival in Aggieland by train and their encounter with Pinky Downs. I can look for details later. - Raetzsch 00:18, 23 December 2006 (UTC)

The actual act of showing ones wildcat is not too much of a concern. What is listed is as acurate as far as I know. It's the background story as to why there are certain number of A!s depending on each class. We learned at our camp that the Junior shot the wildcat three times, three A!s and on the third finally hit the cat, shouting in excitement Whoop!. -- Hut101 07:00, 23 December 2006 (UTC)

Hate to break it to ya, Ags, but the whole wildcat thing, to be historically accurate, is pretty "new army". Back at least through the 70's, there was only one, and that was AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! (eg, the freshman wildcat). Part of the reason that I have also added to the to do list to further the Aggie lingo pertaining to food is that the word for pineapple is "wildcat". This is because fish weren't able to eat the fruit until A&M beat t.u. that year, thus earning the ability to indulge in the tropical delicacy, but also the privelege of the AAAAAAA! wildcat. I know we all like our Fightin' Texas Aggie stories, but however entertaining, not all of them are true. Zip '08 A-WHOOP!Txtimetraveler 07:21, 4 January 2007 (UTC)

Ol' Sarge

I'm looking for info and history about Ol' Sarge. -- Hut101 01:56, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

Found a Battalion article that explains differences between Reveille and Ol' Sarge. http://www.thebatt.com/media/storage/paper657/news/2004/09/07/Opinion/Let-The.Dog.Out-711421.shtml?norewrite200612141922&sourcedomain=www.thebatt.com. -- Hut101 00:45, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

Info Bubble

How do we satisfy the requirements for "This article or section does not cite its references or sources." so that it can be removed.

The tag can be removed as easily as it was put in. However, in order for this article to be of the highest quality, we need to establish verifiability. The tag will serve as a reminder to other editors who check this page from time to time and who may contribute sources. Once a high level of verifiability has been established, it should be removed. - Raetzsch 17:27, 11 December 2006 (UTC)

I think we can assume to some degree that most information comes from the Texas A&M University Traditions website. -- Hut101 05:51, 12 December 2006 (UTC)

No question. It will likely prove to cover most of the uncited material. - Raetzsch 02:03, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

How should we show that most of the information is derived from that one page. Maybe by adding a reference at the end of every paragraph for each tradition that links to the traditions page? -- Hut101 03:25, 14 December 2006 (UTC)

Most of the sections now reference the Aggie Traditions page. I threw in a few more, also. - Raetzsch 04:21, 14 December 2006 (UTC)

Thanks for the amazing work. I'm still working on the main Texas A&M University article, and hopefully I'll get more work done on the individual traditions later. -- Hut101 06:50, 14 December 2006 (UTC)

Consolidate

Maybe we should consolidate the seperate pages for each tradition back into this main article. Such as Muster. The seperate page for Muster is a single paragraph while within this article it's quite extensive. Also, we risk becoming a directory and causing infinite looping. (Forgot to sign) -- Hut101 17:34, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

That may be a good idea for Muster. However, it seems that Muster is about the only tradition whose individual article is not longer than the brief summary given here. Perhaps we should reduce the length of explanations given here (this article is already very long) and work to expand the separate articles such as Muster. - Raetzsch 17:55, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

If we reduce these summaries anymore we might as well merge the list back into the main A&M article and move all the content pretaining to the individual traditions into their seperate pages. Also, Silver Taps is about the same length here, as on its own page. -- Hut101 18:19, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

Sorry, I should have been more specific. Muster and Elephant Walk I thought should be shortened in this article. Several, including Muster, could be expanded in their individual articles. Merging is fine if there's nothing to expand upon, as may be the case with Silver Taps - Raetzsch 18:30, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

I'll begin working on shortening, and consolidating, when I finish studying for a final. -- Hut101 19:16, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

Tradition vs. Change

I just read the page on Traditions at A & M, and, as a graduate who just had his 35-year reunion, I have to say that the one tradition that was left out is "Change." Muster has changed, Silver Taps has changed, even the words in the endzone "Texas Aggies" have changed to "Texas A&M" because Bill Byrne doesn't like the term "Aggies."

I was reading the part about the way that Aggies "wildcat" depending upon their class. I never knew any of that, and I was in Cadet Corps from 1967 to 1971. That ain't the way we did it!!!

I was stunned to hear recently that someone said the grass at the MSC is "Memorial Grass" and that's why you can't walk on it. Baloney! It was simply a gentlemen's agreement back in the 1950's that seniors would not walk on the MSC grass so that it would stay looking nice for visitors to the campus. No one ever heard of "Memorial Grass." That's nonsense. People just make this stuff up over the years, until everyone believes its a tradition. Go figure. PGNormand 00:45, 6 November 2006 (UTC)

If you could either get a source explaining how traditions were carried out in the past, or explain yourself we should be able to incorporate that into this article. -- 66.253.146.139 17:29, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

I know exactly what you're talkin' about, buddy, and I'll be the first to add the category. It's the truth, that change is a tradition in Aggieland. Hopefully I can accurately capture that. "Things change over time, but the tradition lives on" they say. Zip '08 Txtimetraveler 07:21, 4 January 2007 (UTC)

Is this really deserving of mention as an Aggie tradition? By this definition of "change," every institution in the world, academic or otherwise, could list "change" as a tradition. If it is to stay, it needs citations. - Raetzsch 16:32, 4 January 2007 (UTC)

Yes, I think it is deserving of a tradition. So many new Ag's are under the impression that tradition doesn't change, but it is a tradition in itself. "Need citation" always seems to be a wiki-euphemism for "I don't like that idea." How do you cite that? Or does that deserve it's own lengthy article that Bonfire was never built the same way twice, or that some old yells aren't used anymore, or that for a long time there was "fight night" boxing matches between the dorms for many years? In short, it's a compact way of describing the evolution of the tradition, which if you look at the to-do list, is an item that remains unremanded. Txtimetraveler 21:42, 4 January 2007 (UTC)

I agree that things do change in Aggieland and that many Ags are unaware of it. But really, everything changes. The traditions listed here are theoretically somewhat unique to A&M. If we list change as a tradition, we might as well list breathing as a tradition. I don't mean to sound obnoxious because I know the addition was in good faith, but I think change is merely a fact of life for everything and everyone. - Raetzsch 03:59, 5 January 2007 (UTC)

Simply informing readers that Traditions at A&M change over time does not contribute any information. Informing others, what traditions changed, how they changed, and how that's relevent compared to other universities is usefull and constructive. By saying that a citation is needed does not mean we don't want or need the section. Only that to ensure the section is relevent to our readers, we need some form of proof that a significant change has occured. You might try the Battalion, as they are a good historical source. Also, on the side, only Baylor and Texas Tech articles list any type of traditions. -- Hut101 05:57, 5 January 2007 (UTC)

Okay, I will work on the section on change. I, beyond personal reasons, think it's really necessary, as too many people are under the impression, Ags and outsiders both, that any alteration of "how it's done" is somehow detrimental to the tradition or "Aggieness" of the institution. If we're seeking accuracy at all here, then there must be some acknowledgement of this for an accurate portrayal in this article. At the same time, citation is not as easy as it comes. The Battalion is only accurate as far back as the person who wrote the article can remember, or cared to check his facts. As such, I ask we not delete this section, it's a relevent start, at least while I do the research.Txtimetraveler 08:56, 5 January 2007 (UTC)

That is a good point you raise, and I agree. I thing the suggestion of showing how traditions have changed is a good one. Perhaps the best way to do this is to incorporate the history of each tradition into its respective section. (It could potentially get in-depth enough to spawn a new History of traditions at Texas A&M article. Would that be appropriate, or just too much?) What do you think? - Raetzsch 19:31, 7 January 2007 (UTC)

Aggie Ring

The statement that the design of the Aggie Ring has remained unchanged since 1894 is simply not true. I believe that the original ring design had an intertwined AMC on the crest. Also, I know that the eagle has not always faced the same way. When I was a freshman I had to memorize the years that "the eagle turned his head." I know that one Senior Class (1938 I think) had an oval maroon stone instead of the traditional crest. I know that my father-in-law's ring, my father's ring, and my ring (Classes of '42, '49 and '71, respectively) were much "squattier" in shape and design. But the crest of my sons ring, Class of '99, is much taller. A simple trip to the Corps Center to look at the Ring Collection will confirm all this. I don't know who wrote all the things about the "symbolism" of the Aggie Ring, but it sounds like something that someone made up recently. I don't believe that this "symbolism" was contemporary with the origins of the current design. All of this needs to have a "citation added." PGNormand 05:49, 6 November 2006 (UTC)

Clearly you are correct about the changes. I am class of 2002 and we were taught that no major changes were made since the 70's, although the general appearance underwent little change for much longer. Some info on the history of changes can be found at http://www.aggienetwork.com/ring/timeline.aspx. Also, I've cited the Association's web site as a reference for the symbolism in question. Perhaps that is a newer tradition, but it is very well-established today. - Raetzsch 18:18, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

Spirit of '02

The canon is called the Spirit of '02 if that helps. - Raetzsch 02:40, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

Thanks! I've added the information, and added a reference for Parsons Mounted Cavalry. -- Hut101 07:28, 14 December 2006 (UTC)

We've Never Been Licked

Should this movie be listed under the Corps of Cadets as a tradition, or possibly listed elsewhere. Maybe under a new article containing all media relating to Texas A&M University. -- Hut101 00:05, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

Let's see if we have enough examples of media to justify an article. Junction Boys is another film/book. There are plenty of books, but how many are noteworthy? What other types of media? Benjamin Knox art? - Raetzsch 00:55, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

Regardless, any major motion picture should be noteworthy of an article. And I agree, it doesn't really belong here. - Raetzsch 00:58, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

Maybe we could start an article and begin listing both digital and paper media privatly published and published by the University. Later we can link to it from the main Texas A&M University page. We don't need to create articles just for each type of media published. Just list them and give a short explaination. -- Hut101 03:17, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

Info Box

I was thinking of creating a info box template that can be placed in each article relating to a tradition which will state "Tradition of Texas A&M University" and have a link back to this traditions page, and maybe an image such as the one used on the Aggie Traditions website: http://aggietraditions.tamu.edu/ -- Hut101 03:21, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

Aggies never lose?

I am aware of a traditional saying spoken in regards to Aggie sporting contests. The statement is that "Aggies never lose, though they may sometimes be trailing when time expires" or variants of the same sentiment. Two different version are shown at this Aggie Moms Club and at Aggiesports.com. I've also heard it said that Aggies never lose a half-time (though of course I personally dispute that assertion).

What do Y'all think - Does this saying merit inclusion here? Johntex\ 04:15, 7 January 2007 (UTC)

As a student, we do state we've never lost, simply ran out of time. I'm not sure if it merits its own section however. Maybe it should be listed under Aggie Lingo. Also, it seems I need to update the to-do list. -- Hut101 16:45, 7 January 2007 (UTC)

"Aggies never lose, they just run out of time" is how I've usually heard it. Perhaps there could be an Aggie Beliefs subsection that includes things like the above statement, the Aggie Code of Honor (which definitely needs mention), and so on. - Raetzsch 19:37, 7 January 2007 (UTC)

I agree that we need a section for Beliefs though we need to rigidly define what is allowed under that section. Any particle belief by more than one Aggie could go there. Also, I'm not sure the Honor code deserves mentioning. The current Aggie Honor Code became a University wide policy about three years ago though it's unknown how long its been a part of the Corps of Cadets. Along with A&M, other universities, and academies have similiar such "Honor Codes". References: http://www.thebatt.com/media/storage/paper657/news/2006/09/21/MailCall/Ams-Code.Of.Honor.Older.Than.Three.Years-2290359.shtml?norewrite200701071736&sourcedomain=www.thebatt.com - http://www.thebatt.com/media/storage/paper657/news/2006/09/21/MailCall/Aggie.Honor.Code.Not.Plagiarized.From.West.Point-2290362.shtml?norewrite200701071736&sourcedomain=www.thebatt.com - http://www.thebatt.com/media/storage/paper657/news/2006/09/20/MailCall/Aggie.Honor.Code.Violates.Aggie.Honor.Code-2286419.shtml?norewrite200701071735&sourcedomain=www.thebatt.com - http://fotpt2.blogspot.com/2005/11/cadet-will-not-lie-cheat-steal-or.html - http://www.vmi.edu/show.asp?durki=692&site=20&return=212

Additional Information

I found a wiki an Aggie started on their website. Aggie Wiki. Maybe some of this information can be incorporated into Misplaced Pages. -- Hut101 17:12, 7 January 2007 (UTC)

Ball Squeeze

I am completely in favor of making this article as comprehensive as possible. However, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of Aggie traditions that are recognized by only a small subset of the Aggie family. There's no way we could hope to include them all. Perhaps we can move ball squeeze to the Aggie Band article since it is well recognized by the band but not by the general Aggie population. - Raetzsch 22:18, 17 January 2007 (UTC)

I am inclined to remove this section until a verifiable reference can be located. So far, the only sources I’ve found are Baylor and University of Michigan message boards. Once such a source has been located, I believe this section can then be added to the Band article under a Traditions section. -- Hut101 00:48, 19 January 2007 (UTC)

This section should be completely removed. This is NOT a tradition by any unit of the corps. One video clip/picture has been taken completely out of context. The picture in question (see http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k19/spankytoes/squeeze_ags.jpg) shows several members of Company E-2, not the band. You can tell from the citation cord and the year (2006) since they won the General Moore award the year prior. One of the traditions of the entire student population at Texas A&M is to hump it. This involves placing the hands on the thighs and bending slightly at the waist and knees. Someone in Aggie lore found that this increases the volume of sound. The freshmen in E-2 at Texas A&M are responsible for guarding Revielle. Several times in the past, some people of rival schools have taken cheap shots at Cadets guarding Revielle by giving them a swift punch in the family jewels (either for the purposes of distracting them so Revielle could be stolen or simply out of malice). It is not uncommon for soccer players blocking a free kick to guard their "packages" and it is not unwarranted in this instance either. That said, this combination of traditions makes for an awkward photo.

t.u. definition

Request we revert the definition of t.u. to the previous version. Let's discuss deletions before making wholesale deletions of 3-4 lines of text.— Preceding unsigned comment added by 131.17.129.22 (talk • contribs) 11:16, 2007 February 12 (UTC)

Aggies don't define t.u. as "the university". Another thing, please create an account and sign your posts. Thank you. --Blueag9 20:56, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Sorry, had a problem getting an account with Misplaced Pages. I think one definition is sufficient and I think the second one under people and places makes the most sense as to where it should be put. If anyone objects, we can always move it. BTW, it was originally refered to as "the university" in the late 1800s; it no longer is since Texas A&M became a university. Upon further reflection, though, it doesn't make sense to refer to arcane terminology. Delete/criticism accepted.

• Misplaced Pages pages with to-do lists