February 13, 2013

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The Cavalier Daily Wednesday, February 13, 2013

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Volume 124, No. 71 Distribution 10,000

Panel analyzes Arab Spring Professors, alumni discuss political movements’ local legacies, impacts to Middle East, US relations

By Andrew D’Amato

alumnus and former secretary general of the Union for the Mediterranean , said he thought “Arab Political Awakening” would be a more apt term for the recent political unrest in the region. He focused on the struggle in the Arab world to create responsive governments.

“There is ... a chronic failure by the Arab autocratic regimes to create democratic regimes in their countries,” Masa’deh said. “This reason led people to flock to the streets to go for economic prosperity and to receive their political free-

Cavalier Daily Associate Editor

Jenna Truong | Cavalier Daily

University Politics Prof. William Quandt (center) said during a panel Tuesday that United States military intervervention in the Middle East has been ineffective because of a consistent pattern of “intervention fatigue.”

The Center for International Studies hosted a panel Tuesday evening called, “Whatever Happened to the Arab Spring?” , featuring six officials , including Politics Prof.

William Quandt.

“There was the feeling that this was a momentous occasion for change in the Middle East,” Prof. Quandt said. “Today, as I scan the headlines of newspapers, it seems that that view has changed ... ‘whatever happened in the Arab Spring’ is a fair question.”

Ahmad Masa’deh, University

Please see Panel, Page A3

Council hears Honor reforms debate

Studco welcomes Committee chair Stephen Nash, Medical student Taylor Richardson to discuss informed retraction, elected jury proposals

By Abby Meredith and Lauren Powell Cavalier Daily Staff Writers

Honor Committee Chair Stephen Nash, a fourth-year College student, and fourth-year Medical student Taylor Richardson spoke at Tuesday’s Student Council meeting about the proposed Honor Committee reforms.

Students will vote on the twofold proposal February 25-28.

The first reform removes the option for trials to be heard by a randomly selected jury of students, and replaces it with a jury of elected Honor representatives.

The second proposal, informed retraction, allows students

accused of honor offenses to admit their wrongdoing instead of going to trial. Students would then be required to leave the University for one year before returning, at which time the violation would be removed from their record. Students will vote on the proposals as a package, rather than as individual reforms. “[Honor’s] internal problems are leading to great external problems,” Nash said, calling for decisive reform of what he said is a broken system.

Richardson said the committee’s bylaws were not the problem, and said the system should support random student juries.

“Because we have single sanction, you should be able to trust all [students] to be honorable and we should be able to trust everyone here to render accurate and fair decisions [as jury members,]” Richardson said.

Nash, however, said the jury reform would create a fairer trial for all students brought up on honor offenses by creating more consistent verdicts.

“What we have is an inexperienced jury interpreting facts [and] bylaws,” Nash said. “The more dishonest you are able to be, the more likely you are to be reintegrated into community of trust.”

Richardson also spoke out

leaving. ”[The reform] is not perfect, but we think it’s substantially better and will protect the honest student,” Nash said.

Nash and Richardson were invited to the meeting to help inform and educate the Council members as representatives of the student body, said Council chair of the representative body Alex Reber, a fourth-year Engineering student.

“Even I’m still undecided,” Reber said. “I think the questions that were asked [at Council] show how much is unknown, but this gives us the opportunity to educate people to the full extent of the changes.”

against allowing students to return to the University after admitting an honor violation.

“Next year I will be a physician and I can’t expect there to be an informed retraction,” he said.

“The real world will demand more of us.”

The proposal also privileges students with the financial means to take time off, Richardson said, disadvantaging international students or those on financial aid. “Our current system treats everyone exactly the same,” he said.

Nash said the new system would permit students to finish out the semester so they could sort out financial affairs before

Harris, Virginia torch Tech, 73-55

Junior guard Joe Harris shot 7-of-12 from the field and scored a careerhigh 26 points to lead the Cavaliers’ third straight 70-plus point performance.

Junior scores career-high 26 points to lead team to 14th straight home victory, sweep of in-state rival

By Ian Rappaport

Cavalier Daily Senior Associate Editor The Virginia men’s basketball team has been unstoppable at John Paul Jones Arena of late, and Tuesday was no different as the Cavaliers completed a season sweep of rival Virginia Tech, 73-55. Offensively, junior guard Joe Harris kept the Cavaliers’ roll going by pouring in a career-high 26 points . At the other end, they shut down senior Hokie guard Erick Green in the first half and built an

insurmountable lead before the ACC’s leading scorer could find his shooting touch.

With the win Virginia (18-6, 8-3 ACC) extended its home winning streak to 14 games, topped rival Virginia Tech (11-13, 2-9 ACC) for the third straight time and secured its best record in conference play through 11 ACC games since the 2006-07 season.

Harris put on a shooting clinic Please see Basketball, Page A4

Believe your eyes Coach Tony Bennett and the Virginia basketball team are trying to pull the wool over your eyes.

Believe what you see, not what you hear.

The Cavaliers have won seven of eight games, 14 straight at home and have notched nationally televised victories against Wisconsin, North Carolina, NC State and now, Virginia Tech . Their second-inthe-nation scoring defense made the Hokies’ their ninth ACC opponent in 11 games to score fewer than 60 points. They netted more than 70 points of their own for the third straight game. And they matched No. 2 Duke with their eighth ACC win.

Yet, the Cavaliers’ success seems to be viewed by the nation as one big mistake, a statistical fluke that will be corrected in due time.

The most recent AP rankings listed Duke second in the nation with 1,515 points and Miami

Jenna Truong Cavalier Daily

Please recycle this newspaper

third with 1,499 points. Virginia remains unranked after creeping up to four points. The most puzzling part: Cavalier players and coaches appear to agree with the voters’ perception.

“We’re confident but we know who we are,” said senior point guard Jontel Evans after matching a career high with seven rebounds to go along with eight points and six assists . “Coach always stresses humility. You can’t think too highly of yourself, and you can’t think too lowly ...

We’re a team that has small room for error.”

The team’s margin for error has been anything but small during the last three games. Virginia has outscored its opponents by 66 points during that stretch, winning each game by double digits.

News Desk...................(434)326-3286 Ads Desk......................(434)326-3233 Editor-in-Chief.............(434)249-4744 Additional contact information may be found online at www.cavalierdaily.com

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Please see Weltz, Page A4

Comics Opinion Life Health & Science

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Comics Wednesday, February 13, 2013

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DJANGEO BY STEPHEN ROWE

THE ADVENTURES OF THE AMAZING <THE> A-MAN BY EMILIO ESTEBAN

OROSCOPES

ARIES (March 21-April 19). Fantasizing is part of your job as a human and a crucial factor in the way your week will go. Have a few fantasies before breakfast and a few more with your lunch. This readies you for what occurs tonight.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). There’s no reason to stay in a stuffy environment. Get out and walk. You stamp out your problem with each forward step. Tonight, to keep peace in the family, you tolerate your family member’s odd choices.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). A work problem is the result of being uninspired by the project on your plate. See if you can’t switch with someone. When a task fuels your soul, you’ll push through any resistance you encounter.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Keep it close to the vest. Let your plan build energy by containing it. By the end of the week, you’ll get the perfect opportunity to show your cards — and take the whole pot!

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Streamline your efforts. Keep one important end in mind.

Progress is swift. By this evening, something substantial has already shifted. A Libra person is on your side.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Family has so many wonderful opinions — none of which you agree with now. It’s all about doing your own thing. In the end, you’ll be happy that you marched to your own drum, and they’ll be happy for you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). A seductive person has something to teach you. You see, you too are influential, even tantalizing, when you want to be. Shed your fear of being heard, and use your power to delight the world.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You’ll learn from reading and listening to charismatic speakers. Of course, it’s what you actually apply to your life that makes a difference.

Initiate a good habit tonight— the gesture has staying power.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Sensible choices are overrated. You make outrageous, unreasonable decisions and are somehow able to stand by them without laughing out loud. You’ll enjoy this, and also be commended for your guts.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There are a lot of things you could be now, including sparkling, witty and right. However, the one thing that friends and family need you to be is simply nice. With compassion, you win hearts.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You’re unable to forcibly change your own behavior, but you can gently change it. Seek understanding. A lasting and wonderful change for the better will come about.

GREEK LIFE BY MATT HENSEL

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Feb. 12). You’re on top of the world. Your buoyant attitude attracts people who can help you increase your earnings and usher you into intriguing social circles. Family connections and inherited talents are your keys to success through the spring. August finds you very much in love. You share a cosmic connection with Sagittarius and Libra people. Your lucky numbers are: 43, 14, 5, 3 and 28.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You’re a leader of thoughts. Start by taking control of your own. What you think of yourself counts. What others think of you is just a projection of you.

RENAISSANCING BY TIM PRICE

NO SUBJECT BY JANE MATTIMOE

A BUNCH OF BANANAS BY JACK WINTHROP & GARRETT MAJDIC

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.

BEAR NECESSITIES BY MAX MEESE & ALEX SCOTT

The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Wednesday, February 13, 2013

MOSTLY HARMLESS BY PETER SIMONSEN

Crossword ACROSS

33

1 Repair

bill segment 6 They may be checked at the door 9 Have being 14 Essential ___ acid 15 Siesta 16 Big name in rental trucks 17 Plant used as ground cover 18 Did or didn’t agree to end the illustrators’ strike?

20 Did or didn’t dilute the prom bowlful?

22 Whirling water 23 Rumple, as hair 24 Suffix with Marx 26 Like the base-8 number system 29 Dean’s domain: Abbr.

30 Apr. workhorse

37 38 39 40

45 46 47 48

49

51 54

60

Did or didn’t perform a New Year’s ceremony?

Butt out?

Org. based in Langley, Va. Fox talent show, for short Did or didn’t surpass a D.J.’s mark for accident-free days?

Set, as a price Pal Earns the booby prize Part of a terza rima rhyme scheme Corner Monopoly square Gem for some Libras Did or didn’t play a good round of golf?

Did or didn’t participate in the Boy Scouts outing?

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE B O W L S

A W A I T

V I I N A S P S E I C S T T O A R

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LAST SOLUTION:

N E R D Y

E N D O R S R E O T A A C T S I O R N K S O

T E C S H O N H O O D I K A I N D E M A N

A C L U

C H E F

U S I N G

L A R G E

C H U G

K A R O

H O O F L E D E A R T Y E D E I O F L F G E A L

R A T E D R

T A L C

E H A B M A R E O N G A G E R M O N D C U T Q T I P A N O A T A R L L B E T A R D S G A G A E V E R S O D S

62 63

64 65 66 67 68

Dinero With 44-Down, features of some Greek architecture Pro vote Zaps, in the kitchen Ream unit Ready for war High, pricewise

Edited by Will Shortz 1

of pumice 2 In the thick of 3 Tight spot 4 In a past life 5 Item in a gas station kiosk 6 Pakistan’s chief river 7 Works on socks, say 8 Design detail, briefly 9 Disco ___ (1970s) 10 Woody tissue 11 Reply of confirmation 12 E-mail command 13 Long basket, in hoops lingo 19 “This or that?”

21 Orange juice option 25 Cow or sow 26 Landfill emanations 27 Shepherd’s aid 28 Honky-___ 29 Sirius, e.g.

30 Core group 31 Moves laboriously 32 Detergent brand 34 Lover of Narcissus

3

4

5

6

7

8

10

27

24

28 35

41

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57

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37

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51

9

15

17

DOWN

1 Source

2

14

No. 0109

54

50

55

61

56 62

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68

Puzzle by DAVID BEN-MERRE

35 36

37 41 42 43

44

Thing with pips Head shot accompaniers, maybe Wall St. hire Fall back Wreck, as a hotel room Bush 41 and Bush 43, for two See 63-Across

48 49 50 51 52 53 55 56 57

DTs sufferer, for short One of a deck pair Mr. T TV group Singer Redding Milne’s bear Super-duper Casual greeting Ring contest Elbow

58

On the sheltered side

59

Stereotypical mobster’s voice

61

Insincere display

For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554.

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NEWS

Wednesday, February 13, 2013 | The Cavalier Daily

Three-Day Weather Forecast TODAY High of 45˚

TONIGHT Low of 30˚

Cloudy skies, with an 80 percent chance of rain.

Temperatures rising to the mid 40s.

Overcast skies with a chance of rain in the early morning hours. Temperatures falling into the lower 30s.

Provided by the Cavalier Weather Service

Valentine’s Day High of 52˚ Sunny skies, with temperatures warming to the lower 50s. Looks like beautiful weather for Valentine’s Day!

TOMORROW NIGHT Low of 33˚ Partly cloudy skies, with temperatures cooling to the lower to mid 30s.

Low pressure will pass by to our south today, returning clouds and a chance of rain to our area. High pressure will build back in tomorrow for a crisp and clear Valentine’s Day! Highs remain in the upper 40s to low 50s, while lows remain in the low 30s.

FRIDAY High of 52˚ Overcast skies, with the temperatures increasing to the lower 50s.

To receive Cavalier Weather Service forecasts via email, contact weather@virginia.edu

Senate allows student group exclusivity Virginia bill authorizes student organizations’ discriminatory membership practices, allows clubs to continue receiving public funding

By Jordan Bower and Annie Crabill Cavalier Daily Staff Writers

The Virginia Senate passed House Bill 1617 Monday, allowing student organizations at Virginia colleges to restrict membership to students perceived as “committed to [the organization’s] mission”. The legislation also bars schools from discriminating against groups which enact such policies.

The bill passed 21-18 along largely partisan lines.

Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, who voted against the bill,

said the measure represents a move toward accepting forms of discrimination against minority groups by allowing organizations to exclude certain individuals.

“Here’s the problem: in a democratic republic, a lot of the rules exist to protect the minority,” Deeds said. “And this bill basically says ‘it’s alright to discriminate against the minority, however that may be.’”

Even though he opposes the legislation, Deeds said he does not foresee any immediate increase in college discrimination.

“Just because the General Assembly says that it is okay to discriminate, it doesn’t make it okay,” he said. “You still have to trust people to use basic human judgment.”

The Republican effort, led by Del. Todd Gilbert, R-Shanendoah, was introduced at the beginning of the legislative session and passed the House at the end of January.

Center for Politics spokesperson Geoffrey Skelley said the bill may have been part of a Republican effort to fuel party supporters. “[It] strengthen[s] student groups that may be ideologically aligned

in certain ways with the GOP, economically, religiously or socially,” Skelley said.

A court case in California likely prompted legislators to draft the bill when a court ruled that a public law school in the state could force a student religious organization on campus to accept all students, said Douglas Laycock, University Law and Religious Studies professor.

“This bill protects First Amendment rights to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, free exercise of religion and freedom of asso-

ciation,” Laycock said in an email.

“You can’t organize or maintain a group committed to a cause unless you can limit membership to those who share that commitment. The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that government cannot force political or ideological organizations to accept unwanted members.”

Laycock said the bill would ensure that a case similar to the one in California would not happen in Virginia.

Republican legislators could not be reached for comment.

Panel | Political awareness spurred uprisings, Brown says Continued from page A1 doms.”

Nathan Brown , professor of politics and international affairs at George Washington University and founder of the Project of Middle East Democracy, said Egypt, an important force in the subsequent revolutions in the region, was an example of how the rebirth of

political awareness can instigate change.

“In the 1990s and 2000s, in a way that wasn’t visible outside the country, you saw Egyptians from all crosses of life begin to talk about politics,” Brown said. “What the critique boiled down to was the following: There are lots of things wrong with our society ... and the only way we can get them fixed is

to get the politics right. What changed in January-February 2011 is people stopped talking and started acting.”

Panelists also questioned the role of Western powers in the current and future political development of the region.

“What these societies are going through is an incredibly inward looking movement,” Brown said. “In a sense, what-

ever our views of Islamic leadership is, the United States has adjusted very well by being modest in what it wants to accomplish.”

Quandt said that the United States has “intervention fatigue”, and that military intervention in the Middle East has proven itself ineffective.

Masa’deh, however, said it was important for the United

States to continue a strong presence in Arab nations.

“After the invasion of Iraq, George Bush did propose an idea for the Arab World, but it was not the right time,” Masa’deh said. “Now the people are coming to the world with a clean state and asking for freedom. I think now is the time for the United States to act in these areas.”

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Sports

Cavaliers crush Hokies

Wednesday, February 13, 2013 | The Cavalier Daily

Jenna Truong & Greg Lewis Cavalier Daily

Jenna Truong Cavalier Daily

M Basketball | Defense shuts down Green for first half Continued from page A1 early, going 5-of-5 from beyond the arc en route to scoring 17 first-half points. The Cavaliers’ first 9 points of the evening all came courtesy of Harris’ longrange marksmanship.

“We hoped to slow him down a bit, but he came out of the gates blazing,” Virginia Tech coach James Johnson said of Harris. “Before we could make the switch and get someone else on him, he already had nine points on three 3-pointers right in our mouth.”

Harris not only put up big numbers, but did so with an efficient 7-for-12 shooting performance.

“I thought it was impressive,” Virginia coach Tony Bennett said. “It makes me look like a good coach when he comes out and plays like that. He had great rhythm. He was hunting the shot, moving hard off the screens. I thought he got us off to the right start.”

Meanwhile, Green — who

torched the Cavaliers for 35 points the last time the teams met Jan. 24 — struggled mightily in the first half. While his nifty ball-handling was in rare form as he drove into the paint on a few occasions, his shooting touch failed him. He scored only one point in the first half and missed all seven of his field goal attempts as senior guard Jontel Evans pestered him repeatedly.

“I told my teammates that I was going to waste all my energy on defense tonight,” Evans said. “I wanted to show people that I’m still a good defender and what better chance is there than to go against one of the best players in the country? I think that I showed it tonight.”

The game’s opening 13 minutes were close, but then the Cavaliers caught fire offensively, tightened up at their own end of the floor and went on a 12-0 run to break open what had been a 21-20 ballgame.

Harris fueled the run with a pair of 3-pointers and junior

forward Akil Mitchell capped it with a transition layup.

A short while later, freshman forward Evan Nolte would put a fitting cap on the opening 20 minutes of play by knocking down the team’s seventh of nine total 3-pointers to send Virginia into the break leading 36-23.

In the second half, Green finally found his stroke and managed to finish the night with 22 points, but the performance was too little, too late.

Eleven of Green’s points came during a span of four Hokie possessions in which he scored his first buckets of the night and drained three treys. The Cavaliers, however, answered with baskets of their own after the first two Green 3-pointers and never allowed Virginia Tech to meaningfully chip into the deficit.

Instead, the Cavaliers built their advantage to as many as 22 with 5:12 remaining and never looked back. A thunderous dunk by Mitchell — who finished with 17 points and

eight boards — with 5:51 to play was perhaps the final dagger emotionally for the Hokies.

The usually defense-oriented Cavaliers are now averaging 77 points in their last three games after switching to a guard-heavy lineup when they lost freshman forward Mike Tobey to mononucleosis last week. With hot hands abound, the Cavaliers did not hesitate to pass to teammates for open looks.

“Tonight, we were really comfortable in the offense,” sophomore guard Paul Jesperson said. “We rely on our defense, but I think offensively, guys have been sharing the ball more, and I think that has a lot to do with our attitude.”

One moment late in the first half in which Virginia strung together a sequence of slick passes freed Harris for an open jumper in the lane, and though he fired a rare miss, it epitomized their willingness to share the rock. Evans played an instrumental role in facilitating the ball movement, finishing

with six assists and just one turnover, in addition to scoring eight points and grabbing seven rebounds. His sure handling helped the Cavaliers limit Virginia Tech to six takeaways. The Hokies scored only four points off turnovers and went without any fast break points.

“When you have that high assists and low turnovers, that’s really important for us,” Bennett said. “I think our guys are learning to value the ball and ... take pride in that.”

By game’s end Bennett continued what has been a familiar routine for Virginia: Bringing in the backups to close the deal.

Harris left to a standing ovation for his career night, and senior guard Doug Browman did the honors of dribbling out the clock on the Cavaliers’ seventh win in the last eight games.

Virginia will now travel to Chapel Hill for a rematch against North Carolina Saturday. The Cavaliers won 61-52 against the Tar Heels in the teams’ Jan. 6 matchup in Charlottesville.

Weltz | Pundits must start giving surging team its due Continued from page A1 They are 6-0 against teams inside the RPI 100. Wins keep piling up, but perceptions move glacially. Losses to CAA opponents George Mason, Delaware and Old Dominion weigh down the Cavaliers’ NCAA Tournament resume, as do conference road losses to mediocre Wake Forest, Clemson and Georgia Tech.

“We knew after the Georgia Tech game that we would have to put a run together if we wanted to have a chance of [making the Tournament,]” Mitchell said.

“Since then, we haven’t really talked about it.”

Experts seem unwilling to believe or make sense of what has transpired during the past several weeks, and the Cavaliers appear to have no interest in self-reflection. Pundits seem to have written the story of Virginia’s season before all the games had been played, assuming the graduation of Mike Scott

and the reliance on multiple freshmen would be too much to overcome.

What few foresaw is the night-and-day improvements of junior guard Joe Harris and junior forward Akil Mitchell, along with the revival of Evans after dealing with a foot injury early this season. Those three have been the driving force behind a unit that has produced enough offense in recent weeks to be competitive with any team when coupled with its vaunted pack-line defense.

Harris lit up John Paul Jones Arena by opening the game with three consecutive 3-pointers against the rival Hokies Tuesday, finishing with a career-high 26 points for his fourth 20-point performance in five games.

Mitchell continued to play like one of the most dominant post players in the ACC, scoring 17 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Evans attempted just seven shots, but was once again

the guiding force for a revitalized Cavalier offense.

“It was impressive,” Bennett said of Harris. “It makes me look like a good coach when he comes out and plays like that.”

The three combined for 28 of the team’s 36 first-half points, including the first 15 of the game and later, a 12-0 streak that gave Virginia a lead it would not relinquish. With Virginia leading 21-20, Evans drove through the heart of the paint and finished with a strong lay-up. Mitchell added a clean jumper from the free throw line and Harris followed with his fourth and fifth 3-pointers of the period. By the time Evans found Mitchell for a fast-break lay-up, the lead had swelled to 33-20.

Virginia finished with 14 assists on 22 field goals.

“I feel like we got that chemistry,” Evans said of the trio.

“Everybody knows Joe’s the first option, Akil is second and if it’s time for me to score, then my

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teammates have confidence in me to make that play or get them the ball so they can score.”

Bennett’s team is on pace to match or exceed its predicted finish in the ACC Preseason Coaches Poll for the fourth straight year — something the brightest basketball minds in the country have evidently overlooked. Apparently, there is some feature of this and many Cavalier teams before it that is under-appreciated.

Maybe it’s that offensive flair is more memorable than defensive battles. Maybe the Cavaliers do not have as many household names on their roster as other teams. But the defining feature of Bennett’s tenure at the University is that the results have always exceeded the predictions. The whole has been greater than the sum of its parts.

“We are doing a really nice job of giving up good shots for great shots,” Harris said. “We’re a

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very unselfish team and you can see that in our play.”

What has transpired in the past several weeks is not an illusion or slight of hand. The Cavaliers are a talented team, capable of competing with the best in the country. Like every other opponent it will face, Virginia has its shortcomings. Outside of Harris, the team has its share of inconsistent shooters. It lacks post depth and over-relies on unproven freshmen. Just don’t buy into the company line that this is not a dangerous team.

“Everyone is trying to keep a level head and stay humble,” sophomore guard Paul Jesperson said. “I think we need to go out there and play every game like we’re 0-0.”

Approaching every game like it’s a new season is a fine mentality for players to have. But there is no reason why fans and analysts should not look at the standings and trust what they see.

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SPORTS

Wednesday, February 13, 2013 | The Cavalier Daily

No. 9 Cavaliers seek to beat expectations National polls place team behind other three ACC teams; players believe new shot clock, faster-paced style will give Cavs advantage Senior captain Chris Lapierre has led the team in groundballs the past two seasons and will take on a larger offensive role this season following the losses of Steele Stanwick and Chris Bocklet.

Jenna Truong Cavalier Daily

By Zack Bartee

Cavalier Daily Senior Associate Editor Lacrosse season is officially underway, and the Cavaliers have found themselves in unfamiliar territory. With new faces, new jerseys and new rules, it may take some lacrosse fans time to adjust to Virginia’s new look.

The Virginia men’s lacrosse team comes into the season ranked No. 9 in three of the four major polls and last in the ACC in all four — a stark contrast to a squad which entered the 2012 season as the defending national champions and with the No. 1 overall ranking.

But the Cavaliers aren’t paying mind to the rankings or lowering their expectations, senior defenseman Harry Prevas said.

“Even the year we won the national championship ... midway through the year nobody [thought] we [could] do anything, we shouldn’t even make the tournament,” Prevas said. “So it really doesn’t change that much for us and what we’re trying to accomplish.”

The 2012 campaign was less than fruitful, as the Cavaliers lost 12-10 in a heartbreaking quarterfinals matchup in the

NCAA Tournament against Notre Dame. Despite heading into the final quarter tied 6-6, the Fighting Irish went on a 6-2 run that effectively eliminated Virginia and ensured that for the first time since 2007 the Cavaliers would fail to advance to the semifinal round.

Now, Virginia is faced with filling the gigantic shoes left behind by five graduating USILA All-Americans. Seniors accounted for about 55 percent of the team’s total points in 2012. Among those who graduated were captain and first team All-American attackman Steele Stanwick — who ranks first all-time in program history in points, fourth in assists and seventh in goals — and All-American attackman Chris Bocklet, No. 5 all-time in goals scored at Virginia. Stanwick and Bocklet combined for 124 of the Cavaliers’ 306 points last season, leaving gaping holes at attack.

“We’re a program that graduates good players every year,” Virginia coach Dom Starsia said.

“You don’t graduate Steele Stanwick every year, or Chris Bocklet and Colin Briggs together, but we’ve got the players that can step in ... It just may take us

a little while before we resemble a Virginia lacrosse team at the offensive end in particular.”

The Cavaliers return sophomore attackman Owen Van Arsdale, however, who started all 14 regular season games in 2012, as well as versatile senior Matt White, the No. 28 pick in the 2013 Major League Lacrosse Draft who started every regular season game at midfield before getting the call to start both 2012 postseason games at attack.

Despite graduating All-American Briggs, third on the team in points with 36 last season, Starsia expects the midfield to be one of the team’s strengths with the return of USILA AllAmericans junior Rob Emery and senior captain Chris LaPierre, as well as key contributors in sophomore Ryan Tucker and junior Mark Cockerton.

“We expect some of the returning guys to grow up a little bit,” Starsia said. “Rob Emery, certainly, Ryan Tucker is going to carry a lot of it, Matt White has been bumping in between the attack and the midfield, so we feel like we’ve got some experience there.”

LaPierre, recently selected No. 2 overall in the 2013 MLL Draft and named the first solo captain

for Virginia since 1981, will look to be a force on both offense and defense, as well as in transition.

He led the team in groundballs in 2012 with 63 and is notable for his ability to be a “one-man clear” as Starsia calls him.

“He’s been coming back from a little bit of a leg injury,” Starsia said. “But he’s a special young man, and he was anxious to be the captain of this team. He’s done a very good job putting us in the position that we’re in now.”

Faceoff specialist Ryan Benincasa graduated 10th all-time in Virginia history in faceoff wins with 291. Sophomore midfielder Mick Parks will take over the primary responsibility of handling faceoffs, although LaPierre, Tucker and sophomore midfielder Tyler German may see action as well.

Who Starsia will tap as the team’s starting goaltender remains the biggest question for Virginia. With the departure of honorable mention AllAmerican net-minder Rob Fortunato, senior Conor McGee and sophomore Rhody Heller competed for the position in the fall, with freshman Dan Marino entering the fray in the spring after recovering from a broken thumb.

“In particular with Rhody Heller and Dan Marino, they both had a good preseason ...

They split time and both had their moments,” Starsia said.

“It’s going to be a tight call no matter what it is, and we’d probably like another day or so before we pull the trigger on that.”

The defense did not see as much turnover as the offense, but still lost All-American Matt Lovejoy and longstick midfielder and captain Chris Clements. Retaining All-American junior Scott McWilliams and a 16-game starter in Prevas though will help. Sophomore Greg Danseglio is expected to be the third starter, and Prevas believes defense will be one of the team’s strengths.

“We’ve got a lot of new guys, but I’ve got Scott and Greg down on the defense with me and I’m pretty familiar with those guys,” Prevas said. “[Greg’s] ready to play, and we’ve got [freshman defenseman] Tanner Scales and [sophomore longstick midfielder] Tanner Ottenbreit helping us out too ... I think we’re pretty solid at the defensive position right now.”

New personnel aside, rule changes will also force the Cavaliers to take on a whole new image this season. With the elimination of the sideline substitution horn and the complete overhaul of the stall warning to include a 30-second shot clock once the stall warning is in effect, look for midfielders, such as Emery and LaPierre, to increasingly play on both ends of the field and a faster pace of play overall.

“I think in theory ... people are going to be pleased with the new rules,” Starsia said. “If you’re willing to leave people in the game, you can play the game at a quicker tempo. I think we’re one of the programs that sees that as an advantage and sees that as something that we want to do. The rule changes suit us from both a personnel standpoint ... and from a personality standpoint in the sense that I think it’s who we want to be.”

This season Virginia fans will have plenty of opportunity to see how the rule changes play out firsthand, as the Cavaliers will play nine of their 13 regular season games at home.

“There’s no better place to play lacrosse than Klöckner Stadium,” White said. “That’s just the absolute best place to play.”

The Cavaliers will face Drexel at home Saturday in the season opener.

“It’s a huge game for us,” White said. “There’s a lot of question marks surrounding our program this year, and we want to go out there and give it our best effort. I think when we do that, a lot of questions will be answered.”

Sensational sophomores highlight potent lineup Pitching staff features biggest question marks; coach O’Connor gives freshman lefty Waddell opening day nod against East Carolina

By Michael Eilbacher Cavalier Daily Associate Editor

Looking up and down Brian O’Connor’s roster for this spring, one thing jumps out immediately — this Cavaliers squad is young.

But as O’Connor enters his 10th season as coach of the Virginia baseball team, he is hoping this new breed of Cavaliers will continue the success he has already built in Charlottesville.

“It’s obviously a good problem to have, because we have guys moving on to the next level,” redshirt senior first baseman Jared King said. “It’s an opportunity for those new guys to really step in and fill spots. It’s provided a lot of good competition, so I think it’s benefited everyone, not really knowing who is going to be where.”

Only nine of the No. 25 Cavaliers’ 34 players are juniors or seniors. The team’s youth should not be confused with inexperience, however, as the team features seven position players who started at least 25 games last season.

Leading the way is 2012 Freshman All-American Derek Fisher, who batted .288 in 56 games last year, mostly in left field. Fisher displayed uncanny power for a freshman last season, hitting seven home runs and driving in 50 runs. He is joined by fellow sophomores catcher Nate Irving — who hit .279 last year with a .415 on-base percentage in 53 games — and outfielder Mike Papi, who hit .283 before missing the second half of last season

with a back injury.

The veteran core of King, redshirt junior outfielder Colin Harrington and senior utility man Reed Gragnani will anchor the young lineup. King started all 59 games at first base for Virginia last year and hit .263 with 4 home runs, 12 doubles and 44 RBIs. “I’ve seen a lot of changes since I’ve been here,” King said.

“I just turned 23, so for most of the first-year guys, we wouldn’t even have been in high school together. It’s interesting, but the quality of guys we’re getting now is supreme.”

The team’s youth is perhaps most evident on the pitching staff, which faces the most uncertainty entering the season.

The Cavaliers lost two key starting pitchers to the pros in Branden Kline and Shane Halley, who went 7-3 and 9-2 last year, respectively. They will also be without junior Artie Lewicki and sophomore Whit Mayberry, thanks to season-ending injuries last year which will also keep them out of the mix for 2013.

Those losses put pressure on junior Kyle Crockett and redshirt senior Scott Silverstein, who have a combined 17 college starts, and on a strong freshman class of pitchers, including left-handers Nathan Kirby and Brandon Waddell. A pitching staff in flux presents a problem for the Virginia catchers, but Irving is confident in the team’s preparation.

“Something that I take a lot of pride in is being there for pitch-

ers, and trying to help them along as fast as possible from behind the plate,” Irving said.

“We’ve been doing some great work in the pen and on the mound, and we’re really excited to get going.”

To O’Connor, the 2013 campaign marks a decade of coaching in Charlottesville, a period that has seen the Cavaliers rise to national prominence. A threetime ACC Coach of the Year and two-time National Coach of the Year, O’Connor has turned Virginia into a fixture of college baseball. Virginia’s 195 wins in the last four seasons are the second most in Division I. The Cavaliers are coming off of a 2012 season which saw them go 39-19-1 overall and 18-12 in the ACC. They made their ninth consecutive postseason appearance but lost at home in the regional round of the NCAA tournament, dropping games to Appalachian State and Oklahoma in the double-elimination series.

Virginia will be put to the test in its opening weekend matchup against East Carolina in Greenville, N.C. The Pirates put together a strong 2012 season, going 36-24-1 overall and qualifying for the NCAA tournament before being eliminated in the Chapel Hill Regional. For the opening game, O’Connor is turning to Waddell, in what will be his first collegiate start.

“He’s shown me a lot,” O’Connor said of the freshman. “He’s conditioned. He’s ready to throw 90 pitches. Provided he’s still giving us an opportunity to win that

ballgame, he’ll be out there.”

Waddell will be followed by Silverstein Saturday and sophomore Nick Howard Sunday, with Crockett coming out of the bullpen in a long relief and closing role. O’Connor has said that he will not hesitate to turn to the team’s newer pitchers if necessary, with freshmen Josh Sborz and Cameron Tekker primed to make relief appearances.

“It’s a calculated experiment,” O’Connor said. “We like to believe that we have a pretty good idea of what guys are capable of doing, but the reality is, practice is practice. Once you cross the white lines and wins and losses

matter, things change.”

East Carolina will certainly not be a pushover opening matchup for the Cavaliers, and the players relish the opportunity to put their months of preparation on display against a quality opponent.

“We had a great test with BC, Coastal Carolina and JMU [in a season-opening tournament] last year, and I think we really came together as a group after that,” Irving said. “We’re just going to have to go out and play our game and play without fear, and trust the process. If we do that, the results will take care of themselves.”

Thomas Bynum | Cavalier Daily

Redshirt senior first baseman Jared King is expected to be a key offensive cog this year. He sports a career on-base percentages of .409.

Quote of The Week “[Brandon] Downes hit one over the right field bleacher the other day, so Downes can get it out there. [Derek Fisher] will get it this year. If we keep with a good approach, balls will start banging off that thing pretty quickly.”

-Sophomore catcher Nate Irving on who will be the first person to hit the brand-new video board

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Opinion Wednesday, February 13, 2013

The Cavalier Daily “For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it.”

—Thomas Jefferson

Kaz Komolafe Editor-in-Chief Charlie Tyson Caroline Houck Executive Editor Managing Editor Meghan Luff Kiki Bandlow Operations Manager Chief Financial Officer

Shooting blanks In light of recent tragedies the University must stand by its weapons policy to keep guns off Grounds A University of Maryland graduate student early Tuesday morning shot two housemates, killing one and injuring the other, before turning the gun on himself.

The incident happened about a block from the University of Maryland at College Park’s campus.

The Maryland shooting comes with the Newtown, Conn. tragedy fresh in our memories. Tuesday’s incident lacks the scope and terror of what happened at Newtown. It has the air of a private quarrel rather than a systematic execution. But the trend of gun violence on or near educational institutions is disquieting.

People sometimes describe college as a bubble. The term need not be altogether disparaging. Colleges — like all schools — should cut themselves off from elements antithetical to learning. Fear is one such element. At some schools, unease dampens the air. Students at numerous primary and secondary schools pass through metal detectors each morning while armed security guards stand in the hallways. And last month, at the University’s College at Wise, the 2,000-student campus shut down after a false report of a gunman on the school’s grounds.

Tuesday’s College Park tragedy should grab the attention of University officials and Virginia lawmakers.

The University of Maryland is one of our peer institutions. It is different in many ways: For one, Maryland has nearly twice as many students as we do, which increases the likelihood of having one or more students who might engage in violence. But what guarantee do we have that what happened in College Park won’t happen in Charlottesville?

In early February, Wallace Loh, the president of the University of Maryland at College Park, was one of 350 college presidents to sign an open letter to U.S. policy

leaders urging them to oppose legislation allowing guns on school campuses. He was one of the few presidents of public institutions to sign the document. University President Teresa Sullivan did not join him in doing so.

We cannot fault Sullivan too much for not going out on a limb to support gun-control measures. Presidents of public universities are under different and more varied pressures than leaders of private institutions.

Republicans, many wary of gun control, currently dominate Virginia’s leadership. And Sullivan might not have made any traction in improving the University’s safety by signing. Indeed, she might have hurt the school by making herself vulnerable to attacks by gunrights advocates or donors who would threaten to withhold gifts. Sullivan is under no commitment to make public political stances — and the gun-control debate, currently inflamed, is not politically neutral territory.

The University prohibits the possession, storage and use of firearms on University property, with the exception of those required by police officers and official ROTC activities. Sullivan and other University stakeholders should stand by current rules barring guns from Grounds. The University’s gun policy drew fire a few years ago when Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli — now a Republican candidate for governor — argued in an advisory opinion that the school’s rules were too strict. Cuccinelli contended that the University, as a state agency, could not ban weapons from Grounds. In light of Tuesday’s shooting and other high-profile gun-related tragedies, however, the University should continue to take pains to maximize the safety and security of its students, patients, faculty and staff by standing by its commitment to a gun-free Grounds.

Featured online reader comment “In other words, bureaucrat-in-chief Theresa Sullivan doesn’t want to advocate a position and own it as a leader, and instead will shuffle the decision to underlings so she can’t be blamed when it goes wrong. Then she will write a press release to conveniently put in the Cavalier Daily newspaper that makes her look like she is doing something.

Rather than focus on what really matters - education quality, career success of graduates, endowment size, and research quality - University resources will be directed towards buzzwords like “big data” and “inclusion and continuity” and “agile aggressiveness”, so that Sullivan and overpaid consultants can keep their high-paying jobs, and minority students can be told they are inherently inferior and need special help.

As a sociology graduate, she has no idea how these technologies work, but she knows they will sound good on her report card. It’s too bad that UVA selects for networking and political skill rather than honesty, leadership, and intelligence. This university is now a joke.”

“NOBS,” responding to Emily Hutt and Meghan Cioci’s Feb. 10 article, “Board of Visitors Special Committee on Strategic Planning discusses University’s future.”

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Editorial Cartoon by Stephen Rowe

Recycle this newspaper

Identity loss New Virginia voter identification laws will hurt potential voters and the democratic process The Virginia legislature recently fraud statistically quite insignifi- is no justification to limit eligible passed laws that would reduce the cant. Fears of voter fraud hold little voters from exercising their civil incidence of voter fraud by limiting water — so what need is there for rights. All eligible voters should be the types of voter ID polling places the ID restrictions? allowed to cast ballots with miniI find it a bit ironic that in Vir- mal restrictions. Otherwise, our deem acceptable. With the new ginia a utility bill and voting process will lose integrity laws, voters can FARIHA KABIR government-issued and legitimacy. still show a voter Social Security ID can ID card, conIt is possible that Virginia’s recent OPINION COLUMNIST be used to obtain a voter ID laws may not be upheld cealed handgun permit, driver’s license or student driver’s license — a in court.

ID but can no longer use a utility valid form of voter ID “The legislation is basically L a s t bill, pay stub, government check under this new law August a party politics that hurts or Social Security card as proof of — but cannot be used federal minorities who may not voting eligibility. These laws at first to vote. And why c o u r t glance seem like measures that does a gun permit have the necessary form of s t r u c k enhance the integrity of the voting carry more validity at d o w n ID to vote.” process by preventing voter fraud. the polls than a Social a Texas But a closer analysis reveals these Security card? If Virlaw that laws could disenfranchise eligible ginia gun permits had photos — required photo IDs for voting. The they don’t — I could see why they law could have disenfranchised voters.

One of the primary reasons I find would be allowed instead of Social 600,000 minorities. The Voting these new laws rather ridiculous Security cards, but as it stands the Rights Act of 1965 ensures that any is that voter fraud is not a prob- regulation makes little sense. law associated with voting proceThe legislation deters minority dures must be pre-cleared by the lem either in the United States or Virginia. As Virginia Del. Jennifer voters by limiting the possible Department of Justice. Virginia’s McClellan, D-Richmond, said in an forms of identification primarily legislation may not pass muster interview last week with the Rich- to government-issued documen- if it is evident that the law will mond Times-Dispatch: “We do not tation. As many as 11 percent of disenfranchise a large number of have any evidence of a lot of people eligible American voters — mostly minority voters. showing up at the polls, pretending seniors, racial minorities, low-inThough I find the new voter ID come voters and students — do not laws a bit excessive, I hope meato be someone else.”.

Tova Wang, author of “The Poli- have government-issued IDs. sures will be taken to prevent the The legislation is basically party laws from taking effect in 2014. tics of Voter Suppression: Defending and Expanding Americans’ politics that hurts minorities who Regardless of the motives used to Right to Vote,” asserts the same may not have the necessary form justify these laws, the results are thing, and a look at actual cases of of ID to vote. For example, a person clear — rather than protect voters, voter fraud yields a similar conclu- who has in the past relied on a util- it undermines the basic right to sion. News21, a branch of the Carn- ity bill to vote may face difficulties vote and the integrity associated egie-Knight Initiative on the Future under this new law. Many voters with voting in general. Such meaof Journalism Education, reported without a government-issued ID, sures complicate the voting prothat there have been, since 2000, insofar as this group overlaps cess without additional benefits. a total of 2,068 voter fraud cases with racial minority groups, tend nationwide, with 32 cases occur- to vote Democrat: 71 percent of Fariha Kabir’s column appears ring in Virginia. The turnout in Hispanics and 93 percent of AfriWednesdays in The Cavalier Daily.

Virginia for the 2012 national elec- can Americans voted for Barack She can be reached at f.kabir@ tion was a little less than 4 million, Obama in the 2012 election, for cavalierdaily.com. making documented cases of voter example. Party politics aside, there

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OPINION

Wednesday, February 13, 2013 | The Cavalier Daily

Starving liberal artists Even in an uncertain economy, liberal arts degrees can provide marketable skills The joke is an old one: When will seek non-academic jobs after talking to an English major, you graduation, the link between a usually end the conversation liberal arts education and workwith “Yes, I do want fries with force training is more tenuous. that.” Studying Proust or Joyce But there does not have to be a strict dichotomy is not exactly ROLPH RECTO between the liberal economically arts and career sound. EspeOPINION COLUMNIST preparation. Many cially in the face of a volatile economy, many programs within colleges and people see such study as privi- universities combine the two leged fancy. Today people want successfully. For example, stustudents to buckle down: Society dents at the College of William cannot afford to have its next & Mary — a public university generation lollygagging around with a reputation of a liberal arts and seeking impractical intel- college — have the opportunity lectual pursuits in the comfort to earn simultaneous degrees of the ivory tower. The consen- in the liberal arts and engineersus seems to be that if you are ing through a partnership with going to college, you better be Columbia University.

But the root of the problem is majoring in some kind of STEM field, since such fields prove to this: Those who have disdain for be practical, which is to say they the liberal arts are too narrow in their conception of what is are economically valuable.

Meanwhile, criticism against practical. A liberal arts degree the liberal arts is becoming is supposed to prepare one for more pronounced. Take the the workforce irrespective of stance Florida Gov. Rick Scott what career one chooses. A sucexpressed in a October 2011 cessful person today needs more with the Herald-Tribune, for than technical expertise; ours is example: “If I’m going to take a complex world, and we need money from a citizen to put into leaders with great analytical education ... I want that money skills, critical thinking and masto go to degrees where people tery of abstract concepts to navican get jobs in this state. Is it a gate it. This flexibility, so opposed vital interest of the state to have to the partisan mindset of Scott more anthropologists? I don’t and the like, is immensely useful in a job market flushed with think so.”

In a minor point, Scott is white-collar work opportunities. wrong. For those select students Sure, computer programming is seeking a career in academia an invaluable technical skill, but and research — the future pro- when the boss needs a memo or fessors and scientists — a liberal a report, he will arts education is job training, inevitably pick $57,600 and college is exactly where they need to be. For the students who $57,300

the English major to do it. Also, increasingly pluralistic modern is it not ironic that the governor world. President Barack Obama decries the liberal arts when cites attending Occidental Colthe best training for his current lege, a liberal arts college in job can be obtained with a “use- California, as a catalyst for his less” politics degree? (That Scott political career: “Because of the example earned his bachelor’s degree in “But the root of the problem o f w o n business adminis this: those who have dis- d e r f u l istration is telldain for the liberal arts are te resa ca nh ding.)

We m u s t n o t too narrow in their concep- l a s t i n g friends, forget the argution of what is practical.”

I began ment that the libto notice eral arts are an a world inherent social beyond good: They foster critical thinking, which is cen- myself,” he said in a 2008 speech tral to a democratic society at Wesleyan University It is hard founded upon discourse. It is to imagine the president having important to note that in George the same revelation if he looked Orwell’s dystopian novel “1984,” at equations all day. Are we then the totalitarian government ready to forfeit the noble ends of maintains its power partly by the liberal arts so easily?

We should not forfeit the controlling the words, and thus the thoughts, of its subjects. Such liberal arts. They are worth a government can exist in a soci- fighting for. Assaults on the ety whose citizens are untrained l i b e ra l a r t s in argument and rhetoric — a are hysteric $64,400 society without training in the r e s p o n s e s to economic liberal arts.

The liberal arts also promote the study of different view$64,000 points and perspectives, which has great moral weight in an $62,900

downturn. If you apply yourself at a university, no matter what field, you will graduate with marketable skills and better job prospects than when you entered. Besides, the war on liberal education is just a distraction from the real bogeyman hanging over higher education: skyrocketing costs and a student debt bubble ready to burst.

Scott’s defamed anthropology majors, after graduating, will surely benefit the world with their broad range of knowledge — whether they become anthropologists or not.

Rolph Recto’s column appears Wednesdays in The Cavalier Daily. He can be reached at r.recto@cavalierdaily.com.

$70,400 $66,400

$62,300

$56,600 $56,100

Information Sciences and Systems

Construction Science

Finance

Civil Engineering

Electrical Mechanical Aerospace Engineer- Engineer- Engineering ing ing

Computer Science

Chemical Computer Engineer- Engineering ing

National Association of Colleges and Employer’s list of op-Paying Majors for New College Graduates Courtesy Riley Panko

Evolution in thought

Charles Darwin’s birthday should have been more publicized to remind the public of evolution’s importance Though many people were almost universally held to be probably unaware, Tuesday fact.

In an affluent and technologimarked Charles Darwin’s birthday. Darwin, as hopefully every- cally advanced nation like the one knows, solidified the theory U.S., one would hope the scientific commuof evolution with nity would have his explanation ALEX YAHANDA more influence. of descent with SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR We are a society modification, the that demands process by which adaptive changes take place. proof and rational justificaDarwin’s theory has seen a dis- tion in nearly any other disciturbing amount of opposition in pline involving argument. Our the Untied States, and it is not leaders’ political theories must surprising that many Ameri- be backed up by reasonable cans do not fully understand opinions if they are to be serithe workings or importance of ously considered — or such is evolution. To that end, Darwin’s the hope. Similarly, sufficient birthday should have received evidence must be adminismore coverage, so that evolu- tered in court before one can tion could be more properly be convicted of a crime. The process of evolution is tangible recognized for its importance.

Celebrating Darwin’s birthday and accessible to anyone. If would be yet another way to the overwhelming scientific get people discussing evolution consensus is that evolution is more thoroughly. The numbers fact, it makes little sense that regarding Americans’ belief evolution still draws such vigin evolution are staggering. orous opposition. Even within Some 46 percent of Americans the field of science, phenomena believed in intelligent design in with much less supporting evi2012. Only 15 percent are of the dence are never questioned. opinion that humans evolved Scientists are still unsure as without an intervening source to why gravity exists. Neverof assistance. These figures theless, there is never debate strongly clash with the opin- among the public surrounding ions of the worldwide scientific possible causes of gravity. Why, community, where evolution is then, does evolution continue

to be so adamantly rejected by a good understanding of how nearly half the nation when its the process works. Though some teachers would allow evidence is so apparent?

One factor is that the U.S. is their personal beliefs to bias the the most religious industrial- way in which they teach evolution, other ized nation in the world Much “Choosing to disregard evo- t e a c h e r s of the disbelief lution in favor of scripture is w o u l d instruct in evolution unfortunate.” t h e i r is no doubt classes because evolup r o p e r l y. tion concerns If more the origins and development of life — two students were able to grasp topics that are normally the evolution’s major concepts, it domain of theological teach- would help increase national ings and scriptures. As a result, scientific literacy.

Indeed, a knowledge of evolupeople feel more at liberty to dispute ideas supported by tion could garner support for huge amounts of scientific data. other contentious scientific Despite having heard of evolu- topics. Take, for instance, global tion, many people view it as warming. Climate change is an inferior alternative to their another area in which many religious beliefs. Choosing to Americans have disregarded disregard evolution in favor of evidence. But if one understands evolution, one can more scripture is unfortunate.

Another reason people reject competently see why the evievolution is because the public dence for global warming is is not as cognizant as it should so compelling. Species have be of such a basic scientific adapted to life in particular theory. Education reform can temperature zones over thouhelp in that area. Mandating sands or millions of years, and the teaching of evolution in there is already data showmiddle and high school science ing that many organisms are classes could go a long way being affected by even small toward increasing the percent- temperature changes. Birds, age of the population that has for instance, are changing their

migration patterns, which are highly based on temperature.

Additionally, the distributions of many plants and animals are moving farther toward the poles to avoid unwanted warmer climates . If one recognizes that species inhabit specific niches as a result of evolution, one can affirm that global warming is already affecting the biosphere whether or not people want to admit it. Knowledge of evolution, therefore, should become more widespread, not just as a way to explain how species came to be but also as a way to show people how easily species can be destroyed.

Darwin’s birthday does not necessarily deserve a federal holiday like those awarded to George Washington or Martin Luther King, Jr. But it should have garnered more publicity.

Evolution is one of the most interesting aspects of all natural science. It is unfortunate that everyone in this country has the ability to learn about evolution, yet so few truly appreciate its own distinctive grandeur.

Alex Yahanda is a senior associate editor for The Cavalier Daily. He can be reached at a.yahanda@cavalierdaily.com.

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Life

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

WAHOOS WITHOUT BORDERS University’s history emphasizes global focus; international students face significant challenges

By LILY BRODNAX | CAVALIER DAILY STAFF WRITER There has always been an international element to the University.

When Jefferson opened the University in 1825, he recruited five of the eight original faculty members from England. Today it’s no different — roughly 10 percent of the student population is international, hailing from more than 100 countries. Walking around Grounds, you can hear dozens of different languages spoken and find many different nationalities represented by various CIOs. There remain, however, unique challenges to international students.

Linda Callihan, international students and scholars advisor, said the academic standards for international undergraduate applicants are equal if not higher than those for in-state students, who are already predominately from the top 10 percent of their high school class.

International students must also grapple with homesickness, coupled with the pressures of making friends with people of such different cultural backgrounds, Callihan said.

Michelle Janssen, a second-year College student originally from the Netherlands, said living in traditional first-year dorms made it easy for her to make American friends. “I can understand though that if you lived in the IRC, stuck with other [international students], it might be harder,” she said.

Janssen said American students were initially entranced by her accent, but the novelty has worn off with time.

But though the social struggles may seem substantial, the knowledge that international students are academically prepared for the classroom challenges of the University, and the pervasive international presence in Greek Life, clubs, and dormitories serve as a perpetual reminder that the international community is deeply entrenched in the broader culture of the University.

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The Price Was Wrong

’ve never written a bucket list, as the whole thing seems kind of grim to me. That being said, there are certainly some things I want to accomplish. At the top of my list was being a contestant, ideally a successful one, on “The Price is Right”.

Growing up, I watched this game show nearly every day with my great-grandmother — meaning I stayed glued to the television while she fell asleep sometime before the first round of the big wheel. How anyone could sleep during that excitement is beyond me.

So when I found out “The Price is Right Live!” — read: the knockoff, untelevised version — was coming to Charlottesville, you can bet my decision to attend was a no-brainer. Close enough to the real thing without having to leave beloved Charlottesville?

I mobilized my friends pronto.

I assumed I wasn’t going to be picked. I just wasn’t lucky enough. There would be tons of

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people there — 2,400 to be exact.

I wouldn’t be chosen. I was in class all day, and therefore couldn’t register early, as suggested. But it was okay, because being able to watch the “show” in person would be more than enough. I registered shortly before the show, kissing my slip of paper before putting it in the bin.

The. Show. Was. Awesome.

I watched someone play Cliff Hangers in real life! I heard the yodeling for myself! Obviously, the contestant had no idea how much a glass picture frame pivoting on magnets cost — let’s be honest, who does? Seventy bucks, in case you’re wondering. I was on cloud nine, which is basically how high up and far away our seats were.

After four rounds of names to no avail, I was still more than content to be a spectator. But then — on the fourth round, the last name to be called was “Abbi Sigler, come on down!” “Abbi Sigler” flashed on the screen

in black capital letters. Wait, that person has my name. Wait, that person spells it weird like I do. Wait, that is me! I stared in disbelief until my friends

Dear Abbi

ABBI SIGLER looked down the aisle, grinning.

I grabbed my license out of my wallet — how else can you prove who you are?

I ran to the usher, beaming and hyperventilating, and he asked me if I was excited. Uhh, please, I don’t think there’s a word in

Good friendships don’t die young

friend came by the other Standing in front of my sister’s day and started talking to mirror, poised on one high heel, my sister about her col- I stuck safety pins into the middle umns. “Do you take criticism?” of my dress. I bent down to make he asked. She laughed, “No!” sure my hair was straight and He continued anyway, “Well, that my lipstick wasn’t all over I think you said a my face. I moved while ago that you a b o u t c l u m s i l y, Things I Don’t Know pulling heels on, were going to write about me, and I’m adjusting my dress, For Sure just wondering texting and chugwhen that’s going ging wine. In this to be.” She sighed, intimate environrelieved he was ment, Tim felt like only joking, and a natural presence. assured him that Why am I writing one of her future about Tim Perry? columns would be There are a lot of all about him. people I could write about. But days overhead the after overhearconversation ing his conversafrom my room and decided it was CONNELLY HARDAWAY tion with my sister, when I sat staring a about time I write my column about somebody else. blank Word document, Tim was So, Tim Perry, you don’t have to all I could think about. I wanted wait for my sister to write about to tell his story, to try and put him into words. you. I think I’ll do it right now.

Until recently, I don’t think I can’t remember when I met Tim. He is one of those guys who I’d given Tim enough credit. I’d figures prominently in your first- been selfish in our friendship. year nightlife memories, then I wanted to make him laugh in somehow finds his way to your conversation, but I didn’t want to library table, then to your kitchen listen to what he had to say.

Writing about Tim isn’t easy. microwave, and before you know it is waking you from your futon I want my story to be as good naps. I used to seek Tim out as all of his. His stories, be they to make me laugh. I wouldn’t real, exaggerated or completely ask him to tell me a joke; some- untrue, are art.

I think when we say that somehow, he’d just acknowledge some aspect of my life and find the one is funny, we really mean that hilarity in it. He’s funny like that. they can mold and morph words Tim avoids the typical pit falls in new and beautiful ways.

I hope, one day, Tim will tell of many “funny guys.” He’s not masking insecurity or laughing p e o p l e a b o u t t h i s c o l u m n . at the expense of others. He’s just Because regardless of what is nice. I’m not sure if he would written, I know he will turn it into hate me for saying that, but if a wonderful story. my theory is correct, then he Connelly’s column runs biweekly wouldn’t be capable of that sentiWednesdays. She can be reached ment anyway. at c.hardaway@cavalierdaily.

Last semester I was getting com. ready for a Christmas party.

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the English language strong enough for the emotion I felt. I proceeded to tell him about my great-grandmother, who I’m sure was beaming as much up there as I was in JPJ. I finally understood the sheer emotion of the 65-year-old women who kiss and tackle Bob Barker/Drew Carey and don’t comprehend how they are overreacting.

My competition and I approached the podiums and shook hands with the stand-in Bob Barker — because there can only ever be one and this guy was not him. I leaned over to the woman, who later became my new friend, and begged her to not be the tool who places her bid one dollar higher than mine, since I was in the unfortunate position of having to go first.

The first round, we all overbid.

It’s not my fault I have expensive taste and would pay a lot for an electric guitar. Then we placed bids again and I ended up only clapping for my new friend, who turned out to be the closest with-

Abbi’s column runs biweekly Wednesdays. She can be reached at a.sigler@cavalierdaily.com.

To infinity and beyond the Lawn

nticipation. MerriamWebster defines it as “the act of looking forward, especially to a pleasurable expectation.” It’s the waiting period before a song’s beat drops, or the upward climb on a huge roller coaster. It’s the countdown to the beginning, the climax and then the end — a natural human proclivity to prepare for the future.

When I was a child, my parents would occasionally surprise me with toys. Did you know the average first-grader gets about 72 new toys per year? At least in my house we did. As children, we are filled with silly hopes and dreams for what each single day will bring, whether it’s a gold sticker in class, a visit from the Tooth Fairy, a McDonald’s sundae after soccer practice, or a Nintendo 64.

One of my most vivid childhood memories was the summer I went to Disney World for the very first time. I have a massive, alphabetically arranged, collection of Disney classics. As a child I’d watch a movie once a week, each time elevating my hopes for a visit to the magical motherland.

On July 4, 1999, I was eight years old. My parents sat me down because they wanted to

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out going over. I returned to my seat, still hyperventilating and in disbelief, and watched her compete in all her glory.

My girl Therese went on to win a trip to Vegas. You go girl. Really, winning that trip would’ve complicated my life.

Who to take? My roommate — partly as a reward for putting up with me, but also because she loves gambling? My mom — because she gave me life? But what about my dad? And winning that would have entailed a lot of taxes, right?

In any case, I’m thanking my great-grandmother for whatever strings she pulled up there and checking this off my nonexistent bucket list. I’m also probably never taking off the consolation prize t-shirt. This is Abbi Sigler reminding you: Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.

talk. I normally feared situations like this, given the trouble my inherently wild nature could get me in to — I was a kid on a leash, once literally.

I thought they were going to punish me, as was the norm, but to my pleasant surprise, they told me we would be leaving to go to Orlando, Fla.

The Good Life

AL-HASSAN KOROMA the very next day.

Then the yells of excitement began. I couldn’t believe it.

I was so excited. I couldn’t sleep. It was just like the Disney commercials: children waking their parents up at 4 a.m. on the day of departure.

When I walked into the park for the very first time, I was overwhelmed. It was so much more than I could ever have dreamed of, and the anticipation made this new place

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so much better to me. I rode Space Mountain, and I knew that I would be going to infinity and beyond.

In the years since, I have gone through 17 years of schooling, I’ve had 11 phones — I dropped my iPhone in college more times than I would like to admit — moved three times, and now I am about to graduate from the University of Virginia.

Every moment leading up to this has been so exciting. I’ve crossed off most of the things on the list of “113 Things To Do Before You Graduate.” I’ve joined some pretty amazing organizations that have given me the ability to come out of my shell and have pushed me to my limits. I am about to finally reach the top of Space Mountain and take the plunge into the unknown, walking down the Lawn for one last time.

To my fellow fourth-years, I know this time is nervewracking — but don’t be afraid. Take deep breaths, because it’s only a ride. See where it takes you.

Al’s column runs biweekly Wednesdays. He can be reaches at a.koroma@ cavalierdaily.com.

Health&Science

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Wednesday, February 13, 2012

Bio Behind the Bug:

a look into last week’s meningitis scare

Courtesy Wikpedia Commons

New methods help identify genetic contributors to Autism disorders

By Mary Pothen

Cavalier Daily Staff Writer Dr. Mazhar Adli , assistant professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics , contributed to a study published last month in the scientific journal Neuron . The study, led by Harvard Medical School Prof.

Christopher Walsh, outlines a method for identifying familial genetic mutations which contribute to the partial loss of gene function common in autism spectrum disorders .

The project used wholeexome sequencing, a process which cuts out and studies small portions of DNA called exons that code for functional proteins . Using this process researchers located regions of the genome that could be affected by the genetic variants associated with autism disorders , Adli said. According to the study, there are some rare alleles — variations of genes that code for certain traits — in genomes that contribute to the devel-

opment of autism. In this study, researchers combined whole-exome sequencing and biochemical assays to pinpoint these variants and test whether they are the cause of autism spectrum disorders .

For a particular sequence to be identified as contributing to the disease, it must cause a structural change in the protein it codes for . “[Our] research differs from a lot of other genomic approaches,” Adli said. “It’s not just reported that Gene X is mutated or Gene Y is mutated; it is also testing that these mutations are actually causing the disease.”

This research confirms the complexity of the genetic architecture of autism, identifying a number of variants that contribute to the disease, but Adli said there is still a lot of work to do. “Currently, researchers are not aware of what 98 percent of the genome does,” Adli said. “We are only really beginning to understand the epigenome.”

A University student was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, Dr. James Turner, director of Student Health, said in an email to the student body last Wednesday. Since then, 51 students have been identified as being at risk of close contact, and 50 of those have come in with no symptoms and were given a dose of an antibiotic to eliminate any residual bacteria. Turner confirmed in an email that no new cases have been identified since Tuesday.

The case at the University was Meningococcal meningitis, Turner said, a type of meningitis that resides in the nose and throat of 5 percent of healthy young adults.

“Very rarely, for reasons which are unclear, the bacteria enters the bloodstream and causes an infection that can settle in the lining of the brain and spinal cord causing meningitis,” Turner said. “We have seen disease occur during flu seasons and this may contribute to the bacteria getting in the blood-

stream.”

The bacteria kills 15 percent of those infected, and 20 percent of survivors require amputations or suffer from kidney failure or brain damage . More than 4000 cases occurred each year between 2003 and 2007, according to the CDC, which resulted in 500 fatalities.

The bacteria is very contagious; it spreads through the exchange of throat and respiratory secretions. Commonly this occurs in a college setting through activities such as kissing, sharing drinks or smoking materials and sleeping in the same room. Although 95 percent of University students have received a vaccination for meningococcal meningitis, Turner said, this vaccine did not account for the strain that broke out on Grounds.

Symptoms include severe headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, sensitivity to light, neck stiffness and altered mental state. Turner said any student experiencing these symptoms should seek care immediately.

The dangers of drinking

By Elissa Trieu

Cavalier Daily Senior Writer Fraternity rush has finally come to a close, but not before bringing about an unusually high number of alcohol poisonings. The night after girls’ rush ended, 12 students ended up in the emergency room for alcohol related problems.

Although new rules were created for Greek organizations, the number of students admitted to the emergency room for alcohol poisoning is preventable.

Unlike food, alcohol is quickly absorbed into the body. On average, it takes the body about one hour to metabolize the alcohol in one drink — 12 ounces of beer or one shot of liquor — but metabolism rates can be influenced by many other factors, such as recent food consumption or the drinker’s weight.

Enzymes in the liver are responsible for metabolizing the alcohol , but when more alcohol is consumed than the liver can metabolize, the system becomes saturated, and the excess alcohol accumulates

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in the body until the liver is able to break it down.

Alcohol depresses the parts of the nervous system that control involuntary actions — it slows down the heartbeat and breathing and impairs the gag reflex, making vomit asphyxiation a common concern, according to the Mayo Clinic’s website. Alcohol poisoning can also cause a decrease in blood sugar and body temperature.

EMTs often use the anagram PUBS to recognize the signs of alcohol poisoning: Puking while passed out; Unresponsive to stimulation such as pinching or shaking; Breathing that is slow, shallow or nonexistent; and Skin that is blue, cold or clammy.

But common myths to help with counter these symptoms — such as drinking black coffee, taking cold showers, walking it off or sleeping — are ineffective and potentially dangerous.

Instead, the best thing to do in cases of alcohol overdose is to call 911. The Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad (CARS) offers free, quick response within the University com-

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munity.

Third-year College student Ryan Schlobach works with the rescue squad every Thursday night and said the alcohol-related calls are par for the course when working in a college town. “Drunk students are an inevitable part of running rescue on weekend nights,” Schlobach said. “However, most of the students are so intoxicated that they are unresponsive, vomiting, or belligerent.”

Although the high number of alcohol-related hospital trips at the end of sorority rush drew the spotlight to the University drinking culture, the number of students brought in for alcohol poisoning isn’t much higher than normal this semester, said Dr. Chris Ghaemmaghami who works in the ER at the University Hospital.

“Students may not realize that they only make up a small part of the patient population,” Ghaemmaghami said . “[The number of intoxicated students] is not too bad until the Foxfield Races or football games roll around.”

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Wednesday, February 13, 2013 | The Cavalier Daily

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