COLLEGIATETIMES
thursday october 11, 2007 blacksburg, va.
www.collegiatetimes.com
news WATER SHUT OFF IN OAK LANE The university shut off the water in all of Oak Lane last night into the morning from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Portable restrooms were set up outside of the halls. No reason was given for cutting off the water supply.
NOOSE INCIDENT LEAVES COLUMBIA ON EDGE Following the discovery of a noose hanging on the officE door of Madonna Constantine, a black Teachers College professor, Columbia University President Lee Bollinger held a tense meeting with two dozen student leaders Wednesday afternoon. Bollinger faced a deeply frustrated and often angry audience, as students accused the administration of being unresponsive and disconnected. At several points, the university president found himself attempting to defend and justify his record on issues such as diversifying the faculty and taking a proactive stance on racial issues.
UVA’S PUSH TO RAISE MONEY COULD SET MODEL When the University of Virginia announced its goal to raise $3 billion from alumni and other supporters between 2004 and 2011, it was the biggest fundraising campaign ever launched by a public university. After a few decades of dwindling state support for higher education across the country, other public schools are watching the machinery that schools such as UVa. have built to find, track and cultivate donors. UVa is almost halfway to its goal, with $1.375 billion raised since the campaign was unofficially launched in 2004.
Tech athletes beat graduation rates GORDON BLOCK
ct staff writer According to recently released statistics from the NCAA, Virginia Tech athletes posted graduation rates above national averages. The statistics, released earlier this month, covered graduation data based on both the NCAA’s graduation success rate and the Federal government’s guidelines for measuring student athlete graduation. The data covered graduation rates from 1997 to 2000. “We have seen an upward trend in student graduation rates in recent years,” said Chris Helm, director of Student Athlete Academic Support Services. A variety of Tech athletic teams sport high graduation rates in the new statistics. The football team held a 72 percent graduation rate, while the
temperance tem • per • ance (noun) 1. moderation and self-restraint, as in behavior 2. restraint in the use or or abstinence from alcoholic liquors Kelly displayed temperance, skipping Happy Hour on Friday to play video games at home.
correction In the story “Hokies tie No. 1 ranked Wake Forest,” which ran in Tuesday’s CT (Oct. 9), there was an incorrect statistic. The 2005 soccer team was undefeated for 10 games, but one was actually a tie. The Collegiate Times regrets this error.
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An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903 104th year • issue 152
student athletes receive help through SAASS, which coordinates study halls for freshmen and struggling athletes, and sets student athletes up with tutors and other resources. “Our goal is to help students become more successful in the classroom,” said Katie Ammons, assistant director for SAASS. “For a lot of student athletes, it’s mostly time management that brings difficulties.” Helms credited university administrators and team coaches for the rise in graduation success. “It’s a real tribute to coaches who dedicate themselves to their athletes, and to the administrators which help students obtain the resources to do well in their classes,” Helm said. Even though there has been progress made in student athlete graduation rates, there is still room for improvement. “We want to see our student athletes graduate,” Ammons said.
SGA unveils plans for year GORDON BLOCK
ct staff writer Last night the Student Government Association announced a variety of new programs and initiatives affecting the student body for this school year. “We represent the student body in every way possible,” said Adeel Khan, SGA president. One of the main events announced was the Relay for Life, scheduled for the 18th and19th of April. The Virginia Tech Relay for Life was recognized for its national success from last year’s event, including its win for fundraising per capita, and fourth place for total money raised. “The relay has grown so much from when it started in 1999,” said Stephen Milleson, American Cancer Society staff member. Also introduced during the evening was the “Hokies on Fire” campaign, a new program designed to bring spirit to the Tech basketball games. “We want to fill all of the seats for all the games this year,” said Matt O’Leary, executive committee member. The program is designed to create an effect similar to Orange and
Boston College 18 Duke University 16 Wake Forest University 8 University of Virginia 6 University of North Carolina 6 University of Miami 6 Virginia Tech 5 Georgia Tech 4 North Carolina State 4 University of Maryland 4 Florida State University 3 Clemson University 2 *number of teams with 100 percent graduation rates BEN MACDONALD/COLLEGIATE TIMES
United Way partners with VT Engage to recruit volunteers UNITED WAY’S VOLUNTEER SOLUTIONS HAS JOINED VT ENGAGE, OFFERING TO MATCH PROSPECTIVE VOLUNTEERS WITH SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS JENNY MILNE
ct staff writer KYLE SWANSON/SPPS
Director of the Big Event, Susannah Shiner, a graduate student in curriculum and instruction, helps Casey Carbaugh, a sophomore in biology and wildlife science, sign up for the Big Event. Maroon Effect at football games. “We’re trying to build a basketball culture here at Tech,” O’Leary said. The “Hokies on Fire” game is planned for the Jan. 24 home game vs. Duke, which will be broadcast on ESPN. Making an appearance at the event was the Tenants’ Association of Blacksburg (TAB), which introduced its new goal of student advocacy. “If a student was having a problem with their landlord, they could contact TAB, and we would write them and attempt to resolve the issue,” said Alyssa Katz, TAB director. “TAB
would act as a mediator in housing disputes.” Another item discussed during the evening was “The Big Event,” a day for Tech students to contribute community service for Blacksburg and the surrounding area. Northwest Mutual, who contributed $10,000 to “The Big Event,” is sponsoring the day’s activities, which will be taking place Apr. 5. The highlight of the evening came from the Constituent Outreach group, who introduced the Extreme Makeover: VT Campus Edition. “We strive to be the most active
body of student government,” executive committee member Alex Stewart said. Student body participation was a focal point of the plan. “Our sole goal is to take your ideas and turn them into legislation,” said Dan Strickland, executive committee member. Student ideas are being taken in with T-shirts and a corkboard on display on the Drillfield. “We wanted to learn the student body’s most pertinent needs and their ideas on how to improve the campus,” Stewart said.
International Relations Organization rallies to bring Jimmy Carter to Tech ANDREA WOODS
word of the day
national average for Division I is 66.6 percent. The men’s basketball team held a 67 percent graduation rate, while the national average is 63.6 percent. Five teams held a 100 percent graduation rate over the period from 1997 to 2000, including women’s volleyball, tennis, soccer, and track, as well as men’s soccer. With five teams that had 100 percent graduation rates, Tech held one of the higher numbers of teams with perfect numbers in Virginia, having more teams than Virginia Commonwealth University (2), Old Dominion University (2), George Mason University (3), and Virginia Military Institute (4), but falling short of the University of Virginia (6), the University of Richmond (7), and James Madison University (7). For student athletes, there are a variety of options available to them to receive assistance in their classes on their way to graduation. Many
ACC School Rankings
ct news reporter The International Relations Organization at Virginia Tech would like to bring Jimmy Carter back to Virginia Tech; Carter last visited Tech on April 13, 1989. In light of his recent book titled “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid,” outlining his views on what should be done to bring peace in Israel and Palestine, IROVT has begun seeking support from the universities’ organizations and departments to bring back this former U.S. President. Larissa Mihalisko, president of IROVT, said IROVT members believe that having Carter at Tech would give students a credible viewpoint of the current issues in Israel and Palestine. Yannis Stivachtis, associate director of international studies, said that it is impor-
tant to have “different people that express different opinions” come speak at Tech. While they are still in the beginning stages of bringing this political figure to the university, IROVT has been gathering support from student organizations and departments that share the desire to provide a venue for students to listen and openly discuss a controversial issue. Mihalisko said 15 student organizations are currently showing their support, as well as about five departments. Mihalisko hopes that by having Carter at Tech, “people can learn to openly discuss a controversial issue,” while “raising awareness about global issues.” Alyssa Kats, secretary general of the Virginia Tech Model United Nations Conference, believes that it’s “important for students to see a different political view.”
In the past, IROVT has also hosted members of the U.N. If Carter comes to Tech, a forum will be open for him to discuss his policies in his book and a question and answer discussion session will take place where students can pose questions to the former president. “It’s interesting to see how something can become a controversy,” Stivachti said. “We hope people are open.” Stivachtis said that Carter’s book has received a lot of attention, and that the issue of peace and justice in Israel and Palestine is an important issue for discussion. “The Israeli and Palestinian problem has been swept under the rug,” Mihalisko said. “I don’t think it should be ignored.” If anyone is interested in supporting IROVT to bring Carter to Tech, Mihalisko recommended contacting IROVT at IROVT@vt.edu.
Crumb and Get It now open for business KATIE MCLAUGHLIN
ct news reporter Crumb and Get It Cookie Company, a new cookie shop in downtown Blacksburg, opened its doors to the community on Sept. 26 on South Main Street. Customers enter the shop and can choose from a selection of oatmeal, chocolate, peanut butter or sugar shortbread dough and then pick mix-ins to go into the dough to bake. After the dough is prepared, the cookies are put into the oven to bake for 10 minutes. “I thought the place was chill because you can add your own stuff and be creative,” said Reeder Robinson, a sophomore biochemistry major. Blacksburg is Crumb and Get It’s first location. The shop was the idea of owners Chris and Kelly McMurray, who both grew up in Blacksburg. “It was our idea and it’s been about a year and a half in the making,” C. McMurray said. “This is the first of its kind. Since we have opened, we have heard there are some shops a little similar
see CRUMB, page two
MIKE SHROYER/SPPS
Kelly McMurray, owner of Crumb and Get It, prepares an order for a customer.
With more than 60 service groups already registered to participate in the VT Engage Kickoff on Oct. 16, the United Way of Montgomery, Radford, and Floyd counties is providing recruitment assistance for the event. The United Way is providing the use of an online service called Volunteer Solutions, which matches students to organizations involved in the event. “United Way is a resource provider for human services and a community builder for the area,” said Kim Davidson-Hamley, the executive director of United Way. “We are essentially a volunteer center for the community.” VT Engage is an organization that will strive to reach 600,000 hours of community service by April 16, 2008. Tech students, faculty and staff will contribute 300,000 hours, and Tech alumni have agreed to match that number.
PART ONE This story is one of a four-part series that highlights different organizations that students can volunteer with in the area. “VT Engage has been in the works since January. It’s related to the VT Service Learning program,” said Karen Gilbert, the coordinator of VT Engage. “Ever since … April 16, VT Engage has been more fully developed as a way to help people heal.” VT Engage is designed to connect Tech to the local community. It also encourages community service, helps demonstrate the importance of volunteering, and can help people heal.
VT Engage is an organization that will strive to reach 600,000 hours of community service by April 16, 2008. Virginia Tech will contribute 300,000 hours to the total, and Tech alumni have agreed to match that number. United Way’s Volunteer Solutions allows organizations to find the volunteers they need while also assisting volunteers to find the organizations they want to volunteer for. The United Way wanted to help VT Engage in some way, so they decided to contribute by lending Volunteer Solutions to them, Davidson-Hamley said. “Volunteer Solutions is a very easy tool for both the organizations and volunteers to use,” Gilbert said. The local United Way also helps the service group complete the registration online and gives each organization advice on how to structure its volunteer needs. It also offer oneon-one help to other service groups involved and do a quick screen of each organization that applies to make sure everything is completed as needed. Davidson-Hamley is also on the service venue committee for United Way, which lends its knowledge of different community nonprofit organizations to VT Engage. The United Way will also have a booth at the Oct. 16 kickoff event that will have information about Volunteer Solutions, an area for organizations with volunteer opportunities to register, and service to other vendors. “Our goal is to be the best partner (with VT-Engage) that we can be with Volunteer Solutions,” said Davidson-Hamley. “We want to be very successful with that initiative.” The VT Engage Web site, www.engage.vt.edu, provides information for organizations that want to participate and for volunteers that would like to pledge a minimum of 10 hours.
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new river valley editor: kevin anderson email: nrvnews@collegiatetimes.com phone: 540.231.9865 office hours: mw 1 - 3 p.m.
october 11, 2007
Two students pass away over the weekend FIFTH YEAR STUDENT LAUREN SMITH DIED IN HER OFF-CAMPUS APARTMENT OVER THE WEEKEND This past weekend Cadet Lauren Smith, a fifth-year philosophy major, passed away in her Foxridge apartment. A member of the Army ROTC and graduate of the Corps of Cadets, Smith was working to achieve her commission for the Virginia National Guard. Smith was also an enlisted member of a chemical company in Roanoke. “She was a wonderful young lady, she always had a brilliant smile on her face and a very, very positive attitude, and was just well-loved by all the cadets in the program,” said Colonel Christopher St. Jean of the Army ROTC program. During her college career, Smith took time off from school to train for the Virginia National Guard, and was due to graduate with a degree in philosophy. Her degree will be awarded at a graduation commencement.
“She always had a smile and a great sense of humor,” said Francis D’Allura, a friend of Smith’s and a cadet who graduated last year with a degree in history. A scholarship fund will be established for cadet students, and anyone can donate money. Her funeral service will take place at Bhliley Funeral Home in Richmond this Saturday at noon. Following the service, there will be a procession to Dale Memorial Park in Chesterfield. The Corps of Cadets will be providing a graveside Color Guard, and two U.S. flags will be flown over the Upper Quad. Cadets on campus will be asked to wear their Class A uniforms. “She’s going to be sorely missed by her soldiers and her peers here at Virginia Tech and Roanoke,” St. Jean said. — Kevin Anderson, CT news staff
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT DIED SUDDENLY, UNEXPECTEDLY SUNDAY NIGHT; FRIENDS REMEMBER HIM AS A ‘GREAT GUY’ Can Geyran, a 20-year-old from Istanbul, Turkey, and student at Virginia Tech, died Sunday night. Kerim Eraksan, Geyran’s roommate and a senior marketing major, said that he was “loved by everyone that really knew him.” Eraksan, who has known Geyran since he lived in Turkey, said that he was a much more open person outside of Tech. “He was less known here mainly because his English wasn’t as good and also because he had his own close friend group,” Eraksan said. He said that Geyran was very well known by everyone in the Turkish Student Association and he was a good friend. “He was always there when you need him,” Eraksan said, “He was a great guy.” Geyran, an economics major, was also gifted at sports and loved soccer, Eraksan said. “He was on an intramural team and he was one of the best players on the
team,” Geyran said. “Everyone who knew him loved him very well,” Eraksan said, “Everyone is really shocked that he passed away all of a sudden.” Eraksan said that Geyran got tired while they were playing paintball on Sunday, and they took him to the hospital as he was starting to lose consciousness. “He was fasting so we thought he had low blood pressure,” Geyran said. “He was a very religious person.” On the way to the hospital, his friends tried to feed him so he could retain consciousness. When they arrived at the hospital he lost consciousness. Eraksan said that he died of a weak heart around 7 p.m. Larry Hincker of university relations said the two student deaths this weekend were “tragic accidents.” “It’s odd that two unrelated deaths happened in the same weekend,” Hincker said. — Meg Miller, CT news staff
campus news editor: meg miller email: campusnews@collegiatetimes.com phone: 540.231.9865 office hours: mw 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
news in brief STUDENTS KEEP IN TOUCH WITH RING TRADITIONS The 2009 class ring has a new look for a new year, as well a new price on some sizes and one extended day of sales. Custom-made and catered to each individual, the rings can be customized for students to be a testimony of their time at Virginia Tech. Rings will be sold every weekday through next Friday, Oct. 19. However, this year sales will also be held on Saturday, Oct. 20 since it is Parents’ Weekend. “A lot of parents will be around and we know that most parents are the ones purchasing these rings,” said Laura Wedin, student programs coordinator for the Tech alumni association and adviser for all classes. One difference between class rings in the past and the 2009 ring is cost. Because the price of gold has risen, so have the prices of some of the men’s larger rings, Wedin said. “There’s about a $200 difference between 2007 and 2009 in men’s big rings,” Wedin said. Claudia Wicks, sales associate for Balfour, the company that manufactures the class rings, said that with many options and styles available, the ring sales have been busy this year. “One of the things that students are commenting about is what is in the two zeros in the year 2009,” said Wicks. “Within the two zeros are the old fighting gobbler and the
new Hokie Bird. Students feel this is a unique feature for their class ring.” Rings for the class of 2009 are being sold in the Williamsburg Room inside Squires Student Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this week and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. next week. The last week rings will be available will be on Nov. 26 to 30. If students order by this date, rings will be available for preview early in February, so that they may try the rings on to make sure they fit. In addition, if students don’t like the style or the way the stone looks, the rings can be sent back. Students cannot keep the rings at this point in February. “This gives them the chance to test drive the ring,” Wedin said. On the day of the spring Ring Dance, final payments are made and, traditionally, the rings are distributed. Rings for the classes of 2007 and 2008 are also being sold at various locations. Visit www.alumni.vt.edu/ classrings/sales.html for more information. — Michelle Rivera, CT news staff
VT ALERT SYSTEM TESTED FOR FIRST TIME VT Alerts, an emergency notification system for Virginia Tech students, held it’s first system-wide test at 11 a.m. yesterday. Of the 18, 266 students, faculty, and
staff signed up for the service, 13 percent of users confirmed that they had received the alert after two hours. At 1 p.m., a campus-wide e-mail was sent to inform the community that the test had been completed, and a survey was provided to measure the accuracy of the test. At 4 p.m., 711 people reported through the survey that they had not received the message. The university will continue reviewing data from the test to find out why some users did not receive the message. Any issues with the message will be adjusted as they are found. Students are able to receive the alert through text-message, voicemail, instant message and e-mail. University spokesman Mark Ozcwarski said, “of the subscribers, approximately 43 percent opted to receive messages using one method, 30 percent selected two methods, and 26 percent signed up for the maximum of three delivery methods.” — Ashley Oliver, CT news staff
ONE UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE DEAD, ANOTHER INJURED IN CRASH In a gyrocopter crash Saturday on Landsdowne Street, one Virginia Tech employee, Judy Albert, 43, was killed. Her colleague, Randy Pelt Jr., 60, is in critical condition. Pelt, who was piloting the home-
Crumb: Customers can customize from page one
to ours, but nothing this custom. Our plan is to first expand regionally and then hopefully beyond southwest Virginia. We grew up here, and we love the whole Hokie community.” Customers also have the choice of mix-ins such as M&Ms and Snickers, many different types of nuts, and classics such as chocolate chips, sprinkles and raisins. “One day someone requested chocolate dough with Butterfinger, Oreo, sprinkles, marshmallows and chocolate chips,” said K. McMurray, co-owner of Crumb and Get It. “You can use as many mix-ins as you want and we’ll bake it.”
Customizing the cookies is the most common, but the shop also offers cookie creation favorites. Peanut Butter Bombs consist of peanut butter dough mixed with peanut butter cups, and Fancy Schamncies are made with sugar cookie dough, white chocolate chips, and macadamia nuts. “We have sold a lot of PB&J Hooray, which is peanut butter cookie dough with dried cranberries mixed in,” said C. McMurray. “It might not sound good, but it is.” There are many different types of packages available, with the most popular being the baby box. The baby box comes with three cookie creations, one pint of milk (or soft drink) and one
mix-in. The hot box is another popular package, with baker’s dozen cookie creations, two pints of milk, and one mixin. The shop also makes cookie cakes, party favors, cookie tins, and to-go trays for parties. For customers in a hurry, already-made cookies are available in a front case for 99 cents. The shop also offers free delivery. “The delivery method is very easy and it’s free,” C. McMurray said. “The minimum is the hot box, and we deliver to dorms, apartment complexes, offices and anywhere else in the town of Blacksburg.” The shop is open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday and accepts Hokie passports.
made gyroscope, crashed into the backyard of a Blacksburg home, near South Main Street at around 1 p.m. Pelt and Albert worked together in the university’s information technology division. “I’ve known Randy professionally for many years,” said Vice President of university relations Larry Hincker. “He’s always been a hard worker who is very competent and a great person to work with.” Albert, a system engineer at Tech for 19 years, was killed at the scene after being trapped under the burning wreckage of the aircraft. Her identity was released to the public Tuesday after the medical examiner identified her using dental records. Immediately following the crash, Pelt was transferred to the University of Virginia Medical Center where he is still being treated for severe burns. Police officials said that Pelt radioed in to the Virginia Tech-Montgomery Executive Airport to report engine trouble shortly before the crash. After state troopers conducted an investigation, the Federal Aviation Admistration officials arrived Wednesday to conduct their own investigation, said Sgt. Bob Carpentieri of the Virginia State Police. “The initial reports say that there was engine trouble,” said Carpentieri, “but their main thing is going to be to find the causing factor.” — Peter Hurley, CT news staff
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opinions 3
editor: laurel colella email: opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com phone: 540.231.9865 office hours: mw 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
october 11, 2007
Letters to the Editor Lobbying for written employment policy Last spring, a few students stumbled upon the information in yesterday’s “Sex offenders work on campus” (CT, Oct. 10), and were motivated enough to reach out and start a process of quiet and non-publicized lobbying that Tech would create a written employment policy for sexual offenders as well as a policy in place if there were some present on campus. In fact, the University of California at Davis has a well-maintained information database on campus and it was planned on becoming a model for suggestion. Unfortunately with the events on April 16th these plans came to a screeching halt. However, during the beginning phases of this, some questions were brought up about the safety of the “rights” of sexual offenders on college campuses. What about minors who attend school at Tech and live on campus? Under the definition this could cause Tech to be able to be considered a “child minding service” and that would inhibit the rights of sexual offenders to work on campus. What about students who are sexual offenders? They are neither permanent residents and do not have to work in the area — would they be registered here or known about? In the end this could be yet another disconnect between laws and regulations. They have their right to privacy, their right to rehabilitation — but what about the rights of victims? This person (depending upon the offense) could have deprived people of their right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, yet according to the ACLU, once people has “paid their debts to society” they can do whatever. A debt to society should most definitely be defined by the ACLU for further clarification for the victims and other potential victims. We also must remember though that all too often we protect the offender more than the victim and often times victims don’t come forward. Can Tech possibly prove that these employees have not reported their
crimes, or even endangered our students? According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, up to 70 percent of rapes go unreported. So that means that only 30 percent of rapes are reported. On campus last year, the number of rapes totaled eight students, up from seven the previous year. This means that if this is only 30 percent of rapes, then approximately 16 students could have been raped this year and have gone unreported. Can you imagine this? That would mean for the year of 2006, 24 students could have been raped. And on top of this, the only reported rapes are forcible sex offenses. Women ages 12 to 34 years are the highest at risk, and girls 16 to 19 are four times more likely. These are the ages of our peers, and our staff members. What if Tech asked that every member of the staff and faculty undergo criminal background checks? That would be very expensive. However it would be beneficial for human resources to perform a double check on the sex offender registry. Tech has the right to deny employment to anyone unless it is due to gender, religion, disability or race. That is the written policy. Rachelle Hill alumna, class of ‘07
Remembering Lauren Smith “It is with deep sadness that we report the death of Cadet Lauren Smith. Lauren passed away very unexpectedly this weekend. She was a great friend, an outstanding Cadet of the Corps and Army ROTC program, and a true Soldier Leader in the Virginia Army National Guard. Everyone who knew and loved Lauren will always remember her brilliant smile and positive attitude. She leaves a void among our ranks that can never be filled.” Col. Christopher St. Jean faculty, Army ROTC
Editorial
Socialized health care is necessary for America I am writing today in response to “Just Say No to Socialized Health Care in America,” (CT, Oct. 9). This article was misleading, ignorant, MATT and insulting to ELDRIDGE a great number of Americans. regular I would like columnist to counter the author’s article by commenting on its key claims. Firstly, it is true that while the figure of uninsured Americans is 45 million, 17 million indeed do have households where the family members earn more than $50,000 a year. One may claim that these people simply do not want health care because if they did they would get it. Or perhaps they are lazy and don’t think providing adequate coverage for themselves or for their families is worth the time it takes to sign up for a plan. In reality, these people do want health care, yet, for a variety of reasons, they are unable to receive it. For many, health care plans deny them if they have certain identified “health risks” at the time of signing up. The health insurance company Excellus in N.Y. denied 16,621 claims primarily due to alleged preexisting conditions. Additionally, many people simply cannot afford health care even if their companies offer plans. While $50,000 may seem like a lot, for many families if the option is between the risk of a medical condition or the risk of dying from lack of food or freezing due to no heat, the family will take the immediate and current risk which in turn eats into their meager savings, leaving nothing for overpriced health care plans. Having $50,000 does not guarantee access to affordable health coverage. Figures from the Kaiser Family Foundation showed that premium costs have risen 78 percent in the last six years, to an annual cost of $12,106 per family. An additional claim that was made was that millions of the uninsured are illegal immigrants. Over 80 percent of the uninsured are naturalized or native residents in this nation. The
claim that college students go without simply because they “decide to take their chances” is as preposterous as it is insulting. I guess that as a college student the author has a poor grasp of medical risks and thus “logically” assumes all college students are the same. The college students I know without insurance have none because they cannot afford it, not because they are eternal optimists. Additionally, there are millions of so called “under-insured” Americans who learn too late that their policies (the only ones they could afford) do not include costly, sometimes life saving, surgical procedures. Including the number of uninsured along with the “underinsured” results in millions more Americans without health coverage and the number of 45 million suddenly seems an underestimate. Critics who claim the cost of universal health care is too great need only to look to a simple comparison. While the American system, which leaves millions under-insured or uninsured costs 15.3 percent of our GDP, the French system, which provides universal health care costs only 10.7 percent of their GDP. Another frequent complaint is that the bureaucratic costs of universal health care are too great. To counter this, I say we should look at Medicare, which has overhead costs of about 1.5 percent while private insurance companies have overheads between 13 percent and 16 percent. While private insurance companies make 40 billion dollars in profit every year, it would only cost 14 billion more to cover the uninsured under a Medicare-type plan for a total cost of 54 billion. This would be relatively easy once we stop pouring money down the drain in Iraq (450 billion dollars and counting). The author mocked the long lines and untimely wait that people in universal health care systems have to deal with to get treatment, yet numerous studies including one by the Commonwealth Fund found that “countries that cover everyone, including France, Belgium, Germany and Japan, report no issue with waits at all.” Doesn’t sound like the DMVs and airports cited as comparison in Tuesday’s letter.
Another claim made by the author was that our health care system was the envy of the world, yet the World Health Organization ranks the United States 37th out of all the nations in our health care system performance although Americans spend more money than any other country to get this coverage. This means that unlike the author’s claim, the health care system in America is NOT better than most other developed nations. In fact, a recent report by the New England Journal of Medicine found that many Americans are traveling overseas to nations such as India due to the high costs of medical fees within the United States for routine surgery. Indeed, Peter Budetti, M.D., JF and chairman of the Department of Health Administration and Policy at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center stated that “The need for American citizens to go abroad for care — and their willingness to do so — represents a crushing indictment of numerous myths about the U.S. health care system that have gained popular currency in recent years.” Budetti also noted that “perhaps the emerging sight of Middle America traveling thousands of miles for medical care will spur new attention to the need for universal coverage with adequate benefits in this country.” While the author’s statement that while working in a hospital in Northern Virginia is true — the uninsured usually receive emergency medical care — as a group, the uninsured are sicker, suffer more from chronic disease and rarely get rehabilitation after an injury or surgery. As actual facts given by nonpartisan medical organizations and government agencies have shown, universal health care is not only affordable, it very likely will improve everyone’s standard of health care compared to the misleading statements used in Tuesday’s article. Additionally, while I have no statistics to support this, for me health care is a moral imperative and my Christian upbringing has taught me to judge society based on how we treat the least among us and our respect for the universal concept of human dignity.
national issue
condemning these actions saying, “tolerance and mutual respect are among the core values of our diverse community, and all of us must confront acts of hate whenever they occur within it.” The sad part about hate crimes is that whenever there is a lot of media attention about something, it just spurs into negativity, affecting everyone. “Jena 6” achieved national prominence after a white student hung a noose from a tree on school property, causing the arguable wrongful arrest of six black teenagers, The politically driven, controversial visit of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has put Columbia in the limelight lately. It truly is a shame that someone would commit a crime such as this, as it not only is an attack on Constantine, but an attack on Columbia and those students who are accepting of all different kinds of people. Acceptance of people’s experiences and differences is something we should be embracing. We condemn this act of hatred and intolerance and respect those at Columbia who are working toward bringing justice to Constantine. The editorial board is composed of Amie Steele, Joe Kendall, Saira Haider, Laurel Colella and Sara Mitchell.
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Combating racial intolerance The New York Police Department is investigating a hate crime at Columbia University. A noose was hung on the office door of an AfricanAmerican professor on Tuesday. According to CNN, police believe the intended target was Madonna Constantine, a professor of psychology and education at Teachers College. The building is only accessible to teachers with a qualified ID or other credentials, leaving a lack of suspects, despite video surveillance cameras monitoring the area. Constantine is standing strong in the face of hate and intolerance, issuing a statement saying, “Hanging the noose on my office door reeks of cowardice and fear on many levels. I want the perpetrator to know that I will not be silenced.” Indeed she will not be, nor will the students who led a rally yesterday protesting this blatant hate crime. We greatly respect students and supporters of Constantine, who are taking action to show they will not tolerate acts of crime and hatred. This is especially worrisome at a university, which is supposed to embrace attitudes of openmindedness and inclusiveness. This news comes as stunning and disappointing to those working to fight against racial intolerance, even now. The university president, Lee Bollinger, sent a statement to Columbia students and faculty
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Condemning past human rights violations: Better late than never NICK SAROKHANIAN regular columnist I have written in the past on the “politics of genocide” and also about the “comfort women” in Japan. Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee will discuss the future of House Resolution 106 and will see the voting floor recognizing the mass killings of Armenians from 1915 to 1921 by the Ottoman Empire as genocide. This topic is contentious, with apologists and deniers claiming that genocide did not occur, although much scholarly research claims the Armenian massacres were the first examples of genocide in the 20th century. Opponents of the passage of H.R. 106 claim that because Turkey is an important and trusted NATO ally, that a non-binding resolution acknowledging the killings as genocide would hurt our bilateral relations with Turkey. They also point to the fact that Turkey currently allows America right of passage in transporting troops and materials to support our war in Iraq, and that this resolution would cause Turkey to revoke that right and endanger our troops stationed overseas. Turkey has historically vehemently denied that what happened was genocide, even though many nations around the world acknowledge it as such. Eleven NATO members, not including the U.S. and Turkey, also characterize the mass deportations and killings of over 1.5
million Armenians as genocide. The resolution is likely to be defeated, given the massive campaign waged by Turkey and its lobbyists, eight living former secretaries of state and President Bush’s recommendation that this resolution not see the House floor. The question, then, as Rep. Tom Lantos (D- Calif.), the chairman of this
Acknowledging the truth, no matter how inconvenient or inexpedient, should not be something America is afraid to do. We should not, and cannot, allow our nation to be bullied by our allies or other countries to hide, ignore, or gloss over human rights tragedies. committee stated, is not whether the killings occurred or that the Ottoman Empire was responsible, but whether or not it is politically expedient of us to call it “genocide,” which by definition, implies an intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial or religious group. For those who claim that to pass legislation that simply calls on Bush to account for the Armenian Genocide in foreign affairs would damage our relations with Turkey, take the “comfort women” example with Japan. This summer, Japan lobbied exten-
sively against a similar House resolution condemning the use by Japanese troops of Chinese and Korean women as forced prostitutes during World War II, a claim that Japan has disputed for decades. The House passed the bill. Japan, one of America’s most important and favorite allies, threatened a dent in relations. Those have not come, and relations are as close as ever, as many representatives voting on the issue mentioned today. Acknowledging the truth, no matter how inconvenient or inexpedient, should not be something America is afraid to do. We should not, and cannot, allow our nation to be bullied by our allies or other countries to hide, ignore, or gloss over human rights tragedies. It undermines our own values and our ability to criticize other nations for abuses, and it makes our call to end the genocide in Darfur ring hollow. Any true ally will not hamper our fight in Iraq, and as a NATO member, should not even consider leveling the threat. As Americans, we should embrace what is right and condemn any attempt by our allies to threaten our troops on the ground, especially over something as harmless as a non-binding resolution that states an American position. Today, whether the resolution passes or not, marks a day when enough brave Americans and their representatives stood together to condemn past human rights violations and hopefully to prevent future ones.
Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board. Letters to the editor are submissions from Collegiate Times readers. We reserve the right to edit for any reason. Anonymous letters will not be printed. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, e-mail spps@vt.edu. Have a news tip? Call 231-9865 or e-mail: tips@collegiatetimes.com Collegiate Times Phone Numbers News/Features 231-9865 Sports/Opinions 231-9870 Editor-in-Chief 231-9867 College Media Solutions Phone Number Advertising 961-9860 The Collegiate Times, a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, was established in 1903 by and for the students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Collegiate Times is published every Tuesday through Friday of the academic year except during exams and vacations. The Collegiate Times receives no funding from the university. The Collegiate Times can be found online at www.collegiatetimes.com. Except where noted, all photographs were taken by the Student Publications Photo Staff.The Collegiate Times is located in 365 Squires Student Center, Blacksburg, Va. 24061. (540) 231-9865. Fax (540) 231-9151. Subscription rates: $65 semester; $90 academic year; $105 full year. The first copy is free, any copy of the paper after that is 50 cents per issue. © Collegiate Times, October 11, 2007. All rights reserved. Material published in the Collegiate Times is the property thereof, and may not be reprinted without the express written consent of the Collegiate Times.
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editor: sharon pritz email: features@collegiatetimes.com phone: 540.231.9865 office hours: mw 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
october 11, 2007
Corps of Cadets have a hidden piece of history on the Upper Quad MEGAN DIXON
ct staff writer Most students know the reputation of the upper quad for housing our school’s Corps of Cadets. But few students are aware that Rasche Hall, one of the cadet dorms in the upper quad, is home to a museum dedicated to the history and tradition of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. Even fewer know that the basement of that building also once housed a still (alcohol distilling apparatus) that exploded in the early 1930s during Prohibition. “It was a mess,” said Corps Historian Nick Nelson, senior military history major. “The building actually had to be quarantined.” Exploding stills aside, the museum tells stories from over one hundred years of our school’s military history. Old uniforms line the walls, buttoned-up on dress forms or hanging in displays. The oldest of these uniforms dates back to 1872. In a glass case against the wall is the class ring of a Lieutenant Frankfort who died in World War II. It was mailed to the college in 1994 when it was found in a field in Indonesia. The museum pays tribute to many of the Corps’ bravest and most admirable alumni. Homer Hickam Jr., who is synonymous with the 1999 film “October Sky,” is a class of ‘64 Tech graduate. However, his story of adolescence in a coal-mining West Virginia town during the Cold War is not his only legacy. During his time at Tech he acted as the designer for the very first of Tech’s cannons, affectionately named “the Skipper,” which is currently housed in the Corps museum. The glossy brass cannon is the predecessor of the cannon that is fired when the Hokies score a touchdown at home football games. Delving farther into the museum reveals the Medals of Honor of former cadets Julien Edmond Victor Gaujot and Robert Edward Femoyer, the namesake of Tech’s Femoyer Hall. Their medals are hung proudly alongside the Purple Heart of James W. Monteith, Jr. A campaign book printed by
General George Patton, showing all of the actions of the 3rd Army during World War II, is preserved behind a glass case next to a photo of General Richards from the class of 1956. Richards was the first Corps alumni to be made a four-star general. While the accomplishments of men are many and varied, women are not neglected in the museum. Next to General Richards’ photo is an entire display case dedicated to women in the Corps, showing photographs of their first uniforms (which are highly reminiscent of flight attendant attire) and information on their integration into rest of the corps in 1979. “It’s interesting to see how much the Corps has changed over the years,” said Adam Gehlert, a senior civil engineering major in the Corps of Cadets. Taking up space on the right wall of the room, resting under the windows, is the Corps Coat of Arms, which was designed by Colonel Harry Temple. It has the distinction of being one of the only coats of arms that is recognized not only by the United States Military but also by the militaries of other countries. “Not even VMI can boast that,” Nelson said.
A tribute to Addison Caldwell also makes an appearance in the Corps Museum. If his name is familiar, it is most likely because a statue was created in his honor last year that now rests by the stairs between the Performing Arts Building and Torgersen Hall. Caldwell was the first student to enroll at Tech. He arrived at Tech after a three-day and twenty-six mile walk, which is memorialized by the Corps with “the Caldwell March.” This weekend, the freshmen will be beginning the twenty-six mile march, only for them, it must be completed in only two days. If you are interested in learning about Tech’s military history, there is much more to come. Nelson, who is brand new to his job as Corps Historian, has taken on the daunting project of documenting and cataloging not only all that is already in the museum. He also plans to begin exploring an entire basement in Rasche full of more artifacts that have been sent to Tech for display in the museum. Tours of the Corps Museum generally coincide with alumni reunions. However, Nelson is ready to help anyone who has an interest in visiting the museum.
DAVID VAN/SPPS
Tucked away in Rasche Hall on the Upper Quad, the Corps of Cadet’s museum features artifacts that date back to 1872.
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COLIN SMITH/SPPS
Liza Rodimtseva serves food at Gillie’s, a Blacksburg restaurant, that caters to a vegetarian appetite.
The popular ‘going green’ trend can translate to your diet KATE LAU ct features reporter As a kid, all I knew about vegetarians was that they ate soy hot dogs. My oldest brother had a friend named John who was a vegetarian, and we used to go to John’s house for dinner and eat soy corn dogs and beans. Anyway, I still don’t claim to be an expert on vegetarians, since I’m not one; but because there are millions of people worldwide who are, it seems like this food column ought to cover it. Vegetarians do not eat FOOD &HEALTH meat, fish or poultry, while vegans are vegetarians who avoid all animal products, including eggs, milk, cheese and other dairy products (as defined by the Vegetarian Resource Group). People become vegetarians for various reasons, such as health, animal rights, religion, ecological concerns or even distaste for meat. Contrary to what people often think — that vegetarianism isn’t a wholly healthy lifestyle and that “you can’t eat anything” — being a vegetarian can be a very healthy and fulfilling choice. Vegetarians eat fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, whole grain products, nuts, seeds and legumes. Common vegetarian dishes include things like macaroni and cheese, eggplant parmesan, vegetable soup, grilled cheese, bean tacos, tofu dishes, soy burgers and dogs, bread, yogurt, pancakes, oatmeal; the list continues. Virginia Tech recently came to the same realization we did at the newspaper — that a whole group of people are unrepresented if vegetarian options aren’t discussed. So, within the last few years Virginia Tech’s dining services has made an effort to increase vegetarian and vegan options available at dining centers on campus. One of the biggest steps Tech has made in that direction was adding the vegetarian and vegan stop, Olives, at Deitrick Dining Center. The nationally award-winning menu at Olives includes fresh vegetables, fruits, hummus, falafel, pita bread, featured cold wraps, veggie burgers, tofu, brown rice, soy milk and raisins. Off campus, restaurants around town have various vegetarian options, but the one place truly dedicated to vegetarian cuisine is Gillie’s. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Gillie’s
Tortellini Pasta Salad 1 bag cheese-filled tortellini Assorted raw, cut vegetables -(broccoli, zucchini, carrots, peas, onions, olives, peppers, etc.) Cheese (Parmesan, feta, mozzarella crumbles, etc.) Italian or Greek salad dressing Cook tortellini on stove according to directions on bag and allow to cool. Mix tortellini, cut veggies and desired cheese and dressing in a medium bowl. Serve chilled.
Cheese Enchiladas 1 packet enchilada mix 1 8 oz can of tomato sauce ½ white onion 1 bell pepper Shredded Mexican cheese Six tortillas Crushed red pepper Make sauce according to directions on packet (or use a can of prepared enchilada sauce). Warm tortillas between paper towels in microwave for 10-15 seconds. Cover bottom of large glass pan with enchilada sauce. One at a time, spread sauce on each tortilla and fill with cheese. Roll tortilla and place upside down in pan. Cover tortilla shells with remaining enchilada sauce. Top with cheese and crushed red pepper if desired. Also try sautéing ½ a white onion and a bell pepper on medium heat and adding to cheese inside enchiladas or add refried beans for protein. BEN MACDONALD/COLLEGIATE TIMES
are not only vegetarian friendly, but specifically designed with vegetarians in mind. The dishes are hearty, healthy and relatively inexpensive. For breakfast, enjoy the same items you would expect anywhere else: eggs, pancakes, waffles, toast, yogurt and more, just minus things such as bacon and sausage. Instead, meals are accompanied by potatoes, fruit and biscuits. Lunch and dinner offer a variety wide enough to stomp those rumors that vegetarians can’t eat anything. Gillie’s offers soups; chilies; salads topped with hummus, nuts and some even with seafood. For those with a heartier appetite, they offer sandwiches with veggies, cheeses and tofu; and portabella and veggie-bean burgers. And to round out the menu, pastas, Mexican favorites, mushroom dishes, vegetable lasagna, and wraps with veggies, rice and beans are also served. Just reading the menu is enough to make me want to try it all. There are almost as many options as a vegetarian as those for non-vegetarians
thanks to places like Gillie’s, and many restaurants offer at least some vegetarian entrees as well. But if you feel like eating-in as a vegetarian, then you aren’t limited by menu choices. While most major grocery stores carry items that will make a traditionally meaty dish vegetarian, like tofu, soy, mushrooms, veggies and greens, etc., some of the international and health food markets in the Blacksburg area are worth a visit. Places like Annie Kay’s Main Street Market and Oasis World Market (in the plaza across the street from the Main Street Kroger), offer organic fruits, vegetables, soy products, rice, and spices and oils for cooking. They’re not necessarily 100 percent vegetarian, but they often have more exotic and interesting ingredients that can give any dish an added flair. If you’re thinking of trying vegetarianism, make sure (as with any diet) to eat a variety of foods that give you all the nutrients you need, and try these recipes for tortellini pasta salad and cheese enchiladas to get you started.
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editor: ryan mcconnell email: sportseditor@collegiatetimes.com phone: 540.231.9865 office hours: mw noon - 2 p.m.
october 11, 2007
Wang returns at right tackle; Marshman slides to left guard MALIGNED OFFENSIVE LINE GETS HELP AS ED WANG RETURNS TO STARTING LINEUP, AND NICK MARSHMAN MOVES BACK TO HIS NATURAL POSITION BRIAN WRIGHT
ct sports reporter Ed Wang was supposed to make his collegiate debut at right tackle six weeks ago. After seeing limited action as a tight end in 2006, Wang was making the transition to a full-time starting offensive lineman. That was, until the redshirt sophomore suffered a broken left ankle during practice on Aug. 5. Now fully recovered, Wang is expected to be in the starting lineup this Saturday when Tech travels to Durham, N.C. to take on the Duke Blue Devils. “I can’t even explain it,” he said. “I’m just real excited to be back out there practicing and getting a chance to play again.” Last week, Wang saw time on the practice field with the offense and was dressed in uniform for Saturday’s contest with Clemson. However, coaches decided against playing him. “He just wasn’t quite ready,” offensive line coach Curt Newsome said. “He JEFF SLOYER/SPPS was still a little rusty.” Ed Wang (77) will start at right tackle against Duke after being out for the first part of the season with a broken Newsome also said that Wang has shown a dramatic improvement in
left ankle. The redshirt sophomore’s return is expected to bolster a troubled offensive line.
practice this week compared to last week, which is one of reasons why he’ll be starting on Saturday. It is likely that he will share some playing time with backup redshirt sophomore Richard Graham, who was the starting left guard in all of Tech’s six contests this year. “We’d like to give him (Ed) a rest,” said Newsome. “It’ll be tough to play him
Wang’s return will allow redshirt junior Nick Marshman, who started the first six games at right tackle, to move back to left guard, his more natural position. the entire game. We’ll kind of play it by ear. We’ll see how Ed’s playing and see how he’s handling it physically.” Wang’s return will allow redshirt junior Nick Marshman, who started the first six games at right tackle, to move back to left guard, his more natural position. “It really didn’t matter to me whether I was at guard or tackle,” Marshman said. “I’m always going to practice as
hard as I can. Whichever position I was asked to play, I was going to make sure that I was ready to go that week.” Expectations are that Marshman’s switch back to left guard and Wang’s insertion into the starting lineup will improve a struggling offensive unit. The Hokies are ranked 113th in the nation in total offense and are only averaging 122.8 rushing yards per game. Tech quarterbacks have also been sacked 20 times this season, tied for third most in the ACC. The offensive line has bore much of the scrutiny and criticism for the lackluster numbers. “We do have a lot of pressure on us,” said Wang. “We’ve been feeling a lot of heat. But I think lately we’ve been clicking really well. We’ve been progressing every week.” Marshman believes that the revamped offensive line will be a benefit to the entire group. “With me and Sergio (Render) and (Ryan) Schuman, it definitely beefs up our inside. With Wang back, it gives us some speed on the outside. We now just need to start gelling together.” Although he would like to play the entire game on Saturday, Wang would favor a positive result from the Hokies when he steps out on to the field against Duke. “I just hope we win,” Wang said. “That’s all that matters to me.”
Warren ready to step up in the middle CHARLES R. BARRINEAU
ct associate sports editor A lot of things went Virginia Tech’s way this past Saturday at Clemson; the Hokies scored on offense, defense and special teams and shut downClemson’stalentedrunningback tandem of C.J. Spiller and James Davis. Despite all that went well, one notable thing didn’t go Tech’s way— middle linebacker Vince Hall suffered a broken wrist during the game. The redshirt senior from Chesapeake fractured his wrist during the first half of Tech’s 4123 road victory against the Tigers. Hall underwent surgery Sunday and is expected to miss four to six weeks of football—a span that includes Duke, Boston College and Georgia Tech at the very least and could also include
Florida State and Miami. “Well, obviously it’s a big blow to us,” said defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Bud Foster. “You lose a guy that’s got great experience, had a lot of snaps under his belt—one of the premier football players in the country.” Replacing Hall is redshirt junior Brett Warren who has recorded 41 total tackles during his career at Virginia Tech compared to Hall’s 365. That said, it may look a bit different to gaze upon the Hokie defense and not see No. 9 running all over the field, but to see No. 33 out there instead. “It’s going to be different,” said redshirt senior linebacker Xavier Adibi. “Brett’s an excellent player and he’s got to step up. If Brett was anywhere else he’d probably be starting … because he’s playing behind an all-American player.” With the loss of Hall, the Hokies
lose more than just an exceptionally talented defensive player, they lose a team leader—a role Warren may have to step into. “It’s a big loss, especially (with) him being a vocal leader on the field,” Adibi said. “Brett’s stepping up his leadership roles, especially being more vocal on the defense.” Adibi will also have to gel and grow comfortable with Warren on the field, both of which may come quickly assuming the two can communicate effectively on the gridiron. “Me and Vince, on the field, we have good communication going on,” Adibi said. “That’s probably the biggest thing that me and Brett have to pick up on—just being able to talk. Coaches always say that a quiet defense is a dead defense. So as long as you get everybody talking, everybody on the same page; especially me and Brett, everything’s just going
to be fine.” With all that that is changing at the middle linebacker position this Saturday, one might wonder if the position coaching would change along with it. “It’s not going to change,” Foster said. “It’s not going to change a bit. We’re going to do what we do and Brett, he knows what the expectations are at that position and what the expectations are of him from his teammates and how we play our defense. That’s not going to change what we do.” With the expectations that abound this Saturday and the relative lack of time given to become acclimated to the starting position, one might expect Warren to be a bit nervous or get a case of the jitters, or maybe not. “I definitely feel a lot more comfortable than most people think because (of) the fact that I’ve been here so long, I know the defense so well,” said Warren. “If it’d been like a couple years ago
JEFF SLOYER/SPPS
Redshirt junior Brett Warren (33), who replaces the injured Vince Hall at inside linebacker, has recorded 41 tackles in 34 games for the Hokies. where I was a little bit more hazy with the defense and stuff like that, I think I’d be a lot more nervous, but I’ve been playing with these guys for so long,” said Warren. But that’s not to say that Warren is without nerves.
“I mean, I’m nervous,” Warren said. “I get a chance to start.” Warren isn’t overly distraught worrying about the size of the shoes he is now obligated to fill. “I’ve always thought I’ve done pretty good at the position, so I think I should be fine,” Warren said. “At the same time, Vince has been there and he’s done such a great job, so you can’t really fill those shoes—I’m not going to lie.” Even though Warren may not be able to completely fill Hall’s shoes, the level to which he does may well impact the amount of success Tech enjoys in terms of wins and losses over the next four to six weeks.
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